Linear motor system, corresponding forming assembly and method - Patents.com

Abstract

A linear motor system is described, comprising a track (1), a synchronization device (3) configured to transmit a synchronization signal (S), and at least one movable member (2) coupled to the track (1) and configured to move along the track (1), the at least one movable member (2) comprising a synchronization sensor (20) configured to detect the synchronization signal (S), and a processing unit (22) coupled to the synchronization sensor (20) and configured to adjust an internal clock as a function of the synchronization signal (S).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear motor system including one or more tracks and a movable member coupled thereto. The linear motor system according to the invention can be used in industrial applications, for example in forming assemblies for forming a plurality of objects, such as packaging assemblies configured to form and seal a plurality of packs containing pourable products, in particular pourable food products. [Background technology]

[0002] Linear motor systems are known and used in industrial applications to improve efficiency and flexibility. Such linear motor systems comprise a number of movable members movable independently of one another on one or more tracks. For example, linear motor systems comprise independent carts movable along race tracks, and are known for use in forming assemblies, such as packaging assemblies configured to form and / or seal objects, such as packages of sterilized packaging material configured to receive pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc.

[0003] These packages are usually produced in fully automatic packaging assemblies, where a continuous tube is formed from a web of packaging material fed into such packaging assembly. To obtain the final package, the web is folded longitudinally and sealed to form a tube which is fed along a vertical direction. The tube is then filled from above with the sterilized food product, sealed and cut along equally spaced cross sections.

[0004] Although known linear motor systems are functionally effective, there remains room for further improvement.

[0005] Currently, the correct handling of the packages is monitored by an operator checking the final shape of the package or by arranging position error sensors connected to a system control unit and / or processing unit configured to check whether the cart is placed in the correct position at the correct time for every handling cycle. However, there is a need for a more automatic method to check for errors in the handling and / or a direct measurement of the handling, i.e., forming and sealing process.

[0006] To improve the correct operation of linear motor systems and molding systems that include linear motor systems, there is a need for synchronization of moving members. For example, in use in packaging assemblies, synchronization of data received from sensors attached to moving members can facilitate detection of early failures or deviations from nominal operation. If moving members in a system are not synchronized, measurements detected by sensors located on the moving members can be inaccurate. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a linear motor system which can facilitate achieving one or more of the above needs in a simple and cost-effective manner. Such object is achieved by a linear motor system and a corresponding method having the features set forth in the following claims.

[0008] Such objectives can be achieved by a molding assembly for forming one or more objects, such as a packaging assembly for forming and sealing a plurality of packs, the molding assembly comprising a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] The present invention allows the processing unit of the moving part to obtain data from one or more sensors and send it to the system control and / or processing unit, where the data is time-stamped with a synchronized timestamp rather than with uncorrelated local microcontroller time. That is, the solution allows correlation of on-board data of the moving part (e.g. acceleration or forming profile in a packaging assembly) with off-board data (data from the system control and / or processing unit).

[0010] The disclosed embodiments may achieve one or more of the following advantages: For example, timestamps of different moving parts in a system may be synchronized, and / or measurements of sensors attached to the moving parts may be similarly synchronized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing details of a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing details of a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of synchronization between a movable member and a synchronizing device, according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of signals exchanged in a linear motor system. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example of synchronization between a movable member and a synchronization device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a schematic front view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging assembly for forming a plurality of sealed packs according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 1 shows an example of a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments. The arrangement of permanent magnets and coils, i.e., the movable member and respective tracks, define a linear motor and are configured to independently control the movement of the movable member along the respective tracks, in a known manner. The tracks may comprise a single rail or a pair of rails.

[0014] The linear motor system is One or more tracks 1, e.g. in FIG. 1 there is only a single track for simplicity, a synchronization device 3 arranged to transmit a synchronization signal S, for example wirelessly; one or more movable members 2, preferably carts, coupled to tracks 1 and configured to move along the respective tracks 1 in a direction X, as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 1 ; The movable member 2 comprises a synchronization sensor 20 configured to detect a synchronization signal S and a processing unit 22 coupled to the synchronization sensor 20 and configured to adjust an internal clock as a function of the synchronization signal S. The synchronization sensor 20 may receive the synchronization signal S wirelessly or by wire.

