Web alignment device, a packaging machine having a web alignment device and a splicing method

There is described a web alignment device for aligning a web comprising an engagement surface for supporting the web, a clamp assembly for clamping the web on at least a clamp portion of the engagement surface, an alignment control assembly for controlling a correct alignment of the web. The alignment control assembly comprises a control unit for generating a trigger signal if the web is correctly aligned, a first sensor device for detecting and/or determining a desired position of a first section of the web and to send at least a first signal to the control unit if the first section is positioned in the desired position, and a second sensor device for detecting and/or determining a desired position of a second section of the web and to send a second signal to the control unit if the second section is positioned in the desired position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a web alignment device for aligning a web, in particular a web of packaging material, within a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product, even more particular of a pourable food product.

The present invention may be used to particular advantage to align a new web, in particular a new web of packaging material, prior to splicing the new web to a web in use, in particular a web of packaging material in use.

In particular, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine having at least one web alignment device, the packaging machine being configured to form sealed packages, in particular to form sealed packages filled with a pourable product, even more particular to form sealed packages filled with a pourable food product.

The present invention also relates to a method of splicing a web in use, in particular a web of packaging material in use, to a new web, in particular a new web of packaging material.

BACKGROUND ART

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

A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which advance a web of packaging material from a magazine unit through a sterilization unit of the packaging machine for sterilizing the web of packaging material, e.g. by means of chemical sterilization (e.g. by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution) or physical sterilization (e.g. by means of an electron beam). Then, the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced within an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment), and is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube having a longitudinal seam portion, which is further fed along a vertical advancing direction.

In order to complete the forming operations, the tube is continuously filled with a sterilized or sterile-processed pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections within a packaging unit of the packaging machine during advancement along the vertical advancing direction.

Pillow packages are so obtained within the packaging machine, each pillow package having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.

In more detail, a typical packaging machine comprises:

a magazine unit hosting a first reel carrying in a wound-up manner a first web of packaging material and a second reel carrying in a wound-up manner a second web of packaging material;conveying means for advancing in a known manner at least one of the first web of packaging material and the second web of packaging material as the web in use along a web advancement path from a host station to a forming station, at which, in use, the web in use is formed into a tube;a sterilizing unit for sterilizing the web of packaging material;a tube forming device arranged within an isolation chamber and being adapted to form the tube from the advancing web of packaging material;a sealing device for longitudinally sealing the tube;a filling device for filling the tube with the pourable product; anda package forming unit adapted to produce the single packages from the tube by shaping, transversally sealing and transversally cutting the packages.

As the capacity of the first reel and the second reel is limited it is necessary to splice the web in use with a new web, which is either the first web of packaging material or the second web of packaging material depending on which one is the web in use.

Therefore, a typical packaging machine, in particular the magazine unit, comprises a splicing device, which is adapted to transversally seal a trailing portion of the web in use with a leading portion of the new web.

However, for the continuous operation of the packaging machine it is crucial to correctly align (orient) the new web with respect to the web in use and the web advancement path.

Thus, a typical packaging machine also comprises at least one web alignment device for aligning the new web prior to the splicing of the new web and the web in use to one another.

A common web alignment device for aligning a web of packaging material comprises an engagement surface for supporting the web of packaging material and a clamping device for clamping the web of packaging material on at least a clamp portion of the engagement surface once the web of packaging material is correctly aligned (oriented).

The web alignment device also comprises a continuous or discrete abutment surface arranged laterally adjacent to the engagement surface which is oriented such to provide for a reference of the web of packaging material.

In use, an operator positions the web of packaging material between the clamping device and the engagement surface, lays the web of packaging material onto the engagement surface and brings one of the lateral edges of the web of packaging material into contact with the abutment surface. Once this is done the operator actuates the web alignment device so as to clamp the web of packaging material on at least the clamp portion of the engagement surface such that the orientation of the web of packaging material is secured.

Then, the web of packaging material is transversally cut so as to define the leading portion of the web of packaging material, which can then be sealed to the trailing portion of the web of packaging material in use.

A drawback of the web alignment device resides in the risk that the operator does not correctly bring the lateral edge of the web of packaging material into contact with the abutment surface prior to clamping the web of packaging material on at least the clamp portion of the engagement surface. This then results in a web of packaging material being not correctly oriented. This may lead to the need to interrupt the operation of the packaging machine.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a web alignment device to overcome, in a straightforward and low-cost manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a web alignment device, which comes along with a low risk of obtaining a not correctly aligned web of packaging material, in particular prior to a splicing process.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide an improved splicing method, which guarantees that a web in use and a new web are correctly spliced to one another.

