JP2023018696A - Storage container, storage body, device for manufacturing storage device, and method for manufacturing storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a storage container having a higher contrast image and capable of smoothly carrying out circular recycling.SOLUTION: This storage container comprises: a container body; and a visible region in the container body. The visible region is higher in visible light transmittance than the container body. An image is formed in the container body by the visible region. The visible region is formed by a cluster of first patterns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a storage container, a storage body, a storage device manufacturing apparatus, and a storage container manufacturing method.

Conventionally, as a container such as a PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) bottle, a label displaying an image such as a name, ingredients, expiration date, bar code, QR code (registered trademark), recycle mark, or logo mark is attached. things are known. Attempts have also been made to exhibit the individuality of products and improve their competitiveness by displaying images such as designs and pictures that appeal to consumers on labels.

On the other hand, recently, there have been rumors about marine pollution caused by plastic waste, and there is a growing movement worldwide to eliminate pollution caused by plastic waste. Here, the circulation-type recycling of containers means that the used containers that have been separated and collected are converted into flakes, which are the raw material of the containers, by a recycling company, and the containers are manufactured again.

In order to promote such closed-loop recycling smoothly, it is preferable to thoroughly separate and collect the materials of containers and labels. This is one of the constraints for thorough collection.

In order to solve the above problems, for example, a thermoplastic resin molded body is impregnated with 0.1 to 20.0% by weight of carbon dioxide and / or 0.03 to 1.0% by weight of nitrogen, and then infrared spectroscopy The residual concentration of carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen on the surface of the molded body measured by the total reflection method or Raman spectroscopy is maintained at 20% by weight or more relative to the gas concentration on the surface of the molded body immediately after impregnation with carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen, and molding A method of printing on a resin molding has been proposed in which the surface temperature of the body is reduced to 21.5° C. or lower and then a laser is irradiated under the condition of an output of 0.3 to 6 W (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Literature 1, the surface and/or the inside of a thermoplastic resin molded article impregnated with carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen is printed with foaming by laser irradiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage container which has a higher contrast image and which can smoothly promote closed-loop recycling.

A storage container of the present invention as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems is provided with a container body and a visible region in the container body, wherein the visible region has a higher visible light transmittance than the container body, and the A viewable area forms an image on the container body, the viewable area being formed by a collection of first patterns.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storage container that has a higher contrast image and can smoothly proceed with closed-loop recycling.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional storage container. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a container according to a second embodiment having a structure in which the imaging region contains a crystalline phase. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the peak intensity of X-ray diffraction and the degree of crystallinity. FIG. 6 is a view of observation of spherulites in a laser-irradiated portion and a non-laser-irradiated portion in an image forming area. FIG. 7 is another view of observation of spherulites in a laser-irradiated portion and a non-laser-irradiated portion in an image forming area. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a container according to a third embodiment having a structure in which the imaging area contains a plurality of bubbles. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container according to the fourth embodiment, in which the image forming area has a structure including a fine concave-convex structure. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container according to the fifth embodiment, in which a sheet-like member having an image forming area is attached around the container body. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container according to the sixth embodiment containing a container. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage container before image writing according to the seventh embodiment.

(Container)
In a first embodiment, the storage container of the present invention includes a container body and a visible region in the container body, the visible region having a higher visible light transmittance than the container body, and the visible region An image is formed on the container body and the viewable area is formed by a collection of first patterns.
In the container of the first embodiment, if the visible region has a higher visible light transmittance than the container body, an image can be formed on the container body by the visible region without providing an image forming region.

In a second embodiment, the storage container of the present invention includes a container body, and an image forming region and a visible region in the container body, wherein the image forming region has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body, and the visible light transmittance is lower than that of the container body. The viewable area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area, the viewable area forms an image on the container body, and the viewable area is formed by a collection of first patterns.
In the container of the second embodiment, the image forming area may be provided in at least part of the container body of the container, and the entire container body may be used as the image forming area.

