Non-contact treatment of formed cartridge

Abstract

To reduce possibility of damaging an exterior surface of a glass container during transportation.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges 100, comprising the steps of: a) forming the cartridges 100 by heat, wherein each cartridge 100 includes an elongated cylindrical body 101, a bottom region 106 having a circular opening, and a top region; b) inserting the plurality of formed cartridges 100 into a holding structure, wherein the holding structure includes a plurality of receptacles and positioning means centrally disposed at bottom ends thereof, a part of a body 101 is inserted into the receptacle, and the positioning means protrudes into the circular opening, causing the cartridge to tilt at an angle of 10 degrees or less; c) transporting the holding structure; d) removing the container 100 from the holding structure; and e) sterilizing the container 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of sterilized cartridges, a holding structure adapted and arranged to hold a plurality of formed cartridges, a plurality of holding structures, and the use of the holding structure or the plurality of holding structures for transporting cartridges from a process station where the cartridges are formed by a head to a process station where the formed cartridges are sterilized.

[0002] Glass containers, such as cartridges, are prepared in a hot-forming process, beginning either with a molten globe of glass material that is molded to form the container, or with a tubular glass body that is heated to a molten state and then formed into the container shape. After such a hot-forming process, the glass container is transferred to other process stations, one of which is a washing station where the formed glass container is sterilized, siliconized, and packaged.

[0003] Due to the large number of glass containers produced per unit time, a transport concept is required that allows a large number of glass containers to be transported simultaneously from one process station to the next. After glass containers have been produced by one of the thermoforming processes described above, the prior art knows how to transport them upright, adjacent to each other in direct glass-to-glass contact, into a transport container. At the next process station, several glass containers are then simultaneously removed from the transport container using corresponding gripper arms and fed to the next processing stage.

[0004] However, a drawback of such an approach is that this glass-to-glass contact can damage the exterior surfaces of the glass containers during transport, and it is often difficult to simultaneously remove a large number of such glass containers from such a shipping container using the gripper arms described above because the containers are not positioned adjacent to one another in the same alignment.

[0005] In general, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the drawbacks arising from the prior art.

[0006] In particular, the object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks known from the prior art when transporting multiple glass containers, preferably multiple glass cartridges, in a process line for producing glass containers from one process station to another, preferably for transporting these glass containers from a process station where the glass containers are formed by a thermal process to a process station where the formed glass containers are sterilized. In particular, the object of the present invention was to provide a method for transporting multiple glass containers, preferably multiple glass cartridges, in which mechanical damage to the glass wall is largely avoided and which makes it possible to simultaneously remove several glass containers from the transport container at the destination using gripper arms with the highest possible cycle frequency. Furthermore, the transport method should preferably be characterized by the fact that it is possible to change the process line from producing glass containers of a certain size to producing glass containers of another size with the simplest possible adaptation of the corresponding transport system.

[0007] A contribution to solving at least one, preferably two or more of the above-mentioned objects is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments that contribute to solving at least one of the objects at least partially.

[0008] |1a| A contribution to solving at least one of the objects according to the present invention is a method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges, comprising: a. forming cartridges using heat, each cartridge comprising: -Inner diameter d2, outer diameter d1, longitudinal axis L cartridge and an elongated cylindrical body in the form of a tube having a total length l1, a bottom region having a circular opening, the bottom region including a bulbous thickening of material forming a tubular elongated cylindrical body, the elongated cylindrical body having an inner diameter d4 and an outer diameter d3; an upper region with shoulders, a neck and a collar; b. Inserting the formed cartridges into a holding structure, preferably a holding structure functioning as a transport tray adapted and arranged to hold the formed cartridges, the holding structure comprising: i) a base plate; ii) a plurality of receptacles disposed on an upper portion of the base plate; Each receptacle has a longitudinal axis L extending longitudinally through the center of the receptacle. receptacle a top end into which the formed cartridge is inserted, a bottom end where the receptacle is connected to the base plate, a circumferentially formed sidewall extending longitudinally from the top end to the bottom end, and a locating means centrally disposed at the bottom end of the receptacle; -Each receptacle is --at least a portion of the elongated body having a length l1' is inserted into the receptacle, and the remaining portion of the elongated cylindrical body having a length l1-l1' protrudes from the receptacle; - positioning means projecting into a circular opening in the bottom region of the formed cartridge, thereby ensuring that the formed cartridge is inclined by an angle a of not more than 10 degrees, preferably not more than 8 degrees, more preferably not more than 6 degrees, the angle of inclination a being equal to or greater than the longitudinal axis L; receptacle and the longitudinal axis L of the formed cartridge housed in the receptacle. cartridge a step adapted and arranged to receive a cartridge formed such that the angle is formed between the step and the cartridge; c. transporting the support structure from the first location to another location; d. Removing the formed container from the holding structure at another location; e. sterilizing the formed container; -l1' is 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80%, more preferably 21.2% to 71% of the total length l1, -l1-l1' is 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 90%, more preferably 13% to 79% of the total length l1, according to the first embodiment of the method.

