Decoration method, decoration device, and decoration container

Abstract

To provide a method for decorating containers made of resin material that can improve visibility. [Solution] The decoration method comprises a first step of forming a decorative region on the surface of a resin container, where a different color from the container is applied, and a second step of applying decoration within the area of ​​the decorative region formed in the first step. In the first step, the decorative region can be formed from a modified layer by laser irradiation, or it can be formed by painting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for decorating a container made of a resin material with decorations including characters and figures, etc.

Background Art

[0002] In a beverage product filled in a container made of a resin material, from the perspective of environmental protection, label-free is recommended by eliminating a label made of a film made of a resin material. To achieve label-free, laser marking that applies decorations such as characters and figures by laser irradiation is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 proposes providing a predetermined cutout area in a pattern (decoration) by laser irradiation. The decoration having a cutout area in Patent Document 1 is such that only the edge of the decoration is drawn. According to Patent Document 1 that provides a cutout area, it is said that an identification display mark or the like can be drawn on a container made of a resin material and a pattern with high visibility can be drawn.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the decoration including the cutout area of Patent Document 1 is transparent around, it is necessary to further improve the visibility. From the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for decorating a container made of a resin material that can improve the visibility of laser marking.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The decoration method according to this disclosure comprises a first step of forming a decoration-forming region on the surface of a container made of resin material, wherein a different color from that of the container is applied to the surface of the container, and a second step of applying decoration within the area of ​​the decoration-forming region formed in the first step. In the decoration method according to this disclosure, in the first step, the decoration formation region can be formed from a modified layer by laser irradiation. Furthermore, the decoration method according to this disclosure may also be performed by forming a decoration formation area by printing in the first step, and then partially removing the printing by laser irradiation in the second step.

[0006] The decorative device according to this disclosure comprises a first processing unit that forms a decorative formation region on the surface of a container made of resin material, on which a different color from the container is applied, and a second processing unit that applies decoration within the range of the decorative formation region formed by the first processing unit. In the decorative device according to this disclosure, the first processing unit can form a decorative formation region as a modified layer by laser irradiation. Furthermore, in the decorative device according to this disclosure, the first processing unit can form a decorative area by printing, and the second processing unit can apply decoration by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation.

[0007] The decorative container according to this disclosure comprises a transparent container made of a resin material and a decorative object formed on the surface of the container, wherein the decorative object comprises a decorative forming region on the surface of the container that is a different color from the container and a decoration applied within the range of the decorative forming region. In the decorative container relating to this disclosure, the decorative formation region is a modified layer formed by laser irradiation. Furthermore, in the decorative container relating to this disclosure, the decorative formation area is applied by printing, and the decoration is This is achieved by partially removing the printed material using laser irradiation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a method for decorating a container made of resin material is provided that can improve the visibility of laser markings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for a method of decorating a container according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows a container obtained by the decoration method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for a method of decorating a container according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows a container obtained by the decoration method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the decorative device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows two examples of control configurations for a decorative device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the decorative device relating to the second form. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the schematic configuration of the decorative device according to the second form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes the decoration method, decoration apparatus, and decorated container according to the embodiment, with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below include a first and a second embodiment. In the decoration method according to the first embodiment, a decoration formation area is formed by laser irradiation as the first step, and then decoration is applied within the area of ​​the decoration formation area. In the decoration method according to the second embodiment, a decoration formation area is formed by printing as the first step, and then decoration is applied within the area of ​​the decoration formation area by laser irradiation. Thus, the first and second embodiments differ in the method of forming the decoration formation area. The following describes the basic procedures of the first and second embodiments in order, and then specific examples of apparatus for implementing the first and second embodiments are described.

[0011] [First form] [Basic procedure: Figures 1 and 2] First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the procedure for the basic decoration method of the first form will be explained. The first form forms a decorative formation region DA composed of a deteriorated layer whitened by irradiating the surface of the container PB with laser light (Fig. 1 S101 (the first step), Fig. 2), and then within the range of the decorative formation region DA, decoration is applied by partially applying ink (paint) to the surface of the deteriorated layer (Fig. 1 S103 (the second step), Fig. 2). In the drawings since the decorative formation region DA cannot be shown in white, it is shown in gray, and the colorless and transparent parts are shown in white.

