Storage container and storage body

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container. and Containment On the body Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, containers such as PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) bottles have been known to have labels affixed to them that display images such as the product name, ingredients, expiration date, barcode, QR code (registered trademark), recycle mark, logo mark, etc. Attempts have also been made to display images such as designs and pictures that appeal to consumers on labels in order to demonstrate the individuality of products and increase their competitiveness.

[0003] Meanwhile, marine pollution caused by plastic waste has recently come under scrutiny, and global efforts to eliminate pollution from plastic waste are gaining momentum, leading to a growing demand for closed-loop recycling of storage containers. Here, closed-loop recycling of storage containers refers to recycling companies converting used, separated and collected storage containers into flakes, which are the raw material for storage containers, and then manufacturing the new storage containers.

[0004] To smoothly advance this type of circular recycling, it is preferable to thoroughly separate and collect waste by the material of the container or label, etc. However, the task of removing labels from containers for separate collection is time-consuming, and this is one of the constraints to thorough separate collection.

[0005] To solve the above problems, for example, a printing method for resin molded articles has been proposed, in which a thermoplastic resin molded article is impregnated with 0.1 to 20.0 wt % of carbon dioxide and / or 0.03 to 1.0 wt % of nitrogen, and then the residual carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen concentration on the surface of the molded article as measured by infrared total reflection spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy is maintained at 20 wt % or more relative to the gas concentration on the surface of the molded article immediately after impregnation with carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen, and the surface temperature of the molded article is set to 21.5°C or less, and then the molded article is irradiated with a laser at an output of 0.3 to 6 W (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a foaming print is applied to the surface and / or interior of a thermoplastic resin molded article impregnated with carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen by laser irradiation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a storage container that has a higher contrast image and allows for smooth circular recycling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The storage container of the present invention as a means for solving the above problems comprises a container body and a visible area on the container body, the image forming area has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body, and the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area; The visible area allows the image The aforementioned The visible area is formed on the container body, and is formed by a collection of first patterns. the image forming area includes a plurality of bubbles, and the area ratio of the visible area to the total bubbles when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of the image forming area to the total bubbles. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storage container that has a higher contrast image and allows for smooth circular recycling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a storage container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional storage container. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another example of the storage container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a storage container according to the second embodiment, in which the image forming region has a structure containing a crystalline phase. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the peak intensity of X-ray diffraction and the degree of crystallinity. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the observation of spherulites in the laser-irradiated and non-laser-irradiated areas in the image formation region. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another view showing the spherulites observed in the laser-irradiated and non-laser-irradiated areas in the image formation region. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a container according to the third embodiment, in which the image forming area has a structure containing a plurality of bubbles. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of a storage container according to the fourth embodiment, in which the image forming region has a structure including a fine concave-convex structure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of a storage container according to the fifth embodiment in which a sheet-like member having an image forming area is attached to the periphery of a container body. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of a container according to the sixth embodiment containing an item. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example of a container before an image is written therein according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (container) In a first form, the storage container of the present invention comprises a container body and a visible area in the container body, the visible area having a higher visible light transmittance than the container body, an image formed on the container body by the visible area, and the visible area being formed by an assembly of first patterns. In the storage container of the first embodiment, if the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the container body, an image can be formed on the container body by the visible area without providing an image formation area.

[0011] In a second form, the storage container of the present invention comprises a container body and an image forming area and a visible area on the container body, wherein the image forming area has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body, the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area, an image is formed on the container body by the visible area, and the visible area is formed by a collection of first patterns. In the storage container of the second embodiment, the image forming area may be provided on at least a part of the container body of the storage container, and the entire container body may be used as the image forming area.

[0012] In conventional techniques, laser marking must be performed within the time period during which the residual concentration of carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen has decreased (for example, within 0.5 to 20 hours), which means that long-term storage is not possible. Furthermore, in conventional techniques, in order to create a finely accurate image by opacifying a container such as a PET bottle with laser marking, the on / off control of the laser pulse for each pixel is highly required, which increases the cost of the laser device used.

