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(11) | EP 4 414 300 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | MAGAZINE UNIT FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE, PACKAGING MACHINE HAVING A MAGAZINE UNIT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MAGAZINE UNIT FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE |
| (57) There is described a magazine unit (10) for a packaging machine (1). The magazine
unit (10) comprises at least a support device configured to rotatably carry a bobbin
(11) of a web of packaging material (3) and a brake device (31) configured to decelerate
a rotation of the bobbin (11) around a rotation axis (B). The brake device (31) comprises
one or more brake elements (36), each one having a respective interaction surface
(37) movable with respect to the bobbin (11) being carried by the support device along
a displacement direction (D2) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (B). Each
interaction surface (37) is moveable between an idle position in which the respective
interaction surface (37) is spaced apart from a respective lateral surface portion
(34) of the bobbin (11) being, in use, carried by the support device, and an active
position in which the interaction surface 37 is configured to contact the respective
lateral surface portion (34) of the bobbin (11) so as to decelerate the rotation of
the bobbin (11) around the rotation axis (B).
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a magazine unit for a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product, even more particular of a pourable food product. In particular, the present invention relates to a magazine unit comprising a brake device configured to decelerate a rotating bobbin of a web of packaging material.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product, even more particular of a pourable food product, having a magazine unit comprising a brake device.
[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for operating a magazine unit for a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product, even more particular of a pourable food product.
BACKGROUND ART
[0004] As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.
[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material (an oxygen-barrier layer), e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.
[0006] Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material at a sterilization station and to an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material through the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally at a tube forming station to form a tube having a longitudinal seam portion, the tube being further fed along a vertical advancing direction.
[0007] For completing the forming operations, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections within a package forming apparatus of the packaging machine during advancement along the vertical advancing direction.
[0008] Pillow packages are so obtained, each pillow package having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.
[0009] A typical packaging machine comprises a magazine unit for hosting the web of packaging material provided in the form of a bobbin, a conveying device for advancing the web of packaging material along a web advancement path and the tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advancement path, the sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material prior to its formation into the tube, a tube forming and sealing device at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber and being configured to form the tube from the advancing web of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube, a filling device for filling the tube with the pourable product and the package forming apparatus adapted to form, transversally seal and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material.
[0010] A typical magazine unit comprises at least one support device configured to rotatably carry a spindle carrying the bobbin of the web of packaging material. The spindle and therewith also the bobbin is rotatable around a rotation axis for allowing for the unwinding of the web of packaging material.
[0011] The magazine unit also comprises a brake device configured to decelerate, in use, the rotation of the bobbin around the rotation axis. The use of the brake device may be of particular importance during a start-up step of the packaging machine, a programmed stop of the packaging machine, an emergency stop of the packaging machine or other situations.
[0012] Brake devices are known which comprise a rotating braking wheel configured to contact an outside layer (which will form an outer face of the finalized package) of the web of packaging material. The braking wheel is arranged in front of the bobbin and is brought into contact with the outer surface if a deceleration of the bobbin is desired.
[0013] Even though the known solutions work satisfactorily well, a desired is felt in the sector to further improve the magazine units of the packaging machines and the packaging machines themselves.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved magazine unit for a packaging machine.
[0015] Preferentially, it is an object of the present invention to provide a magazine unit for a packaging machine having a brake device allowing to control the unwinding of the web of packaging material.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine having a magazine unit.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for operating a magazine unit for a packaging machine.
[0019] According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 12.
[0020] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for operating a magazine unit for a packaging machine according to claim 13.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 is a back view of a detail of the packaging machine of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 3 is perspective view of a portion of the detail of Figure 2, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another portion of the detail of Figure 2, with parts removed for clarity.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0023] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as milk, milk drinks, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, beverages containing pulp, salt, sugar, etc.
[0024] In more detail, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a web of packaging material 3, preferentially a web of multilayer packaging material.
[0025] More preferentially, web of packaging material 3 may have heat seal properties (i.e. portions of the multilayer packaging material can be sealed to one another).
[0026] In further detail, web of packaging material 3 may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. Preferentially, one of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of packages 2 contacting the pourable product.
[0027] Moreover, web of packaging material 3 may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.
[0028] Preferentially, web of packaging material 3 may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.