[0009] |2a| According to a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, the positioning means protruding into the circular opening in the bottom region of the formed cartridge has a maximum diameter that is at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 92.2% of the size of the inner diameter d2 of the circular opening in the bottom region of the cartridge. This embodiment is a second embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first embodiment.

[0010] |3a| According to a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the positioning means may have a circular or angular shape, for example a square, hexagonal, or octagonal shape, or may have a shape different from a circular or angular shape, such as a star, flower, triangle, or shamrock shape. Furthermore, the height h of the positioning means measured at the center of the receptacle may be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm, and most preferably in the range of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. This embodiment is a third embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first or second embodiment.

[0011] |4a| According to a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the receptacles are arranged in a regular arrangement, and a side wall forms a common partition between every two immediately adjacent receptacles of the plurality of receptacles. The receptacles may have any shape, with polygonal or circular shapes, or receptacles having a flower shape when viewed from above, being preferred. The receptacles may, for example, be hexagonal in shape when viewed in plan and arranged immediately adjacent to one another in a regular arrangement with hexagonal symmetry. The receptacles may also be octagonal in shape when viewed in plan, with four adjacent receptacles arranged in a diamond-shaped arrangement. A particularly preferred shape of the receptacles is diamond-shaped. This embodiment is a fourth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to third embodiments.

[0012] |5a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, the plurality of formed cartridges are received in the receptacles of the holding structure in such a way that the remaining portions l1-l1' of the elongate bodies protruding from the receptacles do not come into contact with each other during transport in process step c. This embodiment is a fifth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to fourth embodiments.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, the cartridge formed in process step a is a glass cartridge, and the thermal forming comprises a process step in which at least a portion of the glass is heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature. This embodiment is a sixth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, each receptacle further comprises guide elements adapted and arranged to protrude radially into the receptacle and to contact a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cylindrical body of a formed cartridge housed in the receptacle. These guide elements may be formed, for example, as guide ribs extending in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle. This embodiment is a seventh embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to sixth embodiments.

[0015] |8a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, in the holding structure the receptacles are arranged in a plurality of rows extending parallel to one another, and the removal of the formed cartridges in step d is achieved in such a way that several cartridges of a given row are simultaneously removed by the removal device. This embodiment is an eighth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to seventh embodiments.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, all cartridges of a given row are simultaneously removed by the removal device. This embodiment is a ninth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which is preferably dependent on the eighth embodiment.

[0017] |10a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the present invention, the removing device has a bottom surface facing towards the holding structure and an upper surface facing away from the holding structure, and in process step d, the distance DH between the bottom surface of the removing device and the upper end of the receptacle is in the range of 0.5 mm to 90 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 80 mm, more preferably in the range of 1.2 mm to 75 mm. This embodiment is an eleventh embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the first to tenth embodiments.

[0018] |11a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, the removal device comprises pockets for accommodating at least a portion of the formed cartridges, the removal device being adapted and arranged in such a manner that a vacuum can be created in each pocket to draw the formed cartridge into the pocket and hold the formed cartridge securely within the removal device. This embodiment is an eleventh embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to tenth embodiments.

[0019] |12a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 8 mm to 9 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 31 to 66 mm, l1' in the range of 20 mm to 24 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 6 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 6.5 mm to 7 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 60% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 65% to 75%. pmThe ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 85% to 98%, more preferably in the range of 92% to 95%. pm is preferably in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, more preferably in the range of 6 mm to 7 mm. This embodiment is a twelfth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilized cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to eleventh embodiments.

[0020] |13a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 10 mm to less than 11 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 66 mm, and l1' in the range of 22 mm to 26 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 is preferably in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 70% to 90%, more preferably in the range of 73% to 83%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 90% to 99%, more preferably in the range of 97% to 99%. pm is preferably in the range of 7.5 mm to 11 mm, more preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. This embodiment is a thirteenth embodiment of a method for producing a plurality of sterilized cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to eleventh embodiments.

[0021] |14a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 11 mm to 12 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 66 mm, l1' in the range of 22 mm to 26 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 10.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 9 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 60% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 68% to 75%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 85% to 98%, more preferably in the range of 92% to 95%. pm is preferably in the range of 7.5 mm to 11 mm, more preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. This embodiment is a fourteenth embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilized cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to twelfth embodiments.

[0022] |15a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 13 mm to 15 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 90 mm, l1' in the range of 18 mm to 22 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 13 mm, more preferably in the range of 11 mm to 12 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 70% to 90%, more preferably in the range of 75% to 85%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 90% to 99%, more preferably in the range of 97% to 99%. pmis preferably in the range of 10 mm to 13 mm, more preferably in the range of 11 mm to 12 mm. This embodiment is a 15th embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilized cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to twelfth embodiments.

[0023] |16a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 16 mm to 18 mm, and the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 95 mm, l1' in the range of 26 mm to 30 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 13 mm to 15 mm, more preferably in the range of 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm. This embodiment is a 16th embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to twelfth embodiments.