In the prior art, laser marking must be performed within the elapsed time of the residual concentration of carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen (for example, within 0.5 to 20 hours), and there is a problem that long-term storage is not possible. In addition, in the conventional technology, in order to make a storage container such as a PET bottle cloudy by laser marking and form a finely accurate image, there is a high demand for on-off control of the laser pulse for each pixel, and the laser device used However, there is a problem that the cost of

In the present invention, since a transparent image (visible area) is formed on the container body having a lower visible light transmittance than the image forming area (solid white area) or the visible area, a high-definition image can be obtained at low cost. can be formed.
Further, according to the present invention, an image (visible area) is formed with an inexpensive laser for heating processing on the container body or the image forming area (solid white area) having a lower visible light transmittance than the visible area. Therefore, cost reduction can be realized. Furthermore, in order to form the image forming area (solid white area) with a laser, an inexpensive laser that can be handled by simple switching of the repetition frequency without the pulse on demand function is used, and a transparent image (visible area) is formed. By using a separate laser that can be pulsed on and off for each pixel, it is possible to form a high-contrast image at a lower cost.

<Container body>
The material, shape, size, structure, color, etc. of the container body are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The material of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include resin and glass. Among these, transparent resins or transparent glass are more preferable, and transparent resins are particularly preferable.
Examples of resins for the container body include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (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), polyhydroxybutyrate/hydroxyhexa Noate (PHBH), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), bio PET30, bio polyamide (PA) 610, 410, 510, bio PA1012, 10T, bio PA11T, MXD10, bio polycarbonate, bio polyurethane, bio PE, bio Examples include PET100, bio-PA11, bio-PA1010, and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, biodegradable resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polybutylene adipate/terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate succinate are preferred from the viewpoint of environmental load.

The shape of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Among these, the bottle shape is preferable.
A bottle-shaped container body includes a mouth, a shoulder connected to the mouth, a body connected to the shoulder, and a bottom connected to the body.
The size of the container body is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the use of the container.
The structure of the container body is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, it may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.
Examples of the color of the container body include colorless and transparent, colored and transparent, and colored and opaque.

<Visible area>
In the storage container of the first embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the visible region is higher than the visible light transmittance of the container body.
In the storage container of the second embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the visible area is higher than the visible light transmittance of the image forming area, and the visible light transmittance of the image forming area is lower than the visible light transmittance of the container body. is.

In the present invention, "high visible light transmittance" means that the average transmittance in the visible light wavelength range is high, and there is no problem even if it is inverted in a part of the wavelength range. "Visible light" means light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm.

The viewable area forms an image viewably on the container body.
The image includes, for example, characters, symbols, figures, images, codes, etc. Specifically, the name, component, identification number, manufacturer name, date and time of manufacture, expiration date, bar code, QR code (registered trademark) , recycle mark, or logo mark.
The wavelength of the laser for writing an image is preferably from visible light to near-infrared light (wavelength: 780 nm to 2,500 nm).
A viewable area is formed by a collection of first patterns. Here, an aggregate means a collection of multiple elements.
The aggregate of the first pattern preferably has a structure including recesses formed by melting the container body or recesses and protrusions continuous with the recesses.

It is preferable that the crystallinity of the visible region is lower than the crystallinity of the region other than the visible region of the container body, in order to form an image with higher contrast.
The degree of crystallinity is measured by X-ray diffraction, and it can be determined that the higher the crystal peak intensity, the higher the degree of crystallinity.

<Image forming area>
The imaging area is an area having a lower visible light transmission than the container body and a lower visible light transmission than the visible area.
"High visible light transmittance" and "visible light" have the same meaning as the visible region.
Preferably, the imaged areas are formed by a collection of second patterns. Here, an aggregate means a collection of multiple elements.
The assembly of the second pattern preferably has a structure including recesses formed by melting the container body or recesses and protrusions continuous with the recesses.