[0029] Preferentially, web of packaging material 3 may comprise successively arranged patterns, each pattern defining a final graphical pattern of the respective package 2. In other words, packaging machine 1 operates, in use, such to guarantee that packages 2 comprise the respective pattern.
[0030] Furthermore, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 by forming a tube 4 from web of packaging material 3, longitudinally sealing tube 4, filling tube 4 with the pourable product and to transversally seal, and preferentially transversally cut tube 4.
[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.
[0032] According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may comprise at least a first transversal sealing band 5a arranged at a first end of package 2, and preferentially also a second transversal sealing band 5b arranged at a second end of package 2 opposite to the first end.
[0033] Preferentially, each first transversal sealing band 5a may be substantially spaced apart from the respective second transversal sealing band 5b along the respective longitudinal axis A.
[0034] Moreover, each package 2 may also comprise a longitudinal seam portion 6. Preferentially, each first transversal sealing band 5a and/or each second transversal sealing band 5b may be transversal, preferentially perpendicular, to the respective longitudinal seam portion 6.
[0035] With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 may comprise:
- a magazine unit 10 configured to host at least one, bobbin 11 of web of packaging material 3 at a host station 12;
- a conveying device 13 configured to advance web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P, preferentially to a tube forming station 14, at which, in use, web of packaging material 3 is formed into tube 4, and configured to advance tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q;
- a tube forming and sealing device 15 configured to form tube 4 from the, in use, advancing web of packaging material 3 and to longitudinally seal tube 4, preferentially at tube forming station 14;
- a filling device 16 for filling tube 4 with the pourable product; and
- a package forming unit 17 configured to transversally seal, and preferentially to transversally cut tube 4 for obtaining semi-finalized packs, preferentially package pouches. Preferentially, package forming unit 17 may also be configured to form tube 4.
[0036] In further detail, packaging machine 1 may also comprise an isolation chamber 18, preferentially delimiting an inner environment 19 from an outer environment 20. Preferentially, inner environment 19 may be a sterile environment, preferably containing a controlled atmosphere.
[0037] Preferentially, tube forming and sealing device 15 may be at least partially arranged within and configured to fold and longitudinally seal tube 4 within isolation chamber 18, preferentially inner environment 19.
[0038] Moreover, packaging machine 1 may also comprise a sterilizing unit configured to sterilize the, in use, advancing web of packaging material 3, preferentially the sterilization unit being arranged upstream of tube forming and sealing device 15 along web advancement path P and/or downstream of host station 12.
[0039] In more detail, conveying device 13 may be configured to advance tube 4 and any intermediates of tube 4 along tube advancement path Q, preferentially from tube forming and sealing device 15 to and/or at least partially within package forming unit 17. Preferentially, with the wording intermediates of tube 4 any configuration of web of packaging material 3 is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web of packaging material 3 by tube forming and sealing device 15 has started. In other words, the intermediates of tube 4 are a result of the gradual folding of web of packaging material 3 so as to obtain tube 4, preferentially by overlapping the (longitudinal) edges of web of packaging material 3 with one another.
[0040] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, tube forming and sealing device 15 may be arranged such that tube 4 may have a vertical orientation.
[0041] More specifically, tube forming and sealing device 15 may comprise at least two forming ring assemblies 21, preferentially arranged within isolation chamber 18, even more preferentially arranged within inner environment 19, being configured to gradually fold in cooperation with one another web of packaging material 3 into tube 4, preferentially by overlapping the edges of web of packaging material 3 with one another.
[0042] Additionally, tube forming and sealing device 15 may also comprise a sealing head 22, preferentially arranged within isolation chamber 18, even more preferentially within inner environment 19, and configured to longitudinally seal tube 4.
[0043] Moreover, tube forming and sealing device 15 may also comprise a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on tube 4 so as to ensure the longitudinal sealing of tube 4.
[0044] Preferentially, filling device 16 may comprise a filling pipe 23 being configured to direct, in use, the pourable product into tube 4. Preferentially, filling pipe 23 may, in use, be at least partially placed within tube 4 for feeding, in use, the pourable product into tube 4.
[0045] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package forming unit 17 may comprise a plurality of, operative devices, each one configured to manipulate, preferentially to at least partially form, to at least transversally seal and to transversally cut, tube 4 for obtaining packages 2.