[0015] For example, the trajectory 1 defines an infinite path along which the moveable member 2 is configured to move in a cyclical manner.

[0016] The processing unit 22 of each mobile member 2 is equipped with an internal clock that can be adjusted, for example by means of a synchronization signal S received at a predefined synchronization position of the track 1. The calculations of the processing unit 22 and / or the movements of the mobile members 2 following the adjustment of the internal clock can be highly positionally accurate. In this way, any data exchanged between the mobile members 2 and / or between the system control and / or processing devices is synchronized.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the one or more moveable members 2 may each include one or more sensors 24 configured to detect a physical quantity of the moveable member 2 or a portion thereof. For example, the physical quantity may include a movement of the moveable member 2 or a portion thereof, which may indicate a position of the moveable member 2 or a portion thereof in a linear motor system. Although movement sensors are referred to herein for simplicity, there may be different sensors that measure different physical quantities useful, for example, to improve the quality of operation of the moveable member 2 in a linear motor system.

[0018] The processing unit 22 may be configured as follows: It receives data from one or more sensors 24, for example indicative of detected movement, and a timestamp associated with the data. As a function of the synchronization signal S, the timestamp of said data is adjusted.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the processing unit 22 is configured to reset its internal clock upon receipt of the synchronization signal S, for example when the synchronization signal S is received.

[0020] For example, the system may comprise, in the track 1, a system control and / or processing unit 5 which may receive data from sensors 24 attached to the movable members 2, for example every cycle. Advantageously, if the timestamps of the data are synchronized between the different movable members 2 and / or with the system control and / or processing unit 5, a precise control of the position and / or state of the movable members 2 is possible. In this way, errors in the movement of the movable members in the system can be reduced. Data transmission between the movable members 2 and the system control and / or processing unit 5 may be performed by a low energy wireless transmission module, for example a Bluetooth® low energy transmission module.

[0021] The system control and / or processing unit 5 may be configured to receive data from the movable member 2 and correct its timestamp. If the internal clock of the movable member 2 processing unit 22 is reset every cycle, the timestamp of the data starts from time 0 seconds. The system control and / or processing unit 5 may therefore be configured to add a predefined amount corresponding to the time when the synchronization signal S is transmitted, preferably compensating for the reception delay, to the timestamp of the data. For example, the system control and / or processing unit 5 may transmit a synchronization signal S at 2 ms to a specific movable member 2. The data received from the movable member 2 has a timestamp starting from 0 seconds. The transmission and reception delay of the synchronization signal S may be 10 μs. The system control and / or processing unit 5 may therefore correct the timestamp of the received data by adding a timestamp of 2 ms+10 μs.

[0022] In this way, all data collected remotely from each movable member 2 is synchronized in time with the system control and / or processing unit 5 .

[0023] The predetermined position may comprise a position immediately upstream of the operating area of ​​the movable member 2. That is, the internal clock of the movable member 2 may be adjusted or reset immediately before the movable member 2 starts the designed automated operation.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the linear motor system is disposed on the track 1 and includes a power supply 4 that can be coupled, for example electrically and / or magnetically, to the movable member 2 to supply power to the movable member 2. As depicted in FIG. 1, the power supply 4 can be temporarily coupled, for example electrically and / or magnetically, to the movable member 2 in a predetermined power supply area. For example, the power supply area can be upstream of the synchronization position. The power supply 4 can include an electric pulse generator or a transformer that can be temporarily coupled electrically / magnetically to the movable member 2. For example, the movable member 2 can be electrically and / or magnetically coupled to the stationary power supply 4 while passing through the power supply area.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the synchronization device 3 may include an optical signal transmitter configured to transmit an optical synchronization signal S, and the synchronization sensor 20 may include an optical sensor configured to detect the optical synchronization signal. The synchronization sensor 20 may be positioned such that the synchronization signal S transmitted by the synchronization device 3 is within the field of view of the synchronization sensor 20.