[0012] [Container PB] The container PB is composed of a resin material in which a deteriorated layer whitened by laser irradiation is formed. The most typical of this resin material is PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate), and most of the beverage containers PB made of resin materials currently distributed in the market are made of PET. PET containers are colorless or colored and transparent. Other applicable resin materials than PET include PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene), PS (Polystyrene), etc. ethylene terephthalate), and most of the beverage containers PB made of resin materials currently distributed in the market are made of PET. PET containers are colorless or colored and transparent. Other applicable resin materials than PET include PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene), PS (Polystyrene), etc. propylene), PE (Polyethylene), PS (Polystyrene), etc. There are. The shape of the container PB in this embodiment is arbitrary, such as rectangular or circular in plan view. Also, the dimensions of the container PB are arbitrary.

[0013] [Formation of deteriorated layer by laser irradiation: Fig. 1 S101 (the first step), Fig. 2] By irradiating the container PB with laser light having a wavelength, output, and time suitable for various resin materials, a whitened deteriorated layer can be formed. This deteriorated layer corresponds to the decorative formation region DA and exhibits a color different from that of the resin material constituting the container PB. Also, the formation of this decorative formation region DA corresponds to the first processing unit of the present disclosure. The deteriorated layer formed by laser light irradiation is formed by two factors, foaming and unevenness, as described below. When laser light is irradiated onto the resin material that makes up the container PB, gas bubbles are generated inside the resin material due to the heat effect. The gasified and evaporated bubbles become trapped near the surface of the container PB, forming whitened raised areas on the surface. This raised area also contributes to the whitening by creating irregularities on the surface of the container PB. This altered layer caused by laser light irradiation appears white due to the diffuse reflection of light, such as sunlight, that is irradiated onto it.

[0014] In this diffuse reflection, if the constituent resin material is a colorless and transparent container PB, the total light transmittance Tt hardly decreases, but the parallel line transmittance Pt decreases due to the diffusion and reflection of incident light. As a result, the degree of haze, defined by the following equation (1), increases, and the transparent container PB appears whitened. According to this embodiment, a haze of 60% or more can be obtained, and even higher haze of 70% or more can be obtained. Haze(%)=(Tt-Pt) / Tt×100 … (1) Furthermore, if the resin material constituting the container PB is colorless and transparent, the whitened altered layer will appear white, but if the resin material is colored and transparent, it will appear with a whitish tint. For example, if the resin material is green, it can be made light green by irradiating it with laser light to add a white tint to the green. In this embodiment, these discolorations are also referred to as whitening.

[0015] While liquids, gases, and solids can be used as laser media to emit laser light, in this embodiment, for example, one can be selected from the following gaseous or solid laser media. The values ​​in parentheses indicate the wavelength. <Gas laser> CO2 laser (10.6 μm, 9.3 μm) Excimer laser (XeCl: 308nm, KrF: 248nm, ArF: 193nm) Ar laser (514nm, 488nm) <Solid-state laser> YAG laser (1064nm), YVO4 laser (1064nm) YLF laser (1064nm), fiber laser (1070nm)

[0016] For example, the standard wavelength (10.6 μm) and short wavelength (9.3 μm) of a CO2 laser affect the resin material. There are differences in thermal effects based on the difference in transmittance to the PET material. In other words, the transmittance is lower at shorter wavelengths (9.3 μm) than at standard wavelengths (10.6 μm), and the elevation caused by laser irradiation is suppressed at shorter wavelengths (9.3 μm), so it is possible to use both standard wavelengths (10.6 μm) and shorter wavelengths (9.3 μm) depending on the application.

[0017] Mirror (reflector) In addition to directly irradiating the container PB with laser light, the container PB can also be irradiated via a diffractive optical element (DOE). This diffractive optical element is decorative. It is used to process a wide area called the DA region by irradiating it with laser light in a short amount of time. A diffractive optical element is an optical element that controls the diffraction phenomenon of light, allowing for efficient irradiation of laser light to a targeted area or irradiation in a special pattern. In this embodiment, by diffusing the laser light, irradiation of a wide area with laser light is performed in a short time. Other components of the diffractive optical element include, for example, a glass diffusion plate. Even using this method, laser light irradiation can be processed in a short time. Laser light emitted from diffractive optical elements, glass diffusers, etc., is reflected by mirrors (reflectors). Furthermore, the direction in which the emitted laser beam travels can be changed to irradiate the container PB. For this mirror, aluminum, copper, or molybdenum are used as the base material, with a protective film formed on the surface of the base material. Copper and molybdenum are used with high-power CO2 lasers that have high heat output. The mirror can be used individually or in combination with other mirrors.

