Conveying device for a web of packaging material and packaging machine for producing sealed packages provided with said conveying device

Abstract

A conveying device for a web of packaging material fed along a conveying path, in particular for a packaging machine for producing sealed packages, includes a number of electroadhesive elements having an outer electroadhesive gripping surface configured to adhere to the web of packaging material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a web of packaging material and to a packaging machine for producing sealed packages provided with said conveying device.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As it is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as for example pasteurized or long-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0003] Packages of this sort are normally produced with automatic packaging machines, which feed a web of packaging material through a sterilizing unit by means of known guiding elements (like for example rollers) for sterilizing the web of packaging material alternatively by means of chemical sterilization in a sterilizing bath (e.g. by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution) or by means of physical sterilization (e.g. by means of an electron beam).

[0004] The packaging machine further comprises a tube forming unit arranged downstream of the sterilizing unit, extending substantially vertically and designed to fold the web of packaging material for producing a continuous tube. Inside the tube forming unit, the web of packaging material is folded from a continuous planar shape to a continuous tubular shape with a vertical axis. The web of packaging material with a planar shape is folded into a cylinder that is successively subdivided into a plurality of pillow packs which are subjected to successive mechanical folding operations to obtain the finished sealed packages. The tube forming unit is preferably arranged within a fixed structure in which the web of packaging material is maintained in a sterile-air environment. The tube forming unit further comprises a number of folding devices placed in succession (one after the other): by interacting with the folding devices, opposite lateral portions (or edges) of the web of packaging material are placed one on top of the one another so as to form the tube and so as to define an overlapping area and finally sealed to obtain a fluid-tight longitudinal seal in the tube.

[0005] In the above-described packaging machines, in order to ensure a good quality of the sealing of the tube of packaging material, the web of packaging material must be fed having a predetermined position. Therefore, the need is felt to control the position of the web of wrapping material on the known guiding elements and / or to control the friction between the web of wrapping material the known guiding elements to avoid slippery of packaging material.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a conveying device for conveying a web of packaging material not suffering from the drawbacks described above and, in particular, being easy and economic to be manufactured.

[0007] A further object of the invention is to provide a packaging machine for producing sealed packages not suffering from the drawbacks described above and, in particular, being easy and economic to be manufactured.

[0008] According to the invention, there are provided a conveying device for a web of packaging material and a packaging machine for producing sealed packages provided with said conveying device according to the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine for producing packages from a packaging material, in accordance with the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the packaging machine of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of an electroadhesive device of the packaging machine of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a plan view and a side view of a portion of the electroadhesive device of FIG. 3.BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose, as a whole, a packaging machine 1 for continuously producing sealed packages, containing a pourable food product, such as for example pasteurized or long-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice. The sealed packages are obtained from a packaging material unwound from a reel 3 and fed along a conveying path P. When unwound from the reel 3, the packaging material has the shape of a continuous planar web 4 of packaging material.

[0015] Typically, the packaging material has a multi-layer Structure. More specifically, the packaging material may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as for example a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, with the layer of fibrous material interposed between them. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of the packages eventually contacting the pourable product.

[0016] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas-and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which, in particular, is arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material interposed between the layer of gas-and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0017] The web 4 of packaging material is fed to a sterilizing unit 5 by means of guiding elements 6, in particular by a number of rollers 6 (one of said rollers is illustrated in FIG. 2). The sterilizing unit 5 has a sterilizing bath 7, in which a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution, is applied to the web 4 of packaging material. The web 4 of packaging material is fed through the sterilizing unit 5 by means of known guiding elements 8, like for example rollers 8 or similar elements.

[0018] The packaging machine 1 further comprises a tube forming unit 9 arranged downstream of the sterilizing unit 5 along the conveying path P. The tube forming unit 9 extends substantially vertically along the conveying path P for producing a continuous tube 10. In particular, inside the tube forming unit 9, the web 4 of packaging material is folded from a continuous planar shape to a continuous tubular shape with a longitudinal axis Y. In particular, the longitudinal axis Y is arranged along a vertical direction.

[0019] The tube forming unit 9 is defined within a fixed structure 11 in which the web 4 of packaging material is maintained in a sterile-air environment. The tube forming unit 9 further comprises a number of folding devices 12 placed along the conveying path P in succession (one after the other), each of said folding devices 12 comprising a number of folding rollers cooperating to fold the web 4 of packaging material.

[0020] The packaging machine 1 comprises a sealing unit 30 (of the known type and not described in detail) for sealing overlapping lateral edges of the packaging material to obtain a fluid-tight longitudinal seal in the tube 10. The tube 10 is continuously filled with the pourable food product through a pour conduit 13, which partially extends inside the tube 10 and is part of a filling circuit.

[0021] The tube 10 is sent to a transverse forming sealing unit (not shown), in which the tube 10 is gripped to transversely seal the tube and form pillow packs 2. Finally, the pillow packs 2 are subjected to successive mechanical folding operations to obtain the finished sealed packages.

[0022] FIG. 3 exemplifies a conveying device 15 according to a preferred embodiment, e.g. comprised in the packaging machine 1, for conveying the web 4 of packaging material fed along the conveying path P. The conveying device 15 may comprise a rotary device (like a drum or a roller).

[0023] It will be appreciated that, although depicted herein as a packaging machine producing packages from a tube 10, the conveying device 15 may be comprised in a packaging machine configured for producing packages from a web 4 of packaging material, that may be divided in blanks before being folded and filled.

