LOCKING CAP FOR NECKED CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH A COMPONENT CAPABLE OF INDICATING THE LOCKING STATUS

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking cap for securing a stopper in the neck of a container and comprising three elements: an outer body, a cap, and a cage (20) locked within the outer body and designed to grip under a collar of the neck when the cap is locked. The stopper is surrounded by the cage and is designed to be inserted into the neck and held under pressure along its principal axis when locked. At least one element of the cap includes a passively operating component (50) comprising an RFID circuit and a strain sensor for measuring and transmitting a strain status of the cap, indicating whether or not it is in its locked state. The invention also relates to a method for closing a container with said cap and a method for verifying the quality of the seal. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: LOCKING CAP FOR A CONTAINER WITH A NECK EQUIPPED WITH A COMPONENT CAPABLE OF PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE LOCKING STATE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking cap for a necked container, intended to lock a stopper in the neck of the container, the cap being equipped with a passively operating component capable of providing information on the locking state of said cap. The component provides in particular the functions of RFID traceability and stress monitoring to measure a change in the stress state during assembly of the cap on the container and / or to measure a residual stress after assembly of the cap on the container, so as to confirm a locking state.

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Documents EP2464577, EP2464580 and EP3763634 are known, which propose caps for locking elastomer stoppers on necked containers or bottles.

[0004] Each cap comprises a cage in which the stopper is held; when the stopper is pushed into the neck of the container, the cage is able to keep it under pressure in this position thanks to lugs or tabs configured to bear under the upper collar of the neck of the container; the cage thus ensures the attachment of the stopper to the container and guarantees that the latter is hermetically sealed.

[0005] Each locking cap also comprises an external body which surrounds the cage, the latter being clipped inside the external body without any axial degree of freedom: the objective of the external body is to prevent any access to the cage so as to secure the assembly of the cap on the neck of the container.

[0006] The upper faces of the cage and the outer body may include windows that allow access to the elastomer stopper for withdrawing product via the needle of a syringe. The cap therefore further comprises a capsule, fixed to the upper face of the outer body, the role of which is to prevent access to the stopper, thus completely securing the contents of the container. To withdraw the product from the container, the capsule must be removed to allow access to a needle, or alternatively the capsule, the outer body and the cage will include breakable means to be completely separated from the container and allow the stopper to be removed from the neck to access the contents of the container.

[0007] The closure of pharmaceutical bottles can be done individually or collectively. In the latter case, for example, a locking cap is placed on each bottle of a set of bottles, then a plate presses on all the locking caps so as to assemble them on the bottles to close them hermetically.

[0008] The problem is that the assembly and locking of the cap / bottle may occasionally be incorrect, for example due to a defect or a difference in size on one or other of the assembled elements (cap, cap, bottle), due to non-uniform support of the plate or other process deviation. This problem of good locking may also arise in the case of an individual closure.

[0009] If the assembly is not correct, the locking of the cap on the bottle is not ensured and the hermetic nature of the closure cannot be guaranteed, which is not acceptable for pharmaceutical products.

[0010] It therefore appears important to put in place simple and effective means of confirming the locking state of the cap on the container.

[0011] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention addresses the above problem. The invention relates to a locking cap equipped with a passive component operating in a manner capable of providing information on a locking state. The component provides in particular the functions of RFID traceability and stress monitoring to measure a change in the stress state during assembly of the cap on the container and / or to measure a residual stress after assembly of the cap on the container, so as to confirm the locking state.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention relates to a locking cap for a necked container, intended to lock a stopper in the neck of the container and comprising three elements:

[0015] - an external body, defined by an upper face and a cylindrical wall centered on a main axis,

[0016] - a capsule, fixed on the upper face of the external body,

[0017] - a cage locked along the main axis in the external body and surrounded by the cylindrical wall, the cage being intended to grip under a collar of the neck of the container in a state of locking of the cap; the stopper being surrounded by the cage, intended to be inserted into the neck of the container and to be kept under pressure along the main axis in the state of locking of the cap, to hermetically seal the container.

[0018] The locking cap is remarkable in that at least one of its elements comprises a passively operating component including an RFID circuit and a strain sensor, for measuring and transmitting a strain state of the cap. locking indicating whether or not it is in its locked state.