[0026] The optical sensors may be attached to a surface 2a of each movable member 2. The synchroniser 3 may be arranged on the track 1. The optical signal transmitter may comprise an IR transmitter, e.g. an IR diode, configured to transmit an IR synchronisation signal S and the optical sensor may comprise an IR receiver configured to detect the IR synchronisation signal.

[0027] The optical sensor may be configured to detect an optical (IR) synchronization signal S having a predetermined carrier frequency bandwidth, preferably between 10 kHz and 1 MHz, more preferably between 20 kHz and 50 kHz, and even more preferably 38 kHz. That is, the optical sensor may only detect signals of the predetermined bandwidth. Thus, the optical signal transmitter is configured to transmit the synchronization signal S with the predetermined carrier frequency bandwidth. With such a feature, the optical sensor may be robust to different signals regarding the synchronization signal S and avoid errors.

[0028] The system control and / or processing unit 5 may be coupled to a synchronization device 3 consisting of an optical (IR) transmitter and may drive the synchronization device 3. For example, the system may comprise a first detection sensor 6, for example directly coupled to the system control and / or processing unit 5, for detecting when the movable members 2 are in a predefined synchronization position of the track 1. The system control and / or processing unit 5 may be configured to transmit a synchronization signal S by means of the optical transmitter when the presence of at least one movable member 2 in the synchronization position is detected.

[0029] Alternatively, the synchronising device 3 may comprise, in addition to the optical transmitter, a high speed real-time communication module which receives an enable signal from the system control and / or processing unit 5 indicating that the movable member 2 has been detected at a predefined synchronising position p0. The synchronising device 3 may be configured to transmit a synchronising signal S when said enable signal is received by the synchronising device 3.

[0030] The processing unit 22 of the movable member 2 is therefore configured to adjust, e.g. reset, its internal clock the next instant after receipt of the optical synchronization signal S, e.g. in microseconds, and the data received by the processing unit 22 after receipt of the synchronization signal S is sampled and time-stamped as a function thereof.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3 , in one or more embodiments, the synchronization device 3 may be configured, for example, to include a power supply device 4. The movable members 2 coupled to the track 1 each include a power supply module 26 configured to receive power from the power supply device 4 and redistribute it to electronic components in the movable members 2. Thus, the synchronization sensor 20 is configured to detect a synchronization signal S as a result of the power transfer between the power supply device 4 and the power supply module 26. That is, the synchronization sensor may include a current sensor configured to detect the synchronization signal S as a function of the current present in the power supply module 26. For example, the power supply device may include a transformer including a primary coil configured to induce a current in a secondary coil disposed in the power supply module 26. In this manner, the power supply device 4 may be configured to be electrically and magnetically coupled to the power supply module 26 of the movable member 2 when the movable member 2 is transitioned by the power supply device 4.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the power supply device 4 may induce a sinusoidal current in the power supply module 26. For example, the synchronization sensor 20, including a current sensor, may be configured to detect a first rising edge of the induced sinusoidal current. A synchronization signal S may be generated upon detection of the rising edge.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a synchronous operation between the movable member 2 and a synchronous device. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of signals exchanged in a linear motor system.

[0034] As mentioned above, in one or more embodiments, the synchronization signal S is transmitted at a predefined position p0 and a predefined time instant t0 in the period of the movable member 2. In this way, the movable member 2 may advantageously receive information of the exact point in time p0, t0 in space and time for synchronization of the movable member 2 in the linear motor system. The predefined position p0 may be transmitted to the processing unit 22 and may be stored in a memory of the processing unit 22.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the movable member 2 may be configured to receive a synchronization signal S, for example having a time length T. That is, the synchronization signal S may be transmitted to the movable member 2 for a predetermined time T while the movable member 2 moves along the trajectory 1.