[0046] With particular reference to Figure 1, magazine unit 10 may be arranged upstream of isolation chamber 18 and/or tube forming and sealing device 15 and/or packaging forming unit 17.
[0047] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, magazine unit 10 comprises at least:
- a support device configured to rotatably carry at least one bobbin 11 of web of packaging material 3, preferentially bobbin 11 being rotatable about a rotation axis B, more preferentially rotation axis B may correspond to a central axis of bobbin 11; and
- a brake device 31 configured to decelerate rotation of bobbin 11 around rotation axis B.
[0048] In more detail, each bobbin 11 may be received on a spindle 32 and the support device may be configured to rotatable carry spindle 32.
[0050] Each spindle 32 may rotate about the respective rotation axis B so as to allow for rotation of the respective bobbin 11 about the respective rotation axis B.
[0051] In more detail, the support device may comprise at least one housing seat configured to support one bobbin 11 at a time. Preferentially, the support device may comprise at least two housing seats arranged side-by-side configured to rotatably carry one respective bobbin 11, preferentially the respective spindle 32, at a time.
[0052] More specifically, the support device may comprise at least two housing seats so that two bobbins 11 can be contemporaneously arranged within magazine unit 10. This allows to rotate one bobbin 11 about the respective rotation axis B such that the respective web of packaging material 3 advances along web advancement path P, while the other bobbin 11 is kept ready for a splicing step.
[0053] In more detail, bobbin 11 comprises a through-hole adapted to receive spindle 32, spindle 32 extending along rotation axis B, so that spindle 32 carries bobbin 11. In particular, rotation axis B and the central axis of bobbin 11 being coaxial with spindle 32 being received in the through-hole.
[0054] Preferentially, the support device may be configured to indirectly carry the respective bobbin 11 by supporting the respective spindle 32, which in turn carries the respective bobbin 11.
[0055] In further detail, each bobbin 11 comprises two lateral surface portions 34, preferentially spaced apart along a first direction D1 substantially parallel to, preferentially parallel to, the respective rotation axis B.
[0056] Preferentially, each lateral surface portion 34 may be substantially perpendicular, in particular perpendicular, to the respective rotation axis B.
[0057] Moreover, lateral surface portions 34 are formed from the respective lateral edges of web of packaging material 3, with web of packaging material 3 being wound so as to form bobbin 11.
[0058] Additionally, each bobbin 11 may comprise an outer face 35 being radially displaced from rotation axis B. Preferentially, outer face 35 may correspond to a face of web of packaging material 3, which once the respective packages 2 are formed, defines the outer surface of the respective packages 2.
[0060] Furthermore, each bobbin 11 may radially extend with radius R. Preferentially, in use, during the unwinding of web of packaging material 3 radius R decreases.
[0061] In particular, radius R may be determined as the distance between the respective spindle 32, preferentially rotation axis B, and outer face 35.
[0062] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, in use, each bobbin 11 may rotate about the respective rotation axis B, preferentially as defined by the respective spindle 32, due to a pulling action exerted by conveying device 13 on web of packaging material 3.
[0063] In more detail, the support device may be configured to retain each bobbin 11, preferentially the respective spindle 32, such that the respective rotation axis B has a substantially horizontal orientation.
[0064] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, brake device 31 may comprise one or more brake elements 36, each one having an interaction surface 37.
[0065] Brake elements 36, preferentially the respective interaction surfaces 37, are arranged such to be and/or being laterally displaced from the respective bobbin 11 (while the respective bobbin 11 is retained by the support device) along a second direction D2 (a displacement direction) substantially parallel, preferentially parallel, to rotation axis B.
[0066] Moreover, each interaction surface 37 may be moveable between an idle position in which the respective interaction surface 37 is and/or is configured to be spaced apart from a respective lateral surface portion 34 of the respective bobbin 11 and an active position in which the respective interaction surface 37 is configured to contact and/or contacts the respective lateral surface portion 34 of the respective bobbin 11 so as to decelerate the rotation of the respective bobbin 11 around the respective rotation axis B.
[0067] Preferentially, a respective movement direction of each interaction surface 37, when moving, in use, between the respective idle position and the respective active position may be parallel to rotation axis B and/or second direction D2.
[0068] More preferentially, each interaction surface 37 may be moveable back and forth along the movement direction so as to move interaction surface 37 between the respective idle position and the respective active position.