[0024] |17a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 21 mm to 23 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 85 mm, l1' in the range of 16 mm to 20 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 17.5 mm to 19.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 18 mm to 19 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 70% to 90%, more preferably in the range of 75% to 85%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 90% to 99%, more preferably in the range of 97 to 99%. pmis preferably in the range of 16 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 17 mm to 19 mm. This embodiment is a 17th embodiment of a method for producing a plurality of sterilized cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to twelfth embodiments.

[0025] |18a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 25 mm to 28 mm, and the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 80 mm, l1' in the range of 26 mm to 30 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 22 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 23 mm to 24 mm. This embodiment is an 18th embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to twelfth embodiments.

[0026] |19a| According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, in process step c, a plurality of holding structures stacked on top of one another are transported from a first position to another position, each holding structure housing a formed cartridge, and each holding structure of the stack of holding structures is adapted to hold cartridges having the same outer diameter d1 and is equipped with a mistake-proofing mechanism to ensure that only holding structures adapted to house formed cartridges having the same range for diameter d1 can be stacked on top of one another. The mistake-proofing mechanism can, for example, comprise a mandrel and a recess in the edge region of the holding structure, the diameter and depth of the recess being designed so that only the mandrel of a holding structure designed to hold cartridges having the same outer diameter d1 can be inserted into the recess with an accurate fit, so that only identical holding structures can be stacked on top of one another. This embodiment is a 19th embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to eighteenth embodiments.

[0027] |1b| A contribution to solving at least one of the objects according to the present invention comprises a holding structure adapted and arranged to hold a plurality of formed cartridges, each cartridge comprising: -Inner diameter d2, outer diameter d1, longitudinal axis L cartridge an elongated cylindrical body in the form of a tube having an overall length l1, the elongated cylindrical body including a bottom region with a circular opening, the bottom region including a bulbous thickening of material forming the tubular elongated cylindrical body, the elongated cylindrical body having an inner diameter d4 and an outer diameter d3; an upper region comprising a shoulder, a neck, and a collar, the retaining structure comprising: i) a base plate; ii) a plurality of receptacles disposed on the base plate; Each receptacle has a longitudinal axis L extending longitudinally through the center of the receptacle. receptacle a top end into which the formed cartridge is inserted, a bottom end where the receptacle is connected to the base plate, a circumferentially formed sidewall extending longitudinally from the top end to the bottom end, and a locating means centrally disposed at the bottom end of the receptacle; -Each receptacle is --at least a portion of the elongated body having a length l1' is inserted into the receptacle, and the remaining portion of the elongated cylindrical body having a length l1-l1' protrudes from the receptacle; - positioning means projecting into a circular opening in the bottom region of the formed cartridge, thereby ensuring that the formed cartridge is inclined by an angle a of not more than 10 degrees, preferably not more than 8 degrees, more preferably not more than 6 degrees, the angle of inclination a being equal to or greater than the longitudinal axis L receptacle and the longitudinal axis L of the formed cartridge housed in the receptacle. cartridge and adapted and arranged to receive a cartridge formed such that the angle is formed between the -l1' is 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80%, more preferably 21.2% to 71% of the total length l1, -l1-l1' is made by the first embodiment of the holding structure, which is 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80%, more preferably 13% to 79% of the total length l1.

[0028] |2b| According to a preferred embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention, the positioning means protruding into the circular opening in the bottom region of the formed cartridge have a maximum diameter that is at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 92.2% of the size of the diameter of the circular opening in the bottom region of the cartridge. This embodiment is a second embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention, which is preferably dependent on the first embodiment.

[0029] |3b| According to a further preferred embodiment of the retaining structure according to the invention, the positioning means may have a circular or angular shape, for example a square, hexagonal, or octagonal shape, or may have a shape different from a circular or angular shape, such as a star, flower, triangle, or shamrock shape. Furthermore, the height h of the positioning means measured at the center of the receptacle may be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm, and most preferably in the range of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. This embodiment is a third embodiment of the retaining structure according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first or second embodiment.

[0030] |4b| According to a preferred embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention, the receptacles are arranged in a regular arrangement, and the side wall forms a common partition between every two directly adjacent receptacles of the plurality of receptacles. The receptacles can have any shape, and the receptacles may be polygonal or circular in shape, or have a flower shape when viewed from above. The receptacles may, for example, be hexagonal in shape when viewed in plan and be arranged directly adjacent to each other in a regular arrangement with hexagonal symmetry. The receptacles may also be octagonal in shape when viewed in plan, with four adjacent receptacles arranged in a diamond-shaped arrangement. A particularly preferred shape of the receptacles is diamond-shaped. This embodiment is a fourth embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to third embodiments.

[0031] |5b| According to a further preferred embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention, each receptacle further comprises guide elements that protrude radially into the receptacle and are adapted and arranged to contact a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cylindrical body of a formed cartridge housed in the receptacle. These guide elements may be formed, for example, as guide ribs extending in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle. This embodiment is a fifth embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention, which preferably depends on the first to fourth embodiments.

