Capping method for applying screw cap and electronic capping machine

Abstract

A capping method for applying a screw cap to a container, comprising the steps of: acquiring (101), at a preset rate, values of a physical quantity identifying at least important phases of a capping cycle and related to a rotational movement; forming (102) data strings, each corresponding to a single capping head (10a... 10n) and one of a plurality of consecutive capping cycles, using the acquired values; creating a database of the data string; obtaining a time-varying state indicator from the data string; defining a numerical range representing normal proceeding of the capping period for the time-varying state index; checking whether the real-time numerical value of the state index falls into a corresponding range or not; the verification result is stored in the database; at least if the number of negative results exceeds a threshold value, an alarm sign is generated that indicates that one or more components of the capping machine (1; 1A) may fail in the future.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the handling and packaging of liquids, and more specifically, to a capping method for applying screw caps and an electronic capping machine capable of monitoring and predictive analysis of performance. Background Technology

[0002] In capping machines used to apply screw caps, each capping head must simultaneously perform a rotary motion and a vertical translational motion. In electronic capping machines, at least the rotary motion is driven by a motor from which information for tracing partial capping parameters, particularly the torque applied to the cap, can be obtained. The vertical translational motion can be achieved by an electric linear motor or a mechanical cam.

[0003] However, in traditional electronic capping machines, the data obtained is typically used for a rough analysis of capping quality and fault identification, and is not always systematically saved and recorded. Furthermore, it is usually only consulted when a major fault occurs that requires precise analysis. Therefore, intervention is only implemented when a fault has become obvious.

[0004] EP 1103513 A1 discloses a system for applying screw caps to bottles, wherein, during the capping process, data on the torque applied to the cap and the angular position of the cap itself are collected to quickly identify whether the capping is successful, thereby immediately rejecting bottles with unsuccessful capping after the capping process is completed.

[0005] WO 2021 / 008782 A1 discloses a liquid handling apparatus that implements a method for storing apparatus operating data and using the stored data for preventive maintenance purposes.

[0006] For example, WO 2021260595 A1, US 2022269259 A1, US 2023109567 A1, US 2023266752 A1 and EP 4116781 A1 disclose other solutions for providing preventive / predictive maintenance in systems that can package products including beverages. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a capping method that can not only monitor capping quality but also predict and analyze the performance of the capping machine implementing the method, thereby preventing malfunctions.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a capping method for applying screw caps, the method comprising the following steps in the capping cycle: At a preset rate, acquire values ​​of physical quantities that can at least identify important phases of the cycle and are related to the rotational motion applied to the cap for sealing; The collected values ​​are used to form data strings that are associated with the capping head and one of multiple consecutive capping cycles. Create a database containing this type of data string; Time-varying status indicators are obtained from the data string, and numerical ranges representing the normal execution of the capping cycle are defined for these status indicators; Verify whether the instantaneous values ​​of the status indicators fall within the corresponding range; and The verification results are stored in a database, and at least if the number of negative results exceeds a threshold, an alarm flag is generated indicating a possible future failure in one or more components of the capping machine implementing the method.

[0009] Preferably, the values ​​of physical quantities related to the translational motion applied simultaneously to the lid during the rotational motion are also collected and input into the data string.

[0010] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the physical quantities associated with the rotational motion and used to form the data string include at least: The current supplied to the motor that performs the rotary motion under no-load conditions; The position of the capping head at the start of the cap tightening phase; The position of the capping head when the tightening stage ends (capping completed); The range of travel of the capping head from the dead point to the start position of the tightening stage; The range of travel of the capping head from the preset point of the cycle to the end position of the capping; The rated electromagnetic torque output during the tightening phase; and The physical quantities associated with the translational motion include at least the vertical position of the lid and the axial force applied to the lid.

[0011] Advantageously, the data string also includes identifiers related to the capping head and the cycle, as well as a flag indicating the end of the capping process.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the state index is the average movement time of a single physical quantity or a combination of physical quantities.

[0013] Advantageously, physical quantities that are related to the operating mode of the capping machine or the apparatus to which the capping machine belongs and are independent of individual capping heads and individual capping cycles are used to obtain the status indicators, including, for example: The operating mode of the capping machine; Any machine alarms; The set production speed; Parameters of the device to which the capping machine belongs; The state of the device; Actual production speed.

