Method for producing a hollow glass article

By implementing a two-step process with modified parameters, the method addresses the energy waste and high scrap issues in hollow glass article production, achieving a significant reduction in rejects and improving manufacturing efficiency.

WO2026027661A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-02-05ARDAGH GLASS GERMANY GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/072027
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-01
Filing Date
2025-07-31
Publication Date
2026-02-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing hollow glass articles result in significant energy waste and scrap due to the need for mold lubrication, which disrupts the manufacturing process and leads to a high reject rate of non-conforming products.

Method used

A method involving a first process with initial parameters, followed by mold lubrication, and a second process with modified parameters to quickly restore mold temperature, reducing the number of rejects by altering parameters such as contact time, cooling time, airflow, and vacuum application.

Benefits of technology

Reduces the reject rate by at least 30% to 75% by quickly re-establishing stable manufacturing conditions, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing scrap.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a hollow glass article (1), wherein a glass gob (2) is transferred into a mould (3, 4) and in the mould is blown into the hollow glass article (1) at least by means of compressed air (5); wherein the method includes a first process (6) with first process parameters for producing the hollow glass articles (1), wherein the first process (6) is interrupted at specific time intervals and a lubricant (7) is applied to the mould (3, 4), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) carrying out the first process (6) with first process parameters; b) interrupting the first process (6) and applying a lubricant (7) to the mould (3, 4); c) initiating a second process (8) with second process parameters, which differ at least in part from the first process parameters; d) resuming the first process (6) with first process parameters.
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Description

[0001] Method for manufacturing a hollow glass article

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow glass article and a system for data processing.

[0003] The production of hollow glass articles in a glass forming machine starts with molten glass. A drop of glass is separated from the molten glass and shaped into a hollow glass article during a forming process. This forming process takes place in at least one mold into which the drop of glass is placed and then shaped.

[0004] Several molds can be used, for example, at least one preform and one finishing mold. In the preform, an intermediate product is produced from the glass drop or from an intermediate product already manufactured in another preform. In the finishing mold, the glass drop or the intermediate product is formed into the hollow glass article. The hollow glass article produced in this way is then cooled; in particular, the hollow glass article is transferred via a settling plate onto a conveyor belt and then enters a cooling oven.

[0005] The manufacturing process is characterized in particular by several stations, the respective operating and process parameters of which must be adjustable and monitored to ensure a reproducible manufacturing result of consistent quality. This applies to all parameters influencing the forming process.

[0006] Hollow glass articles are manufactured in various sizes and shapes, resulting in production series that are operated according to parameter settings based, for example, on documented operational experience. The set of process parameters used encompasses all parameters of the glass forming process, i.e., the respective manufacturing process. This includes, among other things, the chemical composition and viscosity of the glass drop, its temperature, the respective temperature change curves of the glass drop, the intermediate product, and the hollow glass article, as well as the temperatures of the individual molds and other components of the production plant that come into contact with the glass drop, the intermediate product, or the hollow glass article. Further parameters include, for example, the air volume flows used for blowing the glass drop, the intermediate product, or the hollow glass article, or for cooling.Temperature control of the mold is employed, particularly with regard to temperature, pressure, and flow rate. Parameters for the vacuum applied to the mold during the forming of the glass drop, intermediate product, or hollow glass article, such as the duration for which the vacuum is generated and / or maintained, or the pressure value set, can also be set, controlled, and monitored. Furthermore, the times for individual process steps, such as holding the glass drop, intermediate product, or hollow glass article in the mold or its transport between molds or stations, can be set, controlled, and monitored.

[0007] Especially for the production of large quantities, which are regularly produced on glass forming machines, the process parameters must be kept as constant as possible so that hollow glass articles can be produced reproducibly.

[0008] The mold(s) used to manufacture the hollow glass article must be regularly lubricated to prevent the glass material from sticking to the mold and to ensure the process remains as reproducible as possible. This lubrication is specifically referred to as the swab cycle, and lubrication is called "swabbing." Lubricating the mold requires interrupting the actual manufacturing process for the hollow glass article. This means that the molds are no longer exposed to the hot glass material according to the initial forming process (first process with initial process parameters), allowing them to cool down gradually. After lubrication, the forming process is restarted, again using the initial process parameters. The molds are then gradually heated until stable conditions are re-established, particularly with regard to the mold temperatures.However, the hollow glass articles produced up to that point must be considered rejects because they cannot achieve the quality of hollow glass articles produced under stable conditions.