[0032] |6b| According to a preferred embodiment of the holding structure of the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 8 mm to 9 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 31 to 66 mm, and l1' in the range of 20 mm to 24 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 6 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 6.5 mm to 7 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 60% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 65% to 75%. pmThe ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 85% to 98%, more preferably in the range of 92% to 95%. pm is preferably in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, more preferably in the range of 6 mm to 7 mm. This embodiment is a sixth embodiment of the holding structure according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0033] |7b| According to a preferred embodiment of the holding structure of the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 10 mm to less than 11 mm, and the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 66 mm, l1' in the range of 22 mm to 26 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 70% to 90%, more preferably in the range of 73% to 83%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 90% to 99%, more preferably in the range of 97% to 99%. pm is preferably in the range of 9 mm to 11 mm, more preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. This embodiment is a seventh embodiment of the holding structure according to the present invention, preferably depending on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0034] |8b| According to a further preferred embodiment of the holding structure of the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 11 mm to 12 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 66 mm, and l1' in the range of 22 mm to 26 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 10.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 9 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter drec The ratio is preferably in the range of 60% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 68% to 75%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 85% to 98%, more preferably in the range of 92% to 95%. pm is preferably in the range of 7.5 mm to 11 mm, more preferably in the range of 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. This embodiment is an eighth embodiment of the holding structure according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0035] |9b| According to a preferred embodiment of the holding structure of the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 13 mm to 15 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 90 mm, and l1' in the range of 18 mm to 22 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 13 mm, more preferably in the range of 11 mm to 12 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 70% to 90%, more preferably in the range of 75% to 85%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 90% to 99%, more preferably in the range of 97% to 99%. pm is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 13 mm, more preferably in the range of 11 mm to 12 mm. This embodiment is a ninth embodiment of the holding structure according to the present invention, preferably depending on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0036] |10b| According to a preferred embodiment of a retention structure according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 16 mm to 18 mm, and the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 95 mm, with l1' in the range of 26 mm to 30 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 13 mm to 15 mm, more preferably in the range of 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm. This embodiment is a tenth embodiment of a retention structure according to the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0037] |11b| According to a preferred embodiment of the holding structure of the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 21 mm to 23 mm, the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 85 mm, and l1' in the range of 16 mm to 20 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 17.5 mm to 19.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 18 mm to 19 mm. Furthermore, the diameter d of the positioning means pm Receptacle diameter d rec The ratio is preferably in the range of 70% to 90%, more preferably in the range of 75% to 85%. pm The ratio of the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region of the formed cartridge to the diameter d of the positioning means is preferably in the range of 90% to 99%, more preferably in the range of 97% to 99%. pm is preferably in the range of 16 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 17 mm to 19 mm. This embodiment is an eleventh embodiment of the holding structure according to the present invention, which preferably depends on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0038] |12b| According to a preferred embodiment of a retention structure according to the present invention, the elongated cylindrical body of the formed cartridge has an outer diameter d1 in the range of 25 mm to 28 mm, and the elongated cylindrical body has a length l1 in the range of 34 to 80 mm, with l1' in the range of 26 mm to 30 mm. Furthermore, the inner diameter d4 of the bottom region is preferably in the range of 22 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 23 mm to 24 mm. This embodiment is a twelfth embodiment of a retention structure according to the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the first to fifth embodiments.

[0039] |1c| A contribution to solving at least one of the objects according to the present invention is made by a first embodiment of the holding structure according to the present invention, preferably any of the first to eleventh embodiments thereof, wherein the holding structures are stacked on top of each other, and each holding structure is provided with a poka-yoke mechanism to ensure that only holding structures adapted to accommodate formed cartridges having the same range for diameter d1 can be stacked on top of each other.

[0040] |2c| According to a preferred embodiment of a plurality of holding structures according to the invention, each holding structure houses a formed cartridge.

[0041] |1d| A contribution to solving at least one of the objects according to the present invention is made by a first embodiment of the use of one holding structure according to the present invention, or preferably according to the first to eleventh embodiments thereof, or by a first embodiment of the use of multiple holding structures according to the present invention, preferably according to the first or second embodiment thereof, for transporting cartridges from a process station where the cartridges are formed by a head to a process station where the formed cartridges are sterilized.

[0042] holding structure The holding structure of the present invention may generally be any device that a person skilled in the art would consider for holding multiple cartridges. A preferred holding structure is a so-called nested solution carrying structure, as is commonly known in the art of transport packaging for medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic primary packaging containers. A preferred holding structure is prepared by deep drawing or injection molding, with injection molding being particularly preferred. Additionally or alternatively, a preferred holding structure is made from one or more plastics. Preferably, the plate-like carrying element is integral with multiple receptacles. Even more preferably, the holding device is of one-piece design. Preferably, the receptacles form a regular pattern in a top view of the holding device.

[0043] Positioning Means The positioning means serves to prevent or at least minimize tilting of the cartridge held in the receptacle of the holding structure. Tilting of the cartridge occurs when the cartridge is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated cylindrical body of the cartridge. container and the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle that houses the cartridge receptacle This occurs when a non-zero angle (=inclination angle a) is included between the longitudinal axis L of the elongated cylindrical body of the cartridge. container is an axis passing through the center of the elongated cylindrical body, which is preferably rotationally symmetric about this axis, and the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle receptacle is an axis passing perpendicularly through the center of the receptacle in an elongated direction along the depth h of the receptacle.

