Nozzle head, cleaning system, method for cleaning and glass element - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a nozzle head and a cleaning system including the nozzle head, in particular, a method for cleaning a glass element with the nozzle head or the cleaning system according to the invention, and the glass element and a bundle.SOLUTION: A nozzle head for cleaning an interior of a glass element with a fluid includes: an opening for cleaning which discharges at least a part of the fluid and is oriented in a first direction; and an opening for pressure balance which discharges at least a part of the fluid and is oriented in a second direction. A plane orthogonal to a center axis of the nozzle head separates a first half space and a second half space from each other. A first direction vector in the first direction is oriented in a direction toward the first half space and / or a direction away from the second half space. A second direction vector in the second direction is oriented in a direction toward the second half space and / or a direction away from the first half space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle head and a cleaning system comprising such a nozzle head. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning glass elements, in particular using the nozzle head or the cleaning system according to the invention. The present invention further relates to glass elements and bundles. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, glass elements such as glass tubes can become contaminated, and in particular particles can accumulate on the surfaces of the glass elements, especially on the inner surfaces.

[0003] Particles can result, for example, from the manufacturing process of each glass element. In the case of glass tubing, a particularly significant source of particles is the process of tailoring the glass tubing from a glass tubing strand. Here, the glass tubing can be sawed or otherwise cut to length from the glass tubing strand. This results in a significant amount of particles that accumulate primarily in the end sections of the glass tubing. After tailoring, the glass tubing, and particularly the end sections of the glass tubing, are reheated to seal and shape the cut edges.

[0004] However, this can lead to a situation where loose particles from the end region become firmly bonded to the surface of the glass tube. Of course, particles from other sources, such as dust, loose material, and dirt in the environment, can also adhere to the glass element during heating. Such particles often cannot be removed by the subsequent water rinsing process and remain present in the final glass element.

[0005] However, depending on the purpose of each glass element, particles are highly undesirable. For example, when a glass element is intended to be used as a pharmaceutical container for containing a pharmaceutical composition, high-quality glass elements, i.e., glass elements with no or almost no particles, are particularly important. In particular, particles adhering to the inner surface of a glass element, such as the surface facing the lumen of a glass tube, are extremely serious. When particles come into contact with the pharmaceutical composition, substances from the particles may leak into the pharmaceutical composition, or the entire particle may come out of the surface of the glass tube and enter the composition, contaminating the pharmaceutical composition.

[0006] For example, in a conventional glass tubing manufacturing process, after the glass tubing is cut to length and before it is heated, pressurized air is used to remove particles from the inner surface of the glass tubing. This is achieved by a nozzle head that ejects a stream of air from one end of the glass tubing, blowing the particles out the other end and out of the glass tubing. While this process is technically easy to implement, it has drawbacks.

[0007] In this respect, only a portion of the air is actually injected into the glass tube, while the remaining air is blown through the glass tube, potentially creating dust particles and other contaminants in the environment. This can lead to new sources of contamination. Furthermore, particles are blown from one end section of the glass tube to the other, each time through the middle section. Therefore, there is a risk that this middle section will later become more contaminated than the original. This is particularly true because there are typically more particles in the end sections than in the middle section. It has also been pointed out that high pressure can cause loud noise. Furthermore, because laminar flow is formed within the glass tube, the flow velocity on the inner surface of the glass tube decreases over distance. Therefore, the further away a particle is from the end section, the weaker the interaction force between the injected air flow and the particle. Therefore, glass tubes beyond a certain length may not be adequately cleaned along their entire length. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing a means by which contamination of glass elements by particles can be reduced in an easy and cost-effective manner. It is also an object of the present invention to provide high quality glass elements and bundles containing such glass elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle head for cleaning the interior of a glass element with a fluid, comprising: at least one flushing opening for discharging at least a portion of the fluid and facing in a first direction; at least one pressure balancing opening for discharging at least a portion of the fluid and facing in a second direction; Equipped with two half spaces, i.e., a first half space and a second half space, separated by a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the nozzle head; a first direction vector of the first direction points towards the first half-space and / or away from the second half-space; The second direction vector of the second direction points towards the second half-space and / or away from the first half-space. This is solved by the present invention in a first aspect, which proposes a nozzle head.

[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that particles can be efficiently removed from a glass element if the nozzle head is inserted into the glass element and the particles can be removed by blowing them back to the proximal end rather than through the middle section of the glass element to the distal end. This is achieved by the present invention in that the cleaning opening is oriented in a first direction, so that the fluid is also ejected into or towards the first half-space, i.e., backwards.

[0011] Additionally, the inventors have recognized that inserting the nozzle head into the glass element can significantly increase the interaction between the fluid and the particles, and also prevents particles from being blown across the mid-section of the glass element, thus enabling a more efficient cleaning process.

[0012] By providing a pressure balancing opening and providing pressure equalization, it can be reliably ensured that while particles are being blown out of the glass element, other particles that are in the position past the nozzle head are not sucked into the fluid flow.

[0013] The two half-spaces of a glass element can be cleaned independently from both ends. Pressure equalization prevents particles from being sucked into the other half-space. Similarly, when cleaning both ends of a glass element in parallel with two nozzle heads, the pressure balancing opening prevents negative pressure from building up inside the glass element, which would suck in particles.

[0014] The nozzle head can be inserted into the glass element, so the fluid flow is only effective within the glass element. Furthermore, the fluid flow emitted from the nozzle head, whether from the cleaning opening or the pressure balancing opening, is all directed toward the outside of the glass element. Therefore, particles from the outside do not enter the glass element. In addition, because the fluid flow is directed backward, the fluid emitted from the pressure balancing opening is prevented from drawing in air from the outside of the glass element.

[0015] The approach of the present invention allows cleaning of glass elements, such as glass tubes, of almost any length. Furthermore, it is sufficient and appropriate to insert the nozzle head to the center of the glass element or less, for example, only into the area that needs cleaning. Therefore, the length of the arm holding the nozzle head can be designed to be short. This prevents vibration of the arm, and therefore the nozzle head. Therefore, damage to the glass element due to collision with the nozzle head can be prevented.

[0016] It is recognized that in the present invention, preferably, the term opening, in particular relating to cleaning openings or pressure balancing openings, is to be understood as a three-dimensional space that can be obtained, for example, by drilling.

[0017] It is recognized that in the present invention, the facing direction of the cleaning or pressure openings is preferably understood as the direction normal to at least one cross section of the respective opening, facing outside the volume enclosed by the outer shape of the nozzle head. Alternatively, the facing direction of the cleaning or pressure balancing openings can also be understood as the direction in which the respective opening substantially emits fluid.