[0009] There is a regular need to use the available resources as economically as possible, especially with regard to energy use.

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems existing with regard to the prior art and, in particular, to propose a method for manufacturing a hollow glass article that saves energy and reduces scrap. In particular, the influence of the lubrication process should be reduced so that, if possible, less scrap is produced and a stable manufacturing process for hollow glass articles is re-established as early as possible.

[0011] These problems are solved by a method for manufacturing a hollow glass article according to the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0012] A method for manufacturing a hollow glass article is proposed, in which a drop of glass is transferred into a mold and inflated into the hollow glass article, at least by means of compressed air. The method comprises a first process with first process parameters for producing the hollow glass articles (or a plurality of hollow glass articles), wherein the first process is interrupted at specific time intervals and the mold is lubricated. The method includes at least the following steps: a) carrying out the first process with first process parameters (for producing a plurality of hollow glass articles of constant quality); b) interrupting the first process and lubricating the mold; c) initiating a second process with second process parameters that differ at least partially from the first process parameters; d) resuming the first process with first process parameters.

[0013] The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the procedural steps into a) to d) is primarily intended for differentiation purposes only and does not impose any sequence or dependency. In particular, steps a) to d) are carried out in the order listed.

[0014] The process is carried out particularly during the operation of a production plant designed as a glass forming machine. The hollow glass articles are manufactured starting from molten glass. As described above, a drop of glass is separated from the molten glass and formed into a hollow glass article during a forming process. This forming process takes place using at least one mold into which the drop of glass is placed and then shaped.

[0015] The present method is directed in particular to production facilities capable of producing several thousand hollow glass articles, in particular more than 10,000 hollow glass articles, preferably more than 100,000 hollow glass articles, per day.

[0016] Several molds can be used, for example, at least one preform and one finishing mold. In the preform, an intermediate product is produced from the glass drop or from an intermediate product already manufactured in another preform. In the finishing mold, the glass drop or the intermediate product is formed into the hollow glass article. The hollow glass article produced in this way is then cooled.

[0017] In step a), the first process is carried out. This includes initial process parameters that enable the reproducible production of a large number of hollow glass articles. Adjustments to these initial parameters are not required during the first process. The amount of defective hollow glass articles produced during the first process is less than 1% of the total number of hollow glass articles produced.

[0018] The first process is interrupted – as usual – at specific intervals by step b) to lubricate the mold(s). A lubricant is introduced into the respective mold. The lubricant is primarily intended to prevent the glass material from adhering to the mold, thus ensuring good demoldability of the glass material.

[0019] However, lubrication requires an interruption of the first process, meaning that the mold(s) are not exposed to the glass material, at least for the duration of the lubrication. This causes the mold to cool down, making it impossible to maintain the defined window (i.e., a tolerance range) for the initial process parameters.

[0020] It is known that after lubrication, the forming process is resumed using initial process parameters. The molds are gradually heated until stable conditions are re-established, particularly with regard to mold temperatures. However, the hollow glass articles produced up to this point must be considered rejects, as they cannot achieve the quality of hollow glass articles produced under stable conditions. The reject rate is therefore 100%. In known processes, a relatively large number of hollow glass articles are produced as rejects until a stable initial process is re-established. This number of hollow glass articles produced as rejects will be considered the reference value and is set at 100%.

[0021] Unlike known processes, this approach proposes performing step c). Step c) initiates a second process using a second set of process parameters. These second process parameters differ, at least partially, from the first. In particular, at least one of the second process parameters lies outside the tolerance range defined for the first.

[0022] The second process is specifically designed to heat the mold(s) more quickly to the temperature present during the first process, thus enabling a faster resumption of production of hollow glass articles of consistent quality. The aim is to reduce the number of hollow glass articles produced as rejects from the 100% (e.g., 100 hollow glass articles) found in known processes to, for example, less than 50% (i.e., less than 50 hollow glass articles).

