Method and device for covering container with container lid

Abstract

A device for covering a container with a container lid, for example in a beverage bottling apparatus (1), comprises: an isolator (50) for providing a defined atmosphere inside it; a capper (30) which covers the container with a container lid, the capper (30) being arranged in the isolator (50); and a lid production device (40) for producing container lids from a hot melt, such as a plastic melt; the lid production device (40) is arranged outside the isolator (50) and the lid production device (40) is interconnected with the isolator (50) or is connected to the isolator (50) via a lid transfer channel (43) in order to feed the produced container lid into the capper (30).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202010254763.4, filed on April 2, 2020, entitled “Method and apparatus for covering a container with a container lid”. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for covering a container with a container lid, preferably in a beverage bottling apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Certain filled products generally require aseptic bottling to ensure product safety and shelf life. This aseptic bottling, low-bacteria or aseptic bottling, and the associated bottling equipment are respectively referred to as "aseptic bottling" and "aseptic bottling equipment".

[0004] To enable aseptic bottling, depending on the application, the handling of the containers to be filled (e.g., blow molding, rinsing, transport, filling, and capping) is carried out at least partially in a cleanroom (also known as an "isolation chamber"). In the cleanroom, a controlled atmosphere is provided, for example through filters and / or gas supply, to provide an atmosphere that is sterile or at least sufficiently low in bacteria and particulate matter to meet the specific product requirements.

[0005] After caps are manufactured, they are typically stored and transported in bulk containers. For further processing, the caps must be meticulously separated and sorted. This requires complex machinery that is both difficult and resource-intensive to maintain. During storage, transport, and individualization, caps are exposed to environmental conditions, which can lead to contamination. In particular, microbial bacteria can deposit on the caps, which must then be removed or killed through a complex sterilization process. Cap sterilizers suited for this purpose increase the structural complexity of capping machines and are energy and cost intensive. Furthermore, abrasion can occur between caps during handling, such as during sorting and transport. These abrasion particles and any other foreign matter can be carried and thus enter the containers to be filled.

[0006] To cover containers under aseptic conditions, it is known to clean and optionally sterilize the caps before applying them to the filled containers. After the sterilization step, the caps are applied aseptically to the appropriate containers to be capped in an isolator. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and method for covering a container with a container cap, particularly in beverage bottling equipment.

[0008] This objective is achieved by an apparatus having the features of the invention, a beverage bottling apparatus having the features of the invention, and a method having the features of the invention. Advantageous further developments are derived from the following description and preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Therefore, an apparatus for sealing containers with container caps, for example, in a beverage bottling facility, has been proposed. The apparatus includes an isolator for providing a defined atmosphere therein, and a capping device for sealing the containers with container caps, the capping device being arranged within the isolator. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a cap production device for producing container caps from a hot melt, such as molten plastic. Additionally, the cap production device is arranged outside the isolator and is interconnected with or connected to the isolator via a cap conveying channel to supply the produced container caps to the capping device.

[0010] Because the container caps are co-sterilized during the production process, and because they are located near the isolator (interconnector or cap transport channel), or more precisely, because they are not exposed to contamination, this state is maintained. Therefore, it is not necessary to sterilize the container caps again before sealing the containers to be capped. Due to the proposed arrangement, the container caps remain clean and sterile at all times.

[0011] Furthermore, container caps do not need to be stored, thus eliminating the need for any transportation means, such as shipping boxes. If the container caps are formed individually and produced in a rotary device with the same pitch as the capper, there is no need to re-individualize and / or sort and / or align the container caps; instead, the produced container caps can be supplied directly from the cap production device with the correct alignment and pitch, resulting in a reduction in the mechanical complexity of the beverage bottling equipment equipped with the device according to the invention. Therefore, devices for transporting caps, sorting systems, and sensors, such as cameras, can be eliminated. Cap inspection units for detecting production defects, contamination, etc., can be easily integrated into the cap production device, especially the preferred rotary machine.