[0024] In particular, the conveying device 15 may comprise an electroadhesive rollers guiding the web 4 of packaging material through the packaging machine 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 15 comprises at least one of the rollers 6 guiding the web 4 of packaging material to the sterilizing unit 5; in particular, the conveying device 15 comprises the roller 6 closest to an inlet of the sterilizing unit 5. Alternatively or in addition to what just described, the conveying device 15 comprises at least one of the rollers 8 guiding the web 4 of packaging material to the tube forming unit 9; in particular, the conveying device 15 comprises the roller 8 immediately upstream of the tube 10.

[0025] The conveying device 15 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 3 and comprises the roller 6,8 which is supported by a fixed structure 16 and is rotated about an axis x by dedicated driving means 17. The axis X is orthogonal to an advancing direction of the web 4 of packaging material.

[0026] The conveying device 15 comprises a number (which can be equal to 1 or greater than 1) of electroadhesive elements 18. The conveying device 15 may comprise a control unit 14 connected, e.g. wirelessly or cabled, to said electroadhesive elements 18 and configured for supervising and controlling said electroadhesive elements 18.

[0027] The conveying device 15 may comprise an energy receiver 32, connected to the number of electroadhesive elements 18, and an energy transmitter 31, e.g. positioned at a backing structure 24. The energy receiver 32 may be configured to receive, e. g. wirelessly, the energy from the energy transmitter 31, to power the electroadhesive elements 18. For example, the energy transmitter 32 and receiver 31 may exchange energy by means of a sliding contact or may comprise a transformer.

[0028] The electroadhesive elements 18 are substantially equal to each other, have a multilayered structure, are provided with an external electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 15 may comprise the backing structure 24 for supporting the web of packaging material. The number of electroadhesive elements 18 may be positioned at an outer surface 20 of the backing structure 24 in contact, in use, with the web 4 of packaging material. For example, the electroadhesive elements 18 may be arranged to at least partially cover an external cylindrical surface 20 of the roller 6, 8.

[0030] The external electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is coaxial to axis X and, when in use, it is placed in contact with the web 4 of packaging material.

[0031] The number of electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged along the axis X; preferably the number of electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged side by side and / or evenly placed. The number of electroadhesive elements 18 arranged along the axis X may range from one to eight, preferably from two to six. In particular, the roller 6, 8 may comprise three electroadhesive elements 18 arranged side by side and evenly placed along the axis X.

[0032] Advantageously, electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged along an axis parallel to the advancing direction of the web 4 of packaging material. Preferably, the number of electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged side by side and / or evenly placed.

[0033] According to a first embodiment, electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged one after the other along the circumference of the external cylindrical surface 20; in other words, the electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged in succession so as to uniformly cover a cylindrical surface portion.

[0034] According to a first embodiment, electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged with a chess-like configuration. The electroadhesive elements 18 cover as much available outer cylindrical surface 20 as possible; i.e. the electroadhesive elements 18 cover at least a majority of the outer cylindrical surface 20. The electroadhesive elements 18 cover from 50% to 90% of the outer cylindrical surface 20; preferably, the electroadhesive elements 18 cover from 60% to 80% of the outer cylindrical surface 20.

[0035] Only one electroadhesive element 18 will be described in detail below. The electroadhesive element 18 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4.

[0036] The electroadhesive element 18 comprises a set 21 of electrodes, in particular each set 21 comprises two electrodes 22, 23 of opposite polarity. A dielectric layer 25 may be interposed between the electrodes 22, 23. Optionally, the dielectric layer 25 may be part of the backing structure 24, i.e. the backing structure 24 may be made of a dielectric material. In alternative, as exemplified in the figures, the dielectric layer 25 may be interposed between the electrodes 22, 23 and the backing structure 24.

[0037] As exemplified, the backing structure 24 is coaxial to axis X, has a cylindrical shape and is aimed at supporting the electroadhesive elements 18.

[0038] The dielectric layer 25 preferably extends outward from the electrodes 22, 23, and / or is interposed between adjacent electrodes 22, 23 and / or is designed to isolate the electrodes 22, 23 from the backing structure 24. The dielectric layer 25 is made of insulating material; advantageously, the dielectric layer 25 is made of silicone material. The dielectric layer 25 has a thickness k comprised between 2 μm and 30 μm; preferably, the thickness k is comprised between 10 μm and 20 μm.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the dielectric layer 25 has a cylindrical shape, is coaxial to the axis X and is arranged to uniformly cover the backing structure 24. The electroadhesive element 18 comprises a further dielectric layer 26 covering the electrodes 22, 23 and optionally the dielectric layer 25. The electrodes 22, 23 are encapsulated within two dielectric layers 25, 26. The dielectric layer 26 has a uniform thickness h. The thickness h is comprised between 2 μm and 30 μm; preferably, the thickness h is comprised between 4 μm and 16 μm.

[0040] The dielectric layer 26 uniformly covers the electrodes 22, 23. The dielectric layer 26 may uniformly covers the dielectric layer 25 (or directly the backing structure 24) to which it is bonded with an inner surface. The dielectric layer 26 is made in an insulating material, preferably chosen among the following ones: polyether ether ketone (also called PEEK), polyimide (also called PI), polyethylene terephthalate (also called PET), polyethylene naphthalate (also called PEN).

[0041] In use, an outer surface 27 of the dielectric layer 26 is in contact with the web 4 of packaging material and defines the outer electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the dielectric layer 26 has a cylindrical shape and is coaxial to the axis X. The dielectric layer 26 may be arranged to uniformly cover the dielectric layer 25 (e.g. the backing structure 24 or a dielectric layer covering the backing structure 24).