[0013] In the present invention, a transparent image (visible area) is formed on the container body, which has a lower visible light transmittance than the image formation area (solid white area) or the visible area, so that a high-resolution image can be formed at low cost. Furthermore, according to the present invention, costs can be reduced by forming an image (visible area) on the container body or image formation area (solid white area) that has a lower visible light transmittance than the visible area using an inexpensive laser for heat processing. Furthermore, a two-step approach is used to form the image formation area (solid white area) using a cheap laser that can be handled by simply switching the repetition frequency without a pulse-on-demand function, and to form a transparent image (visible area) using a different laser that can control the pulse on / off for each pixel, making it possible to form a high-contrast image at lower cost.

[0014] <Container body> The container body is not particularly limited in terms of material, shape, size, structure, color, etc., and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The material of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include resin, glass, etc. Among these, transparent resin or transparent glass is more preferable, and transparent resin is particularly preferable. Examples of resins that can be used for the container body include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, epoxy, biopolybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid blend (PBAT), starch blend polyester resin, polybutylene terephthalate succinate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), bioPET30, biopolyamide (PA) 610, 410, 510, bioPA1012, 10T, bioPA11T, MXD10, biopolycarbonate, biopolyurethane, bioPE, bioPET100, bioPA11, and bioPA1010. 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 standpoint of environmental impact.

[0015] The shape of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include a bottle shape, a cylindrical shape, a square prism shape, a box shape, a cone shape, etc. Among these, a bottle shape is preferred. The bottle-shaped container body has a mouth, a shoulder connected to the mouth, a body connected to the shoulder, and a bottom connected to the body. The size of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the use of the container. The structure of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The color of the container body may be, for example, colorless and transparent, colored and transparent, or colored and opaque.

[0016] <Visible area> In the storage container of the first embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the visible area is higher than the visible light transmittance of the container body. In the second embodiment of the storage container, the visible light transmittance of the visible area is higher than that of the image forming area, and the visible light transmittance of the image forming area is lower than that of the container body.

[0017] In the present invention, "high visible light transmittance" means high average transmittance in the visible light wavelength range, and it does not matter if the transmittance is inverted in a part of the wavelength range. "Visible light" means light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm.

[0018] The visible area allows an image to be visibly formed on the container body. Images include, for example, letters, symbols, figures, images, codes, etc., and specifically refer to information such as the name, ingredients, identification number, manufacturer name, manufacturing date and time, expiration date, barcode, QR code (registered trademark), recycling mark, or logo mark. The wavelength of the laser for writing the image is preferably from visible light to near-infrared light (wavelength: 780 nm to 2,500 nm). The visible area is formed by an assembly of the first pattern, where assembly means a collection of multiple elements. The first pattern assembly preferably has a structure including recesses formed by melting the container body, or recesses and protrusions continuous with the recesses.

[0019] It is preferable that the crystallinity of the visible region is smaller than the crystallinity of the region other than the visible region of the container body, since this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. The degree of crystallinity can be determined by X-ray diffraction measurement, and it can be determined that the stronger the crystal peak intensity, the higher the degree of crystallinity.

[0020] <Image forming area> The image forming area is an area having a visible light transmittance lower than that of the container body and lower than that of the visible area. The terms "high visible light transmittance" and "visible light" have the same meaning as the above-mentioned visible region. The image forming area is preferably formed by an assembly of the second pattern, where assembly means a collection of multiple elements. The assembly of the second pattern preferably has a structure including recesses formed by melting the container body, or recesses and protrusions continuous with the recesses.

[0021] The aggregate of second patterns that form the image forming area is made up of a fine uneven structure, and it is preferable that the surface roughness of the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the surface roughness of the image forming area, as this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. The surface roughness can be measured, for example, based on the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the JIS B0601 standard. Methods for forming a fine uneven structure include, for example, chemical etching and mechanical etching. Among these, mechanical etching is preferred because it generates less environmental impact, such as waste liquid. Examples of mechanical etching include wet blasting and sand blasting. In addition, a storage container having a fine uneven structure can be obtained by forming a fine uneven structure on the surface of a molding die and transferring it using a die having the fine uneven structure.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming area contains multiple bubbles and that the area ratio of the bubbles in the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of the bubbles in the image forming area, as this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. The area ratio of the total bubbles can be measured, for example, by measuring the total area of ​​bubbles observable in a predetermined field of view with an optical microscope using commercially available image processing software and dividing the total area by the area of ​​the entire field of view. In the case of a PET bottle, for example, a structure containing a plurality of bubbles in the image forming area can be formed by using a preform impregnated with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or the like under high pressure during biaxial stretch blow molding. When the pressure inside the bubble is higher than atmospheric pressure, it explodes and disappears. When the pressure inside the bubble is lower than atmospheric pressure, it shrinks. In either case, the scattering intensity weakens and the visible light transmittance increases. It is preferable to have the bubbles concentrated near the surface in the thickness direction of the container body in order to maintain the strength of the container.

