Packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable products from web of packaging material
By introducing monitoring equipment and control units into the packaging machine, the abnormal situations during the sterilization process are monitored and responded to the abnormal situations in real time, and the second sterilization equipment is used to sterilize the affected areas, which solves the problem of untimely handling of abnormal situations in the prior art and improves the continuity and efficiency of production.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380078222.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-10
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-24
AI Technical Summary
When existing sterilization devices deal with abnormal situations, they are difficult to respond quickly, resulting in temporary interruption of production, resulting in economic losses and time-consuming operators.
A packaging machine is designed, including monitoring equipment and control unit, which can monitor abnormal situations during the sterilization process in real time, and sterilize the affected areas by interrupting the roll propulsion and using the second sterilization equipment to reduce downtime.
It effectively reduces downtime caused by abnormal conditions, improves sterilization performance, and ensures production continuity and efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN120202153A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing a web of packaging material, in particular a web of packaging material for producing sealed packages for pourable products, in particular pourable foods.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging machine for producing sealed packages for pourable products, in particular pourable foods, the packaging machine having a sterilization device.
[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for sterilizing a web of packaging material, in particular a web of packaging material for producing sealed packages for pourable products, in particular pourable foods. Background Art
[0004] It is known that many liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of aseptic packaging materials.
[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquid or pourable foods, called TetraBrik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, which includes a base layer (for example, a paper base layer), which is covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material (for example, polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage of products such as UHT milk, the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier material layer (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on the heat-sealable plastic material layer and is in turn covered with another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which forms the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food.
[0006] Such packages are usually produced by a fully automatic packaging machine, which advances a web of packaging material from a magazine unit through a sterilization device, sterilizes the web of packaging material, and then feeds it into an isolation chamber (a closed and aseptic environment), where the sterilized web of packaging material is stored and advanced. During the advancement of the web of packaging material through the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is longitudinally folded and sealed to form a tube having a longitudinal seam portion, and the tube is further fed along the vertical advancement direction.
[0007] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with sterilized or aseptically treated pourable products, in particular pourable foods, and during advancement along the vertical advancement direction, it is transversely sealed and then cut along equidistant transverse sections within the packaging forming unit of the packaging machine.
[0008] Thus, pillow-shaped packages are obtained in the packaging machine, each pillow-shaped package having a longitudinal sealing strip, a top transverse sealing strip, and a bottom transverse sealing strip.
[0009] In recent years, sterilization devices have been available which are configured to sterilize a web of packaging material by applying physical irradiation, in particular electromagnetic irradiation, and even more particularly electron beam irradiation. Additionally, solutions for sterilization devices using hydrogen peroxide are known, in which a web of packaging material is sterilized by introducing the web of packaging material into a hydrogen peroxide bath.
[0010] Although the known sterilization devices and correspondingly also the packaging machines provide good results, there is still a desire to improve the performance of the sterilization devices.
[0011] There is a need to effectively and timely handle anomalies in the operation of the sterilization device, such as abnormal temperature of the peroxide bath during hydrogen peroxide sterilization, abnormal ultraviolet lamp irradiation, and / or arc events in the case of sterilization by means of an electron beam.
[0012] These anomalies cause a temporary interruption of production, which in some cases can last for several hours, resulting in economic losses and presenting time-consuming tasks for the machine operator. Therefore, there is a need to provide solutions that help minimize machine downtime. There is also a need to help minimize downtime while meeting higher sterilization performance.
[0013] For example, when an arc occurs in the electron beam emitter, the operation of the packaging machine must be interrupted. Then the operator manually cuts and extracts the lower part of the packaging material, connects a cleaning tube to clean the filling device, cleans the sterilization device, and repositions the packaging material to the correct position. Then further sterilization is carried out before resuming normal packaging machine operation. Such operations are very time-consuming and the downtime can last for several hours. Summary of the Invention
[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine which includes a sterilization device in order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks in a simple and low-cost manner.
[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine capable of making an efficient and timely response to anomalies during operation.
