Assembly for magnetic transport

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly for magnetic transport, for example for packages of flexible material, comprising a first magnetic transport carriage and a second magnetic control carriage mechanically constrained to the first one. The first magnetic carriage comprises a first gripping element and a second gripping element mechanically coupled to the first, and the reciprocal position between the first gripping element and the second gripping element is adjustable as a function of the reciprocal position between the first magnetic transport carriage and the second magnetic control carriage. The present invention also describes a magnetic transport system and a packaging machine comprising one or more assemblies for magnetic transport.

Description

[0001] ASSEMBLY FOR MAGNETIC TRANSPORT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of magnetic transport systems, for example, for transporting packages.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] It is known, in the state of the art, to provide magnetic transport systems based on the use of transport carriages configured to slide on closed tracks, the tracks consisting of linear sections and connecting curves with a small radius of curvature, in order to make the entire transport system more compact.

[0006] The extreme flexibility of transport systems of this type makes them particularly suitable for handling rigid or flexible products during the packaging cycle within packaging machines. For example, the transport carriages can be equipped with grippers to hold the packages during the various forming and filling operations and to transport them from one station of the packaging machine to another.

[0007] However, when closed-track magnetic transport systems are used to transport flexible packages having a squared bottom by means of a pair of grippers, each of which is attached to a transport carriage, there is a risk of damaging or even breaking the packages. In fact, at the connection curves, grippers attached to independent carriages can become misaligned or angularly spread, thus causing damage, breakage or loss of the package.

[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to solve one or more of the previous problems of the state of the art.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, for instance for packages of flexible material, comprising:

[0011] - a first magnetic transport carriage;

[0012] - a second magnetic control carriage, mechanically contrained to the first transport carriage; wherein the first magnetic transport carriage comprises a first gripping element and a second gripping element mechanically coupled to the first gripping element by means of a coupling element, and the reciprocal position between the first gripping element and the second gripping element is adjustable as a function of the reciprocal position between the first magnetic transport carriage and the second magnetic control carriage.

[0013] This configuration is advantageous because both gripping elements are mounted on the first carriage, so that the first carriage can transport a package, held by the gripping elements, independently of the second carriage. In this way, if the first carriage is driven along a magnetic transport track, there is no risk of damaging or breaking the package in arcuate sections, because the package is held by gripping elements that are only mounted on the first carriage. If, on the contrary, each gripping element were mounted on a different carriage, when the two carriages run on arcuate sections, the two gripping elements could become misaligned and could form angles of even more than 20° between them, thus, deforming and damaging the transported packages.

[0014] The advantage of introducing the second carriage, which is mechanically constrained to the first carriage, is that it allows the reciprocal distance between the gripping elements to be controlled and adjusted, and, thus, enables precise handling of the transported package. The assembly for magnetic transport according to the present invention is, in fact, configured in such a way that the reciprocal distance between the gripping elements varies as the reciprocal distance between the magnetic carriages varies.

[0015] In this disclosure, it is to be understood that the second carriage is mechanically constrained to one of the gripping elements mounted on the first carriage, which in turn is associated and synchronized with the second carriage.

[0016] It is also to be understood that the first transport carriage and the second control carriage move independently of each other, by exploiting magnetic transport technology. The first magnetic transport carriage utilizes the magnetic transport technology to move along the magnetic transport track and transport the packages. The second magnetic control carriage uses the magnetic transport technology to move along the magnetic transport track and control the second gripping element, thus, adjusting the reciprocal position between the two gripping elements. Preferably, the second magnetic control carriage chases the first magnetic transport carriage along the magnetic transport track.

[0017] In this disclosure, it should be understood that the second gripping element is mechanically constrained to the first in the sense that the two gripping elements are connected and synchronized with each other by means of the coupling element. For example, the reciprocal distance between the gripping elements can be varied to match the opening or closing distance of a package. For example, the reciprocal distance between gripping elements can be varied to match different package sizes.

[0018] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein a movement of the second magnetic control carriage with respect to the first magnetic transport carriage induces a movement of the second gripping element with respect to the first gripping element.

[0019] The advantage of this configuration is that, when there is a need to vary the distance between the gripping elements, e.g., to move the gripping elements away from each other or closer together to open or close the package, it is sufficient to act on the second control carriage and move it closer to or further away from the first transport carriage.

[0020] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the second carriage does not comprise gripping elements.

