EP4647378A1

EP4647378A1 - Magazine apparatus for a packaging machine and packaging machine having a magazine apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4647378A1
Application number: EP25173433.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riccardo CASELLI; Marco Ricco'; Gabriele Poletti; Stefano DAVOLI
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-05-07
Filing date: 2025-04-30
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: WO2025233186A1

Abstract

There is described a magazine apparatus (10) for a packaging machine (1). The magazine apparatus (10) comprises a support device (30) configured to rotatably carry a reel (11) of a web of packaging material (3). The support device (30) comprises a pair (36) of carrier devices (37) spaced apart from one another and configured to carry the reel (11) and an actuation device (38) configured to control the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) between an active configuration in which the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is configured to carry the reel (11) and a rest configuration in which the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is configured to release the reel (11) and/or to receive a new reel (11).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a magazine apparatus for a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product, even more particular a pourable food product.
The present invention also relates to a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product, even more particular a pourable food product, having a magazine apparatus.

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 (an oxygen-barrier layer), 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 through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material at a sterilization station and to an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material through the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally at a tube forming station to form a tube having a longitudinal seam portion, the tube being further fed along a vertical advancing direction.
For completing the forming operations, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections within a package forming apparatus of the packaging machine during advancement along the vertical advancing direction.
Pillow packages are so obtained, each pillow package having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.
A typical packaging machine comprises a magazine apparatus for hosting the web of packaging material provided in the form of a reel, a conveying device for advancing the web of packaging material along a web advancement path and the tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advancement path, the sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material prior to its formation into the tube, a tube forming and sealing device at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber and being configured to form the tube from the advancing web of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube, a filling device for filling the tube with the pourable product and the package forming apparatus adapted to form, transversally seal and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material.
A typical magazine apparatus comprises at least one support device configured to rotatably carry the reel of the web of packaging material. The reel comprises a hollow core and the web of packaging material is wound about the core. Additionally, a removable spindle system comprising a spindle, a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate carries the core. In more detail, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp the reel between one another and are provided with flanges engaging an inner surface of the core. Additionally, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are coupled to the spindle.
When it is required to arrange a new reel into the magazine apparatus, an operator needs to couple the removable spindle system to the new reel. Afterwards, the operator needs to move the reel towards the magazine apparatus and to position opposite ends of the spindle into respective guide channels, which allow to guide the reel in an operative position thereof.
A typical magazine apparatus comprises two working stations so as to allow an uninterrupted production. Typically, one working station is loaded with the reel in use so that the respective web of packaging material is unwound and fed through the packaging machine, and the other working station is loaded with a new reel. Once the reel in use is about to be exhausted, the web of packaging material of the new reel is spliced to the web of packaging material of the reel in use and the new reel becomes the reel in use.
Then the operator needs to remove the exhausted reel (i.e. the respective core with some possible residues of the web of packaging material) from the respective working station and to replace the exhausted reel with a new reel.
These steps need to be repeated by the operator any time a new reel is arranged into the magazine apparatus.
Even though the known solutions work satisfactorily well, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the magazine apparatuses of the packaging machines and the packaging machines.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved magazine apparatus for a packaging machine, in particular a magazine apparatus which allows to reduce the need of intervention by an operator.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine having a magazine apparatus, in particular so as to reduce the need of intervention by an operator.
According to the present invention, there is provided a magazine apparatus as claimed in the independent claim.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 17.
Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a magazine apparatus of the packaging machine of Figure 1 and a positioning device, with parts removed for clarity;
Figures 3A and 3B are front views of a detail of the magazine apparatus of Figure 2 in two different configurations, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the magazine apparatus of Figure 2, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 5A is a perspective view of a detail of the portion of Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 5B is a section view of the detail of Figure 5A, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 5C is a perspective view of the detail of Figures 5A and 5B;
Figures 6A to 6D are perspective views of the portion of Figure 4 being in different configurations during loading of a new reel of a web of packaging material, with parts removed for clarity;
Figures 7A to 7C schematically show a determination of a position of a reel to be loaded within the magazine apparatus, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 7D shows a core of a reel and points associated to the core;
Figure 8 is a top view schematically showing a transversal positioning of a new reel, with parts removed for clarity;
Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of another portion of the magazine apparatus of Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figures 11A to 11C show different configurations of the portion of Figures 9 and 10.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as milk, milk drinks, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, beverages containing pulp, salt, sugar, etc.
In more detail, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a web of packaging material 3, preferentially a web of multilayer packaging material.
More preferentially, web of packaging material 3 may have heat seal properties (i.e. portions of the multilayer packaging material can be sealed to one another).
In further detail, web of packaging material 3 may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material (in particular, giving stiffness), such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. Preferentially, one of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of packages 2 contacting the pourable product.
Moreover, web of packaging material 3 may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially being arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.
Preferentially, web of packaging material 3 may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.
Preferentially, web of packaging material 3 may comprise successively arranged patterns, each pattern defining a final graphical pattern of the respective package 2. In other words, packaging machine 1 operates, in use, such to guarantee that each package 2 comprises the respective pattern.
Furthermore, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 by forming a tube 4 from web of packaging material 3, longitudinally sealing tube 4, filling tube 4 with the pourable product and to transversally seal, and preferentially transversally cut tube 4.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis.
According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may comprise at least a first transversal sealing band arranged at a first end of package 2, and preferentially also a second transversal sealing band arranged at a second end of package 2 opposite to the first end.
Moreover, each package 2 may also comprise a longitudinal seam portion.
With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 may comprise:

a magazine apparatus 10 configured to host at least one reel 11 of web of packaging material 3 at a host station 12;
a conveying device 13 configured to advance web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P, preferentially to a tube forming station 14, at which, in use, web of packaging material 3 is formed into tube 4, and configured to advance tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q;
a tube forming and sealing device 15 configured to form tube 4 from the, in use, advancing web of packaging material 3 and to longitudinally seal tube 4, preferentially at tube forming station 14;
a filling device 16 for filling tube 4 with the pourable product; and
a package forming unit 17 configured to transversally seal, and preferentially to transversally cut tube 4 for obtaining semi-finalized packs, preferentially package pouches. Preferentially, package forming unit 17 may also be configured to form tube 4.

