Laser processing apparatus and laser processing method

Abstract

To provide a laser processing device which can draw information such as an image having even a large information amount at high definition and can directly draw information in a commercialized level at high speed.SOLUTION: A laser processing device includes light irradiation means for irradiating workpiece with a laser beam, optical scanning means which has a deflector and an imaging optical element and scans the laser beam by the deflector and the imaging optical element, and conveyance means for conveying the workpiece to a machining region. The workpiece is machined by irradiating the workpiece with the laser beam scanned by the optical scanning means while conveyed by the conveyance means, the laser processing device carries out scanning in a direction perpendicular to the workpiece conveyance direction, and the machined shape of the workpiece in the scanning direction is longer than that in the conveyance direction.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser processing apparatus and a laser processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, issues such as marine plastic waste have been widely discussed, and there is a growing global movement to eliminate environmental pollution caused by plastic waste. As an example of such plastic waste, PET bottles are widely used in the distribution and sale of beverages due to their various advantages, such as their shelf life, and a large number of PET bottles for beverages are produced, sold, and used.

[0003] Beverage PET bottles almost always have labels attached for management and sales promotion purposes. These labels typically contain a wealth of essential information for consumers, such as the product name, ingredients, expiration date, barcode, QR code (registered trademark), recycling mark, and logo. In addition, beverage manufacturers often print designs or illustrations to appeal to consumers, contributing to product individuality and increased competitiveness. Thus, it is now common practice to attach labels with the above-mentioned printing to beverage PET bottles.

[0004] These labeled beverage PET bottles are collected after consumers have consumed their contents and recycled for resource recovery to protect the environment. This particularly highlights the need to promote circular recycling, sometimes called "bottle-to-bottle" recycling, for beverage PET bottles. Circular recycling of beverage PET bottles involves separating and collecting used PET bottles, transforming them into flakes that can be used as raw materials for beverage PET bottles at recycling companies, and then reusing them to produce new PET bottles. For this circular recycling to function smoothly, thorough separate collection is essential.

[0005] In this process, since the PET bottle, label, and cap are made of different materials, they need to be properly separated during recycling. Therefore, consumers must separate the cap and label from each individual bottle. The cap is removed naturally when consuming the beverage, so it's not a hassle, but the label must be peeled off and separated manually, creating an inconvenience in recycling. In other words, this manual work makes recycling the large quantities of PET beverage bottles difficult. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, conventional technology was limited to recording simple symbols or numbers using a carbon dioxide laser, and had the problem of not being able to record information such as images with a large amount of data. In addition, the color of the recording area did not change much, making it difficult to distinguish between the recording area and the non-recording area, and thus making it difficult to read numbers or symbols. As a result, it was not possible to replace labels with a lot of information using carbon dioxide laser recording. Consequently, containers such as label-less bottles that do not require labels with a lot of information and are easy to recycle have not yet been realized.

[0007] As a related prior art document, for example, a configuration has been proposed in which a polygon mirror is rotated at a non-uniform speed to suppress processing irregularities, thereby reducing the change in scanning speed that occurs when it rotates at a constant speed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to increase the laser output in order to increase productivity, and the laser resistance of polygon mirrors, which are mainly manufactured by cutting aluminum, is insufficient, so the problem of being able to handle high productivity has not been solved.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a laser processing apparatus that can record information such as images with a large amount of information in high resolution, and can directly draw information at a commercial level at high speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The laser processing apparatus of the present invention, as a means for solving the problems of the present invention, comprises: a light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light; a light scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, and scanning the laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element; and a transport means for transporting the workpiece to a processing area, wherein the workpiece is processed by irradiating the workpiece with laser light scanned by the light scanning means while being transported by the transport means, the scanning is performed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the workpiece, and the processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the transport direction. The direction perpendicular to the transport direction is the main scanning direction, This method aims to make the resolution in the scanning direction higher than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a laser processing apparatus that can draw even information such as images with a large amount of information in high resolution, and can directly draw information at a commercial level at high speed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a plan view showing an example of a laser processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, which provides a desired processed shape to the surface of a PET bottle as a workpiece. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a side view of Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing an example of scanning operation in the machining area. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a machined shape formed on a workpiece. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a machined shape formed on a workpiece. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows an example of how a predetermined character is represented by a fine concave shape obtained by laser processing. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows a modified version of Figure 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a processed shape when characters arranged in the main scanning direction are arranged in two columns in the sub-scanning direction. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining an example of a laser processing apparatus according to a second embodiment showing scanning of the optical scanning means in the sub-scanning direction. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laser processing apparatus according to a third embodiment for detecting the position of a conveyed PET bottle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of characters composed of a collection of minute concave shapes. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of characters composed of a plurality of fine structures. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of characters in a configuration where a plurality of fine structures are connected. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the optical scanning means. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a storage container. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the appearance of a storage container. <000009X> [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the appearance of a storage container. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example when surface modification is performed by laser irradiation. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of a printing surface formed by aggregating fine structures formed by a change in surface properties. <00X0100> [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a diagram showing that a printing surface formed by aggregating fine structures formed by a change in surface properties is formed by a plurality of fine structures. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a diagram showing that the fine structures on the printing surface formed by aggregating fine structures formed by a change in surface properties take a shape close to a circle. [Figure 15D]Figure 15D shows a case where the microstructure on the printed surface, formed by assembling microstructures created by changes in surface properties, is the same line processing. [Figure 16A] Figure 16A shows an example of adjusting the pixel values ​​of output pixels in a containment container. [Figure 16B] Figure 16B shows another example of adjusting the pixel values ​​of output pixels in the containment container. [Figure 16C] Figure 16C shows another example of adjusting the pixel values ​​of output pixels in the containment container. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A shows an example of a storage container having an integrated record according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is an enlarged view of the drawing area in Figure 17A. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of image recording being performed on a curved surface near the mouth of a containment container that has integrated recording capabilities. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows another example of image recording being performed on a curved surface near the mouth of a containment container with integrated recording capabilities. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows another example of image recording being performed on a curved surface near the mouth of a containment container with integrated recording capabilities. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating variations in machining depth. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the overlap of beams during processing in a multi-beam system. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a container as a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a manufacturing apparatus for a containment container as a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a manufacturing apparatus for a container as a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26]Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a container, in which the marking section is positioned at an angle to the container body so that it can be drawn on the inclined surface of the container body. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for containers when the container body is placed horizontally. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a containment container. [Figure 29A] Figure 29A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the scanning unit (raster) of the laser drive unit in a container manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 29B] Figure 29B is a flowchart showing the process using the manufacturing apparatus for the containment container shown in Figure 29A. [Figure 30A] Figure 30A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration when the optical system of the laser drive unit in a container manufacturing apparatus is arrayed. [Figure 30B] Figure 30B is a flowchart showing the process using the manufacturing apparatus for the containment container shown in Figure 30A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Laser processing equipment and laser processing method) In a first embodiment, the laser processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light; a light scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, for scanning the laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element; and a transport means for transporting the workpiece to a processing area. The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the light scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means, and the scanning is performed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the workpiece, and the processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the transport direction. In a first embodiment, the laser processing method of the present invention includes a light irradiation step of irradiating a workpiece with laser light, a light scanning step of scanning the laser light using a deflector and an imaging optical element, and a transport step of transporting the workpiece to a processing area, wherein the workpiece is processed by irradiating the workpiece with laser light scanned in the light scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step, the scanning is performed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the workpiece, and the processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the transport direction.

