JP2023155885A - Method for manufacturing resin container, and apparatus for manufacturing resin container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a resin container which can manufacture a resin container that is excellent in visibility.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method includes: a first pattern formation step of forming a first pattern on a preform; and a second pattern formation step of forming a second pattern on the preform, on the basis of the first pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

The present invention relates to a resin container manufacturing method and a resin container manufacturing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for manufacturing resin containers by laser marking preforms have been known. For example, a preform positioning device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this proposal, the position of the preform in the circumferential direction relative to the mold is determined based on the formation of a discontinuous portion in the outer shape of the flange portion or the marking by printing.

However, in conventional blow molding, position information is placed in the resin container itself by cutting out notches, so even if laser marking is done at the preform stage, resin containers with excellent visibility cannot be manufactured. There's a problem.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a resin container that can manufacture a resin container with excellent visibility.

A method for manufacturing a resin container according to the present invention as a means for solving the above problems is a method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, which comprises forming a first pattern on a preform. and a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a resin container that can manufacture a resin container with excellent visibility.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the process flow of a method for manufacturing a resin container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a resin container manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser irradiation section according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the properties of a base material in a preform, in which (a) shows a change in shape due to transpiration, (b) shows a change in shape due to melting, and (c) shows a change in crystallization state. Figure, (d) is a diagram of the change in the foaming state. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first pattern and a second pattern formed on a preform. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a first pattern and a second pattern formed on a preform. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a preform and a resin container before and after blow molding in a case where the first pattern is formed near an opening for introducing blow air. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a preform and a resin container before and after blow molding in a case where the first pattern is formed farther from the opening for introducing blow air. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preform and a resin container before and after blow molding when the first pattern is formed in a non-deformed region. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-deformed region of a preform before blow molding. FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of forming a first pattern. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing another example of forming the first pattern. FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram showing another example of forming the first pattern. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second pattern when blow molded into a cylindrical resin container. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a formation location of the second pattern in a cylindrical resin container. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second pattern when blow molded into a non-cylindrical resin container. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a formation location of the second pattern in a non-cylindrical resin container. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second pattern when blow molded into a non-cylindrical resin container. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a formation location of the second pattern in a non-cylindrical resin container. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the second pattern formed on the preform. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the second pattern when blow molded into a non-cylindrical resin container.

(Resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing device)
In a first embodiment, the method for manufacturing a resin container of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, which includes a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on a preform; The method includes a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern, and further includes other steps as necessary.

In a first embodiment, the resin container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is a resin container manufacturing method using a blow molding method, and includes a first pattern forming means for forming a first pattern on a preform; and second pattern forming means for forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern, and further includes other means as necessary.

The method for manufacturing a resin container according to the first aspect of the present invention can be suitably carried out by the apparatus for manufacturing a resin container according to the first aspect of the present invention, and the first pattern forming step is performed by forming a first pattern. The second pattern forming step can be performed by the second pattern forming means, and the other steps can be performed by other means.

When blow molding a preform on which the first pattern and the second pattern are formed into a non-cylindrical resin container having a plurality of surfaces, if the second pattern is formed across two or more of the surfaces. , the intended second pattern is not formed, resulting in poor visibility.
In the resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on a preform; By including a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform, the second pattern displaying information such as the name and ingredients based on the first pattern formed on the preform. Since it is formed into a preform, a resin container with excellent visibility can be manufactured even when the preform is blow-molded into a non-cylindrical resin container.

Since the first pattern is a simple pattern (for example, a vertical line), the first pattern can be recognized by a simple light emitting/receiving device, for example, a simple and inexpensive light emitting/receiving device using an LED or a PD. This makes it easier to specify the location where the second pattern is formed.
Furthermore, since there is a first pattern, an image processing device that recognizes the position of the second pattern, such as a camera or a line sensor, captures the image and performs image processing to understand the position of the second pattern. Since the first pattern can be recognized and the position of the second pattern can be grasped using a simple and inexpensive light emitting/receiving device using an LED or PD without using a device, the cost of the entire device can be reduced.

<First pattern forming step and first pattern forming means>
The first pattern forming step is a step of forming a first pattern on the preform, and is performed by a first pattern forming means.
The first pattern forming means is not particularly limited as long as it can form the first pattern on the preform, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, such as a laser marking device, an inkjet printer, a mold, etc. can be mentioned.

-preform-
An intermediate product before being inflated into a resin container such as a PET bottle is called a preform. The volume of the preform is 1/5 to 1/10 that of a resin container such as a PET bottle.
There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, structure, color, etc. of the preform, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.
The material of the preform is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, such as resin.
Examples of the preform resin 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), starch blend polyester resin, polybutylene terephthalate succinate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate/hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH), poly Hydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), Bio-PET30, Bio-polyamide (PA) 610,410,510, Bio-PA1012, 10T, Bio-PA11T, MXD10, Bio-polycarbonate, Bio-polyurethane, Bio-PE, Bio-PET100, Bio-PA11, Bio-PA1010 Examples include. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, biodegradable resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polybutylene adipate/terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate succinate are preferred from the viewpoint of environmental impact.