[0043] More in detail, each set 21 includes an array of linear patterned negative teeth 22A, each of which is electrically coupled to a common negative bar 22B. The common negative bar 22B is substantially orthogonal to negative teeth 22A. Each set 21 further includes an array of linear patterned positive teeth 23A, each of which is electrically coupled to a common positive bar 23B. The common positive bar 23B is substantially orthogonal to positive teeth 23A. The common negative bar 22B and the common positive bar 23B are connected to a power supply using respective known electrical connections (not shown).

[0044] The positive and negative teeth 22A, 23A are interdigitated on a common plane, e.g. on the same surface of the dielectric layer 25. In other words, the teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity are arranged extending in a comb-shaped interdigital array. The dielectric layer 25 or 26 is interposed between two adjacent teeth 22A, 23A. In particular, the negative and positive teeth 22A, 23A are manufactured so as to have the shapes of bars or stripes, each of which is interposed (not in contact) between two respective teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity. The negative and positive teeth 22A, 23A are substantially parallel one to another and have uniform dimensions.

[0045] A gap g is defined, which represents the distance between two adjacent teeth 22A, 23A. In other words, the gap g is the width of the stripe of dielectric layer 25 interposed between two adjacent teeth 22A, 23A. The gap g is comprised between 300 μm and 600 μm; preferably, the gap g is comprised between 350 μm and 450 μm; advantageously, the gap g is equal to 400 μm.

[0046] A width w of each tooth 22A, 23A is also defined. The width w is comprised between 5000 μm and 9000 μm; preferably, the width w is comprised between 6000 μm and 8000 μm; advantageously, the width w is equal to 7300 μm.

[0047] The teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity interdigitated on the dielectric layer 25 extend over an area having dimensions indicated with H and L; dimensions H and L are equal to 15 mm and 24 mm, respectively.

[0048] The active area (i.e. the area of the teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity that forms an electric field and interacts with the portion of web 4 of packaging material) of each electroadhesive element 18 is comprised between 320 mm2 and 400 mm2, preferably the active area of each electroadhesive element 18 is comprised between 365 mm2 and 380 mm2.

[0049] It is important to highlight that a standard roller 6, 8 of the known type acts as the backing structure 24.

[0050] In use, the web 4 of packaging material is conveyed upon the roller 6, 8, in particular the web 4 of packaging material is placed against the electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0051] The control unit 14 is coupled to the electroadhesive elements 18 and is aimed at applying an electrostatic adhesion voltage to each set 21 of electrodes 22, 23. In particular, the electrostatic adhesion voltage alternates positive and negative charges on adjacent electrodes 22, 23. The outer electroadhesive gripping surface 19 may be configured to adhere to the web 4 of packaging material by means of an electric field inducing electric charges in the web 4. In particular, the electrostatic adhesion voltage forms an electric field that interacts with the portion of web 4 of packaging material in contact with the electroadhesive gripping surface 19. The electric field may locally polarize the web 4 of packaging material and induce electric charges in the web 4 of packaging material that are opposite to the charge of the electrodes 22, 23. The opposite charges of the electrodes 22, 23 and the web 4 of packaging material attract, causing electroadhesion between the electrodes 22, 23 and the web 4 of packaging material. In other words, as a result of the electrostatic adhesion voltage applied to adjacent electrodes 22, 23, an electroadhesive force is generated, which acts so as to cause the web 4 of packaging material to adhere to the roller 6, 8.

[0052] The electroadhesive element 18 also works as a contact sensor of the web 4 of packaging material depending on the capacity of the electroadhesive element 18 itself. Control unit 14 is configured for determining a position of the web 4 of packaging material with respect to the electroadhesive elements 18 and / or the backing structure 24. In particular, control unit 14 is configured for determining the position of the edges 28 of the web 4 of packaging material, in particular with respect to the roller 6, 8 axial direction; i.e. control unit 14 is configured for determining if the electroadhesive elements 18 are at least partly or fully covered with the web 4 of packaging material. For example, the control unit 14 may be configured to receive a capacity from the number of electroadhesive elements 18, indicative of presence of the web. That is, a difference in capacity value exists in case of an electroadhesive element 18 covered by the web and an uncovered electroadhesive element 18.

[0053] Advantageously, control unit 14 is configured for determining a speed of the web 4 of packaging material (in particular, control unit 14 is configured for checking if the web 4 of packaging material slips).

[0054] The control unit 14 is configured for determining a difference between a speed of the conveying device 15 (e.g. an angular velocity of the roller) and a speed of the web 4 of packaging material. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a slip occurs.

[0055] The control unit 14 is designed to determine the capacity of each electroadhesive element 18; the capacity of each electroadhesive element 18 is variable as a function of the active area and of the dielectric permittivity of the material in contact with the electroadhesive gripping surface 19. The active area remains the same while dielectric permittivity has a different value in case the material in contact with the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is air or, alternatively, the web 4 of packaging material or, alternatively, a combination of air and the web 4 of packaging material. Therefore, based on the capacity determined for each electroadhesive element 18, the control unit 14 can detect if the electroadhesive element 18 is at least partly or fully covered with the web 4 of packaging material and the position of the edges 28.

