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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers (50) having a cylindrical main body (52). The method includes the steps of: providing (S1) a plurality of containers (50); separating the individual containers within the plurality of containers (50); and sequentially conveying said individual containers (50) through a processing station (1; 61). In the processing station (1; 61), the individual containers (50) are rotated about their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) are in contact with a cleaning element (27; 30). , 35), to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the exterior surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) of the individual containers. In this way, the surface properties of glass containers can be significantly improved by means of inexpensive and simple processing to prevent undesirable "sticking" behavior of glass containers. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1st
    公开号:FR3088225A1
    申请号:FR1912581
    申请日:2019-11-08
    公开日:2020-05-15
    发明作者:Anil Narayan Narvekar；Pratul Prakash POTDAR
    申请人:Schott Kaisha Pvt Ltd；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description
    Title of the invention: DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
    PROCESSING OF GLASS CONTAINERS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING GLASS CONTAINERS INCLUDING SUCH PROCESSING [0001] The present application claims priority from Indian patent application No. 201821042154 “APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR PROCESSING OF GLASS CONTAINERS AND PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING GLASS CONTAINERS INCLUDING SUCH A PROCESSING ”, filed on November 8, 2018, the content of which is incorporated by reference.
    Technical Field [0002] The invention relates to the general field of containers for pharmaceutical packaging or of a medical device or sterile packaging, such as syringes, cartridges or systems of pharmaceutical cannulas and vials, and more particularly a device and a method for treating the external surfaces of such containers to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of such containers.
    PRIOR ART In pharmaceutical packaging, such as syringe devices, cartridge or cannula systems and pharmaceutical bottles, great demands are placed on the friction properties of the internal surface of the packaging. To this end, US 2014/0305830 A1 describes a container, in which the internal surface comprises silica, and an internal surface comprising silica is at least partially modified with a fluorine-based component, wherein the fluorine-based component is chemically bonded to the silica of the container body with at least one Si — O — Si bond, so that, for example, a syringe plunger or a vial stopper can slide on the inner surface of the syringe or vial with as little friction as possible.
    Often, less attention is paid to the properties of the external surfaces of such containers. Foreign particulate matter is known to be a leading cause of parenteral drug recalls and other container problems used in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, despite extensive control and inspection during manufacture, and it is known that glass is an important source of particular contamination in this area. A major source of glass particulate matter comes from glass-to-glass contact during the handling or processing of such containers after their manufacture, in particular also in the filling lines of pharmaceutical companies or filling companies.
    If the pharmaceutical packaging based on glass, such as for example glass tubes, cartridges or bottles, is filled with a drug or any agent, we proceed beforehand with a cleaning, for example washing with deionized water at 60 °, possibly in support with ultrasound. If necessary, an additional sterilization step can then be carried out. After such a preliminary treatment, the glass-based products are very dull, meaning that they can literally be found "glued" together on the outside. In filling stations where, for example, glass bottles are transported on belts, this can cause undesirable accumulation of containers during bulk processing.
    FIG. 7 illustrates a typical situation of a mass treatment, in which multiple containers 100 having mainly cylindrical bodies are conveyed on a chute 101 or a similar surface, with constant glass-to-glass contact. The “sticking” effect of the containers often results in the fact that certain containers 100 unwantedly scale the others, as illustrated in FIG. 7, often causing the containers of the chute 101 or of the strip to fall. (not shown).
    In order to simplify handling and to reduce abrasion and scrap, it is thus desirable to define a process improving the tribological properties of the external surfaces, in particular in the case of pharmaceutical packaging based on glass and to reduce the waste effect as much as possible.
    To this end, DE 196 43 110 A1 describes a method of covering the surfaces of hollow glass containers, in which the hollow glass containers are covered by means of a solution or a dispersion of silane and of polyethylene serving as debt collector. For this purpose, a solution of silane and polyethylene is applied to the surface of a hollow glass container with a cold finishing agent. Fatty acids, their esters, ester waxes or surfactants are used to serve as cold finishers. This treatment of the outer surfaces of the containers increases the cost and presents a significant difficulty in conforming to contemporary standards in the pharmaceutical industry.
    WO 2011/029857 A2 describes an alternative solution, namely a method for treating the external surfaces of pharmaceutical packaging made of glass. The method includes the step of applying to the surface a liquid containing oxide particles, in particular SiO 2 particles, and then drying the liquid. Alternatively, a liquid containing organically bound silica, such as a silicone oil, can be applied to the surface and then dried and pyrolitically decomposed in order to deposit SiO 2 particles on the surface. The treatment results in improved tribological properties and reduced sensitivity of the waste receptacles.
    WO 2013/149822 A2 describes that untreated containers, for example not yet sterilized, have an oxidation layer consisting essentially of a layer of silica oxide on the external walls due to the process for manufacturing the containers. During sterilization of containers, for example in a sterilization duct, this oxide layer is destroyed so that the coefficient of friction on the walls of the container (inside and outside) increases considerably. Furthermore, it is described that a particular rapid cooling of the containers can lead to electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the containers, which can lead to imperfections in the subsequent processes, due to friction and the "sticking" effect. previously mentioned.
    To reduce the "sticking" effect, WO 2013/149822 A2 proposes adding additional humidity to the containers in the form of water, vapor or air with high humidity. It is explained that the oxidation process starts again when the containers cool at their walls, so that an oxidation layer is formed which reduces the effect of friction. Only the outer surfaces of the containers are wetted in this process using humidity, in order to prevent contamination of the already sterilized and depyrogenated containers by the humidity entering the interior of the container.
    Christopher L. Timmons, Chi Yuen Liu and Stefan Merkle, ‘Particulate generation mechanism during bulk filling and mitigation via new class vial’, PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Vol. 71, No. 5, September-October 2017, discuss the properties of glass bottles reinforced with a coefficient of friction (COP) to reduce product contamination and the frequency of interventions required on the manufacturing line.
    Thus, there is, in the field of pharmaceutical packaging and that of glass containers for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, there remains a need for efficient, inexpensive and flexible methods for obtaining glass containers. having a reduced adhesive surface behavior ("sticky behavior").
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient, inexpensive and flexible method for obtaining glass containers for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications showing surface behavior reduced adhesive ("sticky behavior").
    This problem is solved by means of a method for treating the external surfaces of glass containers used for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, for example glass containers as claimed in claims 1 and 12, respectively, and by means of a device as claimed in claim 14. Other advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
    According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating the outer surfaces of glass containers used for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers having a cylindrical main body, said method comprising the steps of :
    Provide a plurality of containers; separating the individual containers within said plurality of containers; and sequentially conveying said individual containers through a processing station; in which processing station, said individual containers are rotated about their longitudinal axis while the external surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies are in contact with a cleaning element in order to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies individual containers.
    Direct contact with the cleaning element of the external surfaces of the rotated glass containers brought into rotation allows cleaning or a polishing effect which, surprisingly, is sufficient to significantly reduce the "sticky behavior" glass containers and reducing the adhesive surface behavior of the exterior surfaces of these containers. For this purpose, the external surfaces of the glass containers can simply roll over the cleaning element without slipping, the friction between the external surfaces of the glass containers and the cleaning element being sufficient to suitably improve the surface properties of the glass containers. However, according to additional embodiments, a certain sliding between the external sufaces of the glass containers and of the cleaning element can be brought to intervene to thus further increase the cleaning or the polishing effect of the external surfaces. glass containers.
