Magazine unit for packaging machine, packaging machine equipped with magazine unit, and method of operating magazine unit for packaging machine

Abstract

A magazine unit (10) for a packaging machine (1) is described. The magazine unit (10) comprises at least a support device for rotatably supporting a bobbin (11) of a web (3) of packaging material and a braking device (31) for slowing down the rotation of the bobbin (11) about its axis of rotation (B). The braking device (31) comprises at least one braking element (36) having an interaction surface (37) movable relative to the bobbin (11) supported by the support device along a direction of movement (D2) substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (B). Each interaction surface (37) is movable between an idle position in use, spaced apart from a side portion (34) of the bobbin (11) supported by the support device, and an active position in which the interaction surface (37) contacts the side portion (34) of the bobbin (11) to slow down the rotation of the bobbin (11) about its axis of rotation (B).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magazine unit for a packaging machine, in particular for producing sealed packages of pourable products, more particularly pourable food products. In particular, the present invention relates to a magazine unit provided with a braking device for slowing down a bobbin which rotates a web of packaging material.

[0002] The invention also relates to a packaging machine, in particular for producing sealed packages of pourable products, more particularly pourable food products, which machine comprises a magazine unit equipped with a braking device.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method of operating a magazine unit for a packaging machine, in particular for a packaging machine that produces sealed packages of pourable products, more particularly pourable food products. [Background technology]

[0004] As is well known, many liquid or pourable foods, 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 "Tetra Brik Aseptic" (registered trademark), a parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products. It is produced by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure consisting of a substrate, such as paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage, such as for UHT milk, the packaging material also contains a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, placed on top of the heat-sealable plastic material, and another layer of heat-sealable plastic material placed on top of that, ultimately forming the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0006] These types of packages are typically produced on fully automated packaging machines that pass the web of packaging material through a sterilization station, where it is sterilized, and then through an isolation chamber (a closed, sterile environment) that holds and advances the sterilized web. As the web of packaging material passes through the isolation chamber, it is folded longitudinally and sealed at a tube-forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam for further vertical advancement.

[0007] To complete the forming step, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, transversely sealed along equally spaced cross sections as it is advanced along a vertical advance direction within the package forming device of the packaging machine, and then cut.

[0008] Pillow packages are thus obtained, each having a longitudinal seal band, an upper lateral seal band, and a lower lateral seal band.

[0009] A typical packaging machine comprises a magazine unit for receiving a web of packaging material provided in bobbin form, a conveying device for advancing the web of packaging material along a web advancement path and forming a tube from the web and advancing the tube along a tube advancement path, a sterilization device for sterilizing the web of packaging material prior to tube formation, a tube forming and sealing device located at least partially within the isolation chamber for forming a tube from the advancing web of packaging material and sealing the tube longitudinally, a filling device for filling the tube with pourable product, and a package forming device for transversely sealing and cutting individual packages from the tube.

[0010] A typical magazine unit includes at least one support device that rotatably supports a spindle that holds a bobbin of the web of packaging material, the spindle and associated bobbin being rotatable about an axis of rotation to wind up the web of packaging material.

[0011] The magazine unit further comprises a braking device configured to slow down the rotation of the bobbin about its axis of rotation in use, the use of which may be particularly important during the start-up step of the packaging machine, during program stops of the packaging machine, during emergency stops of the packaging machine, or in other situations.

[0012] Known braking devices include a rotating brake wheel configured to contact the outer layer of the web of packaging material (the portion that will become the outer surface of the final package), the brake wheel being positioned in front of the bobbin and configured to contact the outer surface when it is necessary to slow down the bobbin. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Although known solutions work satisfactorily, there is a growing desire in the industry to further improve the magazine units of packaging machines and the packaging machines themselves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved magazine unit for a packaging machine.

[0015] Advantageously, it is an object of the present invention to provide a magazine unit for a packaging machine that includes a braking device for controlling the unwinding of a web of packaging material.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine, the packaging machine comprising a magazine unit.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved method of operating a magazine unit for a packaging machine.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a magazine unit as set forth in claim 1.

[0019] According to the present invention there is also provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 12.

[0020] According to the present invention there is further provided a method for operating a magazine unit for a packaging machine as set forth in claim 13.