[0036] The system may comprise a first detection sensor 6 configured to detect when the movable member 2 is in a first predetermined synchronization position p0 and to transmit a first detection signal D1 as a result to a system processing unit 5. The system control and / or processing unit 5 may be configured to start transmitting a synchronization signal S at a first instant t0 of reception of the first detection signal D1.

[0037] The system may comprise a second detection sensor 6 configured to detect when the movable member 2 is in a second predetermined position p1 and to transmit a second detection signal D2 as a result to the system processing unit 5. The system control and / or processing unit 5 may be configured to interrupt, e.g. terminate or stop, the transmission of the synchronization signal S at a second instant t1 of reception of the second detection signal D1.

[0038] A distance P between the first predefined position p0 and the second predefined position p1 may be predefined. Such distance P may be stored in a memory of the processing unit 22 of the movable member 2. Alternatively, the distance P may be transmitted to the processing unit 22.

[0039] The processing unit 22 may be configured to adjust the internal clock tCLK to a predetermined first time instant tCLK0 as a result of the synchronization signal S, for example the processing unit 22 may reset the clock upon the first receipt of the synchronization signal S as shown in Figure 5. The internal clock may start counting and store the value of the internal clock at a second time instant tCLK1 at the time instant t1 when the synchronization signal S ends.

[0040] The processing unit 22 may be configured to calculate the initial velocity v0 as v0=P / (tCLK1-tCLK0). Advantageously, in this way the initial velocity of the movable member 2 may also be accurately calculated. In this way both the velocity and the position may be measured more accurately.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, when the synchronizer 3 comprises a power supply 4, the time length T of the synchronization signal S may be the result of a current I induced in the power supply module 26, as shown in FIG.

[0042] For example, the synchronization sensor 20 may be configured to detect a rising edge of the induced current I. The synchronization sensor 20 may be configured to start transmitting the synchronization signal S to the processing unit 22 at a first rising edge, e.g. the first detected rising edge I1. The synchronization sensor 20 may be configured to interrupt transmitting the synchronization signal S to the processing unit 22 at a second rising edge, e.g. the fourth detected rising edge I4.

[0043] The current sensor may therefore be configured to detect the synchronization signal S as a function of the current present in the power supply module 26, for example as a function of one or more rising edges I1, I4 of the current I in the power supply module 26.

[0044] The time duration T may indicate a distance P that the movable member 2 moves between the time instants t0, t1. The distance P may be stored in a memory of the processing unit 22 of the movable member 2.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 7, one or more embodiments refer to a forming assembly 7 configured to form one or more objects 80. In the following, a non-limiting example of a packaging assembly 7 is shown, configured to form and seal a number of packs 80 containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product, starting from a tube 8 of packaging material. In the following, reference is made to a packaging assembly 7, but it is understood that this is merely a non-limiting example for the sake of clarity and brevity. There may also be different types of forming assemblies 7 that are not packaging assemblies. All the features described below, even if they relate to a packaging assembly 7, can be more generally applied to the forming assembly 7.

[0046] The packaging material has a multi-layer structure (not shown) consisting of a layer of fibrous material, e.g. paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.

[0047] In the case of a sterile pack 80 for a long shelf life product such as UHT milk, the packaging material comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, for example aluminium foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, laminated with a layer of heat seal plastic material and covered with another layer of heat seal plastic material, the latter defining the inner surface of the pack 80 that will ultimately contact the pourable product.

[0048] The tube 8 is formed in known manner by longitudinally folding and sealing a web of packaging material (not shown). The tube 8 is then filled with pourable product from above by a pipe (not shown) and fed through the packaging assembly 7 along a linearly advancing direction X. In particular, the tube 8 extends along a linear longitudinal, e.g. vertical, axis parallel to the direction X.