The shape of the preform is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, such as a bottle shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular prism shape as a non-cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, an elliptical column shape, etc. Among these, the bottle shape is preferred.
The bottle-shaped preform includes a neck, a main body connected to the neck, and a bottom connected to the main body.
The size of the preform is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the size of the resin container.
The structure of the preform is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, for example, it may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

Examples of the color of the preform include colorless and transparent, colored and transparent, and colored and opaque. Among these, colorless and transparent ones are preferred.

The method for molding the preform is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the preform can be molded by injection molding or the like.

Blow molding is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the preform is set in a blow molding machine and heated. Next, a stretching rod is inserted into the heated preform, compressed air is supplied from the inserted stretching rod, and the stretching rod is expanded. As a result, the preform is stretched in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a resin container is formed.

The first pattern is not particularly limited as long as it can position the preform in the circumferential direction with respect to the mold during blow molding, and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. , characters, symbols, protrusions, protrusions, recesses, notches, etc.

<Second pattern forming step and second pattern forming means>
The second pattern forming step is a step of forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern, and is performed by a second pattern forming means.
The second pattern forming means is not particularly limited as long as it can form the second pattern on the preform, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, such as a laser marking device, an inkjet printer, a mold, etc. can be mentioned.

The second pattern is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose, and includes, for example, characters, symbols, figures, images, codes, etc. Specifically, the second pattern includes names, components, identification numbers, Examples include the manufacturer's name, manufacturing date and time, expiration date, bar code, QR code (registered trademark), recycling mark, or logo mark.

<Other processes and other means>
Other processes include, for example, a conveyance process and a control process.
Other means include, for example, conveyance means and control means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pattern forming step and the second pattern forming step are the same step. According to this aspect, the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern can be reduced. Thereby, resin containers can be manufactured efficiently at low cost.

In one aspect of the invention, the first pattern is formed on the preform near an opening that admits blowing air to the preform. The area near the opening where blow air enters the preform is a place where the expansion rate during blow molding is small, so if you set it as not to be inspected in advance with the appearance inspection machine, there will be no problem with the appearance inspection. .

In one aspect of the invention, the location where the first pattern is formed on the preform is a non-deformable area that does not deform when the preform is blow molded. The non-deformed region is a region that is not stretched and deformed during blow molding of the preform. According to this aspect, since the non-deformed region is not subject to visual inspection after blow molding or filling, the first pattern will not be detected as abnormal in visual inspection.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first pattern is preferably formed by laser marking. Moreover, it is preferable that the second pattern is formed by laser marking.
The first pattern may be formed in the shape of a notch at the mouth of the resin container using a mold or the like, but this requires the creation of a new mold or cutting, which increases cost. . Furthermore, in the case of resin containers for beverages, the mouth part is the part that is directly consumed by the consumer, so re-evaluation is required from the viewpoint of safety, etc., which requires extra man-hours. On the other hand, if the first pattern is formed by laser marking, there is no need to create a mold, and even in the case of resin containers for beverages, the shape of the mouth changes because the processing is only done to a depth of about several tens of micrometers from the surface of the resin container. It can be realized at low cost because it does not require any re-evaluation from the viewpoint of safety, etc.

In one aspect of the present invention, the second pattern is preferably one of a character, an image, and a figure. The second pattern is a manufacturer's name, logo, product name, product image, etc. related to the contents of the resin container, and is indicated by characters, images, figures, etc. It also shows text for explanations of contents, composition of ingredients, precautions for use, eating and drinking, etc.

In one aspect of the present invention, the preform is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the mold during blow molding based on the first pattern formed on the preform. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a resin container in which the main body is blow-molded to have a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape, and the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the resin container. According to this aspect, if the positions of the first pattern and the second pattern are constant, the circumferential arrangement of the preform can be easily set at a predetermined angle based on the first pattern. , the second pattern can be formed properly and no problems arise in appearance.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a resin container in which the main body is blow-molded to have a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape, the second pattern being formed on at least one surface of the main body of the preform. , the following equation, L-[(a×α)+(b×2)]≧0, can prevent the second pattern from spanning multiple surfaces.
However, in the formula, a is the circumferential length (mm) of the second pattern formed on the preform, and α is the circumferential expansion rate (%) after the second pattern is blow-molded. , L is the length in the width direction of the surface of the resin container after blow molding on which the second pattern is formed (mm), and b is the distance between the outer periphery of the second pattern and the edge of the closest surface (mm) ).
According to this aspect, the position of the second pattern is shifted from the initial setting due to some deviation during blow molding, but the distance b between the outer periphery of the second pattern and the edge of the nearest surface is By keeping a certain distance, the second pattern can be formed without touching the edge of the nearest surface.

In a second embodiment, the method for manufacturing a resin container of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, which includes a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on a preform; The method includes a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on the preform based on the second pattern, and further includes other steps as necessary.
In a second embodiment, the resin container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is a resin container manufacturing apparatus using a blow molding method, and includes a second pattern forming means for forming a second pattern on a preform; and a first pattern forming means for forming the first pattern on the preform based on the second pattern, and further has other means as necessary.