[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0017] The non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic view of details of a packaging machine having a sterilization device according to one or more embodiments, in which some components are removed for clarity;
[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a sterilization device according to one or more embodiments, with some components removed for clarity;
[0020] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are schematic views of the sterilization device 9 when an abnormality is detected and after the web advancement is interrupted, respectively;
[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic view of details of a packaging machine having a sterilization device according to one or more embodiments, with some components removed for clarity;
[0022] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are illustrations of a conveyor and an actuator according to aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference numeral 1 denotes an overall packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable foods such as pasteurized milk, fruit juices, wines, tomato ketchup, etc., from a tube 3 formed from a web 4 of packaging material. In particular, in use, the tube 3 extends along a longitudinal axis, in particular with a vertical orientation.
[0024] The web 4 comprises at least a layer of fibrous material (in particular paper), on both sides of which are covered with respective layers of heat-sealable plastic material (such as polyethylene).
[0025] Preferably, the web 4 further comprises a gas and light barrier material layer, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and at least a first heat-sealable plastic material layer and a second heat-sealable plastic material layer. The gas and light barrier material layer is superposed on the first heat-sealable plastic material layer and is in turn covered with the second heat-sealable plastic material layer. The second heat-sealable plastic material layer forms the inner face of the package 2 that ultimately contacts the filled pourable food.
[0026] More specifically, the web 4 comprises a first face or surface 5 and a second face or surface 6, in particular the first (outer) surface 5 is the face of the web 4 that forms the inner face of the package 2 that ultimately contacts the filled pourable food.
[0027] Typical packages 2 obtained by the packaging machine 1 comprise a longitudinal seam portion and a pair of transverse seal bands, in particular a transverse top seal band and a transverse bottom seal band.
[0028] With particular reference to Figure 1 , the packaging machine 1 is configured to advance the web 4 along a web advancement path P, sterilize the web 4 during advancement along the path P, form the tube 3 from the web 4, fill the tube 3, and form individual packages 2 from the filled tube 3.
[0029] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 comprises:
[0030] - A sterilization device 9, which comprises: a first sterilization device 10 configured to sterilize at least a first (front) surface 5 of the web 4, and preferably also a second (front) surface 6;
[0031] - An isolation chamber 14 that separates an internal environment 15 (in particular an internal sterile environment) from an external environment 16;
[0032] - A tube forming device 17, which is at least partially (preferably completely) arranged within the isolation chamber 14 and is configured to form a tube 3 from the web 4 that is advanced during use and has been sterilized;
[0033] - A sealing device 19, which is at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber 14 and is configured to longitudinally seal the tube 3 formed by the tube forming device 17, thereby forming a longitudinal seam portion of the tube 3;
[0034] - A filling unit 20, which is configured to fill the tube 3 with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food;
[0035] - A packaging forming unit 21, which is configured to at least form and transversely seal the tube 3, in particular the tube 3 that is advanced during use, for forming a package 2, and
[0036] - A plurality of conveyors, which are configured to advance the web 4 along a path P and the tube 3 along a tube advancement path Q in a known manner.
[0037] In particular, the sterilization device 9 can receive the web 4 of packaging material from a main station (not visible in the figure).
[0038] For example, the plurality of conveyors can be configured to advance the web 4 of packaging material from the main station to the sterilization device 9 and / or from the sterilization device 9 to the tube forming device 17. For example, the plurality of conveyors can be configured to advance the tube 3 from the tube forming device 17 to the sealing device 19 and / or from the sealing device 19 to the filling unit 20 and / or from the filling unit 20 to the packaging forming unit 21.
[0039] Preferably, the plurality of conveyors are adapted to advance the tube 3 and any intermediate of the tube 3 along the path Q in a manner known per se, in particular from the tube forming device 17 towards the packaging forming unit 21 and at least partially through the packaging forming unit 21.
[0040] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of conveyors include a first conveyor 22, which is located upstream (immediately adjacent) of the sterilization device 9. In particular, the first conveyor 22 can be positioned upstream immediately adjacent to the inlet 90 of the sterilization device 9.
[0041] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 further comprises a pressure control device configured to control the pressure in at least the isolation chamber 14 and at least part of the sterilization device 9.