[0013] In the first embodiment of the present invention, when a galvanometer scanner is used as an optical scanning means for reciprocating scanning, deceleration and acceleration operations are always involved when reversing direction. During deceleration and acceleration, it is difficult to match the angle of the galvanometer scanner with the corresponding coordinates, so this basically results in non-processing time. To reduce the time ratio of this non-processing time, productivity is increased by making the region of constant-velocity operation of the galvanometer scanner as long as possible. That is, when obtaining a certain processing area, if the direction in which the galvanometer reciprocates (main scanning direction) is long and the direction perpendicular to it is short, the number of reversals is reduced, the processing time is shorter in the former case, productivity is improved, even information such as images with a large amount of information can be recorded in high resolution, and information at a commercial level can be directly drawn at high speed.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first part of the present invention, the processed shape of the workpiece includes a collection of minute dots, and a predetermined spacing is provided between adjacent dots in the collection of minute dots in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. According to this embodiment, since laser processing is performed by combining raster scanning and transport, a predetermined pitch is provided in the sub-scanning direction, enabling high-speed processing for any type of processing. The processed shape, which is an aggregate of minute dots, is formed by irradiating the workpiece with a laser, causing the surface of the workpiece to melt or deform. However, in some cases, it may also be formed by cutting or oxidation reactions. Here, an aggregate refers to a collection of multiple structures (tiny dots). The predetermined spacing between adjacent dots in a collection of minute dots is determined by the desired resolution in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction and can be appropriately selected, but for example, at 200 dpi, it is preferably about 127 μm.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a collection of minute dots contains a predetermined string of characters. In this embodiment, since the characters are represented by a collection of minute dots rather than by vector scanning (single stroke), high-speed processing becomes possible. The characters used are not limited to numbers; they can also include hiragana, kanji, the alphabet, and other characters that humans can recognize.

[0016] In one embodiment of the first part of the present invention, the characters arranged in the scanning direction are spaced apart at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. According to this embodiment, processing time can be shortened by providing predetermined spaces between lines to reduce the number of scan lines in the sub-scanning direction.

[0017] In one embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the scanning by the deflector is performed by reciprocating scanning of the processing area. In this embodiment, for example, when performing one-sided scanning with a galvanometer scanner, it is necessary to jump from the rear end to the front end, which increases the non-processing time, so the non-processing time can be shortened by performing reciprocating scanning.

[0018] In one embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, the deflector is configured to scan in two axes. According to this embodiment, by having a sub-scanning axis in addition to the main scanning axis, it is possible to follow the bottle and increase the processing time ratio, thereby shortening the processing time.

[0019] In one embodiment of the first part of the present invention, it is preferable that the two axes of the deflector are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. According to this embodiment, sub-scanning tracking can be performed to shorten the processing time.

[0020] In one embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, the scanning frequency in the two axes of the deflector is such that the direction perpendicular to the transport direction is more important than the transport direction. expensive This is preferable. According to this embodiment, processing time can be shortened by performing sub-scanning tracking.

[0021] In one embodiment of the first part of the present invention, it is preferable that the scanning speed of the scanning axis in the transport direction is slower than the transport speed of the workpiece. According to this embodiment, sub-scanning tracking can be performed to shorten the processing time.

[0022] In a second embodiment, the laser processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light; a light scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, for scanning the laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element; and a transport means for transporting the workpiece to a processing area. The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the light scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means, and the processed shape of the workpiece is such that the scanning direction of the deflector is long and the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the deflector is short. In a second embodiment, the laser processing method of the present invention includes a light irradiation step of irradiating a workpiece with laser light, a light scanning step of scanning the laser light using a deflector and an imaging optical element, and a transport step of transporting the workpiece to a processing area, wherein the workpiece is processed by irradiating the workpiece with laser light scanned in the light scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step, and the processed shape of the workpiece is such that the scanning direction of the deflector is long and the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the deflector is short.

[0023] In the second embodiment of the laser processing apparatus and laser processing method of the present invention, the constraints on the transport direction and scanning direction of the first embodiment are removed, and the processed shape of the workpiece is formed such that the scanning direction of the deflector is long and the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the deflector is short, thus enabling higher speeds.

[0024] In one embodiment of the second part of the present invention, the scanning direction of the workpiece is such that the longitudinal direction in the projection view, which maximizes the projected area onto the plane, is the scanning direction. According to this embodiment, high-speed processing can be achieved by aligning the longitudinal direction of the PET bottle with the scanning direction.