In further detail, packaging machine 1 may also comprise an isolation chamber 18, preferentially delimiting an inner environment 19 from an outer environment 20. Preferentially, inner environment 19 may be a sterile environment, preferably containing a controlled atmosphere.
Preferentially, tube forming and sealing device 15 may be at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 18 and configured to fold and longitudinally seal tube 4 within isolation chamber 18, preferentially inner environment 19.
Moreover, packaging machine 1 may also comprise a sterilizing unit configured to sterilize the, in use, advancing web of packaging material 3, preferentially the sterilization unit being arranged upstream of tube forming and sealing device 15 along web advancement path P and/or downstream of host station 12.
In more detail, conveying device 13 may be configured to advance tube 4 and any intermediates of tube 4 along tube advancement path Q, preferentially from tube forming and sealing device 15 to and/or at least partially within package forming unit 17. Preferentially, with the wording intermediates of tube 4 any configuration of web of packaging material 3 is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web of packaging material 3 by tube forming and sealing device 15 has started. In other words, the intermediates of tube 4 are a result of the gradual folding of web of packaging material 3 so as to obtain tube 4, preferentially by overlapping the (longitudinal) edges of web of packaging material 3 with one another.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, tube forming and sealing device 15 may be arranged such that tube 4 may have a vertical orientation.
Preferentially, filling device 16 may comprise a filling pipe 23 being configured to direct, in use, the pourable product into tube 4. Preferentially, filling pipe 23 may, in use, be at least partially placed within tube 4 for feeding, in use, the pourable product into tube 4.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package forming unit 17 may comprise a plurality of, operative devices, each one configured to manipulate, preferentially to at least partially form, to at least transversally seal and to transversally cut, tube 4 for obtaining packages 2.
With particular reference to Figure 1, magazine apparatus 10 may be arranged upstream of isolation chamber 18 and/or tube forming and sealing device 15 and/or packaging forming unit 17.
With particular reference to Figure 2, magazine apparatus 10 comprises one or more support devices 30, each one configured to rotatably carry one respective reel 11 at a time.
In the specific case shown, magazine apparatus 10 comprises two support devices 30 spaced apart from one another, and in particular being arranged side by side. More specifically, support devices 30 are spaced apart from one another along a first direction D1.
In particular, having two support devices 30 allows a continuous production over an extended time as while one support device 30 rotatably carries the reel 11 in use, it is possible to load a new reel 11 to the other support device 30.
Additionally, magazine apparatus 10 also comprises a splicing unit 31 configured to splice web of packaging material 3 of the new reel 11 to web of packaging material 3 of the reel 11 in use.
Each reel 11 comprises a core 22, in particular a hollow core 22, and the web of packaging material 3 is wound about core 22.
In particular, each core 22 may have a cylindrical shape.
Each support device 30 is configured to support reel 11 such that reel 11 is rotatable about a rotation axis.
In use, web of packaging material 3 is unwound from the respective core 22 during rotation of reel 11.
Moreover, shortly before exhaustion of the respective web of packaging material 3 of the reel 11 in use, web of packaging material 3 of a new reel 11 is spliced to web of packaging material 3 of the reel 11 in use.
With reference to Figures 2, 9 and 10, magazine apparatus 10 comprises a housing 32.
In particular, each support device 30 is placed within a respective inner space 33 of housing 32.
In particular, each inner space 33 extends along a first axis E, a second axis F perpendicular to first axis E and a third axis G perpendicular to first axis E and second axis F.
Preferentially, first direction D1 is parallel to second axis F.
Magazine apparatus 10 comprises one or more doors 34, each one controllable in a respective open position for accessing one or more inner spaces 33 and a closed position for closing one or more inner spaces 33. In the specific example shown, magazine apparatus 10 comprises two doors 34 (only one shown), each door 34 being associated to one respective inner space 33 and being configured to selectively open or close the respective inner space 33.
With reference to Figures 2, 7A and 8, a positioning device 35, in particular an autonomous positioning device, for example an automated guided vehicle, in particular a laser guided vehicle, is configured to at least deliver, in particular autonomously deliver, a new reel 11 to magazine apparatus 10, in particular to support devices 30 and/or inner spaces 33.
For example packaging machine 1 and positioning device 35 are part of a packaging plant.
In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 2 to 6D, each support device 30 comprises:

a pair 36 of carrier devices 37 spaced apart from one another and configured to carry one reel 11 at a time; and
an actuation device 38 configured to control pair 36 of carrier devices 37 between an active configuration in which carrier devices 37 are configured to carry reel 11 and a rest configuration in which carrier devices 37 are configured to release a used and/or exhausted reel 11 and/or to receive a new reel 11.