[0049] The forming assembly 7, e.g. the packaging assembly 7, is equipped with a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments as described above. a pair of conveyors 70 arranged spaced apart on either side of the tube 8 and adapted to cooperate with the tube 8; an exit conveyor 72 arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the axis X and below the conveyor 70; Equipped with.

[0050] Each conveyor 70 substantially comprises an endless track 1 and a number of movable members 2, preferably movable members, coupled to a respective one of the tracks 1 and cyclically movable along the respective one of the tracks 1. Each movable member 2 is configured to slide cyclically along the track 1 of the respective conveyor 70. The plurality of movable members 2 slide along the respective track 1 in use.

[0051] The forming assembly, e.g. the packaging assembly 7, a pair of endless tracks 1 between which a tube 8 is fed along a (for example linear) forward direction X; a synchronization device 3 configured to transmit a synchronization signal S; a pair of movable members 2, each of which is movably coupled to a respective one of the tracks 1 and is cyclically movable along the tracks 1; Equipped with.

[0052] Each of the pair of movable members 2 comprises a forming member 27 and a sealing member 28 which are linearly movable transversely to the forward direction X towards the tube 8 and which cooperate cyclically in contact with successive tube portions 82 to respectively form and seal at least a corresponding pack portion of each pack 80.

[0053] At least one movable member 2 of a pair of movable members 2 in the assembly comprises a synchronization sensor 20 configured to detect a synchronization signal S, and a processing unit 22 coupled to the synchronization sensor 20 and configured to adjust its internal clock as a function of the synchronization signal S.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the two tracks 1 define respective infinite paths P, Q located on opposite sides of the tube 8. More specifically, the paths P, Q are: a respective, preferably linear, actuating branch P1, Q1 along which a tube 8 is provided and along which a movable member 2 cooperates with the tube 8; a respective return branch P2, Q2 along which the movable member 2 is separated from the tube 8; Equipped with.

[0055] According to this preferred embodiment, the paths P, Q are substantially elliptical.

[0056] In use, when sliding along the respective actuating branches P1, Q1, each movable member 2 cooperates with a corresponding movable member 2, i.e. the movable members 2 cooperate with each other two by two, defining a pair of movable members 2 which oppose each other, cooperate with each other and cooperate with the tube 8 while sliding along the actuating branches P1, Q1.

[0057] Each pair of movable members 2 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to cyclically form and seal one puck 80 at a time, as shown in FIG. 4, and then cut and separate the puck 80 from the tube 8.

[0058] For this purpose, each mobile member 2 is provided on one side thereof with a shaping member 27 and a sealing member 28 arranged to cooperate with the tube 8 along the respective working branch P1, Q1.

[0059] As will be described below, the forming members 27 are configured to cooperate with respective tube portions 82 of the tubes 8 to form at least corresponding puck portions, and more particularly corresponding pucks 80 .

[0060] For this purpose, each molding member 27 is preferably movably mounted by a respective movable member 2. The molding members 27 preferably present a C-shaped cross-section and may comprise a half-shell comprising a wall 270 and a pair of lateral flaps 272. In the embodiment shown, the flap 272 is movably connected to the wall 270.

[0061] In particular, the flaps 270 protrude from and are hinged to opposite side edges of the wall 270 as the movable member moves along the operating prongs P1, Q1.

[0062] In use, the half shells of each forming member 27 are configured to sequentially and periodically contact and cooperate with the tube portions 82 to form at least a pack portion of a respective pack 80 .

[0063] More precisely, each half-shell is linearly movable transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the direction X towards the tube 8, i.e. towards the tube portion 82 which it has to form.

[0064] Each mobile member 2 comprises a mobile element 274 which is translatably movable transversely, for example orthogonally, to the direction X, and which mobile element 274 carries a respective half-shell.

[0065] The sealing member 28 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to seal the tube portions 82 at successive cross sections transverse to the direction X at predetermined equal intervals. Additionally, the sealing member 28 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to cut the packs 80 at the cross sections to separate the packs 80 from one another.