[0019] According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: - the RFID circuit includes a chip and an antenna, and the strain sensor is integrated into the chip; - the RFID circuit comprises a chip and an antenna, and the strain sensor consists of a strain gauge formed by all or part of the antenna; - the RFID circuit comprises a chip and an antenna, and the strain sensor comprises a part integrated in the chip and a part formed by all or part of the antenna; - the stress sensor is configured to measure a value representative of the stress state of the locking cap and this value is saved in a memory included in the chip; - the RFID circuit comprises only an antenna, and the strain sensor consists of a strain gauge formed by all or part of the antenna; - the RFID circuit contains at least one piece of information corresponding to a unique identity or a characteristic specific to each cap; - the cage comprises an upper ring against which the plug is pressed, a plurality of branches connected to the upper ring and defining therewith a generally cylindrical shape of the cage, a plurality of bridges, each connecting two neighboring branches together; and the cage is formed from a plastic material; the component is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the cage, and extends parallel to the upper ring and / or along the branches and / or along the bridges; - at least some bridges of the cage each comprise a tongue, called the first tongue, flexible and inclined relative to the branches towards the inside of the cage, in the direction of the upper ring, these tongues being intended to lock under the collar of the neck of the container in a locking state of the cap thus allowing the cap to grip under said collar; at least part of the component, intended to measure the stress state of the cap, is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of one or more first tongues; - the outer body is formed from a plastic material; the component is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the outer body, and extends parallel to the upper face and / or along the cylindrical wall; - the capsule is in the general form of a disc and is formed from a plastic material; the component is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the capsule, and extends parallel to the disc defining the capsule; - the locking cap further comprises the cap as a fourth element, and the cap has a foot, intended to be inserted into the neck and a head, intended to bear on the collar, and it is formed from an elastomeric material; the component is arranged on or integrated into the elastomeric material of the cap and extends parallel to an upper face of the head of the cap; - the component is in the form of a thin layer supported by a flexible support layer, which support layer is fixed to one of the elements of the cover, by gluing, by welding, by total or partial overmolding or by clipping; - the component comprises an antenna formed by a metal track deposited or printed directly on a surface of one of the elements of the locking cap.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method of closing a container with a locking cap as mentioned above, comprising the following steps:

[0021] a) applying a clipping force to the capsule of the locking cap, the latter being placed opposite the neck of a container,

[0022] b) the acquisition by an external RFID reader of a stress state of the locking cap, at least after the application of the clipping force, said stress state being deduced from a value measured by the stress sensor and being transmitted by the RFID circuit to the RFID reader,

[0023] c) validation of the locking state of the cap on the container or decommissioning of the cap-container assembly, based on the stress state.

[0024] According to one embodiment, step b) also comprises the acquisition by the RFID reader of one or more stress states of the locking cap during all or part of step a) of application of the clipping force.

[0025] The invention finally relates to a method for verifying the sealing quality of a container closed by a locking cap as mentioned above, comprising the following steps:

[0026] b') the acquisition by an external RFID reader of a state of stress of the cap of locking, said stress state being deduced from a value measured by the stress sensor and being transmitted by the RFID circuit to the RFID reader,

[0027] c') validation of the locking state of the cap on the container or the die classification of the cap-container assembly, based on the stress state.

[0028] According to a particular mode of implementation of the closing method or the verification method above, step c) and / or c') of validating the locking state of the cap involves a decision algorithm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1a]

[0031] [Fig.lb] [Fig.la] and [Fig.lb] show sectional views of a container with a neck with respectively: (a) a stopper partially pushed into the neck and a locking cap, in an intermediate holding position, and (b) a stopper whose foot is completely pushed into the neck and a locking cap, in a locking position;

[0032] [Fig.2a]

[0033] [Fig.2b]

[0034] [Fig.2c] [Fig.2a], [Fig.2b] and [Fig.2c] respectively show a cap of locking cap in perspective view, a part (capsule and external body) of a locking cap in truncated view, and a part (cage) of a locking cap in perspective view, in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.3a]

[0036] [Fig.3b]

[0037] [Fig.3c] [Fig.3a], [Fig.3b] and [Fig.3c] illustrate examples of a first embodiment of a locking cap according to the invention, in which the component is carried by the external body of the cap;

[0038] [Fig.4a]

[0039] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4a] and [Fig.4b] illustrate an example of a second mode of rea construction of a locking cap according to the invention, in which the component is carried by the cap capsule;

[0040] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of a third embodiment of a headdress locking device according to the invention, in which the component is carried by the cage of the cap;

[0041] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates an example of a fourth embodiment of a locking cap according to the invention, in which the component is carried by the cap forming part of the cap.

[0042] In the descriptive part, the same references in the figures may be used for elements of the same type. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present invention relates to a locking cap 100 for a container 200 with a neck, intended to block a stopper 10 in the neck 201 of said container 200. The container 200 may in particular adopt the shape of a bottle, having a neck 201 with a circular opening, ending in a collar 202 which flares out relative to the outer perimeter of the neck 201 ([Fig. la]). In the field of pharmaceutical applications, there are standards in terms of the inner diameter of the neck 201 of the container 200: 13mm and 20mm are examples.

[0044] The plug 10 conventionally has a circular section and a T shape with a head 11 and a foot 12, the head 11 being of a diameter greater than the foot 12. Thus, when the foot 12 of the plug 10 is completely pushed into the neck 201, the head 11 is pressed against the collar 202.