[0021] Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0022] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the packaging machine of FIG. 1 showing details thereof with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of some of the details of FIG. 2, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another portion of the detail of FIG. 2, with parts removed for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, in particular milk, milk drinks, yogurt, yogurt drinks, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, drinks containing fruit pulp, salt, sugar, etc.

[0025] More particularly, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a web 3 of packaging material, preferably a web of multi-layer packaging material.

[0026] More preferably, the web 3 of packaging material may have heat seal properties (ie, certain areas of the multi-layer packaging material are capable of being sealed to one another).

[0027] More particularly, the web 3 of packaging material may comprise a layer of fibrous material, for example paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, for example polyethylene, sandwiching the fibrous layer. Preferably, one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0028] Additionally, the web 3 of packaging material may comprise a layer of gas and light barrier material (e.g., aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), preferably disposed between the layer of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0029] Preferably, the web 3 of packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material sandwiched between the gas and light barrier layer and the textile material layer.

[0030] Preferably, the web 3 of packaging material may be provided with a successively arranged pattern which defines the final graphic pattern of each package 2. That is, the packaging machine 1 is operated such that, in use, the packages 2 include the respective patterns.

[0031] Further, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to form a tube 4 from a web of packaging material 3, seal the tube 4 longitudinally, fill the tube 4 with a pourable product, seal the tube 4 transversely, and preferably cut transversely to produce the package 2.

[0032] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 can extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0033] In some possible embodiments, each package 2 may have at least a first lateral seal band 5a located at a first end of the package 2, and may further have a second lateral seal band 5b preferably located at a second end of the package 2 opposite the first end.

[0034] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5a may be substantially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis A from a respective second transverse sealing band 5b.

[0035] Furthermore, each package 2 further has a longitudinal seam 6. Preferably, each first transverse seal band 5a and / or each second transverse seal band 5b may be transverse, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal seam 6, respectively.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 may comprise: - a magazine unit 10 configured to accommodate at least one bobbin 11 of a web 3 of packaging material in a host station 12; - a conveying device 13 configured to advance the web 3 of packaging material along a web advancement path P, preferably to a tube forming station 14, and configured in use to form the web 3 of packaging material into a tube 4 and advance the tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q; - a tube forming and sealing device 15 configured, in use, to form a tube 4 from the advancing web 3 of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube 4, preferably at a tube forming station 14; - a filling device 16 for filling the tube 4 with a pourable product; and a package forming unit 17 configured to transversely seal and preferably transversely cut the tube 4 to obtain semi-finished packs, preferably packaging pouches. Preferably, the package forming unit 17 may be configured to form the tube 4.

[0037] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise an isolation chamber 18 that separates an internal environment 19 from an external environment 20. Preferably, the internal environment 19 may be a sterile environment that includes a controlled atmosphere.

[0038] Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 15 may be disposed at least partially within the isolation chamber 18, preferably within the interior environment 19, and may be configured to collapse and longitudinally seal the tube 4.

[0039] Additionally, the packaging machine 1 may include a sterilization unit for sterilizing the advancing web 3 of packaging material during use, preferably the sterilization unit being located along the web advancement path P upstream of the tube forming and sealing apparatus 15 and / or downstream of the host station 12.

[0040] More specifically, the conveying device 13 may be configured to advance the tube 4 and intermediate tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q, preferably from the tube forming and sealing device 15 and / or partly within the package forming unit 17. Preferably, the phrase "intermediate tube 4" refers to any configuration of the packaging material web 3 before obtaining a tubular structure and after folding of the packaging material web 3 by the tube forming and sealing device 15 has begun. In other words, the intermediate tube 4 is preferably obtained as a result of gradually folding the packaging material web 3 to obtain the tube 4 by overlapping the (longitudinal) ends of the packaging material web 3 with each other.

[0041] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 15 can be positioned so that the tube 4 has a vertical orientation.

[0042] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 15 may include at least two forming ring assemblies 21, preferably disposed within the isolation chamber 18, and more preferably within the interior environment 19, configured to cooperate with one another to gradually fold the web of packaging material 3 into a tube 4, preferably by overlapping edges of the web of packaging material 3 with one another.

[0043] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing device 15 may further comprise a sealing head 22 preferably disposed within the isolation chamber 18, more preferably within the interior environment 19, and configured to seal the tube 4 longitudinally.