[0042] The sterilization device 9 may be arranged upstream of the tube forming station 17 relative to the web advancement path P.
[0043] The sterilization device 9 may include an outlet 92. The outlet 92 may be positioned downstream along the web advancement path P relative to the first sterilization equipment 10. The sterilized web 4 may be advanced towards the isolation chamber 14 through the outlet 92.
[0044] The isolation chamber 14 may include an inlet 140, wherein the inlet 140 of the isolation chamber 14 may be connected to the outlet 92 of the sterilization device 9.
[0045] The isolation chamber 14 may include an outlet 142, wherein the tube 3 filled with the pourable product may leave the isolation chamber 14 at the outlet 142.
[0046] The packaging forming unit 21 may be arranged downstream of the isolation chamber 14 and the tube forming device 17 along the path Q.
[0047] In one or more embodiments, as particularly Figure 3 and Figure 4 depicted, the sterilization device 9 includes:
[0048] - A first sterilization equipment 10 configured to sterilize at least a first (front) surface 5 of the web 4 advancing through the first sterilization equipment 10, preferably also sterilizing the second (back) surface 6.
[0049] - A second sterilization equipment 7,
[0050] - A monitoring device 8 configured to monitor the operation of the first sterilization equipment 10,
[0051] - A motion sensor 11 configured to monitor the advancement of the web 4 along the advancement path P, and
[0052] - A control unit 12 connected to the monitoring device 8 and the motion sensor 11, the control unit 12 being configured to, if an anomaly is detected during the operation of the first sterilization equipment 10 (e.g., deviation from standard operation, such as an arc event):
[0053] - Interrupt the advancement of the web 4,
[0054] - Determine the travel distance D of the web (4) between the detection of the anomaly and the interruption of the advancement, and
[0055] - Sterilize at least a portion P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 with the second sterilization equipment 7, this portion P1, P2, P3 being related to (e.g., substantially corresponding to) the travel distance D.
[0056] The first sterilization device 10 may include an irradiation device configured to sterilize at least a first face 5 (and optionally a second face 6) of the advancing web 4 by directing sterilizing irradiation onto at least the first face 5, and preferably also onto the second face 6.
[0057] Typical sterilization devices of this type include an irradiation device which generally has a pair of electron beam emitters spaced apart from one another. A feed-through channel is interposed between the electron beam emitters through which, in use, the web 4 of packaging material is fed. Each of the electron beam emitters is configured to direct a respective electron beam onto a respective face of the web of packaging material fed through the feed-through channel.
[0058] A disadvantage of sterilization devices 10 of this type is that arc events may occur. During operation of the electron beam emitters, a discharge, i.e. an arc, may occur which may alter the irradiation dose directed onto face 5 and / or face 6. That is to say, an anomaly may include an arc event. The control unit 12 may be configured to detect whether the irradiation dose directed onto the first face 5 (and optionally, the second face 6) of the web 4 has changed.
[0059] In the drawings, the first sterilization device 10 is depicted as an irradiation device as described above, however it should be understood that different types of first sterilization device 10 may be employed, such as a hydrogen peroxide bath. In such a case, an anomaly may include, for example, a temperature change of the peroxide bath.
[0060] When an anomaly occurs in the operation of the first sterilization device 10, the control unit 12 may be configured to interrupt the operation of the packaging machine 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 may interrupt, preferably simultaneously interrupt, the operation of the first sterilization device 10, the tube forming device 17, the sealing device 19, the filling unit 20, the packaging forming unit 21 and / or the plurality of conveyors.
[0061] According to one or more embodiments, the travel distance D is less than the distance D1 between the first sterilization device 10 and the outlet 92. That is to say, the travel distance D may be less than the travel distance D1 of the web 4 between the first sterilization device 10 and the outlet 92 during normal operation.
[0062] For example, a portion P1, P2, P3 associated with (e.g., substantially corresponding to) the travel distance D may include the portion of the web 4 passing through (e.g., through) the first sterilization device 10 between detection of the anomaly and interruption of the feed. For example, a portion P1, P2, P3 may include a first portion P1 - P2 of the web 4 leaving the first sterilization device 10 between detection of the anomaly and interruption of the feed, and a second portion P2 - P3 present at (e.g., within) the first sterilization device 10 at the time of interruption of the web feed.
