Apparatus for inspection of circular elongated element

Abstract

To provide a method for determining the shake in an axial direction of a circular elongated element.SOLUTION: A method comprises steps of: providing a circular elongated element 1 including a first end 11, a cylindrical portion defining the outer diameter of the element and the rotation axial line and a second end 13; illuminating the first end of the circular elongated element with a light source A (2A); acquiring an image of the first end with a camera A (3A) of a light reception unit, wherein an angle α between the center line of the camera A and a plane vertical to a rotation axial line R ideal of the circular elongated element that is ideal is more than 0° and less than 90°; obtaining at least a portion of the peripheral length of the first end by measuring the peripheral length of the first end in each image; and comparing at least a portion of the measured peripheral length of the first end with at least a portion of an ellipse to determine the shake in the axial direction of the first end of the circular elongated element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Elongated, circular elements such as glass tubes are commonly used to manufacture pharmaceutical packaging such as vials, syringes, and cartridges. Therefore, glass tubes are mechanically clamped, sequentially shaped, and cut, as described, for example, in German Patent Invention No. 102005038764 and German Patent Invention No. 102006034878. Harsh conditions during transport and further processing can cause glass tubes to break, particularly if their dimensional deviation exceeds a certain value. The inventors recognized that runout at the ends of glass tubes, especially axial runout, strongly affects the stability and processability of the glass tubes, and thus there is a demand for the manufacture of glass tubes with small axial runout. The ends of the glass tubes are formed by heating the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion near the end of the glass tube with a burner, and then immediately cooling the heated portion, causing the glass tube to break at the heated portion. Subsequently, the end portion of the glass tube is annealed to form a smooth end. Although this process is well known, the ends of formed glass tubes still vary due to many factors. Therefore, it is not possible to reliably form the ends of glass tubes and obtain glass tubes with consistently high-quality ends. To obtain glass tubes with small axial runout, it may be possible to quantify the axial runout of each end of the glass tube and sort out glass tubes that do not fall within a predetermined range. A common method for determining axial runout is to press a dial gauge against the rotating glass tube while it is rotating. However, this method has the disadvantage that the measuring device directly contacts the glass tube, which can damage the ends of the glass tube and generate wear particles during rotation. Furthermore, a non-contact method for inspecting transparent, elongated circular elements is known, which involves acquiring an image and comparing the brightness of a specific part of the image to a reference to obtain information about the quality, as described, for example, in European Patent Application Publication No. 20195758.6, European Patent Application Publication No. 20153400.5, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021092504.However, even if the methods described therein can reliably detect defects within the wall of a transparent element, these methods are not suitable for quantifying the axial runout at the ends of circular elongated elements, as they all have in common, in particular, directly comparing the brightness of specific parts of an image with a reference, but rather can detect defects within the transparent element or strong deformations of the element. Summary of the Invention Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] Therefore, the subject matter of the present application is - Determining and quantifying the axial runout at the ends of circular elongated elements, - Determining and quantifying the axial runout of transparent elements, colored elements and opaque circular elongated elements, - Determining and quantifying the axial runout that is independent of the curvature of circular elongated elements, - Quantifying the axial runout in micrometers, - Performing measurements non - contact, - Manufacturing circular elongated elements having axial runout within a predetermined range, and - Determining and quantifying the axial runout independently of the inclination of the circular elongated element during measurement, providing a method or system capable of one or more of the above.

[0003] Furthermore, the subject matter of the present invention is - Having improved quality, i.e., the axial runout is within a predetermined range, for example in the micrometer range, and / or is reliably measured independently of the curvature of the circular elongated element, and / or - Having reduced fracture susceptibility during transportation and further processing, and / or - Having improved workability providing a bundle of circular elongated elements.

[0004] These and other topics are methods for determining the axial runout of a circular elongated element, - A step of providing a circular elongated element by a providing unit, where the circular elongated element has a first end, a cylindrical portion that defines the outer diameter OD of the circular elongated element, the rotational axis R of the circular elongated element, and a cylindrical portion that defines them, and a second end, including the step of providing; - A step of illuminating the first end of the circular elongated element with the light source A of the light emitting unit; - A step of obtaining one or more images of the first end of the circular elongated element with the camera A of the light receiving unit, where the angle α between the center line of the camera A and the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis R of the ideal circular elongated element is greater than 0° and less than 90°, the step of obtaining; - Measuring at least a part of the perimeter of the first end of the circular elongated element in each of the one or more images to obtain at least a part of the measured perimeter of the first end of the circular elongated element; - Comparing at least a part of the measured perimeter of the first end of the circular elongated element with at least a part of an ellipse to determine the axial runout of the first end of the circular elongated element; is solved by a method including.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is a system for determining the axial runout of a circular elongated element, - A providing unit configured to provide a circular elongated element, where the circular elongated element has a first end, a cylindrical portion that defines the outer diameter OD of the circular elongated element, the rotational axis R of the circular elongated element, and a cylindrical portion that defines them, and a second end, including the providing unit,​ - A light-emitting unit including a light source A configured to illuminate the first end of a circular, elongated element, - A light-receiving unit including a camera A configured to acquire one or more images of the first end of a circular elongated element, wherein the center line of the camera A and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element are connected. 理想 A light-receiving unit, wherein the angle α between the plane perpendicular to the light-receiving unit is greater than 0° and less than 90°, - A computer unit, - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the first end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the first end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, A computer unit configured to perform the following in this preferred order: It is a system that includes [this feature].

[0006] In particular, one or more of the above-mentioned issues are resolved by measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of the elongated circular element in each of one or more images, and then comparing it with at least a portion of the ellipse. In a preferred embodiment, the center line of camera A is the rotation axis R of the ideal elongated circular element in at least one image. 理想 It intersects with the line defined by [the specified line]. The inventors recognized that it is very important to quantify the axial runout by measuring at least a portion of the perimeter of the end of the elongated circular element in the acquired image, and then comparing at least a portion of this perimeter with at least a portion of the ellipse. Without a measurement step, and by comparing the image itself with a reference, such as an ellipse, it is not possible to quantify the axial runout.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, this method further, - The step of illuminating the second end with light source B of the light-emitting unit, - A step of acquiring one or more images of the second end of a circular elongated element with camera B of the light-receiving unit, wherein the center line of camera B and the rotation axis R of the ideal circular elongated element are used. 理想 A step to obtain a plane perpendicular to and where the angle β between them is greater than 0° and less than 90°, - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the second end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the second end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, These are preferably included in this order.

[0008] In this way, the axial runout at both ends of the elongated circular element can be determined and quantified. The determination of the axial runout at the first and second ends can be performed simultaneously or sequentially. In a preferred embodiment, the center line of camera B is the rotation axis R of the ideal elongated circular element in at least one image. 理想 It intersects with the line defined by [the specified factor].

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes: - A step of rotating a circular, elongated element about the axis of rotation R, The process includes a rotation step of acquiring one or more images while rotating a circular elongated element about a rotation axis R. In this way, if only a portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second ends of the circular elongated element is measured and / or compared in each of the one or more images, the entire circumference can be easily measured with just one or two cameras.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated circular element is moved relative to a light-receiving unit, the elongated circular element is rotated while it is moving relative to the light-receiving unit, and one or more images of the first and / or second ends of the elongated circular element are acquired while it is moving relative to the light-receiving unit and while it is rotating. In this way, if only a portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second ends of the elongated circular element is measured and / or compared in each of the one or more images, the entire circumference can be easily measured with just one or two cameras.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes: - The rotation axis R of a circular elongated element and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 The step of determining the angle θ between and includes a finding step in which at least a portion of the ellipse is corrected based on the angle θ before comparison, preferably as described herein. In this way, at least a corrected portion of the ellipse can be obtained, further improving the quality of the measurement and enabling more reliable measurement on the μm scale.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment or aspect of the present invention, the method further, - The process includes the step of manufacturing a pharmaceutical package, preferably a vial, cartridge, syringe or ampoule, from a circular, elongated element that can be obtained, obtained, and / or measured by the method described in any one of the preceding claims.

[0013] According to the present invention, a system for determining the axial runout of a circular, elongated element, - A serving unit configured to provide a circular, elongated element, wherein the circular, elongated element is The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and The provided unit includes, - A light-emitting unit including a light source A configured to illuminate the first end of a circular, elongated element, - A light-receiving unit including a camera A configured to acquire one or more images of the first end of a circular elongated element, wherein the center line of the camera A and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element are connected. 理想 A light-receiving unit, wherein the angle α between the plane perpendicular to the light-receiving unit is greater than 0° and less than 90°, - A computer unit, - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the first end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the first end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, A computer unit configured to perform the following in this preferred order: A system is provided that includes the following features.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting unit includes a light source B configured to illuminate a second end of a circular elongated element, and the light-receiving unit includes a camera B configured to acquire one or more images of the second end of the circular elongated element, with the center line of the camera B and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 The angle β between the plane perpendicular to it is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The computer unit is - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the second end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the second end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, is configured to be executed, preferably in this order.