[0018] The shape of the decorative formation region DA formed by laser irradiation is arbitrary. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the decorative formation region DA may be part of the container PB, or it may be continuous in the circumferential direction. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the decorative formation region DA may be rectangular, circular, or a polygon with pentagons or more.

[0019] [Decoration by printing: Figure 1 S103 (Step 2), Figure 2] Once the decorative formation area DA is formed, ink is applied within the range of the decorative formation area DA to create decorative elements such as letters and figures (LD, SD). The formation of these decorative elements (LD, SD) corresponds to the second processing unit of this disclosure. For printing, inkjet printing can be suitably used, for example. An inkjet printer is a printer that expresses colors and characters by spraying ink onto a printing medium, which is a container PB. It mainly uses heat and pressure to finely break up the ink particles, and expresses the printed image through the relative left-right movement of the head and the container PB. In inkjet printing, color printing uses multiple colors such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, but if a subtractive color mixing method is used to reproduce other colors by mixing these colors, the reproducibility of the color can be improved.

[0020] Inkjet inks consist of liquids, gels, etc., containing dyes and pigments, but in this embodiment, liquid ink is preferably used. Liquid inks include solvent inks in which the pigment is dissolved in an organic solvent, but ultraviolet (UV) light is also used. It is preferable to use UV-curing ink, which hardens when exposed to UV light, because UV-curing ink is fast-drying.

[0021] After decoration is applied using UV-curing ink, the decorated area is irradiated with ultraviolet light to cure the UV-curing ink. However, if the base coat is prepared using the UV-curing primer ink shown below, the primer will also be cured by this ultraviolet irradiation.

[0022] [Surface preparation: Figure 1 S102] Prior to printing on the decorative formation area DA, it is preferable to apply a primer to facilitate ink application. This primer is applied by coating with a primary. The primer is preferably applied by inkjet, but may also be applied by other means such as a brush or roller. The type of primer used is arbitrary as long as the purpose is achieved, but it is preferable to use a fast-drying, UV-curing primer.

[0023] After applying a UV-curable primer to the surface of the decorative formation area DA, the primer is cured by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. However, it is preferable to stop the irradiation of ultraviolet light before complete curing is achieved. This incomplete curing is called partial curing. Partial curing is maintained to ensure the curing stability of the UV-curable primer and to prevent bleeding of the ink applied afterward.

[0024] [Hardening treatment: Figure 1 S104] After applying and partially curing the primer, the aforementioned printing decoration and UV irradiation are performed. This UV irradiation cures the ink as well as the partially cured UV-curable primer.

[0025] [Second form: Figures 3 and 4] Next, the basic procedure of the second form will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the second embodiment, a decorative formation region DA is formed by printing by applying ink to the surface of the container PB (Figure 3 S201 (first step), Figure 4), and then within the range of the decorative formation region DA Then, decoration is applied by partially removing the altered layer by irradiation with laser light (Figure 3 S20). 3 (Second Step), Figure 4). Note that elements common to the first form will be omitted in the following explanation. For example, the container PB in the second form is the same as in the first form, so its explanation is omitted.

[0026] [Formation of altered layer by printing: Figure 3 S201 (1st step), Figure 4] In the second form, printing is applied to form the decorative formation region DA using the altered layer. In the second form, this printing can be carried out in the same way as the decorative printing in the first form. That is, by applying the inkjet printing method, UV-curing ink, and surface treatment methods used in the first form, a modified layer can be formed in the second form through printing. This modified layer also exhibits a different color from the resin material that constitutes the container PB. In the first form, printing is intended for decoration, so letters, figures, etc., are printed. However, in the second form, printing is intended to form a decorative area DA, so the actual printed content may not be the same. In the decorative area DA, the printing may be limited to simple shapes, such as rectangles, and only in single colors. Nevertheless, even in the second form, it is permitted to draw letters, figures, etc., within the decorative area DA.

[0027] [Decoration by laser light irradiation: Figure 3 S203 (second step), Figure 4] In the second form, laser light irradiation is applied to the decorative method. In the second embodiment, laser irradiation can be performed in the same way as the laser irradiation used to form the decorative formation region DA in the first embodiment. In other words, decoration can be applied in the second embodiment by applying the laser medium, diffractive optical element, and irradiation via mirrors as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the laser irradiation is intended to form a decorative formation region DA, while in the second embodiment, the laser irradiation is intended to apply decoration. Therefore, the actual irradiation may not be the same. If decoration is to be applied, it is necessary to irradiate the laser beam in a way that follows the complex shape in order to form letters, figures, and other complex shapes.