[0056] The conveying device 15 uses the electrical control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage to permit a temporary and detachable attachment between the web 4 of packaging material and the electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0057] More in detail, the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is configured to selectively adhere to the web 4 of packaging material. In particular, the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is configured for adhering to the web 4 when an electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied to the electroadhesive element 18. Removal of the electrostatic adhesion voltage ceases the adhesion.

[0058] In particular, the outer electroadhesive gripping surface (19) may be configured to selectively adhere to the web (4) of packaging material as a function of a number of parameters, e.g. comprising one or more of the tensioning of the web 4 of packaging material and / or the position of the web 4 of packaging material (in particular, with respect to the backing structure 24) and / or the speed of the web 4 of packaging material.

[0059] The electroadhesive elements 18 can be driven (operated) independently of each other; in particular, the control unit 14 is designed to apply an electrostatic adhesion voltage to each set 21 independently of the electrostatic adhesion voltage applied to the remaining sets 21. Thus, the friction between the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 and the web 4 of packaging material is variable along the axis X. In other words, the control unit 14 uses the electrical control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage to modify (i.e. increase or decrease) the friction between the web 4 of packaging material and the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 along the axis X.

[0060] The minimum electrostatic adhesion voltage needed to allow the web 4 of packaging material to adhere to the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is variable according to a number of factors, such as: the size of the web 4 of packaging material, the material conductivity and spacing of the electroadhesive elements 18, the insulating material used for the dielectric layer 26, the presence of any disturbances to the electro-adhesion such as dust, other particulates or moisture. The electrostatic adhesion voltage can vary between 500 V and 10 kV; preferably, the electrostatic adhesion voltage can vary between 2 kV and 4 kV.

[0061] Removal of the electrostatic adhesion voltages from the electrodes 22, 23 ceases the electrostatic adhesion force between the web 4 of packaging material and the electroadhesive gripping surface 19. Thus, when there is no electrostatic adhesion voltage between electrodes 22, 23, the web 4 of packaging material can readily move relative to the outer cylindrical surface 20.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS1 packaging machine

[0063] 2 packs

[0064] 3 reel

[0065] 4 web of packaging material

[0066] 5 sterilizing unit

[0067] 6 roller

[0068] 7 sterilizing bath

[0069] 8 roller

[0070] 9 tube forming unit

[0071] 10 continuous tube

[0072] 11 structure

[0073] 12 folding device

[0074] 13 pour conduit

[0075] 14 control unit

[0076] 15 conveying device

[0077] 16 structure

[0078] 17 driving means

[0079] 18 electroadhesive element

[0080] 19 electroadhesive gripping surface

[0081] 20 outer (cylindrical) surface

[0082] 21 set

[0083] 22 electrode

[0084] 23 electrode

[0085] 22A, 23A positive / negative tooth

[0086] 22B, 23B common positive / negative bar

[0087] 24 backing structure

[0088] 25 dielectric layer

[0089] 26 dielectric layer

[0090] 27 outer surface

[0091] 28 edge

[0092] 30 sealing unit

[0093] 31 energy transmitter

[0094] 32 energy receiver

[0095] P conveying path

[0096] Y longitudinal axis

[0097] X axis

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose, as a whole, a packaging machine 1 for continuously producing sealed packages, containing a pourable food product, such as for example pasteurized or long-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice. The sealed packages are obtained from a packaging material unwound from a reel 3 and fed along a conveying path P. When unwound from the reel 3, the packaging material has the shape of a continuous planar web 4 of packaging material.

[0015]Typically, the packaging material has a multi-layer Structure. More specifically, the packaging material may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as for example a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, with the layer of fibrous material interposed between them. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of the packages eventually contacting the pourable product.

[0016]According to some possible non-limiting e...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a web of packaging material and to a packaging machine for producing sealed packages provided with said conveying device.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As it is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as for example pasteurized or long-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0003] Packages of this sort are normally produced with automatic packaging machines, which feed a web of packaging material through a sterilizing unit by means of known guiding elements (like for example rollers) for sterilizing the web of packaging material alternatively by means of chemical sterilization in a sterilizing bath (e.g. by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution) or by means of physical sterilization (e.g. by means of an electron beam).

[0004] The packaging machine further comprises a tube forming unit arranged downstream of the sterilizing unit, extending substantially vertically and designed to fold the web of packaging material for producing a continuous tube. Inside the tube forming unit, the web of packaging material is folded from a continuous planar shape to a continuous tubular shape with a vertical axis. The web of packaging material with a planar shape is folded into a cylinder that is successively subdivided into a plurality of pillow packs which are subjected to successive mechanical folding operations to obtain the finished sealed packages. The tube forming unit is preferably arranged within a fixed structure in which the web of packaging material is maintained in a sterile-air environment. The tube forming unit further comprises a number of folding devices placed in succession (one after the other): by interacting with the folding devices, opposite lateral portions (or edges) of the web of packaging material are placed one on top of the one another so as to form the tube and so as to define an overlapping area and finally sealed to obtain a fluid-tight longitudinal seal in the tube.

[0005] In the above-described packaging machines, in order to ensure a good quality of the sealing of the tube of packaging material, the web of packaging material must be fed having a predetermined position. Therefore, the need is felt to control the position of the web of wrapping material on the known guiding elements and / or to control the friction between the web of wrapping material the known guiding elements to avoid slippery of packaging material.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a conveying device for conveying a web of packaging material not suffering from the drawbacks described above and, in particular, being easy and economic to be manufactured.

[0007] A further object of the invention is to provide a packaging machine for producing sealed packages not suffering from the drawbacks described above and, in particular, being easy and economic to be manufactured.