[0063] Thus, the step of sterilizing at least a part P1, P2, P3 related to the travel distance D may include: during the interruption of the web advancement, sterilizing at least a first part P1 - P2 substantially corresponding to the distance D and / or sterilizing a second part P2 - P3 at the first sterilization device 10.
[0064] Advantageously, the advancement of the web 4 can be interrupted before the first part P1 - P2 of the web 4 reaches the outlet 92 of the sterilization device 9. In this way, the first part P1 - P2 does not enter the isolation chamber 14.
[0065] Therefore, advantageously, the control unit 12 can be configured to (accurately and effectively) identify a part P1, P2, P3 passing through the first sterilization device 10 when a deviation from its normal operation is detected. In this way, a part P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 of the packaging material that may be affected by the anomaly can be (accurately and precisely) identified.
[0066] For example, the motion sensor 11 can transmit a first sensor signal, such as indicating the speed and / or position and / or distance of the travel of the web 4 of the packaging material.
[0067] Advantageously, before, during, and after sterilization by means of the second sterilization device 7, when an anomaly is detected, the web 4 and the tube 3 of the packaging material present in the isolation chamber 14 and the sterilization device 9 may remain (i.e., be retained) in the packaging machine 1.
[0068] Advantageously, due to the identification of the travel distance D and / or the part Pl, P2, P3 affected by the anomaly, the downtime caused by such an anomaly can be significantly reduced. The subsequent sterilization may be limited to the affected area and optionally to the adjacent area.
[0069] Figure 3 Shows the sterilization device 9 according to one or more embodiments when an anomaly occurs.
[0070] The control unit 12 can be configured to receive a second sensor signal from the monitoring device 8, such as indicating the sterilization of the web 4 of the packaging material.
[0071] The control unit 12 can be configured to detect an anomaly if the second sensor signal reaches (and optionally exceeds) a predetermined threshold. For example, in the case where the monitoring device includes an irradiation sensor, the second sensor signal can indicate the irradiation dose emitted by the first sterilization device 10. The control unit 12 can be configured to detect an anomaly if the emitted irradiation dose reaches (e.g., becomes lower than) a threshold (e.g., a lower irradiation dose value).
[0072] Preferably, the control unit 12 may be configured to detect an anomaly when the second sensor signal reaches (or exceeds) a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be between 50 ms and 120 ms, preferably between 70 ms and 110 ms, and even more preferably between 80 ms and 100 ms. The predetermined time period may depend on the advancing speed of the web 4 of the packaging material.
[0073] For example, the predetermined time period may be inversely proportional to the advancing speed, i.e., if the advancing speed decreases, the predetermined time period may increase.
[0074] Even more preferably, the control unit 12 may be configured to detect an anomaly when the second sensor signal continuously reaches (or exceeds) the predetermined threshold within the predetermined time period. That is, the second sensor signal reaches (or exceeds) the threshold throughout the predetermined time period. Advantageously, the predetermined time period may help to detect a genuine anomaly and filter out false anomalies, such as fluctuations in the sensor signal caused by electrical interference.
[0075] The control unit 12 may be configured to start identifying (e.g., calculating) the distance D at the start of the predetermined time period. The control unit 12 may be configured to interrupt the advancement of the web 4 at the end of the predetermined time period.
[0076] Figure 4 Shown is the sterilization device 9 when the operation of the sterilization device 9 (and the packaging machine 1) is interrupted according to one or more embodiments. The first part P1 - P2 may (substantially) correspond to the travel distance D. The second part P2 - P3 may include the part present at (e.g., within) the first sterilization device 10 during the interrupted advancement.
[0077] In one or more embodiments, the second sterilization device 7 may include a hydrogen peroxide spray tank 70, which is configured to spray vaporized hydrogen peroxide at least at the parts Pl, P2, P3 of the web 4 associated with the travel distance D between the detection of the anomaly and the interruption.