A first pattern forming step and a first pattern forming means, a second pattern forming step and a second pattern forming means in the resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and The other steps and other means are the first pattern forming step, first pattern forming means, and second pattern forming step in the resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. , the second pattern forming means, and other steps and means are the same, so their explanations will be omitted.

In the resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the second pattern is composed of characters, images, etc., and the area where the second pattern is formed is When blow molding a preform into a non-cylindrical container having multiple surfaces, it is necessary to set the preform in a blow molding mold so that the second pattern is not formed across two or more surfaces. There is. Since the second pattern includes characters, images, etc., visibility will be poor if the second pattern is formed across two or more surfaces. Therefore, in the past, it was necessary to read the second pattern with a camera and process it with a computer to calculate a predetermined angle so that it would be formed on the surface area of the blow molding mold, making the equipment expensive. There is. However, once the first pattern is formed based on the second pattern, the first pattern can be detected by an inexpensive device using a non-contact sensor such as a combination of an LED and a photodiode.

Here, FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a method for manufacturing a resin container according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process flow of the resin container manufacturing method of the present invention will be described below.

In step S1, the control unit of the resin container manufacturing apparatus forms the first pattern on the preform, and then shifts the process to S2.
The first pattern is not particularly limited and may be formed at a predetermined position on the preform, but it is preferably formed in an area of the preform with few irregularities. This is because the neck ring, threaded portion, and support ring may be difficult to recognize depending on the type of optical sensor of the recognition device. Moreover, if the first pattern is formed in a region below the contents after filling the completed resin container with the contents, it becomes difficult to inspect for foreign substances in the production process. Therefore, it is preferable that the first pattern be formed above the region to be filled with the contents, that is, in the neck portion of the preform.
The size of the first pattern is preferably small in consideration of the time required to form the first pattern. Recognition of the first pattern depends on the performance of the optical sensor of the recognition device. Therefore, it is preferable that the first pattern has a size that can be recognized by a recognition device and is small. Specifically, the size of the first pattern is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 200 mm or less. When the first pattern is, for example, a vertical line, the size of the first pattern means the maximum length in the longitudinal direction of the vertical line.
The shape of the first pattern is not particularly limited as long as it can be read by a recognition device and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose, but it is preferable that the first pattern has little change in the axial direction of the preform. . If there is a large change in the shape of the first pattern in the axial direction of the preform, the position of the first pattern read by the recognition device will change, and the position where the second pattern will be formed after blow molding will also change greatly. This is because it will become.

In step S2, after positioning, the process moves to S3.
Based on the first pattern formed on the preform, the preform is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the mold during blow molding.

In step S3, the control unit of the resin container manufacturing apparatus forms the second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern, and then shifts the process to S4.
The second pattern is preferably formed in a region where the surface area expansion rate after blow molding of the preform is high. The second pattern is formed by images and characters such as product names and legal indications, and in order to ensure the appeal of the product, areas with a high surface area expansion rate require less processing area during preform formation. The time required to form the second pattern on the preform can be reduced, and productivity can be improved.
The formation position of the second pattern in the circumferential direction is preferably such that the outer periphery of the second pattern area or the center of the second pattern is at a predetermined position with respect to the first pattern. .
There are no particular restrictions on the size and shape of the second pattern, as long as the image and text of the product name, legal display, etc. meet the appeal of the product and the prescribed regulations, and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. However, from the viewpoint of productivity in processing into preforms, a smaller one is preferable. Specifically, the size of the second pattern is preferably 1 mm or more and 200 mm or less. When the second pattern is, for example, an image or a character, the size of the second pattern means the maximum length in the width direction of the entire image or character.

In step S4, blow air is introduced into the preform, and this process ends.
Blow air is introduced through the opening of the preform, blow molding is performed, and a resin container is manufactured.

Steps S1, S2, and S3 are performed as the same process using a laser irradiation device of the same resin container manufacturing apparatus. Step S4 may be performed using a device different from the laser irradiation device, may be performed using a molding device, or may be performed using a device that integrates the laser irradiation device and the molding device.

Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the resin container manufacturing apparatus 100. The manufacturing apparatus 100 forms at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern on at least one of the surface and inside of the base material of the preform 30 by changing the properties of the base material constituting the preform 30. This is a device for forming. The property of the base material here refers to the property or condition of the base material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a laser irradiation section 2, a rotation mechanism 3, a holding section 31, a moving mechanism 4, a dust collection section 5, and a control section 6. The manufacturing apparatus 100 holds a cylindrical preform 30 rotatably around a cylindrical shaft 10 of the preform 30 via a holding part 31 . Then, by irradiating the preform 30 with laser light from the laser irradiation unit 2 and changing the properties of the base material constituting the preform 30, the first pattern and the second pattern are formed on the surface of the preform 30. form at least one of them.

The laser irradiation unit 2 scans the laser beam emitted from the laser light source in the Y direction of FIG. 2, and irradiates the processing laser beam 20 toward the preform 30 arranged in the positive Z direction.