[0044] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing device 15 may include a pressure assembly that applies a mechanical force to the tube 4 to ensure longitudinal sealing of the tube 4 .

[0045] Preferably, the filling device 16 may comprise a filling tube 23 configured to, in use, direct the pourable product into the tube 4. Preferably, the filling tube 23 may be configured to be at least partially disposed within the tube 4 in use and to provide the pourable product into the tube 4 in use.

[0046] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming unit 17 may include a plurality of actuators for manipulating, preferably at least partially forming, at least transversely sealing, and transversely cutting the tube 4 to obtain the package 2.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the magazine unit 10 may be located upstream of the isolation chamber 18 and / or the tube forming and sealing device 15 and / or the package forming unit 17 .

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the magazine unit 10 has at least the following components: a support device configured to rotatably support at least one bobbin 11 of the web 3 of packaging material 3, preferably such that the bobbin 11 is rotatable about an axis of rotation B, more preferably such that the axis of rotation B can coincide with the central axis of the bobbin 11; and a braking device 31 configured to slow down the rotation of the bobbin 11 about the axis of rotation B;

[0049] More particularly, each bobbin 11 may be received on a spindle 32 , and the support device may be configured to rotatably support the spindle 32 .

[0050] Preferably, the spindles 32 may each be coaxial with and / or define an axis of rotation B.

[0051] Each spindle 32 may be configured to rotate about its respective rotation axis B, thereby allowing each bobbin 11 to rotate about its respective rotation axis B.

[0052] More particularly, the support device may comprise at least one housing seat, which is configured to support one bobbin 11 at a time. Preferably, the support device may comprise at least two housing seats arranged side by side, which are configured to rotatably support a respective bobbin 11, preferably a respective spindle 32, at a time.

[0053] More specifically, the support device may comprise at least two housing seats so that two bobbins 11 can be placed simultaneously in the magazine unit 10. This allows one bobbin 11 to be rotated about its respective rotation axis B and the respective web 3 of packaging material to be advanced along the web advance path P, while the other bobbin 11 is held in a waiting state ready for the joining step.

[0054] More specifically, the bobbin 11 has a through hole for receiving the spindle 32, which extends along the rotation axis B and supports the bobbin 11. In particular, the rotation axis B and the central axis of the bobbin 11 are coaxial with the spindle 32 received in the through hole.

[0055] Preferably, the support device may be configured to indirectly support each bobbin 11 by supporting each spindle 32 , thereby supporting each bobbin 11 .

[0056] More specifically, each bobbin 11 preferably has two side surfaces 34 spaced apart from one another along a first direction D1 substantially parallel, preferably parallel, to the respective axis of rotation B.

[0057] Preferably, each lateral portion 34 may be substantially perpendicular, in particular perpendicular, to the respective axis of rotation B.

[0058] Additionally, side portions 34 are formed from respective side edges of the web of packaging material 3 which is wound to form the bobbin 11 .

[0059] Additionally, each bobbin 11 may have an outer surface 35 that is radially offset from the axis of rotation B. Preferably, the outer surface 35 may correspond to the surface of the web 3 of packaging material and define the outer surface of each package 2 after it has been formed.

[0060] Preferably, the outer surface 35 may include a continuously arranged pattern.

[0061] Furthermore, each bobbin 11 may extend radially at a radius R. Preferably, in use, the radius R decreases during unwinding of the web 3 of packaging material.

[0062] In particular, the radius R may be determined as the distance between the respective spindle 32 , preferably the rotation axis B, and the outer surface 35 .

[0063] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, in use, each bobbin 11 can rotate about a respective axis of rotation B, preferably defined by each spindle 32, due to the tension force that the conveying device 13 exerts on the web of packaging material 3.

[0064] More particularly, the support device may be configured to hold each bobbin 11, and in particular each spindle 32, such that each axis of rotation B is oriented substantially horizontally.

[0065] 1-4, the braking device 31 may comprise at least one braking element 36 each having an interaction surface 37 .

[0066] The brake element 36, preferably each interaction surface 37, is arranged to be laterally movable relative to each bobbin 11 held by the support device along a second direction D2 (movement direction), substantially parallel, preferably parallel to the axis of rotation B.

[0067] Further, each interaction surface 37 may be movable between an idle position in which it is spaced apart from and / or configured to be spaced apart from the side portion 34 of the respective bobbin 11, and an active position in which it is in contact with and / or configured to be in contact with the side portion 34 of the respective bobbin 11.