[0015] In this way, the axial runout at both ends of the circular elongated element can be determined and quantified. The determination of the axial runout at the first end and the second end can be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the system further - a rotating device for rotating a circular elongated element about a rotation axis R, and includes a rotating device that acquires one or more images while rotating the circular elongated element about the rotation axis R. In this way, when only a part of the circumferential length of the first end and / or the second end of the circular elongated element is measured and / or compared in each of the one or more images, the entire circumference can be easily measured with only one / two cameras.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the computer unit - a further step of obtaining an angle θ between the rotation axis R of the circular elongated element and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 and, and includes the step of correcting at least a part of the ellipse based on the angle θ, preferably as described herein, before the comparison. In this way, at least a part of the corrected ellipse can be obtained, the measurement quality is further improved, and the measurement on the μm scale can be more reliably performed.

[0018] At least a portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element is not particularly limited. Preferably, it is 1% or more of the total circumference, preferably 1% to 100%, more preferably 1% to 95%, more preferably 10% to 90%, more preferably 20% to 80%, and more preferably 30% to 50% [mm / mm]. Preferably, at least a portion of the perimeter of the first end, preferably the second end of the elongated circular element, includes, preferably a portion of, the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element that is facing away from camera A, preferably B, when acquiring an image. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that when a portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element that is facing away from camera, when acquiring an image, is used for measurement and / or preferably comparison, if the elongated circular element is made of glass and the ends are formed by annealing and secondary molding, the contour can be determined more accurately, and thus the accuracy of the measurement can be greatly improved. In particular, if at least a portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element includes, preferably a portion, the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element facing away from the camera when acquiring the image, and if one or more images of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element are acquired while the elongated circular element is rotated about the axis of rotation R, the accuracy of determining axial deviation can be greatly improved. In addition, this method can measure not only transparent elements but also colored and opaque elements, which is not possible when using the entire circumference because, at certain angles of the camera relative to the elongated circular element, it is not possible to accurately measure the contour of the portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element facing the camera when acquiring the image.

[0019] The ellipse is not particularly limited. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the ellipse is at least a portion of a semiellipse, more preferably at least a portion of an ideal semiellipse and / or at least a portion of a corrected semiellipse, more preferably at least a portion of a corrected semiellipse, more preferably 20-98% of a corrected semiellipse, more preferably 50-95% of a corrected semiellipse, more preferably 70-93% of a corrected semiellipse, and more preferably about 90% [mm / mm] of a corrected semiellipse, and preferably the semiellipse, ideal semiellipse and / or corrected semiellipse can be obtained / obtained as described herein. Preferably, the portion of the ellipse is the portion corresponding to the perimeter of the first end and / or second end of a circular elongated element. However, it may also be beneficial to measure the entire circumference but compare only a portion of the measured perimeter with a portion of the ellipse. In particular, if at least a portion of the ellipse is at least a portion of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 20-98% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 50-95% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 70-93% of the corrected semi-ellipse, and more preferably about 90% [mm / mm] of the corrected semi-ellipse, the accuracy of the measurement can be greatly improved. Here, X% of the semi-ellipse is (X / 2)% [mm / mm] of the entire circumference of the ellipse. Preferably, a portion of the ellipse is symmetrically identical with respect to a plane defined by the axis of rotation of the elongated circular element and the respective cameras, e.g., camera A and / or B, preferably the centerlines of the respective cameras.

[0020] The positions of camera A and / or camera B are not particularly limited. Preferably, camera A, preferably B, and more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are located outside the region between the first plane and the second plane, where the first plane is the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to the first end of an ideal circular elongated element, and the second plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to it, located at the second end of an ideal circular elongated element, and / or Camera A, preferably B, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are positioned such that each, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit receives light from the entire circumference of the first end, preferably the second end of the elongated circular element, and / or The angles ΔXYZ of the cameras A, preferably B, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are greater than 90°, where Y is the end of the elongated circular element facing each camera that acquires an image of each end, X is the opposite end of the elongated circular element, and Z is each camera that acquires an image. When the cameras are in these specific positions, the accuracy of the measurement can be greatly improved, and the determination of axial runout can be reliably measured in the μm range. In addition, this method can measure not only transparent elements but also colored and opaque elements. The cameras are located in the region between the first plane and the second plane, where the first plane is the rotation axis R of the ideal elongated circular element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to the first end of an ideal circular elongated element, and the second plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 If the camera is positioned on a plane perpendicular to the plane and at the second end of an ideally circular, elongated element, it will also receive reflected light.

[0021] In particular, at least a portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element includes, preferably a portion of, the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element facing away from the camera when acquiring one or more images, and one or more images of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element are acquired while the elongated circular element is rotated about the axis of rotation R, and the camera A, preferably B, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are outside the region between the first plane and the second plane, and the first plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal elongated circular element 理想 A plane perpendicular to the first end of an ideal circular elongated element, and the second plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想If the plane is perpendicular to the axis and is located at the second end of an ideal circular elongated element, the accuracy of determining axial runout can be greatly improved.

[0022] According to the present invention, the center line of camera A, preferably B, and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 The angle α, preferably β, between the plane perpendicular to the element and the element is greater than 0° and less than 90°. If the angle is 0°, part of the circumference of the end of the elongated circular element may be hidden during measurement, and therefore, if the angle is 0°, it is not possible to determine the axial runout. Similarly, if the angle is 90°, the axial runout will be accurately extended toward the camera, and therefore, if the angle is 90°, it is not possible to determine the axial runout. In a preferred embodiment, α, preferably β, is 1° or more, preferably 2° or more, more preferably 3° or more, more preferably 4° or more, more preferably 5° or more, more preferably 8° or more, more preferably 15° or more, more preferably 25° or more, more preferably 35° or more, and more preferably 45° or more. The larger the angle, the wider the range of axial runout that can be measured by this method and / or system. If the angle is close to 0°, only elongated circular elements with very small axial runout can be measured. In further preferred embodiments, α, preferably β, is 89° or less, preferably 45° or less, more preferably 35° or less, more preferably 25° or less, more preferably 15° or less, more preferably 10° or less, more preferably 8° or less, more preferably 7° or less, more preferably 6° or less, more preferably 5° or less, more preferably 4° or less, more preferably 3° or less, and more preferably 2° or less. The smaller the angle, the more accurately the contour of the perimeter of the end of the elongated circular element can be measured. Surprisingly, the inventors found that when the angle is 2° to 45°, preferably 3° to 25°, more preferably 4° to 15°, and more preferably about 5°, the accuracy and reliability of the measurement are greatly improved, and in particular, when the elongated circular element is made of glass and the end is formed by annealing and secondary molding, the axial runout around the entire circumference can be reliably determined in the μm range.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, α is β ± 10°, preferably β ± 5°, and more preferably α and β are the same. Therefore, it is easier to measure the circumference of both ends simultaneously, and the method and system are more efficient and rapid.

[0024] The position and orientation of the light source are not particularly limited. Preferably, light source A, preferably light source B, defines a light-emitting surface A, preferably light-emitting surface B, and the angle λ between the centerlines of each camera A, preferably B and the plane defined by each of the light-emitting surfaces A, preferably B is 5° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, more preferably 55° to 90°, more preferably 65° to 90°, more preferably 75° to 90°, and more preferably 85° to 90°. In this way, in particular when acquiring an image, the contour of the portion of the perimeter of the first end and / or second end of the elongated circular element that is facing away from the camera can be accurately measured.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a lens, preferably a cylindrical lens, more preferably a convex cylindrical lens, is located between the light source A and a circular elongated element, and / or A lens, preferably a cylindrical lens, more preferably a convex cylindrical lens, is located between the light source B and the circular elongated element, and / or The light emanating from the elongated circular element is at least partially parallel, divergent, or convergent, preferably at least parallel, and / or The light reaching the elongated circular element is at least partially parallel, divergent, or convergent, and preferably at least partially convergent. In this way, the quality and reliability of the measurement can be improved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the light sources A, preferably B, and more preferably all light sources of the light-emitting unit are located within a region between a first plane and a second plane, where the first plane is the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element.理想 A plane perpendicular to the first end of an ideal circular elongated element, and the second plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to it, located at the second end of an ideal circular elongated element, and / or The angle ΔMNO of the light source A, preferably B, and more preferably all light sources of the light-emitting unit is less than 90°, where N is the end of a circular elongated element facing each light source that illuminates each end, M is the opposite end of the circular elongated element, and O is each light source. In this way, illumination can be further improved, and consequently, the quality and reliability of the measurement can be further improved.

[0027] The number of images acquired for each end of a circular elongated element is not particularly limited. Preferably, at least three, preferably at least five, more preferably at least ten, more preferably at least twenty, and more preferably at least thirty images of the first end, preferably the second end, of the circular elongated element are acquired. Preferably, a sufficient number of images, preferably at least three, preferably at least five, more preferably at least ten, more preferably at least twenty, and more preferably at least thirty images, are acquired by camera A, preferably camera B. By combining the portions of the perimeter of the first end, preferably the second end, of the circular elongated element that are facing in different directions from camera A, preferably camera B, the entire circumference of the first end, preferably the second end, of the circular elongated element can be obtained. Preferably, the axial runout of the first end, preferably the second end, of the circular elongated element can be measured, more preferably with respect to the perimeter portion. In this way, the reliability of the measurement can be improved.