[0023] The image forming region preferably has a structure containing a crystalline phase. The crystalline phase strongly scatters visible light, resulting in a low transmittance. Some of the scattered light is emitted outside the container, but most of it is absorbed within the container after multiple scattering. By heating and rapidly cooling the crystalline phase-containing region with a laser, the crystalline phase becomes more likely to become amorphous. This method allows for the formation of images with higher contrast than the conventional method of irradiating a transparent amorphous phase with a laser to change its shape or crystallize it. When the container is a PET bottle, the crystalline phase can be produced by setting the mold temperature within the crystallization temperature range during biaxial stretch blow molding and slowly cooling the bottle after blow molding.

[0024] It is preferable that the crystalline phase is spherulites, and that the average diameter of the spherulites in the laser-irradiated area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the average diameter of the spherulites in the non-laser-irradiated area, since this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. Spherulites are crystals that have grown into a spherical shape, and when observed using a polarizing microscope with transmitted illumination and crossed Nicols, they can be observed as a circular image containing crosshairs (conoscopic image). The average diameter of the spherulites can be determined, for example, from the scattered light intensity distribution of a circular image including a crosshair (see Saito and Toyoda, Polymer Research Journal, Vol. 68 No. 6 (2011)).

[0025] It is preferable that the crystalline phase is spherulites, and that the number of spherulites per unit area in the laser-irradiated area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the number of spherulites per unit area in the non-laser-irradiated area, since this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. Compared to a state in which crystals are densely arranged, a state in which spherulites are surrounded by an amorphous phase makes it easier to control the size of the spherulites with lower energy. It is also possible to make the spherulites disappear. The state in which the conoscopic image completely disappears from the field of view is also one of the states in which the number of spherulites per unit area is low. Compared to a state in which spherulites are closely arranged, a state in which spherulites are surrounded by an amorphous phase has the advantage that their size can be easily controlled with lower energy.

[0026] A CO2 laser (wavelength: 10,600 nm), which is widely used for laser marking plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is not suitable for obtaining high-resolution images with line widths of 100 μm or less. The wavelengths from visible light to near-infrared light are light that is not easily absorbed by the container such as PET, but are important for forming high-resolution images, and are therefore actively used in the present invention.

[0027] It has been reported that conventional laser marking using a CO2 laser or the like generates harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde (for example, P.E. Dyer, G.A. Oldershaw & J. Sidhu, CO2 laser ablative etching of polethylene terephthalate, Applied Physics B volume 48, pages 489-493 (1989)). However, in the present invention, the amount of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde generated can be reduced by using lower energy during writing.

[0028] According to the present invention, the visible light transmittance in the image forming area is low, and laser light is easily absorbed, resulting in high energy efficiency. In addition, since writing can be performed with low energy, the generation of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde during laser marking can be suppressed.

[0029] In the present invention, it is preferable that the container has a structure in which a sheet-like member on which an image forming area is formed is prepared in advance and this sheet-like member is attached to the periphery of the container body, thereby making it possible to form an image forming area on the container body without performing mold processing or complicating the management of temperature and time during molding. The sheet-like member can be attached to the periphery of the container body using, for example, an adhesive. By using the same material for the sheet-like member as for the container body, recyclability can be improved.

[0030] (Containment Unit) The storage body of the present invention comprises the storage container of the present invention, an item stored in the storage container, and a sealing means for sealing the item in the storage container.

[0031] <Contained Items> The contents may be, for example, liquids, gases, granular solids, etc. Examples of liquids include water, tea, coffee, black tea, soft drinks, etc. When the contents are liquid beverages, they are often clear, white, black, brown, yellow, or other colors.

