A conveying device for transporting webs of packaging materials and a packaging machine for manufacturing sealed packages equipped with the conveying device.

Abstract

A conveying device (15) that supplies a web (4) of packaging material along a conveying path (P) is configured to include a plurality of electrode attachment elements (18) having outer electrode attachment grip surfaces (19) that adhere to the web (4) of packaging material, particularly for a packaging machine (1) that manufactures sealed packages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a web of packaging material, and a packaging machine for manufacturing a sealed package provided with the conveying device.

Background Art

[0002] As is well known, liquid or fluid foods such as pasteurized milk, long shelf-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice, etc. are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging materials.

[0003] This type of package is usually manufactured using an automatic packaging machine, and a web of packaging material is supplied to a sterilization unit via known guide elements (such as rollers, etc.), and the web of packaging material is sterilized by chemical sterilization (e.g., applying a chemical sterilizing agent such as a hydrogen peroxide solution) or physical sterilization (e.g., using an electron beam) in a sterilization bath.

[0004] The packaging machine further includes a tube forming unit disposed downstream of the sterilization unit, extending substantially vertically, and designed to fold the web of packaging material to form a continuous tube. Within the tube forming unit, the web of packaging material is deformed from a continuous planar shape into a continuous tube shape having a vertical axis. The web of packaging material in a planar shape is folded into a cylindrical shape, sequentially divided into a plurality of pillow packs, and a sealed package completed by a continuous mechanical folding operation is obtained. The tube forming unit is preferably disposed within a fixed structure in which the web of packaging material is held in a sterile air environment. The tube forming unit further includes a plurality of folding devices arranged sequentially (one by one). By interacting with the folding devices, the opposing side portions (or ends) of the web of packaging material are overlapped with each other to form a tube, defining an overlapping region, and finally sealed to form a fluid-tight longitudinal seal within the tube.

[0005] In the packaging machine described above, it is necessary to hold and supply the web of the packaging material in a predetermined position in order to ensure good sealing quality of the packaging material tube. Therefore, it is necessary to control the position of the web of the packaging material on known guide elements and / or control the friction between the web of the packaging material and the known guide elements to prevent the packaging material from slipping. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device for conveying webs of packaging materials that does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks, and is particularly easy and economical to manufacture.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine for producing sealed packages that does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks and is particularly easy and economical to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, a conveying device for packaging material webs and a packaging machine for manufacturing sealed packages equipped with the conveying device are provided, as described in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a packaging machine that manufactures a package from packaging material according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the packaging machine. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the electrode attachment device of the packaging machine. [Figure 4A] Figure 3 shows a plan view and a side view of a part of the electrode attachment apparatus. [Figure 4B] Figure 3 shows a plan view and a side view of a part of the electrode attachment apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figures 1 and 2 show, as a whole, a packaging machine 1 that continuously produces sealed packages containing, for example, pasteurized or ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, and fruit juice. The sealed packages are obtained from packaging material unwound from a reel 3 and supplied along a conveying path P. The packaging material unwound from the reel 3 has the shape of a continuous, planar web 4.

[0012] Typically, packaging materials have a multilayer structure. More specifically, the packaging material comprises, for example, at least one fibrous material layer, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two heat-sealable plastic material layers, such as polyethylene, with the fibrous material layer interposed between the two layers. One of these two heat-sealable plastic material layers defines the inner surface of the package that ultimately comes into contact with the fluid product.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments, the packaging material may further comprise a gas and light blocking layer, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film. This gas and light blocking layer is particularly positioned between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. Preferably, the packaging material may comprise a further heat-sealable plastic material layer sandwiched between the gas and light blocking layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0014] The web 4 of the packaging material is supplied to the sterilization unit 5 via guide elements 6, particularly multiple rollers 6 (one roller 6 is shown in Figure 2). The sterilization unit 5 includes a sterilization bath 7 in which the web 4 of the packaging material is immersed in a chemical sterilizer such as hydrogen peroxide. The web 4 of the packaging material is supplied to pass through the sterilization unit 5 by known guide elements 8 (e.g., rollers 8 or similar elements).