[0025] In a third embodiment, the laser processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light; a light scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, for scanning the laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element; and a transport means for transporting the workpiece to a processing area. The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the light scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means, and the scanning is performed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the workpiece. The laser processing apparatus has a detection means for detecting the transport position information of the workpiece, the deflector can also deflect in the transport direction, the deflector deflects in the transport direction before the time to process the workpiece, the laser light deflected by the deflector is positioned at the processing start position of the transported workpiece, and the timing of processing is determined based on the detection information from the detection means. In a third embodiment, the laser processing method of the present invention includes a light irradiation step of irradiating a workpiece with laser light, a light scanning step of scanning the laser light using a deflector and an imaging optical element, and a transport step of transporting the workpiece to a processing area, wherein the workpiece is processed by irradiating the workpiece with laser light scanned in the light scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step, and the scanning is performed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the workpiece, the laser processing method includes a detection step of detecting the transport position information of the workpiece, the deflector is capable of deflecting in the transport direction as well, the deflector is deflected in the transport direction before the time to process the workpiece, the laser light deflected by the deflector is positioned at the processing start position of the transported workpiece, and the timing of processing is determined based on the detection information in the detection step.

[0026] In the third embodiment of the present invention, a laser processing apparatus and laser processing method include a detection step for detecting the transport position information of a workpiece, the deflector is capable of deflecting in the transport direction, the deflector is deflected in the transport direction before the time to process the workpiece, the laser light deflected by the deflector is positioned at the processing start position of the transported workpiece, and the processing timing is determined based on the detection information in the detection step, so that highly accurate processing can be achieved with respect to the target position on the workpiece. The conveying speed of the workpiece may be obtained from an encoder provided on the conveying means, or it may be calculated from the time it takes for a known shape to pass through the detection means using a detection means, or by other means, as long as the conveying speed immediately before processing can be obtained. The detection means for detecting the transport position information of a workpiece may be divided into, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and it is preferable that the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to sandwich the transported workpiece. The light-emitting unit emits a laser such as infrared light, and the workpiece can be detected by receiving the infrared laser with a light-receiving element (for example, a photoelectric conversion element) in the light-receiving unit.

[0027] In one embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the machining shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the transport direction. According to this embodiment, the machining time can be shortened by performing sub-scanning follow-up, and machining can be performed with high precision at a desired position on the workpiece.

[0028] <Light irradiation process and light irradiation means> The light irradiation process is a process of irradiating the workpiece with laser light, and is carried out by a light irradiation means. The laser light source is preferably a pulsed laser that emits laser light. The laser light source emits laser light with an output (light intensity) suitable for changing the properties of at least one of the surface or interior of the workpiece that is irradiated with the laser light. The laser light source allows for control over the on / off switching of laser light emission, the emission frequency, and the light intensity. As an example of a laser light source, a laser light source with a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm, a laser pulse width of 1 picosecond to 10 nanoseconds, and an average output of 10 to 50 W can be used. The spot diameter of the laser beam in the region where the workpiece is being altered is preferably 1 μm to 200 μm, and more preferably 10 μm to 100 μm.

[0029] -Workpiece- There are no particular restrictions on the workpiece as long as it can be laser-processed, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include containers for beverages such as PET bottles, containers, resin materials with ingredient information, expiration dates, manufacturer logos, product names, etc., containers and packages made of resin materials that hold liquids or solids.

[0030] --Container-- The container has a container body. There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, structure, or color of the container itself; it can be selected appropriately according to the purpose. There are no particular restrictions on the material of the container body, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include resin, glass, and metal. Among these, transparent resin or transparent glass is more preferred, and transparent resin is particularly preferred. Furthermore, biodegradable resins, which have attracted attention in recent years for their recycling potential, can be used. While it is desirable to use 100% biodegradable resins, even if only about 30% is biodegradable, the environmental friendliness is significantly improved. Examples of resins used for the container body include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), vinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, epoxy, biopolybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid blend (PBAT), starch blend polyester resin, polybutylene terephthalate succinate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), bioPET30, biopolyamide (PA)610, 410, 510, bioPA1012, 10T, bioPA11T, MXD10, biopolycarbonate, biopolyurethane, bioPE, bioPET100, bioPA11, and bioPA1010. These can be used individually 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.

[0031] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the container itself, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include bottle shape, cylindrical shape, rectangular prism shape, box shape, and cone shape. Among these, the bottle shape is preferred. The bottle-shaped container body comprises a mouth, a shoulder connected to the mouth, a body connected to the shoulder, and a bottom connected to the body. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the container itself; it can be selected appropriately according to the intended use of the container. There are no particular restrictions on the structure of the container itself; it can be selected appropriately according to the purpose, for example, it can be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Examples of container body colors include colorless transparent, colored transparent, and colored opaque.

[0032] -Containment- The containment comprises a containment container, an object contained within the containment container, and a sealing means for sealing the object within the containment container, and further comprises other components as necessary.

[0033] --Contents-- Examples of contents include liquids, gases, and granular solids. Examples of liquids include water, tea, coffee, black tea, and soft drinks. When the contents are liquid beverages, they are often transparent, white, black, brown, or yellow in color. Examples of gases include oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Examples of granular solids include fruit pulp, vegetables, nata de coco, tapioca, jelly, konjac, and other finely chopped or granulated materials.

[0034] --Sealing means-- A sealing mechanism is a means of sealing contents within a container, and is sometimes referred to as a "container cap." There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, structure, color, etc., of the sealing means, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0035] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the sealing means, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include resin, glass, metal, and ceramics. Among these, resin is preferred from the viewpoint of moldability. As the resin for the sealing means, the same resin as the resin used for the body of the container can be used. Examples of colors for sealing materials include opaque colored materials and transparent colored materials. There are no particular restrictions on the shape and size of the sealing means, as long as it can seal (close) the opening of the container body, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0036] There are no particular restrictions on the structure of the sealing means, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but it is preferable to have, for example, a first part that separates from the container body when opened and a second part that remains on the container body. Preferably, the sides of the first portion have a textured surface to prevent slippage when opening the package. Preferably, the sides of the second portion do not have a textured surface and have a flat surface.

[0037] <Optical scanning process and optical scanning means> The optical scanning process involves scanning laser light using a deflector and an imaging optical element, and is performed by an optical scanning means. The optical scanning means may also be provided within the light irradiation means. The optical scanning means includes a deflector and an imaging optical element. Examples of deflectors include galvanometer scanners. Examples of imaging optical elements include fθ lenses.