[0023] The hollow glass articles produced using the second process are considered rejects because they cannot achieve the quality of hollow glass articles manufactured under stable conditions. The reject rate is therefore 100%.

[0024] According to step d), the first process is resumed (and thus the second process is terminated) when the conditions defined for the first process (mold temperatures, etc.) are met again.

[0025] In particular, during step a), the mold has a first temperature at at least one contact point with the glass drop, which lies within a first temperature range; while during step b), a temperature drop occurs at the contact point to a lower second temperature, which lies outside the first temperature range. The second process parameters are modified compared to the first parameters, in particular such that during step c), the temperature at the contact point is increased to the first temperature.

[0026] The second process parameters are specifically modified so that the temperature at the contact point is increased more quickly than would be the case if the first process parameters were used.

[0027] In particular, the production of the hollow glass article from the glass drop by the mold is referred to as a production cycle. By carrying out step c), a first number of production cycles producing rejects (or the number of hollow glass articles produced) is reduced by at least 30%, preferably by at least 50%, and most preferably by at least 75%, compared to a second number of production cycles producing rejects (or the number of hollow glass articles produced) when applying only the first process parameters.

[0028] In particular, by applying step c), the number of hollow glass articles produced as rejects can be reduced from the 100% present in known processes (e.g. 100 hollow glass articles) to 70% or less (i.e. 70 hollow glass articles or less), or to 50% (or less) or even 25% (or less).

[0029] In particular, a second process parameter that differs from the first process parameters includes at least one of the following parameters, which is modified relative to the corresponding first process parameter as follows:

[0030] • Extension of the initial contact time between glass droplets or hollow glass articles on the one hand and the mold on the other;

[0031] • Extending a second contact time between a glass drop or hollow glass article on the one hand and a stamp on the other, wherein the stamp is used to form an inner surface of the hollow glass article; • Reducing a first cooling time of the mold, wherein the first cooling time comprises a time interval between removing the hollow glass article from the mold and introducing the glass drop into the mold;

[0032] • Changing the air volume flow to reduce cooling power for the mold;

[0033] • Change in the vacuum applied to the mold.

[0034] Specifically, the mold is either a preform or a finished mold, whereby the glass drop is transformed into an intermediate product in the preform and the intermediate product into the hollow glass article in the finished mold. Multiple preforms may also be used. In this case, the glass drop is transformed into an intermediate product (first generation) in the first preform and then into another intermediate product (second generation) in a further preform (second generation), and so on.

[0035] The mold is, in particular, a negative of an outer surface of the hollow glass article or intermediate product. Specifically, the mold consists of several parts that can move relative to each other, e.g., mold halves and, if applicable, closure parts.

[0036] The individual parts of the mold are moved apart to demold the intermediate product or the hollow glass article and moved back towards each other to form the mold before the glass drop or intermediate product is introduced.

[0037] In particular, by extending the initial contact time between the glass droplet, intermediate product or hollow glass article on the one hand and the mold on the other, more heat can be transferred from the glass material to the mold, so that it heats up faster and to a higher temperature (than when using the first process).

[0038] In particular, by extending the second contact time between the glass droplet, intermediate product or hollow glass article on the one hand and a stamp on the other, more heat can be transferred from the glass material to the stamp, so that it heats up faster and to a higher temperature (than when using the first process).

[0039] The (generally known) stamp serves in particular to shape an inner surface of the hollow glass article. The stamp is specifically designed to be movable and moves into the mold to form the hollow glass article.

[0040] In particular, reducing the initial cooling time of the mold can minimize the temperature drop at the mold (or a die) compared to the first process. The initial cooling time is defined as the time interval between removing the hollow glass article (or intermediate product) from the mold and inserting the glass drop (or intermediate product) into the mold. This time interval can be shortened, for example, by increasing the cycle rate of the manufacturing process. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer time of the glass material between the individual process steps can be reduced, so that the respective mold is refilled with glass material more quickly (than in the first process).