[0015] The packaging machine 1 further comprises a tube forming unit 9 located downstream of the sterilization unit 5 along the transport path P. The tube forming unit 9 extends substantially vertically along the transport path P and produces a continuous tube 10. In particular, within the tube forming unit 9, the web 4 of the packaging material is formed from a continuous planar shape into a continuous tubular shape having a longitudinal axis Y. In particular, the longitudinal axis Y is oriented vertically.

[0016] The tube forming unit 9 is housed within a fixed structure 11 in which the web 4 of the packaging material is held in a sterile air environment. The tube forming unit 9 further comprises a plurality of folding devices 12 arranged in a continuous (successive) manner along a transport path P, each folding device 12 comprising a plurality of folding rollers that cooperate to fold the web 4 of the packaging material.

[0017] The packaging machine 1 includes a sealing unit 30 (of a known type and not described in detail) for sealing the overlapping lateral ends of the packaging material to obtain a fluid-tight longitudinal seal on the tube 10. The tube 10 is partially filled with fluid food from an injection conduit 13, which is part of the filling system.

[0018] The tube 10 is sent to a lateral molding and sealing unit (not shown), where it is gripped and sealed laterally to form a pillow pack 2. Finally, the pillow pack 2 undergoes a series of mechanical folding processes to obtain a completed sealed package.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an example of a conveying device 15 in a preferred embodiment, which is, for example, a device provided in a packaging machine 1 for conveying the web 4 of packaging material supplied along a conveying path P. The conveying device 15 may also include a rotating device (such as a drum or rollers).

[0020] As shown, although the present specification shows a packaging machine for manufacturing packages from a tube 10, the conveying device 15 may be provided in a packaging machine for manufacturing packages from a web 4 of packaging material that can be divided into blanks before being folded and filled.

[0021] In particular, the conveying device 15 may include an electrode-attaching roller for guiding the web 4 of packaging material within the packaging machine 1. In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 15 includes at least one roller 6 for guiding the web 4 of packaging material to the sterilization unit 5. In particular, the conveying device 15 includes the roller 6 closest to the inlet of the sterilization unit 5. Alternatively, or in addition to the above description, the conveying device 15 includes at least one roller 8 for guiding the web 4 of packaging material to the tube-forming unit 9. In particular, the conveying device 15 includes the roller 8 immediately upstream of the tube 10.

[0022] The conveying device 15 is shown in detail in FIG. 3 and includes rollers 6, 8 supported by a fixed structure 16 and rotated about an axis X by dedicated drive means 17. The axis X is orthogonal to the forward direction of the web 4 of packaging material.

[0023] The conveying device 15 includes several (one or more) electrode-attaching elements 18. The conveying device 15 may include, for example, a control unit 14 connected to the electrode-attaching elements 18 by a wireless or wired connection and configured to monitor and control the electrode-attaching elements 18.

[0024] The conveying device 15 may include an energy receiver 32 connected to the electrode-attaching element 18 and an energy transmitter 31 arranged, for example, on a support structure 24. The energy receiver 32 may be configured to receive energy from the energy transmitter 31, for example wirelessly, and supply power to the electrode-attaching element 18. For example, the energy transmitter 32 and the receiver 31 may exchange energy by sliding contact or may include a transformer.

[0025] The electrode attachment elements 18 have substantially identical structures, a multilayer structure, and are equipped with electrode contact attachment grip surfaces 19.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 15 may include a support structure 24 for supporting the web of the packaging material. Several electrode attachment elements 18 may be positioned on the outer surface 20 of the support structure 24, which contacts the web 4 of the packaging material during use. For example, the electrode attachment elements 18 may be positioned to at least partially cover the outer cylindrical surfaces 20 of the rollers 6, 8.

[0027] The external electrode attachment grip surface 19 is coaxial with axis X and is positioned to contact the web 4 of the packaging material during use.

[0028] Several electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged along axis X. Preferably, several electrode attachment elements are arranged in parallel and / or evenly spaced. The number of electrode attachment elements 18 arranged along axis X ranges from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 6. In particular, rollers 6, 8 may have three electrode attachment elements 18 arranged in parallel and evenly spaced along axis X.