[0008] According to the invention, there are provided a conveying device for a web of packaging material and a packaging machine for producing sealed packages provided with said conveying device according to the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine for producing packages from a packaging material, in accordance with the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the packaging machine of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of an electroadhesive device of the packaging machine of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a plan view and a side view of a portion of the electroadhesive device of FIG. 3.BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose, as a whole, a packaging machine 1 for continuously producing sealed packages, containing a pourable food product, such as for example pasteurized or long-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice. The sealed packages are obtained from a packaging material unwound from a reel 3 and fed along a conveying path P. When unwound from the reel 3, the packaging material has the shape of a continuous planar web 4 of packaging material.

[0015] Typically, the packaging material has a multi-layer Structure. More specifically, the packaging material may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as for example a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, with the layer of fibrous material interposed between them. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of the packages eventually contacting the pourable product.

[0016] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas-and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which, in particular, is arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material interposed between the layer of gas-and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0017] The web 4 of packaging material is fed to a sterilizing unit 5 by means of guiding elements 6, in particular by a number of rollers 6 (one of said rollers is illustrated in FIG. 2). The sterilizing unit 5 has a sterilizing bath 7, in which a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution, is applied to the web 4 of packaging material. The web 4 of packaging material is fed through the sterilizing unit 5 by means of known guiding elements 8, like for example rollers 8 or similar elements.

[0018] The packaging machine 1 further comprises a tube forming unit 9 arranged downstream of the sterilizing unit 5 along the conveying path P. The tube forming unit 9 extends substantially vertically along the conveying path P for producing a continuous tube 10. In particular, inside the tube forming unit 9, the web 4 of packaging material is folded from a continuous planar shape to a continuous tubular shape with a longitudinal axis Y. In particular, the longitudinal axis Y is arranged along a vertical direction.

[0019] The tube forming unit 9 is defined within a fixed structure 11 in which the web 4 of packaging material is maintained in a sterile-air environment. The tube forming unit 9 further comprises a number of folding devices 12 placed along the conveying path P in succession (one after the other), each of said folding devices 12 comprising a number of folding rollers cooperating to fold the web 4 of packaging material.

[0020] The packaging machine 1 comprises a sealing unit 30 (of the known type and not described in detail) for sealing overlapping lateral edges of the packaging material to obtain a fluid-tight longitudinal seal in the tube 10. The tube 10 is continuously filled with the pourable food product through a pour conduit 13, which partially extends inside the tube 10 and is part of a filling circuit.

[0021] The tube 10 is sent to a transverse forming sealing unit (not shown), in which the tube 10 is gripped to transversely seal the tube and form pillow packs 2. Finally, the pillow packs 2 are subjected to successive mechanical folding operations to obtain the finished sealed packages.

[0022] FIG. 3 exemplifies a conveying device 15 according to a preferred embodiment, e.g. comprised in the packaging machine 1, for conveying the web 4 of packaging material fed along the conveying path P. The conveying device 15 may comprise a rotary device (like a drum or a roller).

[0023] It will be appreciated that, although depicted herein as a packaging machine producing packages from a tube 10, the conveying device 15 may be comprised in a packaging machine configured for producing packages from a web 4 of packaging material, that may be divided in blanks before being folded and filled.

[0024] In particular, the conveying device 15 may comprise an electroadhesive rollers guiding the web 4 of packaging material through the packaging machine 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 15 comprises at least one of the rollers 6 guiding the web 4 of packaging material to the sterilizing unit 5; in particular, the conveying device 15 comprises the roller 6 closest to an inlet of the sterilizing unit 5. Alternatively or in addition to what just described, the conveying device 15 comprises at least one of the rollers 8 guiding the web 4 of packaging material to the tube forming unit 9; in particular, the conveying device 15 comprises the roller 8 immediately upstream of the tube 10.

[0025] The conveying device 15 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 3 and comprises the roller 6,8 which is supported by a fixed structure 16 and is rotated about an axis x by dedicated driving means 17. The axis X is orthogonal to an advancing direction of the web 4 of packaging material.

[0026] The conveying device 15 comprises a number (which can be equal to 1 or greater than 1) of electroadhesive elements 18. The conveying device 15 may comprise a control unit 14 connected, e.g. wirelessly or cabled, to said electroadhesive elements 18 and configured for supervising and controlling said electroadhesive elements 18.

[0027] The conveying device 15 may comprise an energy receiver 32, connected to the number of electroadhesive elements 18, and an energy transmitter 31, e.g. positioned at a backing structure 24. The energy receiver 32 may be configured to receive, e. g. wirelessly, the energy from the energy transmitter 31, to power the electroadhesive elements 18. For example, the energy transmitter 32 and receiver 31 may exchange energy by means of a sliding contact or may comprise a transformer.

[0028] The electroadhesive elements 18 are substantially equal to each other, have a multilayered structure, are provided with an external electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 15 may comprise the backing structure 24 for supporting the web of packaging material. The number of electroadhesive elements 18 may be positioned at an outer surface 20 of the backing structure 24 in contact, in use, with the web 4 of packaging material. For example, the electroadhesive elements 18 may be arranged to at least partially cover an external cylindrical surface 20 of the roller 6, 8.

[0030] The external electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is coaxial to axis X and, when in use, it is placed in contact with the web 4 of packaging material.

[0031] The number of electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged along the axis X; preferably the number of electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged side by side and / or evenly placed. The number of electroadhesive elements 18 arranged along the axis X may range from one to eight, preferably from two to six. In particular, the roller 6, 8 may comprise three electroadhesive elements 18 arranged side by side and evenly placed along the axis X.