[0045] The locking cap 100, when associated with the stopper 10, is capable of adopting two positions on the container 200: a first position, called intermediate holding, in which the stopper 10 is partially pushed into (or just placed on) the neck 201 ([Fig.1a]).

[0046] The cap 100 associated with the stopper 10 can also adopt a second position, called locking, in which the stopper 10 is fully pushed in, and locked in the neck 201 by the cap 100 ([Fig.lb]). In this position, the stopper 10 hermetically closes the container 200, the foot 12 being completely surrounded by the neck 201 of the container 200. In the locking position, the cap 100 also has the function of maintaining pressure on the stopper 10 so that its head 11 remains in intimate contact with the collar 202 of the bottle so as to guarantee perfect hermeticity of the closure. This maintenance in compression, in the locking position, reflects the intended locking state.

[0047] As mentioned in the introduction, the locking cap 100 according to the invention typically comprises three elements ([Fig.2a], [Fig.2b], [Fig.2c]):

[0048] - an external body 30, defined by an upper face 31 and a cylindrical wall 32 centered on a principal axis z,

[0049] - a capsule 40, fixed on the upper face 31 of the external body 30,

[0050] - a cage 20 locked along the main axis z in the external body 30 and surrounded by the cylindrical wall 32.

[0051] Optionally, it may be considered that the plug 10 also constitutes an element of the locking cap 100. The plug 10, when it is associated with the cap 100, is located in the cage 20 and has its head 11 pressed against an upper ring 21 of said cage 20.

[0052] The locking cap 100 according to the invention is remarkable in that at least one of its elements 20, 30, 40, 10 comprises a component 50 operating passively and including an RFID circuit 51 and a strain sensor 52, for measuring and transmitting at least one strain state of the locking cap 100, this strain state indicating whether or not the cap 100 is in its locked state.

[0053] As indicated previously, the locking state of the cap 100 implies that the head 11 of the plug 10 is held in compression, along the main axis, between the cage 20 and the collar 202 of the container 200. The stress therefore necessarily has an axial component. In addition, the bottle exerts a radial stress on certain parts of the cap 100. The different components of the stress seen by the elements 20, 30, 40, 10 of the cap 100 can be measured (in whole or in part) to assess its locking state.

[0054] The strain sensor 52 therefore has the function of measuring the strain state of the locking cap 100. The RFID circuit 51a has the main function of transmitting the measured strain state to an external RFID reader.

[0055] Advantageously, the RFID circuit 51 also contains at least one piece of information corresponding to a unique identity or a characteristic specific to each cap 100 (usage code, type of sealed product, etc.), in particular to meet traceability needs.

[0056] The RFID circuit 51 is passive, meaning that it has no internal energy source. It is the incoming radiofrequency (RF) signals, sent by an external RFID reader, which provide it with the energy necessary to transmit information, coming from the strain sensor 52 and representative of the strain state of the locking cap 100. The RFID reader can optionally write information into the RFID circuit 51 if necessary and if the type of RFID circuit allows it.

[0057] According to a first variant, the RFID circuit 51 comprises a chip 5 Ip and an antenna 51a. The chip 51p is a microelectronic device embedding the RFID function as well as a miniaturized strain gauge, for example of the MEMS type (strain sensor 52) capable of measuring the strain experienced by the cap 100. The chip 5 Ip is capable of processing this measurement, of modulating and demodulating RF signals to communicate with the external RFID reader. The antenna 51a is a metal track, it allows the RF signals to be received and transmitted and usually forms a spiral or serpentine line so as to optimize its length over the available surface.

[0058] Documents WO2021186128A1 and US6720866 propose examples of strain sensors 52 integrated in a chip 51p of RFID circuit 51.

[0059] According to a second variant, in which the RFID circuit 51 also comprises a chip 51p and an antenna 51a, the strain sensor 52 consists of a strain gauge formed by all or part of the antenna 51a. Indeed, since the antenna 51a is formed by a metal track, all or part of this track can be spatially organized so as to behave like a strain gauge: the deformation of the track, organized for example in a serpentine fashion, will modify its resistance and thus allow a measurement representative of the state of stress. In this second variant, the chip 51p therefore does not comprise a strain gauge.

[0060] In a third variant, the RFID circuit 51 further comprises a chip 5 Ip and an antenna 51a, and the strain measurement function is provided by a part integrated in the chip 5 Ip (MEMS for example) and a part formed by all or part of the antenna 51a (as mentioned in the second variant): these two parts therefore form the strain sensor 52 according to the third variant. In this case, the information relating to the strain state comes from the mismatch created by the strain on the antenna 51a and the force received by the chip 51p. The strain state of the antenna 51a and the gauge of the chip 5 Ip gives a strain value which is used to define the locking state of the cap 100.