[0032] <Sealing means> The sealing means is a means for sealing the contents in the container, and is sometimes called a "container cap." The sealing means is not particularly limited in terms of material, shape, size, structure, color, etc., and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0033] The material of the sealing means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include resin, glass, metal, ceramics, etc. Among these, resin is preferred from the viewpoint of formability. The resin for the sealing means may be the same as the resin for the body of the container. The color of the sealing means may be, for example, opaque and transparent. The shape and size of the sealing means are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of sealing (closing) the opening of the container body, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0034] The structure of the sealing means is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose, but for example, it is preferable that it has a first part that separates from the container body when opened and a second part that remains in the container body. The side surface of the first part is preferably uneven to prevent the hand from slipping when opening, while the side surface of the second part is preferably flat without any unevenness.

[0035] (Storage container manufacturing device and storage container manufacturing method) The storage container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing the storage container of the present invention, and has a heating means for forming a visible region, and further has other means as necessary. The heating means is preferably a laser irradiation device.

[0036] A method for manufacturing a storage container of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a storage container of the present invention, comprising: a first step for forming an image forming area; and a second step for forming a visible area overlapping the image forming area, The first and second steps are performed by laser irradiation.

[0037] Generally, the shorter the pulse width of a laser light source, the higher the cost. Since the laser irradiation in the first step of forming an image formation area is primarily intended for laser ablation, it is preferable to use a light source with a pulse width of 1 μs or less, i.e., in the nanosecond, picosecond, or femtosecond range. In contrast, the laser irradiation in the second step of forming a visible area overlapping the image formation area is primarily intended for heating and melting the irradiated area, so a light source with a pulse width in the microsecond or nanosecond range can be used. It is preferable to make the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the second step longer than the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the first step, in order to reduce the cost of the device.

[0038] Generally, the shorter the wavelength of a laser light source, the higher the cost. Since the laser irradiation in the first step of forming an image formation area is primarily intended for laser ablation, it is preferable to use a light source with a wavelength in the ultraviolet to visible light range. In contrast, the laser irradiation in the second step of forming a visible area overlapping the image formation area is primarily intended for heating and melting the irradiated area, so a light source with a wavelength in the visible to infrared range can be used. It is preferable that the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the second step be longer than the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the first step, in order to reduce the cost of the apparatus. The laser irradiation in the second step is preferably carried out with a carbon dioxide laser, since this allows for a reduction in the cost of the apparatus and also allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast.

[0039] (Container before image writing) The storage container of the present invention before an image is written thereon is a storage container before the second step of forming a visible area by overlapping it with the image forming area in the above-described method for manufacturing a storage container of the present invention is performed. According to the pre-image-written storage container of the present invention, when the image content, such as expiration date or serial number, is frequently changed, an image is written in the image formation area in the second step, and in the preceding second step, a pre-image-written storage container in which no image has been written in the image formation area can be used, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0040] Here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the following components are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for implementing the present invention.

[0041] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage container according to the first embodiment. In the storage container 1 of Fig. 1, an image 12 (visible area 11) is formed by laser irradiation in an image formation area 13 provided on a container body 10. In Fig. 1, 14 is a non-image formation area.

[0042] When the storage container 1 of the first embodiment is observed with a black background and white light illuminated from the surface side, the visible area 11 (laser irradiated area) with high visible light transmittance has little return light, and therefore appears darker than the image formation area 13 (non-laser irradiated area). In contrast, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional storage container. In storage container 101 in Fig. 2, image 112 (laser irradiated portion) has a lower visible light transmittance than container body 110 due to scattering, absorption, etc., and appears whiter due to reflected scattered light.

[0043] The visible area 11 allows an image 12 to be visibly formed on the container body 10 . The image 12 includes, for example, letters, symbols, figures, images, codes, etc., and specifically means information such as the name, ingredients, identification number, manufacturer name, manufacturing date and time, expiration date, barcode, QR code (registered trademark), recycling mark, or logo mark. The image forming area 13 may be provided in a part of the container body 10 of the storage container 1 as shown in FIG. 1, but the entire container body 10 may be used as the image forming area 13 as shown in FIG.

[0044] The visible area 11 is formed by a collection of first patterns. The image forming area 13 is formed by a collection of second patterns. Here, an aggregate means a collection of multiple elements. The first pattern assembly and the second pattern assembly preferably have a structure including recesses formed by melting the container body, or recesses and protrusions continuous with the recesses.

[0045] In the storage container 1 of the first embodiment, the visible area 11 has a higher visible light transmittance than the image formation area 13, and the image formation area 13 has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body .