[0018] The central axis of the nozzle head is, for example, the rotation axis of the nozzle head.

[0019] We found that when the nozzle head is used to clean glass elements, such as tubular elements, negative pressure does not develop at the ends of each glass element, especially at the ends of each tubular element. If the nozzle in the glass tube is designed to spray perpendicularly to the wall, overpressure would be created if there was only one nozzle at each end. Otherwise, when the cleaning nozzle is directed toward one end of the glass element, the generated airflow carries air from the other side, creating negative pressure on the second side. Therefore, particles in the environment are sucked into the glass element. The proposed nozzle head prevents this air entrainment. To achieve this, a small opening, such as a slit, in the nozzle toward the second end of the pipe is sufficient. Therefore, the proposed nozzle head can remove particles from the interior of glass elements, such as tubular elements, without causing further contamination.

[0020] In one embodiment, preferably the nozzle head comprises: at least one supply opening for supplying fluid to the nozzle head and facing in a third direction; Preferably, (i) the third direction vector of the third direction points towards the first half-space and / or away from the second half-space, (ii) the third direction vector is anti-parallel to the second direction, and / or (iii) the third direction vector is parallel to the central axis of the nozzle head.

[0021] The supply opening allows for easy and secure attachment of a fluid supply line to the nozzle head.

[0022] The orientation of each of the supply openings makes it possible to obtain a nozzle head that is safe to handle, since the different openings are appropriately distributed over the nozzle head.

[0023] It is recognized that in the present invention, preferably, the term opening in relation to the feeding opening is to be understood as a three-dimensional space that can be obtained, for example, by perforation.

[0024] It is appreciated that in the present invention, preferably, the direction in which the supply opening faces is understood to be a direction facing outside the volume enclosed by the outer shape of the nozzle head and normal to at least one cross section of the supply opening.

[0025] In one embodiment, in particular when the nozzle head is supplied with fluid through the supply openings at a pressure of 1 to 10 bar absolute, preferably 2 to 6 bar absolute, most preferably 3 bar absolute, the nozzle head is configured such that a first ratio (mass / mass) of the amount of fluid discharged by the pressure balancing openings to the amount of fluid discharged by the cleaning openings is equal to or greater than 0.2, preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, preferably equal to or greater than 0.9, preferably equal to or greater than 1, most preferably equal to or greater than 1.5, and / or is equal to or less than 20, preferably equal to or less than 10, more preferably equal to or less than 5, more preferably equal to or less than 1, more preferably equal to or less than 0.9, more preferably equal to or less than 0.5, and / or The second direction vector is parallel to the central axis, and the first direction vector is neither parallel nor anti-parallel to the central axis, and / or the angle between a line defined by the first direction vector and a plane perpendicular to the central axis is 10° to 89°, preferably 20° to 80°, more preferably 30° to 80°, and most preferably 40° to 80°.

[0026] A suitable first ratio allows pressure conditions to be achieved that result in particularly good cleaning results. It has been found that the proposed first ratio value can avoid negative pressures, especially at the ends of glass elements, such as tubular elements. The ratio can preferably be greater than or less than 1.

[0027] In one embodiment, the nozzle head is configured so that in both half spaces within the tubular element there is an overpressure relative to the environment outside the tubular element.

[0028] The preferred first ratio allows for a particularly efficient operating mode of the nozzle head and good cleaning results.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the first ratio is 1 or more, preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 2, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5, more preferably 1.00 to 1.3. When the ratio is 1 or more, preferably 1.00 or more, the cleanability of both end sections of the glass element can be improved.

[0030] This configuration is particularly useful, for example, when the tubular element is subjected to a cleaning process. If both half-spaces in the tubular element have pressure relative to the environment inside the tubular element, the cleaning process can be carried out easily and efficiently. Furthermore, if the first ratio is 1 or greater, it is possible to prevent negative pressure from building up inside the glass element, which would otherwise suck in particles.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the first ratio is less than 1. More preferably, the first ratio is 0.1 to 0.99, preferably 0.2 to 0.9, more preferably 0.2 to 0.8.

[0032] If the orientations of the cleaning openings and the pressure balancing openings are appropriately selected, the fluid flow can effectively interact with the particles. For example, it has been proven advantageous for the pressure balancing openings to emit a fluid flow parallel to the central axis, and for the cleaning openings to emit a fluid flow in the opposite direction at a certain angle to the central axis.

[0033] In one embodiment, for each cleaning opening, the angle between each straight line defined by each first direction vector and a plane perpendicular to the central axis satisfies the described condition.

[0034] In one embodiment, preferably the nozzle head comprises a plurality of cleaning openings, preferably 2 to 50 cleaning openings, more preferably 2 to 30 cleaning openings, more preferably 2 to 12 cleaning openings, more preferably 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cleaning openings, each cleaning opening facing in a first direction having a respective first direction vector.

[0035] Multiple cleaning openings allow for even distribution of fluid around the nozzle head, resulting in more accurate and efficient cleaning of glass elements.

[0036] Preferably, at least some of the cleaning openings are arranged along at least one section of at least one circle extending around the periphery of the nozzle head, in particular the circle being concentric with the central axis of the nozzle head.

[0037] Preferably, the nozzle head is provided with six cleaning openings.

[0038] It is recognized that all of the cleaning openings may, and typically will, face different first directions. Thus, there may be several first directions, the number of first directions being equal to the number of cleaning openings. However, if two or more of the plurality of cleaning openings face a common first direction, the number of different first directions may be less than the number of cleaning openings.

[0039] In one embodiment, preferably the nozzle head comprises one single feed opening and / or a plurality of feed openings, preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 2 to 3, most preferably 2 feed openings; the nozzle head comprises one single pressure balancing opening and / or a plurality of pressure balancing openings, preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 2 to 3, most preferably 2 pressure balancing openings; and / or The nozzle head has one single supply opening and one single pressure balancing opening, with the only supply opening positioned opposite the only pressure balancing opening along the central axis.

[0040] The single pressure balancing opening provides a robust and easy to use nozzle head.

[0041] The single dispensing opening provides a robust and easy to use nozzle head.

[0042] A particularly efficient nozzle head can be provided if it comprises one single pressure balancing opening and one single supply opening. If the openings are arranged oppositely along the central axis, the nozzle head has improved symmetry, which can reduce instability and possible vibration during use.

[0043] In one embodiment, preferably at least some or all of the one or more cleaning openings are arranged in a plane, preferably perpendicular to a line defined by the third direction vector, and / or are arranged so as to be intersected by a plane, preferably perpendicular to a line defined by the third direction vector.

