Packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable products from a web of packaging material

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) is described for producing sealed packages (2) of pourable product from a web (4) of packaging material. The packaging machine (1) comprises a sterilization device (9) for sterilizing the web (4) of packaging material advancing along an advancement path (P), said sterilization device comprising a first sterilization device (10) configured to sterilize at least a first side (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) if an anomaly is detected, an isolation chamber (14), a tube forming device (17), a sealing device (19), a filling device (20), a package forming device (21), and a packaging device (22). a plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) configured to advance a web of material (4) along a web advancement path (P) and to advance a tube (3) along a tube advancement path (Q), the plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) including, upstream of the sterilizer (9), at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24 equipped with an actuator (13) configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web (4) and / or an actuator (13) configured to control the tension of the advancing web (4).

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 of pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] The invention also relates to a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, comprising a sterilization device.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method of sterilizing a web of packaging material, in particular a method of sterilizing a web of packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable products, especially pourable food products. [Background technology]

[0004] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, with a base layer, for example of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic, for example polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), for example aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material that ultimately forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0006] This type of package is typically produced by a fully automatic packaging machine that advances the web of packaging material from a magazine unit, through a sterilizer for sterilizing the web of packaging material, and into an isolation chamber (a closed, sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During its advance through the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded longitudinally and sealed to form a tube with a longitudinal seam, which tube is further fed along a vertical advance direction.

[0007] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pasteurized or sterilized pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, sealed transversely, and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in the package forming unit of the packaging machine while advancing along a vertical direction.

[0008] Pillow packages are thus obtained in the packaging machine, each having a longitudinal seal band, an upper transverse seal band and a lower transverse seal band.

[0009] In recent years, sterilization devices have become available that are configured to sterilize webs of packaging material by application of physical radiation, particularly electromagnetic radiation, and more particularly electron beam radiation. Sterilization devices that utilize hydrogen peroxide are also known, in which sterilization is achieved by introducing the web of packaging material into a hydrogen peroxide bath. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Despite the good results achieved by known sterilizers and corresponding packaging machines, there is a desire to improve the performance of sterilizers.

[0011] For example, there is a felt need to efficiently and timely address anomalies in the operation of sterilizers, such as temperature anomalies in peroxide baths in the case of hydrogen peroxide sterilization, radiation anomalies in ultraviolet lamps, and arcing in the case of electron beam sterilization.

[0012] Such malfunctions can cause temporary interruptions in production, sometimes lasting up to several hours, resulting in economic losses and time-consuming work for machine operators. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a solution that minimizes machine downtime. It is also necessary to improve sterilization performance while minimizing downtime.

[0013] For example, with electron beam emitters, if an electric arc occurs, the packaging machine must be shut down. An operator then manually cuts off the bottom of the packaging material, connects a cleaning pipe to clean the filling means, cleans the sterilization device, and replaces the packaging material in the correct position. A further sterilization then takes place before normal packaging operation can resume. This process is time-consuming, and downtime can last for several hours. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine including a sterilization device that facilitates overcoming at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0015] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine that can respond in a time-efficient manner to abnormalities during operation.

[0016] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing details of a packaging machine with a sterilizer according to one or more embodiments, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization apparatus with parts removed for clarity, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device 9 when an abnormality is detected and after the advance of the web is interrupted. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device 9 when an abnormality is detected and after the advance of the web is interrupted. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing details of a packaging machine with a sterilizer according to one or more embodiments, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conveyor and actuator according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conveyor and actuator according to an aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Number 1 generally indicates a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable food products such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., from a tube 3 formed from a web 4 of packaging material. In particular, in use, the tube 3 extends along a longitudinal direction, in particular a vertical direction.

[0020] The web 4 comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, in particular paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, for example polyethylene.

[0021] Preferably, web 4 also comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and at least first and second layers of heat-sealable plastic material. The layer of gas and light barrier material is superimposed on the first layer of heat-sealable plastic, which is then covered with a second layer of heat-sealable plastic. The second layer of heat-sealable plastic ultimately forms the interior surface of package 2 that contacts the filled, pourable food product.

