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

Abstract

A movable member (1) is disclosed that assists in the production of a package (80) from a tube (8) of packaging material filled with a pourable product. The movable member (1) is cyclically movable along a closed loop path (2), the movable member (1) comprising: - comprising a first element (10) and at least one second element (12), the at least one second element (12) being movable relative to the first element (10) and comprising an actuator configured to engage with a packaging material forming a tube (8) or a package (80); a motor (16) configured to move at least one second element (12); a power receiver (18) connected to the motor (16) and configured to receive and transfer power to the motor (16); - at least one first movement sensor (3) arranged on the at least one second element (12) and configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of movement of the at least one second element (12) relative to the first element (10); Equipped with.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a moveable member for a system (e.g., a linear motor system) that assists in the production of packages made from pourable products (e.g., food products) filled in tubes of packaging material. The moveable member and corresponding system of the present invention may be used in industrial applications, such as in the forming, sealing, cutting and / or final folding stations of a filling machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems comprising tracks and movable members connected to the tracks are well known and used in industrial applications to improve efficiency and flexibility, such as linear motor systems and motor-driven chain systems, and include a number of movable members that can move along a track.

[0003] The use of forming assemblies, such as packaging assemblies, is known, which comprise a plurality of movable members movable relative to one another (e.g., independently) on a track, the movable members being responsible for forming, sealing, cutting, folding, etc., a package made from sterilized packaging material configured to receive a pourable product, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are.

[0004] These packages are typically produced in a fully automated packaging assembly where a web of packaging material is fed and formed into a continuous tube. The web is folded lengthwise and sealed to form a tube that is fed in a vertically advancing direction. The tube is filled with sterilized food from the top, sealed, and cut along regularly spaced cross sections. The resulting package is then folded into the desired final package shape to obtain the final package. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although functionally effective, known systems leave room for further improvement. There is a felt need to improve the adaptability of the moving member to the needs of the machine user, such as changes in the type of packaging material, the dimensions of the package, etc. In known systems, the movement of the actuators arranged on the moving member is fixed, as they are effected by cams, and therefore real-time adaptation is not possible.

[0006] There is a need for improved control and monitoring of elements such as actuators in systems where moving members are capable of moving relative to one another. In adaptive systems with adaptable moving members, improved precision control and monitoring of components can contribute to more efficient and accurate operation of moving members such as actuators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a movable member for a system for producing packages from pourable products filled in tubes of packaging material, which fulfills one or more of the above needs in a simple and cost-effective manner. This object is achieved by the movable member according to claim 1 and the corresponding system, filling machine and method having the features set out in the following claims.

[0008] The disclosed embodiments may realize, for example, at least one of the following advantages: - the moving parts are dynamically adaptable to the needs of different machine users; - The movement of the relatively moving parts of the moving member can be monitored and controlled in real time (accurately); - relative misalignment of elements of the moving member can be detected and adjusted; and / or The main operations of the moving parts, such as forming and sealing in a packaging assembly, can be measured, monitored, controlled and adapted directly on the moving parts.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of the movable members and systems in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a non-limiting example of an exploded perspective view of a moving member of a packaging assembly with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic front view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging assembly for forming multiple sealed packs according to the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1 illustrates an example of a movable member 1 in at least one embodiment of a system for supporting the production of packages from tubes of packaging material filled with a pourable product. The movable member 1 is cyclically movable along a closed-loop path 2. The movable member 1 is preferably a mover or cart. The movable member 1 is connectable, for example via a connecting element 14, to an actuation that forms the closed-loop path 2.

[0012] The movable member 1 comprises a first element 10 and at least one second element 12, the second element 12 being movable relative to the first element 10. The second element 12 comprises an actuator (e.g., a forming, sealing, cutting, or folding element) configured to engage with packaging material to form a tube or package. The actuator may contact the packaging material in the form of a tube or a partially formed package, as described in more detail below. In particular, assuming an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system as shown in the figure, the at least one second element 12 may be rotatable about the X-axis, the Y-axis, and / or the Z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one second element 12 may be linearly movable along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and / or the Z-axis. In other words, the movement of the second element 12 may be, for example, a linear movement away from or towards the first element 10, or an angular movement forming an angle with the first element 10. The same explanation applies to the first element 10, which may be movable or rotatable in three dimensions.