    Another advantage of the method according to the present invention consists in significantly reducing the risk of scratches due to reduced surface abrasion. If the containers are to collide during storage, transport or conveyance despite measures taken to avoid such a collision or direct contact between adjacent containers within a plurality of containers, the risk of scratches may be reduced due to less surface abrasion resulting from the process according to the present invention.
    The rotation time of the glass containers, the characteristics of the cleaning element and the characteristics of the contact between the cleaning element and the external surface of a glass container represent parameters which can be easily adjusted and adjusted according to the surface properties of the glass containers, thus ensuring a consistent and suitable reduction in the "sticking" behavior of the glass containers. Furthermore, it has been found that the method according to the present invention can be easily integrated within an existing production line or processing plants used in production or processing plants used to produce or to process glass containers used for cosmetic, pharmaceutical or medical applications. For example, the method according to the present invention can be implemented following an annealing of the glass containers within an annealing gallery, or directly before an additional treatment of the containers in a bulk format and with a direct glass-to-glass contact, such as for example when conveying a plurality of containers on a feed corridor while they are maintained in a standing position on a guide surface of the feed corridor.
    According to a further embodiment the individual containers are rotated several times around their longitudinal axis while the surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element. The number of rotations of the glass containers can be easily adjusted to allow proper surface treatment of the glass containers to ensure desired surface properties of the glass containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, the rotation of the individual containers is stabilized around their longitudinal axis while the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element, in order to avoid during the treatment direct glass-glass contact of the adjacent glass containers and to avoid unwanted tilting of the axes of rotation of the glass containers during their treatment. Stabilization is carried out by means of cooperation with the cleaning element with the glass containers to be treated, which is suitable for preventing a collision between two directly adjacent glass containers within the treatment region while these containers of directly adjacent glass are treated during a period envisaged for a suitable treatment of the external surfaces.
    The rotation of the glass containers around their longitudinal axis can be stabilized by means of positioning and guiding elements, such as notches, grooves or F-shaped support elements used for conveying the re glass containers through the processing device, said positioning and guide elements firmly defining an orientation and a position pre-terminated during the treatment of glass containers. In particular, the guiding and positioning effect of the positioning and guiding elements can also be used to precisely define the contact and contact pressure between the cleaning element used to clean and polish the external surfaces and the glass containers.
    According to another embodiment, the rotation of the independent containers around their longitudinal axes is stabilized by means of a spacing formed between the cleaning element and at least one counter-element, in which a width of the spacing corresponds to an external diameter of the individual containers, in which the counter-element (s) makes / makes contact with the external surfaces of the individual containers at at least two points of contact on the external surfaces, spaced along the longitudinal axis of the containers . In this configuration, the counter-element acts as a positioning and guiding element mentioned above. At the same time, the counter element can also be used to electrically ground the glass containers during processing to reduce the electrostatic charges caused by friction between the cleaning element and the glass container. In particular, the counter-element can be produced using a suitable rubber or plastic material, in particular silicone or a PU (polyurethane), sponge or foam material.
    According to a further embodiment, the cleaning element is formed by means of a driven roller and the individual containers are supported on two inactive rollers or two pairs of inactive rollers arranged in a V-shaped configuration, along of the circumference of the driven roller, each of the inactive rollers or each pair of inactive rollers forming a space having a width corresponding to the outside diameter of the individual containers. The two inactive rollers or the two pairs of inactive rollers stabilize the rotation of the glass containers around their longitudinal axes during processing. By adjusting the positions and orientations of the two inactive rollers or of the two pairs of inactive rollers, the characteristics of the cleaning or polishing effect, in particular the orientation of the glass containers, can be suitably adjusted during processing. exactly parallel to the rotating polishing cylinder and with a suitable distance as well as a suitable contact pressure of the polishing cylinder on the glass vessels which can be adjusted properly and precisely.
    According to an additional embodiment, the step of sequential conveying of said glass containers through the treatment station comprises the steps consisting in:
    Provide the individual containers in grooves of guide elements and convey at the rate of a clock cycle through the processing station the guide elements with the individual containers arranged thereon, in which the two inactive rollers or both pairs of inactive rollers are supported in common on a lifting arm, and the lifting arm lifts the individual containers synchronously with the clock cycle in order to bring into contact with the element of cleaning and treating the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, the individual containers are conveyed through the treatment station with a horizontal orientation, which makes it possible to avoid the intrusion of particles inside the glass containers during the treatment.
    According to an additional embodiment the rotation of the individual containers around their longitudinal axis is driven and stabilized by the conveying of the individual containers through a channel formed between a driven belt and the counter-element (s), the counter (s) elements being of flat shape, said channel having a height corresponding to a length of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers and having a width corresponding to the outside diameter of the individual containers. In this configuration, the individual containers can also be conveyed through the treatment station in a vertical orientation, that is to say in a standing position, with an end opening which is directed vertically up or down. In this embodiment, the glass containers roll continuously through the contact line formed by the channel, in contact with the driven belt and the counter-element (s). As has already been pointed out previously with regard to the first embodiment, a certain degree of slippage may prevail between the driven belt and the counter-element (s).
    According to an additional embodiment, the driven belt is driven by engagement with a toothed driven pulley with axial grooves arranged on an internal surface thereof and in which at least two inactive pulleys form a linear part of the channel , in which the counter-element (s) is / are arranged in parallel with the linear part of the channel.
    According to an additional embodiment, the width of the space formed between the cleaning element and the counter-element (s) is adjusted by adjustment elements, in order to come and adjust the conditions for treating the external surfaces of the glass containers, in particular by cleaning or polishing effect, contact pressure and the like.
    According to an additional embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: determining the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers quantitatively or qualitatively; and adjusting the width of the space formed between the cleaning element and the counter-element (s) and / or a contact pressure of the cleaning element and / or a counter-element making contact with the external sufaces of the bodies main cylinders in the processing station in correspondence with a result of the step of quantitative and qualitative determination of the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers. In this way a certain feedback can be obtained which can be used to suitably adjust the conditions of treatment of the exterior surfaces of the glass containers, such as duration, cleaning or polishing effect, contact pressure and the like. . In this way, a uniform quality is ensured with a suitable "sticking effect" of the glass containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, an external surface of the cleaning element is made of rubber or plastic material, in particular a material, sponge or silicone or PU foam (polyurethane).
    According to an additional embodiment, in the step of sequential conveying of said individual containers through the treatment station, the individual containers are arranged during treatment parallel to each other and with constant spacing to avoid any unwanted glass-glass contact between adjacent glass containers.
    According to another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: diffusing electric charges on the external surfaces of the individual containers by means of an ionizer in order to ensure a neutral electric charge of the individual containers at the end of treatment.
    According to an additional embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: removing the particles in the treatment station by means of a vacuum pump to prevent intrusion into the interior of the containers of the particles removed external sufaces of individual containers.