[0066] On the one side, each sealing member 28 is attached downstream of the corresponding forming member 27 of the respective movable member 2 along the respective path P, Q and comprises a counter-sealing device and a removable cutting element, for example a knife (not shown). On the other side, each sealing member 28 is attached downstream of the corresponding forming member 27 of the respective movable member 2 along the respective path P, Q and comprises a sealing device and a seat adapted to receive a knife of the corresponding sealing device configured to cooperate with the counter-sealing device. The sealing device may comprise an ultrasonic, induction or induction heating sealing device.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, when the forming member 27 and the sealing member 28 are advanced by the respective movable members 2 along the respective operational branches P1, Q1, the respective half shells, the sealing device and the counter-seal device are a closed or operative position in which the half shells, sealing means and counterseal means cooperate with respective tube portions 82 to form, seal and sever respective packs 80; and an open or idle position in which the half shells, sealing devices and counterseal devices are removed from the tube 8 or from the formed pack 80; The robot moves back and forth between the two points along a direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0068] When the half shells are in the operative (closed) position, the flap 272 of each half shell rotates about its respective hinge from a position spaced apart from its respective wall 270 to a position substantially perpendicular to the wall 270, and is carried by the corresponding movable member 2 of the same set, opposite the flap 272 of the other half shell which contacts the tube 8, completely surrounding the respective tube portion 82 which is to form the respective pack 80.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, as described above, one or more movable members 2 may include one or more sensors 24, e.g., position detectors, mounted thereon and configured to transmit data indicative of movement of the movable members 2 or portions thereof. For example, the sensors 24 may be located on the forming member 27 and / or the sealing member 28. For example, the sensors 24 may be located on moving parts of the movable members 2, e.g., the flaps 272, walls 270, and / or moving elements 274 of the forming member 27, and / or the sealers and countersealers of the sealing member 28. Thus, the sensor data timestamps of the sensors 24 may be adjusted as a function of the synchronization signal S.

[0070] For example, the sensor 24 may be configured to detect movement of the movable member 2 and / or movement of a first portion of the movable member 2 configured to undergo relative movement with respect to a second portion of the movable member 2 .

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the sensor 24 includes: one or more inertial sensors, preferably one or more acceleration sensors and / or gyroscopes, and / or - one or more magnets and a magnetometer arranged in two different parts of a movable member 2 arranged to move relative to each other; The present invention may also include:

[0072] In one or more embodiments, a synchronizer 3 (not shown in FIG. 4) may be disposed on the track 1 , and preferably, the synchronizer 3 may be attached to a frame of a molding (eg, packaging) assembly 7 .

[0073] The synchronising device 3 may be arranged to transmit a synchronising signal S at the start of each sealing cycle of a pack 80 in the plurality of packs 80 or at the start of each forming and sealing cycle of a pack 80 in the plurality of packs 80 .

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the molding (e.g., packaging) assembly may include a power supply device 4, e.g., an electrical pulse generator, as described above, to supply power to the movable members 2. The power supply device 4 may be disposed on the track 1 and may be coupleable, e.g., temporarily, to one or more movable members 2 to supply power thereto. The movable members 2 may be configured to couple to the power supply device 4 at a predetermined power supply area.

[0075] One or more embodiments relate to a method that may be implemented in a linear motor system as described above. The method includes: Providing a linear motor system according to one or more embodiments; Transmitting a synchronization signal S from a synchronization device 3; A synchronization signal S is detected by a synchronization sensor 20. adjusting, for example resetting, the internal clock of the processing unit 22 of the movable member 2 as a function of the synchronization signal S, The present invention may also include the following.

[0076] The method may include adjusting the internal clock when the synchronization signal S is detected, ie the steps of detecting the signal S and adjusting the internal clock may occur substantially simultaneously.

[0077] The method may involve coupling, for example temporarily, a power supply device 4 to at least one movable member 2 and supplying electrical power to the movable member 2 .