[0014] The present invention also relates to an electronic capping machine for implementing the method, having the features described in claims 12 to 18. Attached Figure Description

[0015] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A block diagram of a capping machine with performance monitoring and predictive analysis devices is shown; Figure 2 A partial view of an electronic rotary capping machine in which only the rotation of the capping head is motor-controlled is shown: Figure 3 The capping curves for key parts of the capping cycle are shown. Figure 4 This shows some capping parameter graphs for key parts of the capping cycle; Figure 5 The data strings obtained from the data collected from the capping head and the data related to the production line are shown; Figure 6 The data collected from the capping head during each capping cycle, as well as the results of the data preparation and calculation phases, are shown. Figure 7 This demonstrates the application of information obtained from data collected from each capping head in judgment and prediction; Figure 8 This demonstrates the application of information obtained from data collected from each capping head in judgment and prediction; Figure 9 A flowchart of the data acquisition phase during the capping process is shown; Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the performance analysis of the capping machine is shown; Figure 11 Similar to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electronic rotary capping machine is shown, in which the translation and rotation of the capping head are both controlled by a motor; and Figure 12 The diagram shows some sealing parameter curves when the rotation and translation of the sealing head are both driven by a motor. Detailed Implementation

[0016] refer to Figure 1The capping machine 1 of this invention typically includes multiple capping heads 10a...10n. During each capping cycle (where a "cycle" refers to all operations performed on the bottle or other container from the moment the cap is engaged with the bottle until it is fully tightened), numerical values ​​of physical quantities related to the operation of the capping heads are collected at a desired sampling rate, e.g., once per second, for processing in an analysis system 2, thereby providing useful information for the judgment and predictive maintenance of the capping machine 1. Arrow A indicates data collection from the capping heads 10a...10n. For analysis, data related to production line automation and independent of the capping heads and the cycle to which the capping machine 1 belongs are also collected. Therefore, this data stream is represented by arrow B, which deviates from the capping head 10. The data used for analysis will be discussed below. Data related to each capping cycle provided by the capping heads is serialized one by one in the serialization device 20, and then sent by the serialization device 20 to the (local or distributed) storage device 21, where it forms a database with information related to each capping head and each cycle. These devices 21 also directly receive data related to production line automation, which is collected at the same frequency as the data related to each capping head. The stored data is then provided to the data preparation and calculation module 22, which performs targeted processing for predictive analysis, thereby enabling preventative or predictive maintenance of the capping machine. Specifically, module 22 compresses the received data into a finite number of values ​​that change over time, thus deriving a "status index" summarizing the normal operation of a component or process. In the following embodiments, this status index consists of the moving-time average of a single physical quantity or a combination of physical quantities. To obtain this status index, module 22 also uses data related to production line automation. The processing results are also stored in the storage device 21. The analysis system 2 shown in the figure is a component separate from the machine's control system 3, but it can also be part of the control system 3.

[0017] The mechanical structure of the capping machine 1 and the capping heads 10a...10n is completely conventional and will not be described in detail here. For clarity, Figure 3 An example of a rotary (or turret) capping machine is shown, in which only the rotational movement of the head's translational axis is driven by an electric actuator, and the components that will be mentioned below are clearly indicated: Support component 18 for the bottleneck; Cap processing component 11 (capping cone or gripper); Motor 12 of head 10; During the capping cycle, a roller 13 guides the head 10 to move along a cam track 17 that adjusts the vertical position of the head; Motor drive belt 14 (if equipped); Sealing gasket 15 for the sliding piston seat of the head; Spring 16 is used to apply compensating load (hereinafter referred to as "axial force").

[0018] For clarity, reference will be made in the following text. Figure 2 The rotary capping machine shown is used to describe the various stages of the rotation cycle relevant to this purpose.