[0061] Optionally, in one or other of the three variants stated, the chip of the RFID circuit 51 comprises a memory capable of saving one or more value(s) representative of the state of constraint of the locking cap 100.

[0062] According to a fourth variant, the RFID circuit 51 comprises only one antenna 51a, and the strain sensor 52 consists of a strain gauge formed by all or part of said antenna 51a.

[0063] The RFID circuit 51 of this fourth variant is based on the known technology of chipless RFID tags. These tags operate without a communication protocol. They use a grid of dipole antennas that are tuned to different frequencies. The external RFID reader generates a frequency sweep signal and searches for signal dips. Each dipole antenna can encode one bit. The swept frequency will be determined by the length of the antenna. Chipless RFID tags can be considered as radar targets with a specific stationary time or frequency signature. With this technology, remote reading of an identifier consists of analyzing the radar signature of the tag.

[0064] In this fourth variant according to the invention, when the antenna which constitutes the RFID circuit 51 undergoes a deformation linked to the state of stress of the cap 100, its radar signature varies and gives the reader feedback on the stress applied.

[0065] Several embodiments, relating to the integration of the component 50 on or in the locking cap 100, will now be described.

[0066] Let us first recall the structure of the elements of the locking cap 100.

[0067] The external body 30 has a generally cylindrical shape ([Fig.2a]); it is defined by an upper face 31 and a cylindrical wall 32 centered on a main axis z. The free end of the cylindrical wall 32 defines an opening, adapted to accommodate the cage 20.

[0068] The capsule 40 has the general shape of a disc. Its attachment to the external body 30 can be achieved by means of tabs 41 which extend substantially perpendicular to the disc, are inserted into a window present in the upper face 31 of the body 30 ([Fig.2b]), then are folded outwards, to be pressed against an internal surface of the upper face 31. The legs 41 are held by the cage 20 which locks into the external body 30.

[0069] The cage 20 of the locking cap 100 comprises an upper ring 21 and a plurality of branches 22 connected to the upper ring 21 and defining therewith a generally cylindrical shape of the cage 20, the central axis of which is the main axis z ([Fig.2c]). When the cage 20 is locked inside the external body 30, the upper ring 21 is pressed against an internal surface of the upper face 31 and / or against the folded tabs 41 of the cap 40. The stopper 10 is intended to bear against the other side of the upper ring 21, as can be seen in [Fig. 1a] and [Fig. 1b]. The cage 20 is held in the body 30, for example, by cooperation of lugs 221 in a complementary groove 321 arranged inside the peripheral wall 32 of the external body 30 ([Fig.2b], [Fig.2c]).

[0070] The cage 20 also comprises a plurality of bridges 25, each connecting two neighboring branches 22 to each other. In the illustrated examples, the cage comprises six branches 22 and six bridges 25, but a different number could of course be implemented. Preferably, the cage 20 comprises a plurality of first tabs 23. Each tab is supported by a bridge 25, but each bridge does not necessarily support a first tab 23. Each first tab 23 is flexible and inclined relative to the branches 22 towards the inside of the cage 20, at an angle of between 20° and 60°, advantageously around 30°, in the direction of the upper ring 21. These first tabs 23 are intended to remain above the collar 202, slightly raised or in contact with it, when the cap 100 is in the intermediate holding position ([Fig.1a]).Furthermore, the first tabs 23 are intended to bear under the collar 202 of the neck 201 of the container 200, when the cap 100 is in the locking position (figures 1b). Indeed, when moving into the locked position, the cap 10 - cap 100 assembly will descend into / around the neck 201 of the container 200, so as to completely push the foot 12 of the cap 10 into the neck 201, until its head 11 bears on the collar 202. When pushing in, the first tabs 23 flex and move away to allow the collar 202 to pass, and come to block under the latter, to lock the cap 10 on the container 200.

[0071] Note that other tabs 24 may be provided on the cage 20 ([Fig.2c]): they are intended to block the cap 10 inside the cage 20, against the upper ring 21, when the cap 10 is associated with the cap 100 and before assembly with the container 200. These second tabs 24 flex to allow the head 11 of the cap 10 to pass when the latter is introduced into the cage 20, and come to block under the head 11, to prevent the cap 10 from being extracted from said cage 20. In the locking position of the cap 100 on the container 200, the second tabs 24 disappear because they are pressed against the peripheral edge of the collar 202.

[0072] In the locking state, the cage 20 is gripped under the collar 202 of the neck 201 of the container 200, and the stopper 10, inserted into the neck 201 of the container 200, is surrounded by the cage 20 and held in compression along the main axis z. The stress, associated with this locking state, which the locking cap 100 undergoes, puts each of the elements stopper 10, cage 20, external body 30, capsule 40 in a certain state of stress, even if this state of stress is different depending on the elements considered.

[0073] According to a first embodiment, the component 50 is carried by the external body 30. The body 30 is formed from a plastic material such as, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The component 50 may be arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the external body 30. It may extend parallel to the upper face 31 and / or along the cylindrical wall 32.

