Movable member for system for supporting production of packages, corresponding system, filling machine and method

Abstract

The invention describes a movable member (1) for supporting a system (100) for producing packages (80) from a tube (8) of packaging material filled with a pourable product, the movable member (1) being movable cyclically along a closed loop path (2), the movable member (1) comprising:-a first element (10) and at least one second element (12), at least one second element (12) movable relative to the first element (10) and comprising an actuator configured to engage with the packaging material forming the tube (8) or the package (80); a motor (16) configured to move the at least one second element (12); -a power receiver (18) connected to the electric machine (16), the power receiver (18) being configured to receive and transmit power to the electric machine (16); and-at least one first movement sensor (3) located at the at least one second element (12) and configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a movement of the at least one second element (12) relative to the first element (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a movable member for supporting a system (e.g. a linear motor) for producing packages from a tube of packaging material filled with a pourable product (e.g. a food product). The movable member according to the invention and the corresponding system can be used in industrial applications, for example in filling machines in the forming, sealing and cutting stations and / or the final folding station. Background Art

[0002] Systems comprising tracks and movable members coupled thereto are already known and used in industrial applications to increase efficiency and flexibility, such as linear motor systems or motor-driven chain systems. Such systems include multiple movable members that can move along a path.

[0003] It is known to use a forming assembly (e.g., a packaging assembly) that includes a plurality of movable members that are movable on tracks (e.g., independently) from each other and are configured to engage (e.g., during forming, sealing, cutting, folding, etc.) a package made of sterilized packaging material, the package being configured to receive a pourable food product, such as juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature sterilized) milk, wine, ketchup, etc.

[0004] These packages are typically produced in a fully automated packaging unit, where a roll of packaging material is fed into the unit to form a continuous tube. The roll is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, which is then fed in a vertically forward direction. The tube is then filled from above with the sterilized food, sealed, and then cut along equidistant cross sections. To obtain the finished package, the resulting package is folded into the known finished package shape.

[0005] While functionally effective, the known system still has room for further improvement. It would be desirable to improve the adaptability of the movable member to the needs of the machine user, such as changes in the type of packaging material and / or package size. In the known system, the movement of the actuator located on the movable member is achieved by a cam, resulting in a fixed position that cannot be adjusted in real time.

[0006] Improved control and monitoring of elements (e.g., actuating components) that are movable relative to each other in a movable member is desirable. In adaptive systems having adaptable movable members, improved precise control and monitoring of components can facilitate efficient and correct operation of movable elements (e.g., actuators). Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a movable element for supporting a system for producing packages from tubes of packaging material filled with a pourable product, which movable element can achieve one or more of the above-mentioned requirements in a simple and cost-effective manner. This object is achieved by a movable element according to claim 1 and by a corresponding system, a filling machine and a method having the features described in the subsequent claims.

[0008] The disclosed embodiments may achieve one or more advantages, such as: - The movable components can be dynamically adapted to the different needs of machine users; - The movement of the movable member relative to the movable part can be monitored and controlled in real time (precisely); - errors in the relative positioning of the elements of the movable member can be detected and adjusted; and / or - Critical operations of the movable element, such as forming and sealing in a packaging assembly, can be measured, monitored, controlled and adapted directly on the movable element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a detailed schematic diagram of a movable member and system according to one or more embodiments; - Figure 2 is a non-limiting example of an exploded perspective view of a movable member of a packaging assembly, with parts removed for clarity; - Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of a packaging assembly for forming a plurality of sealed packages according to the present invention, with some components removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Figure 1 An example of a movable member 1 of a system for supporting the production of packaging from a tube of packaging material filled with a pourable product, according to one or more embodiments, is shown. The movable member 1 is capable of cyclic movement along a closed-loop path 2. The movable member 1 is preferably a mover or cart. The movable member 1 can be coupled (e.g., via a coupling element 14) to a track forming the closed-loop path 2.