[0021] The advantage of this configuration is that the gripping elements are only attached to the first carriage, so the gripping elements remain aligned and synchronized with each other even when the first carriage is run over sections with a large radius of curvature.

[0022] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically constrained, or connected, to each other by means of a connection element attached to the coupling element.

[0023] The advantage of this configuration is that a mechanical connection is made between the first and second carriage and the first and second gripping element, so that it is possible to vary the distance between the first and second gripping element by varying the position of the second carriage.

[0024] In the present invention, the term "attached" includes both direct attachment and indirect attachment. In particular, it may be understood that the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically constrained to each other by means of a connection element indirectly attached to the coupling element in the sense that the first and second gripping elements are mounted on the first magnetic carriage and are mechanically coupled with each other by means of the coupling element, and the second gripping element is in turn mechanically constrained to the second carriage by means of the connection element. In this way, all the mechanical components of the present invention are directly or indirectly connected to each other, so that a change in the reciprocal distance between the first and second carriage induces a change in the reciprocal distance between the first and second gripping elements.

[0025] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the connection element between the first and second carriage comprises a connecting rod.

[0026] The advantage of this configuration is that, if the first and second carriages are run on an arcuate magnetic track, the use of the connecting rod allows the first carriage to compensate and counterbalance changes in direction in arcuate sections, so that the second carriage can follow the first carriage flexibly without affecting the gripping elements.

[0027] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the coupling element comprises a rack-and-pinion system and the rack and pinion system comprises a first rack attached to the first gripping element and a second rack attached to the second gripping element, wherein the first and second racks are configured to engage on a pinion after following a movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage.

[0028] The advantage of this configuration of the coupling element is that it allows rotary motion to be converted into linear motion and vice versa. Therefore, the rack-and-pinion coupling element allows the first gripping element to drive the second gripping element on both linear and arcuate sections of the magnetic transport track.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the coupling element comprises a mechanism with an eccentric and a pair of connecting rods, wherein each connecting rod is attached to a corresponding gripping element.

[0030] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the first gripping element and the second gripping element comprise one or more grippers configured to grip an extremity of a package located between the first and second gripping elements.

[0031] The advantage of this configuration is that the grippers mounted on the gripping elements can be operated independently of the gripping elements and can be used to grip the extremity of a package and adjust its opening, e.g., to open it completely or partially, or to close it.

[0032] Preferably, the first gripping element comprises a first set of grippers and the second gripping element comprises a second set of grippers. Preferably, the grippers of the first set are placed in correspondence with the grippers of the second set, so as to grip the extremity of the package symmetrically on both sides.

[0033] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the grippers are configured to rotate about an axis of rotation R parallel or perpendicular to each gripping element.

[0034] The advantage of this configuration is that the grippers can be adapted to the particular type of package that is transported, for example, packages having a squared bottom or packages having a two-dimensional bottom.

[0035] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, wherein the grippers are held in a closed position by means of elastic means, e.g. torsion springs.

[0036] The advantage of this configuration is that, during the transport of the packages, the elastic means allow the packages to be held effectively, without the need for any external means.

[0037] According to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, an assembly for magnetic transport is provided, further comprising a housing and transporting element attached to the first magnetic transport carriage and configured to accommodate a package during transport.

[0038] The advantage of this configuration is that the housing and transporting element assists the first carriage during transport of the package. For example, the package can be placed inside the housing element so that it remains squared during transport and the various operational steps. Furthermore, the housing and transporting element accompanies the package as it is dragged by the first carriage, preventing it from being torn or damaged.

[0039] Preferably, the housing and transporting element is configured so that it surrounds the package and leaves the bottom of the package free, so that, during transport operations, the bottom of the package rests and moves along a support surface as it is pulled by the first transport carriage. In fact, the magnetic transport carriages can only support limited weights, so when the packages are full, it is useful to unload part of the weight of the package onto the support surface.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a magnetic transport system is provided comprising:

[0041] - A magnetic transport track; One or more assemblies for magnetic transport as defined above, each assembly for magnetic transport being configured to move along the magnetic transport track.

[0042] The advantage of this configuration is that the assemblies for magnetic transport can be used to transport packages independently of each other along a magnetic transport track.

[0043] For example, the magnetic transport track can be a closed track and can form arcuate sections. For example, assemblies for magnetic transport can move in a cyclic and repeated manner on the magnetic transport track.