[0068] Preferably, the direction of movement of each interaction surface 37 (when moving between the respective idle position and the respective active position in use) may be parallel to the axis of rotation B and / or the second direction D2.

[0069] More preferably, each interaction surface 37 may be movable back and forth along a direction of movement to move each interaction surface 37 between a respective idle position and a respective active position.

[0070] Preferably, when the interaction surfaces 37 are in their idle positions, each interaction surface 37 may face a respective side portion 34 of each bobbin 11 supported by the support device.

[0071] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the brake device 31 may include at least two brake elements 36, preferably spaced apart from each other along the second direction D2, defining a pair of brake elements 36, and in use, arranged to interpose the respective bobbins 11 supported by the support device with each other, preferably with the respective interaction surfaces 37 configured to interpose the respective bobbins 11 with each other.

[0072] Preferably, the braking device 31 may include at least two pairs of braking elements 36 (ie, at least four braking elements 36).

[0073] Preferably, the respective interaction surfaces 37 of the respective braking elements of each pair of braking elements 36 may be arranged facing each other.

[0074] Furthermore, each pair of braking elements 36 may be positioned adjacent to each other and spaced apart from each other.

[0075] More specifically, one pair of brake elements 36 may be connected to one housing sheet, and another pair of brake elements 36 may be connected to another housing sheet. More specifically, being connected to one housing sheet means that the bobbins 11 held in that housing sheet are disposed so as to sandwich each other.

[0076] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the brake device 31 may be configured to move the corresponding interacting surfaces 37 of each pair of brake elements 36, preferably synchronously, between their respective idle and active positions.

[0077] Preferably, the brake device 31 may be configured to control the movement of each interaction surface 37 from a respective idle position to a respective active position so that each interaction surface 37 of each pair of respective brake elements 36 simultaneously engages with each side portion 34.

[0078] More specifically, in use, as each interacting surface 37 of each pair of brake elements 36 moves from the idle position to the active position and from the active position to the idle position, respectively, each interacting surface 37 is moved toward or away from each other.

[0079] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the magazine unit 10 may include a support structure 38 (only partially shown) that supports the braking elements 36 .

[0080] Preferably, the support structure 38 may support a support device, preferably a housing sheet.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each braking element 36 may comprise at least one plate having a respective interaction surface 37 .

[0082] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each interaction surface 37 can be substantially perpendicular, preferably perpendicular, to the axis of rotation B of each bobbin 11 supported by the support device.

[0083] Preferably, each interaction surface 37 may have a planar shape and / or may have a vertical orientation.

[0084] Furthermore, each interaction surface 37 may be substantially parallel, preferably parallel, to the respective side portion 34 .

[0085] More particularly, the braking device 31 may comprise an actuator unit configured to move each interaction surface 37, preferably a respective plate, between a respective idle position and a respective active position.

[0086] More particularly, the actuator unit may comprise at least one actuator 40, preferably a plurality of actuators 40, each configured to move a respective interaction surface 37 between a respective idle position and a respective active position.

[0087] Each actuator 40 may include a pneumatic or electrical control mechanism for moving the respective interaction surface 37 between a respective idle position and a respective active position.

[0088] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1, preferably the magazine unit 10, and more preferably the brake device 31, may include a control unit 41. Preferably, the control unit 41 may be operatively connected to the actuator 40.

[0089] In some preferred embodiments, the control unit 41 may be configured to control the operation of the actuator 40 and thereby control the movement of the interaction surface 37 .

[0090] For example, the control unit 41 may be configured to maintain the interaction surfaces 37 in the active position for a respective predetermined period of time, and preferably to establish temporary contact between the interaction surfaces 37 and the respective side portions 34 during use.

[0091] Preferably, the control unit 41 may be configured to perform a sequence of actions for moving the at least one interaction surface 37 from a respective idle position to a respective active position, i.e. the control unit 41 may be configured to define a sequence of actions by repeatedly moving the at least one interaction surface 37 from a respective idle position to a respective active position.

[0092] For example, the series of operations may be configured to occur during a predetermined time period and to control the interactive surface between an idle position and an active position twice during the predetermined time period (i.e., the interactive surface 37 is moved between an idle position and an active position twice during the predetermined time period).