[0012] If the container cap is immediately transferred to the capping device to seal the container, the pitch of the capping device preferably corresponds to the pitch of the cap production device, i.e., the circulation rate is matched, so that each container cap can be assigned to the corresponding container without any problems. Similarly, the orientation (i.e., alignment) of the container cap is preferably maintained from production to application.

[0013] The raw materials are preferably heated in the cap production apparatus to form a melt, especially at temperatures that do not require additional sterilization of the raw materials and the container caps produced therefrom. Therefore, the melt used to produce the container caps is preferably heated to a degree to which virtually no microorganisms (spores and / or vegetative bacteria) can survive the process, so that the container caps are substantially sterile after being formed in the cap forming unit.

[0014] Preferably, an apparatus is provided for sterilizing a cap production device, the apparatus being configured to contact the cap production device with a sterilizing gas. This includes complete and partial contact of the cap production device, particularly the cap forming unit. Therefore, sterility obtained through container cap production can be achieved and maintained in a particularly reliable manner. If a cap delivery channel exists through which container caps are transported from the cap forming unit to the isolator, the sterilizing gas is particularly preferably applied to the cap delivery channel.

[0015] Preferably, the means for sterilizing the cap production apparatus includes one or more nozzles configured such that they direct an airflow of sterilizing gas to at least a portion of the cap production apparatus, preferably the cap forming unit. Thus, the sterility of the container caps produced therefrom is effectively maintained by killing any externally introduced bacteria, resulting in sterile container caps that are not contaminated.

[0016] Preferably, the sterilizing gas contains H2O2, for example, at a concentration in the range of 100 ppm to 200 ppm, particularly preferably about 150 ppm. At these concentrations, the gas is non-corrosive and can therefore be discharged into the cap production apparatus without problems, especially in a continuous manner.

[0017] Preferably, the apparatus for sterilizing the cap production device is configured to contact the cap production device with sterilizing gas during the production of the container cap, preferably continuously, so that the sterility obtained by the production of the container cap can be reliably maintained, for example, when the cap production device is located outside an isolator.

[0018] Preferably, the apparatus for sterilizing the cap production unit is configured to contact the cap production unit with sterilizing gas outside of the container cap production process (in terms of time), i.e., before startup or during a break in normal operation. Here, "normal operation" refers to the operating state of the cap production unit, which produces and transports container caps, for example, to the cappers of a beverage bottling facility. In this embodiment, the cap production unit is sterilized outside of normal operation, and then, during normal operation, is preferably covered with sterile air from an isolator. This eliminates the need for continuous active contact with the apparatus used for sterilizing the cap production unit, thus saving energy and resources.

[0019] The isolator preferably also includes a capping device that covers the container with the container lid. The isolator may include an airlock and an internal pressure of sterile air or clean air and / or other gases, increased compared to the external environment, to ensure that no contaminants can penetrate the isolator from the outside by directing airflow outward. With the isolator, the sterility of the container lid can be maintained after production without the need for separate subsequent sterilization.

[0020] Preferably, the cap production apparatus is designed as a rotary table machine. In this case, since the container caps are formed individually and are already present in the production process at the pitch required by the cappers, they can be immediately conveyed to the possible cappers without having to be individualized and / or sorted again.

[0021] Furthermore, the above objective is achieved by a beverage bottling device, which includes a filler for filling a container with beverage and, according to any of the above variations, a device for covering the filled container with a container cap.

[0022] The technical effects, advantages, and embodiments of the container cap production and sterilization device described above are applicable to beverage bottling equipment after modification.

[0023] Therefore, due to the sterilization of the cap production unit, the mechanical complexity of beverage bottling equipment can be reduced for the reasons mentioned above. Devices for transporting caps, sorting systems, and sensors, such as cameras, can be eliminated.

[0024] The cap production unit can be sterilized outside of normal operation, and then covered with sterile air from the isolator during normal operation. This eliminates the need for continuous active contact with the equipment used to sterilize the cap production unit, thereby saving energy and resources.