The aggregate of the second patterns forming the image forming area is composed of a fine uneven structure, and the surface roughness of the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the surface roughness of the image forming area. , is preferable from the point of being able to form an image with higher contrast.
The surface roughness can be measured, for example, based on the JIS B0601 standard arithmetic mean roughness Ra.
Examples of methods for forming the fine relief structure include chemical etching and mechanical etching. Among these, mechanical etching is preferable from the viewpoint of less environmental load such as waste liquid. Examples of mechanical etching include wet blasting and sandblasting. Further, a container having a fine uneven structure can be obtained by forming a fine uneven structure on the surface of a molding die and transferring it using a mold having a fine uneven structure.

Further, the image forming area contains a plurality of bubbles, and the area ratio of the entire bubbles in the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of the entire bubbles in the image forming area. It is preferable from the point of being able to form a high-quality image.
The area ratio of the entire bubble can be measured, for example, by measuring the total area of bubbles that can be observed in a predetermined field of view with an optical microscope using commercially available image processing software and dividing it by the area of the entire field of view.
A structure containing a plurality of bubbles in the image forming area can be formed, for example, in the case of a PET bottle by using a preform impregnated with nitrogen, carbon dioxide or the like under high pressure during biaxial stretch blow molding.
A bubble is heated by laser irradiation, and bursts and disappears when the internal pressure of the bubble is higher than the atmospheric pressure, and shrinks when the internal pressure of the bubble is lower than the atmospheric pressure. In either case, the scattering intensity is weakened and the visible light transmittance is increased.
It is preferable that the foam is unevenly distributed near the surface of the container body in the thickness direction in order to maintain the strength of the container.

It is also preferred that the image forming area has a structure containing a crystalline phase.
The crystalline phase strongly scatters visible light and reduces transmittance. Some of the scattered light is emitted outside the container, but most of it is absorbed while undergoing multiple scattering within the container.
By heating the region containing the crystalline phase with a laser and then rapidly cooling it, the crystalline phase becomes more likely to become amorphous. According to this method, an image with a higher contrast can be formed than the conventional method of irradiating a transparent amorphous phase with a laser to change its shape or crystallize it.
When the storage container is a PET bottle, the crystalline phase can be produced by setting the mold temperature within the crystallization temperature range during biaxial stretch blow molding and slowly cooling the bottle after blow molding.

The crystal phase is spherulites, and the average diameter of the spherulites in the laser-irradiated area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the average diameter of the spherulites in the non-laser-irradiated area. It is preferable because it can be formed.
A spherulite is a crystal that has grown into a spherical shape, and can be observed as a circular image (conoscopic image) including cross lines when crossed Nicols observation is performed using a polarizing microscope with transmitted illumination.
The average diameter of the spherulites can be determined, for example, from the scattered light intensity distribution of a circular image including crosshairs (see Saito, Toyoda, Kobunshi Ronbunshu, Vol. 68 No. 6 (2011)).

The crystal phase is spherulites, and the number per unit area of spherulites in the laser-irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is less than the number per unit area of spherulites in the non-laser-irradiated portion. It is preferable from the point of being able to form an image with higher contrast.
In the state of spherulites surrounded by an amorphous phase, it is easier to control the size of the spherulites with lower energy than in the state of densely arranged crystals.
It is also possible to make spherulites disappear. The state in which the conoscopic image has completely disappeared from the field of view is also one of the states in which the number of spherulites per unit area is small.
Compared to the state in which spherulites are densely arranged, the state of spherulites surrounded by an amorphous phase has the advantage that the size can be easily controlled with lower energy.

A CO ₂ laser (wavelength: 10,600 nm), which is widely used for laser marking of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is not preferable for the purpose of obtaining high-definition images with a line width of 100 μm or less. The wavelengths from visible light to near-infrared light are light that is difficult to be absorbed by the container such as PET, but are important for forming high-definition images, and are actively used in the present invention. .

It has been reported that hazardous substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde are generated in laser marking using conventional CO ₂ lasers (e.g., P. E. Dyer, G. A. Oldershaw & J. Sidhu, CO ₂ laser abrasive Etching of polyethylene terephthalate, Applied Physics B volume 48, pages 489-493 (1989)). However, in the present invention, the amount of generation of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde can be suppressed by lowering the energy during writing.