[0022] More specifically, web 4 has a first side or surface 5 and a second side or surface 6, and in particular first (front) surface 5 is the side of web 4 that forms the interior surface of the formed package 2 that ultimately contacts the filled pourable food product.

[0023] A typical package 2 obtained by the packaging machine 1 comprises a longitudinal seam and a pair of transverse sealing bands, in particular a top transverse sealing band and a bottom transverse sealing band.

[0024] With particular reference to FIG. 1 , packaging machine 1 is configured to advance web 4 along web advancement path P, sterilize web 4 while advancing along path P, form tube 3 from web 4, fill tube 3, and form single package 2 from filled tube 3.

[0025] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 comprises: a sterilization device 9 including a first sterilization device 10 configured to sterilize at least a first (front) surface 5, in particular a second (front) surface 6, of the web 4; an isolation chamber 14 separating an internal environment 15, in particular an internal sterile environment, from an external environment 16; a tube forming device 17 at least partially, preferably completely, disposed within the isolation chamber 14 and configured to, in use, form a tube 3 from the advancing sterilized web 4; a sealing device 19 arranged at least partially within the isolation chamber 14 and configured to longitudinally seal the tube 3 formed by the tube forming device 17 so as to form a longitudinal seam portion of the tube 3; a filling unit 20 adapted to fill the tube 3 with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product; - a package forming unit 21 adapted to at least form and transversely seal a tube 3 for forming a package 2, in particular a tube 3 that advances in use; - a plurality of conveyors configured to advance the web 4 along a path P in a known manner and to advance the tube 3 along a tube advance path Q; Equipped with.

[0026] In particular, the sterilizer 9 may receive a web 4 of packaging material from a host station (not visible in the figures).

[0027] For example, multiple conveyors may be configured to advance the web of packaging material 4 from the host station to the sterilizer 9 and / or from the sterilizer 9 to the tube former 17. For example, multiple conveyors may be configured to advance the tube 3 from the tube former 17 to the sealing device 19 and / or from the sealing device 19 to the filling device 20 and / or from the filling device 20 to the package former 21.

[0028] Preferably, the plurality of conveyors are adapted to advance the tubes 3 and any intermediate portions of the tubes 3 along path Q, in particular from the tube forming device 17 towards and at least partially through the package forming device 21, in a known manner.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of conveyors comprises a first conveyor 22 that is (immediately) upstream of the sterilizer 9. In particular, the first conveyor 22 may be positioned immediately upstream of the entrance 90 of the sterilizer 9.

[0030] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 comprises pressure control means arranged to control the pressure in at least the isolation chamber 14 and in at least part of the sterilizer 9 .

[0031] The sterilizer 9 may be located upstream of the tube forming station 17 relative to the web advance path P.

[0032] The sterilizer 9 may include an outlet 92. The outlet 92 may be located downstream relative to the first sterilizer 10 along the web advancement path P, and the sterilized web 4 may advance through the outlet 92 toward the isolation chamber 14.

[0033] The isolation chamber 14 may include an inlet 140 , which may be connected to the outlet 92 of the sterilizer 9 .

[0034] The isolation chamber 14 may include an outlet 142 at which the tube 3 filled with the pourable product may exit the isolation chamber 14 .

[0035] The package former 21 may be located downstream of the isolation chamber 14 and the tube former 17 along path Q.

[0036] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the sterilization device 9 includes: a first sterilization device 10 configured to sterilize at least a first (front) surface 5, preferably a second (front) surface 6, of a web 4 passing through the first sterilization device 10; - a second sterilization device 7; a monitoring device 8 configured to monitor the operation of the first sterilization device 10; a movement sensor 11 configured to monitor the advancement of the web 4 along the advancement path P; a control unit 12 connected to the monitoring device 8 and the movement sensor 11, the control unit 12 being configured to, when an anomaly (e.g. a deviation from standard operation such as an electric arc event) is detected in the operation of the first sterilizer 10, perform the following control actions: - Hindering the progress of Web 4, - determining the distance D travelled by the web 4 between the detection of the anomaly and the interruption of its advance, - sterilizing at least a portion P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 by a second sterilization device 7, the portions P1, P2, P3 being related to (e.g. substantially corresponding to) the travel distance D, Equipped with.