[0041] In particular, the cooling capacity of the mold can be reduced by changing the (first) airflow used to temperature-control the mold. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the airflow rate (especially by reducing it), the temperature (especially by increasing it), or the pressure (especially by reducing it), or by interrupting it completely.

[0042] In particular, the (respective) air volume flow is provided without interruption (i.e., not interrupted).

[0043] In particular, at least one mold has channels that are supplied with the (first) airflow. These channels run exclusively within the mold, so that the airflow passes only through the channels and does not directly affect the inner surface of the mold. Alternatively or additionally, the (first) airflow (or a second or third airflow) can be used to cool an inner surface of the mold itself. The airflow can be used to temperature-control the mold, thus creating stable conditions for the production of hollow glass articles during a first process. By varying the airflow, targeted and rapid heating of, for example, the respective mold, die, or other part of the production system can be achieved.

[0044] In particular, by altering the vacuum applied to the mold, a targeted and rapid heating of, for example, the respective mold, die, or other part of the production equipment can be achieved. The vacuum is used especially during the blowing of the glass drop or intermediate product into the hollow glass article or intermediate product. This allows air to be removed more quickly from the space between the inner surface of the mold and the glass material, thus supporting the forming process of the glass material.

[0045] However, the vacuum also draws heat away from the mold, so that by changing or even switching off the vacuum, a targeted rapid heating of, for example, the respective mold or die or other part of the production plant can be achieved.

[0046] In particular, a (second) air volume flow used to blow the glass droplet (into the intermediate product; referred to as "blowing") or the intermediate product into the hollow glass article (referred to as "blowing"; hereinafter subsumed under the term "blowing") can be modified. For this purpose, the (second) air volume flow used for blowing can be changed, for example, with regard to the volume flow (especially reduction), the temperature (especially increase), or the pressure (especially reduction). In particular, a (third) air volume flow used to cool an opening of the intermediate product or the hollow glass article (i.e., at an opening of the intermediate product or the hollow glass article) can be modified. For this purpose, the (third) air volume flow used for cooling the opening can be changed, for example, with regard to the volume flow (especially reduction), the temperature (especially increase), or the pressure (especially reduction).

[0047] In particular, each air volume flow can be changed independently of every other air volume flow. Alternatively, the individual air volume flows can also be changed together.

[0048] Of course, other parameters can also be changed to achieve faster heating of the mold or the components of the production plant.

[0049] In particular, each of the measures listed (e.g., changing individual parameters) can be carried out individually or in combination with others.

[0050] In particular, the hollow glass articles produced during step c) are treated as rejects.

[0051] Furthermore, a data processing system is proposed which includes means that are appropriately equipped, configured, or programmed to carry out the described procedure at a production plant for the manufacture of hollow glass articles.

[0052] In particular, a production plant suitable for carrying out the described procedure includes a data processing system, e.g. a control unit, which has means for carrying out the steps of the procedure and / or has means that are suitable for (fully automatic) carrying out the steps of the described procedure, or that carry out the procedure.

[0053] The means include, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices that enable the transmission of instructions, measurements, data or the like between the aforementioned elements.

[0054] The "means" may include, in particular, one or more of the following components: control(s), microcontroller, data storage, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter or timer, at least one other sensor, a power source, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, a computer program is proposed, comprising commands which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the described procedure or the steps of the described procedure.

[0056] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the described procedure or the steps of the described procedure.

[0057] The explanations regarding the described procedure are equally applicable to the data processing system and / or the computer-implemented procedure (i.e., the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

[0058] The use of indefinite articles (“a”, “an”, “one”, and “one”), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Accordingly, terms or components introduced by these articles are to be understood as appearing at least once and, in particular, as potentially appearing multiple times.

[0059] It should be noted as a precaution that the numerical terms used here ("first", "second", "third", etc.) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and thus do not necessarily dictate any dependency and / or sequence between these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependency and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here, or it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art upon studying the specific configuration described.

[0060] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the situations explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement. The figures schematically show:

[0061] Fig. 1: a hollow glass article in a perspective view;

[0062] Fig. 2: a flowchart of a process;

[0063] Fig. 3: a preform during step a) of the process;

[0064] Fig. 4: a finished mold during step a) of the process; and

[0065] Fig. 5: a diagram. Fig. 1 shows a hollow glass article 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of a process. Fig. 3 shows a preform 3 during step a) of the process. Fig. 4 shows a finished form 4 during step a) of the process. Figs. 1 to 4 are described together below.