[0069] Preferentially, each interaction surface 37 may face the respective lateral surface portion 34 of the respective bobbin 11 with the respective bobbin 11 being carried by the support device and with interaction surface 37 being in the respective idle position.
[0070] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, brake device 31 may comprise at least two brake elements 36 defining a respective pair of brake elements 36, being spaced apparat from one another, preferentially along second direction D2, and, in use, interposing between one another the respective bobbin 11 being supported by the support device, preferentially such that the respective interaction surfaces 37 interpose the respective bobbin 11 between one another.
[0071] Preferentially, brake device 31 may comprise at least two pairs of brake elements 36 (i.e. at least four brake elements 36).
[0072] Preferentially, the respective interaction surfaces 37 of the respective brake elements 36 of each pair of brake elements 36 may be arranged such to face one another.
[0073] Additionally, the respective pairs of brake elements 36 may be arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from one another.
[0074] In further detail, one pair of brake elements 36 may be associated to one housing seat and the other pair of brake elements 36 may be associated to another housing seat. More specifically, being associated to one respective housing seat means that with a respective bobbin 11 being carried by the respective housing seat, the respective brake elements 36 may interpose the respective bobbin 11 between one another.
[0075] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, brake device 31 may be configured such to synchronously move the respective interaction surfaces 37 of the respective brake elements 36 of each pair, preferentially between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions.
[0076] Preferentially, brake device 31 may be configured to control movement of the respective interaction surfaces 37 of the respective brake elements 36 of each pair from the respective idle positions to the respective active positions such that the respective interaction surfaces 37 simultaneously engage the respective lateral surface portions 34.
[0077] In further detail, in use, during movement of the respective interaction surfaces 37 of the respective brake elements 36 of each pair from the respective idle position to the respective active position and from the respective active position to the respective idle position, the respective interaction surfaces 37, respectively, are moved towards and away from one another.
[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, magazine unit 10 may comprise a support structure 38 (only partially shown) carrying brake elements 36.
[0079] Preferentially, support structure 38 may also carry the support device, preferentially the housing seats.
[0080] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, each brake element 36 may comprise at least a plate having the respective interaction surface 37.
[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each interaction surface 37 may be substantially perpendicular, preferentially perpendicular, to the respective rotation axis B with the respective bobbin 11 being carried by the support device.
[0082] Preferentially, each interaction surface 37 may have a planar shape and/or may have a vertical orientation.
[0083] In addition, each interaction surface 37 may be substantially parallel, preferentially parallel, to the respective lateral surface portion 34.
[0084] In further detail, brake device 31 may comprise an actuator unit configured to move each interaction surface 37 between the respective idle position and the respective active position, preferentially by moving the respective plate.
[0085] In more detail, the actuator unit may comprise one or more actuators 40, preferentially a plurality of actuators 40, each one configured to move one respective interaction surface 37 between the respective idle position and the respective active position.
[0086] Each actuator 40 may comprise a pneumatic control mechanism or an electrical control mechanism for moving the respective interaction surface 37 between the respective idle position and the respective active position.
[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, packaging machine 1, preferentially magazine unit 10, more preferentially brake device 31, may comprise a control unit 41. Preferentially, control unit 41 may be operatively connected to actuators 40.
[0088] According to some preferred embodiments, control unit 41 may be configured to control movement of interaction surfaces 37, preferentially by controlling operation of actuators 40.
[0089] For example, control unit 41 may be configured to maintain interaction surfaces 37 in the respective active positions for defined time periods, preferentially so as to establish, in use, a temporary contact between the respective interaction surfaces 37 and the respective lateral surface portions 34.
[0090] Preferentially, control unit 41 may also be configured to execute a sequence of movements of one or more interaction surfaces 37 from the respective idle positions to the respective active positions. In other words, control unit 41 may be configured to repeatedly move one or more interaction surfaces 37 from the respective idle positions to the respective active positions thereby defining a sequence of movements.
[0091] For example, a sequence of movements may take place during a defined time interval and may foresee to control the respective interaction surfaces 37 between the idle positions and the active positions two times during the defined time interval (i.e. interaction surfaces 37 are moved two times between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions during the defined time interval).