[0037] The first sterilization device 10 may comprise an irradiation device configured to sterilize at least the first surface 5, preferably the second surface 6, of the advancing web 4 by directing sterilizing radiation towards at least the first surface 5 (and optionally the second surface 6).

[0038] A typical sterilizer of this type will typically include an irradiation device having a pair of spaced apart electron beam emitters. An advance channel through which a web of packaging material 4 advances in use is interposed between the electron beam emitters. Each electron beam emitter is configured to apply a respective electron beam to one side of the web of packaging material advancing through the advance channel.

[0039] A drawback of this type of sterilization apparatus 10 is the possibility of electrical arcing. During operation of the electron beam emitter, electrical discharges, i.e., electrical arcs, can occur that can change the dose of radiation directed to surface 5 and / or surface 6. That is, an anomaly can constitute an electrical arc event. Control unit 12 can be configured to detect whether a change occurs in the dose of radiation directed to first surface 5 (and optionally second surface 6) of web 4.

[0040] In the accompanying figures, the first sterilizer 10 is depicted as an irradiator as previously described, however, a different type of first sterilizer 10 may be employed, for example a hydrogen peroxide bath, in which case the abnormality may include, for example, a change in the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide bath.

[0041] In the event of an abnormality 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. In particular, the control unit 12 may interrupt the operation of the first sterilization device 10, the tube forming device 17, the sealing device 19, the filling device 20, the package forming device 21 and / or several conveyors, preferably simultaneously.

[0042] 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, the travel distance D may be less than the distance D1 that the web 4 travels between the first sterilization device 10 and the outlet 92 during normal operation.

[0043] For example, portions P1, P2, P3 associated with (e.g., substantially corresponding to) travel distance D may constitute portions of web 4 at (e.g., passing through) first sterilization device 10 between detection of the anomaly and interruption of advancement. For example, portions P1, P2, P3 may include a first portion P1-P2 that exits first sterilization apparatus 10 between detection of the anomaly and interruption of advancement, and a second portion P2-P3 that is present at (e.g., in) first sterilization apparatus 10 when advancement of the web is interrupted.

[0044] Thus, the step of sterilizing at least the portions P1, P2, P3 associated with the travel distance D may comprise sterilizing at least a first portion P1-P2 and / or a second portion P2-P3 substantially corresponding to the distance D in the first sterilization device 10 during an interruption in the advancement of the web.

[0045] Advantageously, the advance of the web 4 may be interrupted before the first portion P1-P2 of the web 4 reaches the outlet 92 of the sterilizer 9. In this way, the first portion P1-P2 does not enter the isolation chamber 14.

[0046] The control unit 12 may therefore be configured to identify (accurately and efficiently) the portions P1, P2, P3 passing through the first sterilisation device 10 when a deviation from its normal operation is detected. In this way, it is possible to identify (accurately and accurately) the portions P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 of packaging material that may be affected by the anomaly.

[0047] For example, the movement sensor 11 may transmit a first sensor signal indicative of the speed and / or position and / or distance traveled of the web of packaging material 4 .

[0048] Advantageously, the web 4 and tube 3 of packaging material that was present in the isolation chamber 14 and sterilizer 9 at the time the abnormality was detected may be present (i.e. remain) in the packaging machine 1 before, during and after sterilization by the second sterilizer 7.

[0049] Advantageously, by identifying the travel distance D and / or the portions P1, P2, P3 affected by an anomaly, downtime due to such an anomaly can be significantly reduced. Sterilization may be localized to the affected portion and, optionally, adjacent portions.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows the sterilization device 9 according to one or more embodiments when an abnormality occurs.

[0051] The controller 12 may be configured to receive a second sensor signal from the monitoring device 8, for example indicative of sterilization of the web 4 of packaging material.

[0052] The control unit 12 may be configured to detect an anomaly when the second sensor signal reaches (and optionally exceeds) a predetermined threshold. For example, if the monitoring device comprises an irradiation sensor, the second sensor signal may indicate the irradiation dose emitted by the first sterilization device 10. The control unit 12 may be configured to detect an anomaly when the emitted dose of radiation reaches (e.g., becomes low) a threshold, for example a low dose value of radiation.