[0011] Movable member 1 comprises a first element 10 and one or more second elements 12, wherein the second element 12 can move relative to the first element 10. The second element 12 comprises an actuator, such as forming, sealing, cutting or folding elements, which is configured to engage with the packaging material forming a tube or package. The actuator can contact the packaging material, and the packaging material can be formed as a tube or a partially formed package, as better described below. In particular, as shown in the figure, taking Cartesian coordinate system XYZ as an example, one or more second elements 12 can rotate around X, Y and / or Z axis. In addition or alternatively, one or more second elements 12 can move linearly along X, Y and / or Z axis. In other words, the movement of the second element 12 can be linear (such as away from or close to the first element 10) or angled (such as forming an angle relative to the first element 10). The same principle also applies to the first element 10 that can move or rotate in 3D space.

[0012] In other words, the first element 10 and the second element 12 may comprise components (eg, mechanical components) of the movable member 1. For example, the first element 10 may comprise the body of the movable member 1. The second element 12 may comprise a component coupled to the body.

[0013] The movable member 1 further comprises a motor 16 configured to move the one or more second elements 12, and a power receiver 18 connected to the motor 16. The power receiver 18 is configured to receive power and transmit it to the motor 16 (eg wirelessly).

[0014] For simplicity, this article describes only one second element 12 that is movable relative to the first element 10. It will be appreciated that the movable member 1 may include multiple second elements 12 that are movable via one or more motors 16. These second elements 12 are movable relative to the first element 10 and relative to each other. If the movable member 1 includes multiple second elements 12, the movable member may also include multiple first movement sensors 3, each of which is located (preferably mounted) on the corresponding second elements 12.

[0015] Advantageously, the introduction of the motor 16 and the power receiver 18 makes it possible to easily adapt the movement of the actuator according to the desired parameters and / or the required packaging. Conventionally, the movement of the actuator is achieved by means of a cam fixed along a track forming a closed loop path 2. For example, the system cannot dynamically adapt to changes in the desired specifications.

[0016] The movable member 1 comprises at least one first movement sensor 3 configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a movement of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10. The at least one first movement sensor 3 is located on the second element 12. In particular, the at least one first movement sensor 3 may be mounted on the second element 12, for example, on a surface thereof.

[0017] Thus, the motor 16 may be configured to adjust the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 based on the first sensor signal.

[0018] The first sensor signal may indicate a position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10 .

[0019] Advantageously, by monitoring the movement of the movable member 1 along the closed-loop path 2, such movement can be effectively controlled at all times, even if the movement itself is not physically imposed by a cam.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the movable member 1 may further include at least one second movement sensor 4 configured to detect movement of the first element 10. The at least one second movement sensor 4 may be configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a deviation in the position and / or physical orientation of the first element 10. Deviations in the position and / or physical orientation may indicate a change in the coupling of the movable member 1 to the track. In this case, the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 (attached to the first element 10) may also be affected.

[0021] Advantageously, monitoring the movement of the first element 10 in addition to monitoring the movement of the second element 12 can allow for more accurate control of the second element 12 and more precise use of its actuators. In other words, the first movement sensor 3 can allow for accurate control of the second element 12, but the second movement sensor 4 can further improve this control because it can compensate for the movement of the first element.

[0022] The at least one second movement sensor 4 may be positioned on the first element 10. In particular, the at least one second movement sensor 4 may be mounted on the first element 10, for example on a surface thereof.

[0023] The movable member 1 may comprise a processing unit 19 connected to the first movement sensor 3 and the optional second movement sensor 4 and configured to receive the first sensor signal and the optional second sensor signal respectively therefrom.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, at least one first sensor 3 and / or second sensor 4 may include an inertial sensor, preferably a motion sensor and / or a rotation sensor. The inertial sensor may include a MEMS accelerometer, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which includes a 3D accelerometer and a 3D gyroscope with digital output. That is, the inertial sensor may include one or more motion sensors, such as a (3D) accelerometer and / or one or more rotation sensors, such as a (3D) gyroscope.