[0046] Here, "high visible light transmittance" means high average transmittance in the visible light wavelength range, and it does not matter if the transmittance is inverted in some wavelength ranges. Visible light refers to light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm. The wavelength of the laser for writing the image is preferably from visible light to near-infrared light (wavelength: 780 nm to 2,500 nm).

[0047] CO2 lasers (wavelength: 10,600 nm), which are widely used for laser marking plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are not suitable for obtaining high-resolution images with line widths of 100 μm or less. Wavelengths ranging from visible light to near-infrared light are not easily absorbed by containers such as PET, but are important for forming high-resolution images, and are therefore actively utilized in this invention.

[0048] It has been reported that conventional laser marking using a CO2 laser or the like generates harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde (for example, P.E. Dyer, G.A. Oldershaw & J. Sidhu, CO2 laser ablative etching of polyethylene terephthalate, Applied Physics B volume 48, pages 489-493 (1989)). However, in the present invention, the amount of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde generated can be reduced by using lower energy when writing an image.

[0049] In the storage container 1 according to the first embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the image formation area 13 is low and the laser is easily absorbed, resulting in high laser energy efficiency. In addition, since laser writing can be performed with low energy, it is possible to suppress the generation of harmful substances such as benzene and acetaldehyde during laser marking.

[0050] <Second embodiment> FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage container according to the second embodiment, in which the image forming region 13 has a structure containing a crystalline phase 21. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 4, an image formation area 13 for forming an image with a laser is provided on the surface of the container body 10 of the storage container 1 (e.g., a PET bottle) of the second embodiment, and by irradiating it with a laser beam 20, the crystalline phase 21 of the image formation area 13 is changed to increase the visible light transmittance and form an image. When the container is a PET bottle, the crystalline phase 21 can be produced by setting the mold temperature within the crystallization temperature range during biaxial stretch blow molding and slowly cooling the PET bottle after blow molding. Visible light is strongly scattered and the visible light transmittance is reduced in the crystalline phase 21. Some of the scattered light is emitted to the outside of the container, but most of it is absorbed within the container while being multiple-scattered. The crystalline phase 21 is adjusted using the principle that crystals are easily converted to amorphous by heating and rapidly cooling the area containing the crystalline phase 21 with a laser. This allows for the formation of images with higher contrast than the conventional method of irradiating a transparent amorphous phase with a laser to change its shape or crystallize it.

[0051] It is preferable that the crystallinity of the visible region 11 is smaller than the crystallinity of the region other than the visible region of the container body 10, in order to form an image with higher contrast. Here, the degree of crystallinity is measured by X-ray diffraction measurement, and it can be determined that the stronger the crystalline peak intensity, the higher the degree of crystallinity. Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between X-ray diffraction peak intensity and degree of crystallinity.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, spherulites 22 are crystals that have grown into a spherical shape. When observed under a polarized microscope with crossed Nicols illumination, spherulites 22 can be observed as a circular image containing crosshairs (conoscopic image). The average diameter of spherulites 22 can be measured from the scattered light intensity distribution of the circular image containing crosshairs (Saito, Toyoda, Polymer Research Journal, Vol. 68 No. 6 (2011)). Compared to a state in which crystals are densely arranged, the size of spherulites surrounded by an amorphous phase is easier to control with lower energy. It can be seen from FIG. 6 that the average diameter of the spherulites 22 in the laser irradiated portion of the image forming region 13 is smaller than the average diameter of the spherulites 22 in the non-laser irradiated portion.

[0053] It is also possible to make spherulites disappear. A state in which the conoscopic image has completely disappeared from the field of view can also be considered a state in which the number of spherulites per unit area is low. Figure 7 is an observation diagram of spherulites 22 in the laser irradiated and non-laser irradiated areas of the image formation area 13. Figure 7 shows that the number of spherulites 22 in the laser irradiated areas of the image formation area 13 is smaller than the number of spherulites 22 in the non-laser irradiated areas.

[0054] <Third embodiment> FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage container 1 according to a third embodiment, in which the image forming area 13 has a structure containing a plurality of bubbles 23. As shown in FIG. It is preferable that the image forming area contains multiple bubbles and that the area ratio of the bubbles in the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of the bubbles in the image forming area, as this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. The area ratio of all bubbles can be measured by measuring the total area of ​​bubbles observable in a predetermined field of view with an optical microscope using commercially available image processing software and dividing it by the area of ​​the entire field of view.