[0053] Preferably, the control unit 12 may be configured to detect an anomaly when the second sensor signal reaches (or exceeds) a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be between 50 and 120 milliseconds, preferably between 70 and 110 milliseconds, and more preferably between 80 and 100 milliseconds. The predetermined time period may depend on the advancement speed of the web 4 of packaging material. For example, the predetermined time period may be indirectly proportional to the advancement speed, i.e., the lower the advancement speed, the longer the predetermined time period.

[0054] More preferably, the control unit 12 may be configured to detect an anomaly when the second sensor signal reaches (or exceeds) a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. That is, the second sensor signal reaches (or exceeds) the threshold throughout a predetermined time period. Advantageously, the predetermined time period may facilitate detection of actual anomalies and filter out false anomalies, e.g., fluctuations in the sensor signal due to electrical disturbances.

[0055] The control unit 12 may be configured to begin determining (e.g., calculating) the distance D at the beginning 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.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the sterilizer 9 according to one or more embodiments when operation of the sterilizer 9 (and packaging machine 1) is interrupted. The first portion P1-P2 may correspond (substantially) to the travel distance D. The second portion P2-P3 may comprise the part that is present in (e.g. inside) the first sterilizer 9 during the interruption of forward movement.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the second sterilization device 7 may include a hydrogen peroxide spray tank 70 configured to spray vaporized hydrogen peroxide onto at least the portions P1, P2, and P3 of the web 4 associated with the travel distance D from the detection of the anomaly to the interruption.

[0058] As shown, the spray tank 70 may be connected to a tube 72 configured to deliver vaporized hydrogen peroxide at its outlet to the first sterilization device 10, and in particular to the web advancement path P.

[0059] Spray tank 70 may be configured to sterilize portions P1-P3 of web 4 via tube 72. Air (e.g., gas stream) exiting tube 72 passes through first sterilizer 10 and may be collected via tube 74 (only a portion of which is shown). Such air may thus flow through first sterilizer in a direction opposite to the direction of advancement of the web along web advance path P.

[0060] The second sterilizer 7 may be configured to sterilize portions P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 in the same way as the first sterilizer 10 and / or the sterilizer 9 in general.

[0061] As a priority further precaution, the second sterilizer 7 may be configured to sterilize the isolation chamber 14 .

[0062] The spray tank 70 may be connected to a further tube 76 configured to transport the vaporized hydrogen peroxide in the isolation chamber 14 , and in particular the tube 76 may terminate downstream to the tube forming device 17 .

[0063] The spray tank 70 may be configured to sterilize the isolation chamber 14 by means of a further tube 76. Air (e.g., gas flow) exiting the further tube 76 passes through the isolation chamber 14, the first sterilizer 10, and may be collected through the tube 74.

[0064] In other words, when the advancement of the web is interrupted, the second sterilizer 7 may be configured to spray sterile air containing hydrogen peroxide into the first sterilizer 10, preferably via the isolation chamber 14.

[0065] The second sterilizing device 7 may be activated only when the advancement of the web is interrupted and / or the first sterilizing device 10 is deactivated.

[0066] According to one or more embodiments, the movement sensor 11 may comprise, for example, a rotary encoder integrated into one of a plurality of conveyors configured to advance the web 4, preferably the conveyor upstream of the sterilizer 9. Preferably, the first conveyor 22 may comprise the movement sensor 11, although any conveyor upstream of the sterilizer 9 may comprise the movement sensor 11.

[0067] The conveyor equipped with the movement sensor 11 may be free from any actuating force. In other words, the conveyor may have free rollers that rotate only due to the movement of the web 4. No external forces are applied to such a conveyor to affect its rotation. Thus, in this embodiment, when the web 4 advances, the first conveyor 22 rotates in a first direction, e.g., counterclockwise in the figure, and when the web 4 retreats, the first conveyor 22 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, e.g., clockwise.

[0068] Advantageously, this allows for a more accurate reading of the distance D, insofar as possible backward movement of the web 4 of packaging material is also taken into account.