[0025] Furthermore, the above objective is achieved by a method configured to seal a container to be sealed with a container cap. This method includes: generating a sterile or low-bacterial atmosphere in a cleanroom of an isolator; producing a container cap from a hot melt, preferably a plastic melt, in a cap forming unit of a cap production apparatus, the cap forming unit being arranged outside and interconnected with the isolator or connected to the isolator via a cap delivery channel for transporting the container cap into the isolator; and transporting the container cap into the isolator.

[0026] The above-described technical effects, advantages, and embodiments of the container cap production and sterilization device and beverage bottling equipment are applied to this method after modification.

[0027] Furthermore, the method includes sterilizing the cap production apparatus by contacting at least a portion of the cap production apparatus with a sterilizing gas, resulting in a particularly reliable way to achieve and maintain the sterility obtained from the production of container caps. If a cap transport channel exists through which container caps are transported from the cap forming unit to the isolator, the sterilizing gas is particularly preferably applied to the cap transport channel.

[0028] Preferably, the sterilizing gas contains H2O2, for example, at a concentration in the range of 100 ppm to 200 ppm, particularly preferably about 150 ppm. At these concentrations, the gas is non-corrosive and can therefore be discharged into the cap production apparatus without problems, especially in a continuous manner.

[0029] Preferably, during the production of the container cap, the cap production apparatus comes into contact with sterilizing gas, preferably continuously. Alternatively or additionally, for the reasons described above, the cap production apparatus may come into contact with sterilizing gas outside of the production of the container cap (in terms of time).

[0030] Preferably, the produced container caps are transported to a capping device to cover the containers. According to a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the container caps do not pass through a sorting system and / or a device for sterilizing the container caps and / or a unitizing device, because these can be omitted if the sterility of the container caps is maintained due to the co-sterilization of the production process and the sterilization of the cap production device, especially when the device is designed as a rotary machine.

[0031] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. These features may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the foregoing features, provided they are not contradictory. The following description of preferred exemplary embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] More particularly, further preferred embodiments of the invention will be illustrated by the following description of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of equipment used for producing, filling, and capping containers;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for producing, filling, and capping containers according to another exemplary embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for producing, filling, and sealing containers, according to another exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, elements that are the same, similar, or operate in the same manner have the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of the elements have been omitted in part to avoid repetition.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage bottling apparatus 1 according to various exemplary embodiments, particularly an apparatus for producing, filling and capping containers.

[0038] The beverage bottling equipment 1 includes: a device 10 for producing containers, also referred to herein as a "container production device"; a device 20 for filling containers, also referred to herein as a "filler"; a device 30 for covering containers with container caps, also referred to herein as a "capper"; and a device 40 for producing container caps, also referred to herein as a "cap production device".

[0039] Therefore, the beverage bottling equipment 1 includes multiple stations that sequentially pass through from container production, container filling to container capping. For this purpose, containers or their preforms (in the preparatory stage of the container before blow molding or stretch blow molding) are transported along the conveyor path F by transport star wheels, thus transferring from one transport star wheel to the next. For clarity, in Figures 1 to 3 The preform, container, container cap, and retainer / clamp are not shown in the diagram. The transport star wheel may be used solely for transport, or it may be equipped with a handling unit depending on the workstation.

[0040] It should be noted that the workstations shown herein are merely exemplary. For example, beverage bottling equipment 1 may be equipped with other or alternative processing workstations, such as labeling devices, cleaning devices, etc. Similarly, workstations may be omitted; for example, if the containers have already been delivered in their final, unfilled form, the container production unit 10 may be omitted.

[0041] The container production apparatus 10 includes a unit 11 for preparing and preheating a preform. The preform thus prepared is transferred to a blow molding unit 12, where the heated preform expands by blow molding or stretch blow molding to form a container to be filled. For this purpose, the preform is contacted with pressurized gas in a blow molding die, the cavity profile of which corresponds to the desired external shape of the container, and in the case of stretch blow molding, it is also stretched with a stretch bar to cause the preform to expand and form a container.