[0044] The positioning means are adapted and arranged to be inserted into the circular opening at the bottom end of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle. To that end, the positioning means are arranged on the base plate, centered at the bottom end of each receptacle. Furthermore, the positioning means can have any shape deemed suitable by those skilled in the art for insertion into such a circular opening, such as a circular or angular shape, e.g., square, hexagonal, or octagonal. Furthermore, the height of the positioning means can be in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 15 mm, and most preferably in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0045] In order to effectively prevent tilting of the cartridge in the receptacle, the positioning means protruding into the circular opening in the bottom region of the formed cartridge has a diameter d2 that is at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 95% of the size of the inner diameter d2 of the circular opening in the bottom region of the cartridge. pm In this context, the diameter d pm to the height h of the positioning means is in the range of 0.5 to 20, preferably in the range of 0.6 to 19.

[0046] Plate-shaped conveying element The term "plate-like" refers to the width and length of the conveying element, each of which is at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, more preferably at least 50 times, and most preferably at least 100 times the thickness of the conveying element. Preferably, the thickness of the conveying element is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm to 3 mm, even more preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and most preferably 0.8 mm to 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, preferred conveying elements have an essentially flat top surface or an essentially flat bottom surface, or both. Here, the term "plate-like conveying element" refers to an essentially flat element without any optional macroscopic protrusions on the top or bottom surface of the conveying element. Preferably, the top and bottom surfaces of the plate-like conveying element are essentially rectangular. Here, "essentially" means that the top or bottom surface may have rounded corners and / or recesses in the edge region.

[0047] Receptacle sidewalls The receptacle wall of the receptacle preferably consists of all wall elements of the receptacle. Here, the receptacle wall may only partially surround the interior of the receptacle, in the sense that the wall body has a first opening and another opening. The wall body is the geometric body formed by the receptacle wall.

[0048] Guidance elements The guide elements serve to guide the cartridge into the receptacle during insertion, and are preferably formed as guide ribs extending in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle, with two or more of these guide ribs in each receptacle being equally distributed at angular intervals from one another, such as at equal angular distances from one another, in particular at angular distances of 90 degrees or 45 degrees.

[0049] It may be sufficient for the guide ribs to protrude radially inward from the side wall or part of the side wall of the receptacle by a distance that may be relatively small, for example of the order of one millimeter or less. The guide ribs or at least their leading edges may be designed as planar inclined surfaces.

[0050] Poka-yoke mechanism The poka-yoke mechanism serves to ensure that only holding structures adapted to accommodate formed cartridges having the same range for the outer diameter d1 can be stacked on top of each other. The poka-yoke mechanism can, for example, comprise a mandrel and a recess in the edge region of the holding structure, the diameter and depth of the recess being designed such that only mandrels of holding structures designed to hold cartridges having the same outer diameter d1 can be inserted into the recess with an accurate fit, so that only identical holding structures can be stacked on top of each other. The longitudinal axis of such a recess is, for example, aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle. receptacleThe axis of the support structure may be oriented parallel to the axis of the support structure, or perpendicular to the axis of the support structure. Also, precise positioning of the poka-yoke features on a given support structure may help ensure that only identical support structures can be stacked on top of each other.

[0051] Glass Each container wall of the formed cartridge preferably comprises glass, more preferably consists essentially of glass. The glass may be any type of glass and may have any composition that a person skilled in the art would deem appropriate in the context of the present invention. Preferably, the glass is suitable for pharmaceutical packaging. Particularly preferably, the glass is Type I according to the glass type definition in section 3.2.1 of the European Pharmacopoeia, 7th Edition, from 2011. Additionally or alternatively, preferred glasses are selected from the group consisting of borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and fused silica, or a combination of at least two thereof, with borosilicate glass being particularly preferred. As used herein, borosilicate glass is glass having a B2O3 content of at least 1 wt.%, preferably at least 2 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass. More preferably, the B2O3 content is at least 3 wt.%, more preferably at least 4 wt.%, even more preferably at least 5 wt.%, and particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 15 wt.%. Preferred borosilicate glasses have an Al2O3 content of less than 7.5 wt.-%, preferably less than 6.5 wt.-%, particularly preferably in the range from 0 to 5.5 wt.-%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass. In another embodiment, the borosilicate glasses have an Al2O3 content in the range from 3 to 7.5 wt.-%, preferably in the range from 4 to 6 wt.-%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass.

[0052] direction The transverse and longitudinal directions referred to herein are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction preferably extends along the length of the receptacle. Preferably, any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is considered as the transverse direction. Thus, multiple transverse directions can originate from a single longitudinal direction. Here, the transverse directions preferably form a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, this plane is the plane of the plate-like extension of the plate-like conveying element. Any cross-section herein is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] Unless otherwise specified in the specification or in a particular drawing: [Figure 1] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 being transported from a first position 401 to another position 402 in a method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges 100 or housed in a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of the bottom region of a formed cartridge 100 being transported from a first position 401 to another position 402 in a method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges 100 or housed in a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 4 illustrates the transport of formed cartridges 100 housed in a stack 209 of holding structures 200 according to the present invention from a first location 401 to another location 402. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 received in a receptacle 202 of a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the receptacle 202 showing the positioning means 206 located in the center of the receptacle 202. [Figure 6] 2 is another cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 received in a receptacle 202 of a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of a retaining structure 200 according to the present invention. [Figure 8]2 is another cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 received in a receptacle 202 of a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 illustrates the simultaneous removal of multiple formed cartridges 100 from a holding structure 200 according to the present invention at another process station 402 utilizing a gripper arm 300. FIG.