[0078] As shown, the spray tank 70 may be connected to a tube 72, which is configured to deliver vaporized hydrogen peroxide at the first sterilization device 10, particularly at the outlet relative to the web advancement path P.
[0079] The spray tank 70 may be configured to sterilize the parts P1 - P3 of the web 4 by means of the tube 72. The air (e.g., air flow) coming out of the tube 72 may pass through the first sterilization device 10 and may be collected through a tube 74 (only partially shown). Thus, such air may flow through the first sterilization device in a direction opposite to the web advancement direction along the web advancement path P.
[0080] The second sterilization device 7 may be configured to sterilize a portion P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 and the first sterilization device 10 and / or the overall sterilization device 9.
[0081] As a further precautionary measure, the second sterilization device 7 may be configured to sterilize the isolation chamber 14.
[0082] The spray tank 70 may be connected to another tube 76, which is configured to deliver vaporized hydrogen peroxide at the isolation chamber 14. Specifically, the tube 76 may terminate downstream of the tube forming device 17.
[0083] The spray tank 70 may be configured to sterilize the isolation chamber 14 by means of another tube 76. The air (e.g., air flow) coming out of the other tube 76 may pass through the isolation chamber 14, the first sterilization device 10, and may be collected through the tube 74.
[0084] In other words, when the web advancement is interrupted, the second sterilization device 7 may be configured to spray sterilizing air including hydrogen peroxide into the first sterilization device 10 and preferably through the isolation chamber 14.
[0085] The second sterilization device 7 may operate only when the web advancement is interrupted and / or the first sterilization device 10 is deactivated.
[0086] According to one or more embodiments, the motion sensor 11 may include a rotary encoder, for example integrated within a conveyor, preferably located upstream of the sterilization device 9, among the plurality of conveyors configured to advance the web 4. Preferably, the first conveyor 22 may include the motion sensor 11, however any conveyor upstream of the sterilization device 9 may include the motion sensor 11.
[0087] The conveyor including the motion sensor 11 may be unaffected by the driving force. In other words, the conveyor may include a free roller that rotates only due to the motion of the web 4. No external force is applied to such a conveyor to affect its rotation. Thus, in an example, if the web 4 advances, the first conveyor 22 rotates in a first direction (counterclockwise as shown in the figure), and if the web 4 retracts, the first conveyor 22 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., clockwise).
[0088] Advantageously, this may allow for a more accurate reading of the distance D, as the possible backward movement of the web 4 of the packaging material is also taken into account.
[0089] The second conveyor may contact the web 4 at the conveyor including the motion sensor 11 and is located on the opposite side of the web 4 relative to the conveyor including the motion sensor 11. In this way, the web 4 of the packaging material does not slide on the conveyor and a more accurate reading can be made.
[0090] According to one or more embodiments, one or more conveyors, located, for example, (immediately) upstream of the sterilization device 9, may include an actuator configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web 4. Advantageously, this can reduce the travel distance D before the web 4 breaks.
[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may be configured to control the tension of the advancing web 4. Advantageously, in this way, when the packaging machine 1 stops, the web 4 of the packaging material also remains tensioned, which is beneficial for sterilization and reduces the risk of damage to the web 4.
[0092] In one or more embodiments, the first conveyor 22 may include a motion sensor 11 and an actuator. Additionally or alternatively, additional conveyors, located, for example, (immediately) upstream of the first conveyor 22, may include an actuator.
[0093] The control unit 12 may be configured to resume the advancement of the web 4 of the packaging material after the step of sterilization by means of the second sterilization device 7 is completed. That is, before, during, and after the anomaly detection, the web 4 of the packaging material remains within the packaging machine 1.
[0094] At least the packages 2 formed from the packaging material within the sterilization device 9 and the isolation chamber 14 during the step of sterilization by means of the second sterilization device 7 may be discarded.
[0095] According to one or more embodiments, the control unit 12 may be configured to transmit an alarm signal to, for example, the user interface if the travel distance D is greater than a predetermined distance, such as the distance D1 between the first sterilization device 10 and the outlet 92 of the sterilization device 9. Then, a cleaning and re-sterilization process is performed on the isolation chamber 14, the filling unit 20, and the sterilization device 9.