[0025] The movement of the movable member 1 can be calculated by an inertial navigation system (INS), which calculates the position, direction, and speed (direction and speed of movement) of the movable member 1 by dead reckoning without the need for an external reference. By utilizing the principle of strapdown inertial navigation, relative motion (rotation and displacement) can be monitored by integrating sensor readings over time.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, at least one first sensor 3 and / or second sensor 4 may include at least one magnet and at least one magnetometer. The at least one magnet may be positioned on one of the first element 10 or the second element 12, and at least one magnetometer (e.g., one or more Hall sensors or anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensors) may be positioned on the other of the first element 10 or the second element 12. The at least one magnet and the at least one magnetometer may be positioned relative to each other. Changes in the magnetic field detected by the at least one magnetometer may indicate movement of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10.

[0027] The signals generated by the sensors may be indicative of a magnetic field at the one or more magnetometers, wherein the measured magnetic field varies with movement of the first element 10 and / or the second element 12 .

[0028] Examples of such sensors and their use can be found in the specification of patent application EP 4 130 911 A1 by the same applicant.

[0029] Figure 1 Further shown is a system 100 for supporting the production of packaging from a tube of packaging material filled with a pourable product. The system 100 includes a track forming a closed-loop path 2, and a plurality of movable members 1 (for simplicity, only one movable member 1 is shown in the figure), which, as previously described, are configured to move cyclically along the closed-loop path 2. The movable members 1 are coupled to the track.

[0030] The system 100 may include a power transmitter 5 configured to transmit power (eg, wirelessly) to the power receiver 18. The power transmitter 5 may be positioned along at least a portion of the closed loop path 2, preferably along the entire closed loop path 2.

[0031] In the case of wireless power transmission, the power transmitter 5 and the power receiver 18 function as transformers. The power transmitter 5 may include a primary coil configured to generate a varying electromagnetic field. The power receiver 18 may include a secondary coil, for example, with an integrated rectifier. The varying electromagnetic field may induce power in the secondary coil.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may include a linear motor system. The closed loop path 2 may be formed by a circular track. A plurality of movable members 1 are movably coupled to the track and can move independently of each other along the track.

[0033] This type of linear motor is defined by a permanent magnet arrangement and coils (i.e., a movable member and a corresponding track) that are configured in a known manner to independently control the movement of the movable member along a corresponding track. The track can comprise a single rail or multiple rails. The guide rails can be closed, forming a racetrack, or open.

[0034] As an alternative to a linear motor system, system 100 can include a motor-driven chain system. System 100 can include a chain comprising a plurality of links. The chain can form a track. The chain can rotate cyclically along a closed-loop path 2.

[0035] A plurality of movable members 1 can be fixed to a chain, for example to different links of the chain. Thus, due to the rotation of the chain, the movable members 1 can move along the closed loop path 2.

[0036] The system 100 may further comprise one or more processing units, such as the processing unit 19 of the movable member 1 and / or the system control and processing unit 6. The steps to be described below may be performed by the processing unit 19 or the system control and processing unit 6, or by a combination of the two processing units 19 and 6.

[0037] The processing unit 19 of the movable member 1 may be configured to receive a first sensor signal from the at least one first movement sensor 3 and optionally a second sensor signal from the at least one second movement sensor 4. The processing unit 19 may be configured to transmit the sensor signals to the control and processing unit 6.

[0038] The control and processing unit 6 may be configured to adjust the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 depending on the first sensor signal and optionally the second sensor signal.

[0039] The processing unit 19 and / or the control and processing unit 6 may be configured to calculate a movement (eg position and / or physical orientation) of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10 based on the first sensor signal.

[0040] The processing unit 19 and / or the control and processing unit 6 may be configured to: - calculating a deviation in the position and / or physical orientation of the first element 10 based on the second sensor signal; - adapting (ie adjusting or modifying) the calculated position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 according to said deviation.