[0044] A particularly symmetrical nozzle design is obtained when all or at least some of the cleaning openings are at least partially positioned and / or oriented in a plane, which allows the nozzle head to produce a highly symmetrical fluid output and thus a high cleaning capacity.

[0045] In one embodiment, preferably at least one of the cleaning openings, preferably all of the cleaning openings, is slit-shaped, preferably 360° slit-shaped, or round.

[0046] Round shaped flushing openings are easy to manufacture and provide a good fluid flow, while slit shaped flushing openings are suitable for achieving a uniform fluid flow, especially in large or curved output sections.

[0047] In one embodiment, preferably at least one of the pressure balancing openings, at least one of the cleaning openings and / or at least one of the supply openings, preferably all of each opening, are arranged concentrically relative to the central axis.

[0048] For example, the cleaning opening is in the form of a 360° slit and is arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis, which makes it particularly easy to provide.

[0049] If the supply openings and / or pressure balancing openings are arranged concentrically, handling of the nozzle head becomes more reliable and convenient.

[0050] In one embodiment, preferably, a second ratio (mm ) between the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure balancing opening and the cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaning opening is 2 / mm 2 ) is 0.2 or more, preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.9 or more, more preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.50 or more; and / or The second ratio is 20 or less, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less, more preferably 1 or less, more preferably 0.9 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less.

[0051] The preferred second ratio allows for a particularly efficient operating mode of the nozzle head and good cleaning results.

[0052] In one embodiment, preferably the nozzle head comprises carbon fiber, a metal, a metal alloy or a polymer, more preferably the nozzle head comprises aluminum, steel, brass, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyoxymethylene.

[0053] Furthermore, when a plastic material is selected for the nozzle head, a very robust nozzle head can be obtained, and the risk of the nozzle head damaging the glass element during operation can be further reduced.

[0054] For example, the nozzle head can be manufactured by injection molding.

[0055] In one embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the nozzle head is preferably 50 mm or less, preferably 1 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 25 mm, and most preferably 3 mm to 18 mm.

[0056] A preferred outer diameter can improve the cleanability of the glass element.

[0057] In one embodiment, the nozzle head preferably comprises at least one supply channel or supply channel network for supplying fluid from the supply opening to the pressure balancing opening and / or the cleaning opening, and preferably the supply channel comprises a cylindrical portion, in particular a cylindrical portion having a diameter of 1.5 mm or more and / or 25.0 mm or less.

[0058] The supply channel can distribute the fluid in the nozzle head properly and efficiently, and a supply channel of appropriate diameter can be adapted to the operating conditions, such as the maximum allowable pressure on the nozzle head, thus increasing safety.

[0059] In one embodiment, preferably all pressure balancing openings and cleaning openings are in fluid communication with each other via a supply channel or network of supply channels.

[0060] The nozzle head can be manufactured particularly easily and cheaply if the openings are in fluid communication with one another via supply channels: essentially, the openings can simply be drilled into the nozzle head until they are connected to a supply channel or supply channel network already provided in the nozzle head.

[0061] In one embodiment, preferably, the nozzle head further comprises at least one adjusting element for adjusting a third ratio, the third ratio being a ratio (mass / mass) of an amount of fluid discharged from one or more, preferably all, cleaning openings to an amount of fluid discharged from one or more, preferably all, pressure balancing openings; Preferably, (i) the third ratio is adjusted by an adjusting element so as to, in particular, increase or decrease the cross section of at least one of each of the cleaning openings and / or the pressure balancing openings; (ii) the regulating element comprises at least one metering ring and / or at least a portion, in particular an end section, of the fluid supply line; (iii) the adjustment element is disposed at least partially within the nozzle head; (iv) the adjustment element is movable within the nozzle head, in particular along an adjustment direction parallel to the central axis; (v) the third ratio is adjusted or adjustable by moving an adjustment element, in particular along an adjustment direction; (vi) the third ratio is measured at a fluid pressure of 1 to 10 bar absolute, preferably 2 to 6 bar absolute, and most preferably 3 bar absolute; and / or (vii) The nozzle head further comprises a fixing element, such as a lock nut, for fixing the adjustment element in a particular position, in particular to prevent movement along the adjustment direction.

[0062] The adjustment element allows the nozzle head to be used under different conditions, and different fluid amounts can be easily selected depending on the specific situation. It is also possible to provide an adjustment element in a simple manner.

[0063] If the regulating element comprises a metering ring, the third ratio can be selected very accurately. If the regulating element comprises part of the fluid supply line, a very compact setup is obtained.

[0064] If the adjusting element is located in the nozzle head, a compact setup can be obtained. Furthermore, the adjusting element is provided safely.

[0065] If the adjusting element is movable, it is possible to adjust the third ratio particularly easily and precisely.

[0066] The fixing element can be easily provided while the overall nozzle head remains of compact design.

[0067] In one embodiment, preferably the nozzle head comprises a first threaded portion, preferably the first threaded portion being at least partially defined by at least one section of the dispensing opening; Preferably, the adjustment element comprises a second threaded portion, which preferably cooperates with the first threaded portion of the supply opening, in particular by cooperation, the adjustment element can be moved along the adjustment direction.

[0068] The threaded portion allows other means to be fixedly attached to the nozzle head. If a threaded portion is provided at the supply opening, the respective supply line can be safely positioned.

[0069] If the adjustment element has threaded portions, the adjustment element can be moved within the nozzle head by cooperation of the threaded portions. If the first threaded portion is defined by at least one section of the delivery opening, the adjustment element can be at least partially movable within the delivery opening.

[0070] In one embodiment, the nozzle head is preferably configured such that when fluid is emitted from the cleaning openings and / or pressure balancing openings, the cleaning openings and / or pressure balancing openings rotate about a central axis, and preferably the rotation is driven by the fluid jet emitted from the cleaning openings and / or pressure balancing openings.

[0071] If the nozzle head rotates, the cleaning results obtained with the nozzle head are of particularly high quality.

[0072] In one embodiment, preferably, the cleaning openings and / or the pressure balancing openings are configured such that a line defined by the first direction vector and / or the second direction vector, preferably all lines, do not intersect with a line defined by the third direction vector; and / or The cleaning openings and / or pressure balancing openings are configured such that each opening releases fluid in a spiral pattern.