[0028] The number of pixels and distance of the cameras are not particularly limited. Preferably, cameras A and / or B have 0.1 megapixels or more, preferably 0.2 megapixels or more, more preferably 0.5 megapixels or more, more preferably 1.0 megapixel or more, more preferably 2 megapixels or more and / or 500 megapixels or less, preferably 100 megapixels or less, more preferably 10 megapixels or less, and more preferably 5 megapixels or less, and / or the distance between each of cameras A and B and each of the first end and second end of the elongated circular element is 1 cm or more and 3000 cm or less, preferably 10 cm to 100 cm. In this way, the accuracy of the measurement can be improved.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends of a circular elongated element are measured simultaneously or sequentially, preferably simultaneously. In particular, if the ends are measured simultaneously, the measurement time can be significantly reduced.

[0030] The measurement time is not particularly limited. Preferably, the time for determining the axial runout of the first end, preferably the second end, of the elongated circular element is 1 minute or less, preferably 30 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, more preferably 12 seconds or less, more preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 8 seconds or less, more preferably 6 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less, more preferably 4 seconds or less, more preferably 3 seconds or less, more preferably 2 seconds or less, more preferably 1 second or less, more preferably 0.5 seconds or less, and more preferably 0.3 seconds or less. The advantage is that the determination of the axial runout is very fast, very accurate, and reliable. In particular, when the elongated circular element is rotated in a system such as that described in European Patent Application Publication No. 3848701, which is incorporated herein by reference, the inventors have found that the axial runout can be determined in a very short time, i.e., 5 seconds or less, preferably 4 seconds or less, more preferably 3 seconds or less, more preferably 2 seconds or less, more preferably 1 second or less, more preferably 0.5 seconds or less, and more preferably 0.3 seconds or less.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 This is measured by a supply unit and an ideal circular elongated element, the ideal circular elongated element being a circular elongated element that has no curvature and ellipticity, and preferably the outer diameter and length of the circular elongated element and the ideal circular elongated element are the same.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the supply unit includes i) a transport device, preferably a transport device including a transport surface and a supply surface, and ii) a rotating device, preferably a rotating device including a rotating surface, wherein preferably the rotating surface and / or preferably the transport surface are flat and / or preferably the rotating surface is parallel to the transport surface, the transport device is configured to move a circular elongated element relative to a light-receiving unit, the rotating device and the transport device are configured to rotate the circular elongated element while it is moving relative to the light-receiving unit, and the light-receiving unit is configured to acquire one or more images of a first end and / or a second end of the circular elongated element while it is moving relative to the light-receiving unit and while it is rotating. In this way, the movement and rotation during measurement are very stable, which can further improve the quality of the measurement. In addition, the speed of the measurement system can also be improved. In further preferred embodiments, the supplying unit, in particular the transporting device, transporting surface, supplying surface, rotating device and rotating surface, is described in detail in European Patent Application Publication No. 3848701, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention is a bundle comprising five or more elongated circular elements, Each elongated circular element is, The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and Includes, The first and / or preferably second ends of each elongated circular element are given by the following formula: ARO≦A Satisfying the conditions, Value A is 1.3 mm, ARO provides a bundle, which is the axial runout (in mm) of the first and / or second ends of a circular, elongated element.

[0034] Another aspect / preferred embodiment of the present invention is a bundle comprising five or more elongated circular elements, Each elongated circular element is, The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and Includes, The first and / or preferably second ends of each elongated circular element are given by the following formula: ARO / OD≦B Satisfying the conditions, The value B [mm / mm] is 0.1. ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first and / or second ends of a circular, elongated element. OD is the outer diameter (in millimeters) of a circular, elongated element.

[0035] If each elongated circular element satisfies one or both of the above parameters (ARO ≤ A and / or ARO / OD ≤ B), the quality of the bundle is improved, its susceptibility to breakage during transport and further processing is reduced, and its processability is improved.

[0036] The lower limits of the above parameters (ARO and / or ARO / OD) are not particularly limited. However, there are points where the cost outweighs the benefit. Therefore, preferably, the first end and / or preferably the second end of each circular elongated element are given by the following formula: C≦ARO and / or D≦ARO / OD Satisfying the conditions, The value C is 1 μm, preferably 10 μm, more preferably 500 μm, more preferably 1000 μm, and / or The value D [mm / mm] is 1.10 -3 Preferably 5.10 -3 Comfort 1.10 -2 Comfort 5.10 -3 And, ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first and / or second ends of a circular, elongated element. OD is the outer diameter (mm) of a circular, elongated element.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, A is 1.2 mm, preferably 1.1 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.6 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm, more preferably 0.35 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.25 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.15 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm, more preferably 0.03 mm, and more preferably 0.01 mm. In this way, the quality of the bundle is further improved, the susceptibility to breakage during transport and further processing is further reduced, and the processability is further improved. The inventors have found that when A is 0.7 mm, preferably 0.6 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm, more preferably 0.35 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.25 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.15 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm, more preferably 0.03 mm, and more preferably 0.01 mm, the quality of the bundle is greatly improved and the stability of the elongated circular elements in the bundle is further enhanced.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, B is 0.09, preferably 0.08, more preferably 0.07, more preferably 0.06, more preferably 0.05, more preferably 0.04, more preferably 0.035, more preferably 0.03, more preferably 0.025, more preferably 0.02, more preferably 0.015, more preferably 0.01, more preferably 0.005, more preferably 0.003, and more preferably 0.001. In this way, the quality of the bundle is further improved, the susceptibility to breakage during transport and further processing is further reduced, and the processability is further improved. The inventors have found that the quality of the elongated circular elements is greatly improved, especially when B is 0.06, preferably 0.05, more preferably 0.04, more preferably 0.035, more preferably 0.03, more preferably 0.025, more preferably 0.02, more preferably 0.015, more preferably 0.01, more preferably 0.005, more preferably 0.003, and more preferably 0.001, and the stability of the elongated circular elements in the bundle is further improved, especially when the elongated circular elements have a very small or very large outer diameter.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the first end is either an open or closed end, preferably an open end, and / or the second end is either an open or closed end, preferably an open end. The method or system described above makes it possible to quantify the axial runout of the open and closed ends of the circular elongated element. Preferably, both ends are closed or open; or one end is open and the other is closed, for example, the circular elongated element is a tube or vial with one end closed.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, values ​​A, B, C and / or D are measured non-contact, and / or values ​​A, B, C and / or D can be obtained by the method and / or system described herein, and / or the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D is performed non-contact, i.e., during the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, the ends of the circular elongated element are not in contact with any material (except gas / air), and / or during the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, there is no contact between the ends and / or end portions of the circular elongated element and any material (except gas and / or air), and / or during the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, at least the terminal 1 mm portion of the circular elongated element is surrounded by air, and / or during the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, there is no contact between any unit involved in the measurement and the first end portion and / or second end portion of the circular elongated element. The methods and systems described herein make it possible to quantify the axial runout of circular elongated elements while the ends of the circular elongated elements are not in contact with any material, i.e., while the ends are surrounded by air during measurement. The main advantage of the methods and / or systems described herein is that they can provide bundles of circular elongated elements having an axial runout below a certain value, and furthermore, the axial runout is quantified without the ends coming into contact with any material. Contact between the ends and the material can damage the ends of circular elongated elements, i.e., cracks may form, scratches may be made on the surface, or particles may be formed due to abrasion. Therefore, determining the axial runout ARO using the methods and / or systems described herein can further improve the quality of the bundles.

[0041] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of at least one circular elongated element of a bundle as described in any one of the preceding claims for the manufacture of pharmaceutical packaging, wherein the pharmaceutical packaging is selected from the group consisting of vials, cartridges, syringes, or ampoules, and / or preferably the circular elongated element is a glass tube. When the circular elongated element of a bundle described herein is used, preferably the circular elongated element is a tube, more preferably a glass tube, breakage during manufacturing can be greatly reduced, and particles generated during breakage are less likely to contaminate the manufactured pharmaceutical packaging. Thus, the quality of the manufactured pharmaceutical packaging can be improved.