[0074] In the example illustrated in [Fig.3a], the RFID circuit 51 of the component 50 comprises a chip 51p connected to an antenna 51a and extends in a plane parallel to the upper face 31 ([Fig.3a] (i)). The antenna 51a takes the form of a serpentine line, on the outer side of the upper face 31; this line defines an induction loop around the chip 51p and has a widened end giving it a certain capacitance ([Fig.3a] (ii)); inductance and capacitance make it possible to adapt the antenna 51a to the frequency of the RF signal which will allow it to communicate with the external RFID reader. On the inner side of the upper face 31 of the body 30, the antenna 51a continues in the form of a narrower serpentine line ([Fig.3a] (iii), [Fig.3b]) to provide the strain gauge function and constitute the strain sensor 52: the configuration of the component 50 is that described previously in the second variant of the RFID circuit 51.The state of stress of the locking cap 100 will induce a deformation of the serpentine line, modify its resistance and provide information which, processed by the chip 5 Ip, can be transmitted to the external RFID reader when the latter interrogates the component 50. Indeed, the forces applied to the antenna 51a and specifically to the part of the tightened serpentine 52 will induce a variation in impedance of the entire antenna 51a which is perceived by the chip in the form of mismatch (impedance of the antenna differently adapted to the input impedance of the chip). This variation in impedance is directly linked to the applied stress.

[0075] In the example illustrated in [Fig.3c], the RFID circuit 51 of the component 50 also comprises a chip 51p connected to an antenna 51a, but this time it extends along the peripheral wall 32 of the body 30. The strain sensor 52 is integrated in the chip 51p (first variant of the RFID circuit).

[0076] The characteristics of the examples illustrated in Figures 3a to 3c could be combined to implement the third variant of the RFID circuit or to provide a component 50 arranged both on the upper face 31 of the body 30 and on its peripheral wall 32.

[0077] With the removal of the 5Ip chip and the definition of a particular design of the antenna 51a, it is also possible to implement the fourth variant previously stated.

[0078] According to a second embodiment, the component 50 is carried by the capsule 40. The latter is formed from a plastic material such as, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The component 50 may be arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the capsule 40. Preferably, it extends parallel to the disc defining the capsule 40 to provide a maximum useful surface area for the deployment of the antenna 51a of the RFID circuit 51.

[0079] In the example illustrated in [Fig.4a], the RFID circuit 51 of the component 50 comprises a chip 51p connected to an antenna 51a ([Fig.4a] (i)). The antenna 51a takes the form of a serpentine line on the side of the outer surface of the disc of the capsule 40 ([Fig.4a] (ii)). On the side of the inner surface of the disc, the antenna 51a continues in the form of a tighter serpentine line ([Fig.4a] (iii)) to provide the strain gauge function and constitute the strain sensor 52: the configuration of the component 50 is that described previously in the second variant of the RFID circuit. The state of stress of the locking cap 100 will induce a deformation of the serpentine line, modify its resistance and provide information processed by the chip 51p, which can be transmitted to the external RFID reader when the latter interrogates the component 50.

[0080] In the example of [Fig.4a], the strain sensor 52 may also comprise a part integrated into the chip 51p (third variant of the RFID circuit).

[0081] Alternatively, the antenna 51a of the component 50 may not extend on the side of the lower surface of the capsule 40, and the strain sensor 52 may be integrated only into the chip 51p (first variant).

[0082] Finally, it is also possible to implement the fourth variant previously stated, with an RFID circuit 51 without a chip.

[0083] According to a third embodiment, the component 50 is carried by the cage 20. Like the outer body 30 and the capsule 40, the cage 20 is formed from a plastic material such as, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The component 50 may be arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the cage 20, and extends parallel to the upper ring 21 and / or along the branches 22 and / or along the bridges 25.

[0084] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 5], the RFID circuit 51 of the component 50 comprises a chip 51p connected to an antenna 51a. The antenna 51a takes the form of a serpentine line extending over all or part of the bridges 25, on the side of the outer surface of the cage 20. The chip 51p is arranged at the level of the upper ring 21 of the cage 20 and is connected to the antenna 51a via metal tracks which extend along the branches 22.

[0085] The antenna 51a continues in the form of a tighter serpentine line at one or more first tabs 23 to provide the strain gauge function and constitute the strain sensor 52 (second variant of the RFID circuit). The first tabs 23 being intended to flex when the cap 10 is pushed into the neck, then to get stuck under the collar 202 in the locking position of the cap 100 on the container 200, they will undergo a deformation capable of reflecting the state of stress of the locking cap 100. This deformation will impact the metal track of the antenna 51a, modify its resistance and provide information which, processed by the chip 5 Ip, can be transmitted to the external RFID reader when the latter interrogates the component 50.