[0042] A sterilization unit 13 configured to sterilize the preforms may be located between unit 11 and blow molding unit 12. For this purpose, sterilization unit 13 may use, for example, electronic radiation, UV radiation, and / or sterilizing gases. It should be noted that sterilization unit 13 may also be arranged after blow molding unit 12 in the conveying direction F, or it may be omitted entirely if the preforms are already sufficiently sterilized due to the heat required for the production container and remain so throughout the subsequent processing path.

[0043] Following the blow molding unit 12, the container enters the isolator 50, which contains a controlled atmosphere. The isolator 50 is configured as, for example, a cleanroom containing sterile air, so that subsequent operating steps can be performed in a clean, sterile, or at least low-bacterial atmosphere. The isolator 50 may include an airlock 51 through which the container to be filled enters the isolator 50, and the internal pressure is increased relative to the external environment to ensure that no contaminants can penetrate into the isolator 50 from the outside by means of an outwardly directed flow of gas or air.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the filler 20 and the capper 30 are located in the isolator 50. However, it is also possible, for example, for one or more units of the container production apparatus 10 to be arranged in the isolator 50.

[0045] After blow molding and entering isolator 50, the container is filled with a filler product, such as a beverage, via filler 20. Here, the filler product is also preferably sterile. Thus, aseptic filling of the container to be filled occurs.

[0046] The container is then capped in capper 30. For this purpose, the filled container is transported to capper 30 via one or more transport star wheels in isolator 50.

[0047] Meanwhile, in an independent operating track, the container caps are produced in the cap production unit 40 and transported to the capping unit 30.

[0048] The cap production apparatus 40 produces container caps from, for example, thermoplastic melt. For this purpose, a cap forming unit 41 may be provided, wherein the container caps are made from thermoplastic melt by, for example, injection molding. The cap forming unit 41 is preferably designed as a rotary machine, which can demold the container caps at the same cycle or pitch when the capper 30 requires them.

[0049] The cap forming unit 41 obtains raw materials from the plastic storage container 42, which may be as follows: Figures 1 to 3 This is part of the cap production apparatus 40 shown, or a separate unit. The raw materials are heated in, for example, an extruder to form a melt, and due to the temperature used, no additional sterilization is required for the raw materials and the container caps produced therefrom.

[0050] Preferably, the cap-producing device 40 is directly interconnected with the capping device 30, that is, directly connected to the capping device 30, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the container lid can be transferred to the capper 30 without a substantial transport path.

[0051] Or, such as Figure 2 As shown, the formed container cap is conveyed to the capper 30 via the cap conveying channel 43. Preferably, a controlled atmosphere is also provided in the cap conveying channel 43. The controlled atmosphere, such as a sterile atmosphere, within the cap conveying channel 43 can be achieved by bringing the interior into contact with or becoming part of the isolator 50, thus extending the controlled atmosphere in the isolator 50 into the cap conveying channel 43.

[0052] The melt used to produce the container lid is heated to a degree to which virtually no microorganisms or bacteria (such as spores or vegetative bacteria) can survive the process, so the container lid is essentially sterile after it is formed in the lid forming unit 41.

[0053] Because the container caps produced through direct transfer to the controlled atmosphere of isolator 50 remain sterile, they continue to be produced in a co-sterilized manner. In other words, due to interconnection or connection via cap delivery channel 43, the aseptically produced container caps do not come into contact with bacteria or other contaminants. Instead, the produced container caps can be applied directly to containers awaiting sealing.

[0054] Further assurance of the sterility of the container caps can be achieved by bringing the cap production apparatus 40, particularly the cap forming unit 41, into full or at least partial contact with a sterilizing gas (e.g., H2O2 at a concentration of approximately 150 ppm). The sterilizing gas, within this concentration range, is non-corrosive and can be continuously released onto the cap production apparatus 40.

[0055] Therefore, according to Figure 1 and 2 The beverage bottling equipment 1 of the exemplary embodiment includes a device 60 for sterilizing the cap production apparatus, which is also referred to herein as the "cap production sterilization apparatus". The cap production sterilization apparatus 60 includes a sterile gas applicator that supplies sterile gas and includes one or more nozzles, and is directed to the cap production apparatus 40, in particular the cap forming unit 41, so that the sterility of the container caps obtained by production is maintained.

