Glass container for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a glass container, preferably a vial for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, wherein the outer surface of the glass container is at least partially coated with a coating, and wherein the coated glass container has an increased scratch resistance for the contact of the glass container with at least one other glass container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a glass container for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications. Background Technology

[0002] Glass containers used as packaging materials for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications typically undergo further processing steps after thermoforming before being filled or dispensed. Typical post-thermoforming processing steps include, for example, washing, followed by drying or sterilization to meet the high requirements of glass containers for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications.

[0003] However, a drawback of such treated known glass containers is that, due to direct contact with the environment surrounding them, such as system components or other glass containers, the surface of the glass container is often scratched or at least slightly damaged. This scratches can act as an initial defect for breakage and can reduce the strength of the glass container. Another disadvantage of scratched or damaged container surfaces is the loss of the flawless optical impression of the glass container. Yet another disadvantage of such treated known glass containers is the presence of unwanted substances inside, which is undesirable given their pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a glass container having increased strength and improved optical appearance, preferably a flawless optical appearance. Another object of the present invention is to provide a glass container having increased strength while being free of undesirable substances inside and avoiding cosmetic defects.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention discloses a glass container, particularly a vial for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, which is manufactured or can be manufactured in particular by the methods further described in the following context of the invention.

[0006] The glass container according to the invention comprises a hollow body of glass material surrounding an internal volume and having a lower end and an upper end, wherein a container opening extends through the upper end into the internal volume.

[0007] Furthermore, the hollow body includes a container collar surrounding the container opening, a container neck, a container shoulder, a container body, a container bottom that closes the lower end, and an inner surface facing the internal volume and an outer surface facing away from the internal volume. Specifically, the container body should be understood as the cylindrical portion of the glass container.

[0008] The glass container according to the invention is characterized in that the glass container is at least partially coated on its outer surface.

[0009] Preferably, particularly in contact with at least one other glass container, the glass container has improved scratch resistance.

[0010] The coating applied at least partially to the outer surface of the container, and the resulting improved scratch resistance, helps to ensure that the strength of the glass container is increased, while at the same time improving the optical impression.

[0011] According to the first aspect, for light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container can be higher than 0.7, preferably higher than 0.71, more preferably higher than 0.72, even more preferably higher than 0.73, and particularly preferably higher than 0.74.

[0012] Furthermore, for light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container can be higher than 0.73, preferably higher than 0.74, more preferably higher than 0.75, even more preferably higher than 0.76, and particularly preferably higher than 0.77.

[0013] For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container can be higher than 0.74, preferably higher than 0.75, more preferably higher than 0.76, even more preferably higher than 0.77, and particularly preferably higher than 0.78.

[0014] The transmittance can be measured at at least one point in the main body region of the container, preferably immediately above the bottom of the container or immediately below the shoulder of the container, and particularly preferably at any point in the main body region of the container, especially when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container such that the light first passes through the hollow body, then through the internal volume and then through the hollow body again.

[0015] Preferably, the glass container has the above-mentioned transmittance after it comes into contact with at least one other glass container.

[0016] According to the second aspect compatible with the first aspect, the yellowness index of the glass container may be less than 2.5, preferably less than 2.0, more preferably less than 1.5, even more preferably less than 1.25, and most preferably less than 1.0.

[0017] At at least one point in the body region of the container, preferably immediately above the bottom of the container (unmittelbaroberhalb) or immediately below the shoulder of the container (unmittelbar unterhalb), and particularly preferably at any point in the body region of the container, especially when light passes radially centered through the glass container such that the light first passes through the hollow body, then through the internal volume, and then through the hollow body again, the yellowness index can be measured according to ASTM D1925-70.

[0018] Preferably, the glass container has the aforementioned yellowness index after it comes into contact with at least one other glass container.

[0019] In a third aspect compatible with the first and / or second aspects, the average roughness R of the outer surface of the glass container is... a It can be less than 20nm, preferably less than 15nm, more preferably less than 10nm, even more preferably less than 5nm, and particularly preferably less than 2.5nm.

[0020] At at least one point in the container body region, preferably immediately above the bottom of the container or immediately below the shoulder of the container, and particularly preferably at each point in the container body region, the average roughness value R can preferably be measured using a white light interferometer. a .

[0021] Preferably, after the glass container comes into contact with at least one other glass container, the glass container has the aforementioned average roughness R. a .

[0022] Regarding the three aspects mentioned above, the contact between the glass container and at least one other glass container may include contact between the body of the glass container and the body of at least one other glass container of the same type, and, particularly in the radial direction, preferably, the at least two glass containers are shaken for at least 5 minutes, more preferably at least 10 minutes, and particularly preferably at least 30 minutes. Preferably, the at least two glass containers can be shaken using a laboratory shaker, for example, at a shaking frequency of 400 rpm and an amplitude of 1 cm.

[0023] The contact may further include heating the glass container to 100°C to 600°C, preferably 200°C to 500°C, more preferably 300°C to 400°C, and most preferably 350°C for 1 to 60 minutes, preferably 10 to 50 minutes, more preferably 20 to 40 minutes, and most preferably 30 minutes before shaking.

[0024] The contact may further include a time interval of less than 8 hours between the heating and the shaking, preferably less than 5 hours, more preferably less than 3 hours, and most preferably less than 1 hour.

[0025] The contact may further include immersing the glass container in a water bath at a temperature of 40°C to 100°C, preferably 50°C to 95°C, more preferably 60°C to 90°C, and most preferably 80°C, preferably in a distilled water bath for 1 second to 20 minutes, preferably 1 minute to 15 minutes, more preferably 3 minutes to 10 minutes, and most preferably 5 minutes, before heating.

[0026] In addition, a glass container may be provided that, after passing a testing procedure, meets one or more of the following parameters:

[0027] Specifically, for light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container can be higher than 0.7, preferably higher than 0.71, more preferably higher than 0.72, even more preferably higher than 0.73, and particularly preferably higher than 0.74, and / or

[0028] Specifically, for light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container can be higher than 0.73, preferably higher than 0.74, more preferably higher than 0.75, even more preferably higher than 0.76, and particularly preferably higher than 0.77, and / or

[0029] For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container can be higher than 0.74, preferably higher than 0.75, more preferably higher than 0.76, even more preferably higher than 0.77, and particularly preferably higher than 0.78;

[0030] Specifically, the transmittance can be measured at at least one point in the container body region, preferably immediately above the bottom of the container or immediately below the shoulder of the container, and particularly preferably at any point in the container body region, especially when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container such that the light first passes through the hollow body, then through the internal volume, and then through the hollow body again; and / or

[0031] Wherein, the yellowness index of the glass container is less than 2.5, preferably less than 2.0, more preferably less than 1.5, even more preferably less than 1.25, and most preferably less than 1.0;

[0032] Specifically, at at least one point within the container body region, preferably immediately above the bottom of the container or immediately below the shoulder of the container, and particularly preferably at any point within the container body region, especially when light passes radially and centrally through the glass container such that the light first passes through the hollow body, then through the internal volume, and then through the hollow body again, the yellowness index can be measured according to ASTM D1925-70; and / or

[0033] The average roughness R of the outer surface of the glass container. a Less than 20nm, preferably less than 15nm, more preferably less than 10nm, even more preferably less than 5nm, and particularly preferably less than 2.5nm;

[0034] Specifically, at at least one point in the container body region, preferably immediately above the bottom of the container or immediately below the shoulder of the container, and particularly preferably, at each point in the container body region, the average roughness R can be preferably measured by means of a white light interference microscope. a ;and

[0035] The test procedure includes the following steps: heating the glass container to 350°C for 30 minutes; contacting the glass container with at least one other glass container such that the body of the glass container is in contact with the body of at least one other glass container of the same type; shaking the at least two glass containers, preferably 10 minutes, more preferably 30 minutes, in the radial direction, using a laboratory shaker, for example, at a shaking frequency of 400 rpm and an amplitude of 1 cm, wherein the contact and shaking are performed within one hour after heating; and optionally, immersing the glass container in a water bath at 80°C, preferably a distilled water bath, for 5 minutes, wherein the immersion is performed before heating.

[0036] The coating, at least partially applied to the outer surface of the container, may comprise silicone. Preferably, the coating may be a food contact coating recommended by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and / or a coating approved by the German Federal Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (BfArM) as a medical product. Furthermore, the coating may be formed as a dried silicone emulsion, preferably a post-cured silicone emulsion. In particular, the coating is manufactured and / or can be manufactured according to the coating method and / or coating material further described below.

[0037] Furthermore, the outer surface of the container may be coated with a coating, so that the glass material of the hollow body is covered with the coating in the coated portion of the outer surface of the container.

[0038] Accordingly, in the area of ​​the coated portion of the outer surface of the container, the glass material of the hollow body can be covered with a coating, wherein the coating does not necessarily have to cover the entire area of ​​the coated portion of the surface. Instead, island-like gaps may also be present within the coated portion of the surface (e.g., at the bottom of the container or other locations).

[0039] The coated portion of the outer surface of the container at least partially, particularly preferably completely, surrounds the area of ​​the container body and / or the bottom of the container, wherein the glass material is covered with a coating in the area of ​​the coated portion of the surface.

[0040] Furthermore, the outer surface of the container may be coated with a coating, such that the outer surface of the container is partially uncoated, thereby exposing the glass material of the hollow body in the uncoated portion of the outer surface of the container.

[0041] The uncoated portion of the outer surface of the container preferably corresponds to the entire outer surface of the container minus the coated portion of the outer surface of the container.

[0042] The uncoated portion of the outer surface of the container can completely surround the area of ​​the container collar and preferably the area of ​​the container neck, and particularly preferably can at least partially, especially completely, surround the area of ​​the container shoulder.

[0043] Furthermore, the glass container can be configured such that the inner surface of the container is completely uncoated, thereby exposing the glass material of the hollow body on the entire inner surface of the container.

[0044] Accordingly, the inner surface of the container can be fully exposed, particularly in the areas of the bottom of the container, the body of the container, the shoulder of the container, the neck of the container, and the collar of the container.

[0045] In particular, the coating covering the outer surface of the container in the already coated area is characterized in that, especially after storing the container for at least one week, preferably at least three weeks, more preferably at least six weeks, its adhesion to the glass material or its configuration prevents the coating material from migrating to the inner surface of the container.

[0046] For example, a glass container according to the invention may include a hollow body of glass material surrounding an internal volume and having a lower end and an upper end; wherein a container opening extends through the upper end into the internal volume; and wherein the hollow body also includes a container collar, a container neck, a container shoulder, a container body, a container bottom closing the lower end surrounding the container opening, and an inner surface facing the internal volume and an outer surface facing away from the internal volume; wherein, in one aspect, the glass container is characterized in that the outer surface of the container is partially coated, such that the glass material of the hollow body is covered with a coating in the area of ​​the coated portion of the outer surface of the container; and the outer surface of the container is partially uncoated, such that the glass material of the hollow body is exposed on the uncoated portion of the outer surface of the container; and wherein the inner surface of the container is completely uncoated, such that the glass material of the hollow body is exposed on the entire inner surface of the container.

[0047] The coating covering the outer surface of the container in the region of the container body has an equivalent thickness in relation to the glass material of less than 50 nm at at least one point, preferably less than 25 nm, more preferably less than 10 nm, and particularly preferably less than 5 nm.

[0048] Furthermore, the coating covering the outer surface of the container in the region at the bottom of the container has an equivalent thickness in relation to the glass material of less than 200 nm at at least one point, preferably less than 100 nm, more preferably less than 50 nm, and particularly preferably less than 25 nm.

[0049] The equivalent thickness of the coating related to the glass material can be determined by measuring the sputtering rate using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) on a reference glass and then evaluating the secondary ion mass spectrometry of the coating using the sputtering rate.

[0050] Specifically, BK7 can be used as a reference glass, and Cs and 2keV can be used as sputtering parameters to determine the sputtering rate. To do this, the ion current and grating area can be recorded first, and then a sputtering pit can be generated. The depth of the sputtering pit can then be measured (e.g., using a white light interferometer (WLI)) to obtain the sputtering rate, particularly for BK7, which depends on the ion current and grating area, in units such as nm / s.

[0051] When obtaining the depth distribution of the coating, i.e., measuring the depth distribution on a coated glass container, if the ion current and grating area are the same, the sputtering time can be directly converted into the equivalent depth. If the ion current deviates, the equivalent depth increases proportionally to the current; if the area deviates, the equivalent depth is inversely proportional to the area.

[0052] Preferably, the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface of the container in an area of ​​the container body is given at at least one point. It can also be provided that the equivalent thickness is given over at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and particularly preferably at least 99% of the area of ​​the container body.

[0053] Similarly, the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface of the container in the area of ​​the container bottom is given at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and particularly preferably at least 99% of the area of ​​the container bottom.

[0054] The ratio between the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface of the container in the region of the container body and the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface of the container in the region of the container bottom can be in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:1 or in the range of 1:1 to 10:1.

[0055] As will be explained in more detail below, the contact angle formed by the coated portion of the outer surface of the container with respect to hexadecane can be between 10 and 12 degrees and / or the contact angle formed with respect to water can be between 90 and 120 degrees.

[0056] The uncoated portion of the outer surface of the container and preferably the entire inner surface of the container may have a contact angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to hexadecane and / or a contact angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to water.

[0057] Preferably, the type of glass container and / or glass material is selected from the group consisting of borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, and fused silica. The "soda-lime glass" according to the present invention is an alkali metal / alkaline earth metal / silicate glass according to Table 1 of ISO 12775 (first edition, October 15, 1997).

[0058] The glass containers described above can be manufactured, or are capable of being manufactured, specifically by the methods described below.

[0059] The method includes: simultaneously subjecting multiple glass containers to a first processing step, and then simultaneously subjecting the multiple glass containers to a second processing step, wherein, before and / or during the first and / or second processing steps, the outer surfaces of the glass containers are either in contact with a material with a lower hardness than the glass container, or are in contact only with such a material.

[0060] Specifically, it is preferable that less than 20% of the outer surface of the container, more preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, and most preferably less than 2% of the outer surface of the container comes into contact with the material, particularly a material with a hardness lower than that of the glass container, before and / or during the first and / or second processing steps.

[0061] The portion of the outer surface of the container that can come into contact with the material is preferably located at the upper end of the glass container, preferably above the shoulder of the container, for example, at the neck and / or collar of the container.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the contact for holding the glass container is preferably located at the upper end of the glass container, particularly at the container collar and / or the container neck of the glass container, more preferably, such that the glass container is secured by the container collar, thereby preventing it from moving downwards.

[0063] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of glass containers is held individually and does not come into contact with the other glass containers.

[0064] Preferably, the method further includes: before and / or during the first and / or second processing steps, the inner surface of the glass container is non-contact, particularly by sealing the container opening of the glass container, thereby preventing substances from permeating into the inner volume, particularly preventing liquids and solids from permeating into the inner volume, and also preferably preventing gases or gaseous compounds from permeating into the inner volume.

[0065] Furthermore, it may include third, fourth, and possibly even more processing steps, wherein, before and / or during the third, fourth, and / or other processing steps, the outer surface of the glass container is in contact with a material with a lower hardness than the glass container, or only with such a material, and preferably, the inner surface of the glass container is in contact with a material, particularly by sealing the opening of the glass container to prevent substances from penetrating into the internal volume.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the plurality of glass containers are processed simultaneously in each processing step, preferably in a separate processing station.

[0067] According to one embodiment, in each processing step, the plurality of glass containers are simultaneously held by a capturing device, which is preferably adapted to simultaneously capture and hold the plurality of glass containers.

[0068] For example, the method may include: simultaneously washing multiple glass containers to clean the outer surfaces of the glass containers with a washing solution, and / or simultaneously coating multiple glass containers to coat the outer surfaces of the glass containers with a coating material, wherein, preferably, the coating is performed after the washing, the washing is preferably a first processing step, the coating is preferably a second processing step, and wherein, before and / or during the washing and / or coating, the outer surfaces of the glass containers are in contact with no material, or in contact with a material with a lower hardness than the glass containers, or only in contact with such a material, and preferably, the inner surfaces of the glass containers are in contact with no material, particularly by sealing the openings of the glass containers.

[0069] The washing of the glass container may include ultrasonic cleaning.

[0070] The glass container can be coated by immersing it in a coating material, wherein the coating material preferably contains silicone or an emulsion containing silicone and water, preferably a silicone emulsion.

[0071] The coating material may be, for example, a silicone emulsion containing 0.4 to 7% by weight of silicone emulsion, or may contain such a silicone emulsion. Preferably, the coating material (especially the emulsion) further contains a solvent, more preferably propylene glycol. The coating material (especially the silicone emulsion) may be configured to be post-cured under the influence of temperature.

[0072] In view of the requirements for coated glass containers in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, the coating material, in particular the silicone, is preferably a material recommended by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for food contact, and more preferably a material approved by the German Federal Agency for Medicines and Healthcare products (BfArM) for use as a medical product.

[0073] The coating material may, for example, comprise 35% dimethicone emulsion, and preferably further comprises water. Specifically, the coating material may include Dow 35% dimethicone NF emulsion and / or Dow 35% dimethicone NF emulsion.

[0074] Preferably, the bottom of the glass container is first immersed in the coating material, and then the immersion continues until the upper limit is reached, particularly the upper edge of the glass container, wherein the upper limit is preferably located in the area of ​​the shoulder of the container, more preferably in the transition area from the shoulder of the container to the cylindrical container body.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferable to remove the glass containers from the coating material again, wherein the coating can then be homogenized, for example, by removing or smoothing the droplets of coating material formed at the bottom of the containers. For this purpose, the plurality of glass containers, particularly their outer surfaces, especially the bottoms, can be immersed in a solvent or brought to the surface of the solvent or to a smoothing device.

[0076] After coating the glass container, and particularly after removing the glass container from the coating material, homogenization can be performed. This homogenization can be another processing step, in which the glass container is preferably processed simultaneously.

[0077] According to one embodiment, before and / or during the homogenization process, the outer surface of the glass container is either in contact with a material with a lower hardness than the glass container, or only in contact with such a material. Preferably, the inner surface of the glass container is in contact, particularly by sealing the opening of the glass container (10).

[0078] The method may further include drying the coating material, which is preferably another processing step in which the glass container is preferably processed simultaneously. During the drying process, the outer surface of the glass container is either not in contact with the material, or in contact with a material with a lower hardness than the glass container, or only in contact with such a material. Preferably, the inner surface of the glass container is not in contact with the material, particularly by sealing the opening of the glass container to prevent substances from penetrating into the internal volume.

[0079] The drying of the coating material can be carried out, in particular, by waiting and / or heating. The drying can also be carried out by applying a vacuum or microwave radiation.

[0080] Between the above processing steps, the conveying device described herein is used to simultaneously convey the plurality of glass containers.

[0081] Preferably, the glass container is conveyed such that the outer surface of the glass container is in contact with a material with a lower hardness than the glass container, or only with such a material, and preferably, the inner surface of the glass container is in contact with a material, particularly by sealing the opening of the glass container to prevent substances from penetrating into the internal volume.

[0082] Preferably, the conveying device is adapted to move the capturing device from one processing station to the next processing station, thereby simultaneously conveying multiple glass containers held by the capturing device from one processing station to the next processing station.

[0083] The plurality of glass containers may be held during the processing steps and / or during the transport, such that each glass container is held individually and does not come into contact with other glass containers, and, preferably, the container openings of the glass containers are sealed shut, particularly by means of the capturing device described herein.

[0084] It may also be provided that the plurality of glass containers are continuously held during the processing steps, and preferably, are further held during the conveying, wherein, preferably, the container openings of the glass containers are sealed closed simultaneously.

[0085] The method described above can be implemented, in particular, by equipment for processing glass containers, especially for washing and coating glass containers, the equipment including a capture device, at least two processing stations and a conveying device.

[0086] Preferably, the glass container processed by the device is configured as a vial for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications, specifically comprising a hollow body surrounding an internal volume and having: a lower end closed by the bottom of the container; a cylindrical container body; an upper end with a container shoulder, a container neck, a container collar, and a container opening extending into the internal volume of the glass container; and an inner surface of the container facing the internal volume and an outer surface of the container facing away from the internal volume.

[0087] The capture device of the device is adapted to capture and hold multiple glass containers simultaneously, wherein the capture device includes multiple individual holding slots, each holding slot being adapted to capture and hold one glass container individually and prevent it from contacting other glass containers.

[0088] At least two processing stations of the device are adapted to simultaneously perform specific processing steps on multiple glass containers held by the capture device.

[0089] Furthermore, the conveying device of the equipment is adapted to move the capture device from one processing station to the next processing station, thereby simultaneously conveying multiple glass containers held by the capture device from one processing station to the next processing station.

[0090] Preferably, each retaining slot of the capturing device is designed to hold the upper end of the glass container, particularly its container collar and / or container neck, in such a way that the glass container is secured by the container collar (e.g., by fastening the container collar and / or container neck with the retaining slot) to prevent it from moving downwards.

[0091] For example, each retaining slot of the capture device may include a first retainer and a second retainer, wherein the two retainers are designed to be movable relative to each other.

[0092] Preferably, each retaining slot of the capturing device is designed to hold the upper end of the glass container, particularly its container collar and / or container neck, in such a way that the glass container is secured by the container collar (e.g., by fastening the container collar and / or container neck with the retaining slot) to prevent it from moving downwards.

[0093] For example, each retaining slot of the capture device may include a first retainer and a second retainer, wherein the two retainers are designed to be movable relative to each other.

[0094] Specifically, the two retainers are designed to be movable separately in such a way that the distance between the two retainers can be increased so that the two retainers of the retaining slot can be placed on the container collar of the glass container from above, wherein, preferably, the distance can be increased to a limited extent such that the two retainers of the retaining slot cannot be placed on the container bottom of the glass container from below.

[0095] Furthermore, the two retainers are specifically designed to be movable relative to each other in such a way that the distance between the two retainers can be reduced again, such that the two retainers of the retaining slot hold the glass container at the upper end of the glass container (particularly at the container collar and / or container neck) by fastening the glass container, for example.

[0096] In another embodiment of the invention, the capturing device includes one or more capturing belts, each capturing belt having a first belt arm and a second belt arm, wherein each capturing belt includes at least a plurality of retaining slots, and wherein the first belt arm of the capturing belt forms a first retainer of the retaining slot, and the second belt arm forms a second retainer of the retaining slot.

[0097] Preferably, the capturing device includes at least two retaining slots, particularly at least 10 retaining slots, more preferably at least 25 retaining slots, more preferably at least 50 retaining slots, and especially preferably at least 100 retaining slots.

[0098] The multiple retaining slots of the capture device can be arranged in a regular grid (e.g., a two-dimensional matrix), so that preferably the capture device includes multiple capture strips, in particular multiple capture strips arranged at equal intervals, each capture strip having multiple retaining slots, in particular multiple retaining slots arranged at equal intervals.

[0099] For example, the capture device may include at least two capture belts, each capture belt having at least two retaining slots; preferably at least three capture belts, each capture belt having at least three retaining slots; more preferably at least five capture belts, each capture belt having at least five retaining slots; and particularly preferably at least seven capture belts, each capture belt having at least seven retaining slots.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the capturing device has at least one sealing element that can make sealing contact with the upper end (particularly the collar) of the glass container held by the capturing device, thereby tightly sealing the container opening to prevent material from entering the internal volume, particularly during the processing steps of one of the processing stations.

[0101] Preferably, the at least one sealing element is designed such that it can simultaneously make sealing contact with the upper ends of several glass containers held by the capturing device, thereby simultaneously and tightly sealing the container openings of all these glass containers.

[0102] Furthermore, the capturing device preferably includes a clamping device adapted to press the upper end of the glass container held by the capturing device against the sealing element so that the upper end of the glass container is in sealing contact with the sealing element.

[0103] Preferably, the clamping device is designed such that when the capturing device captures the glass container, the upper end of the glass container is pressed against the sealing element, which is preferably fixedly attached to the capturing device.

[0104] The clamping device can be designed, for example, as the edge of the first retainer and / or the second retainer, which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the glass container held by the clamping device.

[0105] The capturing device, in particular its holding slot, and especially its holding member, advantageously includes a first contact area that contacts the glass container during capturing and holding.

[0106] The first contact area may comprise a material with a hardness lower than Shore D95, preferably a material with a hardness lower than Shore D90, and particularly preferably a material with a hardness lower than Shore D85; or may be composed of a material with a hardness lower than Shore D95, preferably a material with a hardness lower than Shore D90, and particularly preferably a material with a hardness lower than Shore D85. A hardness of at least Shore D40 is advantageous. For this, refer to ISO standard 7619-1. Hardnesses lower than Brinell 20 may also be used, for which refer to ISO standards 6506-1 to 6506-4.

[0107] The first contact area may include or be composed of materials recommended by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for contact with food.

[0108] In addition, the first contact area may include or be composed of one of the following materials: PU, PVC, rubber, silicone, fluorosilicone rubber, PTFE or similar materials, wherein the material may preferably be a block material or foam.

[0109] Advantageously, the sealing element may have a second contact area that contacts the glass container when capturing and holding it.

[0110] The second contact area may include a material with a hardness lower than Shore A75, preferably a material with a hardness lower than Shore A65, or be composed of a material with a hardness lower than Shore A75, preferably a material with a hardness lower than Shore A65.

[0111] In addition, the second contact area may include or be composed of materials recommended by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for contact with food.

[0112] The second contact area may also include or be composed of one of the following materials: PU, PVC, rubber, silicone, fluorosilicone rubber, PTFE or similar materials, wherein the material may preferably be a block material or foam.

[0113] The sealing element and the second contact area may be composed at least partially of the same material, or preferably of the same material.

[0114] The following describes some examples of possible processing stations of the device according to the invention.

[0115] Accordingly, the equipment specifically includes a processing station designed as a washing station for simultaneously washing multiple glass containers held by the capturing device in a manner that washes the outer surface of the glass containers with a washing liquid, particularly in a manner that the washing liquid does not reach the inner surface of the glass containers during the process, and particularly in a manner that the outer surface of the glass containers comes into contact only with a material with a hardness lower than that of the glass containers. The hardness of the glass containers should be understood as the hardness of the glass material of the glass containers. Therefore, the hardness of any material in contact with the glass containers must be lower than the hardness of the glass material, wherein, in particular, the Mohs hardness can be used to determine the hardness. That is, it can be provided that the glass material can scratch the material in contact with it.

[0116] Furthermore, the device specifically includes a processing station designed as a coating station for simultaneously coating multiple glass containers held by the capture device in a manner that coats the outer surface of the glass containers with a coating material, in particular, simultaneously coating multiple glass containers held by the capture device in a manner that the coating material does not reach the inner surface of the glass containers during the process, and in particular, simultaneously coating multiple glass containers held by the capture device in a manner that the outer surface of the glass containers comes into contact only with a material with a hardness lower than that of the glass containers.

[0117] Furthermore, the device may include a processing station designed as a homogenization station to simultaneously homogenize (e.g., smooth and / or remove droplet coatings formed on the bottom of the containers) of multiple glass containers held by the capture device in such a way that the outer surface of the glass containers (particularly the bottom of the containers) is immersed in the solvent or brought to the surface of the solvent; particularly, to simultaneously homogenize (e.g., smooth and / or remove droplet coatings formed on the bottom of the containers) of multiple glass containers held by the capture device in such a way that the solvent does not reach the inner surface of the glass containers during the process; and particularly, to simultaneously homogenize (e.g., smooth and / or remove droplet coatings formed on the bottom of the containers) of multiple glass containers held by the capture device in such a way that the outer surface of the glass containers is in contact only with a material with a hardness lower than that of the glass containers.

[0118] Alternatively, the processing station designed as a homogenization station may include at least one smoothing device, preferably multiple smoothing devices corresponding to the plurality of glass containers, wherein the smoothing device is particularly designed as a pointed rod and / or preferably composed of a material with a hardness lower than that of the glass containers, thereby smoothing and / or removing, preferably simultaneously, droplet-like coating material formed on the bottom of the plurality of glass containers held by the capturing device, particularly in such a way that the outer surface of the glass containers (especially the bottom of the containers) is brought to the smoothing device, and preferably simultaneously smoothing and / or removing, in each case, droplet-like coating material formed on the bottom of the plurality of glass containers held by the capturing device, and particularly in such a way that the outer surface of the glass containers does not contact the smoothing device, preferably simultaneously smoothing and / or removing, in each case, droplet-like coating material formed on the bottom of the plurality of glass containers held by the capturing device.

[0119] Furthermore, the homogenization station may also include a suction device for homogenizing the coating, such as smoothing and / or removing droplets of coating material formed at the bottom of the container. The homogenization station may also include means for moving the glass container, particularly for shaking and / or rotating the glass container to achieve homogenization.

[0120] In addition, the device may include a processing station designed as a drying station for simultaneously drying multiple glass containers held by the capture device, particularly by simultaneously drying multiple glass containers held by the capture device in such a way that the outer surface of the glass containers comes into contact only with a material with a hardness lower than that of the glass containers.

[0121] The capturing device of the device may be arranged to continuously hold a plurality of glass containers during processing steps performed at at least two processing stations, and preferably to further continuously hold the plurality of glass containers during transport from one processing station to the next processing station via a conveying device.

[0122] Additionally, the capturing device of the device can be adapted to continuously close the container opening of the glass container held by the capturing device by a sealing element during processing steps performed at at least two processing stations, and preferably to further close the container opening during transport from one processing station to the next processing station performed by a conveying device.

[0123] To ensure that processing is carried out under cleanroom conditions, further equipment can be provided, particularly processing stations designed as washing stations, coating stations, homogenization stations, and / or drying stations, including airflow systems, particularly airflow systems for generating laminar airflow. Attached Figure Description

[0124] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0125] Figure 1 (a) shows a schematic diagram of a glass container. Figure 1 (b) shows a schematic diagram of a glass container whose outer surface is at least partially coated;

[0126] Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown of a glass container in contact with other glass containers in a laboratory shaker;

[0127] Figure 3 (a) shows photographs taken at 10x focal length after the glass container according to the invention has been in contact with other glass containers for four time periods. Figure 3 (b) shows photographs taken at 10x focal length after four time periods of contact between a prior art glass container and other glass containers;

[0128] Figure 4 The measurement results are shown as a spectral transmittance diagram of a glass container using the prior art.

[0129] Figure 5 The measurement results are shown as a spectral transmittance diagram of a glass container according to the invention;

[0130] Figure 6 A photograph of the glass container in the apparatus used to determine spectral transmittance is shown.

[0131] Figure 7 (a) A graph showing the measurement results presented as the contact angle of hexadecane on the outer surface of a glass container according to the invention. Figure 7 (b) A graph showing the measurement results of the contact angle of hexadecane on the outer surface of a glass container in the prior art;

[0132] Figure 8(a) shows the measurement results presented as a graph of the contact angle of water on the outer surface of the glass container according to the invention. Figure 8 (b) A graph showing the measurement results of the contact angle of water on the outer surface of a glass container in the prior art;

[0133] Figure 9 A photograph of a glass container that has been cut open is shown, with marked test points on the inner surface of the container;

[0134] Figure 10 The measurement results are presented as a specific depth distribution map of selected secondary ions on the outer surface of the container at the bottom, obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).

[0135] Figure 11 The measurement results are presented as a specific depth distribution map of selected secondary ions on the outer surface of the container located at the center of the container body, obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS); and

[0136] Figure 12 The measurement results are presented as a specific depth distribution map of selected secondary ions on the inner surface of the container located at the center of the container body, obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Detailed Implementation

[0137] Figure 1 (a) shows an example of a glass container 10 designed as a vial for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications, comprising a hollow body 11 made of glass material, wherein the hollow body 11 surrounds an internal volume 12 and has a lower end 13 and an upper end 14, and wherein a container opening 15 extends through the upper end 14 into the internal volume 12. The hollow body 11 also includes a container collar 16, a container neck 17, a container shoulder 18, a container body 19, a container bottom 20 closing the lower end 15, an inner container surface 21 facing the internal volume 12, and an outer container surface 22 facing away from the internal volume 12.

[0138] Figure 1 (b) shows Figure 1 (a) A glass container 10 is shown with a coating 40 at least partially applied to the outer surface 22 of the container. In the example shown, the coating 40 covers the glass material of the hollow body 11 in the area 30 of the coated portion of the outer surface 22. The outer surface of the container is also partially uncoated. Therefore, the glass material of the hollow body 11 is exposed in the uncoated portion 32 of the outer surface 22 of the container. The inner surface 21 of the container is completely uncoated, meaning that the glass material of the hollow body 11 is exposed on the entire inner surface 21 of the container.

[0139] Figure 2 The image shows a glass container 10 in contact with other glass containers 10' in a laboratory shaker 100. The laboratory shaker 100 can be a KL2 type shaker from Edmund Bühler GmbH. In the laboratory shaker 100, a container is, for example, 7.5 x 7.5 cm... 2 Glass containers are stacked laterally and placed adjacent to each other on the surface of the container; for example, four containers may be placed below and four containers above. Thus, glass container 10 contacts other glass containers 10', such that the container body 19 of glass container 10 contacts the container bodies of some other glass containers 10'. The glass containers may be shaken in a laboratory shaker 100 in the radial direction 102 for at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes, and particularly preferably at least 30 minutes, at a shaking frequency of 400 rpm and an amplitude of 1 cm. Before shaking, the glass containers may be heated at 350°C for 30 minutes, and may be immersed in a distilled water bath at 80°C for 5 minutes before heating.

[0140] Figure 3 (a) A photograph shows a glass container whose outer surface is at least partially coated, and as mentioned above, the glass container was in contact with other glass containers for different time periods, while Figure 3 (b) A corresponding photograph of a prior art glass container is shown, wherein, in particular as described above, the glass containers were also in contact with each other for different time periods. It can be seen that the coated glass container exhibits improved scratch resistance.

[0141] Figure 4 The spectral transmittance of a prior art glass container is shown, as mentioned above, in which the glass container was in contact with other glass containers for different time periods, while Figure 5 The corresponding transmittances of glass containers whose outer surfaces are at least partially coated are shown, wherein, particularly as described above, the glass containers are also in contact with each other for different time periods. It can be seen that the glass containers are characterized by a transmittance greater than 0.7, preferably greater than 0.71, more preferably greater than 0.72, even more preferably greater than 0.73, and particularly preferably greater than 0.74, for light with a wavelength of 350 nm. For light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance is greater than 0.73, preferably greater than 0.74, more preferably greater than 0.75, even more preferably greater than 0.76, and particularly preferably greater than 0.77, for light with a wavelength of 750 nm.

[0142] As from Figure 6As can be seen from the apparatus shown, transmittance can be measured, for example, immediately above the bottom 20 of the container, where light (aperture 5 mm) passes through the container 3 mm above the bottom and through the container wall twice.

[0143] Figure 6 The apparatus shown can also be used to measure the yellowness index of glass containers according to ASTM D1925-70, where, in particular as described above, the glass containers have also been in contact with each other for different time periods. For example, the following values ​​can be determined:

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] Figure 7 (a) shows the measured contact angle of n-hexadecane applied in droplet form to a substrate such as... Figure 1 (b) shows the partially coated area 30 on the outer surface 22 of the partially coated glass container 10. It can be seen that the partially coated glass container 10 is characterized in that the contact angle between the coated area 30 on the outer surface 22 of the container and the hexadecane is between 10 degrees and 12 degrees.

[0147] For comparison, Figure 7 (b) shows the measured contact angle of n-hexadecane applied in droplet form to a surface such as... Figure 1 (a) shows a comparable location on the outer surface 22 of the uncoated glass container 10. The contact angle is less than 10 degrees, meaning the applied droplets are distributed too evenly on the container surface to be easily measurable.

[0148] Figure 8 (a) shows the measured contact angle of water applied as a droplet on a surface such as... Figure 1 (b) shows the partially coated area 30 on the outer surface 22 of the partially coated glass container 10. It can be seen that the partially coated glass container 10 is characterized in that the contact angle formed by the coated surface 30 of the outer surface 22 with respect to water is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. The bar chart labeled 100 shows the measurement results of the glass container 10 after washing, coating, and drying; the bar chart labeled 102 shows the measurement results of the glass container 10 after an additional heat treatment at 350°C for 1 hour (similar to pyrogen removal); the bar chart labeled 104 shows the measurement results of the glass container 10 after being washed again following the heat treatment.

[0149] For comparison, Figure 8 (b) also shows the measurement results of the water contact angle, with water applied in the form of droplets on, such as Figure 1(a) shows a comparable location on the outer surface 22 of the uncoated glass container 10. The contact angle is less than 10 degrees or almost nonexistent, meaning the applied droplets are distributed too evenly on the container surface, causing the contact angle to almost disappear. The bar chart labeled 106 shows the measurement results for the untreated glass container 10, while the bar chart labeled 108 shows the measurement results for the heat-treated uncoated glass container 10.

[0150] Figure 9 As shown Figure 1 (b) Several test points 110, 112, 114 are shown on the inner surface of a partially coated glass container 10, which has a partially coated outer surface. The contact angles of hexadecane and water with the inner surface of the container are determined at the test points. In each case, the contact angle is less than 10 degrees, meaning the applied droplets are distributed too evenly on the container surface to be measurable. This is consistent with... Figure 7 The measurement results of the uncoated glass container 10 shown in (b) and 8(b) correspond to those of the uncoated glass container 10. Therefore, the glass container has a coated outer surface, but its inner surface is completely uncoated.

[0151] Figures 10 to 12 As shown Figure 1 (b) shows the depth distribution of selected secondary ions at various locations on the container surface of the partially coated glass container 10, wherein the depth distribution is given in the form of an equivalent thickness and obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The equivalent thickness is determined by first determining the sputtering rate using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and sputtering parameters Cs and 2keV based on a reference glass BK7, and then using this sputtering rate to determine the depth distribution. Figure 10 The measurements shown pertain to the outer surface of the container at the bottom. Figure 11 The measurements shown pertain to the outer surface of the container, centered on the container body; and Figure 12 The measurements shown pertain to the inner surface of the container, centered on the container body.

[0152] like Figure 10 and 11 As shown, for the container bottom and container body outside the glass container, the C- and SiC2- curves, representing coating signals, decrease with increasing depth, while the SiO3-, AlO-, and BO- curves, representing glass material signals, increase with increasing depth. Furthermore, Figure 12The C- and SiC2- curves, which serve as coating signals, show no measurable intensity. Thus, the partially coated glass container 10 is characterized by the following: the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface 22 of the container in the region of the container bottom 20 is less than 200 nm, preferably less than 100 nm, more preferably less than 50 nm, and particularly preferably less than 25 nm; the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface 22 of the container in the region of the container body 19 is less than 50 nm, preferably less than 25 nm, more preferably less than 10 nm, and particularly preferably less than 5 nm; and the inner surface 21 of the container is completely uncoated, i.e., the glass material is exposed on the entire inner surface 21 of the container.

[0153] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above embodiments can be understood as examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A glass container (10) comprising: A hollow body (11) of glass material, wherein the hollow body (11) surrounds an internal volume (12) and has a lower end (13) and an upper end (14); and wherein a container opening (15) extends through the upper end (14) into the internal volume (12); and wherein the hollow body (11) also includes a container collar (16), a container neck (17), a container shoulder (18), a container body (19), a container bottom (20) closing the lower end (13), and an inner surface (21) facing the internal volume (12) and an outer surface (22) facing away from the internal volume (12). The glass container (10) is at least partially coated with a coating (40) on its outer surface (22); and Wherein, in contact with at least one other glass container, the coated glass container (10) has improved scratch resistance. Wherein, the coated portion of the outer surface (22) of the container has a contact angle (30) with water between 90 and 120 degrees, and The coated portion of the outer surface (22) of the container has a contact angle between 10 and 12 degrees relative to the hexadecane.

2. The glass container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the glass container (10) is a vial for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications.

3. The glass container (10) according to claim 1 or 2. in, The contact between the glass container (10) and at least one other glass container includes the container body (19) of the glass container (10) contacting the container body of at least one other glass container of the same type, and the at least two glass containers being shaken in the radial direction for at least 5 minutes. and The at least two glass containers were shaken using a laboratory shaker at a frequency of 400 rpm and an amplitude of 1 cm.

4. The glass container (10) according to claim 3, wherein at least two glass containers are shaken in the radial direction for at least 10 minutes.

5. The glass container (10) according to claim 3, wherein at least two glass containers are shaken in the radial direction for at least 30 minutes.

6. The glass container (10) according to claim 3, wherein, Before shaking, heat the glass container to 100°C to 600°C for 1 to 60 minutes.

7. The glass container (10) according to claim 6, wherein, Before shaking, heat the glass container to 200°C to 500°C for 10 to 50 minutes.

8. The glass container (10) according to claim 6, wherein, Before shaking, heat the glass container to 300°C to 400°C for 20 to 40 minutes.

9. The glass container (10) according to claim 6, wherein, Before shaking, heat the glass container to 350°C for 30 minutes.

10. The glass container (10) according to claim 6. in, The time interval between the heating and the shaking is less than 8 hours.

11. The glass container (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The time interval between the heating and the shaking is less than 5 hours.

12. The glass container (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The time interval between the heating and the shaking is less than 3 hours.

13. The glass container (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The time interval between the heating and the shaking is less than 1 hour.

14. The glass container (10) according to claim 6 or 10. in, Before heating, the glass container is immersed in a water bath at a temperature of 40°C to 100°C for 1 second to 20 minutes.

15. The glass container (10) according to claim 14, wherein the water bath is a distilled water bath.

16. The glass container (10) according to claim 6 or 10, wherein, Before heating, the glass container is immersed in a water bath at a temperature of 50°C to 95°C for 1 to 15 minutes.

17. The glass container (10) according to claim 6 or 10, wherein, Before heating, the glass container is immersed in a water bath at a temperature of 60°C to 90°C for 3 to 10 minutes.

18. The glass container (10) according to claim 6 or 10, wherein, Before heating, the glass container is immersed in a water bath at 80°C for 5 minutes.

19. The glass container (10) according to claim 3 or 10. in, After running the test program, the glass container meets one or more of the following parameters: Specifically, for light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.7, and / or Specifically, for light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.73, and / or For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.74; Specifically, at at least one point in the region of the container body (19), when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container (10), such that the light first passes through the hollow body (11), then through the internal volume (12), and then through the hollow body (11) again, the transmittance can be measured; and / or The yellowness index of the glass container (10) is less than 2.5; Wherein, at at least one point in the region of the container body (19), when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container (10), such that the light first passes through the hollow body (11), then through the internal volume (12), and then through the hollow body (11) again, the yellowness index can be measured according to ASTM D1925-70; and / or The average roughness R of the outer surface (22) of the glass container (10) is described above. a Less than 20nm; The average roughness value R can be measured at at least one point in the region of the container body (19) using a white light interference microscope. a ;as well as The test procedure includes the following steps: heating the glass container (10) to 350°C for 30 minutes; contacting the glass container (10) with at least one other glass container such that the container body (19) of the glass container (10) contacts the container body of at least one other glass container of the same type; shaking at least two glass containers in the radial direction for 5 minutes, wherein the at least two glass containers are shaken with a laboratory shaker at a shaking frequency of 400 rpm and an amplitude of 1 cm, wherein the contact and shaking are performed within 1 hour after heating; and optionally, immersing the glass container in a water bath at a temperature of 80°C for 5 minutes, wherein the immersion is performed before heating.

20. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, For light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

71. For light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

74. For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

75. The yellowness index of the glass container (10) is less than 2.

0. The average roughness R of the outer surface (22) of the glass container (10) a Less than 15nm, and The container body (19) of the glass container (10) comes into contact with the container body of at least one other glass container of the same type, and the two glass containers are shaken for 10 minutes.

21. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, For light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

72. For light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

75. For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

76. The yellowness index of the glass container (10) is less than 1.

5. The average roughness R of the outer surface (22) of the glass container (10) a Less than 10nm, and The container body (19) of the glass container (10) is in contact with the container body of at least one other glass container of the same type, and the two glass containers are shaken for 30 minutes.

22. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, For light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

73. For light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

76. For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

77. The yellowness index of the glass container (10) is less than 1.

25. The average roughness R of the outer surface (22) of the glass container (10) a Less than 5nm.

23. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, For light with a wavelength of 350 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

74. For light with a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

77. For light with a wavelength of 750 nm, the transmittance of the glass container (10) is higher than 0.

78. The yellowness index of the glass container (10) is less than 1.

0. The average roughness R of the outer surface (22) of the glass container (10) a Less than 2.5nm.

24. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, The transmittance can be measured at at least one point in the region immediately above the bottom (20) of the container or immediately below the shoulder (18) of the container body (19) when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container (10), such that the light first passes through the hollow body (11), then through the internal volume (12), and then through the hollow body (11) again.

25. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, The transmittance can be measured at any point in the region of the container body (19) when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container (10), such that the light first passes through the hollow body (11), then through the internal volume (12), and then through the hollow body (11) again.

26. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, At at least one point in the region immediately above the bottom (20) of the container or immediately below the shoulder (18) of the container body (19), the yellowness index can be measured according to ASTM D1925-70 when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container (10), such that the light first passes through the hollow body (11), then through the internal volume (12), and then through the hollow body (11) again.

27. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, At any point in the region of the container body (19), when the light passes radially and centrally through the glass container (10), such that the light first passes through the hollow body (11), then through the internal volume (12), and then through the hollow body (11) again, the yellowness index can be measured according to ASTM D1925-70.

28. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, At at least one point in the region immediately above the bottom (20) of the container or immediately below the shoulder (18) of the container body (19), the average roughness value R can be measured by means of a white light interference microscope. a .

29. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein, At each point in the region of the container body (19), the average roughness value R can be measured by means of a white light interferometer. a .

30. The glass container (10) according to claim 19, wherein the water bath is a distilled water bath.

31. The glass container (10) according to claim 19. in, The glass container (10) has the transmittance after it comes into contact with at least one other glass container.

32. The glass container (10) according to claim 19. in, When the glass container (10) comes into contact with at least one other glass container, the glass container (10) has the yellowness index.

33. The glass container (10) according to claim 19. in, After the glass container (10) comes into contact with at least one other glass container, the glass container (10) has the average roughness R. a .

34. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The coating (40) applied at least partially to the outer surface (22) of the container comprises silicone; and / or The coating is a coating recommended by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for use in food contact and / or a coating approved by the German Federal Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (BfArM) for use in medical products; and / or The coating is formed as a dried silicone emulsion.

35. The glass container (10) according to claim 34, wherein the dried silicone emulsion is a post-cured silicone emulsion.

36. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The outer surface (22) of the container is coated with the coating (40), such that the glass material of the hollow body (11) is covered with the coating (40) in the coated portion (30) of the outer surface (22) of the container; and / or The outer surface (22) of the container is partially uncoated, thereby exposing the glass material of the hollow body (11) in the uncoated portion (32) of the outer surface (22); and / or The inner surface (21) of the container is completely uncoated, thereby exposing the glass material of the hollow body (11) across the entire inner surface (21); and / or The coating (40) covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​the coated portion (30) is characterized in that, after storing the container (10) for at least one week, its adhesion to the glass material is configured to prevent the coating material from migrating to the inner surface (21) of the container.

37. The glass container (10) according to claim 36, wherein, The coating (40) covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​the coated portion (30) is characterized in that, after storing the container (10) for at least 3 weeks, its adhesion to the glass material is configured to prevent the coating material from migrating to the inner surface (21) of the container.

38. The glass container (10) according to claim 36, wherein, The coating (40) covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​the coated portion (30) is characterized in that, after storing the container (10) for at least 6 weeks, its adhesion to the glass material is configured to prevent the coating material from migrating to the inner surface (21) of the container.

39. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The coated portion (30) of the outer surface (22) of the container at least partially surrounds the area of ​​the container body (19) and / or the area of ​​the container bottom (20); and / or Wherein, the uncoated portion (32) of the outer surface (22) of the container corresponds to the entire outer surface (22) minus the coated portion (30) of the outer surface (22); and / or The uncoated portion (32) of the outer surface (22) of the container completely surrounds the area of ​​the container collar (16) and at least partially surrounds the area of ​​the container shoulder (18).

40. The glass container (10) according to claim 39, wherein the coated portion of the outer surface (22) of the container completely surrounds the area of ​​the container body (19) and / or the area of ​​the container bottom (20).

41. The glass container (10) according to claim 39, wherein the uncoated portion (32) of the outer surface (22) of the container completely surrounds the area of ​​the container collar (16) and the area of ​​the container neck (17), and at least partially surrounds the area of ​​the container shoulder (18).

42. The glass container (10) according to claim 39, wherein the uncoated portion (32) of the outer surface (22) of the container completely surrounds the area of ​​the container collar (16) and the area of ​​the container shoulder (18).

43. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container body (19) in the region of the container body (19) has an equivalent thickness related to the glass material of less than 50 nm at at least one point; and / or Wherein, the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the bottom (20) of the container has an equivalent thickness of less than 200 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point; Specifically, the equivalent thickness of the coating related to the glass material can be determined by measuring the sputtering rate using secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) on a reference glass and using the sputtering rate to evaluate the secondary ion mass spectrometry of the coating.

44. The glass container (10) according to claim 43, wherein, The coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container body (19) has an equivalent thickness of less than 25 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point; Wherein, the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the bottom (20) of the container has an equivalent thickness of less than 100 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point.

45. The glass container (10) according to claim 43, wherein, The coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container body (19) has an equivalent thickness of less than 5 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point; Wherein, the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the bottom (20) of the container has an equivalent thickness of less than 50 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point.

46. ​​The glass container (10) according to claim 43, wherein, The coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container body (19) has an equivalent thickness of less than 10 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point; Wherein, the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the bottom (20) of the container has an equivalent thickness of less than 25 nm in relation to the glass material at at least one point.

47. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container body (19) in an area of ​​at least 90% of the container body (19) is given; and / or Wherein, the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​at least 90% of the container bottom (20) is given; and / or The ratio between the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container body (19) and the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container bottom (20) is in the range of 1:10 to 10:

1.

48. The glass container (10) according to claim 47, wherein, The equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​at least 99% of the container body (19) is given. The equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​the container bottom (20) is given over at least 99% of the area of ​​the container bottom (20); The ratio between the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container body (19) and the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container bottom (20) is in the range of 1:10 to 1:

1.

49. The glass container (10) according to claim 47, wherein, The equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container body (19) in the area of ​​at least 95% of the container body (19) is given. The equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the area of ​​the container bottom (20) is given over at least 95% of the area of ​​the container bottom (20); The ratio between the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container body (19) and the equivalent thickness of the coating covering the outer surface (22) of the container in the region of the container bottom (20) is in the range of 1:1 to 10:

1.

50. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The uncoated portion of the outer surface (22) of the container has a contact angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to hexadecane and / or a contact angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to water.

51. The glass container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The uncoated portion of the outer surface (22) and the entire inner surface (21) of the container has a contact angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to hexadecane and / or a contact angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to water.

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