    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing glass containers used for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers having a cylindrical main body, said method comprising the steps of to: provide glass tubes; fabricating a plurality of glass containers from the glass tubes by hot forming; and treating the exterior surfaces of the plurality of glass containers, the method comprising separating the containers individually within the plurality of containers; and sequential conveying of said individual containers through a processing station; in which processing station, the individual containers are rotated about their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are contacted with a cleaning element in order to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers.
    According to an additional embodiment the method of manufacturing glass containers further comprises the steps of treating the outer surfaces of the glass containers as defined above and below.
    According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers used in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers having a cylindrical main body, said apparatus comprising :
    A treatment station for treating the exterior surfaces of the glass containers; an input channel for receiving a plurality of containers, configured to separate the individual containers within the plurality of containers; an outlet channel for bringing out the individual containers after the treatment of the external surfaces within the treatment station; and a conveying device configured to sequentially convey the said containers through the treatment station from the inlet to the outlet. According to the present invention, the treatment station comprises a cleaning element and a drive device for rotating the individual containers around their longitudinal axis while the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element, and this in order to reduce an adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, the individual containers are rotated around their longitudinal axis several times while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element.
    According to a further embodiment, a space is formed between the cleaning element and at least one counter-element, in order to stabilize the rotation of the individual containers around their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element, in which a width of the space corresponds to an external diameter of the individual containers, in which the counter-element (s) makes / make contact with the external surfaces of the individual containers at two points contact at least on the outer surfaces spaced along the longitudinal axis of the containers.
    According to a further embodiment, the cleaning element is formed by a driven roller and the individual containers are supported on two inactive rollers or two pairs of inactive rollers arranged in a V-shaped configuration along the circumference of the driven roller, each of the inactive rollers or the pair of inactive rollers forming a spacing having a width corresponding to the outside diameter of the individual containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, the transport device comprises two conveyor chains guided through the processing station, spaced apart and parallel to one another, guide elements having grooves V-shaped in connection with the conveyor chains, and the two conveyor chains are driven in a clock cycle, to sequentially convey said individual containers through the processing station with an arrangement of the individual containers during the clock cycle in the V-shaped grooves of the guide elements, in which the two inactive rollers or the two pairs of inactive rollers are supported in common on a lifting arm, and the lifting arm is controlled to raise the individual containers synchronously with the clock cycle to bring the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies of the individual containers into contact with the element cleaning for treatment.
    According to an additional embodiment, the transport device is configured to convey in a horizontal orientation the individual containers through the treatment station [0046] According to an additional embodiment, the cleaning element and at least one counter-element arranged in opposition to the cleaning element together form a channel for driving and stabilizing the rotation of the individual containers around their longitudinal axis while the individual containers are transported through the channel, the counter-element (s) having the shape of a plate. Said channel has a height corresponding to a length of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers and a width corresponding to the outside diameter of the individual containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, the transport device further comprises a toothed drive pulley and axial grooves disposed on an internal surface of said belt driven to drive the belt driven in engagement with the toothed pulley driven with the axial grooves provided on the inner surface of the training belt. At least two inactive pulleys form a linear part of the channel and the counter-element (s) is / are arranged (s) in parallel with the linear part of the channel.
    According to a further embodiment, the device further comprises adjustment elements for adjusting the width of the space formed between the cleaning element and the counter-element (s).
    According to an additional embodiment, the apparatus further comprises: an inspection system for quantitatively or qualitatively determining the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual receptacles and for producing as an output an output signal corresponding to the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers; and a processing unit configured to control the adjusting elements, in order to adjust the width of the spacing formed between the cleaning element and at least one counter-element, and / or to adjust a contact pressure of the element cleaning agent and / or at least one counter-element making contact with the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies in the treatment station in correspondence with the output signal.
    According to an additional embodiment, an outer surface of the cleaning element is made of rubber or plastic material, in particular a material, sponge or silicone or PU foam (polyurethane).
    According to an additional embodiment, the device further comprises an ionizer for vaporizing electrical charges on the exterior surfaces of the individual containers, in order to ensure, at the end of treatment, a neutral electrical charge for the individual containers.
    According to an additional embodiment, the device further comprises a vacuum pump for removing particles within the treatment station, and preventing intrusion into the interior of the containers of particles torn from the outer surfaces of the individual containers.
    Brief description of the drawings The invention will be described below, with reference to the figures below:
    Figs, la to If illustrate several views of an apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, according to a first embodiment;
    Figs. 2a to 2c illustrate various views apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, according to a second embodiment;
    FIG. 3a illustrates a method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications in accordance with the present invention;
    [0057] FIG. 3b illustrates a method of manufacturing glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, comprising a method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers of Figure 3a;
    [0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications in accordance with the present invention;
    [0059] Fig. 5 illustrates the general geometry of a typical glass container for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, for treatment by the method according to the present invention;
    Figs. 6a to 6c summarize different methods using in an inspection system to quantitatively or qualitatively determine the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of glass containers and generate as output a corresponding output signal used in an additional embodiment of the method according to the present invention; and [0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the result of the “bonding behavior” of glass containers during the bulk treatment of glass containers with glass-glass contact.
    Through the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or substantially identical components or groups of components.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS.
    FIG. 5 illustrates the general geometry of a typical glass container 50 (hereinafter "container") for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, and which is the subject of a treatment by means of a method according to the present invention. In this example, the container 50 is made in the form of a glass cartridge. The present invention cannot, however, be limited to cartridges only. Other examples of glass containers according to the present invention could be glass vials.
    The container 50 comprises a body comprising a cylindrical body 52 having an external diameter, which is wider than the external diameter of all the other parts of the container 50. The cylindrical body 52 merges into a narrowed part 51 at the lower end of a reduced diameter, which has a shoulder part 53, a neck part 54, representing the part of the container 50 having a minimum outside diameter, and a wider lower edge 55 having a secondary opening used for administration of a drug. The container 50 is filled via a filling opening 56 at an opposite upper end.
    Such cartridges, comprising for example ink cartridges, bypass cartridges and dental cartridges, are packaging commonly used for the distribution of drugs, for example the administration of insulin, pencil systems, pump systems, auto-injectors and needle-less injectors. For specific needs, such as leads and chemically reinforced cartridges, custom designs are available on the market. Commercially available cartridges can be made of glass material, in particular Fiolax® glass from SCHOTT AG, and allow fixed volumes for drug administration, for example 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml and 3.0 ml. Different volumes usually correspond to different cartridge axis lengths.
    As shown in Figure 5, the cylindrical main body 52 extends over most of the axial length of the container 50. The container 50 has a rotational symmetry about a central line 58 indicated by a line dotted in Figure 5. When we turn around this central line taken as the axis of rotation, the outermost outline of the container 50 corresponds to the external surface of the cylindrical main body 52. This also applies to the other containers in the spirit of the present application, for example glass vials.
    Figures la and 1b illustrate two perspective views of an apparatus 1, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, for the treatment of external surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical. The apparatus 1 generally consists of a conveyor device, in this embodiment a conveyor chain 8, configured to sequentially convey said individual containers 50, after a polishing cylinder 27 serving as a cleaning element for purifying or polishing the external surfaces of the individual containers 50, in particular the external surfaces of the main cylindrical parts 52 (cf. FIG. 5).