[0054] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 being transported from a first location 401 to another location 402 in a method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges 100 or housed in a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. The formed cartridge 100 has an inner diameter d2, an outer diameter d1 and a longitudinal axis L cartridge The cartridge comprises an elongated cylindrical body 101 in the form of a tube having an inner diameter d2 and an outer diameter d1. The elongated cylindrical body 101 is further characterized by an inner diameter d2 and an outer diameter d1. The elongated cylindrical body 101 includes a bottom region 106 having a circular opening 107, the bottom region 106 including a bulbous thickening 108 of material forming the tubular elongated cylindrical body 101, having an inner diameter d4 and an outer diameter d3. The formed cartridge further includes an upper region 102 including a shoulder 103, a neck 104 and a collar 105, and the bottom region 106 having the circular opening 107.

[0055] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom region of a formed cartridge 100 being transported from a first location 401 to another location 402 in a method for producing a plurality of sterile cartridges 100 or housed in a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. As can be seen in Figure 2, the bottom region 106 includes a bulbous thickening 108 (indicated by the dotted circle on the right) of the material forming the wall of the tubular elongated cylindrical body 101, the bottom region 106 having an inner diameter d4 and an outer diameter d3.

[0056] 3 illustrates the transport of formed cartridges 100 housed in a stack 209 of holding structures 200 according to the present invention from a first location 401 to another location 402. The first location 401 includes a palletizing system in which multiple holding structures 200 are stacked on top of each other to form the stack 209 of holding structures 200, each housing a cartridge 100 previously formed in a hot-forming process, either starting with a molten globe of glass material to be molded to form the cartridge 100, or starting with a tubular glass body heated to a molten state and then formed into a cartridge shape. The stack 209 of holding structures 200 housing the formed cartridges 100 is transferred to another location 402 (e.g., a washing station where the formed cartridges are sterilized, siliconized, and packaged), where multiple formed cartridges are simultaneously removed from a given holding structure 200 using a gripper arm 300 and introduced into a transport system 304, such as a conveyor belt or screw conveyor 304, by which the formed cartridges 100 are moved to the washing station.

[0057] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 received in a receptacle 202 of a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. The holding structure 200 comprises a base plate 201 and a plurality of receptacles 202 disposed on top of the base plate 201, each receptacle 202 having a longitudinal axis L extending through the center of the receptacle 202 in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the base plate 201. receptacleEach receptacle 202 further comprises a top end 203 into which a formed cartridge 100 is inserted, a bottom end 204 where the receptacle 202 is connected to the base plate 201, a circumferentially formed sidewall 205 extending longitudinally from the top end 203 to the bottom end 204, and a positioning means 206 centrally located at the bottom end 204 of the receptacle 202. Each receptacle 202 is adapted and arranged to receive a formed cartridge 100 such that at least a portion of the elongated body region 101 having a length l1' is inserted into the receptacle 202 (the length l1' corresponds to the depth of the receptacle) and the remaining portion of the elongated cylindrical body 101 having the length l1-l1' protrudes from the receptacle 202. When receiving the formed cartridge 100, the central positioning means 206 at the bottom of the receptacle 202 projects into the circular opening 107 in the bottom region 106 of the formed cartridge 100, thereby ensuring that the formed cartridge 100 is tilted by an angle a of 10 degrees or less, the angle a being the angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal axis L. receptacle and the longitudinal axis L of the formed cartridge 100 housed in the receptacle 202. cartridgeAs can be seen in FIG. 4 , each receptacle 202 further comprises a guide element 207 that protrudes radially into the receptacle 202 and is adapted and arranged to contact a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cylindrical body 101 of the formed cartridge 100 housed in the receptacle 202. A compromise between process and safety must be found when designing the depth of the receptacle 202 within the holding structure 200 to ensure, on the one hand, that the formed cartridges 100 are aligned and securely seated within the holding structure 200 with sufficient precision, and, on the other hand, that they can be easily removed from the holding structure at the different locations 402 where they will be transported. For long cartridges, a deeper cavity, in which the cartridge 100 is significantly immersed within the receptacle 202, is much more suitable for removal. Here, the cartridge has a more suitable and longer guide and therefore a straighter position within the holding structure 200. This has a positive effect on the safe removal of the cartridge. However, a deep receptacle 202 has a negative effect on the removal of very short cartridges, which cannot be gripped accurately and reliably by the gripper arm 300. Also, if the distance to the holding structure 200 is too small, there is a risk that the gripper arm 300 will collide with the holding structure 200. Therefore, a minimum distance between the gripper arm 300 and the holding structure 200 must be ensured. According to the invention, l1' is at least 10 to 90% of the total length l1, and l1-l1' is at least 13 to 79% of the total length l1.