[0078] The method comprises: transmitting an optical synchronization signal S by a synchronization device 3 comprising an optical signal transmitter, preferably an IR transmitter; Detecting the optical synchronization signal S by a synchronization sensor 20, preferably comprising an IR receiver; The present invention may also include the following.

[0079] The optical synchronization signal S may exhibit a predetermined carrier frequency bandwidth, preferably 20 to 50 kHz, and more preferably 38 kHz.

[0080] The synchronization signal S may have a predetermined length of time T, and the method may include calculating the initial velocity v0 as a function of the length of time T.

[0081] The method comprises: detecting the presence of the movable member 2 at a first predetermined synchronous position p0 by a first detection sensor 6; the detection of the presence of the movable mass 2 at the first synchronization position p0 causes the synchronization device 3 to emit a synchronization signal S; It may include the following.

[0082] The method comprises: detecting the presence of the movable member 2 at a second predetermined synchronous position p1 by a second detection sensor 6; When the presence of the movable member 2 at the second synchronization position p0 is detected, the transmission of the synchronization signal S is interrupted, i.e. stopped or terminated, by the synchronization device 3. It may include the following.

[0083] The method comprises: transmitting power between the power supply device 3 and the movable member 2, for example via a power supply module 26; Detecting a synchronization signal S as a result of the power transfer; and / or redistributing power to electronic components within the movable member 2; It may include the following.

[0084] For example, the step of detecting the synchronization signal S as a result of the power transfer may comprise detecting when a current is present in the power supply module 26 of the movable member 2 .

[0085] The method comprises: Detecting the movement of the movable member 2 and / or of its parts by means of sensors 24, for example detecting the position of certain elements moving relative to one another and detecting the state of the elements of the movable member 2; Associating detected movements with their respective timestamps, Adjusting the timestamp as a function of the synchronization signal S; It may include the following.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises: A tube 8 is fed between a pair of endless tracks 1 along a linear forward direction X; Send a synchronization signal S, one or more movable members 2 are movably coupled to the track 1; cyclically moving the movable member 2 along the respective track 1; Detecting the sync signal S, adjusting the internal clock of the processing unit of each movable member 2 as a function of a synchronization signal S, the forming member 27 and the sealing member 28 of each movable member are moved linearly towards the tube 8 transversely to the direction of advancement X; forming at least a corresponding pack portion of each pack 80; sealing at least a corresponding pack portion of each pack 80; It may include the following.

[0087] The step of transmitting and detecting the synchronization signal S may be performed prior to the step of linearly moving the molding member 27 and the sealing member 28 to perform molding and sealing. That is, the synchronization signal S may be configured to be transmitted and detected at the start of each sealing cycle of a pack 80 in the plurality of packs 80, or at the start of each molding and sealing cycle of a pack 80 in the plurality of packs 80.

[0088] The steps of transmitting the synchronization signal S and detecting may be performed simultaneously with the step of sealing.

[0089] The method may, for example, comprise the steps of: transmitting a plurality of synchronization signals S, for example each synchronization signal S of the plurality of synchronization signals S received by each movable member 2 of the plurality of movable members 2; collecting, for each movable member 2, data indicative of the movement of the movable member 2 and / or of parts thereof from the sensors 24, and respective calibrated time stamps; transmitting the data of each movable member 2 to a system control and / or processing unit 5; synchronising the data received from all the moveable members 2 in the system as a function of said plurality of synchronisation signals S; It may include the following.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises: Detecting an anomaly in the operation of the movable member 2 of the linear motor system, for example a failure or malfunction of one or more of the movable members 2; sending an error signal indicating the detected error; It may include the following.

Claims

1. A track (1), A synchronization device (3) configured to transmit a synchronization signal (S), At least one movable member (2) coupled to the track (1) and configured to move along the track (1), The at least one movable member (2) includes a synchronization sensor (20) configured to detect the synchronization signal (S), and a processing unit (22) coupled to the synchronization sensor (20) and configured to adjust an internal clock as a function of the synchronization signal (S). A linear motor system.