In particular, actuation device 38 is configured to control each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 in the respective active configuration while, in use, web of packaging material 3 is unwound from the respective reel 11, i.e. the respective core 22. In other words, in use, when the respective web of packaging material 3 is fed along advancement path P, the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration.
With particular reference to Figures 2 to 4 and 6A to 7C, magazine apparatus 10 also comprises one or more guide systems 39, each one carrying one respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 and being configured to guide the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 between an operative position in which the respective web of packaging material 3 of the respective reel 11 is unwound from the respective reel 11 and at least one auxiliary position in which a new reel 11 can be loaded and/or a used and/or exhausted reel 11 can be discharged.
In particular, according to the example shown, magazine apparatus 10 comprises two guide systems 39, each one arranged within one respective inner space 33.
Guide systems 39 are spaced apart from one another along a second direction D2, e.g. parallel to first direction D1 and/or second axis F.
Preferentially, guide system 39 are arranged side-by-side.
In further detail, each guide system 39 is configured to linearly guide the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 along a third direction D3 between the respective at least one auxiliary position and the respective operative position.
In particular, third direction D3 is perpendicular to first direction D1 and/or second direction D2 and/or parallel to first axis E.
According to the example shown, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is positionable at least in a first auxiliary position (acting as a loading position) in which a new reel 11 can be loaded to the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Alternatively or in addition, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is positionable in a second auxiliary position (acting as a discharge position) in which a used and/or exhausted reel 11 (e.g. only the respective core 22 or core 22 with some remaining portions of the respective web of packaging material 3) can be discharged from the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
According to some embodiments, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is positionable in a single (i.e. the same) auxiliary position for loading a new reel 11 and for discharging a used and/or exhausted reel 11. In other words, the first auxiliary position and the second auxiliary position coincide.
Advantageously, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration when being arranged in the respective operative position.
Advantageously, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled from the respective active configuration to the respective rest configuration when being arranged in the respective second auxiliary position, in particular so as to discharge the respective used and/or exhausted reel 11.
Advantageously, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled from the respective rest configuration to the respective active configuration when being arranged in the respective first auxiliary position, in particular so as to load a new reel 11.
Advantageously, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is maintained in the respective active configuration during movement from the respective first auxiliary position (and after loading a new reel 11) to the respective operative position.
Advantageously, positioning device 35 is configured to position the new reel 11 in such a way that the new reel 11 can be loaded to the respective support device 30, in particular the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37, when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is in the first auxiliary position.
As will be explained further below, during loading of a new reel 11 positioning device 35 cooperates with magazine apparatus 10.
With particular reference to Figures 2 to 4 and 6A to 7C, magazine apparatus 11 comprises one or more inlets 40 (in the specific example shown two), each inlet 40 allowing to introduce a reel 11 into a respective inner space 33.
In particular, each door 34 is configured to selectively open or close one or more inlets 40.
Moreover, pair 36 of carrier devices 37, when being in the respective at least one auxiliary position (e.g. the first auxiliary position and the second auxiliary position), is closer to the respective inlet 40 and/or the respective door 34 than when being in the respective operative position.
Additionally, each reel 11 is positionable in a respective operative position and in at least one respective auxiliary position (e.g. a respective first auxiliary position and a respective second auxiliary position), which correspond to respectively the respective operative position and the respective at least one auxiliary position (e.g. the respective first auxiliary position and the respective second auxiliary position) of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
With particular reference to Figures 2 and 9 to 11C, magazine apparatus 10 also comprises one or more discharging systems 41 configured to receive at least the respective cores 22 of the used and/or exhausted reels 11.
According to the example shown, magazine apparatus 10 comprises two discharging systems 41, each one associated to one respective inner space 33.
In particular, each pair 36 of carrier devices 37, when being in the second auxiliary position, is close to a respective discharging system 41 so that the respective discharging system 41 can receive the respective core 22 from pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
It should be noted that cores 22 may still carry some residual portions of the respective web of packaging material 3.
With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5C, magazine apparatus 10 also comprises one or more sensor systems 42 configured to determine an arrangement position of each reel 11 with respect to a reference point.
In particular, after determining the arrangement position, it is possible to correct the arrangement position, if necessary, so as to allow a correct loading of reel 11 to the respective support device 30, in particular the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
In particular, magazine apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of sensor systems 42, each one associated to one respective support device 30, in particular one respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
More specifically, each sensor system 42 is configured to allow a correct loading of a new reel 11 to the respective support device 30.
With particular reference to Figures 3A to 6D, each carrier device 37 comprises a carrier 45 configured to engage the respective reel 11 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the active configuration. Additionally, each carrier 45 is configured to be disengaged from the respective reel 11 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the rest configuration.
In particular, each carrier 45 is configured to carry reel 11 in cooperation with the respective carrier 45 of the other carrier device 37 of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
More specifically, each carrier 45 is rotatable about a respective rotation axis A, in particular so that reel 11 is also rotatable about rotation axis A. In particular, the respective rotation axis A of carriers 45 are parallel, in particular coaxial to the respective rotation axis of the respective reel 11.
Advantageously, carriers 45 are approached to one another when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration and are withdrawn from one another when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective rest configuration.
In further detail, each carrier 45 comprises a(n) (annular) flange element 46 configured to protrude into core 22 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration.
In even further detail, each flange element 46 comprises an engagement surface 47 configured to engage an inner surface of core 22 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration.
In addition or alternatively, each carrier 45 comprises a clamping plate 48 configured to engage reel 11 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration.
In particular, the respective clamping plates 48 of each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 are configured to clamp reel 11 between one another when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration.
For example, each clamping plate 48 engages at least the respective core 22 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective active configuration.
Advantageously, each flange element 46 protrudes from the respective clamping plate 48, in particular towards the respective other carrier device 37 of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Advantageously, each clamping plate 48 may comprise and/or consist of a clamping ring and the respective flange element 46 protrudes from the respective clamping ring.
Advantageously, each actuation device 38 is configured to move, in particular linearly move, each one of the respective carriers 45 between a respective extracted position (see e.g. Figure 3B) and a respective retracted position (see e.g. Figure 3A). Carriers 45 are configured to carry reel 11 in cooperation with one another when being in the respective extracted positions.
In further detail, each carrier device 37 comprises a respective support group 54 configured to carry, in particular rotatably carry, the respective carrier 45.
More specifically, each carrier 45 is coupled to the respective support group 54 through a bearing 55.
Each support group 54 is configured to linearly move so as to allow for moving the respective carrier 45 between the respective extracted position and the respective retracted position.
In even further detail, each support group 54 comprises a first portion 56 carrying the respective carrier 45 and a second portion 57 carrying the respective first portion 56.
In particular, first portion 56 is movable, in particular linearly movable, along second portion 57.
In particular, each actuation device 38 is configured to move the respective support group 54 so as to move the respective carrier 45.
Each pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is in the respective active configuration and the respective rest configuration with the respective carriers 45 being in the respective extracted positions and the respective retracted positions.
In further detail, each actuation device 38 comprises two actuation groups 49, each one coupled to one respective carrier 45, in particular through the respective support group 54, and being configured to control the respective carrier 45 between the respective retracted position and the respective extracted position.
In the example shown, each actuation group 49 comprises one or more pneumatic actuators 50, each one coupled to one respective carrier 45, in particular by being connected to the respective support group 54.
More specifically, in the example shown, each actuation group 49 comprises four pneumatic actuators 50, even more specifically each pneumatic actuator being coupled to one respective carrier 45. Preferentially, each pneumatic actuator 50 is coupled to the respective carrier 45 at one respective contact point.
In more detail, each pneumatic actuator 50 is connected to the respective support group 54, in particular the respective first portion 56, at one respective contact point.
Advantageously, each contact point is arranged at one respective corner of an imaginary rectangular or square area defined by the respective contact points. In this way, one optimizes force transmission during movement of the respective carrier 45.
With particular reference to Figures 5B and 5C, magazine apparatus 10 further comprises one or more locking units 51, each one configured to lock, when being activated, one respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 in the active configuration. In this way, one guarantees that reel 11 cannot accidentally disengage from the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Advantageously, each locking unit 51 is (in particular automatically) activated after control of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 in the respective active configuration.
Moreover, magazine apparatus 10 is configured to selectively deactivate each locking unit 51 before the respective actuation device 38 controls the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 from the respective active configuration to the respective rest configuration.
In more detail, each locking unit 51 is configured to interact with the respective carrier 45, in particular with the respective support group 54, when being controlled in the respective extracted positions so as to impede a movement of the respective carrier 45 back to the respective retracted position.
Advantageously, each locking unit 51 may comprise a first locking group and a second locking group, each one configured to interact with one respective carrier 45 of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Moreover, each first locking group and each second locking group comprises a respective locking piston 52 being controllable between:

a respective active position in which locking piston 52 is configured to interact with the respective carrier 45, in particular with respective support group 54, for locking the respective carrier 45 in the respective extracted position; and
a respective rest position in which locking piston 52 is configured to be retracted from the respective carrier 45, in particular the respective support group 54, so as to allow movement of the respective carrier 45 from the respective extracted position to the respective retracted position.

With particular reference to Figures 3A to 5A, each carrier device 37 also comprises a support structure 53 carrying the respective carrier 45, and in particular also the respective actuation group 49.
In particular, each support structure 53 movably carries the respective carrier 45 such that carrier 45 is movable between the respective extracted position and the respective retracted position.
Advantageously, each support structure 53 is movably coupled to the respective guide system 39 such that the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is movable between the operative position and the at least one auxiliary position.
With particular reference to Figures 4 and 6A to 6D, each guide system 39 also comprises a respective movement device 58 coupled to one respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 and being configured to move the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 between the respective operative position and the respective at least one auxiliary position.
Advantageously, each guide system 39 comprises a pair of spaced apart linear guides 59, each linear guide 59 movably carrying one respective carrier device 37.
Moreover, each movement device 58 is coupled to the respective carrier devices 37 of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 and is configured to move each carrier device 37 along the respective linear guide 59 so as to move the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 between the respective operative position and the respective at least one auxiliary position.
Advantageously, each movement device 58 is configured to simultaneously move the carrier devices 37 of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 along the respective linear guides 59.
In more detail, each movement device 58 comprises two actuators 60, e.g. electrical motors, in particular electrical synchronous motors, each actuator 60 being coupled to one respective carrier device 37 and being configured to move the respective carrier device 37 along the respective linear guide 59.
In particular, operation of actuators 60 is coordinated so as to simultaneously move the respective carrier devices 37.
With particular reference to Figures 3A to 4, magazine apparatus 10 comprises one or more pairs of support members 61 spaced apart from one another.
Each pair of support members 61 being arranged in one respective inner space 33.
Moreover, each support member 61 is adjacent to one respective linear guide 59.
Advantageously, each carrier device 37 comprises a support element 62 configured to engage one respective support member 61.
In particular, each support member 61 is positioned with respect to the inner space 33 in such a way that each support element 62 engages the respective support member 61 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is arranged in the respective operative position. In other words, support members 61 are arranged such that the respective support elements 62 engage the respective support members 61 with the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 being in the respective operative position. In this way, it is possible to improve stability of reel 11.
With particular reference to Figures 9 to 11C, each discharging system 41 comprises a housing space 63 configured to receive at least core 22 of the used and/or exhausted reels 11 when being released from the respective support device 30.
In particular, each discharging system 41 is arranged and/or arrangeable in a respective discharge position in which discharging system 41 is configured to receive the respective core 22.
Advantageously, each discharging system 41 is controllable in an active configuration in which it is possible to discharge at least the core 22 of the used and/or exhausted reels 11 into the respective housing space 63 and an idle configuration in which it is not possible to discharge at least the core 22 of the used and/or exhausted reels 11 into the respective housing space 63.
According to the example shown, each door 34 carries at least one respective housing space 63.
Moreover, according to the present example, each discharging system 41 is configured to be controlled in the respective active configuration with the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 being arranged in the respective second auxiliary position.
Additionally, in use, once discharging system 41 is controlled in the respective active configuration and the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is positioned in the respective second auxiliary position, the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective rest configuration so as to release the respective core 22 into the respective housing space 63.
Advantageously, each discharging system 41 comprises a plurality of walls 64 delimiting the respective housing space 63.
In more detail, each door 34 comprises an inner side facing at least one respective inner space 33, in particular when being arranged in the closed position.
The respective inner side of each door 34 carries the respective walls 64.
With particular reference to Figures 11A to 11C, each discharging system 41 also comprises a guide channel 65 being configured to guide at least the cores 22 of the used and/or exhausted reels 11 into the respective housing space 63.
In particular, each guide channel 65 is connected to the respective door 34, in particular the respective inner side.
Advantageously, each guide channel 65 is positionable in:

an active position (see Figure 11B) in which guide channel 65 is arranged in a respective discharging position and is configured to receive at least the core 22 of the used and/or exhausted reel 11, in particular such that it is possible to direct a core 22 into the respective housing space 63; and
an idle position (see Figures 10, 11A and 11C) in which guide channel 65 is retracted from the respective discharging position, in particular such that it is not possible to direct a core 22 into the respective housing space 63.

In particular, when pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is in the second auxiliary position and guide channel 65 is in the discharging position, pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is aligned with guide channel 65.
Moreover, when guide channel 65 is in the active position, guide channel 65 protrudes at least partially into the respective inner space 33.
In particular, each guide channel 65 comprises a guiding plate 66 being inclined with respect to a vertical axis when the respective guide channel 65 in the respective active position and being configured to guide core 22 into the respective housing space 63.
Additionally, each guiding plate 66 is (substantially) parallel to the vertical axis when the respective guide channel 65 is in the respective idle position.
Additionally, each discharging system 41 further comprises an actuator unit 67 configured to control the respective guide channel 65 between the respective active position and the respective idle position.
More specifically, each guide channel 65 is angularly movable about a rotation axis B for moving guide channel 65 between the respective active position and the respective idle position.
In particular, each actuator unit 67 is configured to actuate the angular movement of the respective guide channel 65.
Advantageously, each discharging system 41 comprises a sensor device configured:

to measure whether an occupancy rate of cores 22 within the respective housing space 63 exceeds a threshold rate; and/or
to measure an occupancy rate of cores 22 within the respective housing space 63; and/or
to signal a need of discharging cores 22 from the respective housing space 63 when an occupancy rate of cores 22 within the respective housing space 63 exceeds a threshold; and/or
to signal an occupancy rate of cores 22 within the respective housing space 63.

In further detail, each door 34 is interposed between an outer space 68 and the respective inner space 33.
Advantageously, each door 34 carries an auxiliary door element 69 controllable in an opening position and a closing position in which the respective housing space 63 is, respectively, accessible and not accessible from outer space 68.
In particular, each auxiliary door element 69 is configured to allow, when being controlled in the respective opening position, discharging of cores 22 arranged within the respective housing space 63. In other words, when the respective auxiliary door element 69 is in the respective opening position, it is possible to access the respective housing space 63 from outer space 68.
Moreover, each auxiliary door element 69 is configured to impede access to the respective housing space 63 from outer space 68 when being arranged in the respective closing position.
In particular, each auxiliary door element 69 is linearly movable between the respective opening position and the respective closing position.
Advantageously, each discharging system 41 also comprises an actuator 70 configured to control the respective auxiliary door element 69 between the respective opening position and the respective closing position.
In further detail, each auxiliary door element 69 is configured to open and close a discharge opening of the respective door 34 when being, respectively, in the opening position and the closing position.
Advantageously, each discharging system 41 comprises an inclined guide plate 71 inclined such to direct cores 22 towards the respective discharge opening. In particular, each inclined guide plate 71 is inclined with respect to a vertical axis.
Moreover, each inclined guide plate 71 has a first end portion distanced from the respective discharge opening and a second end portion opposite to the respective first end portion and being arranged adjacent to and/or at the respective discharge opening. Moreover, each first end portion is arranged at a larger vertical elevation than the respective second end portion.
Additionally, each inclined guide plate 71 is arranged in a bottom portion of the respective housing space 63.
With particular reference to Figures 2, 4 and 7A to 7D, each sensor systems 42 is configured to determine the arrangement position of each reel 11 with respect to the respective reference point. In particular, each sensor system 42 is configured to determine the arrangement position, i.e. the actual position, of reel 11 with respect to the respective support device 30, in particular during loading of a new reel 11 to the respective support device 30. In other words, the respective reference point is determined with respect to the respective support device 30.
In particular, the respective reference point is determined in dependence of the respective first auxiliary position of the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37, i.e. the respective loading position.
In more detail, each sensor system 42 comprises:

one or more sensor devices 75; and
a movement device 76 coupled to the one or more sensor devices 75 and being configured to move the one or more sensor devices 75 along respective scanning paths, in particular respective linear scanning paths R.