[0019] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 This diagram illustrates how the rotational speed and electromagnetic torque (hereinafter referred to as "torque") vary with the angular position (primary position) of the head during a portion of the capping cycle. During the capping process, the motor 12 of the head typically rotates at a speed related to the machine's production speed and monitors its current, which is related to the output torque via a torque constant kt. The resistance torque increases as the cap engages with the bottle and begins to tighten. When the electromagnetic torque reaches an operator-set value (deceleration torque), marking the start of tightening the cap, the motor performs a braking operation and continues the cycle at a lower speed (closing speed). At the end of the tightening phase (i.e., capping is complete, before the capping cone disengages from the cap), the torque reaches a value representing the closing torque. It is important to note that the head position is not constant at this point, but rather falls between a minimum value (MIN) and a maximum value (MAX), as it depends on the timing of detecting the deceleration torque, the timing of reaching the closing torque, and how the cap begins to engage the threads on the bottle.

[0020] Now refer to Figures 5-9 This describes the analysis performed by system 2 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Any values ​​shown in the figures were obtained using a capping head of the type disclosed by the applicant in WO2024 / 052869 A1.

[0021] The relevant data included in each header of the data string, in addition to the header identifier (header, header Nr) and the data collection period (count), also includes: Current under no-load conditions (no-load, no-load current); The head travels along cam 17 from a conventional parameterizable point (hereinafter referred to as the "dead point" in the specification and claims) to the point where the deceleration torque is detected, i.e., the angular travel (S.Trns, SwitchTurns) at the end of the insertion phase and the beginning of the tightening phase; typically, the dead point is a point on the cam where the cover has not yet contacted the bottleneck but is very close to it; The angular travel of the head from the dead point to the end of the tightening phase (L.Trns, LockTurns). At the end of the insertion and deceleration phase, the angular position (SPos, SwitchPosition) of the head. At the end of the tightening phase, the angular position of the head (LPos, locked position). The final torque or closing torque applied (torque, applied torque).

[0022] The data string also includes a status indicator (status, sealing status) when the capping is completed, that is, the operation result: a value of 0 indicates that the capping is correct, and a value ≠ 0 indicates an error.

[0023] The data related to the automation of the production line are as follows: The machine's operating mode (machine mode) is, in this case, "in production"; Any machine alarms, but in the case considered here, no alarms. Set production speed (set speed); A set of parameters (recipe) that depend on the machine / production line to which the capping machine 1 belongs, and are independent of each head and each cycle (recipe Id). Machine status (production) Actual speed (actual speed).

[0024] During the data preparation and aggregation phase: The average value (average friction value) of the inherent mechanical friction of each component of the head is obtained by the no-load current. Figure 3 The periodic range for reaching this friction value is shown; The average value of the angle of rotation of the cap between the end of the insertion step and the end of the tightening phase of each cycle is obtained by calculating the angle of rotation of the head's translational axis around its own axis during the tightening phase. This average value is the average difference (average tightening) of the angle of rotation of the cap between the arrival of the deceleration torque and the end of the capping process. At the end of the tightening phase, the angular position of the head is obtained with the minimum and maximum values ​​allowed for that position (minimum & maximum, minimum / maximum tightening position). The average value (average closing torque) is obtained from the final torque, where the final torque may also vary with the period; From the state at the end of the capping process, count the total number of capping cycles (total number of capping cycles) and identify good or acceptable capping (good / acceptable capping), missing cap or bottle during the capping process (missing cap or bottle), or failure to reach effective torque (failure to reach torque).

[0025] The advantage is that the average will be updated using machine learning techniques.

[0026] Information related to the average rotational torque and angle when tightening the lid can be used to assess the results, provide historical trends in the closing torque, and track its drift to prevent anomalies.

[0027] Information related to the final fastening position and average friction force is used for maintenance, prediction, and identification of any anomalies: in particular, analysis of the final position is used to prevent wear of mechanical components, while friction tracking can predict the need for maintenance.

[0028] Finally, information related to the state of the capping bundle can be used for alarm judgment, providing the historical trend of the final state of each head, and performing predictive maintenance based on the drift of the state.

[0029] More specifically, information related to average friction can be used for predictive analysis based on its historical trends. Specifically, the change in average friction values ​​over time, related to the rotational speed of the head, can construct a data cloud characterizing normal operation. Deviations between the data and this cloud may be a sign of impending failure, such as insufficient lubrication.