[0096] One or more embodiments may relate to a method for sterilizing a web 4 of packaging material, which is performed by a sterilization device 9 according to one or more embodiments. The method may include:
[0097] - Advancing the web 4 of the packaging material along the web advancement path P,
[0098] - Sterilizing at least the first side 5 of the advancing web 4, preferably also the second side 6, by means of the first sterilization device 10,
[0099] - Monitoring the operation of the first sterilization device 10,
[0100] - Monitoring the advancement of the web 4 along the advancement path P, and
[0101] - If an anomaly in the operation of the first sterilization device 10 is detected:
[0102] - Interrupt the advancement of the web 4,
[0103] - Identify the travel distance D of the web 4 between detecting an anomaly and interrupting the advancement, and
[0104] - Sterilize at least a portion P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 by means of the second sterilization device 7, the portion P1, P2, P3 of the web being associated with the travel distance D.
[0105] In Figures 5 to 7 the same reference numerals denote the same features as previously referenced Figures 1 to 4 discussed. Since the new embodiments described are similar to the previous embodiments, the following description is limited to the additional features and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components. For the sake of brevity, the detailed discussion will be omitted.
[0106] Figures 5 to 7 An embodiment of the packaging machine 1 is described in more detail, the packaging machine 1 comprising a sterilization device 9 which includes a first sterilization device 10, an isolation chamber 14 connected to the sterilization device 9, a tube forming device 17, a sealing device 19, a filling unit 20, a packaging forming unit 21 and a control unit 12 (e.g., i.e., the packaging machine control unit that controls the sterilization device 9), the control unit 12 being configured to interrupt the advancement of the web 4 upon detecting an anomaly. The anomaly can include an arc event as previously described or a different machine event, such as an anomaly detected in the operation of one or more components of the machine.
[0107] The packaging machine 1 may further include a second sterilization device 7, a monitoring device 8, a motion sensor 11. The control unit 12 may be configured to interrupt the advancement of the web 4, identify the distance D, and sterilize at least a portion P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 if an anomaly is detected during the operation of the first sterilization device 10.
[0108] The packaging machine 1 includes a plurality of conveyors 22, 23, 24 configured to advance a web 4 of packaging material, which includes at least one conveyor located upstream of the sterilization device 9, e.g., a first conveyor 22, a second conveyor 23 or a third conveyor 24; the conveyor includes an actuator 13 which is configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web 4 and / or control the tension of the advancing web 4. The first conveyor 22, the second conveyor 23 or the third conveyor 24 is a rotating conveyor.
[0109] One or more conveyors including the actuator 13 may be the second conveyor 23 and / or the third conveyor 24. Additionally or alternatively, the first conveyor 22 may include a motion sensor 11 as well as an actuator 13.
[0110] For simplicity, in the following description, the second conveyor 23 is described as including the actuator 13. However, it should be understood that there may be more than one actuator, or the actuator 13 may be located on a different conveyor. As shown, the actuator 13 is integrated into the second conveyor 23. Alternatively, one or more of the conveyors 23, 24, 22 may include the actuator 13 located at the respective conveyor. For example, the actuator 13 may be located near the respective conveyor or the actuator 13 may be located upstream or downstream (e.g., immediately adjacent) of the respective conveyor.
[0111] The actuator 13 is configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web 4. Advantageously, in this way, even at different web speeds, the travel distance D before the interruption of the web 4 can be reduced or kept constant.
[0112] Additionally or alternatively, the actuator 13 may be configured to control the tension of the advancing web 4 when the advancing speed of the web 4 changes (e.g., during braking of the web 4). Even if the speed of the web changes, the web 4 remains in contact with the respective conveyor if an anomaly is detected.
[0113] Advantageously, in this way, when the packaging machine 1 stops or decelerates, the web 4 of the packaging material also remains tensioned, which is beneficial for sterilization and reduces the risk of damage to the web 4.