[0013] In other words, the first element 10 and the second element 12 may comprise (e.g. mechanical) components of the movable member 1. The first element 10 may, for example, comprise the body of the movable member 1. The second element 12 may comprise a part connected to the body.

[0014] The movable member 1 further includes a motor 16 configured to move the at least one second element 12, and a power receiver 18 connected to the motor 16. The power receiver 18 is configured to receive power, for example wirelessly, and transmit it to the motor 16.

[0015] For simplicity, only one second element 12 is shown herein as being movably movable relative to the first element 10, by way of example. The movable member 1 may comprise a plurality of second elements 12 movable by at least one motor 16. Such second elements 12 are not only movable relative to the first element 10, but also movable relative to one another. When the movable member 1 comprises a plurality of second elements 12, the movable member may further comprise a plurality of first movement sensors 3 arranged on, and preferably attached to, the plurality of second elements 12 corresponding to each other.

[0016] Advantageously, the introduction of the motor 16 and power receiver 18 allows the actuator operation to be easily adjusted depending on the required parameters and / or the desired package. Traditionally, the actuator operation was performed by a fixed cam along a track forming a closed loop path 2. For example, the system could not dynamically adapt to desired format changes.

[0017] The movable member 1 comprises at least one first movement sensor 3 configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of movement of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10. The at least one first movement sensor 3 is arranged on the second element 12. In particular, the at least one first movement sensor 3 is attached to the second element 12, for example to a surface thereof.

[0018] Thus, the motor 16 may be configured to adjust the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 in response to the first sensor signal.

[0019] The first sensor signal may indicate the position and / or physical orientation that the second element 12 has relative to the first element 10 .

[0020] Advantageously, by monitoring the movement of the movable member 1 along the closed loop path 2, it is possible to effectively control its movement at all times, even when it is not physically forced by a cam.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the movable member 1 may further comprise at least one second movement sensor 4 configured to detect movement of the first element 10. The at least one second movement sensor 4 may be configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a deviation in the position and / or physical orientation of the first element 10. The deviation in position and / or physical orientation may indicate a variation in the coupling between the movable member 1 and the track. In such cases, the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 connected to the first element 10 may also be affected.

[0022] Advantageously, monitoring the movement of the first element 10 in addition to the second element 12 allows for more precise control of the second element 12 and more precise use of its actuator. That is, while the first movement sensor 3 allows for precise control of the second element 12, the second movement sensor 4 may further improve such control to the extent that it can compensate for the movement of the first element.

[0023] The at least one second movement sensor 4 may be arranged on the first element 10. In particular, the at least one second movement sensor 4 may be attached to the first element 10, for example on a surface thereof.

[0024] The movable member 1 may comprise a processing unit 19 connected to the first movement sensor 3 and optionally to the second movement sensor 4 and configured to receive a first sensor signal and optionally a second sensor signal from each.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first sensor 3 and / or the second sensor 4 may be an inertial sensor, preferably comprising a movement sensor and / or a rotation sensor. The inertial sensor may comprise a MEMS accelerometer, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising a 3D accelerometer and a 3D gyroscope with digital output. That is, the inertial sensor may comprise at least one movement sensor, such as a (3D) accelerometer, and at least one rotation sensor, such as a (3D) gyroscope.

[0026] The movement of the moving part 1 is calculated by dead reckoning using an inertial navigation system (INS) without the need for external references to determine the position, orientation and velocity (direction and speed of movement) of the moving part 1. Using the principles of strapdown inertial navigation, it is possible to monitor relative motion (rotation and translation) by integrating sensor readings over time.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one first sensor 3 and / or the at least one second sensor 4 may comprise at least one magnet and at least one magnetic sensor. The at least one magnet may be disposed on one of the first element 10 or the second element 12, and the at least one magnetic sensor, such as at least one Hall sensor or anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensor, may be disposed on the other of the first element 10 or the second element 12. The at least one magnet and the at least one magnetic sensor may be disposed facing each other. A change in the magnetic field detected by the at least one magnetic sensor may indicate that the second element 12 has moved relative to the first element 10.

[0028] The signals generated by the sensors may be indicative of the magnetic field at the at least one magnetic sensor, which changes in response to movement of the first element 10 and / or the second element 12 .

[0029] For examples of such sensors and their use, reference is made to the disclosure in commonly assigned European Patent Application No. 4130911A1.