[0029] Advantageously, the electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged along an axis parallel to the forward direction of the web 4 of the packaging material. Preferably, several electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged in parallel and / or uniformly.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged in a series along the periphery of the outer cylindrical surface 20. That is, the electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged continuously so as to uniformly cover a portion of the cylindrical surface.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged in a chessboard-like configuration. The electrode attachment elements 18 are arranged to cover as much of the outer cylindrical surface 20 as possible. That is, the electrode attachment elements 18 cover at least a large portion of the outer cylindrical surface 20. The electrode attachment elements 18 cover 50% to 90% of the outer cylindrical surface 20. Preferably, the electrode attachment elements 18 cover 60% to 80% of the outer cylindrical surface 20.

[0032] In the following section, a single electrode attachment element 18 will be described in detail. The electrode attachment element 18 is shown in detail in Figure 4.

[0033] The electrode attachment element 18 comprises a set of electrodes 21, in particular, each set 21 comprising two electrodes 22, 23 having opposite polarities. A dielectric layer 25 may be interposed between the electrodes 22, 23. If necessary, the dielectric layer 25 may be part of the support structure 24, i.e., the support structure 24 may be formed from a dielectric material. Alternatively, as shown in the figure, the dielectric layer 25 may be interposed between the electrodes 22, 23 and the support structure 24.

[0034] As illustrated, the support structure 24 is coaxial with axis X, has a cylindrical shape, and is intended to support the electrode attachment element 18.

[0035] The dielectric layer 25 is designed to extend outward from the electrodes 22 and 23, and / or to be interposed between adjacent electrodes 22 and 23, and / or to insulate the electrodes 22 and 23 from the support structure 24. The dielectric layer 25 is composed of an insulating material, preferably a silicone material. The thickness k of the dielectric layer 25 is in the range of 2 μm to 30 μm, preferably a thickness k in the range of 10 μm to 20 μm.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the dielectric layer 25 has a cylindrical shape, is coaxial with axis X, and is arranged to uniformly cover the support structure 24.

[0037] The electrode attachment element 18 comprises electrodes 22, 23 and, optionally, another dielectric layer 26 covering the dielectric layer 25. The electrodes 22, 23 are encapsulated within the two dielectric layers 25, 26. The dielectric layer 26 has a uniform thickness h. The thickness h is in the range of 2 μm to 30 μm, preferably in the range of 4 μm to 16 μm.

[0038] The dielectric layer 26 uniformly covers the electrodes 22 and 23. The dielectric layer 26 may also uniformly cover the dielectric layer 25 (or directly the substrate structure 24) that is bonded to the inner surface. The dielectric layer 26 is formed from an insulating material, preferably selected from the following materials: polyetheretherketone (also known as PEEK), polyimide (also known as PI), polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (also known as PEN).

[0039] During use, the outer surface 27 of the dielectric layer 26 comes into contact with the web 4 of the packaging material, defining the outer electrode attachment grip surface 19.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the dielectric layer 26 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with axis X. The dielectric layer 26 may be arranged to uniformly cover the dielectric layer 25 (for example, the support structure 24 or the dielectric layer covering the support structure 24).

[0041] More specifically, each set 21 includes an array of linearly patterned negative electrode teeth 22A, which are electrically connected to a common negative electrode bar 22B. The common negative electrode bar 22B is substantially perpendicular to the negative electrode teeth 22A.

[0042] Each set 21 further includes an array of linearly patterned positive electrode teeth 23A, which are electrically connected to a common positive electrode bar 23B. The common positive electrode bar 23B is substantially orthogonal to the positive electrode teeth 23A. The common negative electrode bar 22B and the common positive electrode bar 23B are connected to a power source via known electrical connections (not shown), respectively.

[0043] The positive electrode teeth 22A and the negative electrode teeth 23A are arranged to interlock with each other on a common plane (for example, on the same surface of the dielectric layer 25). In other words, the teeth 22A and 23A of opposite polarity are arranged to extend as a comb-like, interlocking arrangement. The dielectric layer 25 or 26 is interposed between two adjacent teeth 22A and 23A. In particular, the negative electrode teeth 22A and the positive electrode teeth 23A are manufactured to be rod-shaped or strip-shaped so that they are interposed (not in contact) between two teeth 22A and 23A of opposite polarity. The negative electrode teeth 22A and the positive electrode teeth 23A are substantially parallel to each other and have uniform dimensions.