In particular, each scanning path R is parallel to third direction D3.
According to the example shown, movement device 76 corresponds to movement device 58, i.e. movement device 76 coincides with movement device 58. In the example shown, actuation of movement device 76 (i.e. movement device 58) leads to movement of both the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 and the respective one or more sensor devices 75.
Alternatively, movement device 76 and movement device 58 can be different from each other and being configured to selectively move, respectively the respective one or more sensor devices 75 and the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Each movement device 76 is configured to move the respective one or more sensor devices 75 along the respective scanning paths R such that the one or more sensor devices 75 allow to determine the arrangement position of reel 11.
In more detail, each movement device 76 is configured to move the respective one or more sensor devices 75 along the respective scanning paths R so that the one or more sensor devices 75 detect, during advancement along the respective scanning path R, a respective first position of a respective first point 77 of a perimeter of core 22 and a respective second position of a respective second point 78 of the perimeter of core 22, the respective second point 78 being distinct from the respective first point 77.
In particular, first point 77 and second point 78 are arranged on a perimeter of core 22 delimiting a through hole of core 22.
In the example shown, each movement device 76 is configured to advance two respective sensor devices 75 along the respective scanning paths R. Thereby, one sensor device 75 detects a respective first point 77 and a respective second point 78 that are different from the respective first point 77 and the respective second point 78 detected by the other sensor device 75. By relying on two sensor devices 75 it is possible determine the arrangement position of reel 11 in a more precise way.
According to the example shown, movement device 76 (i.e. movement device 58) is configured to simultaneously move the one or more sensor devices 75 and the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Additionally, each sensor system 42 also comprises an analysis unit configured to determine the arrangement position of reel 11 as a function of the respective first position and the respective second position.
Advantageously, each sensor device 75 is movably carried by the respective guide system 39, in particular one respective linear guide 59, and the respective movement device 76 is configured to move each sensor device 75 along the respective guide system 39, in particular one respective linear guide 59.
According to the example shown, each sensor device 75 is connected to the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
In more detail, each sensor device 75 comprises a respective emitter 79 for emitting an electromagnetic radiation and a respective receiver 80 for receiving the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the respective emitter 79.
In further detail, each emitter 79 is coupled to one of the respective linear guides 59 and the respective receiver 80 is coupled to the other one of the respective linear guides 59.
In this way, each emitter 79 and the respective receiver 80 are spaced apart from one another, in particular along direction D3.
In particular, in use, positioning device 35 is configured to place the respective reel 11 between the two respective linear guides 59. Hence, reel 11 is interposed between emitter 79 and receiver 80 during movement of each emitter 79 and the respective receiver 80.
Moreover, each movement device 76 is configured to synchronously move each emitter 79 and the respective receiver 80.
In particular and with reference to Figures 7A to 7D, by moving the respective sensor device 75 along the respective scanning path R and due to reel 11 being interposed between the two respective linear guides 59 the respective receiver 80 receives the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the respective emitter 79 only when the electromagnetic radiation can move through the respective hollow core 22, i.e. through the hole of core 22, otherwise reel 11 blocks the electromagnetic radiation. Thus, when moving the respective sensor device 75 along the respective scanning path R, the respective first points 77 and the respective second points 78 are determined by measuring when the respective receiver 80, respectively, starts to receive (see Figure 7B) and starts not to receive anymore (see Figure 7C) the electromagnetic radiation.
By determining the arrangement position of reel 11, it is possible to understand whether a position of reel 11 along third axis G is correct and, if the position is correct, load reel 11 to the respective support device 30, in particular to the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
In particular, sensor devices 75 allow to determine a vertical (height) position of reel 11.
In further detail, the analysis unit may be configured to determine a distance between the respective first point 77 and the respective second point 78, the distance allowing to determine the arrangement position.
In particular, the analysis unit may be configured to compare the respective distance with a reference distance.
In order to improve the precision of determination of the arrangement position of reel 11, it is advantageous that each sensor system 42 comprises two respective sensor devices 75, each one configured to determine one respective first point 77 and one respective second point 78.
Additionally, the information provided by sensor devices 75 allows to align a new reel 11 with respect to the respective support device 30, in particular the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37, such that the new reel 11 is in a desired position, in particular at least a desired vertical (height) position.
Additionally, once the new reel 11 is in the desired position, sensor devices 75 are also configured to align carrier devices 37 with respect to the respective core 22, in particular along direction D3.
Advantageously, magazine apparatus 10 further comprises a communication unit configured to communicate the arrangement position and/or a difference between the arrangement position and the desired position and/or position correction instructions depending on a difference between the arrangement position and the desired position to positioning device 35 carrying reel 11 such that positioning device 35 modifies the position of reel 11, preferentially at least along third axis G.
In particular, positioning device 35 is configured to modify the position of the new reel 11 such to align the new reel 11 with respect to support device 30, in particular the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37, such that the position of new reel 11 corresponds to the desired position. More specifically, the desired position allows a correct loading of the new reel 11.
In particular, the communication with positioning device 35 allows to correct the vertical (height) position of reel 11 if necessary, and in particular such that flange elements 46 can enter into the respective core 22 when the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the active configuration.
In addition or alternatively and with particular reference to Figures 2, 6A to 6D and 7A magazine apparatus 10 further comprises one or more sensing devices 81, each one configured to determine a position of reel 11 along second axis F.
In particular, each sensing device 81 is associated to one respective support device 30.
Preferentially, each sensing device 81 is configured to determine or at least to allow to determine whether reel 11 is centered with respect to the respective carrier devices 37 and/or the respective linear guides 59.