[0028] [Effects of the decorative methods relating to the first and second forms] The decoration methods according to the first and second embodiments use a different color from the resin material that constitutes the container PB. A decorative formation region DA is formed, and decorative elements such as letters and figures are applied within the scope of this decorative formation region DA. Therefore, even if the decorative elements LD and SD are the same color as the container PB, they have high visibility because of the decorative formation region DA surrounding them.

[0029] [Example of device configuration: Figures 5, 6, 7, 8] Next, an example of the configuration of an apparatus capable of implementing the decoration method according to the first embodiment and the decoration method according to the second embodiment described above will be explained with reference to the drawings. The example of the apparatus configuration includes a decoration device 1 on which a container PB is transported along a straight transport path, and a decoration device 2 on which a container PB is transported along an arc-shaped path. Decoration device 1 is applied exclusively to containers PB with a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and decoration device 2 is applied exclusively to containers PB with a circular shape when viewed from above. Decoration device 1 can decorate any two surfaces, front and back, of a rectangular container PB, and decoration device 2 can decorate the entire outer surface of a circular container PB.

[0030] [Decorative device 1 corresponding to the first form: Figures 5 and 6] The decorative device 1 corresponding to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The decorative device 1 is provided on the upstream side of the transport path 10, which is a transport path 10 through which the container PB is transported. The decorative device 1 comprises a laser irradiation unit 20, a primer printing unit 30 located downstream of the laser irradiation unit 20 in the transport path 10, and a first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40 located downstream of the primer printing unit 30 in the transport path 10. In addition, the decorative device 1 comprises a printing unit 50 located downstream of the first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40 in the transport path 10, and a second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 located downstream of the printing unit 50 in the transport path 10. The components of the decorative device 1 will be described in order below. In the decorative device 1, the upstream and downstream directions are indicated by U (upstream) and D (downstream), respectively in Figure 5. However, upstream and downstream are relative. Also, in the decorative device 1, the transport direction X and the width direction Y are defined as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, although the decorative device 1 corresponding to the first embodiment will be described below, the second embodiment can also be implemented with the configuration of the decorative device 1. This also applies to the decorative device 2 described later, and the first embodiment can also be implemented with the configuration of the decorative device 2.

[0031] [Conveyor path 10] The transport path 10 comprises a first transport path 11 located at the uppermost (U) end, a second transport path 13 that partially overlaps with the first transport path 11 in the planar direction, a third transport path 15 that partially overlaps with the second transport path 13, and a fourth transport path 17 that partially overlaps with the third transport path 15. Each of the first transport path 11, the second transport path 13, the third transport path 15, and the fourth transport path 17 is, for example, composed of a belt conveyor. These belt conveyors are driven by a power source not shown in the diagram. Here, it is preferable that the coefficient of friction between the surface of the conveyor belt that makes up the second transport path 13 on which the container PB is placed and the bottom surface of the container PB is higher than that of the conveyor belt of other transport paths such as the first transport path 11. This is to prevent the container PB from shifting position in the second transport path 13, where decorative processing is applied. As an example, the coefficient of friction in the second transport path 13 is set to 0.3 to 0.5, while the coefficient of friction in the other transport paths is set to 0.1 to 0.2.

[0032] The first transport path 11 receives multiple containers PB continuously supplied from upstream (U) and transports the containers PB toward the second transport path 13. A pair of dividers 12 are provided on both sides of the first transport path 11 in the width direction Y, and the dividers 12 adjust the spacing of the containers PB being transported toward the second transport path 13. Downstream D from the dividers 12, a fixed guide 14 is provided to assist in the transfer of containers PB from the first transport path 11 to the second transport path 13. The fixed guide 14 is provided at an angle to the first transport path 11 and the second transport path 13, thereby preventing containers PB from tipping over during transfer from the first transport path 11 to the second transport path 13.

[0033] [Laser irradiation section 20 to second ultraviolet irradiation section 60] Facing the second transport path 13, a laser irradiation unit 20, a primer printing unit 30, a first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40, and a printing unit 50 are provided. The laser irradiation unit 20 is provided through the width direction Y of the second transport path 13 and includes a laser irradiation chamber 21 that houses a laser irradiator 23 inside, and laser irradiators 23 provided inside the laser irradiation chamber 21 on both sides in the width direction Y of the second transport path 13. The laser irradiators 23 irradiate the opposing side surfaces F of the container PB with laser light. This irradiation of laser light forms a decorative formation area DA on each of the side surfaces F. However, if only one side surface F of the container PB is to be irradiated with laser light, the laser irradiator 23 only needs to be provided on one side in the width direction Y of the second transport path 13.