[0042] The shape of the elongated circular element is not particularly limited. It may be, for example, a tube, a rod, a pharmaceutical package, such as a vial, cartridge, syringe, or ampoule. Preferably, the elongated circular element is a tube or rod, preferably a tube. In particular, when the elongated circular element is a tube or rod, preferably a tube, it is very important that in the bundle, the tubes or rods are in direct contact with each other and that the stable end portions of the tubes have, for example, an axial runout below a certain value.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the bundle preferably includes 5 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 20 or more, more preferably 25 or more, more preferably 35 or more, more preferably 50 or more, more preferably 60 or more, more preferably 80 or more, more preferably 100 or more, more preferably 200 or more elongated circular elements, and / or preferably 1000 or less, preferably preferably 800 or less, more preferably 700 or less, more preferably 600 or less, more preferably 500 or less, more preferably 400 or less, more preferably 300 or less, more preferably 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less, more preferably 100 or less, more preferably 60 or less elongated circular elements. Particularly preferred is a bundle containing 50 to 500, preferably 100 to 300, elongated circular elements.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the elongated circular elements are made of glass, preferably borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) glass, and preferably borosilicate glass. In particular, when the elongated circular elements are made of glass, it is very important to minimize contact at the ends due to the brittleness of the glass. In addition, especially when the elongated circular elements are made of glass, it is not possible to adequately control the end-forming portions of the elongated circular elements so that the axial runout is reliably below certain values ​​as described herein, and the quality of the elongated circular elements can be greatly improved by the methods or systems described herein.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated circular element is made of glass, and the composition of the glass is, by mass %, Si: 30-98%, preferably 50-90%, more preferably 70.0-74.0%; and / or B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 3-20%, more preferably 7.0-16.0%; and / or Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3.0-6.5%; and / or X2O: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 2.0-7.2% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); and / or YO: 0-30%, preferably 0.1-5%, more preferably 0.5-1.0% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, and preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg) Includes.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated circular element is made of glass, and the composition of the glass is, by mass %, Si: 30-98%, preferably 50-90%, more preferably 70.0-74.0%; B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 3-20%, more preferably 7.0-16.0%; Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3.0-6.5%; X2O: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 2.0-7.2% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); YO: 0-30%, preferably 0.1-5%, more preferably 0.5-1.0% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg); and Inevitable impurities Includes.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated circular element is made of glass, and the composition of the glass is, by mass %, Si: 20-98%, preferably 40-75%, more preferably 50-65%; and / or B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3-9%; and / or Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 10-20%, more preferably 13-18%; and / or X2O: 0-30%, preferably 0-5%, more preferably 0-3% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); and / or YO: 0-50%, preferably 0.1-40%, more preferably 10-35% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg) Includes.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated circular element is made of glass, and the composition of the glass is, by mass %, Si: 20-98%, preferably 40-75%, more preferably 50-65%; B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3-9%; Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 10-20%, more preferably 13-18%; X2O: 0-30%, preferably 0-5%, more preferably 0-3% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); YO: 0-50%, preferably 0.1-40%, more preferably 10-35% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg); and Inevitable impurities Includes.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter OD, measured at the center of the cylindrical portion of a preferably circular elongated element, is 2 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 6 mm to 35 mm, more preferably 8 mm to 25 mm, and more preferably 10 mm to 20 mm. In this way, the reliability of determining axial runout can be improved, and consequently, the quality of the bundle can be improved.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the length of the cylindrical portion is 1 cm or more and 1000 cm or less, preferably 20 cm or more and 400 cm or less, more preferably 60 cm or more and 300 cm or less, more preferably 100 cm or more and 200 cm or less, and more preferably 120 cm or more and 180 cm or less.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated circular element is - A step of forming a continuous, elongated circular element by the Danner process or Bellow process; - A step of cutting a continuous, elongated circular element along its length to obtain a cut, elongated circular element including a first end, a cylindrical portion, and a second end; - A step of forming a first end and / or a second end, - A ring-shaped region near the first and / or second ends of the cut circular elongated element, preferably having a height of 2 mm or less and preferably 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably annealed with a burner; - A step of scratching at least a portion of the ring-shaped area to induce cracking; - The ring-shaped region is preferably rapidly cooled with water to obtain a cleanly cut, elongated circular element including a first end, a cylindrical portion, and a second end; - Reheat and shape the first and / or second ends of a neatly cut circular elongated element to obtain a circular elongated element having an open first and / or second end; and / or - The step of annealing the ring-shaped region near the first and / or second ends of the cut circular elongated element to a temperature higher than Tg using a burner; - The first and / or second ends of the cut circular elongated element are folded to form, preferably by an airflow, to obtain a circular elongated element having a closed first and / or second end. The step of forming the first end and / or the second end by It can be obtained by [method].

[0052] In particular, if circular elongated elements can be obtained by a process including the Danner process or the Bellow process, it is extremely important to minimize contact at the ends of the resulting glass circular elongated elements due to the brittleness of the glass. In addition, especially if circular elongated elements can be obtained by the steps described above, it is not possible to adequately control the ends of the circular elongated elements so that the axial runout is reliably and consistently below a specific value as described herein, and the method or system described herein can greatly improve the quality of bundles containing circular elongated elements.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical elongated element is A first end, including the circumference of the first end, Preferably a second end, including the circumference of the second end, The cylindrical part, A first end portion, including the first end portion, The center of the cylindrical part, Preferably a second end portion, including the second end, A cylindrical portion including, Includes, Preferably, the outer diameter OD is defined by the center of the cylindrical portion, and / or preferably, Preferably, the length of the first end portion, preferably the second end portion, is 0 cm to 10 cm, preferably 1 to 5 cm, more preferably 5 cm, and / or the length of the first end portion and / or the second end portion is 0% to 50%, preferably 0 to 30%, more preferably about 2.5% [mm / mm] of the length of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element, and more preferably, the length of the first end portion, preferably the second end portion, is about 2.5% [mm / mm] of the length of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element, and preferably, Preferably, the first end portion defines the rotation axis R of the elongated circular element for determining the axial runout of the first end, and / or preferably, Preferably, the second end portion defines the axis of rotation R of the circular elongated element for determining the axial runout of the second end. Preferably, or additionally, the circular elongated element may have a narrowed portion, such as a neck, or an extended portion, such as a flange.

[0054] A further aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceutical packaging that can be manufactured from one or more circular elongated elements of a bundle described herein, preferably the pharmaceutical packaging is selected from the group consisting of vials, cartridges, syringes, or ampoules, and / or preferably the circular elongated elements are glass tubes. Due to improved processability, less breakage occurs during the manufacture of the pharmaceutical packaging, and as a result, less particles are generated during the manufacture of the pharmaceutical packaging. Thus, the quality of the pharmaceutical packaging is improved.

[0055] Herein, all preferred embodiments of the present method also apply to the systems, bundles, and uses described herein, and vice versa. More preferably, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments, for example, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0056] Unless otherwise specified, angles α and β are the rotation axis R of an ideal circular slender element, i.e., a circular slender element without ellipticity and curvature. 理想 The rotation axis is measured using the provided unit and an ideal circular elongated element, i.e., a circular elongated element without curvature and ellipticity. In other words, it is the R of the rotation axis of the ideal circular elongated element that is in contact with the provided unit at the position where the camera acquires the image. 理想 Therefore, a person skilled in the art would know that the provided unit and an ideal circular elongated element, which can be simulated by, for example, a laser beam, represent the rotation axis R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 There is no difficulty in measuring it.

[0057] To determine the angle θ, the rotation axis R of the elongated circular element is measured in each image using each end of the elongated circular element. As a result, the rotation axis of the elongated circular element may differ between two images and / or between the first and second ends of the elongated circular element. To measure the rotation axis R of the elongated circular element in each image, for example, two points on each side of the contour of the end portion of the elongated circular element are measured in the image. These two points define a line for each side of the contour, and the average of the two lines is the orientation of the rotation axis R of the elongated circular element. The angle θ is the angle measured in the image acquired by the camera of the light-receiving unit, i.e., the 2D view, and is not measured in 3D space. The rotation axis R of the elongated circular element and the rotation axis R of an ideal elongated circular element 理想When the two are parallel in the image, the angle θ is 0°. Preferably, the length of the first end portion, preferably the second end portion, is 0 cm to 10 cm, preferably 1 to 5 cm, more preferably 5 cm, and / or the length of the first end portion and / or the second end portion is 0 to 50%, preferably 0 to 30%, more preferably about 2.5% [mm / mm] of the length of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element.

[0058] Here, the camera's centerline is a line extending perpendicularly from the center of the camera's sensor. It can be measured by the intersection of two diagonals in the image acquired by the camera; in other words, the centerline is perpendicular to both diagonals of the image.

[0059] Here, the surface defined by the light-emitting surface is a surface perpendicular to the centerline of the light source and extending orthogonally from the center of the light source. For example, if the light source is a light bulb or diode, the center of the light source is the axis of rotation of the light bulb or diode. If multiple light bulbs or diodes are used, for example in an LED panel, the center of the light source is the center of these light bulbs or diodes, for example, the center of the LED panel.

[0060] Here, relative motion refers to motion in which the distance or angle, preferably the distance, between a specific object, such as a receiving unit, and another specific object, such as a circular, elongated element, changes over time. Rotation of a circular, elongated element is not relative motion because neither the distance nor the angle relative to the other specific object changes.

[0061] In this context, unavoidable impurities are impurities that may be present in the starting materials (educts), and for example, the impurities are selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ti, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co. Preferably, the total amount of all unavoidable impurities is 5% by weight or less, preferably 2.5% by weight or less, more preferably 1.0% by weight or less, more preferably 0.5% by weight or less, more preferably 0.1% by weight or less, and more preferably 0.01% by weight or less.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified, the glass transition temperature Tg is determined in this specification by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0063] Here, the perimeters of the first and second ends of the elongated circular element are the perimeters measured by the acquired images, and are the perimeters of the outermost edges visible in the images of the first and second ends, respectively.

[0064] The elongated circular elements are preferably packed in bundles, where a bundle is a trading, loading, or packaging unit for distributing elongated circular elements, preferably empty elongated circular elements, i.e., elongated circular elements filled with gas, such as air. For example, products of the same kind are bundled together when ordered together in retail or bundled in logistics, although this is not always the case. According to the present invention, the elongated circular elements may be separated by spacers, such as plastic and / or paper sheets, or secured to a carrier plate, so as not to come into contact with each other during transport. Although this is not always the case, the bundles are usually covered with plastic foil in some parts. Examples of bundles include SCHOTT AG's DENSOPACK® or SCHOTT iQ® platforms. Preferably, multiple bundles, e.g., 2 to 1000 bundles, preferably 20 to 200 bundles, are stacked on a pallet. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is a pallet containing 2 to 1,000 bundles, preferably 20 to 200 bundles, as described herein.