According to the present invention, there is provided a web alignment device as claimed in claim1.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of splicing a web in use and a new web according to claim9.

Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number1indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages2of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., from a tube3of a first web4of packaging material or a second web5of packaging material. In particular, in use, tube3extends along a longitudinal axis L, in particular, axis L having a vertical orientation.

Web4of packaging material and web5of packaging material both have a multilayer structure (not shown) and are substantially identical. They comprise a respective layer of fibrous material, normally paper, covered on both sides with respective layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.

Preferably, web4and web5also comprise a respective layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and at least a respective first and a second layer of heat-seal plastic material. The respective layer of gas- and light-barrier material is superimposed on the respective first layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with the second layer of heat-seal plastic material. The second layer of heat-seal plastic material forms the inner face of package2eventually contacting the filled food product.

Furthermore, web4and web5each extend along a respective longitudinal axis M and a transversal axis N.

A typical package2obtained by packaging machine1comprises a longitudinal seam portion and a pair of transversal sealing bands, in particular a transversal top sealing band and a transversal bottom sealing band.

With particular reference toFIG.1, packaging machine1comprises:an isolation chamber6separating an inner environment, in particular an inner sterile environment, from an outer environment;a tube forming device7extending along a longitudinal axis, in particular having a vertical orientation, and being arranged, in particular at a forming station8, at least partially, preferably fully, within chamber6and being adapted to form tube3from the web4or web5, in particular from the, in use, advancing web4or web5;a sealing device9at least partially arranged within chamber6and being adapted to longitudinally seal tube3formed by tube forming device7so as to form a longitudinal seam portion of tube3;filling means10for filling tube3with the pourable product;a package forming unit11adapted to at least form and transversally seal tube3, in particular the, in use, advancing tube3, for forming packages2; andconveying means12for advancing in a known manner one of web4and web5as the web in use along their respective longitudinal axes M and along a respective web advancement path P from a host station13to forming station8, at which, in use, web4or web5is formed into tube3and to advance tube3along a tube advancement path Q towards and through package forming unit11.

In particular, package forming unit11is arranged downstream of isolation chamber6and tube forming device7along path Q.

Preferably, packaging machine1also comprises a sterilizing unit (not shown and known as such) adapted to sterilize the, in use, advancing web4or web5at a sterilization station, in particular the sterilization station being arranged upstream of forming station9along path P.

Preferentially, conveying means12are adapted to advance tube3and any intermediate of tube3in a manner known as such along path Q, in particular from forming station8towards and through package forming unit11. In particular, under intermediates of tube3any configuration of web4or web5is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web4or web5by tube forming device7has started. In other words, the intermediates of tube3are a result of the gradual folding of web4or web5so as to obtain tube3, in particular by overlapping the lateral respective edges of web4or web5with one another.

In the following, web4is the web in use, however, it is clear that during operation of packaging machine1web4being the web in use and web5being the web in use alternate and, accordingly, the following description is not to be understood in limiting terms.

Thus, in the following, we will refer to web in use4and new web5without, however, limiting the scope of protection.

Advantageously, packaging machine1also comprises a magazine unit18(only schematically shown inFIG.1and known as such) arranged at host station13and being adapted to host at least a first reel19carrying in a wound-up manner a web4and a second reel20carrying in a wound-up manner a web5.

In particular, in use, unit18provides for web in use4and new web5.

In particular, magazine unit18comprises a first housing seat for rotably supporting reel19and a second housing seat for rotably supporting reel20. In particular, reel19and reel20are configured to rotate around a respective central axis A, in particular having a horizontal orientation, when being placed within respectively the first housing seat or the second housing seat.

More specifically, the first housing seat and the second housing seat are spaced apart from one another and are arranged side-by-side so that, in use, wound-up web4and wound-up web5are arranged side-by-side and parallel to one another.

Preferably, magazine unit18also comprises a buffering device adapted to allow to buffer web4or web as the web in use prior to the web in use being delivered to tube forming device7(i.e. prior to being advanced to station8).

Preferably, magazine unit18also comprises a splicing assembly (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the present invention) adapted to splice new web5and web in use4to one another. In particular, the splicing assembly is configured to seal, in particular to heat seal, a leading portion of new web5to a trailing portion of web in use4.