[0055] When the container is a PET bottle, a structure containing multiple bubbles can be produced by using a preform impregnated with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or the like under high pressure during biaxial stretch blow molding. When the pressure inside the bubble is higher than atmospheric pressure, the bubble bursts and disappears. When the pressure inside the bubble is lower than atmospheric pressure, the bubble shrinks. In either case, the scattering intensity weakens and the visible light transmittance increases. It is preferable to have the bubbles concentrated near the surface in the thickness direction of the container body in order to maintain the strength of the container. The storage container 1 of the third embodiment has an image formation area 13 structured to include multiple bubbles 23, which allows for the formation of high-contrast images with lower laser energy than the conventional method of irradiating a transparent amorphous phase with a laser to change its shape or crystallize it.

[0056] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage container 1 according to a fourth embodiment, in which the image forming area 13 has a structure including fine irregularities 24. As shown in FIG. Methods for forming the fine uneven structure include, for example, chemical etching and mechanical etching. Among these, mechanical etching is preferred because it generates less environmental impact, such as waste liquid. Examples of mechanical etching include wet blasting and sand blasting. Furthermore, a storage container having a fine uneven structure can be obtained by forming a fine uneven structure on the surface of a molding die and transferring it using a die having the fine uneven structure. It is preferable that the surface roughness of the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the surface roughness of the image forming area, since this allows for the formation of an image with higher contrast. The surface roughness can be measured based on the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the JIS B0601 standard. The storage container 1 of the fourth embodiment has an image formation area 13 with a structure including fine irregularities 24, which makes it possible to form a high-contrast image with lower laser energy than the conventional method of irradiating a transparent amorphous phase with a laser to change its shape or crystallize it.

[0057] <Fifth embodiment> FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage container 1 according to the fifth embodiment, in which a sheet-like member 25 having an image forming area 13 formed thereon is prepared in advance and attached to the periphery of the container body 10. The sheet-like member 25 has the image forming areas according to the first to fourth embodiments formed thereon in advance. The sheet-like member 25 can be attached to the periphery of the container body 10 using, for example, an adhesive. By using the same material as that of the container body 10 as the material of the sheet-like member 25, the recyclability of the storage container can be improved. According to the storage container 1 of the fifth embodiment, by attaching a sheet-like member 25 having an image forming area 13 to the periphery of the container body 10, a storage container 1 having an image forming area 13 can be obtained without performing mold processing or complicating the management of temperature and time during molding.

[0058] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a container 2 according to the sixth embodiment, which contains an item 16. In Fig. 11, 15 denotes a sealing means for sealing the item in the container. According to the container 2 of the sixth embodiment, especially when the contents 16 are non-transparent, the non-laser irradiated parts are visible in the illumination color (scattered light) and the laser irradiated parts are visible in the color of the contents, thereby further improving visibility.