[0038] Here, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optical scanning means. The optical scanning means 29 in Figure 10 has a deflector and an imaging optical element. The galvanometer scanner used as a deflector has a two-axis configuration, consisting of a galvanometer scanner for the X-axis and a galvanometer scanner for the Y-axis. The X-axis galvanometer scanner consists of an X-axis galvanometer and a deflection mirror 31 rotatably mounted on its tip. The Y-axis galvanometer scanner consists of a Y-axis galvanometer and a deflection mirror 32 rotatably mounted on its tip. The two deflection mirrors rotate perpendicularly to each other, allowing the laser beam to be scanned to any desired position by rotating the mirrors.

[0039] An fθ lens can be used as the imaging optical element. As shown in Figure 10, the fθ lens 33 focuses the incident laser light, which has been scanned by the deflector, to a position displaced from the center of the lens optical axis in proportion to its incident angle.

[0040] <Conveying process and conveying means> The transport process is the process of transporting the workpiece to the processing area, and is carried out by transport means. Examples of conveying methods include belt conveyors.

[0041] <Other processes and other means> Other processes are not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose; for example, control processes can be included. Other means are not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose, such as control means.

[0042] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described below are not limited to this embodiment, and may be set to a number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for carrying out the present invention.

[0043] <First Embodiment> Figure 1A is a plan view showing an example of a laser processing apparatus of the first embodiment that provides a desired processing shape to the surface of a PET bottle as a workpiece, and Figure 1B is a side view of Figure 1A. The laser processing apparatus 20 of this first embodiment includes a workpiece 21, a transport means 22, and a light irradiation means 23 including a light scanning means. As the light scanning means, for example, a light scanning means 29 having a deflector and an imaging optical element as shown in Figure 10 is used.

[0044] PET bottles, which serve as workpieces 21, are arranged at predetermined intervals and transported at a constant speed to the processing area 24 by the transport means 22 in the bottle transport direction A. The PET bottles are arranged on the transport means 22 with their longitudinal direction oriented in the direction of gravity. The processing area 24 is determined by the settings of the imaging optical element (e.g., an fθ lens) and the galvanometer scanner, which are the deflectors, provided in the light irradiation means 23. The surface of the PET bottle, which is the workpiece, is positioned to approximately coincide with the focal point of the fθ lens. When a PET bottle enters the processing area 24, its position on the transport means 22 is detected by a detection system in order to process it at a predetermined location. After a predetermined delay time from that position, laser irradiation is performed to carry out the processing. Once processing is complete within the processing area 24 and the processed shape 25 is formed, the PET bottle is transported to the next process by the transport means 22 at a constant transport speed.

[0045] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing an example of scanning operation in the processing area 24. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a processed shape formed on the workpiece, which is a PET bottle. Figure 2C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a processed shape formed on the workpiece. In the process of surface processing the workpiece 21, which is a PET bottle, the longitudinal direction of the PET bottle is the direction of gravity, and it is transported to the processing area 24 by the transport means 22. The optical scanning means uses a galvanometer scanner to perform a one-dimensional reciprocating scan with a laser in a direction perpendicular to the bottle transport direction A (in this case, the main scanning direction).

[0046] In Figure 2A, (1) to (5) show the order of the scanning lines, with the side with the number being the scanning lead end and the side without the number being the scanning trailing end, and scanning is performed from the lead end to the trailing end. The workpiece 21, a PET bottle, is transported by the transport means 22, and when the workpiece 26 reaches a predetermined position, scanning (1) is performed by the reciprocating motion of the galvanometer scanner. In the main scanning area of ​​the workpiece 26, the galvanometer scanner operates to scan the laser at a constant speed. When the scanning position of the laser reaches the main scanning trailing end of the workpiece 26, it decelerates from the constant speed, reverses, and accelerates for the next scanning line (2), performing a reversal operation so that it returns to a constant speed at the workpiece. Since the PET bottle is being transported while the reversal operation is being performed, the scanning position of the optical scanning means does not move, but the workpiece moves and processing for the next scanning line begins.

[0047] The processed shapes 25 formed on the workpiece 26 shown in Figures 2B and 2C are formed by ablation of fine, dot-like concave shapes caused by pulsed laser emission. The dot spacing (main resolution) in the main scanning direction is determined by the laser repetition frequency and the scanning speed on the workpiece 26, while the dot (line) spacing (sub-scanning resolution) in the bottle transport direction A is determined by the bottle transport speed, main scanning speed, and the time required for the reversal operation.

[0048] Here • Image plane scanning speed [m / s]: vs Sub-scan resolution [dpi]: RF · Reversal time [s]: tr • Main scanning section length [m]: Ls • Sub-scanning (bottle transport direction) processing section length [m]: Lf Therefore, the time ta[s] required for machining the workpiece can be calculated as follows. ta = (Ls / vs + tr) * Lf / 25.4 * rf ... (Equation 1)

[0049] Let's assume the following settings. • Image plane scanning speed vs [m / s]: 50 ·Sub-resolution rf[dpi]:100 • Reversal time tr[s]: 0.001 If the lengths of the main and sub-workpieces are set as follows, when machining the same area, a difference in machining time will occur due to the setting of the main and sub-workpiece lengths as shown above (Equation 1).

[0050] [Main 50.8mm x secondary 25.4mm (area 1290mm) 2 )] • Main scanning section length Ls [m]: 50.8 * 10 -3 • Sub-scanning (bottle transport direction) processing section length Lf[m]: 25.4*10 -3 ·ta[s]:0.20 [Main 25.4mm x secondary 50.8mm (area 1290mm) 2 )] • Main scanning section length Ls [m]: 25.4 * 10-3 ·Length Lf [m] of the secondary scanning (bottle conveyance direction) processing section: 50.8*10 -3 ·ta [s]: 0.30 [Main 35.9 mm × Sub 35.9 mm (area 1290 mm 2 )] ·Length Ls [m] of the main scanning processing section: 35.9*10 -3 ·Length Lf [m] of the secondary scanning (bottle conveyance direction) processing section: 35.9*10 -3 ·ta [s]: 0.24

[0051] As shown in the above (Equation 1), in the calculation of the processing time, the reverse time is added to the processing time of the main scanning, and it is multiplied by the number of lines of the secondary scanning. Therefore, the smaller the number of lines in the secondary scanning direction, the shorter the processing time. The processed part 26 in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C represents its shape. A shape that is long in the main scanning direction and short in the secondary scanning direction (bottle conveyance direction A) perpendicular to it has a shorter processing time than a square with the same dimensions on both sides or a shape that is short in the main scanning and long in the secondary scanning. That is, when non-processing time for reverse occurs due to the reciprocating scanning of the galvanometer scanner, shortening the secondary scanning direction to reduce the non-processing time in the entire processed part leads to shortening of the processing time, enabling high speed and high productivity.