[0073] In one embodiment, the nozzle head is preferably configured such that when inserted into a glass element, in particular a tubular glass element, for example a tubular glass element having an inner diameter of 0.5 cm to 10 cm, preferably an inner diameter of 2 cm, a cylindrical portion of 2 cm to 200 cm and / or a length of 10 cm to 200 cm, preferably a length of 100 cm, and comprising a first end section and a second end section, at least a portion of the fluid is released from the cleaning opening and at least a portion of the fluid is released from the pressure balancing opening, an excess pressure relative to the ambient pressure is present in the first end section and the second end section.

[0074] The subject matter is a cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a glass element with a fluid, comprising: a nozzle head according to the first aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein; a fluid supply line connected to the supply opening of the nozzle head; This is solved by the invention in a second aspect, which proposes a cleaning system comprising:

[0075] It has been surprisingly discovered that the nozzle head can be used in combination with a fluid supply line connected to the nozzle head, thereby allowing each cleaning system to similarly obtain all of the advantages described above with respect to the nozzle head.

[0076] In one embodiment, preferably (i) the nozzle head is disposed at one end of the fluid supply line; (ii) the nozzle head is designed integrally with the fluid supply line; (iii) the adjustment element is provided by a fluid supply line; (iv) the adjusting element is designed integrally with the fluid supply line; (v) the liquid supply line has a tubular shape, preferably comprising a tube; and / or (vi) The length of the fluid supply line, or the length of the nozzle head and the fluid supply line, is 5 cm to 100 cm, preferably 10 cm to 75 cm, and more preferably 20 cm to 50 cm.

[0077] The integrated nozzle head and fluid supply line design provides a particularly robust cleaning system and reduces parts count.

[0078] The integral design of the adjustment element and the fluid supply line provides a particularly robust cleaning system and reduces the number of parts.

[0079] A tubular shape is particularly preferred for hollow cylindrical glass elements.

[0080] In one embodiment, preferably (i) the cleaning system is configured such that the nozzle head and / or the fluid supply line can move back and forth, in particular along the central axis of the nozzle head and / or parallel or anti-parallel to the second and / or third direction; (ii) the cleaning system is configured such that when fluid is released from the nozzle head, the nozzle head and preferably at least a portion of the fluid supply line are inside the glass element; (iii) the cleaning system is configured to remove particles from the glass element by ejecting a fluid from the nozzle head while the nozzle head is positioned within the glass element; and / or (iv) The cleaning system is configured such that while the nozzle head is not ejecting fluid, the nozzle head and / or the fluid supply line moves along a direction parallel to the second direction and / or the third direction, preferably inside the glass element, and while the nozzle head is ejecting fluid, the nozzle head and / or the fluid supply line moves along a direction parallel to the second direction and / or the third direction, preferably outside the glass element, to remove particles from the glass element.

[0081] Movement of the nozzle head and / or fluid supply line allows the nozzle head to be easily and efficiently moved into a glass element such as a glass tube.

[0082] When fluid is released from the nozzle head, if the nozzle head and possibly the fluid supply line are located within the glass element, it is ensured that particles adhering to the end section are not blown further into the glass element, but instead are blown out of the glass element via the nearby end section.

[0083] Therefore, when the fluid is emitted by the nozzle head while the nozzle head is positioned inside the glass element, particles can be intentionally blown directly toward the proximal end of the glass element, and the direct interaction between the fluid emitted from the cleaning opening and the particles is increased, thereby improving the quality of the cleaning process.

[0084] If the nozzle head is moved into the glass element before discharging fluid from the nozzle head, and then moved back to the outside of the glass element while discharging fluid from the nozzle head, particles are efficiently removed from the glass element as they move from the inside to the outside.

[0085] Also, the proximity of the cleaning openings to the inner surface of the glass element provides a constant flow velocity that is much higher than laminar flow. It is also worth noting that the inventive approach allows for a significant reduction in the volume of fluid due to the directional interaction of the fluid with the particles. This also reduces noise emissions.

[0086] In one embodiment, preferably (i) the cleaning system further comprises at least one fixation unit, preferably a conveyor belt or roll, for holding the glass elements in a fixed position during cleaning; (ii) the cleaning system further comprises at least one fluid supply means, preferably a tank, a recirculation facility or a fluid filter system, for supplying a fluid to the nozzle head via a fluid supply line, the fluid supply means supplying a fluid, preferably a gas, in particular a noble gas such as helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide or air, a liquid, water vapor or a mixture thereof; and / or (iii) The amount of water in the fluid supplied to the nozzle head is 10% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.01% by mass or less.

[0087] The fixed unit makes it possible to provide a reliable cleaning process.

[0088] For example, a roll can be used that applies pressure to the glass element, for example from above, which can prevent the glass element, such as a pipe, from being blown away during the cleaning process.

[0089] The fluid supply means can ensure a reliable supply of fluid to the cleaning system.

[0090] Reducing the amount of water allows the cleaning process to run more efficiently.

[0091] In one embodiment, the cleaning system is preferably configured to rotate the glass element and / or the nozzle head while fluid is being ejected from the nozzle head.

[0092] Relative rotation allows a particularly efficient cleaning process to be carried out, since the area of ​​direct interaction between the fluid and the surface of the glass element is increased.

[0093] In one embodiment, preferably the cleaning system comprises a vibration unit configured to vibrate the glass elements at least from time to time during the cleaning process, in particular with a frequency of 100-10000 Hz, preferably 200-5000 Hz, more preferably 250-4000 Hz and / or an amplitude of 0.1 mm-10 mm, preferably 0.5 mm-1 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm-0.9 mm.

[0094] The vibration unit can perform a particularly efficient cleaning process by vibrating the glass element, which in combination with the fluid can support the movement of particles.

[0095] Vibrating means, for example, applying pulsating vibrations, which provides an effective cleaning method.

[0096] In one embodiment, preferably (i) the cleaning system is configured to discharge at least one fluid flow through one of the cleaning openings and the pressure balancing openings, and preferably to discharge all fluid flows through all cleaning openings and pressure balancing openings at a rate of 5 to 100 m / hour; 3 and configured to release the gas at a flow rate of (ii) the ratio of the maximum outer diameter of the nozzle head to the inner diameter of the glass element is 0.5 to 0.9; (iii) the ratio of the outer diameter of the fluid supply line, particularly the threaded portion, to the inner diameter of the glass element is 0.2 to 0.9; and / or (iv) The cleaning system is configured to release fluid continuously and / or pulsatingly from one or more, preferably all, of the cleaning and pressure balancing openings.

[0097] A preferred flow rate can provide an efficient cleaning process.

[0098] If the difference between the outer diameter of the nozzle head and the inner diameter of the glass element is appropriately selected, the fluid can interact favorably with particles attached to the glass element, such as a glass tube.