[0058] 5 is a top view of the receptacle 202 showing the positioning means 206 located at the center of the receptacle 202. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the positioning means has a diameter d pm and the receptacle 202 has a diameter d of 14 mm. rec It has.

[0059] 6 is another cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 received in a receptacle 202 of a holding structure 200 according to the present invention. As can be seen in that figure, when the cartridge 100 is received in the receptacle 202 of the holding structure, the positioning means 206 protrudes into the circular opening 107 of the cartridge 100, thereby ensuring that the formed cartridge 100 is tilted by an angle a of 10 degrees or less, the tilt angle a being the angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal axis L. receptacle and the longitudinal axis L of the formed cartridge 100 housed in the receptacle 202. cartridge is the angle formed between

[0060] 7 is a top view of a holding structure 200 in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen in that figure, the holding structure 200 may include multiple rows 208 of receptacles 202 arranged in a regular pattern, with such multiple rows 208 of receptacles 202 positioned adjacent to one another. From such a holding structure 200, multiple formed cartridges 100 may be simultaneously removed utilizing a gripper arm 300 (see FIG. 9), which is preferably capable of removing all formed cartridges 100 of a given row 208 at once.

[0061] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of a formed cartridge 100 received in a receptacle 202 of a retention structure 200 according to the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the retention structure 200 is adapted and arranged to securely hold formed cartridges 100 having elongated cylindrical bodies 101 of different lengths 11 but the same outer diameter d1. The retention structure 200 shown in FIG. 8 further includes a poka-yoke feature 208 to ensure that only retention structures 100 adapted to receive formed cartridges having the same range for outer diameter d1 can be stacked on top of each other. The poka-yoke feature 208 shown in FIG. 8 is a mandrel sized to be inserted into a corresponding recess of a retention structure 200 adapted and arranged to hold formed cartridges having the same outer diameter d1.

[0062] 9 illustrates the simultaneous removal of multiple formed cartridges 100 from a holding structure 200 according to the present invention at another process station 402, utilizing a removal device 300, such as a gripper arm. The removal device 300 has a bottom surface 301 facing toward the holding structure 200 and a top surface 302 facing away from the holding structure 200, and in process step d, the distance DH between the bottom surface 301 of the removal device 300 and the upper end 203 of the receptacle 202 is in the range of 0.5 to 90 mm. The removal device 300 has pockets 303 for receiving at least a portion of the formed cartridges 100, and the removal device 300 is adapted and arranged in such a manner that it can create a vacuum in each pocket 303 to draw the formed cartridge 100 into the pocket 303 and securely hold the formed cartridge 100 within the removal device 300. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100 formed cartridges 101 tubular elongated cylindrical body 102 Upper area 103 Shoulder 104 Neck 105 Color 106 Bottom area 107 Circular Opening 108 bulbous thickening of material forming tubular elongated cylindrical body 101 200 holding structure 201 Base Plate 202 Receptacle 203 Upper end of receptacle 202 204 bottom end of receptacle 202 205 Side wall of receptacle 202 206 Positioning means in receptacle 202 207 Guide element in receptacle 202 208 Poka-yoke mechanism 209 Stack of holding structures 300 Gripper arm or other removal device 301 Bottom surface of removal device 300 302 Upper surface of the removal device 300 303 Removal device pocket 304 Transportation Systems 401 First Station 402 Another Station

Claims

1. A method for producing a plurality of sterilization cartridges (100), comprising: a. forming said cartridges (100) using heat, each cartridge (100) comprising: Inner diameter d ２ , outer diameter d １ , longitudinal axis L ｃａｒｔｒｉｄｇｅ , and total length l １ an elongated cylindrical body (101) in the form of a tube having an inner diameter d, said elongated cylindrical body (101) comprising a bottom region (106) having a circular opening (107), said bottom region (106) comprising a bulbous thickening (108) of the material forming said tubular elongated cylindrical body (101); ４ and outer diameter d ３ an elongated cylindrical body (101) having an upper region (102) with a shoulder (103), a neck (104), and a collar (105); b. Inserting said formed plurality of cartridges (100) into a holding structure (200) adapted and arranged to hold said formed plurality of cartridges (100), The holding structure (200) i) a base plate (201); ii) a plurality of receptacles (202) disposed on the top of the base plate (201); Each receptacle (202) has a longitudinal axis L extending longitudinally through the center of said receptacle (202). ｒｅｃｅｐｔａｃｌｅ a top end (203) into which the formed cartridge (100) is inserted, a bottom end (204) at which the receptacle (202) is connected to the base plate (201), a circumferentially formed side wall (205) extending longitudinally from the top end (203) to the bottom end (204), and a positioning means (206) centrally located at the bottom end (204) of the receptacle (202), Each receptacle (202) Length l １ At least a portion of the elongated body (101) having a length l is inserted into the receptacle (202). １ -l １ the remaining portion of said elongated cylindrical body (101) having a '' protrudes from said receptacle (202), The positioning means (206) protrudes into the circular opening (107) of the bottom region (106) of the formed cartridge (100), thereby ensuring that the formed cartridge (100) is tilted by an angle a of less than or equal to 10 degrees, the angle a being equal to or less than the longitudinal axis L. ｒｅｃｅｐｔａｃｌｅ and the longitudinal axis L of the formed cartridge (100) received in the receptacle (202). ｃａｒｔｒｉｄｇｅ and adapted and arranged to receive said formed cartridge (100) such that the angle formed between Steps and c. Transporting said holding structure (200) from a first location (401) to another location (402); d. Removing the formed container (100) from the holding structure (200) at the alternate location (402); e. sterilizing the formed container (100); l １ ' is the total length l １ at least 10-90% of l １ -l １ ' is the total length l １ At least 10-90% of the