[0052] FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing an example representing a predetermined character (here, the number "123") by a fine concave shape obtained by laser processing. The bottle transport direction A and the main scanning direction are the same as in Figure 2A. Similar to Figure 2A, (1) to (5) indicate the scanning order, with the side with the number being the scanning lead end and the side without the number being the scanning trailing end. Each square represents the resolution, and the laser lights up only where there is input processing data, forming a fine concave shape. In the scanning lines 1 to 5, adjacent lines in the sub-scanning direction are spaced apart (pf) at a pitch corresponding to a predetermined sub-scanning resolution. For example, at 100 dpi, the spacing is 254 μm. As shown in (Equation 1) above, the lines are longer in the main scanning direction and shorter in the sub-scanning direction, with the main scanning direction consisting of 7 lines and the sub-scanning direction consisting of 5 lines. When representing characters with a collection of fine concave shapes, as shown in Figure 3A, by providing a predetermined, approximately uniform spacing between adjacent concave shapes (between scan lines) in the sub-scanning direction, and by making the overall processed shape longer in the main scanning direction and shorter in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to reduce processing time.

[0053] Figure 3B is a modified version of Figure 3A. The number of lines in the sub-scanning direction remains at 5 lines because it affects processing time, while the resolution of the main scan is increased to connect the concave shapes of the main scan into lines. In Figure 3B, the spacing of the concave shapes in the main scan direction is also constant, but since increasing the resolution of the main scan does not contribute to processing time, it is possible to improve the visibility of characters formed by the processed shape without changing the processing time. To connect the concave shapes of the main scan into lines, the resolution can be increased, or the input data can be changed to a line shape. It is important to strike a balance between visibility and sub-scanning resolution without simply increasing the number of lines in the sub-scanning direction.

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a processed shape when a string of characters (in this case, the numbers "12345") arranged in the main scanning direction is arranged in two columns in the sub-scanning direction. The method of forming the shape of the string is the same as in Figure 3A, using 5 lines in the sub-scanning direction. There is a predetermined gap (blank space) between strings in the sub-scanning direction, and no processing shape (processing data) is provided in that area. If even one point of processing data exists between strings, it will require scanning for one line, increasing the processing time. Therefore, a predetermined gap is provided between strings in the sub-scanning direction.

[0055] <Second Embodiment> Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of scanning in the sub-scanning direction of the optical scanning means according to the second embodiment. Figure 5B is an enlarged view of Figure 5A. The optical scanning system is equipped with a two-axis galvanometer scanner as a deflector. One axis scans along the longitudinal direction of the PET bottle, while the other axis scans in the bottle transport direction A (sub-scanning direction) at a constant speed, following the bottle. The operation of the axis along the longitudinal direction of the PET bottle is the same as described in Figure 2A. The operation of the axis in the sub-scanning direction will be described below. As shown in Figure 5A, the transport means 22 transports the PET bottle as the workpiece 21, and processing begins when the workpiece reaches the writing position. The galvanometer scanner on the sub-scanning axis scans at a constant speed, slower than the transport of the PET bottle, near the writing position. After that, it continues scanning at a constant speed until the PET bottle as the workpiece 21 is transported and the workpiece reaches the writing end position. Once processing is complete, it returns to the initial position for the next processing and waits for the next PET bottle. By repeating this process, the galvanometer scanner on the sub-scanning axis operates at a frequency that corresponds to the interval of one bottle.

[0056] Here • Sub-scanning (bottle transport direction) processing section length [m]: Lf • Light ray standby position [m] to the tip of the next processing shape: Lh • Sub-scanning speed [m / s]: vp ·Sub-scanning distance between adjacent processed parts [m]: Lp Let's assume the settings are as follows. • Sub-scanning (bottle transport direction) processing section length Lf[m]: 50.8*10-3 • Light ray waiting position Lh[m] to the tip of the next processing shape: 0.01 • Sub-scanning speed vp [m / s]: 50*10 -3 ·Sub-scanning adjacent workpiece distance Lp[m]: 100*10 -3

[0057] The productivity of PET bottles when following the sub-scanning process can be calculated as follows. Time taken for one beam to pass: (Lf + Lh) / vp = 1.21 sec On the other hand, productivity when not following sub-scanning can be calculated as follows. Time taken for one beam to pass: (Lf + Lp) / vp = 3.06 sec

[0058] When comparing the process of following the sub-scan with the process of not following the sub-scan, the productivity per bottle increases when the process follows the sub-scan. Without the process, the unprocessed area between the processing sections in the transport direction becomes a waiting time where processing cannot be performed. However, with the process, once the previous processing is complete, the system jumps to a waiting position for the next processing, thus reducing the waiting time during which processing cannot be performed. In the process of transporting and processing PET bottles, minimizing the unprocessed waiting time can improve productivity.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laser processing apparatus according to a third embodiment for detecting the position of a PET bottle being transported. The PET bottle, which is the workpiece 21, transported by the transport means 22, has its position detected by the detection system. The detection system is divided into a light-emitting unit 27 and a light-receiving unit 28, which are positioned to sandwich the PET bottle. The light-emitting unit 27 emits a laser such as infrared light, which is received by a light-receiving element (for example, a photoelectric conversion element, etc.) in the light-receiving unit 28. The position of the PET bottle is determined from the change in the detection signal of the light-receiving unit 28 caused by the PET bottle passing between them. Based on this position information, after a waiting time corresponding to the distance between the detection system and the optical scanning means, laser irradiation is performed and processing begins.