    The polishing cylinder 27 is rotatably supported by means of a shaft 26, which is supported by the holding arm 25 and driven by an electric motor (not shown) for rotation around the drive shaft 26. The polishing cylinder 27 has a cylindrical shape and has rotational symmetry around the drive shaft 26. The drive shaft 26 and the polishing cylinder 27 are arranged exactly parallel to the longitudinal axes of the containers 50 conveyed for passage through the polishing cylinder 26.
    Each container 50 is supported by two support members 20 having indentations 22 in a V shape. The support members 20 are mounted on external chain links 10 of the conveyor chain 8 via pins 11 and holes 23 The two support members 20 are each supported by the conveyor chain 8 so that a line connecting the lowest parts of the V-shaped indentations 22 of two opposite support members 20 is exactly parallel with the drive shaft 26 and the axial direction of the polishing cylinder 27. Adjusting elements (not shown) can be made available to ensure this exact alignment, in particular for tilting the drive shaft and the cylinder. polishing 26 relative to the containers 50, but also to adjust the distance between the polishing cylinder 27 and the container 50 to be treated.
    The two conveyor chains 8, consisting of external chain links 10 and internal chain links 9 connected to each other via pin 11, are guided along longitudinal recesses 6 formed on the upper sides of the guide blocks 4, which are distant and extend parallel to each other in a horizontal direction. More specifically, the outer chain links 10 and the supporting members 20 of the conveyor chains 8 are precisely guided in a longitudinal direction passing through the polishing cylinder 27 in abutment with the guide protrusions 7. The outer chain links 10 and the support members 20 of the two conveyor chains 8 are driven exactly synchronously so that the containers 50 remain aligned in parallel with the drive shaft 26 in all stages of processing.
    A longitudinal spacing 5 is formed between the two guide blocks 4, which is covered by the containers 50 when they are supported by the support members 20. More specifically, the main cylindrical bodies 52 of the containers 50 are supported by the V-shaped indentations 22 of the supporting members 20.
    Below the polishing cylinder 27, there is a lifting arm 15, on which two pairs of inactive rollers are supported by shafts 16. More specifically, the rollers of each pair of rollers 16 are supported on opposite sides of the lifting arm 15. The two pairs of rollers 16 are supported exactly parallel to each other, so that the containers 50 are exactly aligned in parallel with the drive shaft and the polishing cylinder 27, when they are supported by the two pairs of rollers 16.
    The lifting arm 15 is used to lift the container 50 positioned under the polishing cylinder 27 and to remove this container 50 from the V-shaped teeth 22 of the support members 20. In the raised position, the container is only supported by the two pairs of rollers 16. In the raised position illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the container 50 is lifted to a level where the main cylindrical body 52 comes into contact and is pressed against the polishing cylinder 27. In in this position, the rotary polishing cylinder 27 cleans or polishes the external surface of the cylindrical main body 52 of the container 50, in order to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the external surface of the cylindrical main body 52 of the container 50.
    During a typical treatment, the polishing cylinder 27 rotates at a relatively high speed of rotation around the drive shaft 26, causing a high rotational acceleration of the container 50 - originally at rest - when the latter is conveyed and lifted to come into contact with the polishing cylinder 27. This can cause a certain sliding of the container 50, resulting in effective cleaning or polishing of the cylindrical main body 52 of the container 50. The characteristics of this sliding and of this cleaning or polishing can depend on various parameters, such as the contact pressure of the container against the polishing cylinder 27, the material of the polishing cylinder 27, the material of realization of the rollers 16, the speed of rotation of the cylinder of polishing 27 and its variation over time. Preferably, the main cylindrical body 52 of the container 50 does not slide on the rollers 16. In a typical treatment, the containers 50 are rotated around their central axis several times while being in contact with the polishing cylinder 27 Following cleaning or polishing, the lifting arm 15 is lowered again to release the contact of the main cylindrical body 52 of the container 50 with the polishing cylinder 27 and let the container 50 rest in the teeth 22 in V-shaped support members 20.
    The conveyor chains 8 can be moved according to a clock cycle consisting of short intervals of movement interrupted by intervals of rest, during which the containers 50 are lifted to be treated. Alternatively, the conveyor chains 8 can be moved continuously in a longitudinal direction, and in this case the holding arm 25 and the polishing cylinder 27 are moved exactly synchronously with the conveyor chains 8 in one direction longitudinal while the lifting arm 15 has raised the container in an elevated state in contact with the polishing cylinder 27, and performs a synchronous reciprocal movement with the lifting and lowering of the lifting arm 15 and of the container 25.
    The figure illustrates a top view of the device 1. Figure Id shows a side view of the device 1. The figure is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the device 1 in a position lifting of the lifting arm 15, in order to bring for treatment an individual container 50 in contact with the polishing cylinder 27. FIG. If shows a section of the apparatus 1, shortly before the lifting arm 15 reaches the raised position in order to bring the individual container 50 into contact with the polishing cylinder 27 for treatment.
    As will become apparent to a person skilled in the art, the two conveyor chains 8 can be replaced by rubber belts, in particular V-ribbed belts, which are set in motion synchronously to ensure a proper alignment of the containers 50 when conveyed to the polishing cylinder 27. In addition, the polishing cylinder 27 may be stationary and not rotatable, while the inative rollers 17 may be replaced by rollers driven to rotate the containers in contact with the polishing cylinder 27. Also, each pair of relatively short rollers 17, illustrated for example in FIG. If, can be replaced by a single roller of relatively elongated shape.
    Figures 2a to 2c illustrate an apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The plane base 2 of the device is supported by a machine chassis 3. In this example two parallel treatment lines are arranged, each formed by a driven belt 30 and a counter-element or planar counter-element 35, which together form a longitudinal polishing channel 36 having a predetermined width, basically corresponding to a maximum outside diameter of the containers to be treated, for example the outside diameter of the cylindrical main body 52 (cf. FIG. 5).
    More specifically, the internal surface of the driven belt 30 is provided with a series of vertical grooves 31, which form a toothing, which is engaged with a toothed drive pulley 33 for driving the driven belt. 30. The driven belt 30 is guided like an endless belt by means of additional inactive pulleys 32. As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the driven belt 30 is guided according to a triangular geometry, comprising a linear part formed by two inactive pulleys 32. This linear part of the driven belt 30 forms a side wall of the polishing channel 36. The planar counter-element is arranged exactly parallel to the linear part of the driven belt 30 so that the width of the polishing channel 36 does not vary along its longitudinal direction.
    In a typical treatment, the containers 50 arrive in bulk and in glass-to-glass contact via a chute base or supply corridor 41 formed by the upper side walls 43, 44. At the point of inlet 41, the containers 50 are finally gripped by the driven belt 30 and conveyed into the polishing channel 36 to be treated there. After passing through the V-shaped inlet channel 41, the containers are separated so that they are no longer in glass-glass contact, and the individual containers are conveyed through the polishing channel, in contact with the driven belt 30 and the planar counter-element 35. Following the treatment, the individual containers leave the polishing channel via the exit point 40.