[0069] The second conveyor may contact the web 4 on the conveyor with the movement sensor 11 on the opposite side of the web 4 to the conveyor with the movement sensor 11. In this way, the web 4 of packaging material does not slip on the conveyor and a more accurate reading is obtained.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments, for example, one or more conveyors (immediately) upstream of the sterilizer 9 may be equipped with an actuator configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web 4. Advantageously, in this way, the travel distance D of the web 4 before interruption may be reduced.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may be configured to control the tension of the advancing web 4. Advantageously, in this way, the packaging material web 4 remains tensioned even when the packaging machine 1 is stopped, facilitating sterilization and reducing the risk of damage to the web 4.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the first conveyor 22 may be equipped with a movement sensor 11 and an actuator. Additionally or alternatively, a further conveyor, such as one immediately upstream of the first conveyor 22, may be equipped with an actuator.

[0073] The control device 12 may be configured to resume the advancement of the web 4 of packaging material after the sterilization step has been completed by the second sterilization device 7. That is, the web 4 of packaging material remains within the packaging machine 1 before, during and after the abnormality is detected.

[0074] At least during the step of sterilization by the second sterilization device 7, the package 2 formed of the packaging material present in the sterilization device 9 and the isolation chamber 14 may be discarded.

[0075] According to one or more embodiments, the control unit 12 may be configured to send an alarm signal, for example to a user interface, if the travel distance D is greater than a predetermined distance, for example the distance D1 between the first sterilizer 10 and the outlet 92 of the sterilizer 9. A cleaning and resterilization process is then performed on the isolation chamber 14, the filling unit 20 and the sterilizer 9.

[0076] One or more embodiments may relate to a method of sterilizing a web 4 of packaging material performed by a sterilization apparatus 9 according to one or more embodiments. The method comprises: - advancing a web 4 of packaging material along a web advancement path P; - sterilizing at least a first side 5, and preferably a second side 6, of the advancing web 4 by means of a first sterilizing device 10; - monitoring the operation of the first sterilizer 10; - monitoring the advancement of the web 4 along the advance path P; - If an abnormality is detected in the operation of the first sterilizer 10: - Hindering the progress of Web 4, - determining the distance D travelled by the web 4 between the detection of the anomaly and the interruption of its advance, - sterilizing at least a portion P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 by means of a second sterilization device 7, the portions P1, P2, P3 of the web being associated with a travel distance D; may also be provided.

[0077] In Figures 5-7, the same reference numerals are used for the same features as previously described with reference to Figures 1-4. Because the new embodiments of the present description are similar to those described above, the following description will be limited to additional features, and the same reference numerals will be used wherever possible for identical or corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0078] 5-7 show in more detail an embodiment of a packaging machine 1 including 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 device 20, a package forming device 21, and a controller 12 (e.g., a packaging machine controller that controls the sterilization device 9) configured to interrupt the advancement of the web 4 if an abnormality is detected. The abnormality may include an arcing event as described above, or another machine event, such as an abnormality detected in the operation of one or more parts of the machine.

[0079] The packaging machine 1 may comprise a second sterilizer 7, a monitoring device 8 and a movement sensor 11. The control device 12 may be configured to interrupt the advancement of the web 4, determine the distance D and sterilize at least portions P1, P2, P3 of the web 4 if an anomaly is detected in the operation of the first sterilizer 10.

[0080] The packaging machine 1 comprises a plurality of conveyors 22, 23, 24 configured to advance a web 4 of packaging material, and at least one conveyor, for example the first, second or third conveyor 22, 23, 24 upstream of the sterilizer 9, may be equipped with an actuator 13 configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web 4 and / or configured to control the tension of said advancing web 4. The first, second or third conveyor 22, 23, 24 may be a carousel conveyor.

[0081] The conveyor or conveyors comprising the actuator 13 may be the second conveyor 23 and / or the third conveyor 24. Additionally or alternatively, the first conveyor 22 may be provided with a movement sensor 11 as well as the actuator 13.

[0082] For simplicity, the following description will be given assuming that second conveyor 23 includes actuator 13, however, there may be more than one actuator, and actuator 13 may be located on another conveyor. As shown, actuator 13 is integrated into second conveyor 23. Alternatively, one or more of conveyors 23, 24, 22 may include actuator 13 located on the respective conveyor. For example, actuator 13 may be located near the respective conveyor, or actuator 13 may be located upstream or downstream (e.g., immediately) of the respective conveyor.