[0041] The control and processing unit 6 may be configured to perform one or more of the following operations: - if the calculated position of the second element 12 differs from the predetermined position, interrupting the operation of the movable member 1 and / or sending an alarm signal to the user interface; If the calculated physical orientation of the second element 12 differs from a predetermined physical orientation, interrupting the operation of the movable member 1 and / or sending an alarm signal to a user interface.

[0042] The processing unit 19 of the movable member 1 can be wirelessly coupled to the system control and / or processing unit 6, which can be located on the closed-loop path 2. For example, the processing unit 19 can be configured to transmit data to the system control and / or processing unit 6 during each cycle when the corresponding movable member 1 passes by the system control and / or processing unit 6.

[0043] In industrial applications, the movable member 2 is configured to perform certain automated operations, such as grasping, cutting, forming, folding, applying objects, etc. In order to correctly perform the operations, it is necessary to monitor the positions of the components of the movable member 1. This is possible because the first movement sensor 3 and the optional second movement sensor 4 are configured to detect the movement of the movable second element 12 of the movable member 1 relative to the first element 10.

[0044] Figure 2 A movable member 1 of known type in a packaging assembly for forming and sealing a package is shown, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a movable member of such a packaging assembly, with some parts removed for clarity. For the sake of clarity, only such movable member 1 is described herein, but the movable member 1 should not be construed as being limited thereto. The movable member 1 may include a body 200 configured to be coupled to a track 2. The body 200 may be configured to slide on the track 2 along a direction X, such as Figure 2As shown. The forming unit 202 and the sealing unit 204 can be coupled, for example, directly coupled to the body 200. The forming unit 202 can include a main body 206 and a movable element 207, the movable element 207 being configured to move along a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X. The movable element 207 can be configured to move relative to the main body 206 of the forming unit 202. The forming unit 202 can include a half shell including a rear wall 208 and a flap 210 directly or indirectly connected to the movable element 207 of the forming unit 202. The forming unit 202 can also include a hinge 211 connected to the flap 210. The flap 210 can be configured to rotate along an axis parallel to the first direction X.

[0045] The forming unit 202 may be configured to move along the first direction X relative to the sealing unit 204 .

[0046] The sealing unit 204 may include a sealer 212 and may be configured to move along the second direction Y relative to the body 200 .

[0047] As a non-limiting example, the first element 10 and the second element 12 may include: - a body 200 and a main body 206 forming a unit 202; - forming the body 206 and the movable element 207 of the unit 202; - rear wall 208 and fins 210; - forming the body 206 of the unit 202 and the sealing unit 204; - Body 200 and sealing unit 204.

[0048] For example, the motion sensor can be calibrated relative to an initial reference coordinate system that defines a predetermined initial position. The rotation sensor can be configured to measure a signal indicative of angular motion. The processing unit 6, 19 can be configured to compensate the data collected by the motion sensor using the data collected by the rotation sensor. In this way, the position calculated based on the sensor signals can remain accurate relative to the initial reference coordinate system.

[0049] For example, the processing units 6, 19 can be configured to calculate the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 based on sensor signals indicating acceleration and / or angular velocity detected by the inertial sensors. Because the inertial sensors are located on the second element 12 and, optionally, the first element 10, the operation of the components of the movable member 1 can be precisely controlled. In other words, the element 12 configured to move to perform, for example, forming, sealing, folding, or applying a package can be monitored. Using the inertial sensors, positioning errors of the element 12 can be detected and corrected.

[0050] The one or more first movement sensors 3 and the optional second movement sensor 4 can be potted with epoxy resin and fixed respectively to the second element 12 and the optional first element 10. Advantageously, in this way the inertial sensor can be made almost waterproof and shockproof.

[0051] One or more embodiments may relate to a filling machine for producing packages 80 from a tube of packaging material 8 filled with a pourable product, wherein the filling machine comprises a system 100 according to one or more embodiments. The system 100 can be used at different stations of the filling machine, for example at the forming, sealing and cutting station 7 and / or the final folding station.