[0044] According to an embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention, a magnetic transport system is provided, wherein the magnetic transport track comprises a guide for mechanical coupling and the first and second carriages comprise a complementary element for mechanical coupling configured to be coupled to and slide along the guide for mechanical coupling.

[0045] The advantage of this configuration is that the guide for mechanical coupling makes it possible to guide and control the motion of the first and second carriages along the magnetic transport track, e.g., under high transverse forces and accelerations, vibrations and crashes.

[0046] For example, the guide for mechanical coupling may comprise a groove and the complementary element for mechanical coupling may comprise a protruding member configured to be inserted and slide into the mechanical coupling guide. Alternatively, the guide for mechanical coupling may comprise a protruding edge and the complementary element for mechanical coupling may comprise a groove configured to receive the guide for mechanical coupling.

[0047] For example, the guide for mechanical coupling may comprise a dovetail guide and the complementary element for mechanical coupling may comprise a complementary groove.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a packaging machine for packages of flexible material is provided, which comprises:

[0049] - A plurality of working stations, e.g. a filling station and / or a welding station;

[0050] The magnetic transport system as described above, wherein each assembly for magnetic transport is configured to transport packages of flexible material from one working station to another. For example, the magnetic transport track is configured to ensure the passage of the assemblies for magnetic transport to the machine working stations. The advantage of this configuration is that it enables to efficiently transport packages of flexible material from one working station to the next one, via the magnetic transport carriages, and to regulate the opening of the packages by means of the gripping elements, which may be equipped with grippers, during the different processing stages. For example, at the filling station, it may be useful to open the extremity of the package to introduce the product. For example, at the welding station, it may be useful to close the extremity of the package to weld the two extremities together.

[0051] A further advantage of this configuration is that it allows the use of the entire perimeter of the magnetic transport track to position the working stations and perform the various operations on the packages. In fact, since it is possible to open and close the packages on both the arcuate connecting sections and the linear sections, it is possible to position the working stations not only on the linear sections, but also on the arcuate sections.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for using the assemblies for magnetic transport described above is provided, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i) providing the first gripping element and the second gripping element at a predefined reciprocal distance; ii) moving the second carriage with respect to the first carriage, e.g., by moving it closer to or further away from the first carriage; iii) varying the predefined reciprocal distance so as to obtain a reciprocal working distance, e.g., a reciprocal working distance corresponding to the opening of one extremity of a package of flexible material.

[0053] This method of use allows the assemblies for magnetic transport of the present invention to be operated with the advantages described above.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for using the magnetic transport systems described above in cases where the magnetic transport track includes an arcuate portion, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i) moving the first carriage and the second carriage, mechanically constrained to the first carriage, in correspondence of the arcuate portion; ii) moving the first carriage along the arcuate portion and moving the second carriage along the same arcuate portion to compensate for the change in direction of the first carriage along the arcuate portion and the resulting change in the reciprocal distance between the first and second gripping elements.

[0055] The advantage of this method is that it does not damage or break the packages transported by the first carriage along the arcuate portion of the magnetic transport track.

[0056] Another advantage of this method is that it allows the position of the gripping elements to be controlled even along arcuate sections of the magnetic transport track. In fact, without the assistance of the second magnetic control carriage, the two gripping elements mounted on the first magnetic transport carriage would be in neutral when the first magnetic carriage moves along the arcuate section and would not allow holding a package correctly. Due to the fact that the second magnetic control carriage can follow the first magnetic transport carriage along the arcuate portions and can continuously compensate for changes in the direction of the first carriage and the resulting changes in the reciprocal position of the gripping elements, this method enables packages to be transported efficiently.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of using the packaging machines described above is provided, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing a package of flexible material at the first gripping element and the second gripping element, at a working station; b) providing the first gripping element and the second gripping element at a reciprocal working distance as described above, depending on the process to be carried out on the package at the working station, e.g. a reciprocal working distance corresponding to an opening of one edge of a package of flexible material; c) carrying out a processing step on the package at the working station, e.g., filling the package with a predefined product.

[0058] This method of use allows the packaging machines of the present invention to be operated with the advantages described above, for example, to fill packages with a product after opening the edge.

[0059] According to an embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention, a method for using the packaging machines described above is provided, wherein the method further comprises the following step: d) moving the first carriage and the second carriage, mechanically constrained to the first carriage, along the magnetic transport track in order to transport the package along the magnetic transport track, e.g., to the next working station.