[0114] If an event occurs, the actuator 13 can be activated. For example, if no anomaly is detected, the actuator 13 or its components may be at a certain distance from the web 4. For example, if no anomaly is detected, the actuator 13 or its components may not exert any force on the respective conveyor.
[0115] In other words, if no anomaly is detected, the conveyor (e.g., the second conveyor 23) may not be affected by the driving force.
[0116] Advantageously, in the case of detecting an anomaly, the actuator 13 can help slow down the web of the packaging material, especially in a more controlled manner. This can in turn improve the operation of the packaging machine, especially the longitudinal seal station, the strip application station, the positioning of the packaging material in the transverse direction relative to the web advancing direction, and the positioning of the strip in the transverse direction relative to the strip advancing direction.
[0117] The actuator allows better control of the web of the packaging material without disturbing the stability of the web within the packaging machine, regardless of its speed.
[0118] The conveyor including the actuator 13 is located upstream of the sterilization device 9. For example, the first conveyor 22 located immediately upstream of the sterilization device 9 may include the actuator 13.
[0119] The wrapping machine 1 includes a strip application station 18 which is configured to apply longitudinal edge sections of a protective strip to longitudinal edge sections of a web 4. The second conveyor 23 or the third conveyor 24 located upstream of the strip application station 18 may include an actuator 13. Specifically, the second conveyor 23 is located immediately upstream of the strip application station 18.
[0120] According to one or more embodiments, the actuator 13 may include a brake 130, such as an electromagnetic brake, which is configured to apply a braking torque to a rotating conveyor if an anomaly is detected.
[0121] The control unit 12 may be configured to also interrupt the advancement of the web 4 by means of the brake 130 if an anomaly is detected. Specifically, the brake 130 may only be actuated if an anomaly is detected. The corresponding conveyor (such as the second conveyor 23 in the figure) may be free from the influence of the driving force.
[0122] The applied braking torque may prevent the web 4 of packaging material from slipping, pulling or tearing. That is, the braking torque may gradually decelerate the corresponding rotating conveyor and also facilitate deceleration. For example, the braking torque may have a value between 3 Nm and 7 Nm, preferably 5 Nm.
[0123] Advantageously, due to the brake 130, the control of the interruption of the advancement of the web 4 can be improved.
[0124] According to one or more embodiments, the actuator 13 may include a counter-roller 132 which is located at the rotating conveyor and is configured to contact the web 4 of packaging material when an anomaly is detected.
[0125] Specifically, the control unit 12 may be configured to (only) actuated the counter-roller 132 when an anomaly is detected. The corresponding conveyor (such as the second conveyor 23 in the figure) may be free from the influence of the driving force.
[0126] The second conveyor 23 faces a first side 5 of the web 4 of packaging material, and the counter-roller 132 faces a second side 6 of the web 4 of packaging material. The counter-roller 132 is configured to contact only the second surface of the web 4 of packaging material when an anomaly is detected. If no anomaly is detected, the counter-roller 132 may be located at a distance from the web 4.
[0127] Advantageously, due to the counter-roller 132, the control of the tension of the web 4 during an interruption of operation can be improved.
[0128] The counter-roller 132 and the brake 130 may be actuated simultaneously.
[0129] According to the present embodiment, the packaging machine 1 may include a detector 134, such as a relay sensor, or more generally, a sensor configured to detect a parameter related to the operation of the actuator 13 (e.g., an electrical parameter indicating the power supplied to the actuator 13). The detector 134 is coupled to the actuator 13 and is configured to detect whether the actuator 13 is operable. For example, when an abnormality is detected, the detector 134 may detect whether the brake 130 or the reverse roller 132 is operating. Specifically, the detector 134 may detect that the brake 130 absorbs a predetermined supply energy during its actuation.
[0130] The detector 134 is coupled to the control unit 12. For example, the control unit 12, the detector 134, and the actuator 13 may be in series. The control unit 12 is configured to receive a detector signal from the detector 134, and if the detector signal indicates that the actuator 13 is inoperable, the control unit 12 is configured to interrupt the operation of the packaging machine 1. Then, a cleaning and resterilization process is performed on the isolation chamber 14, the filling unit 20, and the sterilization device 9.