[0093] For example, the predetermined time period may last several seconds, and during the execution of the sequence of operations, the interactive surface 37 may be controlled twice from each idle position to each active position and held in each active position for several milliseconds (for example, the predetermined time period may be 50, 100, 150, ... milliseconds).

[0094] Such control may be advantageous during the start-up phase and / or during shutdown and / or interruption of operation of the packaging machine 1 .

[0095] Furthermore, by establishing short, intermittent contacts between the interaction surfaces 37 and the respective side portions 34, stresses acting on the bobbin 11 can be reduced.

[0096] In use, the packaging machine 1 forms packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0097] In particular, the conveyor 13 advances the web 3 of packaging material from the magazine unit 10 to preferably a host station 12 .

[0098] More particularly, the conveying device conveys the web of packaging material 3 from the host station 7 to the forming station 10 where the web of packaging material 3 is formed into a tube 4. The conveying device 13 then conveys the tube 4 further along the tube advance path Q to the package forming unit 17. During the transport of the tube 4, the filling device 16 fills the tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0099] Preferably, as the web 3 of packaging material is fed along the web advance path P, the web 3 of packaging material is sterilized at a sterilization station.

[0100] The package forming unit 13 forms the tube 4, seals it transversely and preferably cuts the tube 4 transversely to obtain the packages 2.

[0101] Preferably, operation of the packaging machine 1, and in particular operation of the magazine unit 10, comprises rotating the bobbins 11 about their respective axes of rotation B to take up the web 3 of packaging material, and preferably to enable the web 3 of packaging material to be advanced along the web advance path P.

[0102] During the rotating step, only one bobbin 11 rotates about the rotation axis B, while the other bobbins 11 are preferably held in a standby state, so that the web of packaging material supplied from the rotating bobbin 11 can be connected to the web of packaging material supplied from the standby bobbin 11.

[0103] Operation of the magazine unit 10 preferably comprises selectively slowing down the rotation of the bobbins 11 about their respective axes of rotation B by controlling the brake devices 31 .

[0104] During the control step, at least one corresponding interaction surface 37, and preferably at least two corresponding interaction surfaces 37, are each moved to an active position, preferably from an idle position to an active position.

[0105] More specifically, in the control step, the two interaction surfaces 37 of each pair are moved synchronously, in particular so that the two interaction surfaces 37 each engage with the side portion 34 simultaneously.

[0106] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, in the step of controlling the brake device 31, the control unit 41 repeatedly controls at least one interaction surface 37 between each idle position and each active position during a predetermined time period. Preferably, in the control step, the interaction surface 37 repeatedly contacts each side portion 37.

[0107] Preferably, in the step of controlling the braking device 31, the control unit 41 preferably controls at least one interacting surface 37 to perform a series of movements between a respective idle position and a respective active position during a predetermined time period. More preferably, during each series of movements, the interacting surface 37 may move between the idle position and the active position multiple times.

[0108] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the control step is performed during at least one of a start-up step of the packaging machine 1, a stop-operation step of the packaging machine 1, or a temporary suspension step of operation of the packaging machine 1.

[0109] For example, at the beginning of the start-up step of packaging machine 1, bobbin 11 is stationary (not rotating) and when unwinding of web 3 of packaging material begins, operation of brake device 31 (i.e., controlled movement of interaction surfaces 37 between their respective idle positions and their respective active positions) ensures that web 3 of packaging material advances correctly or has the desired tension or does not unwind in an improper manner from bobbin 11. For example, if brake device 31 is not operated, it may be the case that web 3 of packaging material unwinds too quickly.

[0110] Furthermore, the activation of the brake device 31 ensures that the web 3 of packaging material does not unwind unnecessarily when the packaging machine 1 is stopped and / or interrupted.

[0111] The advantages of the magazine unit 11 and / or packaging machine 1 and / or operation of the packaging machine 1 of the present invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0112] In particular, the braking device 31 is easily controllable.

[0113] Furthermore, the braking device 31 achieves cost reduction.

[0114] Furthermore, the braking device 31 interacts only with the side edges of the web of packaging material 3, which, although of limited thickness, define a significantly large surface area when arranged in the shape of the bobbin 11.