[0060] This method of use allows packages to be efficiently transported along the magnetic transport track, from one working station to another.

[0061] According to an embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention, a method of using the packaging machines described above is provided, wherein the method further comprises the following step: e) providing the first gripping element and the second gripping element at a second reciprocal working distance, as described above, wherein the second reciprocal working distance corresponds to a configuration in which the package is closed.

[0062] This method of use allows the packaging machines of the present invention to be operated with the advantages described above, for example, to close the ends of packages, and to perform welding operations.

[0063] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0064] The present invention will be described with reference to the enclosed figures in which the same and / or similar numbers and / or signs indicate the same and / or corresponding parts of the system.

[0065] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a top view of a portion of a magnetic transport system provided with an assembly for magnetic transport, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of a connection curve of a magnetic transport system provided with an assembly for magnetic transport, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a three-dimensional view of a portion of a magnetic transport system provided with an assembly for magnetic transport, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an assembly for magnetic transport according to an embodiment of the present invention, during a stage of use.

[0069] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an assembly for magnetic transport according to an embodiment of the present invention, during a further stage of use. Fig. 6A schematically illustrates an assembly for magnetic transport according to an embodiment of the present invention, during a further stage of use.

[0070] Fig. 6B schematically illustrates an assembly for magnetic transport according to an embodiment of the present invention, during a further stage of use.

[0071] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an assembly for magnetic transport according to an embodiment of the present invention, during a further stage of use.

[0072] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] In the following, the present invention will be described with reference to particular embodiments as illustrated in the enclosed figures. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the figures, but rather the described embodiments merely exemplify the various aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims. Further modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

[0074] Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of a portion of a magnetic transport system 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The magnetic transport system 1000 comprises a magnetic transport track 500 on which assemblies for magnetic transport 100 according to the present invention are free to move. Even if only one assembly for magnetic transport 100 is illustrated in Fig. 1 , the system 1000 preferably comprises a plurality of assemblies for magnetic transport 100 on the track 500.

[0076] Each assembly for magnetic transport 100 can be used to transport a package of flexible material 300 (not shown in Fig. 1) from one working station to another of a packaging machine (not shown) equipped with the magnetic transport system 1000.

[0077] As will be clear from the following description, the assemblies for magnetic transport 100 of the present invention are particularly advantageous when used to transport packages of flexible material with a squared bottom. However, the present invention is not limited to transporting packages of flexible material with a squared bottom, but can also be used for pouch packages with a two-dimensional bottom, for example stand-up pouches or Doypackages.

[0078] The magnetic transport track 500 preferably comprises linear sections connected by arcuate connecting portions.

[0079] Fig. 2 schematically shows a top view of a portion of a magnetic transport system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the assembly for magnetic transport 100 moves along the arcuate connecting portion 520 in the direction indicated by the arrow. As will be clear from the following description, the assembly for magnetic transport 100 according to the present invention is particularly advantageous because it allows the control of the orientation of the gripping elements even along the arcuate portions of the magnetic transport track 500.

[0080] As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the assembly for magnetic transport 100 comprises a first magnetic transport carriage 120 and a second magnetic control carriage 130 mechanically constrained to the first transport carriage 120.

[0081] The first and second carriages 120, 130, slide along the magnetic transport track 500, independently of each other. Two dovetail guides 510, parallel to each other, are formed on the outer side of the track 500. Each carriage 120, 130, includes a protruding or recessed portion (not visible in Fig. 3), which is associated with the dovetail guide 510 and slides along it, while the carriage 120, 130, moves along the track 500.

[0082] A first gripping element 140 and a second gripping element 150 are mounted on the first carriage 120 and are mechanically associated with each other via the coupling element 160. The two gripping elements 140, 150, thus, form mechanical clamps. The second carriage 130 does not comprise any gripping element, but is used to regulate the movement of the second gripping element 150 and, consequently, of the pair of gripping elements 140, 150, as explained in detail below. The second carriage 130 is, in fact, connected to the second gripping element 150 via a connection element 170. In Figs. 3 and 4, it is shown, for example, that the connection element 170 is a connecting rod. In this way, the magnetic carriages 120, 130, and the gripping elements 140, 150, are all mechanically connected to each other, either directly or indirectly: the second carriage 130 is, in fact, connected to the connection element 170 and, thus, to the second gripping element 150, and the second gripping element 150, mounted on the first magnetic carriage 120 together with the first gripping element 140, is in turn connected to the first gripping element 140 via the coupling element 160.