    As illustrated in the top view of FIG. 2c, the linear part of the path of the driven belt 30 is kept linear by means of a reinforcing plate 34a, which prevents deformation of the driven belt 30 and thus maintains the linear travel of the belt drum driven in the linear part. In addition, the stroke of the opposite counter-element 35 is also kept linear by means of a reinforcing plate 34b. Thus, the width of the polishing passage does not vary in the longitudinal direction. The width of the polishing channel 36 can be adjusted by adjusting the stroke of the reinforcing plate 34b and of the planar counter-element 35 using a plurality of adjusting elements 37 arranged along the polishing channel 36, spaced apart by relative to others in the longitudinal direction.
    The height of the polishing channel 36 corresponds to the axial length of the cylindrical main body 52 (see Fig. 5) of the container to be treated.
    While they are conveyed along the polishing channel, the containers are rotated about their central axes 58 (see Fig. 5). More specifically, the longitudinal movement of the belt driven along the polishing passage 36 causes the containers to rotate. The coefficients of friction (COF) of the outer surface of the drive belt 30 and the counter element 35 are such that the containers do not simply roll along the outer surface of the counter element 35, but partially slide along of the counter-element 35, leading to a certain cleaning or polishing, making it possible to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies 52 of the individual containers. In a typical treatment, the containers are rotated several times around their central axis while they are conveyed along the polishing channel 36.
    The characteristics of the slip mentioned above and of the cleaning or polishing effect can depend on various parameters, such as for example the contact pressure of the container against the counter-element 35, the material of the drive belt 30 , the material of the counter-element 35, the speed of rotation of the drive belt 30 and its variation over time, and the width of the polishing channel 36.
    The rotation of the individual containers around their longitudinal axes is stabilized while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element 27; 30, 35. In particular, the orientation of the axis of rotation of the containers is stabilized, for example in its horizontal direction (or parallel to the drive shaft of the polishing cylinder) in the first embodiment above. and following an exact vertical alignment (perpendicular to the base of the polishing passage) in the second embodiment above. For this purpose, the width of the space between the cleaning or polishing element (the polishing cylinder in the first embodiment above or the flat counter-element in the second embodiment above) and the corresponding counter-element (the two pairs of rollers in the first mode or the belt driven in the second mode above) corresponds to an outside diameter of the containers to be treated.
    In a typical treatment, the containers have a vertical orientation, as illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c. The containers are rotated for a period of approximately 2-3 seconds. The total duration of treatment could however be chosen longer (up to 4-5 seconds) or even slightly shorter. In a typical treatment, the containers have a horizontal orientation, as illustrated in Figures la to 2e, and the containers are rotated for a period of approximately 0.85 seconds, corresponding to approximately two rotations around their axes longitudinal.
    In a typical method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, a plurality of containers are provided (step SI), as illustrated in Figure 3a. Glass containers can be supplied directly from a glass container manufacturing device, for example behind an annealing gallery used for heat treatment after the manufacturing line. Alternatively, the glass containers can be supplied to a manufacturing or filling company, for example in a pre-sterelized package such as in nest & tub format, in which the containers are housed in receptacles of a support that can be sterile in a tank, in which the containers can then be removed from the tank and be subsequently treated before filling, for example washed and depyrogenated in a depyrogenation oven for thermal sterilization before filling. Or, the containers can be delivered in a bulk format with a glass-to-glass contact. The individual containers are then separated from the plurality of containers to eliminate glass-to-glass contact between the containers. For this purpose, it is preferable that the containers are supplied to the processing apparatus according to a sequence in which several containers are arranged in a sequence of containers spaced apart from one another and aligned in parallel, as underlined above. . During the overall treatment the outer surfaces of the glass containers (step S2) the glass containers remain spaced from each other.
    As indicated by the two dotted blocks S3 and S4 in FIG. 3a, the method can optionally include the steps consisting in: inspecting the external surfaces of the containers following the treatment (step S3), determining to a quantitative or qualitative manner the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies following the treatment, as described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 6a to 6c, and a step of later adjustment of parameters for treating the external surfaces of the containers to be treated subsequently (step S4), in correspondence with a result of the step of quantitatively or qualitatively determining the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers. To this end, the width of the space formed between the cleaning element and at least one counter element and / or a contact pressure of the cleaning element and / or at least one counter can be varied. element making contact with the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies in the treatment station. In this way, it is possible to ensure consistent homogeneous characteristics of the external surfaces of the containers, and of the treatment of these external surfaces.
    This method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers can, of course, also be integrated into a method of manufacturing glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, as illustrated in Figure 3b. Before implementing the process steps S2 to S4 as described above, the glass containers are supplied by producing glass tubes during step SI 1 and by producing the glass containers from the glass tubes in step S12 by means of hot forming, as described in the German utility model DE202004004560 U1 or the European patent EP 2818454 A1. Following the manufacture of the glass containers in the step 12, the glass containers are annealed in an annealing gallery in step S13.
    The Eig. 4 illustrates a schematic functional block of an apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications according to the present invention. For this purpose, it is assumed that the glass containers arrive directly at the outlet of an annealing gallery 60. Before entering the treatment apparatus 61, typically still in the hot state, for the treatment of glass containers , the glass containers are separated to avoid direct glass-to-glass contact. Thus, the individual glass containers, spaced from one another and arranged in parallel with each other, are brought to the apparatus 61 for their treatment, in which the outer surfaces of the glass containers are treated by cleaning or polishing as as described above in order to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers. Following their treatment within the apparatus 61, the glass containers can enter an inspection system 62, in which the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the main bodies is determined quantitatively or qualitatively. cylindrical, as set out in more detail with reference to Figures 6a to 6c. The inspection system 62 is configured to generate, as an output, a qualitative or quantitative output signal relating to the surface adhesive behavior of the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies of the glass containers, transmitted to a processing unit 63, for example a CPU ( Central Processing Unit or Centralized Processing Unit). The output signal can be averaged over a predetermined number of glass containers following processing. The processing unit 63 can be coupled with a memory 64, in which it is possible, for example, to store a correspondence table associated with the signal value generated by the inspection system 62 with parameters of the processing device 61 which have an influence on the processing characteristics, as explained above. In particular, the processing unit 63 can be configured to adjust the width of the space formed between the cleaning element of the treatment apparatus 61 and at least one counter-element and / or a contact pressure of 1. cleaning element and / or at least one counter element making contact with the external surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies in the work station 61 in correspondence with the adhesive surface behavior of the external surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies of the glass containers as determined by the inspection system 62.
    The treatment by cleaning or polishing the exterior surfaces of the glass containers in the treatment apparatus 61 may undesirably cause electrostatic charges on the glass containers and / or the generation of particulate glass materials circulating around in the processing device 61 and finally capable of coming into the interior of the glass containers not yet sealed. In order to prevent an electrostatic charge of the glass containers, an ionizer 66 is arranged within the treatment apparatus 61 to vaporize electric charges on the exterior surfaces of the glass containers and thus ensure a neutral electrostatic potential of the containers glass. To prevent uncontrolled circulation of particulate glass elements resulting from the treatment of the external surfaces, the treatment apparatus 61 may further comprise at least one vacuum pump 67, which may for example be directed towards the open, unsealed ends. glass containers in order to separate, by suction effect, glass particulate matter essentially in the axial direction of the glass containers. The ionizer 66 and the vacuum pump (s) 67 may be disposed on the outlet side of the processing apparatus 61.