Preferably, the splicing assembly is arranged upstream of the buffer device along path P. In particular, the splicing assembly is interposed between the housing seats (first housing seat and second housing seat) and the buffer device.

More specifically, the splicing assembly comprises at least a sealing group adapted to transversally seal, in particular to transversally heat seal, web in use4and new web5to one another.

Even more specifically, the sealing group is adapted to transversally heat seal the trailing portion of web in use4and the leading portion of new web5to one another.

Preferably, the splicing assembly also comprises a cutting device adapted to transversally cut web in use4so as to define (to obtain) the trailing portion of web in use4.

Advantageously, magazine unit18, in particular the splicing assembly, further comprises at least one web alignment device21for aligning (orienting) new web5according to a predefined orientation, in particular prior to splicing new web5and web in use4to one another.

More specifically, web alignment device21is configured to define the correct orientation of the respective axis M of new web5.

Even more specifically, web alignment device21is configured to align (orient) new web5such that once, in use, new web5has become the web in use, it advances with the correct orientation along path P. Otherwise, the forming of packages2will be erroneous and the production process must be interrupted.

Preferably, web alignment device21is configured to align the new web5with respect to web in use4so that the splicing of new web5and web in use4occurs, in use, in the correct manner.

However, it must be understood that web alignment device21is also configured to allow for the alignment of web4or web5prior to operation of packaging machine1in the case no web is present within packaging machine1.

Preferably, magazine unit18comprises two web alignment devices21(only one shown inFIGS.2to6), one configured to allow for alignment of web4(when web5is the web in use and web4is the new web) and the other configured to allow for alignment of web5(when web4is the web in use and web5is the new web). In particular, the two web alignment devices21are arranged spaced apparat and side-by-side to one another.

Even more particular, one web alignment device21is associated to reel19and the other one is associated to reel20.

In more detail, the web alignment device(s)21is(are) arranged upstream of the buffer device along path P.

In even more detail, the web alignment device(s)21is (are) interposed between the buffer device and the housing seats (respectively the first housing seat and the second housing seat).

Preferably, magazine unit18comprises a support structure (not shown) carrying web alignment device(s)21, in particular the splicing assembly.

Even more preferably, the support structure also carries the first housing seat and the second housing seat, in particular such that the central axes A of reel19and of reel20have a horizontal orientation.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to6, each web alignment device21comprises:an engagement surface22for supporting new web5;a clamp assembly23for clamping new web5on at least a clamp portion (not shown) of engagement surface22; and an alignment control assembly24adapted to determine and/or detect a correct alignment of new web5.

Preferentially, each web alignment device21also comprises a cutting device25adapted to transversally cut new web5, in particular after alignment of new web5, for defining the leading portion of new web5to be sealed to the trailing portion of web in use4.

Preferably, each web alignment device21has an extension along a first axis B, in particular having a horizontal orientation, and a second axis C being transversal to axis B, in particular having a substantially vertical orientation. In other words, each axis B is parallel to central axes A of reel19and reel20, with reel19and reel20being placed within respectively the first housing seat and the second housing seat. In particular, in use, the respective axis C and the respective axis M with new web5being correctly aligned (oriented) are parallel to one another.

In more detail, each engagement surface22comprises a respective main surface26, in particular carrying (comprising) the clamp portion, and being configured to support a main portion27of new web5and an auxiliary surface28protruding transversally away from (being angled with respect to) main surface26and being configured to support an auxiliary portion29of new web5protruding transversally away from main portion27.

In even more detail, auxiliary surface28is arranged at an angle of substantially 90° with respect to main surface26.

Auxiliary surface28is configured to support auxiliary portion29such to define the longitudinal position of new web5; i.e. auxiliary surface28is configured such that, in use, new web5is moveable into a transversal direction without moving new web5into a longitudinal direction.

In particular, auxiliary portion29is obtained, in use, by transversally folding new web5obtaining a transversal folding line30parallel to axis N in the proximity of a front edge31of new web5.

In further detail, each engagement surface22, in particular main surface26, comprises a plate-like section36having a substantially flat surface profile and a roller37having an outer lateral surface arranged peripherally adjacent to plate-like section36and being rotatable around a respective central axis.

In particular, plate-like section36and roller37substantially define the extensions of web alignment device21along axis B and axis C.

Preferentially, plate-like section36is provided with (comprises) the clamp portion of engagement surface22.