[0052] For ease of understanding, Figure 3 The forming, sealing and cutting station 7 is described as an example. The station 7 can be configured to form a plurality of packages 80 and can include a pair of systems 100 according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments. In particular, the station 7 can include: - a pair of tracks 70 forming closed loop paths P, Q; at least one pair of movable members 1, each of the pair of movable members 1 being movably coupled to a corresponding track 70 and capable of cyclic movement along a corresponding path P, Q, said movable members comprising at least one second element 12. The at least one second element 12 of each movable member 1 is movable to support the sealing, forming and / or cutting of the package 80.

[0053] The tube 8 is formed in a known manner by longitudinally folding and sealing a web of packaging material (not shown). The pourable product is then filled into the tube 8 from above via a conduit (not shown) and fed to the station 7 along a straight forward direction X. Specifically, the tube 8 extends along a straight longitudinal (e.g., vertical) axis parallel to the direction X.

[0054] As shown, station 7 comprises a linear motor system, but could also be implemented as a motor driven chain system.

[0055] For example, Figure 2 As shown in the exploded view of , each movable member 1 of a pair of movable members 1 may include a corresponding forming unit 202 and an optional corresponding sealing unit 204, which can be linearly moved toward the tube 8 along the direction Y, transverse to the advancing direction X, to cyclically cooperate with the contact of the continuous tube portion 82, thereby respectively forming and optionally sealing at least the corresponding packaging portion of the corresponding package 80.

[0056] As shown in FIG9 , the two rails 1 define closed loop paths P and Q arranged on both sides of the tube 8. More specifically, the paths P and Q include:

[0057] In use, each movable member 1 cooperates with a corresponding movable member 1, that is, the movable members 1 cooperate with each other in pairs, in this way defining a pair of movable members 1, which face each other and cooperate with each other and with the tube 8 when sliding along the corresponding paths P, Q.

[0058] Each pair of movable members 2 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to cyclically form and seal one corresponding package 80 at a time, and cut the package 80 to separate the package 80 from the tube 8 .

[0059] For this reason, each movable member 2 comprises a forming unit 202 and a sealing unit 204 on its side, and these two units are all configured to cooperate with pipe 8. Forming unit 202 is respectively configured to cooperate with the pipe portion 82 of pipe 8, to form at least corresponding packaging portion, more specifically corresponding packaging 80. For this reason, each forming unit 202 is all carried by corresponding movable member 2 in a movable manner, is preferably installed thereon in a movable manner. Forming unit 202 preferably can comprise half shell, and this half shell has C-shaped cross section, and comprises rear wall 208 and a pair of side wing pieces 210. In the illustrated embodiment, wing piece 210 is movably coupled to wall 208. When movable member moves along path P, Q, wing piece 210 stretches out from the opposite side edge of wall 208.

[0060] In use, each half-shell forming unit 202 is configured to engage in sequential and cyclic contact with the tube portion 82 to form at least a packaging portion of the corresponding packaging 80.

[0061] Each half-shell is linearly movable transversely (e.g. orthogonally) to direction X, i.e. in direction Y towards tube 8 (i.e. towards the tube portion 82 it is to form). Each forming unit 202 comprises a movable element 207 linearly movable in direction Y, which carries the corresponding half-shell.

[0062] The sealing unit 204 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to seal the tube portion 82 at predetermined, equidistant, continuous cross sections that intersect the direction X. Furthermore, the sealing unit 204 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to cut the packages 80 at the cross sections, thereby separating the packages 80 from each other.

[0063] On the one hand, each sealing unit 204 is installed downstream of the corresponding forming unit 202 of the corresponding movable member 2 along the corresponding path P, Q, and includes a reverse sealing device and a removable cutting element, such as a knife (not shown in the figure). On the other hand, each sealing unit 204 is installed downstream of the corresponding forming unit 202 of the corresponding movable member 2 along the corresponding path P, Q, and includes a sealing device and a base suitable for accommodating the knife of the corresponding sealing device, the base being configured to cooperate with the reverse sealing device. The sealing device may include ultrasonic, induction or induction heating sealing devices.