[0056] Therefore, any bacteria that seep into the cap production unit 40 from the outside are killed, and the sterile container caps are not contaminated.

[0057] The transport path of the container cap from the cap forming unit 41 to the capping device 30 can also come into contact with sterilizing gas from the cap production sterilization device 60. Therefore, the transport path can also remain sterile, and any bacteria that seep into the transport path can be killed.

[0058] According to this exemplary embodiment, the continuous contact of the cap production device 40 occurs, for example, during the production of container caps, particularly during normal operation of the beverage bottling equipment 1. Alternatively, contact between the cap production device 40 and the conveying path carrying sterilizing gas may also occur before normal operation of the beverage bottling equipment 1 and / or during operational interruptions.

[0059] The structural assembly including cap production device 40 and cap production sterilization device 60 is referred to herein as "container cap production and sterilization device" and is shown in Figure 2.

[0060] according to Figure 3 In another exemplary embodiment depicted, the cap production apparatus 40, particularly the cap forming unit 41, is sterilized before production, i.e., before startup, and subsequently covered with sterile air from an isolator during normal operation of the beverage bottling equipment 1. For this purpose, the cap production apparatus 40 may be located within the isolator 50 (see [reference]). Figure 3 (or in a separate isolator interconnected with it.)

[0061] Sterilization of the cap production unit 40 outside of normal operation (in terms of time) is carried out by, for example, a cap production sterilization device 60' located in the isolator 50. However, in this case, the cap production unit 40 and the cap production sterilization device 60' are located in a single housing to prevent sterilization gases from reaching the container cap or entering the still-open container.

[0062] If the cap production sterilization apparatus is arranged in an isolator, this is referred to herein as an "internal cap production sterilization apparatus" 60', otherwise it is referred to as an "external cap production sterilization apparatus" 60.

[0063] Therefore, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the embodiments in the text, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, no special contact between the capping production unit 40 and the sterilizing gas is required during normal operation of the beverage bottling equipment 1. Instead, sterilization is performed in advance, either before startup or during interruptions in normal operation, and is maintained by the atmosphere in the isolator 50 during operation.

[0064] Because the container caps are sterilized during the manufacturing process, and this sterility is maintained until they are applied to containers to be capped, the container caps do not need to be sterilized again before the capper 30 applies them, thanks to, for example, the cap manufacturing sterilization devices 60, 60'. The container caps remain clean and sterile at all times. Furthermore, they do not need to be stored, thus eliminating the need for any transportation (e.g., shipping containers) and their handling.

[0065] Because the container caps are formed individually, they are separated during the production process, especially in rotary machines, and immediately conveyed to the capper 30. Therefore, there is no need to re-individualize and / or sort the container caps, resulting in reduced mechanical complexity of the beverage bottling equipment 1. Consequently, devices for transporting caps, sorting systems, and sensors, such as cameras, can be eliminated. Cap inspection units for detecting production defects, contamination, etc., can be easily integrated into the cap production apparatus 40, particularly the preferred rotary machine.

[0066] If the container cap is transferred to the capping device 30, the pitch of the capping device preferably corresponds to the pitch of the cap production device 40. In other words, the circulation rate is preferably matched so that each container cap can be assigned to the corresponding container without any problems. Similarly, the orientation (i.e., alignment) of the container cap is preferably maintained from production to application.

[0067] Where applicable, without departing from the scope of the invention, all individual features described in the exemplary embodiments may be combined with and / or substituted for one another.

[0068] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0069] 1 Beverage bottling equipment

[0070] 2. Container cap production and sterilization equipment

[0071] 10 Container Production Unit

[0072] 11 Preform Production Unit

[0073] 12 blow molding units

[0074] 13 sterilization units

[0075] 20. Devices for filling containers (fillers)

[0076] 30. A device for covering a container with a lid (capping device).