Preferentially, the clamp portion of engagement surface22has a substantially rectangular shape and has a substantially flat surface profile.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to4, each clamp assembly23is controllable (moveable) between an open configuration in which new web5is, in use, moveable on at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22, in particular on engagement surface22, and a closed configuration in which new web5is, in use, clamped on (secured on) at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22, in particular for preventing movement of new web5.

More specifically, each clamp assembly23comprises a clamp board38facing the engagement surface22, in particular the plate-like section36, even more particular the clamp portion of engagement surface22, and an actuation device (not shown) for actuating a relative movement between the clamp board38and at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22so as to move the clamp board38and at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22towards each other and away from each other.

In particular, with clamp assembly23being in the clamp configuration new web5is clamped between clamp board38and at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22; and with clamp assembly23being in the open configuration new web5is moveably interposed between clamp board38and at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22, in particular engagement surface22.

In more detail, the respective actuation device is configured to define:the open configuration of the respective clamping assembly23with the distance between the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22being such that new web5is free to move between the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22; andthe closed configuration of the respective clamping assembly23with the distance between the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22being such that new web5is non-moveably clamped between the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22.

Even more specifically, each actuation device is configured to move the respective clamp portion of the engagement surface22towards or away from the respective clamp board38.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, each actuation device could be configured to move the respective clamp board38towards or away from the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22.

In an even further embodiment not shown, each actuation device could be configured to move both the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22towards or away from one another.

In further detail, in the specific example embodiment disclosed, each actuation device is configured to place the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22into at least a clamp position in which the new web5is clamped between the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22; and a rest position in which the respective clamp board38and the respective clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22are distanced from one another in such a manner that new web5is moveable over the respective engagement surface22.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to4, each cutting device25is supported by the respective engagement surface22.

In more detail, each cutting device25comprises a blade (not shown) for cutting new web5, a blade holder40for carrying the blade and a support bar41moveably carrying the respective blade holder40. In particular, the respective engagement surface22comprises a groove42for receiving the respective blade.

Advantageously and with particular reference toFIGS.2to6, each alignment control assembly24comprises:at least a control unit43for generating at least a trigger signal if new web5is correctly aligned;at least a first sensor device44connected to control unit43and being configured to detect and/or determine at least a respective desired position of a first section45of new web5and to send at least a first signal to control unit43if first section45is positioned in the desired position; andat least a second sensor device46connected to control unit43and being configured to detect and/or determine at least a respective desired position of a second section47of new web5distinct from first section45and to send a second signal to control unit43if second section47is positioned in the respective desired position.

Advantageously, each control unit43is configured to generate the trigger signal indicating the correct alignment of new web5if both the respective sensor device44and the respective sensor device46send, in use, simultaneously (at the same time, contemporaneously) respectively the first signal and the second signal to the respective control unit43.

Preferably, each control unit43is configured such that once the trigger signal has, in use, been generated and prior to the completion of clamping the new web5on at least the clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22, new web5becomes erroneously displaced so that new web5is not correctly aligned (oriented), the generation of the trigger signal is interrupted.

In an embodiment not shown, each control unit42is configured such that in the case of the generation of the trigger signal, a message signal is generated, e.g. in the form of a light signal, on a message display or the like, indicating the correct alignment of new web5. Then, in use, an operator can move the respective clamp assembly23to the respective closed configuration so as to secure new web5and to retain the orientation of new web5. In the case the generation of the trigger signal is interrupted prior to clamping new web5, also the message signal is interrupted.

In the preferred embodiment disclosed, each control unit42is also configured to control the respective clamp assembly23into the closed configuration when generating the trigger signal. Such a preferred embodiment has the advantage that the operator handling the new web5during the alignment process does not accidently move new web5(thus, changing the orientation) while moving the respective clamp assembly23into the respective closed configuration.

Preferentially, in the case the generation of the trigger signal is interrupted also the clamping of new web5is interrupted.

More specifically, each control unit43is connected, in particular electronically connected to, the respective actuation device and is configured to send a respective control signal to the respective actuation device.

In more detail, each sensor device44and the respective sensor device46are spaced apart from one another, in particular along the respective axis C.

Preferably, each sensor device44and the respective sensor device46are adapted to interact with a lateral edge, in particular a lateral longitudinal edge51of new web5. In particular, the respective section45and the respective section47are associated to the respective edge51. Even more particular, the respective section45and the respective section47are defined as the zones of the respective edge51respectively interacting with the respective sensor device44and the respective sensor device45.