In more detail, each sensing device 81 comprises one or more sensors 82, each one connected to one respective support 83, e.g. carrying the respective guide 59. In particular, each sensing device 81 comprises two sensors 82 spaced apart from one another.
Moreover, each sensor 82 is configured to determine a respective distance from a lateral face of reel 11 facing the respective sensor 82.
In particular, the respective two sensors 82 of each sensing device 81 measure the distance from different (i.e. opposite) lateral faces of reel 11.
Advantageously, each sensor 82 may be a laser sensor.
Advantageously, the communication unit may also be configured to communicate the position of reel 11 along second axis F and/or a difference between the position of reel 11 along second axis F and a desired position of reel 11 along second axis F and/or position correction instructions depending on a difference between the position of reel 11 along second axis F and a desired position of reel 11 along second axis F to positioning device 35 such that positioning device 35 modifies the position of reel 11 along second axis F.
In use, packaging machine 1 forms packages 2 filled with the pourable product.
In further detail, conveying device advances web of packaging material 3 from host station 12 to tube forming station 14 at which web of packaging material 3 is formed into tube 4. Then conveying device 13 further advances tube 4 along tube advancement path Q to package forming unit 17. During advancement of tube 4, filling device 16 fills tube 4 with the pourable product.
Preferentially, during advancement of web of packaging material 3 along web advancement path P web of packaging material 3 is sterilized at the sterilization station.
Package forming unit 13 forms and transversally seals tube 4 and, preferentially, also transversally cuts tube 4 so as to obtain packages 2.
Advantageously, operation of packaging machine 1, preferentially of magazine apparatus 10, also comprises the step of rotating reel 11 about the respective rotation axis for unwinding web of packaging material 3, preferentially so as to be able to advance web of packaging material 3 along web advancement path P.
During the step of rotating, only one reel 11 rotates about the respective rotation axis, while preferentially the other reel 11 is kept ready so that the respective web of packaging material 3 can be spliced to the respective web of packaging material 3 being unwound from the rotating reel 11 (i.e. from the reel 11 in use).
In particular, during the step of rotating, the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 carrying reel 11 is arranged in the respective operative position.
In order to be able to continuously produce packages 2 over extended time-periods, operation of magazine apparatus 10 foresees to repeat steps of loading a new reel 11 to a respective support device 30 and steps of unloading an a used and/or exhausted reel 11 from a respective support device 30.
Additionally, there is also provided the step of splicing, during which the respective web of packaging material 3 of a new reel 11 is spliced to the respective web of packaging material 3 of a reel 11 in use.
In more detail, during the step of loading, a new reel 11 is loaded to one respective support device 30, in particular to one respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
More specifically, the new reel 11, in particular by operation of positioning device 35, is moved close to pair 36 of carrier devices 37, which are in the respective first auxiliary position, i.e. the respective loading position.
Advantageously, during the step of loading, the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is (at first) controlled in the respective rest configuration and then in the respective active configuration.
In particular, during the step of loading, the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is moved to the respective first auxiliary position, i.e. the respective loading position.
Advantageously, during the step of loading, a sub-step of determining the arrangement position of the new reel 11 is executed.
Additionally, during the step of loading, a sub-step of correcting the arrangement position is executed, if needed, in particular by positioning device 35.
In particular, during the sub-step of correcting, the information obtained during the sub-step of determining is used.
In more detail, during the sub-step of determining, sensor systems 42 determines the arrangement position with respect to the respective support device 30, in particular the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
In particular, sensor systems 42 allow to determine the position of reel 11 along third axis G, i.e. the vertical (height) position of reel 11.
Additionally, during the sub-step of determining sensing devices 81 determine the position of reel 11 along second axis F, in particular so as to determine whether reel 11 is centered with respect to the respective support device 30, in particular the respective carrier devices 37.
In even further detail, during the sub-step of determining, movement device 76 moves the respective sensor device 75 along the respective scanning path R so as to allow for determining the arrangement position of reel 11.
In more detail, during the sub-step of determining,
movement device 76 moves the respective sensor device 75 along the respective scanning path R so as to allow for determining the respective first position of the respective first point 77 and the respective second position of the respective second point 78. Additionally, the analysis unit determines the arrangement position in dependence of the first position and the second position.
Moreover, during the sub-step of correcting, the communication unit communicates with position device 35 so that position device 35 correctly positions reel 11 with respect to the respective support device 30, in particular the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Operation of packaging machine 1 also comprises a step of discharging, during which a used and/or exhausted reel 11 is discharged into housing space 63 of the respective discharging system 41.
During the step of discharging, the respective guide channel 65 is controlled in the respective active position.
Additionally, the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is arranged in the respective second auxiliary position, i.e. the respective discharge position. Afterwards the respective pair 36 of carrier devices 37 is controlled in the respective rest configuration and the respective used and/or exhausted reel 11 is directed into the respective housing space 63.
The advantages of magazine apparatus 10 and/or packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, by providing for pair 36 of carrier devices 37 it is possible to facilitate the loading of a new reel 11 and the unloading of a used and/or exhausted reel 11. In particular, one avoids that an operator needs to connect and disconnect the spindle system.
Owing to pair 36 of carrier devices 37 and positioning device 35 loading of a new reel 11 can occur without the intervention of an operator.
Additionally, sensor systems 42 allows to correctly position new reels 11 during loading.
This is in particular advantageous, when sensor systems 42 work together with pair 36 of carrier devices 37.
Moreover, it is possible to facilitate discharging of used and/or exhausted reels 11 by relying on discharge system 41. In particular, it is possible to automatize discharging of used and/or exhausted reels 11.
Clearly, changes may be made to packaging machine 1 and/or magazine apparatus 11 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.
According to some possible embodiments, loading of reel 11 may be performed by an operator. The operator may be guided during positioning of reel 11 thanks to sensor systems 42.