[0030] In terms of the average tightening angle, it remains essentially constant at a controlled speed during the capping process: under the same operating mode, a drift in this value may represent a drift in the tightening torque.

[0031] By analyzing the final position of the head on the cam, values ​​that exceed the preset range can be identified. These values ​​may be caused by various mechanical factors, such as wear of the roller piston, wear of the centering component, etc.

[0032] The trend information of torque change over time obtained from the average value of the closing torque can be viewed and compared with the historical trend of tightening torque under the same set torque level.

[0033] Finally, a high acceptable cap count indicates an impending failure.

[0034] Table 1 below shows the drift of the values ​​found in the analysis of the "optimal" numerical description. Figure 2 The components of the capping machine shown may be related.

[0035] Table 1

[0036] The “average rotation” in the table corresponds to the average tightening angle mentioned above.

[0037] If belt 14 is not installed, the drift in average friction will most likely indicate wear of the motor's internal bearings, as well as problems with lubrication and sealing gaskets.

[0038] The aforementioned physical quantities can also predict the occurrence of malfunctions in other components of the capping head.

[0039] The capping method with performance prediction analysis described in this invention is as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. For clarity, the data collection ( Figure 9 ) and actual analysis ( Figure 10 These are shown separately, but during normal operation of the capping machine, these operations are performed simultaneously. In any case, there may be a calibration phase for creating the initial database.

[0040] For physical quantities other than the no-load current, the start of data acquisition for the head during the capping cycle (step 100) is represented by the recognition of the deceleration torque reached. Figure 3 From this point on, the collection... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The numerical values ​​of the physical quantities shown are collected, and corresponding data strings are constructed. Then, each header is stored in a local or distributed database (step 101). In subsequent cycles, these operations are repeated until, for example, the end of a production cycle (collection complete, step 103; stop, step 104).

[0041] For practical analysis, after the start (step 200), the first operation is to read the data strings from the database 21 and determine the status indicators (step 210). In the illustrated embodiment, the status indicators are moving averages, specifically: MEDIAN(t) represents the no-load current; MEDIALS(t) represents the difference between the angular travel L.TRNS and S.TRNS; MINE(t) and MAXL(t) represent the final sealing angle; MEDIAT(t) represents the torque; and COUNTS(t) represents the status.

[0042] Then, these indicators are verified to see if they fall within the preset or obtained range (step 202). If the verification result is positive (the output of step 203 is YES), the process continues until, for example, production ends (analysis complete, step 205). If or when step 203 indicates a negative result, the result is stored. If this is a one-time event, the capping machine can continue to operate normally. However, if the frequency of negative verification reports in step 203 is too high, an alarm for future anomalies will be generated, and the person in charge can decide to immediately suspend operations based on the component affected by the anomaly or the predicted type of anomaly.

[0043] The following section will describe two examples of anomaly prediction.

[0044] Example 1: Conveyor Belt Malfunction This prediction is based on the analysis of the median value of the no-load current (MEDIAN(t)). The value of the physical quantity measured at the start of installation is represented as MEDIAN(t=0). If MEDIAN(t) falls within the range of MEDIAN(t=0) ± X, the belt condition is considered good. For example, suppose MEDIAN(t=0) is converted to a torque of 0.6 Nm and X = 25%. Therefore, at any data acquisition time t1 (the time of physical quantity measurement), if MEDIAN(t1) ≥ 4.5 or MEDIAN(t1) ≤ 7.5, the comparison in step 202 will give a positive result. If MEDIAN(t1) > 7.5, the belt is considered too tight; if MEDIAN(t1) < 4.5, the belt is considered too loose.

[0045] Example 2: Malfunction of the container anti-rotation device In this embodiment, it is assumed that the capping head includes the centering and anti-rotation device described by the applicant in WO2021 / 260548 A1, which uses a clamping member equipped with clamping teeth.

[0046] In this example, the average values ​​of the minimum and maximum angles at the capping end position, MINL(t) and MAXL(t), are analyzed. It is assumed that the average values ​​are calculated over a 100-hour period, and the corresponding MAXL(100) and MINL(100) values ​​are assumed to be 250° and 214° (250° - 1 / 10 revolution), respectively.