[0077] 40-cap production unit

[0078] 41 Cap Forming Unit

[0079] 42 Plastic Storage Container

[0080] 43 Cover Conveying Channel

[0081] 50 isolators

[0082] 51 airlock

[0083] 60 external devices for sterilizing cap production equipment (cap production sterilization equipment)

[0084] 60' Internal sterilization device for cap production unit (cap production sterilization device)

[0085] F Conveying direction

Claims

1. An apparatus for covering a container with a container lid, the apparatus comprising: An isolator (50) is used to provide a confined atmosphere within it; A capping device (30) for covering a container with a container cap, the capping device (30) being arranged in the isolator (50); and A lid production apparatus (40) for producing container lids from hot melt; The cap production device (40) is arranged outside the isolator (50), and the cap production device (40) is interconnected with the isolator (50) in a sealed manner or connected to the isolator (50) via the cap delivery channel (43) to deliver the produced container caps into the capping device (30). The device (60, 60') is provided for sterilizing the cap production device (40) with a sterilizing gas. The device (60, 60') for sterilizing the cap production device (40) includes one or more nozzles, which are configured to direct the airflow of the sterilizing gas to at least a portion of the cap production device (40). The apparatus (60, 60') for sterilizing the cap production apparatus (40) is configured to contact the cap production apparatus (40) with the sterilizing gas during the production of the container cap; and The devices (60, 60') are also arranged to sterilize the transport path by contacting the sterilizing gas with the transport path during the transport of the container lid from the cap forming unit (41) to the capping device (30).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 is used in a beverage bottling apparatus (1).

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container lid is produced from a plastic melt.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizing gas comprises H2O2.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the concentration of H2O2 is in the range of 100 ppm to 200 ppm.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the concentration of H2O2 is about 150 ppm.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means (60, 60') for sterilizing the cap production apparatus (40) is configured to contact the cap production apparatus (40) with the sterilizing gas at a time other than the production of the container cap.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means (60, 60') for sterilizing the cap production apparatus (40) is configured to continuously contact the cap production apparatus (40) with the sterilizing gas during the production of the container cap.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the isolator (50) further includes a filler (20) for filling a container with a filling product.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cap production apparatus (40) is designed as a rotary table machine.

11. A beverage bottling apparatus (1) comprising a filler (20) for filling a container with a beverage and a means (2) for covering the filled container with a container cap as described in any of the preceding claims.

12. The beverage bottling apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein the filler (20) is arranged in the isolator (50).

13. The beverage bottling equipment (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the pitch of the cap producing device (40) corresponds to the pitch of the capping device (30).

14. A method of covering a container with a container lid, the method comprising: A controlled atmosphere is generated inside the isolator (50); A container cap is manufactured from a hot melt in a cap production apparatus (40), the cap production apparatus (40) being arranged outside the isolator (50) and interconnected with or connected to the isolator (50) via a cap conveying channel (43); and The container lid is conveyed to the capping device (30) disposed in the isolator (50); The cap production apparatus (40) is sterilized by means of means (60, 60') for contacting at least a portion of the cap production apparatus with sterilizing gas, the means (60, 60') for sterilizing the cap production apparatus (40) including one or more nozzles configured such that they direct the airflow of the sterilizing gas to at least a portion of the cap production apparatus (40). The apparatus (60, 60') for sterilizing the cap production apparatus (40) contacts the cap production apparatus (40) with the sterilizing gas during the production of the container cap; and The device (60, 60') contacts the sterilizing gas along the transport path during the delivery of the container cap from the cap forming unit (41) to the capping device (30).

15. The method according to claim 14 is used in a beverage bottling apparatus (1).

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the container lid is manufactured from a plastic melt.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the sterilizing gas comprises H2O2.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the concentration of H2O2 is in the range of 100 ppm to 200 ppm.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the concentration of H2O2 is about 150 ppm.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the produced container cap is transferred to the capping device (30) to cover the container with the container cap.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein no sorting system and / or sterilization device and / or individualization device are required for the container cap.

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