With particular reference toFIGS.5and6, sensor device44and sensor device46each comprises a respective switch element52being controllable between at least a respective passive configuration and a respective active configuration in which the respective switch element52generates respectively the respective first signal and the respective second signal.

In even further detail, each switch element52is configured to be controllable between the respective passive configuration and the respective active configuration through interaction with the respective edge51, in particular with the respective section45or the respective section47.

Preferably, each switch element52is configured such that it is controlled into the respective active configuration with the respective section45or the respective section47being in the desired position.

Accordingly, each sensor device44and the respective sensor device46are configured to generate respectively the first signal and the second signal if the respective switch element52is in the respective active configuration.

Preferably, web alignment device21, in particular alignment control assembly24, further comprises a first abutment surface53and a second abutment surface54spaced apart, in particular along axis C, from one another and each one being adapted to interact with (to be contacted by) edge51of new web5, in particular with respectively the respective section45and the respective section47for defining the desired orientation of the web.

Preferentially, each abutment surface53and each abutment surface54are moveable along a respective direction D, in particular parallel to axis B, between at least an initial position (seeFIG.5) and an end position (seeFIG.6).

In particular, both the respective abutment surfaces53and the respective abutment surface54define a rectilinear line when each one is arranged in the respective end position, in particular the rectilinear line being parallel to axis C. The rectilinear line is configured such to define the orientation of new web5.

More specifically, each abutment surface53and the respective abutment surface54are configured to be controlled between the initial configuration and the end configuration upon interaction with (upon being contacted by) the respective edge51. In particular, in use, with the respective edge51of new web5interacting with (being in contact with) the respective abutment surface53and the respective abutment surface54new web5is correctly aligned if both the respective abutment surface53and the respective abutment surface54are in the respective end position.

Preferentially, web alignment device21, in particular alignment control assembly24, further comprises biasing means for biasing the abutment surface and the abutment surface54into the respective initial positions.

Preferentially, each sensor device44comprises the respective abutment surface53and each sensor device46comprises the respective abutment surface54.

In more detail, each abutment surface53and the respective abutment surface54are coupled to the respective switch element52in such a manner that the respective switch element52is controlled between the respective passive configuration and the respective active configuration upon controlling the respective abutment surface53or the respective abutment surface between the respective initial position and the respective end position.

In even more detail, each switch element52is in the respective passive configuration with the respective abutment surface53or the respective abutment surface54being in the respective initial position; and each switch element52is in the active configuration with the respective abutment surface53or the respective abutment surface54being in the respective end position.

In even further detail, each switch element52is configured such to bias the respective abutment surface or the respective abutment surface54into the initial position. In other words, switch elements52comprise the biasing means.

In use, packaging machine1packages the pourable product into packages2obtained from tube3.

In more detail, during operation of packaging machine1one of web4or web5is advanced as the web in use from the respective reel19or reel20along path P, is formed by tube forming device7into tube3and tube3is longitudinally sealed by sealing device9, while tube3advances along path Q. Furthermore, filling means10fill tube3with the pourable product and package forming unit11forms, transversally seals and transversally cuts packages2from tube3advancing along path Q.

Furthermore, during operation of packaging machine1, prior to exhaustion of web4or web5advanced as the web in use, the web in use and the new web are subjected to a splicing process.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to6, the splicing process comprises at least:an advancement phase during which one of a web4and web5is advanced along path P as the web in use, in the specific case web4is advanced as the web in use4;an alignment phase during which the other one of web4and web5is aligned as the new web according to a defined orientation, in the specific case shown web5is aligned as the new web5; anda splicing phase during which the trailing portion of web in use4and the leading portion of new web5are sealed, in particular heat sealed, to one another.

In more detail, during the advancement phase web in use4is unwound from reel19and is advanced towards tube forming device7, in particular while advancing through the buffer device.

In more detail, during the splicing phase the trailing portion of web in use4and the leading portion of new web5are superimposed and are transversally sealed to one another by the sealing group.

In further detail, during the splicing phase web in use4is advanced towards tube forming device7from the buffer device and advancement of web in use4from reel19to the buffer device is interrupted. Preferably, web in use4is transversally cut, in particular upstream of the buffer device along path P, so as to define the trailing portion of web in use4.