[0065] Here, the center of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element is ±10% of the center of the length of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element, and preferably the center of the elongated circular element. Unless otherwise specified, the outer diameter is measured at the center of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element.

[0066] Ellipses, ideal semi-ellipses, and corrected semi-ellipses can be measured as follows: An ideal semi-ellipse with respect to the first end is defined by the outer diameter OD of the circular elongated element and the center line of camera A, and the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element, i.e., a circular elongated element without ellipticity and curvature. 理想 Based on the plane perpendicular to and the angle α between them, it can be calculated according to the following formula (see also Figures 1 to 6).

[0067]

number

[0068] Using the same formula, an ideal semi-ellipse can be calculated for the second end by using β instead of α in the above formula, where angle β is the center line of camera B and rotation axis R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 It is the angle between a plane perpendicular to it and the plane.

[0069] The axis of rotation of a circular elongated element and the axis of rotation R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 If the angle θ between and is different from 0°, the corrected semi-ellipse can be obtained by correcting it using the following formula.

[0070]

number

[0071] The above formula, especially E x(補正(corrected)) and E y(補正) (E z(補正) Using (which is irrelevant to determining axial deviation), a corrected semi-ellipse can be calculated for each image. For comparison with the image, the corrected semi-ellipse E x(補正) Axis and E y(補正)An ideal or corrected semi-ellipse is superimposed on the image such that the intersection with the axis is located at the intersection of the major and minor axes of the ellipse measured in the image, i.e., the circumference of the first and / or second ends of the elongated circular element. Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of determining the axial deviation, only 90% [mm / mm] of the corrected semi-ellipse is used, i.e., the left 5% [mm / mm] and the right 5% [mm / mm] are cropped to obtain a portion of the corrected semi-ellipse. Unless otherwise specified, the angle θ is measured at each end portion of the elongated circular element. Thus, the axis of rotation may differ in each image and / or for the first and second ends. For those skilled in the art, it is not difficult to determine the orientation of the end portions of the elongated circular element and compare that orientation to the orientation of the ideal elongated circular element to determine θ (see Figure 6).

[0072] Axial runout (ARO) can be measured as follows: When acquiring images obtained by the light-receiving unit of the system described herein, i.e., camera A or B, it is possible to measure the difference D (in millimeters [mm]) for each image by comparing a portion of the circumference of a first and / or second end of a circular elongated element facing away from the camera with at least a portion of the ellipse described above, preferably at least a portion of the ideal semi-ellipse described above, more preferably at least a portion of the corrected semi-ellipse described above, or more preferably 90% [mm / mm] of the corrected semi-ellipse. Unless otherwise specified, 90% [mm / mm] of the corrected semi-ellipse described above is used as at least a portion of the ellipse, particularly for determining the parameter "ARO" (axial runout).

[0073] To obtain the axial runout, a sufficient number of images of the end of a circular elongated element, preferably images that at least partially overlap, for example, 20 or more images, are compared with at least a portion of the ellipse determined individually for each image, preferably 90% [mm / mm] of the corrected semi-ellipse, so that the difference D over the entire circumference of the end of the circular elongated element is measured. The axial runout ARO is the maximum difference between the values ​​obtained in the comparison of the images of the first end and the second end, and can be calculated by the following formula, preferably by the following formula: ARO=(|D ← |+|D → |)÷cos(a);

[0074] In the formula, D ← D is the maximum difference [mm] between the calculated (ideal or corrected) ellipse and the perimeter measured in any image toward the center of the elongated circular element, and D → is the maximum difference [mm] between the calculated (ideal or corrected) ellipse and the perimeter measured in an image at any point away from the center of the elongated circular element. Unless otherwise specified, 90% of the corrected semi-ellipse is used to determine the axial runout, and 90% of the corrected semi-ellipse is symmetrically identical with respect to the rotation axis of the elongated circular element and the plane defined by each camera, and the portion of the perimeter of the first and / or second end of the elongated circular element facing away from the camera when acquiring the image is used. Using the same formula, the axial runout can be calculated for the second end by using β instead of α in the above formula.

[0075] There are several ways to design and further develop the teachings of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, please refer to the claims dependent on the independent claims, the above description of preferred embodiments, the following clauses, and the following examples of embodiments illustrated by the figures. Preferred embodiments are more preferably two or more, for example, two, three, four, or five combinations. In summary, particularly preferred embodiments are the following clauses:

[0076] 1. A method for determining the axial deviation of a circular, elongated element, - A step of providing a circular elongated element by a supply unit, wherein the circular elongated element is The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and The steps provided include, - The first end of a circular, elongated element is illuminated by light source A of the light-emitting unit, - A step of acquiring one or more images of the first end of a circular elongated element with camera A of a light-receiving unit, wherein the center line of camera A and the rotation axis R of the ideal circular elongated element are used. 理想 A step to obtain a plane perpendicular to and where the angle α between them is greater than 0° and less than 90°, - A step of measuring, preferably by a computer unit, at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images, to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the first end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the first end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, preferably by a computer unit, A method comprising, preferably, in this order.

[0077] 2. Furthermore, - The step of illuminating the second end with light source B of the light-emitting unit, - A step of acquiring one or more images of the second end of a circular elongated element with camera B of the light-receiving unit, wherein the center line of camera B and the rotation axis R of the ideal circular elongated element are used. 理想 A step to obtain a plane perpendicular to and such that the angle β between them is greater than 0° and less than 90°, - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the second end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the second end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, preferably by a computer unit, The method of the preceding clause, preferably including in this order.

[0078] 3. Furthermore, - A step of rotating a circular, elongated element about the axis of rotation R, A method according to any one of the preceding clauses, comprising the step of rotating a circular, elongated element while rotating it about a rotation axis R, thereby acquiring one or more images.

[0079] 4. Move the elongated circular element relative to the light-receiving unit. The elongated circular element rotates while it moves relative to the light-receiving unit. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, which acquires an image of one or more of the first and / or second ends of a circular elongated element while the circular elongated element is moving relative to a light-receiving unit and while the circular elongated element is rotating.

[0080] 5. Furthermore, - The rotation axis R of a circular elongated element and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, comprising the step of determining the angle θ between and, wherein at least a portion of the ellipse is corrected based on the angle θ before comparison, preferably as described herein.

[0081] 6. Furthermore, A method preferably according to one of the preceding clauses, comprising the step of manufacturing a pharmaceutical package, preferably a vial, cartridge, syringe or ampoule, from a circular elongated element that can be obtained, obtained, and / or measured by the method described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0082] 7. A system for determining the axial deviation of a circular, elongated element, - A serving unit configured to provide a circular, elongated element, wherein the circular, elongated element is The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and The provided unit includes, - A light-emitting unit including a light source A configured to illuminate the first end of a circular, elongated element, - A light-receiving unit including a camera A configured to acquire one or more images of the first end of a circular elongated element, wherein the center line of the camera A and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element are connected. 理想 A light-receiving unit, wherein the angle α between the plane perpendicular to the light-receiving unit is greater than 0° and less than 90°, - A computer unit, - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the first end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the first end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the first end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, A computer unit configured to perform the following in this preferred order: A system equipped with these features.

[0083] 8. The light-emitting unit includes a light source B configured to illuminate the second end of a circular, elongated element, The light-receiving unit includes a camera B configured to acquire one or more images of the second end of a circular elongated element, with the center line of camera B and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 The angle β between the plane perpendicular to it is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The computer unit is - A step of measuring at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of a circular elongated element in each of one or more images to obtain at least a portion of the measured circumference of the second end of the circular elongated element, - A step of determining the axial runout of the second end of the circular elongated element by comparing at least a portion of the circumference of the second end of the measured circular elongated element with at least a portion of the ellipse, The system described in any one of the preceding clauses, which is configured to perform the actions in this order, preferably.

[0084] 9. Furthermore - A rotating device for rotating a circular, elongated element about a rotation axis R, A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, comprising a rotation device that acquires one or more images while rotating a circular, elongated element about a rotation axis R.

[0085] 10. The computer unit, - The rotation axis R of a circular elongated element and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 A further step is to find the angle θ between and A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, comprising the step of correcting at least a portion of the ellipse based on an angle θ, preferably as described herein, before comparison.

[0086] 11. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a portion of the perimeter of a first end, preferably a second end, of a circular elongated element includes, and preferably is a portion of, the perimeter of the first end and / or second end of the circular elongated element that is facing away from camera A, preferably B, when acquiring an image.

[0087] 12. At least a portion of the ellipse is at least a portion of the semi-ellipse, more preferably at least a portion of the ideal semi-ellipse and / or at least a portion of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably at least a portion of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 20-98% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 50-95% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 70-93% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably about 90% [mm / mm] of the corrected semi-ellipse. Preferably, a semi-ellipse, an ideal semi-ellipse, and / or a corrected semi-ellipse can be obtained / can be obtained as described herein by any one of the preceding clauses or by any method or system described herein.