[0099] Pulsating the fluid flow improves the interaction of the fluid flow with the glass elements, and continuous fluid flow facilitates the implementation of cleaning systems.

[0100] In one embodiment, the cleaning system preferably comprises a glass element, in particular a tubular glass element, for example having an inner diameter of 0.5 cm to 10 cm, preferably an inner diameter of 2 cm, a cylindrical portion of 2 cm to 200 cm and / or a length of 10 cm to 200 cm, preferably a length of 100 cm, and comprising a first end section and a second end section, and the nozzle head is configured such that when at least a portion of the fluid is released from the cleaning opening and when at least a portion of the fluid is released from the pressure balancing opening, an excess pressure relative to the ambient pressure exists in the first end section and the second end section.

[0101] The subject matter is a method for cleaning glass elements, preferably by means of a nozzle head according to the first aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein, or a cleaning system according to the second aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein, comprising: - providing a glass element; - inserting the nozzle head into the interior of the glass element along a specific direction, preferably parallel to the second and / or third direction, while the nozzle head is not emitting any fluid; - ejecting a fluid from the nozzle head, preferably while moving the nozzle head in a direction opposite to the specific direction, in particular within the glass element; This is solved by the present invention in a third aspect, which proposes a method, comprising:

[0102] Thus, the present invention is based on the finding that particles can be efficiently removed from a glass element when they are blown from the interior to the exterior, which can be achieved in an efficient manner by inserting a nozzle head into the interior of the glass element while the nozzle head is not ejecting fluid, and then moving the nozzle head inside the glass element while ejecting fluid from the nozzle head.

[0103] In one embodiment, the fluid is emitted from the nozzle head while the nozzle head is moved in a third direction within the glass element, preferably until the nozzle head is separated from the glass element.

[0104] In one embodiment, preferably the inserting and expelling steps are carried out in 1 minute or less, preferably 30 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, more preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less.

[0105] The subject matter is a glass element having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion, the hollow portion comprising: i) a first end section including a first end of the glass element; ii) a mid-section; and iii) a second end section including a second end of the glass element; and Equipped with each section having an inner surface and an outer surface, all sections being of equal length; the ratio of the number of particles on the inner surface of the first end section and / or the second end section to the number of particles on the inner surface of the intermediate section is 20 or less; This is solved by the invention according to a fourth aspect, which proposes a glass element.

[0106] The present invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that glass elements are particularly suitable for holding sensitive substances such as pharmaceutical compositions when the surface magnification is limited: it has been found that a low surface magnification can prevent or at least reduce the diffusion of substances contained in the glass material into the composition held in the glass element.

[0107] Surprisingly, by controlling the particle number ratio, it is possible to produce high quality glass elements that are particularly suitable for holding pharmaceutical compositions. The approach of the present invention makes it extremely easy to produce high quality individual glass elements.

[0108] The identification of relevant particles can be performed according to the following method.

[0109] In a darkroom, the glass element to be inspected is illuminated, for example, at 5000 lx. Particles are identified by diffraction, reflection, and absorption of light. A handheld microscope, such as the PEAK Wide Stand Microscope, can be used to identify particles. Particles optically identified in this way are then visibly marked. The marked glass element is then observed along the surface normal using an optical microscope, such as the Zeiss Axio Imager M2m, with an LD EC Epiplan 50x / 0.55 HD DIC lens and a PI 10x / 2 eyepiece, to characterize the particles and perform length measurements. Here, particle size is related to the maximum visible extension (Féret diameter) at the observation surface. This type of measurement consciously recognizes that the maximum longitudinal extension of a three-dimensional particle also extends along the optical axis of the microscope, i.e., along the normal. In this case, the particle size obtained is smaller than the actual value of the maximum longitudinal extension of a three-dimensional particle, e.g., a glass particle. It is recognized that this method allows particles having a size of at least 50 μm or more, i.e., particles having a maximum extension visible at the observation surface, to be characterized in terms of their size and type, e.g., glass, metal, dust, salt, etc. Optionally, particles having a size of less than 50 μm may not be considered particles according to the invention described herein in accordance with this method.

[0110] Unless otherwise stated, in the context of this specification, a glass element may have a first end, a second end, and / or a hollow portion, preferably a cylindrical hollow portion, which preferably comprises a first end section comprising the first end of the glass element, an intermediate section, and / or a second end section comprising the second end of the glass element. Each section may have an inner and / or outer surface. Each of the sections may be of equal length.

[0111] In one embodiment, preferably the ratio of the number of particles on the inner surface of the first end section and / or the second end section to the number of particles on the inner surface of the intermediate section is 15 or less, more preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, more preferably 6 or less, more preferably 4 or less, most preferably 2 or less, and / or 1.0 or more.

[0112] At each preferred ratio, particularly high quality glass elements can be obtained.

[0113] In one embodiment, preferably the number of particles on the inner surface of the first end section and / or the second end section is 0 or more, preferably 50 or more, more preferably 100 or more, and / or 1000 or less, preferably 900 or less, more 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.

[0114] The inventors have found that limiting the number of particles improves the quality and safety of the glass element, which allows for a smooth surface.

[0115] In one embodiment, preferably the number of particles on the inner surface of the intermediate section is 0 or more, preferably 50 or more, more preferably 100 or more, and / or 1000 or less, preferably 900 or less, more 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.

[0116] The inventors have found that limiting the number of particles improves the quality and safety of the glass element, which allows for a smooth surface.

[0117] In one embodiment, preferably 1 cm 2the number of particles on the inner surface of the first end section and / or the second end section per mm is on average 10 or less, preferably 9 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, more preferably 2 or less, more preferably 1 or less, and / or the number of particles on the outer surface of the first end section and / or the second end section per mm is 10 or less, preferably 9 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, more preferably 2 or less, more preferably 1 or less, and / or 2 per molecule, preferably 10 or less, preferably 9 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, more preferably 2 or less, and more preferably 1 or less.

[0118] The inventors have found that limiting the density of particles improves the quality and safety of the glass element, which allows for a smooth surface to be obtained.

[0119] In one embodiment, preferably (i) particle size, preferably the maximum extended length of the particle, is 50 μm or more, preferably 60 μm or more, more preferably 70 μm or more, more preferably 80 μm or more, more preferably 90 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more, more preferably 110 μm or more, more preferably 120 μm or more, more preferably 130 μm or more, more preferably 140 μm or more, more preferably 150 μm or more; and / or (ii) The particle size, preferably the maximum extended length of the particle, is 1000 μm or less, preferably 900 μm or less, more preferably 800 μm or less, more preferably 700 μm or less, more preferably 600 μm or less, more preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 400 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less.