[0047] If the clamping teeth wear down, MAXL(t) may exceed 250° at time t1 when the physical quantity is measured. A deviation exceeding a certain percentage Y% indicates a potential future anomaly.

[0048] A MINL(t1) value below 214° indicates that the cap is misaligned, which will cause premature tightening. In this case, a difference value greater than Y% also indicates that anomalies may occur in the future. At least in the second case, the number of anomalies found within a certain number of cycles should also be evaluated to determine whether they are isolated events (without risk of failure) or signs of future failure.

[0049] As mentioned earlier, in electronic capping machines, vertical translational motion can also be provided by a motor ("fully servo" capping machine). For ease of understanding, Figure 11 The "full servo" turret 1A is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 2 Compared to turret 1, this turret includes a rotary motor 12R and a linear motor 12L for driving rotation and translation, respectively. Motor 12R is clearly different from... Figure 2 The motor 12 is the same as that in the head 1, and the motor 12L performs the functions of the cam 17, roller 11, and spring 14 in the head 1. Other components are the same as those in the head 1. Figure 2The components shown are the same.

[0050] In this case, physical quantities related to translational motion can also be monitored, especially the vertical position of the lid and the electromagnetic force of the motor 12L, thereby obtaining other parameters to be incorporated into the data string. Figure 12 The comparison curves of these two physical quantities relative to their corresponding reference values ​​are shown.

[0051] In terms of position (Figure (a)), the deviation between the position of the measured physical quantity and the reference position can indicate whether the cap has been applied correctly: occasional deviations indicate a single anomaly (which does not pose a risk), while long-term deviations of a single head may indicate a problem with the cap cone or its support.

[0052] Regarding the axial force (referred to as the "linear axial force" in Figure (b)), the first data that can be deduced is the minimum and maximum positions at which the maximum force is reached. As shown, the force reaches its maximum value when the actual position begins to diverge from the reference position. Similar to reaching the maximum torque, the maximum force should also fall within a certain angular range: if the maximum force is reached too early relative to the minimum angle, a capping malfunction is likely to occur; while if the maximum force is reached beyond the maximum angle, a failure related to the neck support is likely to occur.

[0053] Furthermore, the friction value can be obtained from the average force in certain areas (the parts boxed in the figure), in which case the friction value is related to the vertical sliding of the piston.

[0054] Table 2 below shows the drift of the processed values ​​of the above physical quantities relative to the "optimal" values ​​and the possible correlation between them and the components of the capping machine 1A.

[0055] Table 2

[0056] Obviously, the above description is given only as a non-limiting example, and various changes and modifications can be made to it without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for sealing a container by applying a screw cap, wherein, The capping process requires applying a rotational motion about an axis and a vertical translational motion along the same axis to the cap; characterized in that: within a capping cycle, the steps of the capping method include: Collect (101) at a preset rate the values ​​of physical quantities that at least identify important stages of the sealing cycle and are related to rotational motion; The collected values ​​are used to form (102) data strings corresponding to a single capping head (10a…10n) and one of the cycles in multiple consecutive capping cycles; Create a database for this data string; A time-varying state index is obtained from the data string, and a numerical range representing the normal operation of the capping cycle is defined for the time-varying state index. Verify whether the real-time values ​​of the status indicators fall within the corresponding range; and The verification results are stored in the database; an alarm sign is generated indicating that one or more components of the capping machine (1;1A) may malfunction in the future, at least if the number of negative results exceeds a threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system also collects the values ​​of physical quantities related to the translational motion and incorporates them into the data string.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The physical quantities associated with the rotational motion include at least: The current output by the motor (12) that imparts the rotary motion under no-load conditions; The position of the capping head (10a…10n) at the start of the cap tightening stage; The position of the capping head (10a…10n) when the tightening stage ends and the capping is completed; The range of travel of the capping head (10a…10n) from the dead point to the starting position of the tightening stage; The range of travel of the capping head (10a…10n) from the dead point to the end position of the capping; The rated torque output during the tightening stage.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The physical quantities associated with the translational motion include at least the vertical position of the lid and the axial force applied to the lid.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The data string contains identifiers related to the capping head and the cycle, as well as a flag indicating the end of the capping process.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The status index is the average moving time of a single physical quantity or a combination of physical quantities, and is updated using machine learning techniques.