[0086] In the example of [Fig.4a], the strain sensor 52 may also comprise a part integrated into the chip 5 Ip (third variant).

[0087] Alternatively, the antenna 51a of the component 50 may not extend over the first tab(s) 23, and the strain sensor 52 may be integrated only into the chip 51p (first variant).

[0088] Finally, with the removal of the 5Ip chip and the definition of a particular design of the antenna 51a, it is also possible to implement the fourth variant previously stated.

[0089] Finally, according to a fourth embodiment, in which the plug 10 is part of the elements of the locking cap 100, the component 50 is carried by the plug 10. The latter is formed from an elastomeric material such as rubber, silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. The component 50 is arranged on or integrated into the material of the plug 10 and extends parallel to an upper face of the head 11 of the plug 10.

[0090] In the example illustrated in [Fig.6], the RFID circuit 51 of the component 50 comprises a chip 51p connected to an antenna 51a. The antenna 51a takes the form of a serpentine line, electrically connected to the chip 51p.

[0091] As mentioned for the three previous embodiments, the first, second and third variants of the component 50 can be implemented. With the removal of the 5Ip chip and the definition of a particular design of the antenna 51a, it is also possible to implement the fourth variant.

[0092] In the four embodiments described, the component 50 (in particular chip 5 Ip and antenna 51a) is preferably formed of thin layers (typically between a few micrometers and a few hundred micrometers), supported by a flexible support layer, as illustrated in [Fig.4b] in a particular embodiment. A portion 50a of the support layer is configured to be assembled, for example by gluing, on the upper surface of the capsule 40 and another portion 50b on its lower surface. The two portions 50a, 50b are connected by a narrow portion 50c intended to bend and fit against the edge of the capsule; this narrow portion 50c allows the passage of wired connections between the two antenna parts 51a arranged respectively on one and the other of the portions 50a, 50b.

[0093] The flexible support layer can be formed from polyimide (for example of the Kapton brand) and have a thickness of the order of 50 to 100 micrometers.

[0094] More generally, whatever the element 10, 20, 30, 40 of the cover 100 concerned, the support layer of the component 50 can be fixed by gluing, by welding, by total or partial overmolding or by clipping. Partial overmolding implies that a part of the component 50 is flush with the surface of the element, whereas total overmolding corresponds to an integration of the component into the material of the element.

[0095] According to another option, the antenna 51a of the RFID circuit 51 can be formed by a metal track deposited or printed directly on the surface of the element 10,20,30,40 chosen from the cover 100, with a thickness which can range from 10 μm to a few hundred μm.

[0096] Note that, to allow a better visualization of the proposed solutions, the RFID circuit 51 and the strain sensor 52 are illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5, 6 as being visible on the surface of the elements of the locking cap 100; in reality, they may actually be so, for example if the antenna 51a is printed directly on the surface or if it is glued and only protected by a protective layer; they may alternatively not be so if, for example, the component 50 is fully or partially integrated into the plastic material of an element of the cap 100.

[0097] The invention also relates to a method of closing a container 200 with a locking cap 100 as previously described.

[0098] In a filling line for pharmaceutical containers, said containers are conveyed to be filled, then hermetically sealed. Note that intermediate freeze-drying steps may also take place between filling and closing.

[0099] When they arrive at the closing station, the containers are typically in the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 1a], with the cap 10 assembled in the locking cap 100 and arranged opposite the opening of the neck 201 of the container 200. They can then be processed individually or collectively.

[0100] The present method applies to an individual or collective closure. It comprises a step a) consisting of applying a clipping force to the capsule 40 of the locking cap 100, the latter being placed opposite the neck 201 of a container 200 ([Fig.1a]). This step a) aims to push the stopper 10 into the neck 201 and to lock the cap 100 on the container 200, by passing the first tabs 23 of the cage 20 under the collar 202.

[0101] It nevertheless happens that the applied force is not sufficient to achieve the locking state of the cap 100 on the container 200, or that certain defects of the cap 100 or of the container 200 prevent this locking state from being achieved.

[0102] This is why the method comprises a step b) comprising the acquisition by an external RFID reader of the stress state of the locking cap 100, on the basis of a value measured by the stress sensor 52 and transmitted by the RFID circuit 51 to the RFID reader.

[0103] The RFID reader preferentially uses the HF (13.56 MHz) and UHF (860-960 MHz) frequency bands. It is typically placed at a distance of between a few centimeters (typically 10 to 50 cm) and a few meters (typically 1 to 20 m) from the locking caps 100, so as to be able to interrogate the RFID circuit 51 of the component 50 of each cap 100.

[0104] The interrogation of the component 50 can be done at different times, punctually or continuously over a given period: 1. at the end of step a), namely after the application of the clipping force, when the locking cap 100 is assumed to have reached its locking state, and / or 2. during all or part of step a), when the clipping force is applied to push the stopper 10 and bring the cap into its locking position.