[0060] Here, we will explain the operation of the sub-scanning axis galvanometer scanner. When not processing, the deflection plane of the sub-scanning axis galvanometer scanner is waiting at a predetermined position (angle). If there is a discrepancy between the distance between the detection system and the optical axis position deflected by the galvanometer scanner, and the distance calculated from the transport speed and predetermined waiting time based on the position information of the PET bottle detected by the detection system, the sub-scanning axis galvanometer scanner will deflect to correct this discrepancy and move the optical axis to the writing position. Then, when laser irradiation is started with a predetermined waiting time based on the PET bottle position information acquired by the detection system relative to the position where the PET bottle has been transported, processing is performed at the predetermined position on the PET bottle. The waiting position of the polarization plane of the sub-scanning axis galvanometer scanner may be at any position, or it may be adjusted in advance to a position corresponding to the writing timing from the detection system, the waiting time until writing, and the distance calculated from the transport speed. The optical axis should be aligned to the writing position before the PET bottle is transported to the writing position.

[0061] Improving productivity will lead to an increase in processing area, allowing for the display of more information. Furthermore, increasing the amount of information displayed will enable faster production. By setting the aspect ratio of the processing area as described above, the processing time rate in the main scanning direction can be increased, and by making the scanning follow in the sub-scanning direction, the processing time rate in the sub-scanning direction can be increased, making it possible to achieve high-speed laser processing that was not possible with conventional technology.

[0062] While we have used blow-molded PET bottles as an example to illustrate specific cases, it is also possible to apply the above-described method to a preform before molding it into the final product, the bottle container. Furthermore, the process is not limited to PET bottles; it can also be applied to resin materials that display ingredient information, expiration dates, manufacturer logos, product names, etc., as well as containers and packaging made of resin materials that hold liquids or solids. Furthermore, the orientation of characters, which consist of a collection of minute concave shapes, is not limited to the direction shown in Figure 3A, but is also not restricted to a specific direction, such as a 90° rotation as shown in Figure 7. The characters are not limited to numbers, but can also be applied to human-readable characters such as hiragana, kanji, and the alphabet. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, characters may be composed of multiple microstructures, and the microstructures may be connected to each other.

[0063] <Fourth Embodiment> The following shows a marking and drawing (processing) apparatus using a concave microstructure formed by laser processing according to the fourth embodiment and its aggregate.

[0064] The present invention provides a means for drawing (printing) on ​​a storage container such as a PET bottle with high resolution without applying or mixing in other substances. In the storage container used in the present invention, in order to directly draw information that was conventionally written on a label onto the container body, an aggregate of microstructures is formed on the surface of the container body, and the surface properties are changed so that the printed area has different optical properties from the non-printed area.

[0065] Figure 11 shows an example of the appearance of a container used in the present invention. The printed portion forms an image by changing the surface properties of the container. Figure 11 shows the case where the contents or background is black and the printed surface is white, but for example, as shown in Figure 12, if the contents are white, the printed surface may be made darker than the non-printed surface by making the transmittance of the printed surface lower than that of the non-printed surface. Also, as shown in Figure 13, an aggregate of microstructures may be formed on the non-printed surface.

[0066] The surface properties necessary to form individual microstructures on the surface of the container body include changes in shape and changes in physical properties, and surface modification is performed by means of surface modification, which involves at least one of these changes. Figure 14 shows an example of surface modification performed by laser irradiation. Figure 14 is merely an example and does not limit the types of surface property changes or the means of changing them. Any method that involves optical properties may be used, such as yellowing of resin materials, shape changes due to machining, or oxidation reactions.

[0067] Figures 15A to 15D show the printed surface formed by assembling microstructures created by changes in surface properties in the present invention. Figure 15A is a magnified view of the printed surface. As shown in Figure 15B, in the container used in the present invention, the printed surface in any region is formed by multiple microstructures. In Figure 15B, two microstructures are arranged side by side with respect to the line width of the print, but the number of structures is not limited to the number of structures relative to the print width. Also, depending on the means of forming the microstructures, it is conceivable that the microstructures may take on a shape close to a circle, as shown in Figure 15C. The shape of the microstructures is not particularly limited, and the way they are assembled may be changed depending on the content to be printed and the position, as shown in Figure 15C. Here, assembling microstructures means arranging them at different times within an arbitrary range, and as shown in Figure 15D, even if it is the same line processing, if they are folded and assembled, it becomes an assembly of microstructures in the present invention.

[0068] The container used in this invention allows any area on the surface of the container body to be printed to be assigned as an output pixel. As shown in Figure 16A, the pixel value of the output pixel can be adjusted by adjusting the density of the microstructure within the output pixel area. The position of the microstructures on the output pixels in Figure 16A is merely an example, and their arrangement can be set arbitrarily. When distributing pixel values ​​as in Figure 16A, the expressible gradation values ​​are determined by considering the required resolution of the output pixels and the size of the microstructures, and the gradation in Figure 16A is merely an example. Giving gradation values ​​to output pixels can also be achieved by adjusting the range in which the surface properties are modified in the depth direction from the surface of the container body, as shown in Figure 16B. Figure 16B is merely an example and does not limit the distribution of the modified area after adjustment. Alternatively, assigning grayscale values ​​to output pixels can also be achieved by changing the optical properties of a single microstructure, as shown in Figure 16C.

[0069] In this embodiment, for simplicity, a PET bottle is used as an example, but other resin materials, glass, or other transparent containers may also be used. Furthermore, the means of forming micro-machined surfaces are not limited to lasers. For example, other processing methods such as cutting are not restricted.

[0070] In this invention, depending on the color of the contents, visibility is higher when the container is filled with contents. When the visible area appears white, the highest contrast is achieved when the contents of the container are black, but other colors such as brown or colorless are also acceptable. Furthermore, it is possible to create a black area within the visible region, and when it appears black, the highest contrast is achieved when the contents of the container are white. In the case of black formation, the formation of a visible area through carbonization can be considered. The color of the container itself does not have to be colorless; it can also be colored.