Claims

A magazine apparatus (10) for a packaging machine (1), the magazine apparatus (10) comprises a support device (30) configured to rotatably carry a reel (11) of a web of packaging material (3);
wherein the support device (30) comprises:
- a pair (36) of carrier devices (37) spaced apart from one another and configured to carry the reel (11); and

- an actuation device (38) configured to control the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) between an active configuration in which the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is configured to carry the reel (11) and a rest configuration in which the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is configured to release the reel (11) and/or to receive a new reel (11).
Magazine apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each carrier device (37) comprises a carrier (45) configured to engage the reel (11) when the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is controlled in the active configuration;
wherein the actuation device (38) comprises two actuation groups (49) each one coupled to one respective carrier (45) and being configured to move the respective carrier (45) between a respective extracted position and a respective retracted position;

wherein the carriers (45) are configured to carry the reel (11) in cooperation with one another when being in the respective extracted positions;

wherein the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is in the respective active configuration and the respective rest configuration with each carrier (45) being in, respectively, the respective extracted position and the respective retracted position.
Magazine apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each actuation group (49) comprises one or more pneumatic actuators (60).
Magazine apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each actuation group (49) comprises four pneumatic actuators (60), each pneumatic actuator (60) being coupled to one respective carrier (45) at one respective contact point;
wherein each contact point is arranged at one respective edge of an imaginary rectangular or square area defined by the respective contact points.
Magazine apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each carrier (45) is rotatable about a rotation axis (A).
Magazine apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein each reel (11) comprises a hollow core (22), the web of packaging material (3) being wound about the hollow core (22) ;
wherein each carrier (45) comprises a flange element (46) ;

wherein each flange element (46) is configured to protrude into the hollow core (22) when the respective pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is in the active configuration.
Magazine apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein each carrier (45) comprises a clamping plate (48) configured to engage the reel (11) when the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is controlled in the active configuration.
Magazine apparatus according to claim 7 as appended to claim 6, wherein each flange element (46) protrudes from the respective clamping plate (48) and towards the other carrier device (37) of the respective pair (36) of carrier devices (37).
Magazine apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a guide system (39) carrying the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) and configured to guide the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) between an operative position in which the web of packaging material (3) is unwound from the respective reel (11) and at least one auxiliary position in which a new reel (11) is loaded and/or a used and/or exhausted reel (11) is discharged.
Magazine apparatus according to claim 9, and further comprising a movement device (58) configured to move the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) between the operative position and the at least one auxiliary position.
Magazine apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the guide system (39) comprises a pair of spaced apart linear guides (59), each linear guide (59) movably carrying one respective carrier device (37) of the pair (36) of carrier devices (37);
wherein the movement device (58) is coupled to each one of the carrier devices (37) of the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) and is configured to move each carrier device (37) along the respective linear guide (59) so as to move the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) between the operative position and the at least one auxiliary position.
Magazine apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the movement device (58) comprises two actuators (60), each actuator (60) being coupled to one respective carrier device (37) and being configured to move the respective carrier device (37) along the respective linear guide (59).
Magazine apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, and further comprising a pair of support members (61), the support members (61) being spaced apart from one another;
wherein each carrier device (37) comprises a support element (62) configured to engage one respective support member (61);

wherein the support members (61) are arranged such that the support elements (62) engage the respective support member (61) with the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) being in the operative position.
Magazine apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a locking unit (51) configured to lock the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) in the active configuration;
wherein the locking unit (51) is activated after control of the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) in the active configuration;

wherein the magazine apparatus (10) is configured to deactivate the locking unit (51) before the actuation device (38) controls the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) from the active configuration to the rest configuration.
Magazine apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each reel (11) comprises a hollow core (22), the web of packaging material (3) being wound about the hollow core (22);
wherein the magazine apparatus (10) further comprises a discharging system (41) configured to receive at least the hollow core (22) of a used and/or exhausted reel (11);

wherein the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) is configured to be controlled in the rest configuration for discharging at least the hollow core (22) into the discharging system (41).
Magazine apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a sensor system (42) configured to determine an arrangement position of the reel (11) with respect to the pair (36) of carrier devices (37) while loading a new reel (11) to the pair (36) of carrier devices (37).
A packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) of a pourable product comprising:
- an isolation chamber (18) separating an inner environment (19) from an outer environment (20);

- a tube forming and sealing device (15) at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (18) and configured to form and longitudinally seal a tube (4) from a web of packaging material (3) at a tube forming station (14)

- a filling device (16) for filling the tube (3) with the pourable product;

- a package forming unit (17) configured to manipulate the tube (3) for forming the packages (2);

- a conveying device (13) for advancing the web of packaging material (3) along a web advancement path (P) from a host station (12) to the tube forming station (14) and for advancing the tube (3) along a tube advancement path (Q) to the package forming unit (13); and

- a magazine apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.