[0083] In the state of the art, assemblies for magnetic transport are typically designed so that each transport carriage comprises a single gripping element. By moving the carriages apart or closer together, objects, e.g., packages to be transported, can be gripped or released. However, this has the disadvantage that, when the two carriages comprising the gripping elements slide along an arcuate section of the magnetic transport track (in particular along a section with a high curvature), the two gripping elements become misaligned and spread apart from each other. In fact, during movement along the magnetic transport track, each gripping element of the state of the art is oriented along the direction perpendicular to the tangent line to the trajectory defined by the corresponding transport carriage. This implies that, along arcuate sections, in particular when there is a high curvature, the two gripping elements are oriented radially with respect to the curvature of the trajectory and form a greater or smaller angle between them, for example an angle greater than 20°. If the two gripping elements were to hold a package made of flexible material with a squared bottom, the package would then be subjected to mechanical stress and the section would be deformed to a rhomboidal or trapezoidal shape, which could damage or break the package.

[0084] The transport assembly 100 of the present invention, on the contrary, is based on the idea of fixing both gripping elements 140, 150, on the same carriage 120, so as to keep them always aligned with each other, even when the transport assembly 100 moves along arcuate portions. In this way, if the gripping elements 140, 150, hold a package with a square bottom, there is no risk for the package to be bent when transported along arcuate portions and, therefore, there is no risk of being damaged or torn.

[0085] Fig. 2 schematically shows a configuration wherein the assembly for magnetic transport 100 of the present invention moves along an arcuate section 520 of a magnetic transport track 500. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the two gripping elements 140, 150, remain under control, i.e. , parallel to each other and not spread apart, even along the arcuate section 520, due to the fact that they are mounted on the same magnetic carriage 120. The two carriages 120, 130, on the other hand, form an angle a between them. It is, therefore, evident that if each gripping element 140, 150, were to be attached to a different magnetic carriage 120, 130, as in the state of the art, the gripping elements 140, 150, would also form an angle a between them and thus deform the section of the transported package, damaging it or even breaking it.

[0086] In the configurations shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the coupling element 160 comprises a rack-and- pinion system 160'. Moreover, the first and second gripping elements 140 and 150, are also connected to each other via the pair of sliding shafts 182 and 184. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the rack-and-pinion system 160' is connected to the connection element 170, for example, a connecting rod, attached to the second carriage 130.

[0087] In Fig. 4, the rack-and-pinion system 160' for connecting the first and second gripping elements 140 and 150, which is attached to the first carriage 120, is shown in detail. The rack-and-pinion system 160' comprises a first rack 164A attached to the first gripping element 140 and a second rack 164B attached to the second gripping element 150. The first and second racks 164A, 164B move tangentially to the pinion 162 when the second carriage 130 moves relative to the first carriage 120, for example, by moving closer to or away from, dragging with it the second gripping element 150, to which it is connected via the connection element 170. In this way, when the second carriage 130 moves closer to or away from the first carriage 120, the gripping elements 140 and 150 move closer to or away from each other, by moving along the pair of sliding shafts 182 and 184, thanks to the rack-and-pinion system 160'. The length of the sliding shafts 182 and 184, thus, defines the maximum movement range of the gripping elements 140, 150.

[0088] According to an alternative configuration of the present invention (not shown in the figures), the coupling element 160 could comprise a mechanism with an eccentric and a pair of connecting rods. According to this alternative configuration, each gripping element 140, 150, is attached to a connecting rod and each connecting rod is connected to the eccentric, so that, as a result of a translation of the second gripping element 150, a displacement of the second connecting rod connected thereto and a rotation of the eccentric is induced, thus, resulting in a displacement of the first connecting rod and the first gripping element 140 connected thereto.

[0089] The coupling element 160 can also alternatively comprise any system known to the skilled person and suitable for the synchronous movement of the gripping elements 140, 150, as a result of the reciprocal movement of the two carriages, e.g. cam systems or similar.

[0090] Four grippers 142, 152 are formed on each gripping element 140, 150 to grip the top of the package and open or close it, depending on the working station. The grippers 142 of the first gripping element 140 are advantageously aligned with the grippers 152 of the second gripping element 150 so as to grip the top of the package symmetrically on both sides.