The rotation mechanism 3 holds the preform 30 via a holding part 31. The holding part 31 is a coupling member connected to the motor shaft of a motor (not shown) as a driving part included in the rotation mechanism 3, and holds the preform 30 by inserting one end into the mouth of the preform 30. . By rotating the holding part 31 by rotating the motor shaft, the preform 30 held by the holding part 31 is rotated around the cylindrical shaft 10.

The moving mechanism 4 is a linear stage equipped with a table, and the rotating mechanism 3 is placed 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, holding section 31, and preform 30 together in the Y direction.

The dust collection unit 5 is an air suction device disposed near a portion of the preform 30 that is irradiated with the processing laser beam 20. By collecting the plume and dust generated when forming at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern by irradiating the processing laser beam 20 by suctioning air, the manufacturing apparatus 100 and the preform 30 using the plume and dust are collected. and prevent the surrounding area from getting dirty.

The control section 6 is electrically connected to each of the laser light source 21, the scanning section 23, the rotation mechanism 3, the moving mechanism 4, and the dust collection section 5 via cables, etc., and controls each of them by outputting control signals. Control behavior.

In the manufacturing apparatus 100 , the laser irradiation section 2 irradiates the preform 30 with a processing laser beam 20 scanned in the Y direction while rotating the preform 30 using the rotation mechanism 3 under the control of the control section 6 . Then, at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern is two-dimensionally formed on at least one of the surface and inside of the base material of the preform 30.

Here, the scanning area of the processing laser beam 20 in the Y direction by the laser irradiation unit 2 may be limited. Therefore, when forming at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern in an area wider than the scanning area, the manufacturing apparatus 100 moves the preform 30 in the Y direction with the moving mechanism 4, thereby moving the preform 30 in the Y direction. The irradiation position of the processing laser beam 20 at 30 is shifted in the Y direction. Thereafter, while the preform 30 is rotated again by the rotation mechanism 3, the laser irradiation section 2 scans the processing laser beam 20 in the Y direction, so that at least one of the surface and inside of the base material in the preform 30 is coated with the first At least one of the pattern and the second pattern is formed. Thereby, at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern can be formed in a wider area of the preform 30.

Next, the configuration of the laser irradiation section 2 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the laser irradiation section 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the laser irradiation section 2 includes a laser light source 21, a beam expander 22, a scanning section 23, a scanning lens 24, and a synchronization detection section 25.

The laser light source 21 is a pulse laser that emits laser light. The laser light source 21 emits laser light with a suitable output (light intensity) to change the properties of at least one of the surface and interior of the base material in the preform 30 irradiated with the laser light.

The laser light source 21 is capable of controlling on/off of laser light emission, controlling the emission frequency, controlling light intensity, and the like. As an example of the laser light source 21, a laser light source with a wavelength of 532 nm, a laser beam pulse width of 16 picoseconds, and an average output of 4.9 W can be used. The diameter of the laser beam in the region of the preform 30 where the properties of the base material are to be 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 may be composed of a plurality of laser light sources. When using a plurality of laser light sources, it may be possible to independently perform on/off control, emission frequency control, light intensity control, etc. for each laser light source.

The parallel laser beam emitted from the laser light source 21 has its diameter expanded by the beam expander 22 and enters the scanning section 23 .

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

In addition, although this embodiment shows an example in which the scanning unit 23 performs one-dimensional scanning with laser light in the Y direction, the present invention is not limited to this. The scanning unit 23 may two-dimensionally scan the laser beam in the X and Y directions using a scanning mirror that changes the reflection angle in two orthogonal directions.

However, when irradiating the surface of the cylindrical preform 30 with laser light, when scanning two-dimensionally in the X and Y directions, the beam spot diameter on the surface of the preform 30 changes depending on the scan in the X direction. , in such cases, one-dimensional scanning is preferable.

The laser beam scanned by the scanning unit 23 is applied as a processing laser beam 20 to at least one of the surface and the inside of the base material in the preform 30 .

The scanning lens 24 keeps the scanning speed of the processing laser beam 20 scanned by the scanning unit 23 constant, and focuses the processing laser beam 20 on a predetermined position on at least one of the surface and inside of the base material in the preform 30. It is an fθ lens. It is preferable that the scanning lens 24 and the preform 30 are arranged so that the beam spot diameter of the processing laser beam 20 is minimized in the region of the preform 30 where the properties of the base material are to be changed. Note that the scanning lens 24 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of lenses.

The synchronization detection unit 25 outputs a synchronization detection signal used to synchronize the scanning of the processing laser beam 20 and the rotation of the preform 30 by the rotation mechanism 3. The synchronization detection section 25 includes a photodiode that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of the received light, and outputs the electrical signal from the photodiode to the control section 6 as a synchronization detection signal.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which a processing laser beam is scanned. For example, by providing a large number of processing laser beams in the printing width range to form a processing laser beam array and rotating the preform 30, a large number of processing laser beams can be scanned on the preform. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the laser beam scans in one direction.

Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control section 6. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control section 6 includes a pattern data input section 61, a pattern parameter specification section 62, a storage section 63, a processing data generation section 64, a laser irradiation control section 65, and a laser scanning control section 66. , a rotation control section 67 , a movement control section 68 , and a dust collection control section 69 .

The pattern data input unit 61 inputs pattern data of at least one of a first pattern and a second pattern formed on at least one of the surface and inside of the base material in the preform 30 to an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a scanner. Input from the device. The pattern data of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern includes information indicating a pattern such as a code such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark), a character, a figure, a photograph, etc., and the first pattern and the second pattern. The electronic data includes information indicating at least one type of the second pattern.

However, the pattern data for at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern is not limited to that input from an external device. The user of the manufacturing apparatus 100 can also input data of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern generated using the keyboard or pointing device of the control unit 6.

The pattern data input section 61 outputs pattern data of at least one of the inputted first pattern and second pattern to the processed data generation section 64 and the pattern parameter specification section 62, respectively.

The pattern parameter designation unit 62 designates processing parameters for forming at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern.

The processing parameters of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern include the type and thickness of the line, the processing depth, or the aggregate of lines as the first pattern and/or the second pattern. This is information that specifies the spacing or arrangement between adjacent lines. Alternatively, it is information specifying the type, size, processing depth of points in at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern, or the spacing or arrangement of adjacent points in a collection of points.

The line type is information indicating a straight line, a curved line, etc. The type of point is information indicating the shape of the point, such as a circle, ellipse, rectangle, or diamond. At least one of the first pattern and the second pattern may be configured to have periodicity or may be configured to be non-periodic. However, it is preferable to configure it so that it has periodicity because it can further simplify the specification of parameters.

At least one of the first pattern and the second pattern suitable for improving visibility, corresponding to at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern such as characters, codes, figures, or photographs. These processing parameters are determined in advance through experiments and simulations. The storage unit 63 stores a table showing the correspondence between at least one type of the first pattern and the second pattern and processing parameters.

The pattern parameter specifying unit 62 refers to the storage unit 63 and selects the first pattern and the second pattern based on information indicating the type of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern input from the pattern data input unit 61. It is possible to obtain and specify processing parameters for at least one of the patterns.

However, the specification method by the pattern parameter specification section 62 is not limited to the above-mentioned method. The pattern parameter designation unit 62 receives user instructions via the keyboard or pointing device of the control unit 6, and based on the instructions, refers to the storage unit 63 and processes at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern. Parameters may also be obtained.

Further, the pattern parameter specifying unit 62 may acquire processing parameters of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern generated by the user of the manufacturing apparatus 100 using the keyboard or pointing device of the control unit 6. .

The processing data generation unit 64 generates the first pattern based on pattern data of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern, and processing parameters of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern. and processing data for forming at least one of the second patterns.

The processing data includes rotation condition data for the rotation mechanism 3 to rotate the preform 30, scanning condition data for the laser irradiation section 2 to scan the processing laser beam 20, and rotation condition data for the laser irradiation section 2 to rotate the preform 30. and irradiation condition data for irradiating the processing laser beam 20 in synchronization with the processing laser beam 20. It also includes movement condition data for the movement mechanism 4 to move the preform 30 in the Y direction and dust collection condition data for the dust collection section 5 to perform a dust collection operation.

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

The laser irradiation control section 65 includes a light intensity control section 651 and a pulse control section 652, and controls the irradiation of the processing laser beam 20 onto the preform 30 by the laser light source 21 based on the irradiation condition data. Further, the laser irradiation control section 65 controls the timing of irradiation of the processing laser beam 20 onto the preform 30 in synchronization with the rotation of the preform 30 by the rotation mechanism 3 based on the synchronization detection signal from the synchronization detection section 25 . Note that since known techniques such as Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-073894 can be applied to the irradiation timing control using the synchronization detection signal, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

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

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

The laser scanning control section 66 controls the scanning of the processing laser beam 20 by the scanning section 23 based on the scanning condition data. Specifically, it controls turning on or off the drive of the scanning mirror, controls the drive frequency, etc.

The rotation control unit 67 controls turning on or off of the rotational drive of the preform 30 by the rotation mechanism 3, the rotation angle, the rotation direction, the rotation speed, etc., based on the rotation condition data. The rotation control unit 67 may rotate the preform 30 continuously in a predetermined rotation direction, or may rotate the preform 30 back and forth within a predetermined angle range such as ±90 degrees while switching the rotation direction. (sway).

The movement control unit 68 controls turning on or off of movement drive of the preform 30 by the movement mechanism 4, the movement direction, the movement amount, the movement speed, etc., based on the movement condition data.

The dust collection control unit 69 controls turning on or off of dust collection by the dust collection unit 5, the suction air flow rate or flow velocity, etc. based on the dust collection condition data. Note that a mechanism section for moving the dust collection section 5 is provided, and the movement of the dust collection section 5 is controlled by the mechanism section so that the dust collection section 5 is placed near the position where the processing laser beam 20 is irradiated. You may.