[0120] The surprising finding has been that only particles of each extension length are relevant for assessing the quality of the glass element, so it is sufficient to deal specifically with these particles, leaving other particles unaffected, thereby reducing the costs of providing high-quality glass elements.

[0121] Preferably, those skilled in the art understand that even if particles outside the stated ranges are present on the inner and / or outer surfaces, the particles outside the stated ranges are not taken into account in the ratio. For example, if the particle size is 50 μm or more, there may be no or a large number of particles with a size of 2 μm on the inner and / or outer surfaces. However, they are not relevant to the ratio.

[0122] In one embodiment, preferably the glass element does not comprise any particles on the inner surface of the first end section and / or the second end section having a particle size, preferably a maximum extension length, of 1000 μm or more, preferably 900 μm or more, more preferably 800 μm or more, more preferably 700 μm or more, more preferably 600 μm or more, more preferably 500 μm or more, more preferably 400 μm or more, more preferably 300 μm or more, more preferably 200 μm or more, more preferably 150 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more, more preferably 50 μm or more.

[0123] If the particle size is limited, high quality glass elements can be easily provided.

[0124] In one embodiment, preferably the ratio of the number of particles on the inner surface of the first end section, the middle section, the second end section and / or any combination thereof to the number of particles on the outer surface of each section is between 0.5 and 1.5, preferably between 0.9 and 1.1.

[0125] It has been found that particularly good glass elements are obtained when the roughness of the inner surface and the roughness of the outer surface are the same. This finding is based on the fact that the same roughness surprisingly improves the strength of the glass element.

[0126] In one embodiment, preferably the particles are inorganic particles and / or selected from glass, metal, dust, salt, more preferably the particles are glass.

[0127] Preferably, those skilled in the art will understand that if particles of materials other than those mentioned above are present on the inner and / or outer surfaces, these particles will not be taken into account in the ratio. For example, if the particles are glass, there may be no or a significant number of salt particles on the inner and / or outer surfaces, but they will not be relevant to the ratio.

[0128] In one embodiment, preferably the length of the hollow portion is at least 2 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm, more preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 110 cm, and / or at most 500 cm, preferably at most 400 cm, more preferably at most 300 cm, more preferably at most 200 cm, more preferably at most 100 cm, more preferably at most 50 cm.

[0129] By using glass elements of each length, surfaces of improved quality can be easily produced.

[0130] In one embodiment, preferably the outer diameter of the hollow portion is 3 mm or more, preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 6 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, more preferably 8 mm or more, more preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more, and / or 20 cm or less, preferably 15 cm or less, more preferably 10 cm or less, more preferably 5 cm or less, more preferably 4 cm or less, more preferably 3 cm or less, more preferably 2 cm or less.

[0131] Glass elements of each diameter can be easily manufactured.

[0132] In one embodiment, preferably (i) the hollow section is designed at least partially as a hollow cylindrical section; (ii) the glass element is a glass tube; and / or (iii) The glass element includes, and is preferably formed from, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or aluminosilicate glass.

[0133] When the glass elements are made of different glass materials, they can be used in multiple situations.

[0134] High quality glass tubing is particularly important.

[0135] In one embodiment, preferably, the first end of the glass element is open, in particular the lumen of the glass element is fluidly connected to the environment of the glass element via the first end of the glass element, and / or the second end of the glass element is open, in particular the lumen of the glass element is fluidly connected to the environment of the glass element via the second end of the glass element.

[0136] The lumen of the glass element having one or more open ends is easily accessible.

[0137] In one embodiment, preferably the first end of the glass element is a closed end and / or the second end of the glass element is a closed end.

[0138] Glass elements with one or more closed ends can reduce or prevent further contamination and are therefore preferred.

[0139] In one embodiment, the glass elements are preferably manufactured or manufacturable by the Danner and / or Vello processes.

[0140] This allows for a cheap and efficient manufacturing process.

[0141] In one embodiment, the glass elements are preferably cut to length from a longer, especially continuous, strand of glass tubing, preferably by scratching and / or breaking.

[0142] It is cheap and easy to manufacture glass tubing strands and cut them into pieces to obtain glass elements of suitable length.

[0143] In one embodiment, the glass element is preferably cleaned by at least one air stream applied at least partially to its inner and / or outer surface, whereby at least a portion of the particles located on the respective surface are blown away from the surface and / or out of the lumen, and / or the air stream is moved relative to the glass element from the middle section of the glass element to the first end or the second end.

[0144] If the glass elements are properly cleaned, they are of particularly high quality.

[0145] In one embodiment, the glass elements are preferably vibrated during the cleaning process, in particular with a frequency of 100-10000 Hz, preferably 200-5000 Hz, more preferably 250-4000 Hz and / or an amplitude of 0.1 mm-10 mm, preferably 0.5 mm-1 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm-0.9 mm.

[0146] Mechanically vibrating the glass element can produce glass elements that are particularly free of particles that may eventually spontaneously flake off the surface, such as the interior or exterior surface, of the glass element, thus improving safety.

[0147] In one embodiment, the glass elements are preferably cleaned before being reheated and / or after being cut, preferably by scratching and / or breaking, from a longer, especially continuous, strand of glass tubing.

[0148] This ensures that loose particles are removed and that they are not heated to permanently adhere to the surface, thus improving the quality of the glass element.

[0149] It is proposed that a glass element, such as a glass element of the fourth aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein, has been cleaned and / or is obtainable by a method according to the third aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein, a nozzle head according to the first aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein and / or a cleaning system according to the second aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein.

[0150] This problem is solved by the invention according to a fifth aspect, which proposes a bundle of glass elements comprising a plurality of glass elements according to the fourth aspect of the invention or any embodiment described herein, preferably between 2 and 500, more preferably between 50 and 200 glass elements.

[0151] Having a high quality bundle of glass elements allows for quality assurance across a large number of different glass elements that would not be possible otherwise.

[0152] Here, a bundle may refer to a transaction, loading, or packaging unit for distributing glass elements, preferably empty pharmaceutical cylinders, or pharmaceutical cylinders filled with a gas, e.g., air. For example, bundles are typically, but not necessarily, combined when products of the same type are ordered together in a retail store or bundled together during logistics. According to the present invention, glass elements within a bundle can be separated by spacers, such as plastic or paper sheets, to prevent direct contact with each other during transport. Typically, but not necessarily, the bundle is at least partially covered with plastic foil. Preferably, a bundle contains 5 to 5,000 glass elements, preferably 10 to 1,000 glass elements, more preferably 25 to 500 glass elements, more preferably 50 to 300 glass elements, and most preferably 75 to 250 glass elements. An example of a bundle is DENSOPACK® from SCHOTT AG. For economic reasons, preferably the bundle comprises 25 to 500, more preferably 50 to 300, and most preferably 75 to 250 glass elements, which are at least partially covered with plastic foil and which are in direct contact with each other within the bundle. Preferably, the length of the hollow, preferably hollow cylindrical, portions of the glass elements in the bundle is at least 2 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm, more preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 100 cm, and / or at most 500 cm, preferably at most 400 cm, more preferably at most 300 cm, more preferably at most 200 cm, more preferably at most 100 cm, more preferably at most 50 cm.