[0088] 13. Camera A, preferably B, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are located outside the region between the first plane and the second plane, where the first plane is the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to the first end of an ideal circular elongated element, and the second plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to it, located at the second end of an ideal circular elongated element, and / or Camera A, preferably B, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are positioned to receive light from the entire circumference of the first end, preferably the second end of the elongated circular element, and / or The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angles ΔXYZ of camera A, preferably B, more preferably all cameras of the light-receiving unit are greater than 90°, Y is the end of a circular elongated element facing each camera that acquires an image of each end, X is the opposite end of the circular elongated element, and Z is each camera that acquires an image.

[0089] 14. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein α, preferably β, is 1° or more, preferably 2° or more, more preferably 3° or more, more preferably 4° or more, more preferably 5° or more, more preferably 8° or more, more preferably 15° or more, more preferably 25° or more, more preferably 35° or more, and more preferably 45° or more.

[0090] 15. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein α, preferably β, is 89° or less, preferably 45° or less, more preferably 35° or less, more preferably 25° or less, more preferably 15° or less, more preferably 10° or less, more preferably 8° or less, more preferably 7° or less, more preferably 6° or less, more preferably 5° or less, more preferably 4° or less, more preferably 3° or less, and more preferably 2° or less.

[0091] 16. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein α is β ± 10°, preferably β ± 5°, and more preferably α and β are the same.

[0092] 17. Light source A, preferably light source B, defines light-emitting surface A, preferably light-emitting surface B, preferably light-emitting surface A, preferably light-emitting surface B. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle λ between the centerlines of each camera A, preferably B, and the plane defined by each of the light-emitting surfaces A, preferably B, is 5° or more and 90° or less, preferably 45° or more and 90° or less, more preferably 55° or more and 90° or less, more preferably 65° or more and 90° or less, more preferably 75° or more and 90° or less, and more preferably 85° or more and 90° or less.

[0093] 18. A lens, preferably a cylindrical lens, more preferably a convex cylindrical lens, is located between the light source A and the circular elongated element, and / or A lens, preferably a cylindrical lens, more preferably a convex cylindrical lens, is located between the light source B and the circular elongated element, and / or The light emitted from the elongated circular element is at least partially parallel, divergent, or convergent, preferably at least parallel, and / or The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the light reaching the elongated circular element is at least partially parallel, divergent, or convergent, preferably at least partially convergent.

[0094] 19. The light sources A, preferably B, and more preferably all light sources of the light-emitting unit are located within the region between the first plane and the second plane, where the first plane is the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to the first end of an ideal circular elongated element, and the second plane is the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to it, located at the second end of an ideal circular elongated element, and / or The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle ΔMNO of the light source A, preferably B, more preferably all light sources of the light-emitting unit is less than 90°, N is the end of a circular elongated element facing each light source that illuminates each end, M is the opposite end of the circular elongated element, and O is each light source.

[0095] 20. Obtain at least 3, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 20, and more preferably at least 30 images of the first end, preferably the second end, of a circular, elongated element. Preferably, a sufficient number of images, preferably at least three, preferably at least five, more preferably at least ten, more preferably at least twenty, more preferably at least thirty, are acquired by camera A, preferably camera B, and the portions of the perimeter of the first end, preferably the second end of the circular elongated element that are facing away from each of camera A, preferably camera B, can be combined to obtain the entire circumference of the first end, preferably the second end of the circular elongated element, and preferably the axial runout of the first end, preferably the second end of the circular elongated element can be measured, more preferably with respect to a portion of the perimeter, according to any one of the preceding clauses.

[0096] 21. Cameras A and / or B have 0.1 megapixels or more, preferably 0.2 megapixels or more, more preferably 0.5 megapixels or more, more preferably 1.0 megapixel or more, more preferably 2 megapixels or more and / or 500 megapixels or less, preferably 100 megapixels or less, more preferably 10 megapixels or less, more preferably 5 megapixels or less, and / or The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the distance between each of camera A and camera B and each of the first end and second end of the circular elongated element is between 1 cm and 3000 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 100 cm.

[0097] 22. A method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses for measuring the first and second ends of a circular elongated element simultaneously or sequentially, preferably simultaneously.

[0098] 23. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the time for determining the axial runout of a first end, preferably a second end, of a circular elongated element is 1 minute or less, preferably 30 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, more preferably 12 seconds or less, more preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 8 seconds or less, more preferably 6 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less, more preferably 4 seconds or less, more preferably 3 seconds or less, more preferably 2 seconds or less, more preferably 1 second or less, more preferably 0.5 seconds or less, more preferably 0.3 seconds or less.

[0099] 24. The rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the measurement is performed by a providing unit and an ideal circular elongated element, the ideal circular elongated element being a circular elongated element having no curvature and ellipticity, and preferably the outer diameter and length of the circular elongated element and the ideal circular elongated element are the same.

[0100] 25. The provided unit i) A conveying device, preferably a conveying device including a conveying surface and a supply surface, ii) A rotating device, preferably a rotating device including a rotating surface, Includes, More preferably, the rotating surface and / or preferably the conveying surface are flat, and / or More preferably, the rotating surface is parallel to the conveying surface. The transport device is configured to move a circular, elongated element relative to the light-receiving unit. The rotating device and the transport device are configured to rotate the elongated circular element while the elongated circular element is moving relative to the light-receiving unit. The method or system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the light-receiving unit is configured to acquire images of one or more of the first and / or second ends of a circular elongated element while the circular elongated element is moving relative to the light-receiving unit and while the circular elongated element is rotating.

[0101] A bundle containing 26.5 or more elongated circular elements, Each elongated circular element is, The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and Includes, The first and / or preferably second ends of each elongated circular element are given by the following formula: ARO≦A Satisfying the conditions, Value A is 1.3 mm, ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first and / or second ends of a circular, elongated element.

[0102] 27. Preferably a bundle comprising five or more elongated circular elements as described in the preceding clause, Each elongated circular element is, The first end and, The cylindrical part, The outer diameter OD of a circular, elongated element, The rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element, A cylindrical portion that defines, The second end and Includes, The first and / or preferably second ends of each elongated circular element are given by the following formula: ARO / OD≦B Satisfying the conditions, The value B [mm / mm] is 0.1. ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first and / or second ends of a circular, elongated element. OD is the outer diameter (in mm) of a bundle of elongated, circular elements.

[0103] 28. The first end and / or preferably the second end of each circular elongated element is given by the following formula: C≦ARO and / or D≦ARO / OD Satisfying the conditions, The value C is 1 μm, preferably 10 μm, more preferably 500 μm, more preferably 1000 μm, and / or The value D is 1.10 -3 Preferably 5.10 -3 Comfort 1.10 -2 Comfort 5.10 -3 And, ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first and / or second ends of a circular, elongated element. OD is the outer diameter (mm) of a circular, elongated element, as defined in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0104] 29. The bundle according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein A is 1.2 mm, preferably 1.1 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.6 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm, more preferably 0.35 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.25 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.15 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm, more preferably 0.03 mm, and more preferably 0.01 mm.

[0105] 30. The bundle according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein B is 0.09, preferably 0.08, more preferably 0.07, more preferably 0.06, more preferably 0.05, more preferably 0.04, more preferably 0.035, more preferably 0.03, more preferably 0.025, more preferably 0.02, more preferably 0.015, more preferably 0.01, more preferably 0.005, more preferably 0.003, more preferably 0.001.

[0106] 31. A bundle containing 5 or more elongated circular elements, The first end is either an open end or a closed end, preferably an open end, and / or A bundle in which the second end is an open end or a closed end, preferably an open end.

[0107] 32. Values ​​A, B, C and / or D are measured non-contact, and / or Values ​​A, B, C and / or D can be obtained by the method described in any one of the preceding clauses and / or by using the system described in any one of the preceding clauses and / or The measurements of values ​​A, B, C and / or D are performed non-contact, i.e., during the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, the ends of the circular elongated element do not come into contact with any material (except gas / air), and / or During the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, there is no contact between the ends and / or end portions of the circular elongated element and any material other than gas and / or air, and / or During the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, at least the terminal 1 mm portion of the elongated circular element is surrounded by air, and / or A bundle as described in any one of the preceding clauses, in which, during the measurement of values ​​A, B, C and / or D, there was no contact between any unit involved in the measurement and the first and / or second end portions of the circular elongated element.

[0108] 33. Use of at least one circular elongated element of a bundle as described in any one of the preceding clauses for the manufacture of pharmaceutical packaging, wherein the pharmaceutical packaging is selected from the group consisting of vials, cartridges, syringes or ampoules, and / or preferably the circular elongated element is a glass tube.

[0109] 34. The method, system, bundle and / or use described in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the elongated circular element is a tube or rod, preferably a tube.

[0110] 35. The bundle consists of 5 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 20 or more, more preferably 25 or more, more preferably 35 or more, more preferably 50 or more, more preferably 60 or more, more preferably 80 or more, more preferably 100 or more, more preferably 200 or more elongated circular elements, and / or preferably A method, system, bundle and / or use as described in any one of the preceding clauses, preferably including a circular elongated element with a number of 1000 or less, preferably 800 or less, more preferably 700 or less, more preferably 600 or less, more preferably 500 or less, more preferably 400 or less, more preferably 300 or less, more preferably 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less, more preferably 100 or less, more preferably 60 or less, as shown.