According to the present invention, the visible light transmittance of the image forming area is low and the laser light is easily absorbed, resulting in high energy efficiency. In addition, since writing is possible with low energy, generation of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde during laser marking can be suppressed.

In the present invention, the container preferably has a structure in which a sheet-like member having an image forming area formed thereon is prepared in advance and this sheet-like member is attached around the container body. As a result, the image forming area can be formed on the container body without performing mold processing or complicating management of temperature and time during molding.
Examples of the method of attaching the sheet-like member to the periphery of the container body include a method of attaching using an adhesive.
Recyclability can be enhanced by using the same material for the sheet-like member as for the container body.

(container)
A container of the present invention includes the container of the present invention, an object contained in the container, and sealing means for sealing the object in the container.

<Contents>
Examples of the contents include liquids, gases, solid particles, and the like. Liquids include water, tea, coffee, black tea, soft drinks, and the like. If the container is a liquid beverage, it will often have a color such as clear, white, black, brown, or yellow.

<Sealing Means>
Sealing means is a means for sealing contents in a container, and is sometimes called a "container cap." can be selected as appropriate.

The material of the sealing means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include resin, glass, metal, ceramics and the like. Among these, resins are preferable from the viewpoint of moldability.
As the resin of the sealing means, the same resin as that of the main body of the container can be used.
The color of the sealing means includes, for example, colored opaque, colored transparent, and the like.
The shape and size of the sealing means are not particularly limited as long as they can seal (close) the opening of the container body, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

The structure of the sealing means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. is preferred.
The side surface of the first portion preferably has an uneven surface so that the hand does not slip when the package is opened. It is preferable that the side surface of the second portion is not formed with unevenness and has a flat surface.

(Storage container manufacturing device and storage container manufacturing method)
The storage container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing the storage container of the present invention, and has heating means for forming the visible region and, if necessary, other means.
It is preferable that the heating means is a laser irradiation device.

A method for manufacturing a storage container according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a storage container according to the present invention, comprising a first step of forming an image forming area, and forming a visible area by overlapping the image forming area. a second step for
A first step and a second step are performed by laser irradiation.

Generally speaking, the shorter the pulse width of a laser light source, the higher the cost. Since the laser irradiation in the first step of forming the image forming area is mainly intended for laser ablation, it is possible to use a light source with a pulse width of 1 μs or less, that is, in the nanosecond, picosecond, or femtosecond range. preferable. On the other hand, since the laser irradiation in the second step of forming the visible area superimposed on the image forming area is mainly aimed at heating and melting the irradiated area, for example, in the microsecond or nanosecond range. A light source with a pulse width of . The pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the second step is preferably longer than the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the first step, in order to reduce the cost of the apparatus.

Generally speaking, the shorter the wavelength of the laser light source, the higher the cost. Since the laser irradiation in the first step of forming the image forming area is mainly intended for laser ablation, it is preferable to use a light source with a wavelength in the ultraviolet to visible region. On the other hand, since the laser irradiation in the second step of forming the visible area superimposed on the image forming area is mainly intended to heat and melt the irradiated area, for example, visible to infrared light can be used. A wavelength light source can be used.
The wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the second step is preferably longer than the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the first step, in order to reduce the cost of the apparatus.
It is preferable that the laser irradiation in the second step is carried out by a carbon dioxide laser from the viewpoint that an image with a higher contrast can be formed while reducing the cost of the apparatus.