[0153] In one embodiment, preferably at least a portion of the bundle is wrapped in foil.

[0154] The foil prevents further contamination of the glass element.

[0155] In one embodiment, preferably at least some, and preferably all, of the plurality of glass elements are held at a distance from one another within the bundle by at least one, and preferably a plurality of, spacer elements.

[0156] The spacer elements prevent damage to the glass elements, which allows for safe handling of the bundle.

[0157] In one embodiment, at least some, and preferably all, of the plurality of glass elements are preferably in direct contact with each other.

[0158] Direct contact reduces vibration of the glass elements, making the bundle safer to handle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0159] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying schematic drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle head according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle head of FIG. 1 in a second configuration. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cleaning system according to a second aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cleaning system according to a second aspect of the invention in an assembled state. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the cleaning system of FIG. 4a in an exploded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cleaning system according to the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cleaning system according to the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a demonstration of cleaning the interior of a glass element with a fluid using a cleaning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an alternative to the illustration of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0160] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle head 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration.

[0161] The nozzle head 1 is suitable for cleaning the interior of the glass element with a fluid 3, which is indicated by an arrow.

[0162] The nozzle head 1 includes a plurality of cleaning openings 5 ​​(two of which are shown in FIG. 1 ) for discharging at least a portion of the fluid. Each of the cleaning openings 5 ​​faces a first direction R1. Since each of the plurality of cleaning openings 5 ​​faces a respective first direction, there are as many first directions as there are cleaning openings.

[0163] The nozzle head 1 includes a pressure balancing opening 7 for discharging at least a portion of the fluid 3 and facing in the second direction R2. The pressure balancing opening 7 is arranged concentrically with the central axis A of the nozzle head 1.

[0164] The two half spaces, the first half space H1 and the second half space H2, are separated by a plane P perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0165] Each of the first direction vectors of the first direction R1 points away from the second half-space H2, and each of the second direction vectors of the second direction R2 points away from the first half-space H1.

[0166] The nozzle head further includes a supply opening 9 for supplying the fluid 3 to the nozzle head 1, the supply opening 9 being arranged concentrically with the central axis A of the nozzle head 1. The supply opening 9 faces a third direction R3. A third direction vector of the third direction R3 faces away from the second half-space H2, and the third direction vector is antiparallel to the second direction R2.

[0167] More precisely, the nozzle head 1 has one single supply opening 9 and one single pressure balancing opening 7, the only supply opening 9 being located opposite the only pressure balancing opening 7 along the central axis A.

[0168] The nozzle head 1 also includes a supply channel 11 for supplying the fluid 3 from the supply opening 9 to the pressure balancing openings 7 and the cleaning openings 5. All of the pressure balancing openings and cleaning openings are fluidically connected to one another via the supply channel 11.

[0169] The nozzle head 1 further comprises an adjusting element 13 for adjusting a third ratio of the fluid amounts supplied to all the cleaning openings 5 ​​and the pressure balancing openings 7 .

[0170] The adjusting element 13 comprises a metering ring. The adjusting element 13 is at least partially arranged in the nozzle head 1. The adjusting element 13 is movable in the nozzle head 1 along an adjusting direction parallel to the central axis A. Thus, by moving the adjusting element 13 along the adjusting direction, the third ratio is adjusted or adjustable.

[0171] The nozzle head 1 further comprises a fixing element 15 for fixing the adjustment element 13 in a particular position, in particular for preventing movement along the adjustment direction. The fixing element 15 may be a lock nut.

[0172] The nozzle head 1 comprises a first threaded portion 17, which is at least partly defined by the supply opening 9. The adjustment element 13 comprises a second threaded portion 19 which cooperates with the first threaded portion 17 of the supply opening 9. This cooperation allows the adjustment element 13 to be moved along the adjustment direction. Of course, the fixing element 15 must be released during the movement.

[0173] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle head 1 in the second configuration.

[0174] In the second configuration, the third ratio is adjusted by moving the adjustment element 13 along the adjustment direction, i.e. to the left in Figures 1 and 2. As shown by the presence of only one arrow for each of the cleaning openings 5 ​​in Figure 2 (two in Figure 1), less fluid 3 is supplied to the supply openings 9 and released from the cleaning openings in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. The adjustment of the third ratio is essentially achieved by the adjustment element 13 reducing the cross section of each of the cleaning openings.

[0175] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a cleaning system 100 according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0176] The cleaning system 100 includes a nozzle head 101. The nozzle head 101 may be the nozzle head 1 described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, for the same structural features of the nozzle head 101, the same reference numbers as the nozzle head 1 are used, but increased by 100. Furthermore, for all aspects related to the nozzle head 101, reference may be made to the description provided above with respect to the nozzle head 1 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2.

[0177] The cleaning system 100 also comprises a fluid supply line 121 connected to the supply opening 109 of the nozzle head 101. In fact, the regulating element 113 is designed integrally with the fluid supply line 121.

[0178] 4a and 4b are perspective views of a second embodiment of a cleaning system 200 according to a second aspect of the present invention, shown in assembled and disassembled states, respectively.

[0179] In fact, the cleaning system 200 is similar to the cleaning system 100 described above with respect to Figure 3. Therefore, the same reference numbers, but increased by 100, are used for the same structural features.

[0180] In Fig. 4a, the cleaning system 200 is shown in an assembled state. In Fig. 4b, the cleaning system 200 is shown in a disassembled state. As can be seen from Fig. 4b, the adjusting element 213 and the fixing element 215 can be separated from the rest of the nozzle head 201. The adjusting element is designed integrally with the fluid supply line 221.

[0181] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cleaning system 300 according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0182] In fact, the cleaning system 300 is similar to the cleaning systems 100 and 200 described above with respect to Figures 3 and 4a, 4b, respectively. Therefore, for the same structural features, the same reference numbers are used, but increased by 200 or 100. Furthermore, only the differences between the cleaning system 300 and the cleaning systems 100, 200 need be described here, while for the rest, reference can be made to the description given above with respect to the cleaning systems 100 and 200 in the combination of Figures 3 and 4a, 4b.