Next, changes in the properties of the base material constituting the preform 30 due to irradiation with the processing laser beam 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a change in properties of a preform base material due to irradiation with the processing laser beam 20.

FIG. 5(a) shows the shape of the recess formed by evaporating the base material on the surface of the preform, and FIG. 5(b) shows the shape of the recess formed by melting the base material on the surface of the preform. There is. In the case of FIG. 5(b), the peripheral edge of the recess has a raised shape compared to FIG. 5(a).

Further, FIG. 5(c) shows a change in the crystallization state on the surface of the base material of the preform, and FIG. 5(d) shows a change in the foaming state inside the base material of the preform.

In this way, by changing the shape of the surface of the preform, the crystallization state on the surface of the base material, the foaming state inside the base material, etc., the first layer can be added to the surface or inside the preform. At least one of the pattern and the second pattern can be formed.

As a method of vaporizing the base material on the surface of the preform to form a concave shape, for example, a pulsed 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 portion of the base material irradiated with the laser beam evaporates, forming minute recesses on the surface.

Furthermore, by irradiating a CW (Continuous Wave) laser with a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm, it is also possible to melt the base material and form a recess. Furthermore, if the laser beam continues to be irradiated even after the base material is melted, the inside and surface of the base material will foam and become cloudy.

In order to change the crystallization state, for example, use PET as the base material, irradiate it with a CW laser with a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm, raise the temperature of the base material all at once, and then slowly cool it by decreasing the power, etc. By doing so, the PET base material can be brought into a crystallized state and can be made cloudy. Note that when the temperature is raised and then rapidly cooled by, for example, turning off the laser beam, the PET becomes amorphous and becomes transparent.

Changes in the properties of the base material of the preform are not limited to those shown in FIG. The properties of the base material may be changed by yellowing, oxidation reaction, surface modification, etc. of the base material made of a resin material.

Here, embodiments of the resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. Further, the number, position, shape, etc. of the following constituent members are not limited to this embodiment, and can be set to a preferable number, position, shape, etc. for implementing the present invention.

<First embodiment>
6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing a preform 30 on which a first pattern 11 and a second pattern 12 are formed.
Preform 30 has a neck portion 14 and a main body portion 15.
The neck portion 14 includes a flat portion 16 , a threaded portion 17 (external thread), a neck ring 18 , and a support ring 19 .
The threaded portion 17 is formed on the flat portion 16 and is screwed onto the cap for sealing.
The neck ring 18 and the support ring 19 are formed to protrude from the flat part 16.
In FIG. 6A, the first pattern 11 is formed on the neck ring 18. In FIG. In FIG. 6B, the first pattern 11 is formed on the plane portion 16. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second pattern 12 is formed on the main body 15. In FIGS.

The first pattern forming means for forming the first pattern 11 and the second pattern forming means for forming the second pattern 12 may be the same device or may be different devices. Further, the first pattern means may be a mold in which the preform 30 is processed so that a shape such as a cutout is formed on the mold side during injection molding, or a printing device such as an inkjet printer or a laser marking device. It may be.
Further, these may be performed in different steps, for example, after the first pattern 11 is formed, the second pattern 12 may be formed, or there is another step after the first pattern forming step, and the second pattern 12 may be formed after the first pattern 11 is formed. The second pattern 12 may be formed after another step. Conversely, the first pattern 11 may be formed after forming the second pattern 12, or after forming the second pattern 12, there is another process, and after that other process, the first pattern 11 is formed. A pattern 11 may be formed.
It is more preferable that the process of forming the first pattern 11 and the process of forming the second pattern 12 are the same. It is further preferable that the first pattern forming step and the second pattern forming step are the same, since the positional deviation between the patterns will be small, and if they are performed using the same device, the positional deviation will be even smaller.

<Second embodiment>
In FIG. 7, a first pattern 11 and a second pattern 12 are formed on a preform 30, and the first pattern 11 formed on the preform 30 is near an opening for introducing blow air into the preform 30. The preform 30 and resin container 40 are shown before and after blow molding in the case of the above.
In FIG. 7, the area near the opening for blowing air where the first pattern 11 is formed in the preform 30 has a small expansion coefficient after blow molding, so it is excluded from the inspection target in advance by an appearance inspection machine. Once set, there will be no problem with visual inspection.

In FIG. 8, the first pattern 11 and the second pattern 12 are formed on the preform 30, and the first pattern 11 formed on the preform 30 is far from the opening for introducing blow air into the preform 30. The preform 30 and the resin container 40 are shown before and after blow molding.
In FIG. 8, the part of the preform 30 where the first pattern 11 is formed and is far from the opening for introducing blow air is under the second pattern 12 that is far from the opening for introducing blow air, compared to FIG. Therefore, the expansion rate after blow molding is high, which may cause visual problems. For example, there is a risk that the first pattern may be detected as abnormal in a visual inspection, or that the product may give the consumer the impression that foreign matter has been mixed in after the product is sold. Therefore, it is preferable that the first pattern 11 be formed near an opening for introducing blow air, where the expansion coefficient after blow molding is small.