(Container before image writing)
The storage container before image writing according to the present invention is the storage container before the second step of forming the visible area overlapping the image forming area in the above-described method for manufacturing a storage container according to the present invention. .
According to the storage container before image writing of the present invention, when the contents of the image, such as the expiration date and the manufacturing number, are frequently changed, the image is written in the image forming area in the second step, and the second step prior to that is performed. In the step (2), production efficiency can be improved by using a storage container before image writing in which an image is not written in the image forming area.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code|symbol may be attached|subjected to the same component and the overlapping description may be abbreviate|omitted. Further, the number, positions, shapes, etc. of the following constituent members are not limited to those of this embodiment, and may be set to preferable numbers, positions, shapes, etc. in carrying out the present invention.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container according to the first embodiment. In the container 1 of FIG. 1, an image 12 (visible region 11) is formed in an image forming region 13 provided in a container body 10 by laser irradiation. Reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1 denotes a non-image forming area.

When the container 1 of the first embodiment has a black background and is observed with white light illuminated from the surface side, the return light from the visible region 11 (laser irradiation part) with high visible light transmittance is Since it is small, it is visually recognized as being darker than the image forming area 13 (non-laser irradiated area).
On the other hand, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional storage container. In the storage container 101 of FIG. 2, the visible light transmittance of the image 112 (laser irradiated portion) is lower than that of the container body 110 due to scattering, absorption, etc., and is visually recognized whiter due to the reflected scattered light.

The visible area 11 forms an image 12 on the container body 10 in a visible manner.
The image 12 includes, for example, characters, symbols, graphics, images, codes, etc. Specifically, the name, component, identification number, manufacturer name, date and time of manufacture, expiration date, bar code, QR code (registered trademark ), recycle mark, or logo mark.
The image forming area 13 may be provided in a part of the container body 10 of the container 1 as shown in FIG. good.

The visible area 11 is formed by a collection of first patterns.
The imaging area 13 is formed by a collection of second patterns.
Here, an aggregate means a collection of multiple elements.
It is preferable that the assembly of the first pattern and the assembly of the second pattern have a structure including recesses formed by melting the container body or recesses and projections continuous with the recesses.

In the container 1 of the first embodiment, the visible area 11 has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area 13 , and the image forming area 13 has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body 10 .

Here, "high visible light transmittance" means that the average transmittance in the visible light wavelength range is high, and there is no problem even if it is partially inverted in the wavelength range. Visible light refers to light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm.
The wavelength of the laser for writing an image is preferably from visible light to near-infrared light (wavelength: 780 nm to 2,500 nm).

A _CO2 laser (wavelength: 10,600 nm), which is widely used for laser marking of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is not preferable for the purpose of obtaining high-definition images with a line width of 100 μm or less. Wavelengths from visible light to near-infrared light are light that is difficult to be absorbed by containers such as PET, but are important in forming high-definition images, and are actively used in the present invention.

It has been reported that hazardous substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde are generated in laser marking using conventional CO ₂ lasers (e.g., P. E. Dyer, G. A. Oldershaw & J. Sidhu, CO ₂ laser abrasive Etching of polyethylene terephthalate, Applied Physics B volume 48, pages 489-493 (1989)). However, in the present invention, the amount of generation of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde can be suppressed by lowering the energy during image writing.

According to the storage container 1 according to the first embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the image forming area 13 is low and the laser is easily absorbed, so the energy efficiency of the laser is high. In addition, since laser writing is possible with low energy, generation of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde during laser marking can be suppressed.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container according to the second embodiment having a structure in which the image forming area 13 contains the crystalline phase 21. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, an image forming area 13 for forming an image with a laser is provided on the surface of a container body 10 of a container 1 (for example, a PET bottle) according to the second embodiment, and a laser beam 20 is irradiated. By changing the crystal phase 21 of the image forming area 13, the visible light transmittance is increased to form an image.
When the storage container is a PET bottle, the crystalline phase 21 can be produced by setting the mold temperature within the crystallization temperature range during biaxial stretch blow molding and slowly cooling the PET bottle after blow molding.
The crystalline phase 21 strongly scatters visible light and reduces the visible light transmittance. Some of the scattered light is emitted outside the container, but most of it is absorbed while undergoing multiple scattering within the container.
The adjustment of the crystal phase 21 uses the principle that crystals are easily made amorphous by heating a region containing the crystal phase 21 with a laser and then rapidly cooling it. This makes it possible to form an image with a higher contrast than the conventional method of irradiating a transparent amorphous phase with a laser to change its shape or crystallize it.