[0091] Although in Fig. 3 four grippers 142, 152, are shown on each gripping element 140, 150, it is clear that any number of grippers, for example one, two, three, five or more, could be possible. The number of grippers 142, 152 depends on the packages carried by the assembly for magnetic transport 100. For example, if the package is small, only one gripper may be sufficient on each gripping element. If the package is large, however, it may be necessary to grip the top of the package at several points to perform the opening and closing operations, and thus more grippers may be required on each gripping element. Furthermore, it is possible to grip packages with different top sizes by using grippers that are farther or closer to each other, without changing the configuration. For example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 3, if a small package is to be gripped, only one or two grippers 142, 152, may be used which are positioned further inside with respect to the ends of the gripping elements 140, 150. If a large package is to be gripped, it may be useful to also use the grippers 142, 152, positioned at the ends of the gripping elements 140, 150 and thus to use the entire set of grippers 142, 152.

[0092] In Fig. 3, grippers 142, 152, are shown in closed configuration. Their operation will be described in detail below.

[0093] Fig. 3 also shows the housing and transporting element 200. Preferably, the housing and transporting element 200 is a drawer configured to accommodate the package to be transported, so as to keep it squared during transport and to follow its movement along the track 500. Preferably, the drawer 200 is open-ended so as to surround the package and leave its bottom free. In this preferred configuration, the bottom of the package rests on an attached support surface (not shown) and moves along it as the package is transported by the assembly 100. In this way, part of the weight of the package is carried by the support surface and not only by the gripping elements 140, 150, and the first transport carriage 120. Even if not shown in Fig. 3, in an alternative configuration, the housing and transporting element 200 could also comprise a lower closing portion to support, at least in part, the weight of the package after it has been filled.

[0094] Fig. 4 and 5 schematically show the operation of the assembly for magnetic transport 100 according to the present invention.

[0095] The assembly for magnetic transport 100 of the present invention is based on the principle of controlling the distance between the gripping elements 140, 150, by acting on the position of the second carriage 130. The distance between the gripping elements 140, 150, thus, varies with the distance between the first and second carriages 120, 130.

[0096] Fig. 4 shows an initial condition in which the first and second gripping elements are placed at a distance B with each other, while the first and second carriages 120, 130 are placed at a distance A with each other. As shown schematically in Fig. 5, when the second carriage 130 is moved towards the first carriage 120 along the direction of the arrow D1 , the distance between the first and second carriages 120, 130 is reduced to a value A1 , less than A, and, consequently, the distance between the first and second gripping elements is reduced to a value B1 , less than B. In this way, the second carriage 130 allows controlling opening of the gripping elements 140, 150.

[0097] The B1 value may correspond to a predefined working distance, for example, the distance between the ends of the top of a fully or partially opened package. For example, it may be necessary to reduce the reciprocal distance between the gripping elements 140, 150, to accommodate the opening of a smaller package. For example, it may be necessary to reduce the reciprocal distance between the gripping elements 140, 150, to keep a package only partially open.

[0098] Fig. 6A and 6B schematically show the operation of the grippers 142, 152, according to the present invention.

[0099] Once the reciprocal distance between the gripping elements 140, 150, has been adjusted, e.g., by setting this distance to a working value B corresponding to the opening of the package 300, the top of the package 300 can be opened by acting on the grippers 142, 152, mounted on the gripping elements 140, 150. The grippers 142, 152, are capable of rotating about an axis of rotation R to move from a vertical position, away from the extremity 310 of the package 300 (shown in Fig. 6A), to a horizontal position, in contact with the extremity 310 of the package 300 (shown in Fig. 6B). To rotate the grippers 142, 152, it is sufficient to pull the rotation means 144, 154, associated therewith. For example, in Fig. 6A, it is shown that, to move the grippers 142, 152, away from the extremity 310 of the package 300, it is sufficient to pull the rotation means 144, 154, along the direction D2. On the contrary, as shown in Fig. 6B, to bring the grippers 142, 152, closer to the extremity 310 of the package 300, it is sufficient to release the rotation means 144, 154, which, due to the effect of the torsion spring, will return to their initial position (i.e. normally closed, close to the extremity 310) along the direction opposite to D2.