[0066] In the proposed procedure, a glass drop 2 is transferred into a mold 3, 4 and inflated therein to form the hollow glass article 1 at least by means of compressed air 5.

[0067] The process is carried out during the operation of a production plant 18 designed as a glass forming machine. The production plant 18 includes a data processing system 17, which has means that are suitable for, in particular for, the fully automatic execution of the process at the production plant 18.

[0068] The hollow glass articles 1 are manufactured starting from molten glass. A glass droplet 2 is separated from the molten glass and formed into a hollow glass article 1 during a shaping process. This shaping process involves a preform 3 (see Fig. 3) and a final mold 4 (see Fig. 4), whereby the glass droplet 2 is inserted into the preform 3 and transformed into an intermediate product 16. The intermediate product 16 is then transferred to a final mold 4 and formed there into the (finished) hollow glass article 1. The hollow glass article 1 produced in this way is then cooled.

[0069] In step a), the first process 6 is carried out. This process includes initial process parameters that enable the reproducible production of a large number of hollow glass articles 1. Adjustments to these initial parameters are not required during the first process 6. The amount of rejects (defective) hollow glass articles 1 produced during the first process is kept to a minimum. The first process 6 is interrupted – as usual – at specific intervals by step b) for the lubrication of the molds 3 and 4. During this step, a lubricant 7 is introduced into the respective mold 3 and 4. The lubricant 7 is intended to prevent the glass material from adhering to the mold 3 and 4, thus ensuring good demoldability of the glass material from the mold 3 and 4.

[0070] Unlike known processes, step c) is performed. In step c), a second process 8 is initiated, using second process parameters. These second process parameters differ, at least partially, from the first process parameters.

[0071] The second process 8 is designed to heat the molds 3, 4 more quickly to the initial temperature 10 present during the first process 6, so that the production of hollow glass articles 1 of consistent quality can be resumed more quickly. This is intended to reduce the number of hollow glass articles 1 produced as rejects.

[0072] The hollow glass articles 1 produced by the second process 8 are considered rejects because they cannot achieve the quality of the hollow glass articles 1 produced under stable conditions. The reject rate is therefore 100%.

[0073] According to step d), the first process 6 is resumed (and thus the second process 8 is terminated) when the conditions defined for the first process 6 (mold temperatures, etc.) are met again.

[0074] The molds 3 and 4 comprise a preform 3 and a finished mold 4. The finished mold 4 is a negative of an outer surface of the hollow glass article 1, and the preform 3 is a negative of an outer surface of the intermediate product 16. Each mold 3 and 4 consists of several movable parts, namely two mold halves and closure parts at the top and bottom of the mold halves. In the preform 3, a plunger 15 moves into the preform 3 through the lower opening. The glass drop 2 forms a hollow body through the plunger 15, which is then formed into the hollow glass article 1 in the finished mold 4. The individual parts of the mold 3 and 4 are moved apart to demold the intermediate product 16 or the hollow glass article 1 and then moved back together to form the mold 3 and 4 before the glass drop 2 or the intermediate product 16 is inserted.

[0075] During step a), i.e., during the first process 6, forms 3 and 4 exhibit a first temperature 10 at at least one contact point 9 with the glass droplet 2 or with the intermediate product 16, respectively, which lies within a first temperature range; whereas during step b), a temperature drop occurs at the contact point 9 to a lower second temperature 11, which lies outside the first temperature range (see also Fig. 5). The second process parameters are modified compared to the first process parameters such that during step c), the temperature at the contact point 9 is reduced back to, i.e., increased to, the first temperature 10.

[0076] The second process parameters are changed in such a way that the temperature at contact point 9 is increased faster than would be the case if the first process parameters were applied.

[0077] Fig. 5 shows a diagram. The number of production cycles (13, 14) is plotted on the horizontal axis. The temperature (10, 11) is plotted on the vertical axis. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 4.