[0044] The gap g represents the distance between two adjacent teeth 22A and 23A. In other words, the gap g is the width of the strip of dielectric layer 25 interposed between the two adjacent teeth 22A and 23A. The gap g is in the range of 300 μm to 600 μm. Preferably, the gap g is in the range of 350 μm to 450 μm. Advantageously, the gap g is equal to 400 μm.

[0045] The width w of each tooth 22A, 23A is also specified. The width w is in the range of 5000 μm to 9000 μm. Preferably, the width w is in the range of 6000 μm to 8000 μm. Advantageously, the width w is equal to 7300 μm.

[0046] The teeth 22A and 23A, which have opposite polarities, are arranged intersecting each other on the dielectric layer 25 and extend into regions having dimensions H and L. Dimensions H and L are equal to 15 mm and 24 mm, respectively.

[0047] The active region of the electrode attachment element 18 (i.e., the region where teeth 22A and 23A of opposite polarity form an electric field and interact with the region of the packaging material web 4) is 320 mm 2 ~400mm 2 It is within the range, preferably the active region of the electrode attachment element 18 is 365 mm 2 ~380mm 2 It is within the range.

[0048] It is important that standard rollers 6 and 8, which are of known type, function as the support structure 24.

[0049] During use, the web 4 of the packaging material is conveyed onto the rollers 6 and 8, and in particular, the web 4 of the packaging material is positioned to come into contact with the electrode-adhering grip surface 19.

[0050] The control unit 14 is connected to the electrode attachment element 18 and is intended to apply an electrostatic attachment voltage to each set 21 of electrodes 22 and 23. In particular, the electrostatic attachment voltage alternately applies positive and negative charges to adjacent electrodes 22 and 23.

[0051] The outer electrode attachment grip surface 19 is configured to adhere to the web 4 of the packaging material by generating an electric field on the web 4 and imparting a charge to the web 4. In particular, the electrostatic attachment voltage forms an electric field that interacts with the region of the web 4 of the packaging material that is in contact with the electrode attachment grip surface 19. The electric field may locally polarize the web 4 of the packaging material and induce a charge on the web 4 that is opposite to the charge on electrodes 22, 23. The opposite charges on electrodes 22, 23 and the web of the packaging material attract each other, resulting in an electrostatic adhesion force between electrodes 22, 23 and the web 4 of the packaging material. In other words, as a result of the electrostatic attachment voltage applied to adjacent electrodes 22, 23, an electrostatic adhesion force is generated between electrodes 22, 23 and the web 4 of the packaging material, and this force acts to cause the web 4 of the packaging material to adhere to the rollers 6, 8.

[0052] The electrode attachment element 18 also functions as a contact sensor for the web 4 of the packaging material, depending on the capacitance of the electrode attachment element 18 itself. The control unit 14 is configured to determine the position of the web 4 of the packaging material relative to the electrode attachment element 18 and / or the support structure 24. In particular, the control unit 14 is configured to determine the position of the end 28 of the web 4 of the packaging material, especially its position relative to the axial direction of the rollers 6, 8. That is, the control unit 14 is configured to determine whether the electrode attachment element 18 is at least partially or completely covered by the web 4 of the packaging material. For example, the control unit 14 may be configured to receive capacitance values ​​of several electrode attachment elements 18 indicating the presence of the web. That is, there is a difference in capacitance values ​​between electrode attachment elements 18 covered by the web and those not covered by the web.

[0053] Advantageously, the control unit 14 is configured to determine the speed of the web 4 of the packaging material (in particular, the control unit 14 is configured to check whether the web 4 of the packaging material is slipping).

[0054] The control unit 14 is configured to determine the difference between the speed of the conveying device 15 (e.g., the angular velocity of the rollers) and the speed of the web 4 of the packaging material. If this difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, slippage occurs.