    FIGS. 6a to 6c summarize different methods used within an inspection system to determine quantitatively or qualitatively the behavior of adhesive surface and to generate as output a corresponding output signal which can be used in a mode additional embodiment of the method according to the invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a plurality of bottles 50, for example three bottles 50, are held with each other in direct glass-to-glass contact by means of an elastic rubber ribbon 70.
    In the test according to FIG. 6a, a single bottle 50 is moved against all the other bottles 50 in an axial direction (indicated by the double arrow) and a force in the axial direction required to move the bottle is measured. single 50 against all the other bottles 50, for example reciprocally. This test can be repeated for several sample vials 50, with the measurement of average forces. This makes it possible to generate a quantitative or qualitative output signal which corresponds to the adhesive surface behavior of the external surface of the main cylindrical bodies of the bottles 50, and generated as an output for example from the inspection system 62 illustrated in FIG. 4 and transmitted to the processing unit 63. The output signal can be a histogram showing average forces in relation to the number of sample vials corresponding to these average forces.
    In the test of FIG. 6b, a single bottle 50 is twisted against all the other bottles with respect to an axial direction (the direction of twist being indicated by the double arrow) and a necessary force is measured. for twisting the single bottle 50 against all the other bottles 50, for example reciprocally. This test can be repeated for several sample vials 50, with the measurement of average forces. This results in a quantitative or qualitative output signal corresponding to the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surface of the main cylindrical bodies of the vials 50, which signal is generated for example by the inspection system 62 of FIG. 4 towards the unit of processing 63. The output signal can be a histogram showing average forces in relation to the number of sample vials corresponding to these average forces.
    In the test of Figure 6c, a plurality of bottles are conveyed with direct glass-to-glass contact with each other (in a "bulk format") from left to right for example in a standart test supply chute 42, similar to what has been explained above with reference to FIG. 7. The “bonding” behavior of the bottles 50 can cause the bottles 50 to climb on top of each other, as illustrated for two glass sample bottles in Figure 7. The height of the upper edge of the upper rim of the glass bottles 50 is permanently monitored at a predetermined position along the supply corridor 42 at using a plurality of laser beams L1-L4. While, for example, the laser beam located at the lowest point can be occluded or be modified by the upper flange of the glass vials 50 when these rest on the supply corridor 42, all the other rays L2-L4 laser can be occluded or modified only when the glass vials 50 climb above a level corresponding to one of the L2-L4 laser rays. The occlusion or modification of the L1-L4 laser beams can be monitored by means of a light sensor, for example photodiodes. This results in a quantitative or qualitative output signal corresponding to the adhesive surface behavior of the external surface of the main cylindrical bodies of the bottles 50 which can be generated as an output, for example from the inspection system 62 illustrated in FIG. 4, to go to the processing unit 63. The output signal can be a histogram showing average forces in relation to the number of sampled vials corresponding to these forces.
    On the basis of the output signal serving as a qualitative or quantitative measure of the adhesive surface behavior of the main cylindrical bodies of the individual containers, it is possible to adjust the parameters of the processing device 61 (cf. FIG. 4) for treat the exterior surfaces of the containers. To this end, the width of the space formed between the cleaning element and at least one counter element and / or a contact pressure of the cleaning element can be varied in particular in the treatment station. and / or less a counter-element making contact with the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies. In this way, consistent homogeneous characteristics of the outer surfaces of the containers can be obtained following the treatment of the latter.
    The cleaning elements of the treatment apparatus used for the cleaning or polishing treatment of the external surfaces of the glass containers, such as the rollers or the belts, may have a thickness of 0.2 mm up to 30 mm, a length between 50mm up to 2000mm and can be made of any suitable rubber or plastic material, such as a silicone rubber or PU (polyurethane) compound of various quality. The rubber or plastic material can also be a sponge for use with rollers / belts / pulleys and guiding devices. The cleaning elements can be solid or hollow, in order to adjust a suitable softness.
    Silicone has combined properties of resilience, stability at elevated temperatures, and general dimensional stability, which is not found in other elastomers. Silicones are generally unaffected by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and are also resistant to aging and the effects of degradation due to light exposure and ozone. Silicones also offer suitable characteristics with regard to long-term compressive strength, flame retardancy, high resistance to tearing and bending, electrical conductivity, electrostatic discharge (ESD), thermal conductivity, resistance to fuels, oils and chemicals. The silicones also comply with FDA regulations for medical use. Below are examples of characteristics of silicones intended to be used as washing elements within the meaning of the present invention:
    [0100] [Tables 1]
    Description Value Shore hardness 10 to 80 Shore A Tensile strength 250 to 1200 PSI breakout force 4.4 to 13.1 kN / m Elongation at break 250 to 650% Compression force deviation (25% tablet at 73 ° F) 0.5 to 24 PSI Compression set(50% tablet for 22 hours at 12 ° F) 5 to 40% Working temperature range - 40 ° C to 425 ° C Apparent density 195 kg / m J Thickness 0.25 to 13 mm Specific weight 1.25 to 1.7 g / cc
    PU has properties that adapt to environments with high stresses, the ability to reduce noise and its low heat transfer. It has a high load capacity in tension and compression; it has high tear resistance with high tensile properties. Its material properties will remain stable (with minimal swelling) in water / oil / fat. PU also offers suitable characteristics linked to a wide range of hardness, flexibility, resistance to abrasion and impact, resistance to water, oils and grease, good electrical insulating properties, wide resistance range, excellent resistance to light, ozone, oxidation and atmospheric agents, good and even excellent chemical resistance (aliphatic aromatic solvents), low gas permeability. Below, examples of characteristics of PU to be used as washing elements within the meaning of the present invention are listed: [0102] [Tables2]
    Description Value Shore hardness 15 to 95 Shore A Tensile strength 18 to 62 MPa Tear resistance (73 ° F) 12.2 to 475 lbf / in Elongation at break 250 to 700% Compression force deviation(25% tablet at 73 ° F) 0.5 to 24 PSI Compression set(ASTM D395) 5 to 67% Heat resistance 70 ° c to 120 C Abrasion index, NBS, (ASTM DI630) 110 to 435% Specific weight 0.8 to 1.42 g / cc
    The properties of the sponges used to make washing elements for the treatment apparatus of the present invention can be the following: [0104] [Tables3]
    Description Value Shore hardness 30 to 40 Shore Tear resistance ± 0.5 KN / M Tensile strength 400 kPa Elongation at break 150% Compression deviation 25% 20 to 50 kPa Operating temperature 100 ° C Linear shrinkage at 70 ° C -4% after 7 days Density 130 kg / m J Thickness 8 to 13 mm Specific weight 0.96 to 1.0 g / cc
    This “sticky behavior” mentioned above can be attributed to residues deposited on the external surfaces of the glass containers following the hot forming process used to form and shape the glass containers. These residues can in particular be Na and S. This “sticky behavior” mentioned above can also be attributed to direct glass-to-glass contact between containers during a subsequent treatment, such as depyrogenation or handling in bulk (for example in a chute).