[0083] The actuator 13 is configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web 4. Advantageously, in this way the travel distance D of the web 4 before interruption is reduced or kept constant even at different web speeds.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the actuators 13 may be configured to control the tension of the advancing web 4 when the advancement speed of the web 4 changes, such as during braking of the web 4. Even if the speed of the web 4 changes, the web 4 will remain in contact with the respective conveyor if an anomaly is detected.

[0085] Advantageously, in this way the web 4 of packaging material remains in tension when the packaging machine 1 is stopped or slowed down, facilitating sterilisation and reducing the risk of damage to the web 4.

[0086] The actuators 13 may be activated if an abnormality occurs. For example, if no abnormality is detected, the actuators 13 or parts thereof may maintain a distance from the web 4. For example, if no abnormality is detected, the actuators 13 or parts thereof may not apply force to the respective conveyors.

[0087] In other words, if no abnormality is detected, the conveyor, for example the second conveyor 23, may be released from the actuating force.

[0088] Advantageously, the actuator 13 can facilitate slowing down the web of packaging material in particular in a more controlled manner if an anomaly is detected, which can improve the operation of the packaging machine, in particular the longitudinal sealing station, the strip application station, the lateral positioning of the packaging material relative to the advance direction of the web, the lateral positioning of the strip relative to the advance direction of the strip, etc.

[0089] The actuator allows for better control of the web of packaging material regardless of speed without disturbing the stability of the web within the packaging machine.

[0090] The conveyor equipped with the actuator 13 is located upstream of the sterilizer 9. For example, the first conveyor 22, which is located immediately upstream of the sterilizer 9, may be equipped with the actuator 13.

[0091] The packaging machine 1 comprises a strip application station 18 configured to apply the longitudinal edges of the protective strip to the longitudinal edges of the web 4. A second or third conveyor 23, 24 arranged upstream of the strip application station 18 can constitute the actuator 13. In particular, the second conveyor 23 is arranged immediately upstream of the strip application station 18.

[0092] According to one or more embodiments, the actuator 13 may include a brake 130, for example an electromagnetic brake, configured to apply a braking torque to the carousel when an anomaly is detected.

[0093] The control unit 12 may be configured to interrupt the advancement of the web 4 by means of the brake 130 if an abnormality is detected. In particular, the brake 130 may be activated only if an abnormality is detected. The respective conveyor, for example the second conveyor 23 in the figure, may not otherwise be subjected to an actuating force.

[0094] The braking torque applied may be of a value such that slipping, pulling or tearing of the web 4 of packaging material is prevented. That is, the braking torque may gradually slow down the respective carousel while facilitating deceleration. For example, the braking torque may have a value of 3 Nm to 7 Nm, preferably 5 Nm.

[0095] Advantageously, brake 130 improves the control of interrupting the advancement of web 4 .

[0096] According to one or more embodiments, the actuator 13 may comprise a counter roller 132 disposed on the carousel and configured to contact the web of packaging material 4 when an anomaly is detected.

[0097] In particular, the control unit 12 may be configured to activate the counter roller 132 (only) if an abnormality is detected. The respective conveyor, for example the second conveyor 23 in the figure, may otherwise not be subjected to an actuating force.

[0098] 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 the second side 6 of the web 4 of packaging material only if an anomaly is detected. The counter roller 132 may be positioned away from the web 4 if no anomaly is detected.

[0099] Advantageously, the counter roller 132 allows for improved tension control of the web 4 during interruptions in operation.

[0100] The counter roller 132 and the brake 130 may be activated simultaneously.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the packaging machine 1 may include a detector 134, such as a relay sensor or a more general sensor, configured to detect a parameter related to the operation of the actuator 13, for example an electrical parameter indicative of the power supplied to the actuator 13. The detector 134 may be coupled to the actuator 13 and configured to detect whether the actuator 13 is operating. For example, the detector 134 may detect whether the brake 130 or the counter roller 132 is operating when an abnormality is detected. In particular, the detector 134 may detect that a predetermined amount of supplied energy has been absorbed by the brake 130 during operation of the brake 130.

[0102] 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 not operating, the control unit 12 is configured to interrupt operation of the packaging machine 1. A cleaning and resterilization process is then performed on the isolation chamber 14, the filling unit 20 and the sterilizer 9.