[0105] In the first case, the stress sensor 52 of each cap 100 will sense a residual stress state, linked to the fact that the cage 20 is gripped under the collar 202 of the container 200 and that the head 11 of the cap 10 undergoes compression between the upper ring 21 of the cage 20 and the collar 202 of the container 200.

[0106] Depending on the variant of component 50 used, this stress state may correspond to a measured value or to a particular radar signature, but may in all cases be transmitted by the RFID circuit 51 to the reader.

[0107] In the second case, the stress sensor 52 of each cap 100 will sense a stress state evolving from an initial stress state, close to zero (just before the application of the clipping force), to the residual stress state after the clipping force has ceased to be applied.

[0108] The transmission of information from the RFID circuit 51 to the reader (linked to interrogation by the reader to the RFID circuit) can be done at regular intervals, so as to monitor the evolution of the state of constraint during step a).

[0109] The RFID reader may allow multiple reading in the case of a collective closing process of the containers 200, in order to recover the stress state information for each of the cap-container assemblies 100, 200. It may be connected to a computer for recording the information received from the RFID circuit 51 of each cap 100 and analyzing it.

[0110] The method according to the invention finally comprises a step c) corresponding to the validation of the locking state of the cap 100 on the container 200 or to the downgrading of the cap-container assembly 100-200, on the basis of at least one constraint state recovered by the RFID reader.

[0111] In the simplest case, a stress threshold is defined, beyond which the locking state is validated; below this threshold, it is considered that the cap-container assembly is not correctly and hermetically assembled, and there is downgrading. This stress threshold will of course depend on the variant of component 50, the element 10,20,30,40 carrying said component and the configuration of the component 50 on the element concerned.

[0112] According to a slightly more elaborate scenario, a range of constraints is defined in which the locking state is validated; outside this range, the state of constraint is considered too low or too high, leading to risks respectively of non-hermeticity or breakage or plastic deformation of the cover 100: there is then a downgrade. Here again, the range of constraints will depend on the method of implementation of the component 50 of the cover 100.

[0113] Finally, according to a further refined scenario, step c) involves a decision algorithm. This algorithm may be based on the recording of the various constraints measured during the assembly of the cap 100 on the container 200, on the monitoring of external parameters, such as for example the force applied for the assembly, the stroke of the jack allowing the application of this force, the image (camera) of the cap-container assembly before and after assembly, etc. By learning on a large number of tests, it will be possible to develop a decision algorithm taking these parameters into account and potentially applying priorities and weightings between them, which makes it possible to identify, with finesse and precision, that the cap-container assembly is (or is not) in its locked state.

[0114] The invention also relates to a method for verifying the sealing quality of a container 200 closed by a locking cap 100, comprising the following steps:

[0115] b') the acquisition by an external RFID reader of a state of stress of the cap of locking 100, said state of constraint being deduced from a value measured by the constraint sensor 52 and being transmitted by the RFID circuit 51 to the RFID reader,

[0116] c') validation of the locking state of the cap 100 on the container 200 or the classification of the 100-200 cap-container assembly, based on the stress state.

[0117] Steps b') and c') are similar to steps b) and c) previously described and can be carried out in an identical manner.

[0118] The main difference comes from the fact that step b') is carried out, not specifically in or near a container closing station 200 in a filling line, but at any location during the life of the sealed container 200, from its exit from the closing station, until its arrival in front of the end user, passing through the storage station.

[0119] The acquisition by the RFID reader of a state of stress of the locking cap 100, after several days of storage or just before use of the product, makes it possible to verify that the compression of the cap 10 by the cap 100 remains sufficient to ensure the hermetic nature of the closure.

[0120] Optionally, the value measured by the stress sensor 52 of the residual stress state, after step a) of the closing method according to the invention, can be stored in a memory of the chip 5Ip of the RFID circuit 51. This makes it possible to make a comparison between this residual stress state, after closing, and a subsequent stress state, after several hours, days or months of storage.

[0121] Optionally, the value(s) measured during the process of closing the container 200 may be stored on a server and be accessible by the supplier or the end user for comparison or verification of the evolution of the stress state of the locking cap 100. Criteria for good locking may possibly be defined, such as a range of deviation from the residual stress state after closing.