[0078] The production of the hollow glass article 1 from the glass drop 2 by means of the molds 3, 4 is referred to as a production cycle 12.

[0079] The first process 6 is interrupted – as usual – at specific time intervals by step b) for the lubrication of the molds 3, 4. During this step, a lubricant 7 is introduced into the respective mold 3, 4. During step b), a temperature drop occurs at the contact point 9, from the first temperature 10 to a lower second temperature 11, so that a window defined for the first process parameters (i.e., a tolerance range for the individual first process parameters) cannot be maintained. The temperature profiles 19, 20, 21 of this contact point 9 shown in Fig. 5 illustrate the effect of step c) of the process.

[0080] It is known that after lubrication, the forming process is resumed with the initial process parameters, i.e., the first process 6. The molds 3 and 4 are successively heated until stable conditions are re-established, particularly with regard to the temperatures 10 and 11 of the molds 3 and 4. The hollow glass articles 1 produced up to this point must be considered rejects because they cannot achieve the quality of the hollow glass articles 1 produced under stable conditions. The reject rate is therefore 100%. In known processes, a relatively large number of hollow glass articles 1 are produced as rejects until a stable first process 6 is re-established. This number of hollow glass articles 1 produced as rejects is considered the reference value below and is 100%, or, in the first process 19 shown, a second number 14 out of 17 production cycles.

[0081] The second process 8 is designed to heat the molds 3, 4 more quickly to the initial temperature 10 present during the first process 6, so that the production of hollow glass articles 1 of consistent quality can be resumed more quickly. This is intended to reduce the number of hollow glass articles 1 produced as rejects.

[0082] The first curve 19 shows the change in temperature 10, 11 in known processes, whereby, starting from the first process 6, during step b) of the process, the temperature drops from the first temperature 10 to the second temperature 11 and then gradually rises again. After lubrication, the first process 6 is continued. It can be seen that a second number 14 of 17 production cycles (17 produced hollow glass articles 1) are required until the first temperature 10 is reached again at the contact point 9 of the mold 3, 4.

[0083] The second curve 20 shows the change in temperature 10, 11 during step c) of the process, whereby, starting from the first process 6, during step b) of the process, the temperature drops from the first temperature 10 to the second temperature 11 and then rises again gradually, but more rapidly than in the first curve 19. The second process 8 is carried out after lubrication. During the second process, cooling of the mold 3, 4 by compressed air 5 is omitted. It can be seen that only the first number 13 of 9 production cycles (9 produced hollow glass articles 1) are required until the first temperature 10 is reached again at the contact point 9 of the mold 3, 4.

[0084] The third curve 21 shows the change in temperature 10, 11 during step c) of the procedure, whereby, starting from the first process 6, during step b) of the procedure, the temperature drops from the first temperature 10 to the second temperature 11 and then rises again successively, but faster than in the first curve 19 and the second curve 20. After lubrication, the second process

[0085] 8. In the second process, cooling of molds 3 and 4 by compressed air 5 is omitted, and the time period in which the intermediate product 16 or the hollow glass article 1 contacts the respective mold 3 or 4 is extended. It is evident that only an initial number 13 of 6 production cycles (6 produced hollow glass articles) are required until the contact point

[0086] 9 of form 3, 4 again sets the first temperature 10.

[0087] It is therefore evident that by extending the initial contact time between glass droplet 2, intermediate product 16, or hollow glass article 1 on the one hand and mold 3, 4 on the other, more heat can be transferred from the glass material to the mold 3, 4, causing it to heat up faster and to a higher temperature (than when using the first process 6). Simultaneously, by extending the second contact time between glass droplet 2 or intermediate product 15 on the one hand and a die 15 on the other, more heat can be transferred from the glass material to the die 15, causing it to heat up faster and to a higher temperature (than when using the first process 6).