[0092] For example, the defined time interval may last for a few seconds and during execution of the sequence of movements interaction surfaces 37 may be controlled from the respective idle positions to the respective active positions two times and remain in the respective active positions for some milliseconds (e.g. the defined time period may be 50, 100, 150, ... ms) .
[0093] Such a control may be advantageous during a start-up phase and/or during a stop and/or interruption of the operation of packaging machine 1.
[0094] Additionally, by establishing a short intermittent contact between interaction surfaces 37 and the respective lateral surface portions 34, it is possible to reduce the stress acting on bobbin 11.
[0096] In more detail, conveying device 13 advances web of packaging material 3 from magazine unit 10, preferentially to host station 12.
[0097] In further detail, conveying device advances web of packaging material 3 from host station 7 to forming station 10 at which web of packaging material 3 is formed into tube 4. Then conveying device 13 further advances tube 4 along tube advancement path Q to package forming unit 17. During advancement of tube 4, filling device 16 fills tube 4 with the pourable product.
[0098] Preferentially, during advancement of web of packaging material 3 along web advancement path P web of packaging material 3 is sterilized at the sterilization station.
[0099] Package forming unit 13 forms and transversally seals tube 4 and, preferentially, also transversally cuts tube 4 so as to obtain packages 2.
[0100] Advantageously, operation of packaging machine 1, preferentially of magazine unit 10, also comprises the step of rotating bobbin 11 about the respective rotation axis B for unwinding web of packaging material 3, preferentially so as to be able to advance web of packaging material 3 along web advancement path P.
[0101] During the step of rotating, only one bobbin 11 rotates about the respective rotation axis B, while preferentially the other bobbin 11 is kept ready so that the respective web of packaging material 3 can be spliced to the respective web of packaging material 3 that originates from the rotating bobbin 11.
[0102] Operation of magazine unit 10 also comprises a step of controlling brake device 31 so as to decelerate, preferentially to selectively decelerate, the rotation of bobbin 11 about the respective rotation axis B.
[0103] During the step of controlling, at least one respective interaction surface 37 is, preferentially at least the respective two interaction surface 37 are, moved in the respective active position, preferentially from the respective idle position to the respective active position.
[0104] In more detail, during the step of controlling, the two respective interaction surfaces 37 (of each pair) are synchronously moved, in particular such that the two respective interaction surfaces 37 contemporaneously engage the respective lateral surface portions 34.
[0105] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, during the step of controlling brake device 31, preferentially control unit 41, repeatedly controls the one or more interaction surfaces 37 between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions during the defined time interval. Preferentially, during the step of controlling, the interaction surfaces 37 repeatedly contact the respective lateral surface portions 37.
[0106] Preferentially, during the step of controlling brake device 31, preferentially control unit 41, controls the one or more interaction surfaces 37, to execute a sequence of movements between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions during the defined time interval. More preferentially, during each sequence of movements interaction surfaces 37 may be moved between idle positions and active positions a plurality of times.
[0107] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the step of controlling may be executed during at least one of a start-up step of packaging machine 1, a step of stopping operation of packaging machine 1 and a step of temporarily interrupting operation of packaging machine 1.
[0108] For example, at the beginning of a start-up step of packaging machine 1, bobbin 11 is stopped (not rotating) and, when unwinding of web of packaging material 3 is started, operation of brake device 31 (i.e. controlled movement of interaction surfaces 37 between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions) allows to guarantee that web of packaging material 3 correctly advances and/or has the desired tensions and/or does not unroll from bobbin 11 in an undesired manner. For example. without operating brake device 31 it may occur that web of packaging material 3 unwinds too quickly.
[0109] Moreover, operation of brake device 31 also guarantees that no undesired unwinding of web of packaging material 3 occurs during a stop and/or interruption of operation of packaging machine 1.
[0110] The advantages of magazine unit 11 and/or packaging machine 1 and/or operation of packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
1. - A magazine unit (10) for a packaging machine (1), the magazine unit (10) comprises
at least:
- a support device configured to rotatably carry a bobbin (11) of a web of packaging material (3); and
- a brake device (31) configured to decelerate a rotation of the bobbin (11) around a rotation axis (B);
wherein the brake device (31) comprises one or more brake elements (36), each one having a respective interaction surface (37) movable with respect to the bobbin (11) being carried by the support device along a displacement direction (D2) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (B);
wherein each interaction surface (37) is moveable between an idle position in which the respective interaction surface (37) is spaced apart from a respective lateral surface portion (34) of the bobbin (11) being, in use, carried by the support device, and an active position in which the interaction surface (37) is in contact with the respective lateral surface portion (34) of the bobbin (11) so as to decelerate the rotation of the bobbin (11) around the rotation axis (B).