[0115] Obviously, changes may be made to the packaging machine 1 and / or magazine unit 11 and / or method of operating the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A magazine unit (10) for a packaging machine (1), comprising: a support device for rotatably supporting a bobbin (11) of a web of packaging material (3); a braking device (31) configured to slow down the rotation of the bobbin (11) about its axis of rotation (B); Equipped with The braking device (31) comprises at least one braking element (36) having an interaction surface (37) movable relative to the bobbin (11) supported by the support device, each said interaction surface (37) being movable in use between an idle position in which it is spaced apart from a side portion (34) of the bobbin (11) supported by the support device, and an active position in which it contacts the side portion (34) of the bobbin (11) to reduce rotation of the bobbin (11) about the axis of rotation (B); Magazine unit (10).

2. The braking device (31) comprises at least two braking elements (36) spaced apart from each other and arranged so as to interpose therebetween, and is configured to interpose the bobbin supported by the support device in use. The magazine unit according to claim 1 .

3. The braking device (31) is configured to move the respective interaction surfaces (37) of the at least two braking elements (36) in a synchronized manner.

3. The magazine unit according to claim 2.

4. The braking device (31) is configured to move the interaction surfaces (37) of the at least two braking elements (36) so that the interaction surfaces (37) simultaneously contact the side portions (34).

4. The magazine unit according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Each interaction surface (37) is substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation (B); The magazine unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Each interaction surface (37) is movable back and forth along a direction of movement (D2) to move said interaction surface (37) between said idle position and said active position; The magazine unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the braking device (36) comprises an actuator unit configured to move the interaction surface (37) between the idle position and the active position; The magazine unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the actuator unit comprises at least one actuator (40) configured to move the interaction surface (37) between the idle position and the active position; 8. The magazine unit according to claim 7.

9. the actuator comprises a pneumatic control mechanism or an electric control mechanism; The magazine unit according to claim 8.

10. The control unit (41) further comprises: holding at least one interaction surface (37) in said active position for a predetermined period of time; and / or repeatedly controlling said at least one interaction surface (37) between said idle position and said active position, whereby said interaction surface (37) repeatedly contacts said side portion (34); Equipped with The magazine unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the control unit (41) is configured to control a sequence of movements of each of the at least one interaction surface (37) between a respective idle position and a respective active position during the predetermined time period; The magazine unit according to claim 10.

12. A packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) of pourable products, comprising: an isolation chamber (18) separating an internal environment (19) from an external environment (20); a tube forming and sealing device (15) disposed at least partially within said isolation chamber (18) and configured to form a tube (4) from a web of packaging material (3) and longitudinally seal said tube (4) at a tube forming station (14); a filling device (16) for filling the tube (3) with a pourable product; a package forming unit (17) configured to manipulate the tube (3) to form a package (2); a conveying device (13) for advancing the web (3) of packaging material from the host station (12) to the tube forming station (14) along a web advancement path (P) and for advancing the tube (3) to the package forming unit (13) along a tube advancement path (Q); A magazine unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A packaging machine (1).

13. A method of operating a magazine unit (10) for a packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages of pourable products (2), comprising the steps of: The magazine unit (10) comprises: a support device for rotatably supporting a bobbin (11) of a web of packaging material (3); a braking device (31) configured to slow down the rotation of the bobbin (11) about its axis of rotation (B); Equipped with The braking device (31) comprises at least one braking element (36), the at least one braking element (36) having an interaction surface (37) movable along a direction of movement (D2) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (B) relative to the bobbin (11) supported by the support device; the interaction surface (37) is configured to be movable, in use, between an idle position in which it is spaced apart from the side portion (34) of the bobbin (11) supported by the support device, and an active position in which the interaction surface (37) contacts the side portion (34) of the bobbin (11) to slow down the rotation of the bobbin (11) about the rotation axis (B); The method comprises: rotating the bobbin (11) of the web of packaging material (3) about the axis of rotation (B) to wind up the web of packaging material (3); controlling the braking device (31) to control the at least one interaction surface (37) in the active position, thereby slowing down the rotation of the bobbin (11) about the rotation axis (B); A method comprising:

14. In the controlling step, the at least one interactive surface (37) is repeatedly controlled from the idle position to the active position according to a predetermined sequence of movements. The method of claim 13.

15. The control step is performed during at least one of a start-up step of the packaging machine (1), a stop-operation step of the packaging machine (1), and a step of temporarily suspending operation of the packaging machine (1).

15. The method of claim 13 or 14.

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