[0055] The control unit 14 is designed to determine the capacitance of the electrode attachment element 18. The capacitance of the electrode attachment element 18 varies depending on the active region and dielectric constant of the material in contact with the electrode attachment grip surface 19. When the material in contact with the electrode attachment grip surface 19 is air, or the web 4 of the packaging material, or a combination of air and the web 4 of the packaging material, the active region remains constant, but the dielectric constant is a different value. Therefore, based on the capacitance determined for the electrode attachment element 18, the control unit 14 can detect whether the electrode attachment element 18 is at least partially or completely covered by the web 4 of the packaging material, and the position of the edge 28.

[0056] The conveying device 15 enables temporary and removable adhesion between the web 4 of the packaging material and the electrode adhesion grip surface 19 by electrically controlling the electrostatic adhesion voltage.

[0057] More specifically, the electrode attachment grip surface 19 is configured to selectively adhere to the web 4 of the packaging material. In particular, the electrode attachment grip surface 19 is configured to adhere to the web 4 when an electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied to the electrode attachment element 18. Adhesion is released when the electrostatic adhesion voltage is removed.

[0058] In particular, the outer electrode attachment grip surface (19) is configured to selectively adhere to the web (4) of the packaging material depending on one or more parameters, including, for example, the tension of the web 4 of the packaging material and / or the position of the web 4 of the packaging material (in particular, its position relative to the support structure 24) and / or the velocity of the web 4 of the packaging material.

[0059] The electrode attachment elements 18 can be driven (operated) independently of each other. In particular, the control unit 14 is designed to apply an electrostatic attachment voltage to each set 21 independently of the electrostatic attachment voltage applied to the other sets 21. This makes the friction between the electrode attachment grip surface 19 and the web 4 of the packaging material variable along the X-axis. In other words, the control unit 14 changes (i.e., increases or decreases) the friction between the web 4 of the packaging material and the electrode attachment grip surface 19 along the X-axis by electrically controlling the electrostatic attachment voltage.

[0060] The minimum electrostatic adhesion voltage required for the packaging material web 4 to adhere to the electrode adhesion grip surface 19 varies depending on factors such as the size of the packaging material web 4, the conductivity and spacing of the electrode adhesion elements 18, the insulating material used in the dielectric layer 26, and the presence or absence of factors interfering with electrostatic adhesion, such as dust, other particles, and moisture. The electrostatic adhesion voltage varies in the range of 500V to 10kV, preferably in the range of 2kV to 4kV.

[0061] By removing the electrostatic adhesion voltage from electrodes 22 and 23, the electrostatic adhesion force between the web 4 of the packaging material and the electrode adhesion grip surface 19 disappears. Therefore, when there is no electrostatic adhesion voltage between electrodes 22 and 23, the web 4 of the packaging material can easily move relative to the outer cylindrical surface 20.

[0062] Reference number list 1 Packaging machine 2 Pillow Packs 3 reels 4 Web 5. Sterilization Unit 6 rollers 7 Sterilization bath 8 rollers 9 Tube forming unit 10 tubes 11 Fixed structure 12 Folding device 13 Injection conduit 14 Control Unit 15 Conveying device 16 Fixed structure 17 Dedicated drive means 18 Electrode attachment element 19 Electrode-attached grip surface 20 Outer (cylindrical) surface 21 Electrode Set 22 electrodes 23 electrodes 22A, 23A Positive electrode teeth / Negative electrode teeth 22B, 23B Common positive bar / Common negative bar 24 Support structure 25 Dielectric layer 26 Dielectric layer 27 Outer surface 28 End 30 Sealed Units 31 Energy Transmitter 32 Energy Receiver P transport route Y-axis (longitudinal direction) X-axis

Claims

1. A conveying device (15) for conveying a web (4) of packaging material along a conveying path (P), comprising several electrode attachment elements (18) having outer electrode attachment grip surfaces (19) configured to adhere to the web (4) of packaging material, Conveying device (15).

2. The outer electrode-adhering grip surface (19) is configured to selectively adhere to the web (4) of the packaging material. The conveying device (15) according to claim 1.

3. The outer electrode attachment grip surface (19) is configured to selectively adhere to the web (4) of the packaging material depending on the tension of the web (4) of the packaging material and / or the relative position of the web (4) of the packaging material and the several electrode attachment elements (18), and / or the speed of the web (4) of the packaging material. The conveying device (15) according to claim 2.