It is preferable that the crystallinity of the visible region 11 is lower than the crystallinity of the region other than the visible region of the container body 10 in order to form an image with higher contrast.
Here, the degree of crystallinity is measured by X-ray diffraction measurement, and it may be determined that the higher the crystal peak intensity, the higher the degree of crystallinity. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the peak intensity of X-ray diffraction and the degree of crystallinity.

As shown in FIG. 6, the spherulite 22 is a crystal grown into a spherical shape. The spherulite 22 can be observed as a circular image (conoscopic image) including cross lines when crossed Nicols observation is performed with a polarizing microscope under transmitted illumination. The average diameter of the spherulites 22 can be measured from the scattered light intensity distribution of a circular image including crosshairs (Saito, Toyoda, Kobunshi Ronbunshu, Vol. 68 No. 6 (2011)).
The size of the spherulites surrounded by the amorphous phase is easier to control with lower energy than the densely packed crystals.
It can be seen from FIG. 6 that the average diameter of the spherulites 22 in the laser-irradiated areas in the image forming area 13 is smaller than the average diameter of the spherulites 22 in the non-laser-irradiated areas.

It is also possible to make the spherulites disappear. It can be said that the state in which the conoscopic image has completely disappeared from the field of view is also one of the states in which the number of spherulites per unit area is small.
7A and 7B are diagrams obtained by observing the spherulites 22 in the laser-irradiated portion and the non-laser-irradiated portion in the image forming region 13. FIG. It can be seen from FIG. 7 that the number of spherulites 22 in the laser-irradiated area in the image forming area 13 is smaller than the number of spherulites 22 in the non-laser-irradiated area.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container 1 according to a third embodiment having a structure in which the image forming area 13 contains a plurality of bubbles 23. As shown in FIG.
The image formation region contains a plurality of bubbles, and the area ratio of all bubbles in the visible region when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of all bubbles in the image formation region. It is preferable because it can be formed.
The area ratio of the entire bubble can be obtained by measuring the total area of bubbles observed in a predetermined field of view with an optical microscope using commercially available image processing software and dividing the total area by the area of the entire field of view.

A structure containing a plurality of bubbles can be produced by using a preform impregnated with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or the like under high pressure during biaxial stretch blow molding when the container is a PET bottle.
Bubbles are heated by laser irradiation, and when the internal pressure of the bubble is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the bubble bursts and disappears, and when the internal pressure of the bubble is lower than the atmospheric pressure, the bubble contracts. In either case, the scattering intensity is weakened and the visible light transmittance is increased.
It is preferable that the foam is unevenly distributed near the surface of the container body in the thickness direction in order to maintain the strength of the container.
The storage container 1 according to the third embodiment has a structure in which the image forming area 13 includes a plurality of bubbles 23, so that the conventional transparent amorphous phase can be irradiated with a laser to change its shape, High contrast images can be formed with lower laser energy compared to the crystallization method.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container 1 according to a fourth embodiment, in which the image forming area 13 has a structure including fine irregularities 24. As shown in FIG.
Examples of methods for forming the fine relief structure include chemical etching and mechanical etching. Among these, mechanical etching is preferable from the viewpoint of less environmental load such as waste liquid. Examples of mechanical etching include wet blasting and sandblasting. Further, a container having a fine uneven structure can be obtained by forming a fine uneven structure on the surface of a molding die and transferring it using a mold having a fine uneven structure.
It is preferable that the surface roughness of the visible region when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the surface roughness of the image forming region, in order to form an image with higher contrast.
The surface roughness can be measured based on the JIS B0601 standard arithmetic mean roughness Ra.
In the storage container 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the image forming area 13 has a structure including fine unevenness 24, so that the conventional transparent amorphous phase can be irradiated with a laser to change the shape, or the crystalline phase can be changed. A high contrast image can be formed with a lower laser energy compared to the method of converting to a high contrast.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container 1 according to a fifth embodiment, in which a sheet-like member 25 having an image forming area 13 formed thereon is prepared in advance and this sheet-like member is attached around the container body 10. As shown in FIG. be.
As the sheet-like member 25, one on which the image forming regions according to the first to fourth embodiments are formed in advance is used.
As a method of attaching the sheet-like member 25 to the periphery of the container body 10, for example, there is a method of attaching using an adhesive.
By using the same material for the container body 10 as the material for the sheet-like member 25, the recyclability of the container can be enhanced.
According to the container 1 according to the fifth embodiment, by attaching the sheet-like member 25 having the image forming area 13 to the periphery of the container body 10, it is possible to carry out mold processing and control temperature and time during molding. A container 1 having an imaged area 13 is obtained without complicating the .