2. The processing unit (22) is configured to reset the internal clock when receiving the synchronization signal (S). The linear motor system according to claim 1.

3. The synchronization device (3) includes an optical signal transmitter configured to transmit an optical synchronization signal (S), and the synchronization sensor (20) includes an optical sensor configured to detect the optical synchronization signal (S). The linear motor system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The optical sensor includes a low-energy receiver configured to detect an optical synchronization signal (S) having a predetermined carrier frequency bandwidth. The linear motor system according to claim 3.

5. The synchronization signal (S) has a predetermined time length (T), and the processing unit (22) is configured to calculate an initial velocity (v0) as a function of the predetermined time length (T). The linear motor system according to claim 1.

6. A first detection sensor (6) configured to detect the presence of at least one movable member (2) at a first predetermined synchronization position (p0), The synchronization device (3) is configured to transmit the synchronization signal (S) when the presence of at least one movable member (2) at the first predetermined synchronization position (p0) is detected. The linear motor system according to claim 1.

7. A second detection sensor (6) configured to detect the presence of at least one movable member (2) at a second predetermined synchronization position (p1), The synchronization device (3) is configured to interrupt the transmission of the synchronization signal (S) when the presence of at least one movable member (2) at the second synchronization position (p1) is detected. The linear motor system according to claim 5.

8. A power supply device (4) that can be coupled to supply power to the at least one movable member (2). The linear motor system according to claim 1.

9. The synchronization device (3) includes the power supply device (4), and the at least one movable member (2) includes a power supply module (26) configured to receive power from the power supply device (4), and the synchronization sensor (20) detects a synchronization signal (S) as a result of power transmission between the power supply device (4) and the power supply module (26). The linear motor system according to claim 8.

10. The synchronization sensor (20) includes a current sensor, and detects the synchronization signal (S) as a function of the current present in the power supply module (26). The linear motor system according to claim 9.

11. A forming assembly (7) configured to form a plurality of packages (80) and comprising the linear motor system according to claim 1, the forming assembly (7) comprising: A pair of endless tracks (1); A synchronization device (3) configured to transmit a synchronization signal (S); A pair of movable members (2), each movable member (2) being movably coupled to a corresponding one of the tracks (1) and being periodically movable along the one track (1). Each movable member (2) of the pair of movable members (2) is periodically movable and includes a respective forming member (27) configured to form the package (80). At least one movable member (2) of the pair of movable members (2) includes: A synchronization sensor (20) configured to detect a synchronization signal (S); A processing unit (22) coupled to the synchronization sensor (20) and configured to adjust an internal clock of the synchronization signal (S). A forming assembly (7).

12. A packaging assembly configured to form and seal a plurality of packs (80) containing a pourable product starting from a tube (8) of packaging material, the packaging assembly comprising a pair of endless tracks (1) along which the tube (8) is supplied in a linear feed direction (X). Each of the pair of movable members (2) contacts a continuous tube portion (82) and periodically cooperates so as to respectively form and seal at least corresponding pack portions of the respective packs (80), and includes a forming member (27) and a sealing member (28) that are linearly movable in a direction transverse to the advancing direction (X) and toward the tube (8). The molding assembly (7) according to claim 11.

13. The synchronization device (3) transmits a synchronization signal (S) at the start of each sealing cycle of the packs (80) of the plurality of packs (80) or at the start of each molding cycle of the packs (80) of the plurality of packs (80). The molding assembly (7) according to claim 11.

14. A set of at least one movable member (2) is provided with at least one sensor (24) configured to transmit data indicating movement of the movable member (2) and / or its components and / or the sealing member (28), and a time stamp of the sensor data is adjusted as a function of the synchronization signal (S). The molding assembly (7) according to claim 11.

15. Providing the linear motor system according to claim 1. Transmitting a synchronization signal (S) from a synchronization device (3). Detecting the synchronization signal (S) by a synchronization sensor (20). Adjusting an internal clock of a processing unit (22) of the movable member (2) as a function of the synchronization signal (S). A method including this.

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