FIG. 9 shows the preform 30 and resin before and after blow molding when the first pattern 11 and the second pattern 12 are formed on the preform 30, and the first pattern 11 is formed in the non-deformed area. A container 40 is shown.
In FIG. 9, the first pattern 11 is formed in a non-deformable area that does not deform when the preform 30 is blow-molded, and the non-deformable area is not subject to visual inspection after blow-molding and filling. There is an advantage that the pattern 11 of 1 is not detected as an abnormality. The non-deformable region 13 is a region shown in FIG. 10, which is not stretched during blow molding, and it is preferable to form the first pattern 11 in this non-deformable region 13. For example, FIG. 11A shows an example in which the first pattern 11 is formed on the neck ring 18. FIG. 11B shows an example in which the first pattern 11 is formed on a flat portion 16 near an opening for introducing blow air into the preform. FIG. 11C is an example in which the first pattern 11 is formed on the support ring 19.

<Third embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 12, when the preform 30 is blow-molded, if the cross-sectional shape of the main body is a resin container 40 that is blow-molded into a cylindrical shape, the second pattern 12 is always formed on the side surface of the cylindrical main body. will be expanded to. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the second pattern 12 is always enlarged at the same rate at any position on the cylindrical main body.
However, as shown in FIG. 14, when the preform 30 is blow-molded, if the resin container 40 is blow-molded so that the main body has a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape, a predetermined If the preform 30 is blow-molded without being placed in the blow mold at an angle of It will happen. In this case, if the first pattern 11 and the second pattern 12 are arranged in a constant manner, the circumferential arrangement of the preform 30 can be easily adjusted at a predetermined angle based on the first pattern 11. , as shown in FIG. 16, the second pattern 12 can be formed correctly. To detect the first pattern 11, there is a method of reading the first pattern with a camera and processing it with a computer to calculate a predetermined angle. The method of detecting the position of the first pattern 11 using the above method is preferable because it can be realized at low cost. There is also a method of reading the second pattern 12 with a camera and processing it with a computer to calculate a predetermined angle without using the first pattern 11. The method of detecting the position of is preferable because it can be realized at low cost.

The shape of the first pattern 11 is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose, but if it is formed as a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the resin container 40, the predetermined angle can be calculated with high precision. It is preferable from this point of view. Furthermore, if the length of the first pattern 11 is shortened within a range that can be detected by a non-contact sensor, the time to laser mark the first pattern 11 will be shortened, and the first pattern and the second pattern can be marked with the same laser. Since the time required for laser marking with the marking device is also shortened, the productivity of resin containers can be improved.

<Fourth embodiment>
When the preform 30 is blow-molded into a resin container 40 whose main body has a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. Even if the arrangement of the pattern 12 is determined, distortion occurs in the circumferential direction of the resin container 40 during blow molding, and the second pattern 12 is displayed across multiple surfaces, causing problems in terms of appearance and design. Sometimes.
When blow molding, the entire resin container is not blow molded with exactly the same expansion rate, so the second pattern is It is necessary to set pattern 12 in advance. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the circumferential length (mm) of the second pattern 12 formed on the preform 30 is "a", and as shown in FIG. "α" is the expansion rate (%) in the circumferential direction after molding, "L" is the length (mm) in the width direction of the surface of the resin container after blow molding where the second pattern 12 is formed, Assuming that the distance (mm) between the outer periphery of the second pattern 12 and the edge of the closest surface is "b", the second pattern 12 may span multiple surfaces if the following formula (1) is satisfied. can be prevented.
L-[(a×α)+(b×2)]≧0...Formula (1)