7. The method according to claim 6, which is dependent on claim 3, characterized in that: The status indicators provide at least the following information: Average friction value of rotating machinery; The average angle of rotation of the cap between the beginning and end of the tightening phase and the end of the sealing phase in each cycle; The minimum and maximum angular positions of the capping head at the end of the tightening phase; Final average torque; Good or acceptable sealing; The cap or bottle was missing during the sealing process.

8. The method according to claim 6, which is dependent on claim 4, characterized in that: The status indicators provide at least the following information: Average translational mechanical friction; and The minimum and maximum values ​​at the position where the maximum axial force is reached.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The values ​​of physical quantities that are related to the operating mode of the capping machine (1; 1A) or the device to which the capping machine (1; 1A) belongs, and independent of the individual capping heads (10a...10n) and the individual capping cycle, are used to obtain the status index.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The physical quantities independent of a single capping head (10a…10n) and a single capping cycle include at least the following: The operating mode of the capping machine (1; 1A); Any machine alarms; The set production speed; The parameters of the device; The state of the device; Actual production speed.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The same rate is used to collect the values ​​of physical quantities related to the rotational and translational motions, as well as the values ​​of physical quantities independent of a single capping head (10a...10n) and a single capping cycle.

12. An electronic capping machine (1; 1A) for applying screw caps to containers, comprising one or more capping heads (10a...10n) that perform rotational motion about an axis and translational motion along the same axis during a capping cycle, wherein, At least the rotational motion is provided by a motor (12; 12R), characterized in that: the sealing head (10a...10n) is associated with a system (2) for data acquisition and analysis, the system comprising: Serialization device (20) for serializing the values ​​of physical quantities acquired at a preset rate from each capping head (10a...10n) and multiple consecutive capping cycles, which are at least related to the rotational motion and identify important stages of the cycle; and Data reduction and preparation device (22), which is configured as follows: Using the collected values, a data string (102) corresponding to a single capping head (10a……10n) and one of the cycles in multiple consecutive capping cycles is formed; Create a database of the data string in the storage device (21); The time-varying state index is obtained from the data string and stored in the database, and a numerical range representing the normal operation of the capping cycle is defined for the time-varying state index. Verify whether the real-time value of the status indicator falls within the corresponding range; and The verification results are stored in the database, and an alarm sign is generated to indicate that one or more components of the capping machine (1) may malfunction in the future, at least if the number of negative results exceeds a threshold.

13. The capping machine (1; 1A) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The translational motion is also imparted by the motor (12L), and the serialization, data reduction and preparation devices (20, 22) are adapted to collect the values ​​of physical quantities related to the translational motion and incorporate them into the data string.

14. The capping machine (1; 1A) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The physical quantities associated with the rotational motion include at least: The current supplied to the motor (12; 12R) for the rotary motion under no-load conditions; The position of the capping head (10a…10n) at the start of the cap tightening stage; The position of the capping head (10a…10n) when the capping is completed; The range of travel of the capping head (10a…10n) from the dead point to the starting position of the tightening stage; The range of travel of the capping head (10a…10n) from the dead point to the end position of the capping; The rated torque output during the tightening stage.

15. The capping machine (1; 1A) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The physical quantities associated with the translational motion include at least the vertical position of the lid and the axial force applied to the lid.

16. The capping machine (1; 1A) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The data string includes identifiers related to the header and the cycle, as well as a flag indicating the end of the sealing state.

17. The capping machine (1; 1A) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The serialization and data reduction and preparation devices (20, 22) are adapted to acquire values ​​of physical quantities that are related to the operating mode of the capping machine (1; 1A) or the device to which the capping machine (1; 1A) belongs, and independent of individual capping heads (10a...10n) and individual capping cycles, and obtain status indicators from them.

18. The capping machine (1; 1A) according to claim 17, characterized in that: The physical quantities independent of a single capping head (10a…10n) and a single capping cycle include at least the following: The operating mode of the capping machine (1; 1A); Any machine alarms; The set production speed; Parameters of the device to which the capping machine (1; 1A) belongs; The state of the device; Actual production speed.

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