4. The packaging material is provided with a support structure (24) that supports the web of the packaging material, The aforementioned electrode attachment elements (18) are positioned on the outer surface (20) of the support structure (24) so ​​as to come into contact with the web (4) of the packaging material during use. A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The system includes a control unit (14), and the control unit (14) controls the capacity of the electrode attachment element (18) according to the capacity of the electrode attachment element (18). The positional relationship between the web (4) of the packaging material and the several electrode attachment elements (18); and / or, Whether the electrode attachment element (18) is at least partially or completely covered by the web (4) of the packaging material; and / or, The speed of the web (4) of the packaging material, Configured to determine, A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned electrode attachment elements (18) include a first dielectric layer (26), the outer surface (27) of the first dielectric layer defining the outer electrode attachment grip surface (19), The first dielectric layer (26) has a uniform thickness (h), and the thickness (h) is in the range of 2 μm to 30 μm, preferably in the range of 4 μm to 16 μm. A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned electrode attachment elements (18) include a first dielectric layer (26), the outer surface (27) of the first dielectric layer defining the outer electrode attachment grip surface (19), The first dielectric layer (26) is formed from an insulating material selected from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The packaging material comprises a plurality of electrode attachment elements (18) arranged along an axis (X) perpendicular to the forward direction of the web (4) of the packaging material, and / or along an axis parallel to the forward direction of the web (4) of the packaging material. A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The support structure (24) has an outer surface (20), and the several electrode attachment elements (18) cover at least a large portion of the outer surface (20); in particular, they cover 50% to 90% of the outer surface (20), preferably 60% to 80% of the outer surface (20). A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The electrode attachment element (18) extends a set of electrodes (21) including two electrodes (22, 23) having opposite polarities, in a comb-like, interlocking arrangement. A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The two electrodes (22, 23) include a linear patterned arrangement of teeth (22A, 22B), The distance (g) between two adjacent teeth of opposite polarity (22A, 23A) is in the range of 300 μm to 600 μm, preferably the distance (g) is in the range of 350 μm to 450 μm, and / or The width (w) of each tooth (22A, 23A) is in the range of 5000 μm to 9000 μm, preferably the width (w) is in the range of 6000 μm to 8000 μm. The conveying device (15) according to claim 10.

12. The support structure (24) is a roller rotatable about a first axis (X), and preferably the electrode attachment element (18) includes several dielectric layers (25, 26) folded onto the outer surface (20) of the roller. A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The electrostatic deposition voltage is variable in the range of 500V to 10kV, and preferably, the electrostatic deposition voltage is variable in the range of 2kV to 4kV. A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The electrode attachment element (18) comprises a first dielectric layer (26) whose outer surface (27) defines the outer electrode attachment grip surface (19), a second dielectric layer (25), and a set of electrodes (21) disposed between the first and second dielectric layers (25, 26) and including two electrodes (22, 23) with opposite polarities. An electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied to the set (21), generating an electrostatic adhesion force such that the web (4) of the packaging material adheres to the electrode adhesion grip surface (19), and the electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied independently to the set (21). A conveying device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A packaging machine (1) that supplies a web of packaging material along a transport path (P) and manufactures a sealed package, wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises a transport device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for transporting the web (4) of the packaging material. Packaging machine (1).

16. The conveying device (15) comprises a sterilization unit (5) for sterilizing the web (4) of the packaging material, and the conveying device (15) comprises at least one roller (6) for guiding the web (4) of the packaging material to the sterilization unit (5), preferably the conveying device (15) comprises the roller (6) closest to the entrance of the sterilization unit (5). The packaging machine according to claim 15.

17. The system includes a tube forming unit (9) arranged along the transport path (P), the tube forming unit (9) being configured to bend the web (4) of the packaging material from a planar shape into a tube (10) having a longitudinal axis (Y), The conveying device (15) comprises at least one roller (8) that guides the web (4) of the packaging material to the tube forming unit (9), preferably the conveying device (15) comprises a roller (8) positioned directly upstream of the tube (10). The packaging machine according to claim 15 or 16.

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