[0030] Figure 1 further illustrates a system 100 for producing packages from tubes of packaging material filled with a pourable product. The system 100 comprises a track forming a closed-loop path 2 and, as previously described, a plurality of movable members 1 (only one movable member 1 is shown for simplicity of illustration), which are configured to move cyclically along the closed-loop path 2. The movable members 1 are coupled to the track.

[0031] The system 100 may include a power transmitter 5 configured to transmit power to a power receiver 18, which may receive power wirelessly, for example. The power transmitter 5 may be positioned along at least a portion of the closed-loop path 2, and preferably along the entire closed-loop path 2.

[0032] In the case of wireless power transmission, the power transmitter 5 and the power receiver 18 function as a transformer. The power transmitter 5 may include a primary coil configured to generate a varying electromagnetic field. The power receiver 18 may include a secondary coil, for example, with a built-in rectifier. The varying electromagnetic field may induce power in the secondary coil.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the system 100 may comprise a linear motor system. The closed loop path 2 may be formed by an endless track. Multiple movable members 1 may be movably coupled to the track and may be movable along the track independently of one another.

[0034] The arrangement of permanent magnets and coils (i.e., the moving members and corresponding tracks) defines this type of linear motor and is configured to independently control the moving members along the corresponding tracks in a known manner. The tracks may comprise a single rail or multiple rails. The rails may be closed in a racetrack arrangement or open.

[0035] As an alternative to a linear motor system, the system 100 may comprise a motor-driven chain system. The system 100 may comprise a chain having a plurality of links. The chain may form a track. The chain may rotate cyclically along a closed loop path 2.

[0036] A plurality of movable members 1 may be fixed to the chain, for example fixed to different links of the chain, so that the movable members 1 may move along a closed loop path 2 by rotation of the chain.

[0037] The system 100 may further comprise at least one processing unit, for example the processing unit 19 of the movable member 1 and / or the system control and processing unit 6. The steps described below may be performed by the processing unit 19 or the system control and processing unit 6, or a combination of these two processing units 19, 6.

[0038] The processing unit 19 of the movable member 1 may be configured to receive first sensor signals from at least one first movement sensor 3 and optionally second sensor signals from at least one second movement sensor 4. The processing unit 19 may be configured to transmit the sensor signals to the control and processing unit 6.

[0039] The control and processing unit 6 may be configured to adjust the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 based on the first sensor signal and the optional second sensor signal.

[0040] The processing unit 19 and / or the control and processing unit 6 may be configured to calculate the movement (e.g., position and / or physical orientation) of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10 using the first sensor signal as a function.

[0041] The processing unit 19 and / or the control and processing unit 6 may be configured to have the following functions: - calculating the deviation of the position and / or physical orientation of the first element 10 as a function of the second sensor signal; adapting (ie adjusting or changing) the calculated position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 as a function of said deviation.

[0042] The control and processing unit 6 may be configured to perform at least one of the following: - interrupting the movement of the movable member 1 or sending a warning signal to the user interface if the calculated position of the second element 12 differs from the predetermined position, - interrupting the movement of the movable member 1 or sending a warning signal to the user interface if the calculated physical orientation of the second element 12 differs from the predetermined physical orientation.

[0043] The processing units 19 of the movable members 1 may be configured to be wirelessly connected to the system control and processing units 6 arranged on the closed-loop path 2. For example, the processing units 19 may be configured to transmit data to the system control and processing units 6 when the corresponding movable members 1 pass that position in each cycle.

[0044] In industrial applications, the movable member 2 is configured to perform certain automated operations such as gripping, cutting, shaping, folding, gluing, etc. In order to properly perform these operations, it is desirable to monitor the position of the parts of the movable member 1. This is made possible by a first movement sensor 3 and an optional second movement sensor 4 configured to detect the movement of the movable second element 12 of the movable member 1 relative to the first element 10.

[0045] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a known type of movable member 1 used in forming and sealing packages in a packaging assembly. This type of movable member 1 is described herein for clarity and ease of understanding, but the movable member 1 is not limited thereto. The movable member 1 may include a body 200 configured to be connected to a track 2. The body 200 may be configured to slide on the track 2 along a direction X, as shown in FIG. 2. The forming unit 202 and the sealing unit 204 may be connected to the body 200, for example, directly. The forming unit 202 includes a body 206 and a movable element 207 configured to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction X. The movable element 207 may be configured to move relative to the body 206 of the forming unit 202. The forming unit 202 may include a half shell including a rear wall 208 and a flap 210 connected directly or indirectly to the movable element 207 of the forming unit 202. The forming unit 202 may further comprise a hinge 211 connected to the flap 210. The flap 210 may be configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the first direction X.