[0032] Advantageously, electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged along an axis parallel to the advancing direction of the web 4 of packaging material. Preferably, the number of electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged side by side and / or evenly placed.

[0033] According to a first embodiment, electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged one after the other along the circumference of the external cylindrical surface 20; in other words, the electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged in succession so as to uniformly cover a cylindrical surface portion.

[0034] According to a first embodiment, electroadhesive elements 18 are arranged with a chess-like configuration. The electroadhesive elements 18 cover as much available outer cylindrical surface 20 as possible; i.e. the electroadhesive elements 18 cover at least a majority of the outer cylindrical surface 20. The electroadhesive elements 18 cover from 50% to 90% of the outer cylindrical surface 20; preferably, the electroadhesive elements 18 cover from 60% to 80% of the outer cylindrical surface 20.

[0035] Only one electroadhesive element 18 will be described in detail below. The electroadhesive element 18 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4.

[0036] The electroadhesive element 18 comprises a set 21 of electrodes, in particular each set 21 comprises two electrodes 22, 23 of opposite polarity. A dielectric layer 25 may be interposed between the electrodes 22, 23. Optionally, the dielectric layer 25 may be part of the backing structure 24, i.e. the backing structure 24 may be made of a dielectric material. In alternative, as exemplified in the figures, the dielectric layer 25 may be interposed between the electrodes 22, 23 and the backing structure 24.

[0037] As exemplified, the backing structure 24 is coaxial to axis X, has a cylindrical shape and is aimed at supporting the electroadhesive elements 18.

[0038] The dielectric layer 25 preferably extends outward from the electrodes 22, 23, and / or is interposed between adjacent electrodes 22, 23 and / or is designed to isolate the electrodes 22, 23 from the backing structure 24. The dielectric layer 25 is made of insulating material; advantageously, the dielectric layer 25 is made of silicone material. The dielectric layer 25 has a thickness k comprised between 2 μm and 30 μm; preferably, the thickness k is comprised between 10 μm and 20 μm.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the dielectric layer 25 has a cylindrical shape, is coaxial to the axis X and is arranged to uniformly cover the backing structure 24. The electroadhesive element 18 comprises a further dielectric layer 26 covering the electrodes 22, 23 and optionally the dielectric layer 25. The electrodes 22, 23 are encapsulated within two dielectric layers 25, 26. The dielectric layer 26 has a uniform thickness h. The thickness h is comprised between 2 μm and 30 μm; preferably, the thickness h is comprised between 4 μm and 16 μm.

[0040] The dielectric layer 26 uniformly covers the electrodes 22, 23. The dielectric layer 26 may uniformly covers the dielectric layer 25 (or directly the backing structure 24) to which it is bonded with an inner surface. The dielectric layer 26 is made in an insulating material, preferably chosen among the following ones: polyether ether ketone (also called PEEK), polyimide (also called PI), polyethylene terephthalate (also called PET), polyethylene naphthalate (also called PEN).

[0041] In use, an outer surface 27 of the dielectric layer 26 is in contact with the web 4 of packaging material and defines the outer electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the dielectric layer 26 has a cylindrical shape and is coaxial to the axis X. The dielectric layer 26 may be arranged to uniformly cover the dielectric layer 25 (e.g. the backing structure 24 or a dielectric layer covering the backing structure 24).

[0043] More in detail, each set 21 includes an array of linear patterned negative teeth 22A, each of which is electrically coupled to a common negative bar 22B. The common negative bar 22B is substantially orthogonal to negative teeth 22A. Each set 21 further includes an array of linear patterned positive teeth 23A, each of which is electrically coupled to a common positive bar 23B. The common positive bar 23B is substantially orthogonal to positive teeth 23A. The common negative bar 22B and the common positive bar 23B are connected to a power supply using respective known electrical connections (not shown).

[0044] The positive and negative teeth 22A, 23A are interdigitated on a common plane, e.g. on the same surface of the dielectric layer 25. In other words, the teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity are arranged extending in a comb-shaped interdigital array. The dielectric layer 25 or 26 is interposed between two adjacent teeth 22A, 23A. In particular, the negative and positive teeth 22A, 23A are manufactured so as to have the shapes of bars or stripes, each of which is interposed (not in contact) between two respective teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity. The negative and positive teeth 22A, 23A are substantially parallel one to another and have uniform dimensions.

[0045] A gap g is defined, which represents the distance between two adjacent teeth 22A, 23A. In other words, the gap g is the width of the stripe of dielectric layer 25 interposed between two adjacent teeth 22A, 23A. The gap g is comprised between 300 μm and 600 μm; preferably, the gap g is comprised between 350 μm and 450 μm; advantageously, the gap g is equal to 400 μm.

[0046] A width w of each tooth 22A, 23A is also defined. The width w is comprised between 5000 μm and 9000 μm; preferably, the width w is comprised between 6000 μm and 8000 μm; advantageously, the width w is equal to 7300 μm.

[0047] The teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity interdigitated on the dielectric layer 25 extend over an area having dimensions indicated with H and L; dimensions H and L are equal to 15 mm and 24 mm, respectively.

[0048] The active area (i.e. the area of the teeth 22A, 23A of opposite polarity that forms an electric field and interacts with the portion of web 4 of packaging material) of each electroadhesive element 18 is comprised between 320 mm2 and 400 mm2, preferably the active area of each electroadhesive element 18 is comprised between 365 mm2 and 380 mm2.