[0071] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 17A shows an example of a storage container having an integrated record according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 17B is an enlarged view of the drawing portion of Figure 17A. Figures 17A and 17B show an example of a containment container with integrated records, where the drawn areas (identifiable regions and whitened regions) are aggregates of microstructures created by modifying the material of the container.

[0072] The structure of the containment container used in this invention can be circular or polygonal when the container is sliced ​​crosswise. Therefore, the image forming surface can be not just a single plane, but a combination of multiple planes, a curved surface, or a combination of a curved surface and a plane. Figure 18 shows an example of image recording being performed on a curved surface near the mouth of a containment container that has integrated recording capabilities.

[0073] As shown in Figure 19, if the height direction of the container is the Z-axis, the drawing formed when viewed from the Z-axis direction in the XY plane has good visibility from the Z-axis direction. For example, including the manufacturer's name, product name, image, logo, QR code (registered trademark), barcode, etc., makes it easy to understand even when the product is packed in a box.

[0074] To improve the visibility of barcodes and the like from the Z-axis direction (where the height of the container is the Z-axis), for example, as shown in Figure 20, narrowing the spacing between the lower lines and drawing them in accordance with the curvature can make them easier to read.

[0075] Figure 21 shows variations in machining depth. There are four variations, A through D, as follows: A: A machining depth where the ratio of machined part to unmachined part is 1-3 to 9-7 results in high strength. B: Machining depth where the ratio of machined area to unmachined area is 7-9 to 3-1 C: Machining depth where the ratio of machined area to unmachined area is 4-6 to 6-4. D: A state where various processing depths coexist, expanding the variety of information. Specifically, for example, under condition A, if the container thickness is between 100 μm and 500 μm, the processing depth would be 10 μm. Container capacities range from 500mL or 2L, with the largest being 30L.

[0076] For image formation laser irradiation, multi-beam irradiation is used to increase speed. The multi-beam laser arrangement is 1D, and there are three variations in the overlap of the beams. Figure 22 illustrates the overlap of beams during processing in a multi-beam system. For example, under condition A above, the processing width is 42.6 μm and the gap is 23.6 μm.

[0077] <Sixth Embodiment> Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a container as a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The container body 15, which is the object to be marked, is rotated by a rotating mechanism 11, and a laser 13 is irradiated from a marking unit 12 to form the processed shape. The container body 15, which is the object to be marked, is placed on a conveyor 14 and is marked while being moved by the conveyor 14. Figure 23 is a view from the direction of travel of the conveyor. In some cases, the laser position is fixed and the container body is moved by the rotating mechanism 11, while in other cases, the container body is fixed and the laser position is moved. Furthermore, when moving the container body, laser drawing may be performed using synchronous control, such as rotating it by a certain angle, performing laser drawing, then rotating it by the same angle again and performing laser drawing again, or the container body may be rotated at a constant speed while laser drawing is performed. The container holding part can be the opening, the body of the container, or the bottom. The container can be placed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally during processing.

[0078] As shown in Figure 24, laser marking may be applied from one point as the object passes through a conveyor belt, or as shown in Figure 25, laser marking may be applied simultaneously from multiple points as the object passes through a conveyor belt.

[0079] Figure 26 shows a marking section 12 positioned at an angle relative to the container body 15 so that it can be drawn on the inclined portion of the container body 15. In the areas that are inclined relative to the container body 15, the marking section 12 is positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the container body 15, and this angle is adjustable. Figure 27 shows an example of a manufacturing apparatus for containers when the container body 15 is placed horizontally.

[0080] Figure 28 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a marking section in a container manufacturing apparatus as a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The marking section comprises a laser light control unit, a laser drive unit, and a container holding unit. Note that the container holding unit may be omitted, and the laser drive unit may not have a scanning unit.

[0081] The scanning unit (raster) of the laser drive unit in the manufacturing apparatus for a container, which is a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, has the configuration shown in Figure 29A. As shown in Figure 29A, the container manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a laser oscillator 1, a beam expander 2, a scanning optical element 3, a focusing optical element 4, and a rotating mechanism 11. Figure 29B is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the scanning unit in the laser drive unit of the container manufacturing apparatus. The processing procedure of the scanning unit will be explained with reference to Figure 29A.

[0082] In step S10, the scanning unit of the laser drive unit in the container manufacturing apparatus emits laser light from the laser oscillator 1 and then proceeds to S11. In step S11, the scanning unit changes the beam diameter of the laser light using the beam expander 2, and then proceeds to process S12. In step S12, the scanning unit scans the laser light with the scanning optical element 3, and then proceeds to process S13. In step S13, the scanning unit focuses the laser light using the focusing optical element 4, and then proceeds to process S14. In step S14, the scanning unit terminates the process when laser light is shone onto the container body 15.

[0083] In the case where the optical system of the laser drive unit in the manufacturing apparatus for a containment container, which is a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, is arrayed, it has the configuration shown in Figure 30A. As shown in Figure 30A, the container manufacturing apparatus 10 has a laser light source 6 and a rotating mechanism 11. The laser light source 6 has a plurality of optical elements (focusing lenses) 7 arranged in an array. Figure 30B is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the optical system of the laser drive unit in a manufacturing apparatus for a container as a laser processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The processing procedure of the optical system of the laser drive unit will be described with reference to Figure 30A.