[0122] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described, and variant embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Locking cap (100) for a container (200) with a neck, intended to lock a stopper (10) in the neck (201) of the container (200) and comprising three elements: - an external body (30), defined by an upper face (31) and a cylindrical wall (32) centered on a main axis (z), - a capsule (40), fixed on the upper face (31) of the external body (30), - a cage (20) locked along the main axis (z) in the external body (30) and surrounded by the cylindrical wall (32), the cage (20) being intended to grip under a collar (202) of the neck (201) of the container (200) in a locking state of the cap (100); the stopper (10) being surrounded by the cage (20), intended to be inserted into the neck (201) of the container (200) and to be kept under pressure along the main axis (z) in the locking state of the cap (100), to hermetically seal the container (200);the locking cap (100) being characterized in that at least one of its elements (20, 30, 40) comprises a component (50) operating passively and including an RFID circuit (51) and a strain sensor (52), for measuring and transmitting a strain state of the locking cap (100) indicating whether or not the latter is in its locked state.;

2. Locking cap (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the RFID circuit (51) comprises a chip (51p) and an antenna (51a), and the strain sensor (52) is integrated in the chip (51p).

3. The locking cap (100) of claim 1, wherein the RFID circuit (51) comprises a chip (51p) and an antenna (51a), and the strain sensor (52) consists of a strain gauge formed by all or part of the antenna (51a).

4. The locking cap (100) of claim 1, wherein the RFID circuit (51) comprises a chip (51p) and an antenna (51a), and the strain sensor (52) comprises a portion integrated in the chip (51p) and a portion formed by all or part of the antenna (51a).

5. Locking cap (100) according to one of claims 2 and 4, in which the stress sensor (52) is configured to measure a value representative of the stress state of the locking cap (100) and this value is saved in a memory included in the chip (51p).

6. The locking cap (100) of claim 1, wherein the RFID circuit (51) comprises only one antenna (51a), and the strain sensor (52) consists of a strain gauge formed by all or part of the antenna (51a).

7. Locking cap (100) according to one of claims 2 to 6, in which the RFID circuit (51) contains at least one piece of information corresponding to a unique identity or to a characteristic specific to each cap (100).

8. Locking cap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the cage (20) comprises an upper ring (21) against which the plug (10) is pressed, a plurality of branches (22) connected to the upper ring (21) and defining therewith a generally cylindrical shape of the cage (20), a plurality of bridges (25), each connecting two neighboring branches (22) together; and the cage (20) is formed from a plastic material, - the component (50) is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the cage (20), and extends parallel to the upper ring (21) and / or along the branches (22) and / or along the bridges (25).

9. Locking cap (100) according to the preceding claim, in which: - at least some bridges (25) of the cage (20) each comprise a tongue, called the first tongue (23), flexible and inclined relative to the branches (22) towards the inside of the cage (20), in the direction of the upper ring (21), these tongues being intended to lock under the collar (202) of the neck (201) of the container (200) in a locking state of the cap (100) thus allowing the cap to grip under said collar (202), - at least a part of the component (50), intended to measure the stress state of the cap (100), is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of one or more first tongues (23).

10. Locking cap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the outer body (30) is formed from a plastic material, - the component (50) is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the outer body (30), and extends parallel to the upper face (31) and / or along the cylindrical wall (32).

11. Locking cap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which: - the capsule (40) is in the general form of a disc and is formed from a plastic material, - the component (50) is arranged on or integrated into the plastic material of the capsule (40), and extends parallel to the disc defining the capsule (40).

12. Locking cap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the plug (10) as a fourth element, and wherein: - the plug (10) has a foot (12), intended to be inserted into the neck (201) and a head (11), intended to bear on the collar (202), and it is formed from an elastomeric material, - the component (50) is arranged on or integrated into the elastomeric material of the plug (10) and extends parallel to an upper face of the head (11) of the plug (10).

13. Locking cap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the component (50) is in the form of a thin layer supported by a flexible support layer, which support layer is fixed to one of the elements of the cap, by gluing, by welding, by total or partial overmolding or by clipping.

14. Locking cap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the component (50) comprises an antenna (51a) formed by a metal track deposited or printed directly on a surface of one of the elements of the locking cap (100).

15. Method for closing a container (200) with a locking cap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) applying a clipping force to the capsule (40) of the locking cap (100), the latter being placed opposite the neck (201) of a container (200), b) acquiring by an external RFID reader a stress state of the locking cap (100), at least after applying the clipping force, said stress state being deduced from a value measured by the stress sensor (52) and being transmitted by the RFID circuit (51) to the RFID reader, c) validating the locking state of the cap (100) on the container (200) or decommissioning the cap-container assembly (100-200), on the basis of the state of constraint.

16. Method for closing a container (200) according to the preceding claim, in which step b) also comprises the acquisition by the RFID reader of one or more stress states of the locking cap (100) during all or part of step a) of applying the clipping force.

17. Method for verifying the sealing quality of a container (200) closed by a locking cap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: b') acquisition by an external RFID reader of a stress state of the locking cap (100), said stress state being deduced from a value measured by the stress sensor (52) and being transmitted by the RFID circuit (51) to the RFID reader, c') validation of the locking state of the cap (100) on the container (200) or decommissioning of the cap-container assembly (100-200), on the basis of the stress state.

18. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, in which the step of validating the locking state of the cap (100) involves a decision algorithm.

Images