<Sixth embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container 2 according to the sixth embodiment containing a container 16. As shown in FIG. Reference numeral 15 in FIG. 11 denotes sealing means for sealing the contents in the container.
According to the container 2 according to the sixth embodiment, particularly when the container 16 is non-transmissive, the non-laser-irradiated part is illuminated with the color of the container (scattered light), the laser-irradiated part with the color of the container, Since each can be visually recognized, the visibility is further improved.

<Seventh Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the storage container 31 before image writing according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 12, 13 is an image forming area and 14 is a non-image forming area.
In the storage container 31 before image writing according to the seventh embodiment, when the content of the image such as the expiration date, the manufacturing number, etc. is frequently changed, the image is written in the image forming area 13 in the final process, and the By using the storage container 31 before image writing, in which an image is not written in the image forming area 13 in the preceding step, production efficiency can be improved.

Embodiments of the present invention are, for example, as follows.
<1> Equipped with a container body and a visible region in the container body,
The visible region has a higher visible light transmittance than the container body,
An image is formed on the container body by the visible region,
The container is characterized in that the visible region is formed by an assembly of first patterns.
<2> Equipped with a container body, an image forming area on the container body, and a visible area,
the image forming area has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body,
The visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area,
An image is formed on the container body by the visible region,
The container is characterized in that the visible region is formed by an assembly of first patterns.
<3> The container according to <2>, wherein the image forming area is formed by an assembly of second patterns.
<4> At least one of the first pattern and the second pattern has a structure including a recess formed by melting the container body or a recess and a protrusion continuous with the recess, <3> It is a storage container according to.
<5> the image forming area includes a plurality of bubbles;
The storage container according to any one of <2> to <4>, wherein an area ratio of all the bubbles in the visible region when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than an area ratio of all the bubbles in the image forming region. is.
<6> an aggregate of the second patterns forming the image forming area is composed of a fine concave-convex structure,
The container according to any one of <3> to <5>, wherein the visible region has a surface roughness smaller than that of the image forming region when observed from the surface of the container body.
<7> The image forming region contains a crystal phase, and the crystal phase is spherulites, and the average diameter of the spherulites in the laser-irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is the same as the spherulites in the non-laser-irradiated portion. The container according to any one of <2> to <6>, which is smaller than the average diameter.
<8> The image forming region contains a crystal phase, and the crystal phase is spherulites, and the number of spherulites per unit area in the laser-irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is the same as that in the non-laser-irradiated portion. The container according to any one of <2> to <7>, wherein the number of spherulites per unit area is less than that of the spherulites.
<9> The storage container according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the crystallinity of the visible region is lower than the crystallinity of a region other than the visible region of the container body. .
<10> The container according to any one of <2> to <8>, wherein a sheet-like member on which the image forming area is formed is prepared in advance, and the sheet-like member is attached around the container body. It is a container.
<11> The container according to any one of <1> to <10>;
an object stored in the storage container;
sealing means for sealing the contents in the container;
It is a container characterized by having
<12> An apparatus for manufacturing the storage container according to any one of <1> to <10>,
The storage container manufacturing apparatus is characterized by having heating means for forming a visible region.
<13> The storage container manufacturing apparatus according to <12>, wherein the heating means is a laser irradiation device.
<14> A method for manufacturing the storage container according to any one of <1> to <10>,
a first step to form an imaged area;
a second step for forming a viewable area overlying the imaged area;
The manufacturing method of the storage container, wherein the first step and the second step are performed by laser irradiation.
<15> The method for manufacturing a storage container according to <14>, wherein the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the second step is longer than the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the first step. be.
<16> The accommodation according to any one of <14> to <15>, wherein the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the second step is longer than the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the first step. A method for manufacturing a container.
<17> The method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of <14> to <16>, wherein the laser irradiation in the second step is performed by a carbon dioxide laser.
<18> The container manufacturing method according to any one of <14> to <17>, wherein the laser irradiation in the first step is performed with a pulse laser having a pulse width of 1 μs or less.
<19> A storage container before image writing, which is a state before performing the second step in the method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of <14> to <18>.