[0046] The forming unit 202 may be configured to move relative to the sealing unit 204 along a first direction X.

[0047] The sealing unit 204 may include a seal portion 212 and may be configured to move along a second direction Y relative to the body 200 .

[0048] By way of non-limiting example, the first element 10 and the second element 12 may have the following configuration: - the body 200 and main body 207 of the forming unit 202; - the body 206 and the movable element 207 of the forming unit 202; - rear wall 208 and flap 210, - the body 206 of the molding unit 202 and the sealing unit 204; a main body 200 and a sealing unit 204;

[0049] For example, the motion sensor may be calibrated relative to an initial reference coordinate system that defines a predetermined initial position. The rotation sensor may be configured to measure a signal indicative of angular movement. The processing unit 6, 19 may be configured to correct the data collected by the motion sensor using the data collected by the rotation sensor. This ensures that the position calculated based on the sensor signals remains accurate relative to the initial reference coordinate system.

[0050] For example, the processing unit 6, 19 may be configured to calculate the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 based on sensor signals indicative of acceleration and / or sensor signals indicative of angular velocity detected by the inertial sensors. The arrangement of inertial sensors on the second element 12 and optionally on the first element 10 allows for precise control of the movement of parts of the movable member 1, i.e., to monitor an element 12 that is configured to move, for example, to form, seal, fold or attach a package. The inertial sensors allow for detecting and correcting position errors of the element 12.

[0051] At least one first movement sensor 3 and optional second movement sensor 4 may be encapsulated with epoxy and fixed to the second element 12 and optional first element 10 respectively. In this manner the inertial sensor can be made substantially waterproof and shockproof.

[0052] At least one embodiment may depict a filling machine that produces packages 80 from tubes 8 filled with packaging material. The filling machine includes a system 100 according to at least one embodiment. The system 100 may be used at different stations of the filling machine, such as the forming, sealing, cutting station 7 and / or the final folding station.

[0053] For ease of understanding, the forming, sealing and cutting station 7 is illustrated in Figure 3. Station 7 is configured to form a plurality of packages 80 and may comprise a pair of systems according to at least one of the embodiments described above. In particular, station 7 may comprise the following components: - a pair of tracks 70 forming a closed loop path P, Q; - at least one pair of movable members 1, each movable member 1 movably connected to a corresponding track 70 and cyclically movable along a corresponding path P, Q, each movable member 1 comprising at least one second element 12, the at least one second element 12 of each movable member 1 being movable to support sealing, forming and / or cutting of the package 80;

[0054] The tube 8 is formed in a known manner by longitudinally folding and sealing a web of packaging material (not shown). The tube 8 is filled with pourable product from above via a pipe (not shown) and fed along a linear direction X through the station 7. In particular, the tube 8 extends along a straight longitudinal axis parallel to the direction X.

[0055] As shown, station 7 comprises a linear motor system, but could also be realized by a motor-driven chain system.

[0056] For example, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 2 , each movable member 1 of the pair of movable members 1 may comprise a respective forming unit 202 and, optionally, a respective sealing unit 204 movable transversely to the forward direction X and linearly along the Y direction towards the tube 8 to contact and cooperate cyclically with successive tube portions 82 to form and optionally seal at least corresponding pack portions of each pack 80 .

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, the two tracks 1 define respective endless paths P, Q located on opposite sides of the tube 8. More specifically, the paths P, Q comprise:

[0058] In use, each movable member 1 cooperates with a corresponding movable member 1 (i.e., the movable members 1 cooperate with each other in pairs), thereby defining a pair of movable members 1 that cooperate with the tube 8 while facing each other and sliding along respective paths P, Q.

[0059] 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 and cut the puck 80 to separate it from the tube 8 .