[0103] Advantageously, the method allows for more robust anomaly detection and relative management.

[0104] The control unit 12 may be configured to send an alarm signal, for example to a user interface, if the detector signal indicates that the actuator 13 is not operating.

[0105] The advantages of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0106] However, modifications may be made to the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) of pourable product from a web (4) of packaging material, said packaging machine (1) comprising a sterilisation device (9) for sterilising said web (4) of packaging material advancing along an advancing path (P), said sterilisation device (9) comprising a first sterilisation device (10) configured to sterilise at least a first side (5) of said web (4) advancing through said first sterilisation device (10); a control unit (12) configured to interrupt the advancement of said web (4) if an anomaly is detected; an isolation chamber (14) connected to the sterilization device (9) and separating an internal environment (15) from an external environment (16); a tube forming device (17) disposed at least partially within the isolation chamber (14) and configured to form a tube (3) from the web (4) of packaging material; a sealing device (19) disposed at least partially 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 said tube (3) with a pourable product; a package forming unit (21) configured to form and transversely seal the tube (3) to form the package (2); Equipped with 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 advancement path (P) and the tube (3) along a tube advancement path (Q), the plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) comprising at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24) equipped with an actuator (13) configured to control the braking speed of the advancing web (4) and / or control the tension of the advancing web (4) upstream of the sterilizer (9); Packaging machine (1).

2. a strip application station (18) configured to apply longitudinal edges of a protective strip to longitudinal edges of the web (4), the at least one conveyor (23, 24) being arranged upstream of the strip application station (18); A packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

3. said at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24) being a carousel; A packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the actuator (13) comprises a brake (130) configured to apply a braking torque to the carousel (22, 23, 24); A packaging machine (1) according to claim 3.

5. the braking torque applied is such that the web (4) of packaging material is prevented from slipping, pulling or tearing; A packaging machine (1) according to claim 4.

6. the carousel (22, 23, 24) faces the first side (5) of the web of packaging material (4), the actuator (13) is arranged on the carousel (22, 23, 24) and comprises a counter roller (132) facing the second side (6) of the web of packaging material (4), the second side (6) being opposite the first side (5); A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the counter roller (132) is configured to contact the second side (6) of the web of packaging material (4) when an anomaly is detected; A packaging machine (1) according to claim 6.

8. The brake (130) and the counter roller (132) are activated simultaneously. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 4 or 6.

9. a detector (134) coupled to the actuator (13), the detector (134) configured to detect whether the actuator (13) is activated; A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the control unit (12) is configured to receive a detector signal from a detector (134), and if the detector signal indicates that the actuator (13) is not operating, the control unit (12) is configured to interrupt operation of the packaging machine (1); Packaging machine (1) according to claim 9.

11. The sterilization device (9) a second sterilization device (7); a monitoring device (8) configured to monitor the operation of the first sterilizer (10); a movement sensor (11) configured to monitor the advancement of said web (4) along said advancement path (P); Equipped with The control unit (12) is connected to the monitoring device (8) and the movement sensor (11), and when an abnormality is detected in the operation of the first sterilization device (10), Hindering the progress of the web (4), determining the distance (D) travelled by said web (4) between the detection of an anomaly and the interruption of advancement; A second sterilization device (7) sterilizes at least a portion (P1, P2, P3) of the web (4), the portion (P1, P2, P3) of the web being related to the travel distance (D). configured to control A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The plurality of conveyors (22, 23, 24) includes a conveyor (22) provided upstream of the sterilization device (9), and the movement sensor (11) includes a rotary encoder incorporated in the conveyor (22). Packaging machine (1) according to claim 11.

13. The sterilization device (9) has a discharge port (92), and the travel distance (D) is smaller than the distance (D1) between the first sterilization device (10) and the discharge port (92). Packaging machine (1) according to claim 11 or 12.

14. the first sterilization device (10) comprises an irradiation device configured to sterilize at least the first surface (5) of the advancing web (4) by directing sterilizing radiation at least to the first surface (5), and the anomaly comprises an electric arc event; A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The at least one conveyor (22, 23, 24) is released from actuation force if no abnormality is detected. A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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