[0049] It is important to highlight that a standard roller 6, 8 of the known type acts as the backing structure 24.

[0050] In use, the web 4 of packaging material is conveyed upon the roller 6, 8, in particular the web 4 of packaging material is placed against the electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0051] The control unit 14 is coupled to the electroadhesive elements 18 and is aimed at applying an electrostatic adhesion voltage to each set 21 of electrodes 22, 23. In particular, the electrostatic adhesion voltage alternates positive and negative charges on adjacent electrodes 22, 23. The outer electroadhesive gripping surface 19 may be configured to adhere to the web 4 of packaging material by means of an electric field inducing electric charges in the web 4. In particular, the electrostatic adhesion voltage forms an electric field that interacts with the portion of web 4 of packaging material in contact with the electroadhesive gripping surface 19. The electric field may locally polarize the web 4 of packaging material and induce electric charges in the web 4 of packaging material that are opposite to the charge of the electrodes 22, 23. The opposite charges of the electrodes 22, 23 and the web 4 of packaging material attract, causing electroadhesion between the electrodes 22, 23 and the web 4 of packaging material. In other words, as a result of the electrostatic adhesion voltage applied to adjacent electrodes 22, 23, an electroadhesive force is generated, which acts so as to cause the web 4 of packaging material to adhere to the roller 6, 8.

[0052] The electroadhesive element 18 also works as a contact sensor of the web 4 of packaging material depending on the capacity of the electroadhesive element 18 itself. Control unit 14 is configured for determining a position of the web 4 of packaging material with respect to the electroadhesive elements 18 and / or the backing structure 24. In particular, control unit 14 is configured for determining the position of the edges 28 of the web 4 of packaging material, in particular with respect to the roller 6, 8 axial direction; i.e. control unit 14 is configured for determining if the electroadhesive elements 18 are at least partly or fully covered with the web 4 of packaging material. For example, the control unit 14 may be configured to receive a capacity from the number of electroadhesive elements 18, indicative of presence of the web. That is, a difference in capacity value exists in case of an electroadhesive element 18 covered by the web and an uncovered electroadhesive element 18.

[0053] Advantageously, control unit 14 is configured for determining a speed of the web 4 of packaging material (in particular, control unit 14 is configured for checking if the web 4 of packaging material slips).

[0054] The control unit 14 is configured for determining a difference between a speed of the conveying device 15 (e.g. an angular velocity of the roller) and a speed of the web 4 of packaging material. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a slip occurs.

[0055] The control unit 14 is designed to determine the capacity of each electroadhesive element 18; the capacity of each electroadhesive element 18 is variable as a function of the active area and of the dielectric permittivity of the material in contact with the electroadhesive gripping surface 19. The active area remains the same while dielectric permittivity has a different value in case the material in contact with the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is air or, alternatively, the web 4 of packaging material or, alternatively, a combination of air and the web 4 of packaging material. Therefore, based on the capacity determined for each electroadhesive element 18, the control unit 14 can detect if the electroadhesive element 18 is at least partly or fully covered with the web 4 of packaging material and the position of the edges 28.

[0056] The conveying device 15 uses the electrical control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage to permit a temporary and detachable attachment between the web 4 of packaging material and the electroadhesive gripping surface 19.

[0057] More in detail, the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is configured to selectively adhere to the web 4 of packaging material. In particular, the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is configured for adhering to the web 4 when an electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied to the electroadhesive element 18. Removal of the electrostatic adhesion voltage ceases the adhesion.

[0058] In particular, the outer electroadhesive gripping surface (19) may be configured to selectively adhere to the web (4) of packaging material as a function of a number of parameters, e.g. comprising one or more of the tensioning of the web 4 of packaging material and / or the position of the web 4 of packaging material (in particular, with respect to the backing structure 24) and / or the speed of the web 4 of packaging material.

[0059] The electroadhesive elements 18 can be driven (operated) independently of each other; in particular, the control unit 14 is designed to apply an electrostatic adhesion voltage to each set 21 independently of the electrostatic adhesion voltage applied to the remaining sets 21. Thus, the friction between the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 and the web 4 of packaging material is variable along the axis X. In other words, the control unit 14 uses the electrical control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage to modify (i.e. increase or decrease) the friction between the web 4 of packaging material and the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 along the axis X.

[0060] The minimum electrostatic adhesion voltage needed to allow the web 4 of packaging material to adhere to the electroadhesive gripping surface 19 is variable according to a number of factors, such as: the size of the web 4 of packaging material, the material conductivity and spacing of the electroadhesive elements 18, the insulating material used for the dielectric layer 26, the presence of any disturbances to the electro-adhesion such as dust, other particulates or moisture. The electrostatic adhesion voltage can vary between 500 V and 10 kV; preferably, the electrostatic adhesion voltage can vary between 2 kV and 4 kV.