[0034] The container PB, on which a decorative formation area DA has been formed by irradiation with laser light in the laser irradiation section 20, travels along the second transport path 13 to the primer printing section 30. The primer printing unit 30 includes primer inkjet printers (IJPs) 31 provided on both sides of the second transport path 13 in the width direction Y. The primer IJPs 31 print a UV-curable primer onto each of the side surfaces F of the container PB where the decorative formation area DA is formed. The primer is preferably applied only to the area where printing is performed in the primer printing section 30, but it may also be applied to at least the entire area of ​​the decorative formation section DA. The primer printing section 30 does not necessarily have a housing for the primer IJP 31. The same applies to the printing section 50, which will be described later.

[0035] Containers PB, on which a UV-curable primer has been printed in the primer printing section 30, travel along the second transport path 13 to the first ultraviolet irradiation section 40. The first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40 is provided through the width direction Y of the second transport path 13 and includes an ultraviolet irradiation chamber 41 that houses an ultraviolet irradiator 43 inside, and ultraviolet irradiators 43 provided inside the ultraviolet irradiation chamber 41 on both sides of the width direction Y of the second transport path 13. The ultraviolet irradiators 43 cure the UV-curable primer printed in the primer printing unit 30 by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. However, as described above, the curing of the UV-curable primer in the first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40 is only partial curing.

[0036] The container PB, which has undergone partial curing of the UV-curable primer in the first ultraviolet irradiation section 40, travels along the second transport path 13 to the printing section 50. The printing unit 50 includes decorative inkjet printers (IJPs) 51 provided on both sides of the second transport path 13 in the width direction Y. The decorative IJPs 51 decorate each side F of the container PB, which has a UV-curable primer formed on it, with UV-curable ink. The UV-curable ink is applied within the range of the decoration formation area DA along predetermined characters, figures, etc.

[0037] The container PB, which has been decorated with UV-curing ink in the printing section 50, travels along the second transport path 13 and the third transport path 15 to the second ultraviolet irradiation section 60. The second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 is provided through the width direction Y of the second transport path 13 and includes an ultraviolet irradiation chamber 61 that houses an ultraviolet irradiator 63 inside, and ultraviolet irradiators 63 provided inside the ultraviolet irradiation chamber 61 on both sides of the width direction Y of the second transport path 13. The ultraviolet irradiators 63 cure the decoration and primer by irradiating the decoration made of UV-curable ink printed in the printing unit 50 with ultraviolet light. Unlike the first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40, the curing here is complete.

[0038] The container PB, which has been irradiated with ultraviolet light in the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60, is transferred from the third transport path 15 to the fourth transport path 17, and is further transported downstream (D) by the fourth transport path 17.

[0039] Incidentally, there are at least two options for controlling the operation of the laser irradiation unit 20, primer printing unit 30, first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40, printing unit 50, and second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60. These two options will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The two options are the first option (Figure 6 Option 1) and the second option (Figure 6 Option 2). The first option shows an example in which the operation of the laser irradiation unit 20 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 is controlled independently, while the second option shows an example in which the operation of the laser irradiation unit 20 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 is controlled in coordination.

[0040] Option 1 involves providing sensors S20 to S60, corresponding to each of the laser irradiation unit 20 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60, to detect the container PB. For example, when sensor S20, which corresponds to the laser irradiation unit 20, detects the container PB, the laser irradiation unit 20 operates and irradiates the container PB with laser light. Also, when sensor S40, which corresponds to the first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40, detects the container PB, the first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40 operates and irradiates the container PB with ultraviolet light.

[0041] The second option (Option 2) corresponds to the entire area from the laser irradiation unit 20 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60. A single sensor S for detecting the container PB is provided in front of the laser irradiation unit 20. For example, when the sensor S provided in front of the laser irradiation unit 20 detects the container PB, the controller 100 acquires the detection information and sends an operation instruction to the laser irradiation unit 20 at a predetermined timing. Upon receiving the operation instruction, the laser irradiation unit 20 irradiates the container PB with laser light. When the controller 100 acquires the detection information, it sends instructions to the primer printing unit 30 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 and the encoder EC of the servo motor SM to operate at their respective timings.