[0059] Seventh Embodiment 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the container 31 before an image is written thereon according to the seventh embodiment, in which 13 denotes an image forming area and 14 denotes a non-image forming area. In the seventh embodiment, when the image contents, such as expiration date or serial number, are frequently changed, the image is written in the image forming area 13 of the storage container 31 before the image is written, and in the preceding process, an image-free storage container 31 without an image written in the image forming area 13 is used, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0060] The present invention includes, for example, the following aspects. <1> A container body and a visible area on the container body, the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the container body, an image is formed on the container body by the visible area; The container is characterized in that the visible area is formed by a collection of first patterns. <2> a container body, an image forming area on the container body, and a visible area; the image forming area has a visible light transmittance lower than that of the container body; the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area; an image is formed on the container body by the visible area; The container is characterized in that the visible area is formed by a collection of first patterns. <3> the image forming area is formed by a collection of second patterns; <2> 1. A storage container according to claim 1. <4> At least one of the first pattern and the second pattern has a structure including a recess formed by melting the container body or a recess and a protrusion continuous with the recess. <3> 1. A storage container according to claim 1. <5> the imaging area includes a plurality of bubbles; the area ratio of the bubbles in the visible region to the entire bubbles when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of the bubbles in the image forming region; <2> from <4> The storage container is any one of the above. <6> the aggregate of second patterns forming the image forming area is made of a fine uneven structure, the surface roughness of the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the surface roughness of the image forming area; <3> from <5> The storage container is any one of the above. <7> the image forming region contains a crystalline phase, the crystalline phase being spherulites, and the average diameter of the spherulites in the laser irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the average diameter of the spherulites in the non-laser irradiated portion; <2> from <6> The storage container is any one of the above. <8> the image forming region contains a crystalline phase, the crystalline phase being spherulites, and the number of spherulites per unit area in the laser irradiated portion when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the number of spherulites per unit area in the non-laser irradiated portion; <2> from <7> The storage container is any one of the above. <9> The crystallinity of the visible region is smaller than the crystallinity of the region other than the visible region of the container body. <1> from <8> The storage container is any one of the above. <10> a sheet-like member on which the image forming area is formed is prepared in advance, and the sheet-like member is attached to the periphery of the container body; <2> from <8> The storage container is any one of the above. <11> The aforementioned <1> from <10> a storage container according to any one of the above items; An object contained in the container; a sealing means for sealing the contents in the container; The container is characterized by having: <12> The aforementioned <1> from <10> An apparatus for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above, The manufacturing device for a storage container is characterized by having a heating means for forming a visible area. <13> The heating means is a laser irradiation device. <12> 1 is a manufacturing apparatus for the storage container according to the first embodiment. <14> The aforementioned <1> from <10> A method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above, a first step for forming an imaging area; a second step of forming a viewable area overlying the image forming area; The method for manufacturing a storage container is characterized in that the first step and the second step are performed by laser irradiation. <15> the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the second step is longer than the pulse width of the laser light irradiated in the first step; <14> 1. A method for manufacturing the storage container according to claim 1. <16> The wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the second step is longer than the wavelength of the laser light irradiated in the first step. <14> from <15> 1. A method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above. <17> The laser irradiation in the second step is performed by a carbon dioxide laser. <14> from <16> 1. A method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above. <18> The laser irradiation in the first step is performed by a pulsed laser having a pulse width of 1 μs or less. <14> from <17> 1. A method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above. <19> The aforementioned <14> from <18> 10 is a diagram showing a state of a storage container before an image is written thereon, that is, before the second step of the method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above items is performed.

[0061] The aforementioned <1> from <10> The storage container according to any one of the <11> The container according to <12> from <13> The manufacturing apparatus for a storage container according to any one of the <14> from <18> The method for manufacturing a storage container according to any one of the above <19> According to the container before image writing described above, the conventional problems can be solved and the object of the present invention can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Storage container 2. Containment Unit 10 Container body 11 Visible Area 12 statues 13 Image forming area 14 Non-imaging area 15 Sealing means 16 Contents 20 Laser Beam 21 Crystalline phase 22 Spherulite 23 Bubbles 24 Fine irregularities 25 Sheet-like material 31 Container before image writing [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0063] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4327240

Claims

1. a container body, an image forming area on the container body, and a visible area; the image forming area has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body; the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area; an image is formed on the container body by the visible area; the visible area is formed by a collection of first patterns, the imaging area includes a plurality of bubbles; A container in which the area ratio of all bubbles in the visible region when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the area ratio of all bubbles in the image forming region.

2. The container according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming area is formed by a collection of second patterns.

3. The storage container according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern has a structure including a recess formed by melting the container body, or a recess and a protrusion continuous with the recess.

4. a container body, an image forming area on the container body, and a visible area; the image forming area has a visible light transmittance lower than that of the container body; the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area; an image is formed on the container body by the visible area; the visible area is formed by a collection of first patterns, A storage container in which the image forming area and the visible area contain a crystalline phase, the crystalline phase being spherulites, and the average diameter of the spherulites in the visible area when observed from the surface of the container body is smaller than the average diameter of the spherulites in the image forming area.

5. a container body, an image forming area on the container body, and a visible area; the image forming area has a lower visible light transmittance than the container body; the visible area has a higher visible light transmittance than the image forming area; an image is formed on the container body by the visible area; the visible area is formed by a collection of first patterns, A storage container in which the image forming area and the visible area contain a crystalline phase, the crystalline phase being spherulites, and when observed from the surface of the container body, the number of spherulites per unit area in the visible area is less than the number of spherulites per unit area in the image forming area.

6. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5; An object contained in the container; a sealing means for sealing the contents in the container; A container characterized by having:

Images