[0061] Removal of the electrostatic adhesion voltages from the electrodes 22, 23 ceases the electrostatic adhesion force between the web 4 of packaging material and the electroadhesive gripping surface 19. Thus, when there is no electrostatic adhesion voltage between electrodes 22, 23, the web 4 of packaging material can readily move relative to the outer cylindrical surface 20.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS1 packaging machine

[0063] 2 packs

[0064] 3 reel

[0065] 4 web of packaging material

[0066] 5 sterilizing unit

[0067] 6 roller

[0068] 7 sterilizing bath

[0069] 8 roller

[0070] 9 tube forming unit

[0071] 10 continuous tube

[0072] 11 structure

[0073] 12 folding device

[0074] 13 pour conduit

[0075] 14 control unit

[0076] 15 conveying device

[0077] 16 structure

[0078] 17 driving means

[0079] 18 electroadhesive element

[0080] 19 electroadhesive gripping surface

[0081] 20 outer (cylindrical) surface

[0082] 21 set

[0083] 22 electrode

[0084] 23 electrode

[0085] 22A, 23A positive / negative tooth

[0086] 22B, 23B common positive / negative bar

[0087] 24 backing structure

[0088] 25 dielectric layer

[0089] 26 dielectric layer

[0090] 27 outer surface

[0091] 28 edge

[0092] 30 sealing unit

[0093] 31 energy transmitter

[0094] 32 energy receiver

[0095] P conveying path

[0096] Y longitudinal axis

[0097] X axis

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose, as a whole, a packaging machine 1 for continuously producing sealed packages, containing a pourable food product, such as for example pasteurized or long-life (UHT) milk, tomato sauce, wine, fruit juice. The sealed packages are obtained from a packaging material unwound from a reel 3 and fed along a conveying path P. When unwound from the reel 3, the packaging material has the shape of a continuous planar web 4 of packaging material.

[0015]Typically, the packaging material has a multi-layer Structure. More specifically, the packaging material may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as for example a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, with the layer of fibrous material interposed between them. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of the packages eventually contacting the pourable product.

[0016]According to some possible non-limiting e...

Claims

1. A conveying device for a web of packaging material fed along a conveying path comprising a number of electroadhesive elements comprising an outer electroadhesive gripping surface configured to adhere to the web of packaging material.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein said outer electroadhesive gripping surface is configured to selectively adhere to the web of packaging material.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein said outer electroadhesive gripping surface is configured to selectively adhere to the web of packaging material as a function of the tensioning of the web of packaging material and / or the position of the web of packaging material with respect to the number of electroadhesive elements and / or the speed of the web of packaging material.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1 and comprising a backing structure for supporting the web of packaging material; wherein said number of electroadhesive elements is positioned at an outer surface of the backing structure in contact, in use, with the web of packaging material.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1 and comprising a control unit connected to the number of electroadhesive elements and configured for determining as a function of the capacity of the number of electroadhesive elements:a position of the web of packaging material with respect to the number of electroadhesive elements; and / orif the number of electroadhesive elements is at least partly or fully covered with the web of packaging material; and / ora speed of the web of packaging material.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the number of electroadhesive elements comprises a first dielectric layer, whose external surface defines the outer electroadhesive gripping surface; the first dielectric layer has a uniform thickness comprised between 2 μm and 30 μm.

7. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the number of electroadhesive elements comprises a first dielectric layer whose external surface defines the outer electroadhesive gripping surface; wherein the first dielectric layer is made of an insulating material chosen among the following ones: polyether ether ketone, polyimide polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1 and comprising a plurality of electroadhesive elements arranged along an axis orthogonal to an advancing direction of the web of packaging material and / or along an axis parallel to the advancing direction of the web packaging material.

9. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the backing structure has an outer surface and the number of electroadhesive elements cover at least a majority of said outer surface.

10. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein each electroadhesive element comprises a set of electrodes comprising two electrodes of opposite polarity extending in a comb-shaped interdigital array.

11. The conveying device according to claim 10, wherein each of the two electrodes includes an array of linear patterned teeth; wherein:the distance between two adjacent teeth of opposite polarity is comprised between 300 μm and 600 μm and / ora width of each tooth is comprised between 5000 μm and 9000 μm.

12. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the backing structure is a roller rotatable around a first axis.

13. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic adhesion voltage is variable between 500 V and 10 kV.

14. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein each electroadhesive element comprises a first dielectric layer whose external surface defines the outer electroadhesive gripping surface a second dielectric layer and a set of electrodes comprising two electrodes of opposite polarity interposed within the two dielectric layers; wherein an electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied to each set such that an electroadhesive force is generated to allow the web of packaging material to adhere to the electroadhesive gripping surface and wherein the electrostatic adhesion voltage is applied independently in each set.

15. A packaging machine for producing sealed packages from a web of packaging material fed along a conveying path, the packaging machine comprises a conveying device for the web of packaging material according to claim 1.

16. The packaging machine according to claim 15, comprising a sterilizing unit for the web of packaging material, wherein the conveying device comprises at least one of the rollers guiding the web of packaging material to the sterilizing unit.

17. A packaging machine according to claim 15, comprising a tube forming unit arranged along said conveying path for folding said web of packaging material from a planar shape into a tube having a longitudinal axis, wherein the conveying device comprises at least one of the rollers guiding the web of packaging material to the tube forming unit.

18. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the backing structure is a roller rotatable around a first axis, and wherein each electroadhesive element comprises a number of dielectric layers folded over an outer surface of the roller.

19. The packaging machine according to claim 15, comprising a sterilizing unit for the web of packaging material, wherein the conveying device comprises at least one of the rollers guiding the web of packaging material to the sterilizing unit, the at least one of the rollers being the roller closest to an inlet of the sterilizing unit.

20. The packaging machine according to claim 15, comprising a tube forming unit arranged along said conveying path for folding said web of packaging material from a planar shape into a tube having a longitudinal axis, wherein the conveying device comprises at least one of the rollers guiding the web of packaging material to the tube forming unit, the at least one of the rollers being the roller immediately upstream of the tube.

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