[0131] Advantageously, this can make the abnormality detection and related management more robust.
[0132] If the detector signal indicates that the actuator 13 is inoperable, the control unit 12 may be configured to transmit an alarm signal, for example, to a user interface.
[0133] From the above description, the advantages of the packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will become apparent.
[0134] Obviously, changes can be made to the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) of pourable products from a web (4) of packaging material, the packaging machine (1) comprising sterilization means (9) for sterilizing the web (4) of packaging material advancing along a feed path (P), the sterilization means (9) comprising a first sterilization device (10) configured to sterilize at least a first face (5) of the web (4) advancing through the first sterilization device (10). - A control unit (12) configured to interrupt the advancement of the web (4) upon detection of an anomaly. - An isolation chamber (14) connected to the sterilization means (9) and separating an internal environment (15) from an external environment (16). - A tube forming device (17) at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (14) and configured to form a tube (3) from the web (4) of packaging material. - A sealing device (19) at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (14) and configured to longitudinally seal the tube (3) formed by the tube forming device (17). - A filling unit (20) configured to fill the tube (3) with the pourable product. - A package forming unit (21) configured to form and transversely seal the tube (3) for forming the package (2). The packaging machine (1) further comprises a plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) configured to advance the web (4) of packaging material along the web feed path (P) and to advance the tube (3) along a tube feed path (Q), wherein the plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) comprises at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24) upstream of the sterilization means (9), comprising an actuator (13) configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web (4) and / or to control the tension of the advancing web (4).
2. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising a strip application station (18) configured to apply longitudinal edge sections of a protective strip to longitudinal edge sections of the web (4), wherein the at least one conveyor (23, 24) is located upstream of the strip application station (18).
3. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24) is a rotary conveyor.
4. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the actuator (13) comprises a brake (130) configured to apply a braking torque to the rotary conveyor (22, 23, 24).
5. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the applied braking torque prevents the web (4) of packaging material from slipping, stretching or tearing.
6. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the rotating conveyors (22, 23, 24) face the first face (5) of the web (4) of packaging material, and wherein the actuator (13) comprises a counter-roller (132) which is located at the rotating conveyors (22, 23, 24) and faces the second face (6) of the web (4) of packaging material, the second face (6) being opposite to the first face (5).
7. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the counter-roller (132) is configured to contact the second face (6) of the web (4) of packaging material when an anomaly is detected.
8. The packaging machine (1) according to claims 4 and 6, wherein the brake (130) and the counter-roller (132) are actuated simultaneously.
9. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a detector (134) coupled to the actuator (13), the detector (134) being configured to detect whether the actuator (13) is operable.
10. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to receive a detector signal from the detector (134), and if the detector signal indicates that the actuator (13) is inoperable, the control unit (12) is configured to interrupt the operation of the packaging machine (2).
11. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sterilization device (9) further comprises: - a second sterilization device (7), - a monitoring device (8) which is configured to monitor the operation of the first sterilization device (10), - a motion sensor (11) which is configured to monitor the advancement of the web (4) along the advancement path (P), wherein the control unit (12) is connected to the monitoring device (8) and the motion sensor (11), and is configured to, if an anomaly is detected during the operation of the first sterilization device (10): - interrupt the advancement of the web (4), - identify the travel distance (D) of the web (4) between the detection of the anomaly and the interruption of the advancement, and - sterilize at least a portion (Pl, P2, P3) of the web (4) by means of the second sterilization device (7), the portion (P1, P2, P3) of the web being associated with the travel distance (D).
12. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) comprises a conveyor (22) upstream of the sterilization device (9), wherein the motion sensor (11) comprises an encoder integrated in the conveyor (22).
13. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the sterilization device (9) comprises an outlet (92), and wherein the travel distance (D) is less than the distance (D1) between the first sterilization device (10) and the outlet (92).
14. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sterilization device (10) comprises an irradiation device configured to sterilize at least the first face (5) of the advancing web (4) by directing sterilizing irradiation onto at least the first face (5), and wherein the anomaly comprises an arcing event.
15. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein if no anomaly is detected, the at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24) is not affected by an actuating force.