[0042] [Decorative device 2 corresponding to the second form: Figures 7 and 8] The decorative device 2, corresponding to the second form, will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Since the fundamental difference between decorative device 2 and decorative device 1 is that the path through which the container PB is transported is arc-shaped, elements identical to those in decorative device 1 will be given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted as much as possible.

[0043] The decorative device 2 rotates the orbital table 71 in a predetermined direction around the first central axis C1 in order to transport the container PB placed on it along the circumferential direction, and also rotates the container PB placed on the rotating table 73 around its second central axis C2. Hereinafter, the rotation of the orbital table 71 in a predetermined direction around the first central axis C1 will be referred to as the orbit of the container PB, and the rotation of the container PB around the second central axis C2 will be referred to as the rotation of the container PB. The conveying device 2 includes an input machine 81 for loading containers PB to be decorated, and an output machine 83 for unloading the decorated containers PB. The input machine 81 and the output machine 83 are, for example, composed of a rotating star wheel.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the decorative device 2 comprises a revolving table 71 rotated by a first electric motor 72, and a plurality of rotating tables 73 provided on the revolving table 71 and rotated by a second electric motor 74. Note that, as an example, the first electric motor 72 and the second electric motor 74 rotate clockwise in Figure 7. The rotating tables 73 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction near the outer surface of the revolving table 71. When these rotating tables 73 are arranged in the circumferential direction and the revolving table 71 rotates, an arc-shaped transport path 10 is formed. The rotating tables 73 are also driven to rotate by a second electric motor 74 when a container PB is placed on them. This rotational drive is performed to treat the outer surface of the container PB with the laser irradiation unit 20 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60. In the decorative device 2, as an example, 24 rotating tables 73 are provided, but this number is only an example.

[0045] The decoration device 2 has a primer printing unit 30, a first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40, a printing unit 50, a laser irradiation unit 20, and a second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 arranged in this order around the revolving table 71. In the decoration device 2, the printing unit 50 forms the decoration formation area DA, and the laser irradiation unit 20 applies the decoration. The decoration procedure for container PB in the decoration device 2 will be described below. In the decoration device 2, when processing container PB in each of the primer printing unit 30 to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60, the revolving table 73 on which the container PB is placed is rotated, so that each process can be applied to the entire outer circumference of the container PB. For example, in the primer printing unit 30, which the container PB passes through first, a UV-curable primer is printed over the entire outer circumference of the container PB.

[0046] The primer printing unit 30 is equipped with a primer inkjet printer (IJP) 31 on the outside of the orbital table 71. The primer IJP 31 prints a UV-curable primer on the side surface F of the container PB. The primer may be formed over the entire area in the outer periphery direction or only over a predetermined area in the outer periphery direction. In any case, while the primer is being printed by the primer printing unit 30, the container PB rotates together with the rotational table 73. While the primer is being printed in section 30, the orbital table 71 is stopped.

[0047] Containers PB, on which a UV-curable primer has been printed in the primer printing section 30, are transferred to the first ultraviolet irradiation section 40 by the rotation of the revolving table 71. Once the containers PB have been transferred to the first ultraviolet irradiation section 40, the revolving table 71 stops rotating. The first ultraviolet irradiation unit 40 is equipped with an ultraviolet irradiator 43. The ultraviolet irradiator 43 irradiates the UV-curable primer printed in the primer printing unit 30 with ultraviolet light to cure the primer. Here, the curing of the primer is limited to partial curing, similar to the decorative device 1. The container PB is irradiated with ultraviolet light to the area where the primer is printed during one rotation by, for example, the rotating table 73. The irradiation with ultraviolet light is not limited to one rotation but is carried out over two or more rotations. This is also acceptable. Once the irradiation of the predetermined line of sight is complete, the rotation of the rotating table 73 stops. Note that the description of the ultraviolet irradiation chamber 41 has been omitted. The same applies to the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 and the laser irradiation unit 20, which will be described below.

[0048] The container PB, which has undergone partial curing of the UV-curable primer in the first ultraviolet irradiation section 40, is moved to the printing section 50 by the rotation of the revolving table 71. The printing unit 50 is equipped with an inkjet printer (IJP) 52 for decorative formation areas. The IJP 52 for decorative formation areas forms decorative formation areas DA on the side surface F of the container PB, which has a UV-curable primer formed on it, using UV-curable ink. These decorative formation areas DA also exhibit a different color from the container PB. The UV-curable ink is applied and printed to the area corresponding to the predetermined decorative formation area DA, that is, the area where the primer has been printed. While printing is being performed in the printing unit 50, the orbital table 71 is stopped.