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receptacles (202) are arranged in a regular arrangement, and the side wall (205) is formed as a common partition between every two immediately adjacent receptacles (202) of the plurality of receptacles (202).

3. The plurality of formed cartridges (100) are transported in process step c with the remaining portion l of the elongate body protruding from the receptacle (202). １ -l １ 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes 11 and 12 are accommodated in the receptacle (202) of the holding structure (200) in such a way that they do not come into contact with each other.

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge (100) formed in process step a) is a glass cartridge, and wherein the thermal forming comprises a process step in which at least a portion of the glass is heated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein each receptacle (202) further comprises a guide element (207) that projects radially into the receptacle (202) and is adapted and arranged to contact a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cylindrical body (101) of a formed cartridge (100) housed in the receptacle (202).

6. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of 8-9 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 31 to 66 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 20 to 24 mm.

7. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of less than 10-11 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 34 to 66 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 22 to 26 mm.

8. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of 11-12 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 34 to 66 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 22 to 26 mm.

9. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of 13-15 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 34 to 85 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 18 to 22 mm.

10. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of 16-18 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 34 to 95 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 26 to 30 mm.

11. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of 21 to 23 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 34 to 85 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 16 to 20 mm.

12. The elongated cylindrical body (101) of the formed cartridge (100) has an outer diameter d in the range of 25-28 mm. １ and said elongated cylindrical body (101) has a length l in the range of 34 to 80 mm. １ and l １ 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ' is in the range of 26 to 30 mm.

13. In process step c, a plurality of holding structures (200) stacked on top of each other are transported from a first location (401) to another location (402), each holding structure (200) containing said formed cartridge (100), each holding structure (200) of the stack (209) of holding structures (200) having the same outer diameter d １ and adapted to hold a cartridge (100) having a diameter d １ 13. The method of claim 6, further comprising a poka-yoke mechanism to ensure that only holding structures adapted to accommodate formed cartridges having the same extent for each of the cartridges can be stacked on top of each other.

14. a holding structure (200) adapted and arranged to hold a plurality of said formed cartridges (100), each cartridge (100) comprising: Inner diameter d ２ , outer diameter d １ , longitudinal axis L ｃａｒｔｒｉｄｇｅ , and total length l １ an elongated cylindrical body (101) in the form of a tube having an inner diameter d, said elongated cylindrical body (101) comprising a bottom region (106) having a circular opening (107), said bottom region (106) comprising a bulbous thickening (108) of the material forming said tubular elongated cylindrical body (101); ４ and outer diameter d ３ an elongated cylindrical body (101) having an upper region (102) comprising a shoulder (103), a neck (104), and a collar (105), said retaining structure (200) comprising: i) a base plate (201); ii) a plurality of receptacles (202) disposed on the base plate (201); Each receptacle (202) has a longitudinal axis L extending longitudinally through the center of said receptacle (202). ｒｅｃｅｐｔａｃｌｅ a top end (203) into which the formed cartridge (100) is inserted, a bottom end (204) at which the receptacle (202) is connected to the base plate (201), a circumferentially formed side wall (205) extending longitudinally from the top end (203) to the bottom end (204), and a positioning means (206) centrally located at the bottom end (204) of the receptacle (202), Each receptacle (202) Length l １ At least a portion of the elongated body (101) having a length l is inserted into the receptacle (202). １ -l １ the remaining portion of said elongated cylindrical body (101) having a '' protrudes from said receptacle (202), The positioning means (206) protrudes into the circular opening (107) of the bottom region (106) of the formed cartridge (100), thereby ensuring that the formed cartridge (100) is tilted by an angle a of less than or equal to 10 degrees, the angle a being equal to or less than the longitudinal axis L. ｒｅｃｅｐｔａｃｌｅ and a longitudinal axis L accommodated in the receptacle (202). ｃａｒｔｒｉｄｇｅ and adapted and arranged to receive said formed cartridge (100) such that the angle formed between l １ ' is the total length l １ at least 10-90% of l １ -l １ ' is the total length l １ The retaining structure (200) is at least 10-90% of the total mass of the retaining structure (200).

15. 15. Use of a holding structure (200) according to claim 14 for transporting a cartridge (100) from a process station where the cartridge (100) is formed by a head to a process station where the formed cartridge (100) is sterilized.

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