[0088] It is also evident that by changing the air volume flow used to temper the mold 3, 4, the cooling capacity for the mold 3, 4 can be reduced. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the air volume flow (especially by reducing it), the temperature (especially by increasing it), or the pressure (especially by reducing it), or by interrupting it completely. Figure 4 shows that the compressed air 5 is used, on the one hand, to inflate the glass material (second air volume flow 25) and, on the other hand, to temper the finished mold 4 (by controlling the airflow through the channels 22 – first air volume flow 24). In addition, the compressed air 5 can be used to cool an opening 27 of the intermediate product 16 or the hollow glass article 1 (third air volume flow 26). Tempering the finished mold 4 can also be achieved by changing the vacuum 23 applied to the channels 22.

[0089] The hollow glass articles 1 produced during step c) are treated as rejects.

[0090] In particular, by applying step c), a second quantity 14 of hollow glass articles 1 produced as rejects can be reduced from the 100% present in known processes (here, 17 hollow glass articles 1) to approximately 53% (second process 20) or approximately 35% (third process 21). Reference numeral list

[0091] 1 Hollow glass item

[0092] 2 glass drops

[0093] 3 Preform (Mold)

[0094] 4 Finished form (mold)

[0095] 5 Compressed air

[0096] 6 first process

[0097] 7 Lubricants

[0098] 8 second process

[0099] 9 Contact point

[0100] 10 first temperature

[0101] 11 second temperature

[0102] 12 Production cycle

[0103] 13 first number

[0104] 14 second number

[0105] 15 stamps

[0106] 16 Intermediate product

[0107] 17 System

[0108] 18 Production plant

[0109] 19 first course

[0110] 20 second course

[0111] 21 third course

[0112] Channel 22

[0113] 23 Vacuum

[0114] 24 first air volume flow

[0115] 25 second air volume flow

[0116] 26 third air volume flow

[0117] 27 Mouth

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for producing a hollow glass article (1), wherein a glass drop (2) is transferred into a mold (3, 4) and inflated therein to form the hollow glass article (1) at least by means of compressed air (5); wherein the method comprises a first process (6) with first process parameters for producing a plurality of hollow glass articles (1), wherein the first process (6) is interrupted at certain time intervals and the mold (3, 4) is supplied with a lubricant (7), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) carrying out the first process (6) with first process parameters; b) interrupting the first process (6) and supplying the mold with lubricant (7). (3, 4) with a lubricant (7); c) initiating a second process (8) with second process parameters that differ at least partially from the first process parameters; d) resuming the first process (6) with first process parameters.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the mold (3, 4) has a first temperature (10) at at least one contact point (9) with the glass drop (2) during step a), which is within a first temperature range; wherein during step b) a temperature drop occurs at the contact point (9) to a lower second temperature (11) which is outside the first temperature range; wherein the second process parameters are changed compared to the first process parameters such that during step c) the temperature at the contact point (9) is increased to the first temperature (10).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the production of the hollow glass article (1) from the glass drop (2) by means of the mold (3, 4) as a production step cycle (12) is designated, wherein by carrying out step c) a first number (13) of reject-producing production cycles (12) is reduced by at least 30% compared to a second number (14) of reject-producing production cycles (12) when applying only the first process parameters.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a second process parameter, which differs from the first process parameters, comprises at least one of the following parameters, which is modified relative to the corresponding first process parameter as follows: • Extension of the initial contact time between the glass droplet (2) or hollow glass article (1) on the one hand and the mold (3, 4) on the other; • Extension of a second contact time between glass droplet (2) or hollow glass article (1) on the one hand and a stamp (15) on the other hand, wherein the stamp (15) is used to form an inner surface of the hollow glass article (1); • Reduction of the first cooling time of the mold (3, 4), wherein the first cooling time comprises a time interval between the removal of the hollow glass article (1) from the mold (3, 4) and the insertion of the glass drop (2) into the mold (3, 4); • Changing the air volume flow to reduce the cooling power required for the mold (3, 4); • Change of a vacuum (23) adjacent to the shape (3, 4).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the form (3, 4) is a preform (3) or a finished form (4), wherein the glass drop (2) is formed in the preform (3) into an intermediate product (16) and the intermediate product (16) is formed in the finished form (4) into the hollow glass article (1).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow glass articles (1) produced during step c) are treated as rejects.

7. System (17) for data processing, comprising means which are equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims on a production plant (18) for the manufacture of hollow glass articles (1).

Citation Information

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