The container according to any one of <1> to <10>, the container according to <11>, the device for manufacturing the container according to any one of <12> to <13>, and <14 > to <18>, and the storage container before image writing according to <19>, solve the conventional problems and achieve the object of the present invention. be able to.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 container 2 container 10 container body 11 visible region 12 image 13 image forming region 14 non-image forming region 15 sealing means 16 container 20 laser beam 21 crystal phase 22 spherulite 23 bubble 24 fine unevenness 25 sheet member 31 image Containment container before writing

Japanese Patent No. 4327240

Claims (19)

A container body and a visible region in the container body,
The visible region has a higher visible light transmittance than the container body,
An image is formed on the container body by the visible region,
A storage container, wherein the visible region is formed by an assembly of first patterns. comprising a container body, an image forming area on the container body, and a visible area,
the image forming area has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body,
The visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area,
An image is formed on the container body by the visible region,
A storage container, wherein the visible region is formed by an assembly of first patterns. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein said imaging area is formed by a collection of second patterns. The container according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern has a structure including a recess formed by melting the container body or a recess and a protrusion continuous with the recess. container. wherein the imaging area comprises a plurality of bubbles;
5. The container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein an area ratio of all the bubbles in the visible region when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than an area ratio of all the bubbles in the image forming region. an aggregate of the second pattern forming the image forming area is composed of a fine uneven structure,
The storage container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the surface roughness of the visible region when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the surface roughness of the image forming region. The image forming region contains a crystal phase, and the crystal phase is a spherulite, and the average diameter of the spherulites in the laser-irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is larger than the average diameter of the spherulites in the non-laser-irradiated portion. 7. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the container is also small. The image forming region contains a crystal phase, and the crystal phase is spherulites, and the number of spherulites per unit area in the laser-irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is the number of spherulites in the non-laser-irradiated portion. The container according to any one of claims 2 to 7, which is less than the number per unit area. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the crystallinity of the visible area is lower than the crystallinity of the area of the container body other than the visible area. 9. The container according to any one of claims 2 to 8, having a structure in which a sheet-like member on which said image forming area is formed is prepared in advance and said sheet-like member is attached around said container body. a container according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
an object stored in the storage container;
sealing means for sealing the contents in the container;
A container characterized by having An apparatus for manufacturing a container according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
An apparatus for manufacturing a storage container, comprising heating means for forming a visible region. 13. The storage container manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the heating means is a laser irradiation device. A method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
a first step to form an imaged area;
a second step for forming a viewable area overlying the imaged area;
A manufacturing method of a storage container, wherein the first step and the second step are performed by laser irradiation. 15. The method of manufacturing a storage container according to claim 14, wherein the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in said second step is longer than the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in said first step. 16. The method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in said second step is longer than the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in said first step. 17. The method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the laser irradiation in said second step is performed by a carbon dioxide laser. 18. The method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the laser irradiation in said first step is performed with a pulse laser having a pulse width of 1 [mu]s or less. 19. A storage container before image writing, which is a state before performing the second step in the manufacturing method of a storage container according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

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