[0049] In the decoration device 2, as shown in Figure 7, the IJP 52 for the decoration formation area is provided with IJP 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E corresponding to five colors: black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and gray, respectively, enabling the printing of a colored pattern in the decoration formation area DA. A printer that supports multiple colors, such as these five colors, is also applied to the decoration device 1.

[0050] The container PB, which has been decorated with UV-curing ink in the printing section 50, is moved to the second ultraviolet irradiation section 60 by the rotation of the revolving table 71. The second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 is equipped with an ultraviolet irradiator 63. However, in the second embodiment, the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60 is equipped with ultraviolet irradiators 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D, and 63E, which are provided in correspondence with each of the decorative forming area IJP 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E that constitute the printing unit 50. In other words, the decorative forming area DA, which is made of UV-curable ink printed with the decorative forming area IJP 52A, is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator 63A to cure the decorative forming area DA and the primer. The decorative forming area DA, which is made of UV-curable ink printed with the next decorative forming area IJP 52B, is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiator 63B to cure the decorative forming area DA and the primer. While ultraviolet light is being irradiated in the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60, the orbital table 71 is stopped.

[0051] After completing ultraviolet irradiation in the second ultraviolet irradiation unit 60, container PB moves to the laser irradiation unit 20 by the rotation of the revolving table 71. The laser irradiation unit 20 includes a laser irradiator 23. The laser irradiator 23 irradiates the side surface F of the container PB with laser light. By irradiating with this laser light, the decorative formation area DA created by printing is partially removed, thereby applying decoration within the area DA of the decorative formation area DA of the container PB.

[0052] [Effects produced by decorative device 1 and decorative device 2] Decorative devices 1 and 2 are made of a different color from the resin material that makes up container PB. A decorative formation area DA is formed, and decorative elements such as letters and figures are applied within the scope of this decorative formation area DA. Therefore, even if the decorative elements LD and SD are the same color as the container PB, they have high visibility because of the decorative formation area DA surrounding them.

[0053] [Note] The decoration method according to this disclosure comprises a first step of forming a decoration-forming region on the surface of a container made of resin material, in which a different color from that of the container is applied, and a second step of applying decoration within the area of ​​the decoration-forming region formed in the first step. In the first step of this disclosure, the decoration-forming region is formed from a modified layer by laser irradiation. This decoration method creates a decorative area of ​​a different color from the resin material that makes up the container, and decorations such as letters and figures are applied within this decorative area. Therefore, even if the decoration is the same color as the container, it has high visibility because of the decorative area surrounding it. If this altered layer exhibits white color due to diffuse reflection of irradiated light, it is possible to form a decorative area at low cost without using expensive white ink.

[0054] Furthermore, this altered layer forms irregularities and bubbles on its surface, making it more susceptible to diffuse reflection of light compared to the surrounding surface. This decorative method allows for the formation of decorative areas at low cost without using expensive white ink, as the surface appears white due to diffuse reflection.

[0055] In the second step of this disclosure, decoration can be applied to the surface of the decoration formation region by printing. This decoration method allows for a reduction in the amount of ink used, resulting in low-cost and safe decoration.

[0056] In the first step, when forming a decorative region from a modified layer by laser irradiation, the laser irradiation of the container surface can be performed via a diffractive optical element, or via a mirror in addition to a diffractive optical element. This decoration method allows for efficient laser irradiation of the container.

[0057] In the first step of this disclosure, a decorative formation area is formed by printing, and in the second step, the decoration can be applied by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation. This decorative method allows for the creation of a decorative area with excellent design, including color and patterns.

[0058] In the decorative method disclosed herein, the container can be made of transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as the resin material. This decoration method allows for highly visible decorations to be applied to commonly used transparent PET containers.

[0059] According to this disclosure, a decorative device is provided, comprising: a first processing unit that forms a decorative forming region on the surface of a container made of resin material, which is a different color from the container; and a second processing unit that applies decoration within the range of the decorative forming region formed by the first processing unit. In the decorative apparatus of this disclosure, the first processing unit forms the decorative formation region as a modified layer by laser irradiation. Furthermore, in the decorative apparatus of this disclosure, the first processing unit forms a decorative formation area by printing, and the second processing unit applies the decoration by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation. According to this decorative device, a decorative forming area made of a different color from the resin material that makes up the container is formed. A decorative area is formed, and within that area, decorations such as letters and figures are applied. Therefore, even if the decoration is the same color as the container, it has high visibility because of the decorative area surrounding it.