[0183] In the cleaning system 300, the nozzle head 301 is designed integrally with the fluid supply line 321. Therefore, the nozzle head 301 does not require or have a fixing element. Furthermore, the nozzle head 301 does not have an adjustment element. As a result, the first thread portion and the second thread portion are not required. Therefore, the nozzle head 301 and thus the cleaning system 300 are particularly robust and inexpensive.

[0184] Nozzle heads, such as nozzle head 301 of cleaning system 300, can be manufactured using 3D printing technology, which allows for nozzle head designs that are difficult to manufacture using conventional methods.

[0185] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cleaning system 400 according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0186] In fact, the cleaning system 400 is similar to the cleaning systems 100 and 200 described above with respect to Figures 3 and 4a, 4b, respectively. Therefore, for the same structural features, the same reference numbers are used, but increased by 300 or 200. Furthermore, only the differences between the cleaning system 400 and the cleaning systems 100 and 200 need be described here, while for the rest, reference can be made to the description given above with respect to the cleaning systems 100 and 200 in the combination of Figures 3 and 4a, 4b.

[0187] In the cleaning system 400, the nozzle head 401 does not have a locking element. This is possible, for example, in situations where there is sufficient friction between the two threaded portions (only the second threaded portion 419 is visible in FIG. 6 ) to prevent the adjustment element from unintentionally moving within the nozzle head.

[0188] FIG. 7 is an illustration with a number of successive time steps T1 to T5 showing a demonstration of cleaning the interior of a glass element 501 with a fluid 503 using a cleaning system 500 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] For purposes of illustration, the cleaning system 500 is shown only with its nozzle head 505 and supply line 507. The glass element 501 may be a glass tube.

[0190] The cleaning system 500 is configured to remove particles from the glass element in that the nozzle head 505 is moved along a fourth direction R4 inside the glass element 501 while not ejecting fluid (see time steps T1 and T2), and moved in a fifth direction R5 out of the glass element 501 while ejecting fluid (see time steps T3, T4, and T5). The fourth direction R4 is parallel to the second direction of the nozzle head. The fifth direction R5 is parallel to the third direction of the nozzle head.

[0191] Of course, any cleaning system according to the second aspect of the invention, such as any of the cleaning systems 200, 300, 400 described above, may be configured accordingly.

[0192] Figure 8 is an alternative to the illustration of Figure 7. Here, two cleaning systems 500a, 500b are used to clean the glass element 501 from both ends simultaneously. Only the last three time steps are shown. Of course, to clean the glass element 501 precisely in the center as well, one of the two systems 500a, 500b can be advanced so that the nozzle heads 505a, 505b do not collide in the center of the glass element 501.

[0193] The features disclosed in the specification, drawings and claims may be essential, either alone or in any combination, for realizing different embodiments of the invention. A preferred embodiment of one aspect, e.g., a nozzle head, may also be a preferred embodiment of another aspect, e.g., a method, unless otherwise specified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1,101,201,301,401 nozzle head 3,103 Fluid 5,105,205,305,405 aperture 7,107,207,307,407 aperture 9,109,209 aperture 11,111,211 Supply route 13,113,213 Adjustment Factor 15,115,215 fixed elements 17,117,217 Threaded part 19,119,219,419 Threaded part 121,221,321,421 Fluid supply lines 100,200,300,400,500 Cleaning System 501 Glass Elements 503,503a,503b Fluid 505, 505a, 505b nozzle head 507, 507a, 507b Fluid supply lines A axis H1,H2 half space P plane R1,R2,R3,R4,R5 direction T1,T2,T3,T4,T5 time steps

Claims

1. 1. A nozzle head for cleaning the interior of a glass element with a fluid, said nozzle head comprising: at least one flushing opening for discharging at least a portion of the fluid and facing in a first direction; at least one pressure balancing opening for discharging at least a portion of the fluid and facing in a second direction; an adjustment element movable within the nozzle head along an adjustment direction parallel to a central axis of the nozzle head to adjust the ratio between an amount of fluid discharged from the at least one cleaning opening and an amount of fluid discharged from the at least one pressure balancing opening; Equipped with two half spaces, i.e., a first half space and a second half space, separated by a plane perpendicular to the central axis, a first direction vector of the first direction points towards the first half-space and / or away from the second half-space; a second direction vector of the second direction points towards the second half-space and / or away from the first half-space; Nozzle head.

2. When the fluid is supplied to the nozzle head through the supply opening at an absolute pressure of 1 to 10 bar, the nozzle head is configured such that a first ratio (mass / mass) of the amount of the fluid discharged by the pressure balancing opening to the amount of the fluid discharged by the cleaning opening is 0.2 or more and / or 20 or less; and / or the second direction vector is parallel to the central axis, the first direction vector is neither parallel nor anti-parallel to the central axis, and / or the angle between a line defined by the first direction vector and a plane perpendicular to the central axis is between 10° and 89°; The nozzle head according to claim 1.

3. A second ratio (mm ２ / mm ２ ) is 0.2 or more, and / or the second ratio is 20 or less; The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the cleaning opening and / or the pressure balancing opening are configured such that a line defined by the first direction vector and / or the second direction vector does not intersect with a line defined by a third direction vector; and / or the cleaning opening and / or the pressure balancing opening are configured so that the fluid is discharged in a spiral pattern from each opening; The nozzle head according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 1. A cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a glass element with a fluid, said cleaning system comprising: A nozzle head according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a fluid supply line connected to a supply opening of the nozzle head; A cleaning system comprising:

6. (i) the cleaning system further comprises at least one fixation unit for holding the glass element in a fixed position during cleaning; (ii) the cleaning system further comprises at least one fluid supply means for supplying fluid to the nozzle head via the fluid supply line, the fluid supply means supplying fluid; and / or (iii) the amount of water in the fluid supplied to the nozzle head is 10% by mass or less; The cleaning system of claim 5.

7. The at least one fixed unit is a conveyor belt or a roll; the at least one fluid supply means is a tank, a recirculation facility or a fluid filter system; The fluid is helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, air, liquid, water vapor, or a mixture thereof; The cleaning system of claim 6.

8. A method for cleaning glass elements with a nozzle head according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or a cleaning system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, said method comprising: - providing a glass element; - inserting said nozzle head into the glass element along a specific direction parallel to the second and / or third direction, while said nozzle head is not emitting any fluid; - ejecting a fluid from the nozzle head while moving the nozzle head in the glass element along a direction opposite to the specific direction; A method comprising:

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