[0100] Preferably, the grippers 142, 152, are kept in contact with the gripping elements 140, 150, in the horizontal position, by the elastic elements or torsion springs 190, which are visible in the top views of Figs. 4 and 5.

[0101] When the grippers 142, 152, are in contact with the top of the package 300, the tip of the grippers 142, 152 is inserted inside the package 300 and, thus, allows the ends of the package 300 to be pulled in order to adjust the opening. This may be necessary, for example, when filling the package 300 with any product. Figs. 6A and 6B, thus, schematically show a method of using the assembly 100 of the present invention at a filling station of a packaging machine.

[0102] Even if, in Fig. 6A and 6B, it is schematically shown that the grippers 142, 152, rotate about a rotation axis R parallel to the gripping elements 140, 150, according to an alternative configuration (not shown), the grippers 142, 152, could be configured to rotate about a rotation axis R perpendicular to the gripping elements 140, 150. In other words, the grippers 142, 152, could be rotated by 90° to grip the top of the package at other points, if necessary.

[0103] Fig. 7 schematically shows a configuration in which the distance between the first and second carriages 120, 130, has been reduced to a value A2, which is less than A1 , and consequently the distance between the gripping elements 140, 150, has been reduced to a value B2, which is less than B1. The distance B2 may correspond to a working distance in which the extremity 310 of the package of flexible material 300 is closed. For example, it may be necessary to bring the gripping elements 140, 150, closer together to close the package 300 after it has been filled with a particular product. For example, it may be necessary to bring the gripping elements 140, 150 closer together to close the package 300 at a welding station of a packaging machine, in order to weld the ends of the extremity 310 of the package 300 together.

[0104] In this configuration, the grippers 142, 152, are lowered and are in contact with the respective gripping elements 140, 150. As shown schematically in Fig. 7, the closed upper end of the extremity 310 of the package 300 is placed between the grippers 142, 152, which then push on it, keeping it closed.

[0105] Even if the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that various modifications, variations and improvements of the present invention in the light of the teaching described above and within the scope of the enclosed claims are possible without departing from the object and scope of the invention.

[0106] For example, even if the attached figures show that the magnetic transport system has a horizontal configuration, i.e. parallel to the ground, it is clear that it could also have a vertical configuration, i.e. perpendicular to the ground.

[0107] Finally, those areas considered to be known by the person skilled in the art have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily overshadowing the described invention.

[0108] Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is only limited by the scope of the enclosed claims.

[0109] REFERENCE NUMBERS:

[0110] 100: assembly for magnetic transport

[0111] 120: first magnetic transport carriage

[0112] 130: second magnetic control carriage

[0113] 140, 150: gripping elements

[0114] 142, 152: grippers

[0115] 144, 154: rotation means of the grippers

[0116] 160: coupling element

[0117] 160': rack-and-pinion system

[0118] 162: pinion

[0119] 164 A, 164B: racks

[0120] 170: connection element 182, 184: sliding shafts

[0121] 190: elastic elements

[0122] 200: housing and transporting element

[0123] 300: package

[0124] 310: top of package

[0125] 500: magnetic transport track

[0126] 510: mechanical coupling guide

[0127] 520: arcuate portion

[0128] 1000: magnetic transport machine

[0129] A, A1 , A2, B, B1 , B2: distances

[0130] D1 : direction of movement of the second carriage

[0131] D2: direction of movement of the rotation means

[0132] R: axis of rotation

Claims

CLAIMS1. Assembly for magnetic transport (100), for instance for packages of flexible material, comprising:- a first magnetic transport carriage (120);- a second magnetic control carriage (130) mechanically constrained to said first magnetic transport carriage (120); wherein said first magnetic transport carriage (120) comprises a first gripping element (140) and a second gripping element (150) mechanically coupled to said first gripping element (140) by means of a coupling element (160), and the reciprocal position between said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150) is adjustable as a function of the reciprocal position between said first magnetic transport carriage (120) and said second magnetic control carriage (130), and wherein said first magnetic transport carriage (120) and said second magnetic control carriage (130) are mechanically constrained to each other by means of a connection element (170) attached to said coupling element (160), characterized in that: said connection element (170) comprises a connecting rod that is directly attached to said second gripping element (150).

2. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to claim 1 , wherein a movement of said second magnetic control carriage (130) with respect to said first magnetic transport carriage (120) induces a movement of said second gripping element (150) with respect to said first gripping element (140).

3. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second magnetic control carriage (130) does not comprise any gripping element.

4. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to any of previous claims, wherein said coupling element (160) comprises a rack-and-pinion system (160’), wherein said rack-and-pinion system (160’) comprises a first rack (164A) attached to said first gripping element (140) and a second rack (164B) attached to said second gripping element (150), wherein said first and second racks (164A, 164B) are configured to engage a pinion (162)following a movement of said second magnetic carriage (130) with respect to said first magnetic carriage (120).

5. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to any of previous claims, wherein each of said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150) comprises one or more grippers (142, 152), configured for gripping an extremity (310) of a package (300) placed between said first and second gripping elements (140, 150).

6. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to claim 5, wherein said one or more grippers (142, 152) are configured to rotate around a rotation axis (R) parallel or perpendicular to said first and second gripping elements (140).

7. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said one or more grippers (142, 152) are kept in a closed position by means of elastic means (190), for instance by means of torsion springs.

8. Assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to any of previous claims, further comprising a housing and transporting element (200) attached to said first magnetic transport carriage (120) and configured to house a package (300) during its transportation.

9. Magnetic transport system (1000) comprising: a magnetic transport track (500); one or more assemblies for magnetic transport (100) according to any of claims from 1 to 8, each assembly for magnetic transport (100) being configured to move along said magnetic transport track (500).

10. Magnetic transport system (1000) according to claim 9, wherein said magnetic transport track (500) comprises a guide for mechanical coupling (510) and said first magnetic carriage (120) and said second magnetic carriage (130) comprise a complementary element for mechanical coupling, configured to be coupled and slide along said guide for mechanical coupling (510)11 . A packaging machine for packages of flexible material comprising: a plurality of working stations, for instance a filling station and / or a welding station; the magnetic transport system (1000) of claim 9 or 10, wherein said assembly for magnetic transport (100) is configured to carry packages of flexible material through said plurality of working stations.

12. Method for using the assembly for magnetic transport (100) according to any of claims from 1 to 8, said method comprising the following steps: i) providing said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150) at a predefined reciprocal distance (B); ii) moving said second magnetic carriage (130) with respect to said first magnetic carriage (120), for instance moving it closer to or farther from said first magnetic carriage (120), so as to induce a movement of said second gripping element (150) with respect to said first gripping element (140), for instance a movement closer to or farther from said first gripping element (140); iii) by means of said step ii), varying said predefined reciprocal distance (B) so as to obtain a reciprocal working distance (B1), for instance a reciprocal working distance (B1) corresponding to an opening of an extremity of a package (300) of flexible material.

13. Method for using the magnetic transport system (1000) of claim 9 or 10, wherein said magnetic transport track (500) comprises an arcuate portion (520) and the method comprises the following steps: i) moving said first magnetic transport carriage (120) and said second magnetic control carriage (130), mechanically constrained to said first magnetic transport carriage (120) in correspondence of said arcuate portion (520); ii) moving said first magnetic transport carriage (120) along said arcuate portion (520) and moving said second magnetic control carriage (130) along the same arcuate portion (520), so as to compensate for a change in direction of said first magnetic transport carriage (120) along said arcuate portion (520) and a resulting change in the reciprocal distance between said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150).

14. Method for using the packaging machine of claim 11 , said method comprising the following steps: a) providing a package of flexible material (300) in correspondence of said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150), at a working station, for instance a package to be filled at a working station; b) providing said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150) at a reciprocal working distance (B1) according to the method of claim 12, said reciprocal working distance (B1) depending on a process to be carried out on said package (300) at said working station, for instance a reciprocal working distance (B1) corresponding to an opening of an extremity of a package (300) of flexible material;c) carrying out a processing step on said package (300) at said working station, for instance filling said package (300) with a predefined product.

15. Method according to claim 14 further comprising the following step: d) moving said first magnetic transport carriage (120) and sad second magnetic control carriage (130), mechanically constrained to said first magnetic transport carriage (120), along said magnetic transport track (500), so as to carry said package (300) along said magnetic transport track (500), for instance towards the next working station.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15 further comprising the following step: e) providing said first gripping element (140) and said second gripping element (150) at a second reciprocal working distance (B2) according to the method of claim 12, wherein said second reciprocal working distance (B2) corresponds to a configuration wherein said package (300) is closed.

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