[0111] 36. The elongated circular element is made of glass. Preferably, the glass is borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) glass, preferably borosilicate glass, as described in any one of the preceding clauses of the method, system, bundle and / or use.

[0112] 37. The elongated circular element is made of glass. The composition of glass is expressed in mass percent. Si: 30-98%, preferably 50-90%, more preferably 70.0-74.0%; and / or B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 3-20%, more preferably 7.0-16.0%; and / or Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3.0-6.5%; and / or X2O: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 2.0-7.2% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); and / or YO: 0-30%, preferably 0.1-5%, more preferably 0.5-1.0% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, and preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg) The methods, systems, bundles, and / or uses described in any one of the preceding clauses, including those described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0113] 38. The elongated circular element is made of glass. The composition of glass is expressed in mass percent. Si: 30-98%, preferably 50-90%, more preferably 70.0-74.0%; B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 3-20%, more preferably 7.0-16.0%; Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3.0-6.5%; X2O: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 2.0-7.2% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); YO: 0-30%, preferably 0.1-5%, more preferably 0.5-1.0% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg); and Inevitable impurities The methods, systems, bundles, and / or uses described in any one of the preceding clauses, including those described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0114] 39. The elongated circular element is made of glass. The composition of glass is expressed in mass percent. Si: 20-98%, preferably 40-75%, more preferably 50-65%; and / or B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3-9%; and / or Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 10-20%, more preferably 13-18%; and / or X2O: 0-30%, preferably 0-5%, more preferably 0-3% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); and / or YO: 0-50%, preferably 0.1-40%, more preferably 10-35% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg) The methods, systems, bundles, and / or uses described in any one of the preceding clauses, including those described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0115] 40. The elongated circular element is made of glass. The composition of glass is expressed in mass percent. Si: 20-98%, preferably 40-75%, more preferably 50-65%; B2O3: 0-30%, preferably 1-15%, more preferably 3-9%; Al2O3: 0-30%, preferably 10-20%, more preferably 13-18%; X2O: 0-30%, preferably 0-5%, more preferably 0-3% (where X is selected from Na, K, and Li, preferably X is Na and / or K); YO: 0-50%, preferably 0.1-40%, more preferably 10-35% (where Y is selected from Ca, Mg, and Ba, preferably Y is Ca and / or Mg); and Inevitable impurities The methods, systems, bundles, and / or uses described in any one of the preceding clauses, including those described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0116] 41. Preferably, the outer diameter OD measured at the center of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element is 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably 6 mm or more and 35 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or more and 25 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, as described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0117] 42. The method, system, bundle and / or use described in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the length of the cylindrical portion is 1 cm or more and 1000 cm or less, preferably 20 cm or more and 400 cm or less, more preferably 60 cm or more and 300 cm or less, more preferably 100 cm or more and 200 cm or less, and more preferably 120 cm or more and 180 cm or less.

[0118] 43. A circular, elongated element, - A step of forming a continuous, elongated circular element by the Danner process or Bellow process; - A step of cutting a continuous, elongated circular element along its length to obtain a cut, elongated circular element including a first end, a cylindrical portion, and a second end; - A step of forming a first end and / or a second end, - A ring-shaped region near the first and / or second ends of the cut circular elongated element, preferably having a height of 2 mm or less and preferably 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably annealed with a burner; - A step of scratching at least a portion of the ring-shaped area to induce cracking; - The ring-shaped region is preferably rapidly cooled with water to obtain a cleanly cut, elongated circular element including a first end, a cylindrical portion, and a second end; - Reheat and shape the first and / or second ends of a neatly cut circular elongated element to obtain a circular elongated element having an open first and / or second end; and / or - The step of annealing the ring-shaped region near the first and / or second ends of the cut circular elongated element to a temperature higher than Tg using a burner; - The first and / or second ends of the cut circular elongated element are folded to form, preferably by an airflow, to obtain a circular elongated element having a closed first and / or second end. The step of forming the first end and / or the second end by The methods, systems, bundles, and / or uses described in any one of the preceding clauses, which can be obtained by means of the method, system, bundle, and / or use described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0119] 44. A cylindrical, elongated element, A first end, including the circumference of the first end, Preferably a second end, including the circumference of the second end, The cylindrical part, A first end portion, including the first end portion, The center of the cylindrical part, Preferably a second end portion, including the second end, A cylindrical portion including, Includes, Preferably, the outer diameter OD is defined by the center of the cylindrical portion, and / or preferably, Preferably, the length of the first end portion, preferably the second end portion, is 0 cm to 10 cm, preferably 1 to 5 cm, more preferably 5 cm, and / or the length of the first end portion and / or the second end portion is 0% to 50%, preferably 0 to 30%, more preferably about 2.5% [mm / mm] of the length of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element, and more preferably, the length of the first end portion, preferably the second end portion, is about 2.5% [mm / mm] of the length of the cylindrical portion of the elongated circular element, and preferably, Preferably, the first end portion defines the rotation axis R of the elongated circular element for determining the axial runout of the first end, and / or preferably, Preferably, the second end portion defines the axis of rotation R of the circular elongated element for determining the axial runout of the second end portion, using the method, system, bundle and / or use described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0120] 45. A pharmaceutical packaging that can be manufactured from one or more circular elongated elements of a bundle as described in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the pharmaceutical packaging is selected from the group consisting of vials, cartridges, syringes or ampoules, and / or preferably the circular elongated elements are glass tubes.

[0121] In relation to the preferred embodiments and provisions described above, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of this teaching will be illustrated with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0122] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic top view of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front view of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a circular, elongated element. [Figure 5] This is a schematic representation of the perimeter of the ends of a circular, elongated element, an ideal ellipse, and a portion of an ideal ellipse. [Figure 6] This is a schematic representation of the perimeter of the end of a circular, elongated element, a corrected ellipse, and a portion of a corrected ellipse. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0123] In the following description of embodiments, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0124] Reference list 1. A circular, elongated element 11 The first end of the elongated circular element 12. Length of the first end of a circular, elongated element. 121 Outer diameter OD of a circular elongated element 122 Rotation axis R of a circular, elongated element 123 The rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element 理想 13. The second end of the elongated circular element 14. Circumference of the ends of a circular, elongated element 141 Ideal Ellipse 142 Part of an ideal ellipse 143 Corrected Ellipse 144 Part of the corrected ellipse 2A Light source A 2B Light source B 3A Camera A 3B Camera B 4 Conveying surface 5 Supply side 6 Rotational surfaces 7 Direction of movement 8 Computer Unit The center line of α camera A and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to it and the angle between them. β is the center line of camera B, and R is the rotation axis of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 A plane perpendicular to it and the angle between them. θ is the rotation axis R of a circular elongated element, and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 The angle between and

[0125] Figures 1 to 3 show schematic diagrams of the system according to an embodiment. The elongated circular element 1 arrives at the system for determining the axial runout of the first end 11 and / or second end 13 of the elongated circular element using a supply unit, and moves within the system along the direction of movement 7. The supply unit includes a conveying surface 4, a supply surface 5, and a rotating surface 6. Initially, the elongated circular element 1 is in contact only with the conveying surface 4 and the supply surface 5, i.e., the conveyor belt. Next, the elongated circular element 1 reaches the rotating surface 6, which is elevated compared to the conveying surface 4, and the elongated circular element 1 comes into contact only with the rotating surface 6 and the supply surface 5, and thus begins to rotate. The first end 11 and the second end 13 of the elongated circular element are illuminated by light sources 2A and 2B, and while the elongated circular element 1 rotates, cameras 3A and 3B of the light receiving unit simultaneously acquire images of the first end 11 and the second end 13 of the elongated circular element, and the centerlines of cameras A and B and the rotation axis R of the ideal elongated circular element are used. 理想 The plane perpendicular to the image and the angle between the image and the image are 5° (angles α and β). The image is transferred to a computer unit 8, which measures at least a portion of the perimeter of the first and second ends of the circular elongated element 14 in each of the images in order to obtain at least a portion of the measured perimeter 14. In addition, the computer unit 8 determines the rotation axis R(122) of the circular elongated element and the rotation axis R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想The angle (angle θ) between (123) and is determined, and 90% of the corrected semi-ellipse 143 for each image is calculated. The computer unit 8 then compares at least a portion of the measured perimeter 14 with 90% of the corrected semi-ellipse 143 to determine the axial runout of the first end 11 and the second end 13 of the elongated circular element 1.

[0126] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a circular, elongated element 1, which includes a first end 11, a second end 13, and a cylindrical portion 12 defining the outer diameter 121. The cylindrical portion 12 includes cylindrical end portions (not shown) with respect to the first end 11 and the second end 13. The axis of rotation 122 is determined for each end based on the respective cylindrical end portions (not shown) of the first end 11 and the second end 13. Therefore, for example, if the cylindrical portion 12 has curvature due to manufacturing variations, the axis of rotation 122 may differ between the first end 11 and the second end 13.