[0060] To this end, each movable member 2 comprises, on one side thereof, a forming unit 202 and a sealing unit 204 configured to cooperate with the tube 8. The forming units 202 are configured to cooperate with the respective tube portions 82 of the tube 8 to form at least the corresponding pack portion, more specifically the corresponding pack 80. To this end, each forming unit 202 is movably carried on the respective movable member 2. The forming units 202 may comprise half shells having a C-shaped cross section and having a rear wall 208 and a pair of side flaps 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the flaps 210 are movably connected to the wall 208. As the movable member moves along the paths P, Q, the flaps 210 protrude from opposite side edges of the wall 208.

[0061] In use, the half shells of each forming unit 202 are configured to cooperate in a sequential and cyclical manner to contact the tube portions 82 and form at least the pack portion of a respective pack 80 .

[0062] Each half shell is linearly movable in a direction transverse to, for example perpendicular to, the X direction, i.e. in the Y direction, i.e. towards the tube 8, i.e. towards the tube part 82 that the half shell is to form. Each forming unit 202 has a movable element 207 linearly movable along the Y direction, which movable element carries the respective half shell.

[0063] The sealing unit 204 is configured to cooperate with the tube 8 to seal the tube portion 82 at successive cross sections at predetermined intervals perpendicular to the direction X. Furthermore, the sealing unit 204 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.

[0064] On one side, along a path P, Q downstream of the corresponding forming unit 202 of each moving member 2, each sealing unit 204 is mounted and comprises a counter-sealing device and a removable cutting element, for example a knife (not shown). On the other side, each sealing unit 204 is mounted downstream of the corresponding forming unit 202 of each moving member 2 along a respective path P, Q and comprises a sealing device and a seat adapted to receive the 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.

[0065] As shown, as the forming unit 202 and the sealing unit 204 are advanced along paths P, Q by their respective movable members 2, the respective half shells, sealing devices, and counter-sealing devices reciprocate along the Y direction between the following positions: a closed or operative position in which the half shells, sealing devices and counter-sealing devices cooperate with the respective tube portions 82 to form, seal and cut off the respective packs 80; an open or rest position in which the half shells, the sealing device and the counter-sealing device are disengaged from the tube 8 or the formed pack 80;

[0066] When the half shells are in the operative (closed) position, the flap 210 of each half shell rotates about its hinge, for example about an axis parallel to the X direction, from a position away from the respective wall 208 to a position substantially perpendicular to the wall 208, and the flap 210 of the other half shell supported by the corresponding movable member 2 of the same pair contacts the tube 8 and completely surrounds the respective tube portion 82 forming each puck 80. When the two half shells of the two forming units 202 of the cooperating pair of movable members 2 are both in the operative (closed) position, they define a substantially prismatic cavity, which accordingly controls the volume and shape of one puck 80 being formed.

[0067] When the counter-sealing device and the sealing device of the pair of cooperating movable members 2 are in the operating position (closed position), they cooperate with each other to heat-seal the tube 8 to form upper and lower sealing bands. Next, the respective cutting elements are drawn out, cutting the packs 80 between the upper and lower sealing bands of two adjacent packs 80, separating the formed packs 80 from each other.

[0068] Further movement occurs along the X direction between the sealing unit 204 and the forming unit 202 to form the top and / or bottom of the pack 80 .

[0069] At least one first movement sensor 3 and optionally at least one second movement sensor 4 may be disposed on the movable member 1 to monitor one or more of the aforementioned movements.

[0070] Thus, the first element 10 and / or the at least one second element 12 may comprise the body 200 of the movable member 1, at least one component 206, 207, 208, 210 of the forming unit 202, and / or at least one component 204, 212 of the sealing unit 204.

[0071] As already explained above, the filling machine may be equipped with the system 100 in a final folding station, not shown, which is configured to fold semi-finished packages 80 (so-called pillow packages) containing the pourable product into final packages having a known final package shape. The final folding station may be equipped with the system 100 according to at least one embodiment, namely comprising: - tracks forming a closed loop path 2, - at least one movable member 1 connected to a track and cyclically movable along a path 2, the movable member 1 including at least one second element 12; At least one second element 12 of each movable member is movable to support the final folding of the package 80 .

[0072] Furthermore, the final folding station can be realized by a dovetail system, such as a linear motor system or a motor-driven chain system.