2. - Magazine unit according to claim 1, wherein the brake device (31) comprises at least
two brake elements (36), spaced apparat from one another and interposing between one
another, in use, the bobbin (11) being carried by the support device.
3. - Magazine unit according to claim 2, wherein the brake device (31) is configured such
to synchronously move the respective interaction surfaces (37) of the at least two
brake elements (36).
4. - Magazine unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the brake device (31) is configured
to move the respective interaction surfaces (37) of the at least two brake elements
(36), such that the respective interaction surfaces (37) get into contact with the
respective lateral surface portions (34) contemporaneously.
5. - Magazine unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each interaction
surface (37) is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (B).
6. - Magazine unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each interaction
surface (37) is moveable back and forth along the displacement direction (D2) so as
to move the interaction surface (37) between the respective idle position and the
respective active position.
7. - Magazine unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake device
(36) comprises an actuator unit configured to move each interaction surface (37) between
the respective idle position and the respective active position.
8. - Magazine unit according to claim 7, wherein the actuator unit comprises one or more
actuators (40), each one configured to move one respective interaction surface (37)
between the respective idle position and the respective active position.
9. - Magazine unit according to claim 8, wherein each actuator comprises a pneumatic control
mechanism or an electrical control mechanism.
10. - Magazine unit according any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a
control unit (41) configured:
- to maintain the one or more interaction surfaces (37) in the respective active position for a defined time period; and/or
- to repeatedly control the one or more interaction surfaces (37) between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions such that the interaction surfaces (37) repeatedly contact the respective lateral surface portions (34).
11. - Magazine unit according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (41) is configured
to control a sequence of movements of one or more interaction surfaces (37) between
the respective idle positions and the respective active positions during a defined
time interval.
12. - A packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) of a pourable product comprising:
- an isolation chamber (18) separating an inner environment (19) from an outer environment (20);
- a tube forming and sealing device (15) at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (18) and configured to form and longitudinally seal a tube (4) from a web of packaging material (3) at a tube forming station (14) ;
- a filling device (16) for filling the tube (3) with the pourable product;
- a package forming unit (17) configured to manipulate the tube (3) for forming the packages (2);
- a conveying device (13) for advancing the web of packaging material (3) along a web advancement path (P) from a host station (12) to the tube forming station (14) and for advancing the tube (3) along a tube advancement path (Q) to the package forming unit (13); and
a magazine unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.13. - Method for operating a magazine unit (10) for a packaging machine (1) for producing
sealed packages (2) of a pourable product;
the magazine unit (10) comprising at least:
- a support device configured to rotatably carry the bobbin (11) of the web of packaging material (3); and
- a brake device (31) configured to decelerate a rotation of the bobbin (11) around a rotation axis (B);
wherein the brake device (31) comprises one or more brake elements (36), each one having a respective interaction surface (37) movable with respect to the bobbin (11) being carried by the support device along a displacement direction (D2) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (B);
wherein each interaction surface (37) is moveable between an idle position in which the respective interaction surface (37) is spaced apart from a respective lateral surface portion (34) of the bobbin (11) being, in use, carried by the support device, and an active position in which the interaction surface (37) is in contact with the respective lateral surface portion (34) of the bobbin (11) so as to decelerate the rotation of the bobbin (11) around the rotation axis (B);
the method comprises at least the steps of:
- rotating the bobbin (11) of the web of packaging material (3) about the rotation axis (B) for unwinding the web of packaging material (3);
- controlling the brake device (31) so as to decelerate the rotation of the bobbin (11) about the rotation axis (B) by controlling at least one interaction surface (37) in the respective active position.
14. - Method according to claim 13, wherein during the step of controlling, one or more
interaction surfaces (37) are repeatedly controlled from the respective idle positions
to the respective active positions according to a defined sequence of movements.
15. - Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the step of controlling is executed during
at least one of a start-up step of the packaging machine (1), a step of stopping operation
of the packaging machine (1) and a step of temporarily interrupting operation of the
packaging machine (1).