In more detail, the alignment phase comprises:an engagement sub-phase during which new web5is engaged onto engagement surface22;a displacement sub-phase, in particular executed after the engagement sub-phase, during which new web5is displaced, in particular transversally displaced;at least a first detection sub-phase during which sensor device44detects and/or determines whether the respective first section45is in its respective desired position and during which sensor device44sends at least the first signal to control unit43if first section45is positioned in the desired position;at least a second detection sub-phase during which sensor device46detects and/or determines whether the second section47is in its respective desired position and during which sensor device46sends at least the second signal to control unit43if second section47is positioned in the desired position;an accumulative control sub-phase during which control unit43generates a trigger signal indicating the correct alignment (the correct orientation) of new web5if sensor device44and sensor device46send contemporaneously (simultaneously, at the same time) respectively the first signal and the second signal to control unit43; anda clamping sub-phase, executed after the displacement sub-phase, in particular if during the accumulative control sub-phase control unit43generates the trigger signal, during which new web5is clamped onto the clamp portion of engagement surface22.

Preferentially, the alignment phase also comprises a cutting sub-phase, in particular executed after the clamping sub-phase, during which new web5is cut, in particular transversally cut, so as to define the leading portion of new web5. In particular, during the cutting sub-phase blade holder40is moved along support bar41so that the blade cuts new web5. In particular, new web5and web in use4are sealed to one another after the cutting sub-phase.

In more detail, during the engagement sub-phase (seeFIG.2) new web5is put in contact with engagement surface22and is laterally spaced apart from sensor device44and sensor device46.

In particular, during the engagement sub-phase new web5is guided such to be interposed between engagement surface22, in particular plate-like section36, and clamp board38with clamp assembly23being in the open configuration. New web5is also guided such that it is interposed between engagement surface22, in particular plate-like section36, and support bar41.

Preferably, during the engagement sub-phase a folding step is executed during which new web5is transversally folded so as to obtain auxiliary portion29and main portion27. Then, auxiliary portion29is engaged onto auxiliary surface28and main portion27is engaged onto main surface26(seeFIG.3).

With particular reference toFIGS.4to6, during the displacement sub-phase new web5is transversally displaced towards sensor device44and sensor device46, in particular edge51is brought into abutment with abutment surface53and abutment surface54, even more particular section45is brought into contact with abutment surface53and section47is brought into contact with abutment surface54.

Preferentially, during the displacement sub-phase new web5is transversally displaced such that abutment surface53and abutment surface54are displaced along the respective direction D from the respective initial position to the respective end position. In particular, with abutment surface53and abutment surface54being in the respective end position and section45being in abutment with abutment surface53and section47being in abutment with abutment surface54section45and section47are in the respective desired positions.

In more detail, during the first detection sub-phase sensor device44sends the first signal if the respective switch element52is in the respective active position, in particular with the respective abutment surface53being in the respective end position.

More specifically, during the second detection sub-phase sensor device46sends the second signal if the respective switch element52is in the respective active position, in particular with the respective abutment surface54being in the respective end position.

In more detail, during the clamping sub-phase clamp assembly23is controlled from its respective open configuration into its respective closed configuration.

Preferably, clamp assembly23is automatically controlled by control unit43from the open configuration to the closed configuration when control unit43generates the trigger signal.

In more detail, during the clamping sub-phase a relative movement between clamp board38and at least the clamp portion of engagement surface22is actuated by activation of the actuation device.

In even more detail, the clamp portion of engagement surface22is moved from the respective rest position to the respective clamp position. In particular, control unit43activates the actuation device when generating the trigger signal so that the actuation device moves the clamp portion of engagement surface22to the clamp position.

The advantages of web alignment device21according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, web alignment device21reduces the risk of a misalignment of the new web, in particular prior to the splicing of the new web to the web in use. Even more particular, by providing the respective sensor device44and the respective sensor device46it is possible to ensure that a trigger signal is only generated if the respective section45and the respective section47are arranged in the desired position, which are characteristic of the correct alignment (orientation) of the new web.

A further advantage resides in the fact that the respective control unit43automatically activates the respective clamp assembly23so that the new web becomes automatically fixed on at least the clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22. This ensures that an operator cannot erroneously clamp the new web. In addition, it is prevented that the new web is clamped on at least the clamp portion of the respective engagement surface22even though the orientation was modified once a trigger signal was generated.

Clearly, changes may be made to packaging machine1, in particular to web alignment device21as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, sensor device44and sensor device46comprise optical detection means and are adapted to detect, new web5, in particular respective markers arranged on new web5.