[0064] As shown, when the forming unit 202 and the sealing unit 204 are advanced along the paths P, Q by the respective movable members 2, the respective half-shells, the sealing device and the counter-sealing device move back and forth along the direction Y between the following positions: a closed or operating position in which the half-shells, the sealing device and the counter-sealing device cooperate with the corresponding tube portion 82 to form, seal and cut the corresponding package 80; and an open or idle position in which the half-shells, the sealing device and the counter-sealing device are separated from the tube 8 or from the formed package 80 .

[0065] When the half-shells are in the operative (closed) position, the flaps 210 of each half-shell rotate about the respective hinge, for example about an axis parallel to the direction X, from a position in which they are offset from the respective wall 208 to a position in which they are substantially orthogonal to the wall 208, and the flaps 210 of the other half-shell carried by the respective movable member 2 of the same pair are directed towards the tube 8 and in contact with the tube 8 so as to completely surround the respective tube portion 82 for forming the respective package 80. When both half-shells of the two respective forming units 202 of a pair of mating movable members 2 are in the operative (closed) position, they define a substantially prismatic cavity and thus control the volume and shape of a respective package 80 being formed.

[0066] When the counter-sealing devices and the sealing devices of a pair of cooperating movable members 2 are in the operating (closed) position, they cooperate with each other to heat-seal the tube 8, thereby forming a top sealing band and a bottom sealing band. Then, the corresponding cutting elements are withdrawn, thereby cutting the packages 80 between the top and bottom sealing bands of two adjacent packages 80 and separating the formed packages 80 from each other.

[0067] Further movement occurs in direction X between the sealing unit 204 and the forming unit 202 to form the top and / or bottom of the package 80 .

[0068] At least one first movement sensor 3 and optionally at least one second movement sensor 4 may be positioned on the movable member 1 to monitor the above-mentioned movement or movements.

[0069] Thus, the first element 10 and / or the one or more second elements 12 may comprise the body 200 of the movable member 1 , the one or more components 206 , 207 , 208 , 210 forming the unit 202 and / or the one or more components 204 , 212 of the sealing unit 204 .

[0070] As described above, the filling machine may include the system 100 at a final folding station (not shown). The final folding station may be configured to fold a semi-finished package 80 containing a pourable product (i.e., a so-called pillow package) into a finished package (i.e., having a known finished package shape). The final folding station may include the system 100 according to one or more embodiments, i.e., including: - a track forming a closed loop path 2; at least one movable member 1 coupled to the track and capable of cyclic movement along the path 2 , said movable member 1 comprising at least one second element 12 ;

[0071] Therein, at least one second element 12 of each movable member is movable to support the final folding of the package 80 .

[0072] Likewise, the final folding station can be implemented by any type of system, such as a linear motor system or a motor-driven chain system.

[0073] One or more embodiments may relate to a method of operating a movable member 1 for supporting the production of a package 80 from a tube of packaging material 8 filled with a pourable product. The method comprises: - providing at least one movable member 1 as described above; - receiving power at a power receiver 18; - powering the motor 16 with the received electricity; - generating a first sensor signal indicative of a movement of the at least one second element 12 relative to the first element 10; The at least one second element 12 is driven by the motor 16 (preferably as a function of the first sensor signal).

[0074] The method may include one or more of the following steps: - adjusting the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 based on the first sensor signal and optionally the second sensor signal; - calculating a movement of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10 , such as a position and / or a physical orientation, from the first sensor signal.

[0075] The method may include: - calculating a deviation in the position and / or physical orientation of the first element 10 from the second sensor signal; and - adapting, ie adjusting or modifying, the calculated position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 according to said deviation.