    Surface residues and residual OH groups on the external surfaces of the glass containers can cause the creation of a so-called water skin on the external surfaces, the properties of which can be modified by heating and rapid annealing, for example. However, glass containers can exhibit an undesirable "sticky behavior", even after thermal annealing (at temperatures around 600 ° C) and after a dehydrogenation process inside a pharmaceutical filling line at typical temperatures about 320 ° C and processing times of about 30 minutes.
    This “sticky behavior” can be measured, for example by carrying out the tests described above with reference to Ligs. 6a to 6c, or similar tests. Extensive experiments carried out by the inventors have shown that the “sticky behavior” can be eliminated by carrying out the treatment of the external surfaces of the glass containers according to the present invention. This treatment can be carried out at low cost and in an efficient and reproducible manner. The treatment according to the present invention is flexible because it can be easily adapted to the characteristics of the glass containers after manufacture, after annealing in an annealing groove or heat treatment, such as depyrogenation in a depyrogenation oven. In particular, the treatment and the apparatus according to the present invention can be easily integrated into the existing production of manufacturers or suppliers of glass containers or in the filling lines of pharmaceutical companies or filling agents. The treatment according to the present invention has been found to be effective in reducing the adhesive surface behavior ("sticky behavior") of glass containers in a surprisingly simple manner.
    In order to reduce the “sticky” behavior, it has proved sufficient to treat only the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies 52 (cf. FIG. 5) of the glass containers, which cause the bonding of the neighboring glass containers together. being in direct glass-to-glass contact, and to unwanted effects, such as "escalation" of glass containers as illustrated in Figure 7. According to the present invention, such unwanted effects can be eliminated or, at the very least, significantly reduced.
    Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alternatives to these details could be developed in the light of the general teachings of the description. Consequently, the particular arrangements disclosed are intended to be only illustrative and not limiting with regard to the scope of the invention to which the full breadth of the appended claims and all their equivalents must be given.
    List of numerical references:
    [0110] 1 apparatus for the treatment of glass containers 50 [YES] 2 base [0112] 3 machine frame [0113] 4 guide block [0114] 5 space / gap [0115] 6 obviously [0116] 7 projection guide [0117] 8 conveyor chain [0118] 9 internal chain link [0119] 10 external chain link [0120] 11 pin [0121] 15 lifting arms [0122] 16 shaft [0123] 17 roller [0124] 18 indentation [0125] 20 support member [0126] 21 tracks [0127] 22 indentation [0128] 23 link hole [0129] 25 holding arms [0130] 26 drive shaft [0131] 27 polishing cylinder [0132 ] 30 polishing belt [0133] 31 internal teeth [0134] 32 pulleys [0135] 33 drive pulley [0136] 34a Reinforcement plate [0137] 34b Reinforcement plate [0138] 35 polishing counter-element [0139] 36 polishing channel [0140] 37 adjusting member [0141] 40 exit points [0142] 41 entry points [0143] 42 trough base [0144] 43 trough side wall [0145] 44 side wall chute ale [0146] 50 glass container [0147] 51 narrowed part of the glass container 50 [0148] 52 cylindrical main body [0149] 53 shoulder [0150] 54 neck part [0151] 55 wider bottom edge [0152 ] 56 second end of the glass container 50 [0153] 58 center line of the glass container 50 [0154] 60 annealing gallery [0155] 61 devices for the treatment of glass containers 50 [0156] 62 Inspection system [0157 ] 63 processing units / CPU [0158] 64 memory [0159] 66 ionizer [0160] 67 vacuum pump [0161] 70 belt [0162] L1-L4 laser beam [0163] LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES RELATING TO THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE [0164] 100 glass bottles [0165]
    101 chute
    权利要求:
    Claims (1)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    Claims [Claim 1] A method of treating the exterior surface of glass containers (50) for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers (50) having a cylindrical main body (52), said method comprising the steps of: providing (SI) a plurality of containers (50); separating the individual containers from the plurality of containers (50); and sequentially conveying said glass containers (50) through a processing station (1; 61); wherein within the processing station (1; 61), said individual containers (50) are rotated about their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) are in contact with a cleaning element (27; 30, 35), for reducing an adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) of the individual containers. [Claim 2] The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the individual containers (50) are rotated about their longitudinal axis repeatedly while the exterior surfaces of the main bodies cylindrical (52) are in contact with the cleaning element (27; 30, 35). [Claim 3] The method of treating the external surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the rotation of the individual containers (50) is stabilized around their longitudinal axis while the external surfaces of the bodies main cylinders are in contact with the cleaning element (27; 30, 35). [Claim 4] The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotation of the individual containers (50) about their longitudinal axis is stabilized by a spacing formed between the cleaning element ( 27; 30) and at least one counter-element (17; 35), in which a width of the space corresponds to an outside diameter of the individual containers, in which the counter-element (s) (17; 35) makes / does contact with the exterior surfaces of the individual containers at least two points of contact on the exterior surfaces, spaced along the longitudinal axis of the containers.
    [Claim 5] [Claim 6] [Claim 7]
    The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cleaning element is formed by a driven roller (27) and the individual containers are supported on two inactive rollers ( 17) or two pairs of inactive rollers (17) arranged in a V-shaped configuration along the circumference of the driven roller (27), each inactive roller (17) or each pair of inactive rollers (17) forming a space of which the width corresponds to the outside diameter of the individual containers.
    The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of sequentially conveying said individual containers (50) through the treatment station (1; 61) comprises the steps consisting in: arranging the individual containers (50) in grooves (22) of the guide elements (20) and conveying in a clock cycle the guide elements (20) with the individual containers arranged on the latter through the station treatment (1; 61), in which two inactive rollers (17) or the two pairs of inactive rollers (17) are supported in common on a lifting arm (15), and the lifting arm (15) lifts the individual containers (50) synchronously with the clock cycle for bringing the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) of the individual containers (50) into contact with the cleaning element (27; 30, 35) for processing; wherein the individual containers (50) are conveyed through the processing station (1; 61) in a horizontal orientation.
    The method for treating the external surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 4, in which the rotation of the individual containers (50) is driven and stabilized around their longitudinal axis by conveying the individual containers (50) through a channel (36) formed between a driven belt (30) and at least one counter-element (35), said counter-element (35) being in the form of a plate, said channel having a height corresponding to the length of the bodies main cylindrical (52) of the individual containers (50) and having a width corresponding to the outside diameter of the individual containers, wherein said driven belt (30) is driven by engagement with a toothed drive pulley (33) having axial grooves ( 31) arranged on their internal surface and in which at least two inactive pulleys (32) form a linear part of the channel (36), in which said
    counter-element (35) is arranged in parallel with the linear part of the channel (36). [Claim 8] The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the width of the gap formed between the cleaning element (27; 30) and the or the counter-element (s) (17; 35) is adjusted by adjustment means (37). [Claim 9] The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: quantitatively or qualitatively determining (S3) the adhesive surface behavior of the exterior surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) individual containers (50); and adjust (S4) the width of the space formed between the cleaning element (27; 30) and the counter-element (s) (17; 35) and / or a contact pressure of the cleaning (27; 30) and / or at least one counter-element (17; 35) making contact with the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) in the treatment station (1; 61) in correspondence with a result of the state of quantitative or qualitative determination of the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) of the individual containers (50). [Claim 10] The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of sequentially conveying said individual containers (50) through the treatment station (1; 61), the individual containers (50) are arranged in a parallel manner and with constant spacing from one another. [Claim 11] The method of treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: vaporizing electrical charges on the exterior surfaces of the individual containers (50) using an ionizer ( 66), to ensure a neutral electrical charge of the individual containers (50) following the treatment; and / or removing the individuals from the treatment station (1; 61) using a vacuum pump (67), to prevent intrusion into the interior of the containers of particles torn from the exterior surfaces of the individual containers (50). [Claim 12] A method of manufacturing glass containers (50) for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers (50) having a cylindrical main body (52),
    [Claim 13] [Claim 14] [Claim 15] said method comprising the steps of: providing glass tubes (SI 1); producing a plurality of glass containers (50) from said glass tubes by means of hot forming (S 12); and treating the exterior surfaces of the plurality of glass containers (50), comprising: separating the individual containers from the plurality of containers (50); and sequentially conveying said individual containers (50) through a processing station (1; 61); wherein in the treatment station (1; 61), said individual containers (50) are rotated about their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) are in contact with a cleaning element (27 ; 30, 35), to reduce the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) of the individual containers.
    The method of manufacturing glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the steps as defined in any of claims 2 to 11.
    An apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) for use in cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, said glass containers (50) having a cylindrical main body (52), said apparatus comprising: a treatment station ( 1) for treating the exterior surfaces of the glass containers (50); an inlet channel (41-43) for receiving a plurality of containers (50), configured to separate the individual containers within the plurality of containers (50); an outlet channel (40) for removing the individual containers following the treatment of the external surfaces in the treatment station (1); and a conveying device (8; 30) configured for the sequential conveying of said individual containers (50) through the treatment station (61) from the inlet channel (41-43) to the outlet channel (40 ); characterized in that the treatment station (1) comprises a cleaning element (27; 30, 35) and a drive device (27; 30) for rotating the individual containers (50) around their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) are in contact with the cleaning member (27; 30, 35), to reduce an adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) of the individual containers.
    The apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the re32 [Claim 16] [Claim 17] [Claim 18] individual containers (50) are rotated around their longitudinal axis repeatedly while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) are in contact with the cleaning element (27; 30, 35).
    The apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 14 or 15, in which a space is formed between the cleaning element (27; 30) and at least one counter element ( 17; 35), to stabilize the rotation of the individual containers (50) about their longitudinal axis while the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies are in contact with the cleaning element (27; 30, 35), in which a width the spacing corresponds to an outer diameter of the individual containers, in which the counter-element (s) (17; 35) makes / makes contact with the outer surfaces of the individual containers at at least two points of contact on the surfaces outer spaced along the longitudinal axis of the containers.
    The apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cleaning element is formed by a driven roller (27) and the individual containers are supported on two inactive rollers ( 17) or two pairs of inactive rollers (17) arranged in a V configuration along the circumference of the driven roller (27), each inactive roller (17) or pair of inactive rollers (17) forming a space whose width corresponds the outside diameter of the individual containers.
    The apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the conveying device comprises two conveying chains (8) guided through the spaced and parallel processing station (1) to each other, guide members (20) having V-shaped grooves (22) in connection with the conveyor chains (8), and the two conveyor chains (8) are driven in a cycle clock, for sequentially conveying said individual containers (50) through the processing station (1) with the individual containers (50) arranged in the V-shaped grooves (22) of the guide members (20) in a clock cycle, in which the two inactive rollers (17) or the two pairs of inactive rollers (17) are supported in common by a lifting arm (15), and the lifting arm (15) is controlled to lifting the individual containers (50) so
    synchronous with the clock cycle to bring the outer surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) of the individual containers (50) into contact with the cleaning element (27; 30, 35) for processing. [Claim 19] The apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the conveying device (8) is configured to convey the individual containers (50) through the treatment station (1) in a horizontal orientation. [Claim 20] The apparatus for treating the external surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 16, in which the cleaning element (30) and at least one counter-element (35) arranged opposite to the cleaning element (30) together form a channel (36) for driving and stabilizing the rotation of the individual containers (50) about their longitudinal axis while the individual containers (50) are conveyed through the channel (36), the or said counter-element (s) (35) having the shape of a plate, said channel having a height corresponding to a length of the main cylindrical bodies (52) of the individual containers (50) and having a width corresponding to the outside diameter of the containers individual. [Claim 21] The apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the conveying device further comprises a toothed drive pulley (33) and axial grooves (31) are provided on an inner surface of said driven belt (30) for driving the belt driven by engagement of the toothed drive pulley (33) with the axial grooves (31) provided on the inner surface of the driven belt (30), at at least two inactive pulleys (32) forming a linear part of the channel (36), and at least one counter-element (35) arranged in parallel with the linear part of the channel (36). [Claim 22] The apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claims 17 to 21, further comprising adjusting members (37) for adjusting the width of the gap formed between the cleaning element (27; 30) and at least one counter element (17; 35). [Claim 23] The apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in claim 22, further comprising: an inspection system (62) for quantitatively or qualitatively determining the adhesive surface behavior of the surfaces ex -
    of the cylindrical main bodies (52) of the individual containers (50) and for outputting an output signal corresponding to the adhesive surface behavior of the outer surfaces of the cylindrical main bodies (52) of the individual containers (50); and a processing unit (63) configured to control the adjusting members (37), to adjust the width of the gap formed between the cleaning element (27; 30) and at least one counter-element (17; 35 ) and / or for adjusting a contact pressure of the cleaning element (27; 30) and / or at least one counter-element (17; 35) making contact with the external surfaces of the main cylindrical bodies (52) in the processing station (1) corresponding to the output signal.
    [Claim 24] The apparatus for treating the exterior surfaces of glass containers (50) as claimed in any of claims 14 to 23, further comprising an ionizer (66) for vaporizing electrical charges on the exterior surfaces individual containers (50), to provide a neutral electrical charge to the individual containers (50) following treatment; and / or a vacuum pump (67) for removing particles from the treatment station (1), in order to prevent intrusion into the interior of the particle containers torn from the exterior surfaces of the individual containers (50).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    FR3088225A1|2020-05-15|DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING GLASS CONTAINERS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING GLASS CONTAINERS INCLUDING SUCH PROCESSING
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    DE102018133145A1|2020-05-14|
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    DE102018133145B4|2021-08-12|
    GB2584506A|2020-12-09|
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    RU2019135647A|2021-05-07|
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    法律状态:
    2020-09-22| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2021-08-09| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    IN201821042154|2018-11-08|
    IN201821042154|2018-11-08|
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