[0060] According to this disclosure, a decorative container is provided, comprising a transparent container made of a resin material and a decorative element formed on the surface of the container, wherein the decorative element comprises a decorative forming region on the surface of the container that is a different color from the container, and decoration applied within the area of ​​the decorative forming region. In the decorative container of this disclosure, the decorative formation region is a modified layer due to laser irradiation. Furthermore, in the decorative container of this disclosure, the decorative formation area is applied by printing, and the decoration is applied by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation. This decorative container forms a decorative area of ​​a different color from the resin material that makes up the container, and decorations such as letters and figures are applied within the area of ​​this decorative area. Therefore, even if the decoration is the same color as the container, it has high visibility because of the decorative area surrounding it.

[0061] In addition to the above, it is possible to select or replace the configurations listed in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1,2 Decorative devices 10 Conveyor path 11. First transport route 12 dividers 13. Second transport route 14,16 Fixed Guide 15 Third transport route 17. Fourth transport route 20 Laser irradiation section 21 Laser irradiation room 23. Laser irradiator 30. Primer Printing Department 31. Inkjet printer for primers 40 1st ultraviolet irradiation section 41 Ultraviolet irradiation room 43 Ultraviolet irradiator 50 Printing Department 51 Decorative inkjet printers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E Inkjet printer for decorative formation areas 60 2nd UV irradiation section 61 Ultraviolet irradiation room 63,63A,63B,63C,63D,63E Ultraviolet irradiator 71 Orbital Table 72 First Electric Motor 73 Rotating Table 74. Second electric motor 81 Loading machine 83 Unloader 100 controllers S, S20, S40, S60 sensors PB container LD, SD decoration C1 1st center axis C2 2nd central axis DA decorative formation area F side X Conveying direction Y width direction

Claims

1. A first step is to form a decorative region on the surface of a container made of resin material, in which a different color from that of the container is applied. The process comprises a second step of applying decoration to the area within the decoration forming region formed in the first step, In the first step described above, The decoration method is characterized in that the decoration formation region is formed from a modified layer by laser irradiation.

2. The altered layer forms irregularities and bubbles on its surface, and the light irradiated upon it is more easily diffusely reflected compared to the surrounding surface. The decorative method according to claim 1.

3. In the second step described above, The decoration is applied to the surface of the decoration forming region by printing. The decorative method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. In the first step described above, The laser irradiation of the surface of the container is performed via a diffractive optical element, or via a mirror in addition to the diffractive optical element. The decoration method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A first step is to form a decorative region on the surface of a container made of resin material, in which a different color from that of the container is applied. The process comprises a second step of applying decoration to the area within the decoration forming region formed in the first step, In the first step described above, The aforementioned decorative formation area is formed by printing. In the second step described above, A method of decoration in which the decoration is applied by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation.

6. The container is made of transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as the resin material. The decoration method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

7. A first processing unit that forms a decorative forming region on the surface of a resin material container, in which a different color from the container is applied; The system comprises a second processing unit that applies decoration to the area within the decoration formation region formed by the first processing unit, The first processing unit is, A decorative device that forms the decorative formation region as an altered layer by laser irradiation.

8. A first processing unit that forms a decorative forming region on the surface of a resin material container, in which a different color from the container is applied; The system comprises a second processing unit that applies decoration to the area within the decoration formation region formed by the first processing unit, The first processing unit forms the decorative formation area by printing, The second processing unit is a decorative device that applies the decoration by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation.

9. A transparent container made of resin material, The container comprises a decorative element formed on its surface, The aforementioned ornament is The surface of the container is a decorative forming region in which a different color from that of the container is applied, The decoration is applied within the area of ​​the aforementioned decorative forming region, The aforementioned decorative formation region is a decorative container which is a modified layer due to laser irradiation.

10. A transparent container made of resin material, The container comprises a decorative element formed on its surface, The aforementioned ornament is The surface of the container is a decorative forming region in which a different color from that of the container is applied, The decoration is applied within the area of ​​the aforementioned decorative forming region, The aforementioned decorative formation area is formed by printing. A decorative container in which the decoration is applied by partially removing the printing by laser irradiation.

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