[0127] Figures 5 and 6 show schematic diagrams of the circumference 14 of the end of a circular elongated element, an ideal ellipse 141, a portion of the ideal ellipse 142, a corrected ellipse 143, and a portion of the corrected ellipse 144. The difference between Figure 5 and Figure 6 is that in Figure 5, the rotation axis R(122) of the circular elongated element is different from that of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 The angle θ between (123) and is 0°, while the angle θ in Figure 6 is different from 0°. As can be seen by comparing the schematic diagrams, comparing perimeter 14 with an angle θ different from 0° to the corrected ellipse (part) 143 / 144 yields more accurate results than comparing perimeter 14 (part) with an angle θ different from 0° to the ideal ellipse 141 / 142 (part).

Claims

1. 1. A method for determining an axial runout of a circular elongated element, the method comprising: - providing a circular elongated element (1) by a providing unit, said circular elongated element (1) comprising: A first end (11); A cylindrical portion, the outer diameter OD (121) of said circular elongated element; the axis of rotation R (122) of said circular elongated element; A cylindrical portion defining A second end (13); and and - illuminating said first end (11) of said circular elongated element with a light source A (2A) of a light emitting unit; - acquiring one or more images of said first end (11) of said circular elongated element with a camera A (3A) of a receiving unit, said image being aligned with the center line of said camera A (3A) and the axis of rotation R of an ideal circular elongated element; 理想 and a plane perpendicular to (123), the angle α between them is greater than 0° and less than 90°; - measuring at least a portion of the perimeter (14) of the first end of the circular elongate element in each of said one or more images to obtain a measured perimeter of at least a portion of the first end (11) of the circular elongate element; - comparing at least a portion of the measured circumference of the first end (11) of the circular elongate element with at least a portion of an ellipse (141-144) to determine the axial runout of the first end (11) of the circular elongate element; preferably in that order.

2. The method comprises: - the axis of rotation R (122) of the circular elongated element and the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element 理想 determining an angle θ between (123) and (143), wherein at least a portion of the ellipse (143 / 144) is corrected based on the angle θ, preferably as described herein, prior to comparison. The method of claim 1.

3. The method comprises: manufacturing pharmaceutical packaging, preferably vials, cartridges, syringes or ampoules, from the obtained and / or measured circular elongated elements (1) obtainable by the method according to claim 1, The method of claim 1.

4. 1. A system for determining an axial runout of a circular elongated element, the system comprising: The providing unit, A light-emitting unit; A light receiving unit; A computer unit (8); Equipped with said providing unit is configured to provide a circular elongated element (1), said circular elongated element (1) comprising: A first end (11); A cylindrical portion, A second end (13); and Including, The cylindrical portion is the outer diameter OD (121) of said circular elongated element; the axis of rotation R (122) of said circular elongated element; stipulates, - said light emitting unit comprises a light source A (2A) configured to illuminate a first end (11) of said circular elongated element; - said receiving unit comprises a camera A (3A) configured to acquire one or more images of the first end of said circular elongated element (1), the center line of said camera A (3A) being aligned with the axis of rotation R of an ideal circular elongated element; 理想 The angle α between the plane perpendicular to (123) is greater than 0° and less than 90°; said computer unit (8) - measuring at least a portion of the perimeter (14) of a first end of the circular elongate element in each of said one or more images to obtain a measured perimeter of at least a portion of the first end (11) of the circular elongate element; - comparing at least a portion of the measured circumference of the first end (11) of the circular elongate element with at least a portion of an ellipse (141-144) to determine the axial runout of the first end (11) of the circular elongate element; preferably in this order: system.

5. said at least part of the perimeter (14) of said first end, preferably said second end, of said circular elongated element includes, preferably is, a part of the perimeter (14) of said first end and / or said second end of said circular elongated element facing away from said camera A, preferably B, when said image is acquired; The method of claim 1.

6. At least a portion of the ellipse (141-144) is at least a portion of a semi-ellipse, more preferably at least a portion of an ideal semi-ellipse (141 / 142) and / or at least a portion of a corrected semi-ellipse (143 / 144), more preferably at least a portion of a corrected semi-ellipse (143 / 144), more preferably 20-98% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 50-95% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably 70-93% of the corrected semi-ellipse, more preferably about 90% of the corrected semi-ellipse [mm / mm], Preferably, said semi-ellipse, said ideal semi-ellipse and / or said corrected semi-ellipse are obtained / obtainable as described herein; The method of claim 1.

7. The camera A (3A), more preferably all cameras, of the receiving unit are outside the area between a first plane and a second plane, the first plane being aligned with the axis of rotation R of an ideal circular elongated element. 理想 (123) and located at the first end (11) of the circular elongated element, and the second plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the ideal circular elongated element. 理想 a plane perpendicular to (123) and located at the second end (13) of the circular elongated element; and / or said camera A (3A), more preferably all cameras of said receiving unit, is positioned such that said camera A (3A), more preferably all cameras of said receiving unit, receives light from the entire circumference of said first end (11) of said circular elongated element that has not passed through any part of said circular elongated element (1); and / or the angle ΔXYZ of the camera A, more preferably of all cameras, of the receiving unit is greater than 90°, Y being the end of the circular elongated element facing the respective camera that acquires an image of the respective end, X being the opposite end of the circular elongated element, and Z being the respective camera that acquires the image; The method of claim 1.

8. a lens, preferably a cylindrical lens, more preferably a convex cylindrical lens, is located between said light source A (3A) and said circular elongated element; and / or the light emerging from said circular elongated element (1) is at least partially parallel, divergent or convergent, preferably at least parallel, and / or the light reaching the circular elongated element (1) is at least partially parallel, divergent or convergent, preferably at least partially convergent; The method of claim 1.

9. A bundle comprising five or more circular elongated elements (1), Each circular elongated element (1) A first end (11); A cylindrical portion, the outer diameter OD (121) of said circular elongated element; the axis of rotation R (122) of said circular elongated element; A cylindrical portion defining A second end (13); and Including, The first end (11) and / or preferably the second end (13) of each circular elongate element has the following formula: ARO≦A Fulfilling Value A is 1.3 mm, ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first end and / or the second end of the circular elongated element (1); bundle.

10. A bundle comprising five or more circular elongated elements as claimed in claim 9, Each circular elongated element is A first end (11); A cylindrical portion, the outer diameter OD (121) of said circular elongated element; the axis of rotation R (122) of said circular elongated element; A cylindrical portion defining A second end (13); and Including, The first end and / or preferably the second end of each circular elongate element has the following formula: ARO / OD≦B Fulfilling The value B [mm / mm] is 0.1, ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first end and / or the second end of the circular elongated element (1); OD is the outer diameter (121) of the circular elongated element (in mm); bundle.

11. The first end (11) and / or preferably the second end (13) of each circular elongate element has the following formula: C≦ARO and / or D≦ARO / OD Fulfilling the value C is 1 μm, preferably 10 μm, more preferably 500 μm, more preferably 1000 μm, and / or The value of D is 1.10 －３ , preferably 5.10 －３ , more preferably 1.10 －２ , more preferably 5.10 －３ and ARO is the axial runout (in mm) of the first end (11) and / or the second end (13) of said circular elongate element; OD is the outer diameter (121) of the circular elongated element (mm); 10. The bundle of claim 9.

12. A is 1.2 mm, preferably 1.1 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.6 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm, more preferably 0.35 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.25 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.15 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm, more preferably 0.03 mm, more preferably 0.01 mm, and / or B is 0.09, preferably 0.08, more preferably 0.07, more preferably 0.06, more preferably 0.05, more preferably 0.04, more preferably 0.035, more preferably 0.03, more preferably 0.025, more preferably 0.02, more preferably 0.015, more preferably 0.01, more preferably 0.005, more preferably 0.003, more preferably 0.001; 10. The bundle of claim 9.

13. said values ​​A, B, C and / or D are measured without contact; and / or The values ​​A, B, C and / or D can be obtained / are obtained by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 8 and / or by using a system according to claim 4 and / or the measurement of said values ​​A, B, C and / or D is carried out contact-free, i.e. the ends (11 / 13) of said circular elongated elements are not in contact with any material (except gas / air) during the measurement of said values ​​A, B, C and / or D; and / or during the measurement of said values ​​A, B, C and / or D, there is no contact between the ends and / or end portions (11 / 13) of said circular elongated elements and any material other than gas and / or air; and / or During the measurement of said values ​​A, B, C and / or D, at least a terminal 1 mm portion (12) of said circular elongate element is surrounded by air; and / or during the measurement of said values ​​A, B, C and / or D, there was no contact between any unit and / or device involved in said measurement and said first end portion and / or said second end portion (12) of said circular elongated element; 10. The bundle of claim 9.

14. 10. A method for the manufacture of pharmaceutical packaging, comprising the steps of: Preferably, said pharmaceutical packaging is selected from the group consisting of a vial, a cartridge, a syringe or an ampoule, and / or preferably, said circular elongated element is a glass tube. How to use.

15. A pharmaceutical packaging producible from one or more circular elongated elements (1) of a bundle according to claim 9, comprising: Preferably, said pharmaceutical packaging is selected from the group consisting of a vial, a cartridge, a syringe or an ampoule, and / or preferably, said circular elongated element is a glass tube. Pharmaceutical packaging.

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