[0084] In step S20, the optical system of the laser drive unit in the container manufacturing apparatus 10 emits laser light from the laser light source (n pieces) 6, and then proceeds to process S21. In step S21, the optical system of the laser drive unit focuses the laser light using an array of optical elements (for focusing, n pieces) 7, and then proceeds to S22. In step S22, the optical system of the laser drive unit terminates the process when laser light is shone onto the container body 15.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0086] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light, An optical scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, which scans laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element, A laser processing apparatus having a conveying means for transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the optical scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The laser processing apparatus is characterized in that the processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the transport direction. <2> The processed shape of the workpiece includes an aggregate of minute dots, and the distance between adjacent dots in the aggregate of minute dots is provided at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, <1> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <3> The collection of minute dots includes a predetermined string of characters, <2> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <4> The strings arranged in the scanning direction are provided at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, <3> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <5> The scanning by the deflector scans the processing area back and forth. <1> from <4> It is a laser processing apparatus as described in any of the following. <6> The deflector has a configuration that allows scanning on two axes, <1> from <5> It is a laser processing apparatus as described in any of the following. <7> The two axes of the deflector are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, <6> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <8> The scanning frequency in the two axes of the deflector is faster in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction than in the transport direction. <7> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <9> The scanning speed in the scanning axis in the transport direction is slower than the transport speed of the workpiece. <7> from <8> It is a laser processing apparatus as described in any of the following. <10> A light irradiation process in which laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece, A light scanning process in which laser light is scanned using a deflector and an imaging optical element, A laser processing method comprising a transport step of transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned in the optical scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The laser processing method is characterized in that the processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the transport direction. <11> A light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light, An optical scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, which scans laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element, A laser processing apparatus having a conveying means for transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the optical scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means. The laser processing apparatus is characterized in that the processing shape of the workpiece is long in the scanning direction of the deflector and short in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the deflector. <12> The workpiece is defined as having the longitudinal direction in the projection view that maximizes the projected area onto the plane as the scanning direction. <11> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <13> A light irradiation process in which laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece, A light scanning process in which laser light is scanned using a deflector and an imaging optical element, A laser processing method comprising a transport step of transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned in the optical scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step. The aforementioned laser processing method is characterized in that the processed shape of the workpiece has a long scanning direction of the deflector and a short direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the deflector. <14> A light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light, An optical scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, which scans laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element, A laser processing apparatus having a conveying means for transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the optical scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The laser processing apparatus has a detection means for detecting the transport position information of the workpiece, The deflector can also deflect in the transport direction, The deflector deflects the workpiece in the transport direction before the time the workpiece is processed. The laser beam deflected by the deflector is positioned at the starting position of the processing of the workpiece being transported. This laser processing apparatus is characterized by determining the timing of processing based on detection information from the aforementioned detection means. <15> The processing shape of the workpiece is such that the scanning direction is longer than the conveying direction. <14> This is the laser processing device described in [reference]. <16> A light irradiation process in which laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece, A light scanning process in which laser light is scanned using a deflector and an imaging optical element, A laser processing method comprising a transport step of transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned in the optical scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The laser processing method includes a detection step for detecting the transport position information of the workpiece, The deflector can also deflect in the transport direction, The deflector deflects the workpiece in the transport direction before the time the workpiece is processed. The laser beam deflected by the deflector is positioned at the starting position of the processing of the workpiece being transported. This laser processing method is characterized by determining the timing of processing based on the detection information in the aforementioned detection step.

[0087] The aforementioned <1> from <9> , the above <11> from <12> , and the above <14 <15> A laser processing apparatus as described in any of the above, and the <10> , the above <13> , and the aforementioned <16> According to any of the laser processing methods described herein, the conventional problems can be solved and the objectives of the present invention can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. Laser processing equipment (equipment for manufacturing containment containers) 11 Rotation mechanism 12 Marking section 13 Lasers 14 Conveyor 15 Container body 20 Laser processing equipment 21 Workpiece 22 Conveying means 23 Light irradiation means 24 Processing area 25 Processing shape 26 Processed part 29 Optical scanning means 30 containment containers [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0089] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5906115

Claims

1. A light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light, An optical scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, which scans laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element, A laser processing apparatus having a conveying means for transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the optical scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the conveying direction. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned transport direction is the main scanning direction. A laser processing apparatus characterized in that the resolution in the main scanning direction is higher than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction.

2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing shape of the workpiece includes an aggregate of minute dots, and the distance between adjacent dots in the aggregate of minute dots is provided at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.

3. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the collection of minute dots includes a predetermined string of characters.

4. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the strings of characters arranged in the scanning direction are provided at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.

5. The laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the scanning by the deflector scans the processing area back and forth.

6. The laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the deflector is configured to be scannable on two axes.

7. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the two axes of the deflector are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

8. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the scanning frequency in the two axes of the deflector is higher in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction than in the transport direction.

9. The laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the scanning speed in the scanning axis in the transport direction is slower than the transport speed of the workpiece.

10. A light irradiation process in which laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece, A light scanning process in which laser light is scanned using a deflector and an imaging optical element, A laser processing method comprising a transport step of transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned in the optical scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The processed shape of the workpiece is longer in the scanning direction than in the conveying direction. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned transport direction is the main scanning direction. A laser processing method characterized by making the resolution in the main scanning direction higher than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction.

11. A light irradiation means for irradiating a workpiece with laser light, An optical scanning means having a deflector and an imaging optical element, which scans laser light using the deflector and imaging optical element, A laser processing apparatus having a conveying means for transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned by the optical scanning means while it is being transported by the transport means. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The laser processing apparatus has a detection means for detecting the transport position information of the workpiece, The deflector can also deflect in the transport direction, The deflector deflects the workpiece in the transport direction before the time the workpiece is processed. The laser beam deflected by the deflector is positioned at the starting position of the processing of the workpiece being transported. Based on the detection information from the aforementioned detection means, the timing for processing is determined. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned transport direction is the main scanning direction. A laser processing apparatus characterized in that the resolution in the main scanning direction is higher than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction.

12. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing shape of the workpiece has a longer scanning direction than the transport direction.

13. A light irradiation process in which laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece, A light scanning process in which laser light is scanned using a deflector and an imaging optical element, A laser processing method comprising a transport step of transporting a workpiece to a processing area, The workpiece is processed by irradiating it with laser light scanned in the optical scanning step while it is being transported in the transport step. The workpiece is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The laser processing method includes a detection step for detecting the transport position information of the workpiece, The deflector can also deflect in the transport direction, The deflector deflects the workpiece in the transport direction before the time the workpiece is processed. The laser beam deflected by the deflector is positioned at the starting position of the processing of the workpiece being transported. Based on the detection information in the aforementioned detection step, the timing for processing is determined. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned transport direction is the main scanning direction. A laser processing method characterized by making the resolution in the main scanning direction higher than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction.

Images