[0076] The method may include one or more of the following steps: - if the calculated position of the second element 12 differs from the predetermined position, interrupting the operation of the movable member 1 and / or sending an alarm signal to the user interface; If the calculated physical orientation of the second element 12 differs from a predetermined physical orientation, interrupting the operation of the movable member 1 and / or sending an alarm signal to a user interface.

Claims

1. A movable member (1) for supporting a system (100) for producing packages (80) from a tube (8) of packaging material filled with a pourable product, the movable member (1) being movable in a cycle along a closed-loop path (2), the movable member (1) comprising: a first element (10) and at least one second element (12), said at least one second element (12) being movable relative to said first element (10) and comprising an actuator configured to engage with said packaging material forming said tube (8) or said package (80); - a motor (16) configured to move the at least one second element (12); - a power receiver (18) connected to the motor (16), the power receiver being configured to receive power and transmit it to the motor (16); and - at least one first movement sensor (3) located at the at least one second element (12) and configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a movement of the at least one second element (12) relative to the first element (10).

2. The movable member (1) according to claim 1, wherein The first sensor signal is indicative of the position and / or physical orientation of the at least one second element (12) relative to the first element (10).

3. The movable member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor (16) is configured to adjust the position and / or physical orientation of the at least one second element (12) based on the first sensor signal.

4. The movable member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one second movement sensor (4) configured to detect a movement of the first element (10).

5. The movable member (1) according to claim 4, wherein The at least one second movement sensor (4) is configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a deviation in the position and / or physical orientation of the first element (10).

6. A movable member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first motion sensor (10) and / or at least one second motion sensor (12) comprises: - inertial sensors, preferably including motion sensors and / or rotation sensors, or - at least one magnet and at least one magnetometer.

7. A system (100) for supporting the production of packages (80) from a tube of packaging material (8) filled with a pourable product, the system (100) comprising: - a track forming said closed loop path (2), - A plurality of movable members (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, coupled to the track (2) and configured to move cyclically along the closed-loop path (2).

8. The system (100) of claim 7, comprising a power transmitter (5) positioned along at least a portion of the closed loop path (2) and configured to wirelessly transmit power to the power receiver (18).

9. The system (100) according to claim 8, wherein The power transmitter (5) comprises a primary coil configured to generate a varying electromagnetic field, and wherein the power receiver (18) comprises a secondary coil.

10. The system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The track comprises an annular track, and wherein the plurality of movable members (1) are movable along the track independently of each other.

11. The system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a chain having a plurality of chain links, wherein: The chain forms the track, and wherein the plurality of movable members (1) are fixed to the chain.

12. Filling machine for producing packages (80) from tubes of packaging material (8) filled with a pourable product, the filling machine comprising a system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A filling machine according to claim 12, comprising a forming, sealing and cutting station (7) configured to form a plurality of packages (80), and comprising a pair of systems (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, said forming, sealing and cutting station (7) comprising: - a pair of rails (70) forming corresponding closed loop paths (2, P, Q); - at least one pair of movable members (1), each of which is coupled to a respective track (70) and is cyclically movable along a respective path (P, Q, 2), said movable members (1) comprising at least one second element (12), wherein the at least one second element (12) of each movable member (1) is movable to support sealing, forming and / or cutting of the package (80).

14. A filling machine according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a final folding station configured to fold semi-finished packages (80) containing pourable products, and comprising a system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, the final folding station comprising: - a track forming a closed loop path (2); at least one movable member (1) coupled to the track and capable of cyclically moving along the closed-loop path (2), the movable member (1) comprising at least one second element (12), wherein the at least one second element (12) of each movable member (1) is movable to support the final folding of the semi-finished package (80).

15. A method of operating a movable member (1) for supporting the production of a package (80) from a tube of packaging material (8) filled with a pourable product, the method comprising: - providing at least one movable member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - receiving power at said power receiver (18); - supplying power to the motor (16); - generating said first sensor signal indicative of movement of said at least one second element (12) relative to said first element (10); as well as - driving the at least one second element (12) by means of the electric motor (16).

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