[0073] At least one embodiment relates to a method of operating a moveable member 1 to assist in the production of a package 80 from a tube 8 of packaging material filled with a pourable product. The method includes: - providing at least one movable member 1 as previously described, receiving power at a power receiving unit 18; - powering the motor 16 via the received power, - generating a first sensor signal indicative of movement of the at least one second element 12 relative to the first element 10; - driving at least one second element 12 by means of a motor 16, preferably in response to the first sensor signal;

[0074] The method may comprise at least one of the following steps: adjusting the position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 based on the first sensor signal and the optional second sensor signal; - Calculating the movement (eg position and / or physical orientation) of the second element 12 relative to the first element 10 based on the first sensor signal.

[0075] The method may comprise: - calculating a deviation in the position and / or physical orientation of the first element 10 based on the second sensor signal; - adapting (ie adjusting or changing) the calculated position and / or physical orientation of the second element 12 as a function of said deviation.

[0076] The method may comprise at least one of the following steps: - interrupting the movement of the movable member 1 or sending a warning signal to the user interface if the calculated position of the second element 12 differs from the predetermined position, - interrupting the movement of the movable member 1 or sending a warning signal to the user interface if the calculated physical orientation of the second element 12 differs from the predetermined physical orientation.

Claims

1. A movable member (1) for a system (100) for assisting in the production of packages (80) from tubes (8) of packaging material filled with a pourable product, said movable member (1) being cyclically movable along a closed-loop path (2); The movable member (1) is a first element (10) and at least one second element (12), the at least one second element (12) having an actuator movable relative to the first element (10) and configured to engage the tube (8) or packaging material forming the package (80); a motor (16) configured to move the at least one second element (12); a power receiving portion (18) connected to the motor (16) and configured to receive power and transmit the power to the motor (16); at least one first movement sensor (3) disposed on the at least one second element (12) and configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of movement of the at least one second element (12) relative to the first element (10); A movable member (1).

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

3. the motor (16) is configured to adjust the position and / or physical orientation of the at least one second element (12) in response to the first sensor signal; A movable member (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The movable member (1) further comprises at least one second movement sensor (4), the second movement sensor (4) being configured to detect the movement of the first element (10). A movable member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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

6. In the movable member (1), the first movement sensor (10) and / or the at least one second movement sensor (12) inertial sensors (preferably including translation and / or rotation sensors); or at least one magnet and at least one magnetic sensor; Equipped with A movable member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 1. A system (100) for assisting in the production of packages (80) from tubes (8) of packaging material filled with a pourable product, said system (100) comprising: a track forming a closed loop path (2); a plurality of movable members (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, coupled to the track (2) and configured to move cyclically along the closed loop path (2); A system (100) comprising:

8. a power transmitting unit (5) arranged along at least a portion of the closed-loop path (2) and configured to wirelessly transmit power to the power receiving unit (18); The system (100) of claim 7.

9. the power transmitting unit (5) comprises a primary coil configured to generate a varying electromagnetic field, and the power receiving unit (18) comprises a secondary coil; The system (100) of claim 8.

10. The track is an endless track, and the plurality of movable members (1) are movable along the track independently of one another. The system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. a chain including the plurality of links, the chain forming the track, and the plurality of movable members (1) fixed to the chain; A system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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

13. a forming, sealing and cutting station (7) configured to form, seal and cut a plurality of packages (80); and a pair of systems (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The forming, sealing and cutting station (7) comprises: a pair of tracks (70) forming a closed loop path (2, P, Q); at least one pair of movable members (1), each connected to said track (70) and cyclically movable along said path (P, Q, 2), said movable members (1) comprising at least one second element (12); Equipped with At least one second element (12) of each movable member (1) is movable to support sealing, forming and / or cutting of said package (80); 13. The filling machine of claim 12.

14. a final folding station for folding semi-finished packages (80) containing a pourable product, and a system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The final folding station comprises: a track forming a closed loop path (2); at least one movable member (1) connected to the track and cyclically movable along the closed loop path (2), the movable member (1) comprising at least one second element (12); Equipped with At least one second element (12) of each movable member (1) is movable to support the final folding of the semi-finished package (80); A filling machine according to claim 12 or 13.

15. 1. A method of operating a movable member (1) to assist in the production of a package (80) from a tube (8) of packaging material filled with a pourable product, said method comprising: Providing at least one movable member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, receiving power at a power receiving section (18); supplying said power to a motor (16); generating a first sensor signal indicative of movement of the at least one second element (12) relative to the first element (10); The motor (16) drives the at least one second element (12); method.

Images