The distance b between the outer periphery of the second pattern 12 and the edge of the closest surface is preferably 3 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more from the standpoint of stably forming the second pattern.
The expansion rate α in the circumferential direction after the second pattern 12 is blow-molded is preferably 200% or more and 400% or less.
The circumferential length a of the second pattern 12 in the preform is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 22.0 mm or less.
The length L in the width direction of the surface of the resin container after blow molding on which the second pattern 12 is formed is preferably 40 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Examples of aspects of the present invention are as follows.
<1> A method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, comprising:
a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on the preform;
a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern;
A method for manufacturing a resin container, comprising:
<2> The method for manufacturing a resin container according to <1>, wherein the first pattern forming step and the second pattern forming step are the same step.
<3> The resin container according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein the first pattern is formed on the preform near an opening for introducing blow air into the preform. This is the manufacturing method.
<4> The resin according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein a location where the first pattern is formed on the preform is a non-deformable region that does not deform when blow molding the preform. This is a method for manufacturing a container.
<5> The method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the second pattern is at least one of a character, an image, and a figure.
<6> The method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the first pattern is formed by laser marking.
<7> The method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the second pattern is formed by laser marking.
<8> Any one of <1> to <7> above, wherein the preform is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to a mold during blow molding based on the first pattern formed on the preform. This is a method for manufacturing the resin container described above.
<9> A method for manufacturing a resin container in which the cross-sectional shape of the main body is blow molded to a non-cylindrical shape, wherein the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the resin container. A method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <1> to <8>.
<10> A method for manufacturing a resin container in which the cross-sectional shape of the main body is blow molded to a non-cylindrical shape, wherein the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the preform, and the following: The method for producing a resin container according to any one of <1> to <9> above, which satisfies the formula: L-[(a×α)+(b×2)]≧0.
However, in the above formula, a is the circumferential length (mm) of the second pattern formed on the preform, and α is the circumferential expansion rate (%) after the second pattern is blow-molded. ), L is the length (mm) in the width direction of the surface of the resin container after blow molding on which the second pattern is formed, and b is the distance between the outer periphery of the second pattern and the edge of the surface closest to it ( mm).
<11> A method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, comprising:
a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform;
a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on the preform based on the second pattern;
A method for manufacturing a resin container, comprising:
<12> An apparatus for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method,
a first pattern forming means for forming a first pattern on the preform;
a second pattern forming means for forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern;
This is a resin container manufacturing apparatus characterized by having the following.
<13> The resin container manufacturing apparatus according to <12>, wherein the first pattern forming means and the second pattern forming means are the same means.
<14> The resin container according to any one of <12> to <13>, wherein the first pattern is formed on the preform near an opening for introducing blow air into the preform. This is manufacturing equipment.
<15> The resin according to any one of <12> to <14>, wherein a location where the first pattern is formed on the preform is a non-deformable area that does not deform when blow molding the preform. This is a container manufacturing device.
<16> The resin container manufacturing apparatus according to any one of <12> to <15>, wherein the second pattern is at least one of a character, an image, and a figure.
<17> The resin container manufacturing apparatus according to any one of <12> to <16>, wherein the first pattern is formed by a laser marking device.
<18> The resin container manufacturing apparatus according to any one of <12> to <17>, wherein the second pattern is formed by a laser marking device.
<19> Any one of <12> to <18> above, wherein the preform is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to a mold during blow molding based on the first pattern formed on the preform. This is an apparatus for manufacturing the resin container described above.
<20> An apparatus for manufacturing a resin container in which a main body is blow molded to have a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape, wherein the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the resin container. The resin container manufacturing apparatus according to any one of <12> to <19>.
<21> An apparatus for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method,
a second pattern forming means for forming a second pattern on the preform;
a first pattern forming means for forming a first pattern on the preform based on the second pattern;
This is a resin container manufacturing apparatus characterized by having the following.
<22> An apparatus for manufacturing a resin container in which the cross-sectional shape of the main body is blow molded to a non-cylindrical shape, wherein the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the preform, and the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the preform, and The apparatus for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <11> to <19> above, which satisfies the formula, L-[(a×α)+(b×2)]≧0.
However, in the above formula, a is the circumferential length (mm) of the second pattern formed on the preform, and α is the circumferential expansion rate (%) after the second pattern is blow-molded. ), L is the length (mm) in the width direction of the surface of the resin container after blow molding on which the second pattern is formed, and b is the distance between the outer periphery of the second pattern and the edge of the surface closest to it ( mm).

According to the method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <1> to <11> and the apparatus for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of <12> to <22>, conventional problems can be solved. , the object of the present invention can be achieved.

11 First pattern 12 Second pattern 13 Non-deformable region 14 Neck portion 15 Main body portion 30 Preform 40 Resin container

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-310374

Claims (12)

A method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, the method comprising:
a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on the preform;
a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern;
A method for manufacturing a resin container, comprising: The method for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern forming step and the second pattern forming step are the same step. 3. The method for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern is formed on the preform near an opening through which blow air is introduced into the preform. 3. The method for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern is formed on the preform in a non-deformable area where the preform is not deformed during blow molding. 3. The method for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1, wherein the second pattern is at least one of a character, an image, and a figure. 3. The method for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern is formed by laser marking. 3. The method for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1, wherein the second pattern is formed by laser marking. Manufacturing the resin container according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the preform is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to a mold during blow molding based on the first pattern formed on the preform. Method. 2. A method for manufacturing a resin container in which the main body is blow molded to have a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape, wherein the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the resin container. 2. The method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of 2. A method for manufacturing a resin container in which the cross-sectional shape of the main body is blow-molded into a non-cylindrical shape, wherein the second pattern is formed on at least one surface of the main body of the preform, and the second pattern is formed by the following formula, L - [(a×α)+(b×2)]≧0, the method for manufacturing a resin container according to any one of claims 1 to 2.
However, in the above formula, a is the circumferential length (mm) of the second pattern formed on the preform, and α is the circumferential expansion rate (%) after the second pattern is blow-molded. ), L is the length (mm) in the width direction of the surface of the resin container after blow molding on which the second pattern is formed, and b is the distance between the outer periphery of the second pattern and the edge of the surface closest to it ( mm). A method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method, the method comprising:
a second pattern forming step of forming a second pattern on the preform;
a first pattern forming step of forming a first pattern on the preform based on the second pattern;
A method for manufacturing a resin container, comprising: An apparatus for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding method,
a first pattern forming means for forming a first pattern on the preform;
a second pattern forming means for forming a second pattern on the preform based on the first pattern;
A resin container manufacturing apparatus characterized by having: