Method and device for processing a glass container

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing a glass container, in particular a glass bottle, in which the glass container is immersed in a liquid. The method is distinguished by the fact that, during the immersion and / or after the immersion, a gas is introduced into the glass container. The invention also relates to a device for processing a glass container, in particular a glass bottle, wherein the device has a vat with a liquid and means for immersing the glass container in the liquid.

Description

[0001] Method and device for processing a glass container

[0002] The invention relates to a method for processing a glass container, in particular a glass bottle, in which the glass container is immersed in a liquid.

[0003] The invention also relates to a device for processing a glass container, in particular a glass bottle, wherein the device comprises a tub containing a liquid and means for immersing the glass container in the liquid.

[0004] The processing of glass containers, such as glass bottles, may involve immersion in a liquid, for example to influence the glass container thermally and / or chemically.

[0005] For example, international patent application WO 2022 049 202 A1 discloses a method for hardening and / or strengthening glass objects, in which a carrier carrying at least one glass object to be hardened and / or strengthened is immersed into a molten salt bath in a basin by means of an immersion movement and then removed from the molten salt bath by means of an ascending movement. This international patent application also discloses an apparatus for hardening and / or strengthening glass objects, which comprises a basin containing a molten salt bath, into which a carrier carrying at least one glass object to be hardened and / or strengthened can be immersed by means of an immersion movement and from which the carrier can then be removed again by means of an ascending movement.

[0006] The prior art methods have the problem that the liquid penetrates the glass container and unintentionally alters the interior of the glass container, and / or that residues of the liquid remain inside the glass container after emerging. Particularly if the liquid is molten salt, any residues of the liquid remaining in the glass container after emerging can solidify, making them impossible to remove or only possible with considerable effort.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method in which an influence of the liquid on the interior of the glass bottle is avoided.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method characterized in that a gas is introduced into the glass container during and / or after immersion. A further object of the present invention is to provide a device that enables processing of a glass container by immersion, while avoiding any influence of the liquid on the interior of the glass bottle.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device which is characterized by a gas conveying device by means of which a gas can be filled into the glass container during an immersion process and / or after an immersion process.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one could try to prevent liquid from entering the glass container by closing the opening of the glass container with a stopper. However, this option is problematic because liquid collects in the unavoidable gap between the stopper and the glass container and does not drain away upon resurfacing, particularly due to capillary action, so that an annoying ring of residue usually remains. Furthermore, this approach is largely impossible if the liquid is at a high temperature, as is required, for example, for thermally or chemically strengthening and / or tempering the glass. This is particularly because the vast majority of materials used for stoppers cannot withstand such temperatures.

[0011] Another approach to solving the above-mentioned problems could be to immerse the glass container into the liquid with the opening facing downwards without any further measures. However, this approach is also not effective because the air remaining in the glass container is compressed by the hydrostatic pressure in the liquid, which increases with the immersion depth, so that some liquid penetrates into the glass container, at least in the area of ​​the opening of the glass container. The hydrostatic pressure of the liquid has a particularly detrimental effect if the glass container has a significantly higher temperature than the liquid before immersion, because the air in the glass container cools and contracts in the process.Although the glass container itself also cools and contracts, this has a much smaller impact on its capacity than the reduction in volume of the air within it due to temperature changes. Therefore, a glass container that has a higher temperature than the liquid before immersion will absorb a particularly large amount of liquid, even if the opening of the glass container is facing downward.

[0012] The present invention, however, has the very special advantage that penetration of the liquid into the glass container can be reliably prevented in a surprisingly simple manner by introducing a gas, in particular air, into the glass container during and / or after immersion, in particular in addition to the gas (usually air) usually already present in the glass container. In this way, a reduction in the volume of the gas in the glass container caused by a reduction in temperature can be compensated, so that no liquid can penetrate into the glass container, which is always completely filled with gas.

[0013] In particular, it can advantageously be provided that gas is continuously filled into the glass container at least until any temperature differences have been equalized.

[0014] In particular, it is advantageously possible to continuously fill the glass container with gas in excess, so that even a portion of the gas escapes from the glass container during filling and rises in the liquid in the form of bubbles. In this case, the rising bubbles are a reliable indication that no liquid can have penetrated the glass container, at least when the opening of the glass container is facing downwards. In particular, the appearance or absence of bubbles and / or the number of bubbles and / or the size of the bubbles can be detected, in particular automatically, in order to regulate the amount of gas flowing into the glass container per unit of time. For example, an electronic detection device comprising a camera can be present to optically detect the appearance or absence of bubbles and / or the number of bubbles and / or the size of the bubbles.To detect the appearance or absence of bubbles and / or the number of bubbles and / or the size of the bubbles, it may alternatively or additionally be provided to collect the bubbles that have risen and to measure the gas volume of the collected bubbles, in particular as a function of time.

[0015] In special cases, particularly when the glass container is immersed with a single opening facing downwards and when there are particular temperature differences between the glass container to be immersed and the liquid, and when the immersion process takes place comparatively quickly, it might be sufficient to start filling with gas immediately or shortly after immersion in order to prevent liquid from penetrating (since temperature adaptation of the glass container and the gas contained in the glass container are time-dependent processes). However, it is preferable to fill the glass container with gas while it is still immersed, although it is certainly possible to continue filling after immersion. In particular, it is possible to fill the glass container with gas during immersion and to continue filling until after a resurfacing process.

[0016] Preferably, the gas pressure in the container is adjusted such that penetration of the liquid into the glass container is prevented. As already mentioned, this can be achieved, for example, by always filling the glass container with such a quantity of gas that a portion of the gas continuously escapes from the glass container and rises in the form of bubbles. In this case, it is possible for the volume of gas flowing in per unit of time to be continuously, in particular automatically, regulated. For this purpose, for example, an adjustable valve can be provided in a gas line. Alternatively, with a simple procedure, it is also possible to pre-adjust the volume of gas flowing per unit of time in advance such that a sufficient amount of gas is filled into the glass container. For this purpose, too, at least one adjustable valve can be provided in a gas line, which is adjusted accordingly before immersion.

[0017] In general, the edge of the opening of the glass container can rest against a coupling nozzle having a gas passage tunnel through which the gas flows into the glass container. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the glass container is pressed against the coupling nozzle, for example, by its buoyancy and / or by a spring device.

[0018] The coupling nozzle can advantageously be made of glass or ceramic or at least have a contact surface made of glass or ceramic for the edge of the glass container.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the glass container is immersed in the liquid with the opening facing downward. With this procedure, only a comparatively small amount of gas needs to flow into the glass container to prevent the liquid from penetrating. However, it is also possible to orient the opening of the glass container in a direction other than downward.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the glass container is immersed in the liquid with the opening facing upwards. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the edge of the opening of the glass container rests against a coupling nozzle having a gas passage tunnel through which the gas flows downwards into the glass container. This embodiment has the very special advantage that the glass container is pressed against the coupling nozzle by its buoyancy, which creates a seal. The seal does not have to be perfect, because any remaining passage between the coupling nozzle and the edge of the opening would merely allow gas to flow out, preventing liquid from penetrating.

[0021] It is fundamentally possible to generate the gas flow required for filling the glass container with gas using a pump, particularly an electrically or mechanically driven one. The pump can be arranged, in particular, outside a tank containing the liquid, with at least one gas line connected to the pump, through which the gas is transported into the glass container.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, there is at least one gas line, which on the one hand leads to the at least one glass container and on the other hand has a connection element that is designed to be coupled, in particular automatically, to a mating connection element of a supply gas line. The gas line can in particular be arranged on a transport frame or be part of a transport frame in which the glass container is arranged and which, together with the glass container, is immersed in the liquid. The supply gas line can advantageously be mounted movably, for example, on a linear guide rail.In particular, it can advantageously be provided that upon movement of the transport frame toward the liquid and / or upon immersion of the transport frame, a connection is automatically established between the connecting element and the counter-connecting element, so that gas can flow from the supply gas line into the gas line. Alternatively or additionally, it can advantageously be provided that a connection between the connecting element and the counter-connecting element is automatically severed, in particular when the transport frame is lifted out of the liquid or removed from the liquid.

[0023] It is also possible to arrange the pump in a tank containing the liquid, preferably with an outwardly projecting intake gas line through which gas, particularly air, is drawn in, which then flows into the glass container via a gas line. Alternatively, the pump can also be arranged, for example, on a transport frame in which the glass container is placed and which, together with the glass container, is immersed in the liquid.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport of gas into the glass container is effected, in particular exclusively, by an immersion movement of the glass container and / or a transport frame and / or a part of the gas conveying device fastened to the transport frame.

[0025] In particular, a gas conveying device that transports gas into the glass container can be driven directly or indirectly by the immersion movement. This design has the distinct advantage that no additional drive devices, such as electric motors for a pump, are required.

[0026] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the gas conveying device has a gas reservoir, wherein the gas conveying device can in particular be designed such that gas, in particular caused directly or indirectly by the immersion, flows out of the gas reservoir and thereby gas flows into the glass container.

[0027] For example, it can advantageously be provided that the liquid displaces gas from a gas reservoir and thereby presses it into the glass container. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the gas is displaced by immersing the gas reservoir in the liquid. It is particularly effective to immerse the gas reservoir into the liquid together and / or simultaneously with the glass container and / or a transport frame. In this way, the transport of gas, in particular air, into the glass container is effected automatically and incidentally by the immersion, which is necessary anyway, and / or the hydrostatic pressure in the liquid. This has the very special advantage that no additional steps need to be carried out separately.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the gas reservoir has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with the gas reservoir being arranged and oriented such that a portion of the liquid penetrates into the gas reservoir through the inlet opening during and / or after immersion of the gas reservoir, forcing gas contained in the gas reservoir through the outlet opening. A gas line leading to the glass container, in particular extending into the glass container, can be connected to the outlet opening. A particularly reliable and effective embodiment is one in which the gas reservoir is immersed in the liquid with the inlet opening facing downward.

[0029] Alternatively, the gas can be displaced from the gas reservoir by reducing the capacity of the gas reservoir. For example, the gas can be displaced by compressing a shell of the gas reservoir. For this purpose, the shell can be at least partially elastic. In a particular embodiment, at least part of the shell of the gas reservoir is designed as a bellows. Such a gas reservoir can be compressed in a predictable and reproducible manner, similar to an accordion, in order to transport the gas contained therein, in particular through a gas line, into the glass container.

[0030] In a special embodiment, the amount of gas flowing into the glass container per unit of time is adjusted, in particular by means of an adjustable valve. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the amount of gas flowing into the glass container per unit of time is regulated such that a partial amount of gas always flows out of the opening of the glass container. As already mentioned above, with such an embodiment, especially when the opening of the glass container is oriented downwards, rising gas bubbles can be used to detect that the glass container is completely filled with gas, so that no liquid can penetrate into the glass container.

[0031] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the amount of gas flowing into the glass container per unit of time is regulated such that the gas pressure in the glass container is always greater than or equal to the liquid pressure at the opening of the glass container. This reliably ensures that no liquid can penetrate into the glass container.

[0032] The gas can flow into the glass container, in particular through a gas line. The gas line can advantageously be designed, at least in sections, as a pipe, in particular made of stainless steel. It is also possible for the gas line to be flexible, in particular bellows-like, at least in sections. In particular, the gas line can have an end section, in particular one oriented vertically upwards, which is designed to protrude through the opening, which is preferably oriented downwards, of the glass container into the interior of the glass container. In this case, an outflow channel for gas flowing out of the glass container preferably remains between the end section of the gas line and the opening. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that an outer diameter of the end section is smaller than an inner diameter of the opening, so that gas can flow out of the glass container past the end section.

[0033] Preferably, the end portion is arranged relative to a transport frame for the glass container such that it does not touch the glass container. This ensures that the opening of the glass container and the interior of the glass container remain free of contamination and damage, especially scratches.

[0034] As already mentioned, a transport rack can advantageously be provided in which the glass container is arranged, preferably together with many other, in particular identical, glass containers. The glass container(s) arranged in the transport rack are then immersed into the liquid together with the transport rack. In particular, gas is preferably also introduced into the other glass containers during and / or after immersion to prevent penetration of the liquid.

[0035] The gas reservoir, from which the gas is displaced and fed into the glass container(s), can advantageously be attached directly or indirectly to the transport frame. This advantageously ensures that when the transport frame is immersed in the liquid, the gas reservoir is simultaneously immersed.

[0036] In particular, at least part of the gas line can be attached to the transport frame. Alternatively or additionally, it is also advantageously possible for at least part of the gas line to be formed by a part of the transport frame, in particular by a support of the transport frame. In this way, at least part of the transport frame can perform the additional function of conducting the gas to the glass container(s).

[0037] As already mentioned, it can advantageously be provided that, in particular simultaneously, a plurality of glass containers, in particular glass bottles, are immersed in the liquid, wherein a gas is filled into each of the glass containers during the immersion and / or after the immersion.

[0038] In the method according to the invention, the temperature of the glass container immediately before immersion can be higher, in particular considerably higher, than the temperature of the liquid. In particular, the difference between the temperature of the glass container and the liquid can easily be several hundred degrees Kelvin or even more than 1,000 degrees Kelvin.

[0039] A particularly advantageous method is one in which the glass container is first heated to a first temperature which is above the transformation temperature of the glass material from which the glass container is made. The glass container can then be shock-cooled by immersing it in the liquid to a second temperature which is below the transformation temperature of the glass material. This step can advantageously be immediately followed by an ion exchange process at the second temperature, during which preferably larger ions migrate from the liquid into the surface of the glass container and, at the same time, preferably smaller ions pass from the surface of the glass container into the liquid. In this way, even glass containers made of simple, everyday glass can be solidified comparatively quickly. However, treatment of glass containers made of specialty glass is also possible.

[0040] The first temperature can, in particular, be in a range from 100 Kelvin to 300 Kelvin above the transformation temperature. Alternatively or additionally, it can advantageously be provided that the first temperature is in a range from 50 Kelvin below and 30 Kelvin above the Littleton point of the glass material and / or that the second temperature is in a range from 50 Kelvin to 200 Kelvin below the transformation temperature.

[0041] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the liquid is a molten salt, for example a potassium salt melt, or a suspension containing a replacement salt. I

[0042] A glass container which has been processed by means of the method and / or device according to the invention is of particular advantage. With such a glass container, it is ensured that only the outer surface is influenced by the liquid, while the inner surface remains unaffected and unimpaired. Such a glass container differs from a glass container which was closed with a stopper or a similar closure device before immersion, because liquid inevitably collects in the unavoidable gap between the stopper and the glass container. This liquid does not drain away upon emergence, particularly due to capillary action, so that a disturbing ring of liquid residue always remains. This ring of residue cannot be removed after emergence without at least some of the residue remaining and / or without other (possibly modified) substances being used during the removal process.leaving only very slight) residues; in particular, cleaning items that must be inserted into the glass container to remove the ring (even if only slightly).

[0043] The glass container can be designed, for example, as a drinking glass, a vase, a cup or a glass bottle, in particular as a bottle for cosmetic articles, most particularly as a perfume bottle.

[0044] The subject matter of the invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawing and is described below with reference to the figures, wherein identical or similarly acting elements are generally provided with the same reference numerals even in different embodiments. In the drawings:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention before immersing the glass containers,

[0046] Fig. 2 shows the first embodiment of a device according to the invention after immersion of the glass containers,

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention before immersing the glass containers,

[0048] Fig. 4 shows the second embodiment of a device according to the invention after immersion of the glass containers,

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention in front of the

[0050] Immersing the glass containers,

[0051] Fig. 6 shows the third embodiment of a device according to the invention after immersion of the glass containers,

[0052] Fig. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention before immersing the glass containers and before coupling the gas line to a supply gas line,

[0053] Fig. 8 shows the fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention before immersing the glass containers and after coupling the gas line to a supply gas line,

[0054] Fig.9 the fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention according to the

[0055] Immersing the glass containers,

[0056] Fig. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention before immersing the glass containers,

[0057] Fig. 1 1 shows a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention before immersing the glass containers, and

[0058] Fig. 12 is a detailed view of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0059] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for processing glass containers 1, which are each arranged with the opening directed downwards in a transport frame 2, in particular without tools, and can be removed again.

[0060] The device further comprises a tank 3 containing a liquid 4, which may in particular be a molten salt, for example a replacement salt.

[0061] The transport frame 2 can, for example, be suspended from a crane device (not shown) which makes it possible to immerse the transport frame 2 together with the glass containers 1 arranged therein into the liquid 4 and to lift it out of the liquid again after a predetermined or predeterminable period of time.

[0062] The device further comprises a gas conveying device 5 arranged on the transport frame 2, by means of which a gas is introduced into the glass container 1 during and / or after an immersion process. The gas conveying device 5 comprises a gas reservoir 6, wherein the gas conveying device 5 is designed and arranged such that gas flows out of the gas reservoir 6 through an outlet opening 7 and thereby flows into the glass container 1, which is illustrated in Figure 2 by the dashed arrows.

[0063] The gas reservoir 6 has a downwardly directed inlet opening 8 and an outlet opening 7, wherein the gas reservoir 6 is arranged and oriented such that a portion of the liquid 4 penetrates into the gas reservoir 6 through the inlet opening 8 during and after the immersion of the gas reservoir 6, thereby forcing gas in the gas reservoir 6, namely air, through the outlet opening 7. A gas line 10 is connected to the outlet opening 7 via an adjustable valve 9, each of which extends into the glass container 1 with an end section 13. The adjustability of the valve 9 ensures that the amount of gas flowing through per unit of time can be adjusted.

[0064] Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for processing glass containers 1, which are each arranged with the opening directed downwards in a transport frame 2, in particular in a tool-free manner, so that they can be removed again.

[0065] The device comprises a tank 3 containing a liquid 4, which may in particular be a molten salt, for example an exchange salt.

[0066] The transport frame 2 can, for example, be suspended from a crane device (not shown) which makes it possible to immerse the transport frame 2 together with the glass containers 1 arranged therein into the liquid 4 and to lift it out of the liquid again after a predetermined or predeterminable period of time.

[0067] The device further comprises a gas conveying device 5 arranged on the transport frame 2, by means of which a gas is introduced into the glass container 1 during and / or after an immersion process. The gas conveying device 5 comprises a gas reservoir 6, wherein the gas conveying device 5 is designed and arranged such that gas flows out of the gas reservoir 6 through an outlet opening 7 and thereby flows into the glass container 1, which is illustrated in Figure 4 by the dashed arrows.

[0068] The gas reservoir 6 has a compressible sleeve 11. Part of the sleeve 11 of the gas reservoir 6 is designed as a bellows. The gas reservoir 6 is attached to the underside of the transport frame 2. When the transport frame 2 is immersed in the liquid 4, the gas reservoir 6 rests on a base 12 located in the tub 3 and, as it is lowered further, is compressed by the weight of the transport frame 2, whereby the capacity of the gas reservoir 6 is reduced and the gas contained therein gradually flows out through the outlet opening 7. A gas line 10 is connected to the outlet opening 7 of the gas reservoir 6 via an adjustable valve 9, each end section 13 of which projects into the glass container 1. The adjustability of the valve 9 means that the amount of gas flowing through per unit of time can be adjusted.

[0069] Figures 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for processing glass containers 1, which are each arranged with the opening directed downwards in a transport frame 2, in particular in a tool-free manner, so that they can be removed again.

[0070] In contrast to the first embodiment, in the third embodiment the gas reservoir 6 is arranged laterally on the transport frame 2.

[0071] The devices according to the embodiments have the very special advantage that penetration of the liquid 4 into the glass containers 1 is completely avoided by filling the glass containers 1 with additional gas during immersion and / or after immersion in addition to the gas already present in the glass containers 1, which in each case prevents penetration of the liquid 4 into the glass containers 1.

[0072] Fig. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention before the immersion of the glass containers 1, which are each arranged with the opening directed downwards in a transport frame 2, in particular without tools, and can be removed again.

[0073] The device further comprises a tank 3 containing a liquid 4, which may in particular be a molten salt, for example a replacement salt.

[0074] In this embodiment, the transport frame 2 can also be suspended, for example, from a crane device (not shown), which makes it possible to immerse the transport frame 2 together with the glass containers 1 arranged therein into the liquid 4 and to lift it out of the liquid again after a predetermined or predeterminable period of time.

[0075] The device further comprises a gas conveying device 5, by means of which a gas is filled into the glass containers 1 during and / or after an immersion process. The gas conveying device 5 comprises a pump 14 to which a supply gas line 15 is connected. The supply gas line 15 comprises a flexible gas hose 16 and a supply gas line pipe 17. The supply gas line pipe 17 is arranged above the tank 3 and is held on a guide rail 19 by means of a holder 18 so that it can be moved linearly. The supply gas line pipe 17 can be lowered vertically downwards against the restoring force of a spring device 20 arranged on the guide rail 19. The supply gas line pipe 17 is connected at its upper end to the gas hose 16. The supply gas line pipe 17 has a U-shaped bend and a counter-connection element 21 at its other end.The counter-connection element 21 is designed to cooperate with a connection element 22 which is arranged at the end of a gas line 10 in order to transport gas, in particular air, from the pump 14 through the gas hose 16 and the supply gas line pipe 17 into the gas line 10 and finally into the glass containers 1.

[0076] The gas line 10 has several end sections 13, each of which extends into one of the glass containers 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the glass containers 1 are oriented with their openings facing downward. However, other orientations of the glass containers 1 are fundamentally possible. A valve 9 can also advantageously be present in this exemplary embodiment. The adjustability of the valve 9 ensures that the amount of gas flowing through per unit of time can be adjusted. However, the valve 9 can also advantageously be arranged in the supply gas line 15.

[0077] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 is designed such that when the transport frame 2 is lowered, an operative connection is automatically established between the connecting element 22 and the counter-connecting element 21. For this purpose, the connecting element 22 is initially arranged vertically above the counter-connecting element 21.

[0078] When the transport frame 2 is lowered, the connecting element 22, which can in particular be funnel-shaped, comes into active contact vertically from above with the counter-connecting element 21, as shown in Figure 8. By coupling the connecting element 22 to the counter-connecting element 21, the gas delivered by the pump 14 flows into the gas line 10 and through the sections 13 into the glass containers 1.

[0079] By further lowering, the transport frame 2 is immersed in the liquid 4, as shown in Figure 9. In this process, a portion of the supply gas line 17 is drawn into the liquid 4 against the force of the spring device 20 by the gas line 10, which is firmly connected to the transport frame 2. During the entire immersion process and preferably also thereafter, gas, in particular air, is pumped into the glass containers 1 to prevent the liquid 4 from penetrating the glass containers.

[0080] Fig. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention prior to immersion of the glass containers 1. In this embodiment, the transport frame 2 has two levels arranged one above the other, each of which contains glass containers 1. Each of the levels 10 has its own gas line 10. Each of the gas lines 10 has several end sections 13, each of which extends into one of the glass containers 1. In this embodiment, the glass containers 1 are oriented with their openings facing downward. However, other orientations of the glass containers 1 are fundamentally possible.

[0081] The device comprises a gas conveying device 5, by means of which a gas is filled into the glass containers 1 during and / or after an immersion process. The gas conveying device 5 has at least one pump 14 (not shown in this figure) to which two supply gas lines 15 are connected. Each of the supply gas lines 15 has a flexible gas hose 16 and a supply gas line pipe 17. Each supply gas line pipe 17 is arranged above the tank 3 and is held linearly displaceably on a guide rail 19 by means of a holder 18. The supply gas line pipes 17 can each be lowered vertically downwards against the restoring force of a spring device 20 arranged on the guide rail 19. The supply gas line pipe 17 is connected to the gas hose 16 at its upper end. Each supply gas line pipe 17 has a U-shaped bend and a counter-connection element 21 at its other end.The counter-connection element 21 is designed to cooperate with a connection element 22, which is arranged at the end of a gas line 10, in order to transport gas, in particular air, from the pump 14 through the gas hose 16 and the supply gas line pipe 17 into the gas line 10.

[0082] Preferably, the gas pressure for the lower level is set slightly higher than for the level above in order to compensate for the hydrostatic pressure difference that exists when the transport frame 2 is immersed in the liquid 4.

[0083] Fig. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention, which is constructed similarly to the fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 7 to 9. However, in this embodiment, the glass containers 1 are oriented with their openings facing upwards. The edge of the opening of each glass container 1 rests against a coupling nozzle 23. Larcher 10 clearly shows

[0084] Fig. 12 shows a detailed view of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the glass containers 1 are arranged with their openings facing upward in a transport frame 2 (not shown in detail in this figure). The edge of the opening of each glass container 1 rests against a coupling nozzle 23, which has a gas passage tunnel 24 through which the gas flows into the glass container 1. The gas passage tunnels 24 can be formed as the end sections 13 of the gas line 10.

[0085] This design advantageously utilizes the fact that the glass container 1 immersed in the liquid 4 is pressed against the coupling nozzle 23 by its buoyancy, automatically creating a sealing effect. The seal does not need to be perfect, because any remaining passage between the coupling nozzle 23 and the edge of the opening of the glass container 1 would merely allow gas to flow outward into the tank 3, preventing the liquid 4 from penetrating.

[0086]

[0087] 1 glass container

[0088] 2 transport frames

[0089] 3 tub

[0090] 4 Liquid

[0091] 5 Gas conveying device

[0092] 6 Gas reservoir

[0093] 7 Exit opening

[0094] 8 Entrance opening

[0095] 9 Valve

[0096] 10 Gas line

[0097] 1 1 cover

[0098] 12 bases

[0099] 13 Final section

[0100] 14 Pump

[0101] 15 Supply gas line

[0102] 16 Gas hose

[0103] 17 Supply gas pipe

[0104] 18 holders

[0105] 19 guide rails

[0106] 20 spring device

[0107] 21 Counter connection element

[0108] 22 connecting element

[0109] 23 coupling sockets

[0110] 24 gas passage tunnels

Claims

Patent claims Method for processing a glass container (1), in particular a glass bottle, in which the glass container (1) is immersed in a liquid (4), characterized in that a gas is filled into the glass container (1) during the immersion and / or after the immersion. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a. the gas pressure in the glass container (1) is adjusted such that penetration of the liquid (4) into the glass container (1) is prevented, and / or that b. the gas volume flowing into the glass container (1) per unit of time is adjusted, in particular in advance, such that penetration of the liquid (4) into the glass container (1) is prevented. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the glass container (1) has an opening and that the glass container (1) is immersed in the liquid (4) with the opening facing downwards or upwards.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transport of gas into the glass container (1), in particular exclusively, is brought about by the immersion movement and / or the hydrostatic pressure in the liquid (4). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filling of the gas into the glass container (1) is brought about by displacing gas from a gas reservoir (6). Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the displacement of the gas is brought about by immersing the gas reservoir (6) into the liquid (4). Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the gas reservoir (6) is immersed into the liquid (4) together and / or simultaneously with the glass container (1).Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the gas reservoir (6) has an inlet opening (8) and an outlet opening (7), wherein the gas reservoir (6) is arranged and oriented such that, upon immersion of the gas reservoir (6), a portion of the liquid (4) penetrates into the gas reservoir (6) through the inlet opening (8) and thereby forces gas present in the gas reservoir (6) through the outlet opening (7). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the gas reservoir (6) is immersed in the liquid (4) with the inlet opening (8) facing downwards.

10. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the displacement of the gas from the gas reservoir (6) is effected by a reduction in the capacity of the gas reservoir (6). 1 1. Method according to claim 5 or 10, characterized in that the displacement of the gas is effected by compressing a casing (1 1) of the gas reservoir (6).

12. Method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that at least part of the casing (1 1) of the gas reservoir (6) is designed as a bellows.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gas is pumped into the glass container (1) by means of a pump (14), in particular an electric or hydraulic pump.

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the amount of gas flowing into the glass container (1) per unit of time is adjusted, in particular by means of an adjustable valve (9).

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the amount of gas flowing into the glass container (1) per unit of time is regulated in such a way that gas always flows out of the opening of the glass container (1).

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the amount of gas flowing into the glass container (1) per unit of time is regulated in such a way that the gas pressure in the glass container (1) is always greater than or equal to the liquid pressure at the opening of the glass container (1).

17. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the gas flows through a gas line (10) into the glass container (1).

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the gas line (10) projects through the opening into the glass container (1). 1 . Method according to claim 18, characterized in that an outflow channel for gas flowing out of the glass container (1) remains between the gas line (10) and the opening.

0. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the glass container (1) is placed on a coupling piece (23) which has a gas passage tunnel (24) through which the gas can flow into the glass container (1).

1. Method according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that a supply gas line (15) is provided which, when the transport frame (2) moves in Direction towards the liquid (4) and / or is automatically coupled to the gas line (10) during an immersion movement.

22. Method according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the glass container (1) is arranged in a transport frame (2) and is immersed into the liquid (4) together with the transport frame (2).

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the gas reservoir (6) is arranged on the transport frame (2).

24. Method according to claim 17 and according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that at least part of the gas line (10) is arranged on the transport frame (2).

25. Method according to claim 17 and according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that at least a part of the gas line (10) is formed by a part of the transport frame (2), in particular by a support of the transport frame (2).

26. Method according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that a plurality of glass containers (1), in particular glass bottles, are immersed in the liquid (4), wherein a gas is filled into each of the glass containers (1) during the immersion and / or after the immersion.

27. Method according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the temperature of the glass container (1) immediately before immersion is higher than the temperature of the liquid (4).

28. Method according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the liquid (4) is a molten salt or a suspension containing an exchange salt.

29. Device for processing a glass container (1), in particular a glass bottle, the device comprising a tub (3) with a liquid (4) and a means for immersing the glass container (1) in the liquid (4), characterized by a gas conveying device (5) by means of which a gas can be filled into the glass container (1) during an immersion process and / or after an immersion process.

30. Device according to claim 29, characterized in that the means for immersion comprises a transport frame (2) which has a receptacle for the glass container (1), in which the glass container (1) can be arranged, and which can be immersed into the liquid (4) together with the glass container (1).

31. Device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) has a gas line (10).

32. Device according to claim 30 and 31, characterized in that one end of the gas line (10) is arranged in the receptacle and is designed to protrude into an opening of a glass container (1).

33. Device according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that a coupling nozzle (23) is present which provides a contact surface for the edge of the opening of a glass container (1) and which has a gas passage tunnel (24) through which the gas can flow into the glass container (1).

34. Device according to one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that at least part of the gas line (10) is arranged on the transport frame (2).

35. Device according to one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that at least a part of the gas line (10) is formed by a part of the transport frame (2), in particular by a support of the transport frame (2).

36. Device according to one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) is driven directly or indirectly by an immersion movement and / or the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid.

37. Device according to one of claims 29 to 36, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) has a gas reservoir (6).

38. Device according to claim 37, characterized in that the gas conveyor device (5) is designed such that gas flows out of the gas reservoir (6) and thereby gas flows into the glass container (1).

39. Device according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the gas reservoir (6) has an inlet opening (8) and an outlet opening (7) and that the gas reservoir (6) is arranged and aligned such that a part of the liquid (4) penetrates into the gas reservoir (6) through the inlet opening (8) when the gas reservoir (6) is immersed and in the process pushes gas located in the gas reservoir (6) through the outlet opening (7).

40. Device according to claim 39, characterized in that the inlet opening (8) of the gas reservoir (6) is oriented downwards.

41. Device according to one of claims 30 to 37, characterized in that the capacity of the gas reservoir (6) is variable.

42. Device according to claim 41, characterized in that at least part of a casing (11) of the gas reservoir (6) is elastic.

43. Device according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that at least part of a casing (11) of the gas reservoir (6) is designed as a bellows. Device according to one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) has a supply gas line (15) which can be coupled, in particular automatically, to the gas line (10). Device according to one of claims 29 to 44, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) has an electric or hydraulic pump by means of which the gas can be conveyed. Device according to one of claims 29 to 45, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) has, in particular, an adjustable valve (9). Device according to one of claims 29 to 46, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) regulates the amount of gas flowing into the glass container (1) per unit of time in such a way that gas always flows out of the opening of the glass container (1).Device according to one of claims 29 to 47, characterized in that the gas conveying device (5) regulates the amount of gas flowing into the glass container (1) per unit of time such that the gas pressure in the glass container (1) is always greater than or equal to the liquid pressure at the opening of the glass container (1). Glass container (1) processed by means of a method according to one of claims 1 to 28 and / or by means of a device according to one of claims 29 to 48. Glass container (1) according to claim 49, characterized in that the glass container (1) is designed as a drinking glass, a vase, a beaker or a glass bottle, in particular as a bottle for cosmetic articles, most particularly as a perfume bottle.

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