Packaging assembly for forming and sealing multiple packs containing pourable products - Patents.com

Abstract

A packaging assembly (1) is described for forming and sealing a plurality of packages (2) containing a pourable product from a tube (3) of packaging material, comprising a longitudinal axis (A) along which the tube (3) advances in use, a sealing device (11) for repeatedly sealing the tube (3) at successive cross sections, the sealing device having a sealing member (12) and a counterseal member (13) arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A), first arms (14a) arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A) and movable toward and away from each other along a first direction (X) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A), the first arms carrying the sealing members (12), and a counterseal member (13) arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A). at least one pair of arms (14) including a first arm (14b) carrying a ter-seal member (13), said sealing member (12) and said counter-seal member (13) being configured to cooperate cyclically with each other in the form of jaws to seal said tube, said packaging assembly (1) further comprising a dispensing device (15) for supplying a cooling fluid and / or a lubricating fluid towards at least said sealing member (12), said dispensing device (15) being carried by said second arm (14b).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging assembly for forming and sealing multiple packs containing pourable products, preferably pourable food products.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging assembly configured to start with a tube of packaging material and then fill, form, seal, cut and fold a package containing a pourable product. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, many pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterile packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped pourable food package known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material having a multi-layer structure, e.g., a base layer of paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with layers of a heat-sealable plastic material, e.g., polyethylene.

[0005] In the case of aseptic packaging for shelf-stable products such as UHT milk, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, for example a layer of aluminium foil, which overlaps a layer of heat seal plastic material and is covered by another layer of heat seal plastic material to ultimately form the inner surface of the package which contacts the food.

[0006] This type of package is usually manufactured in a fully automatic packaging assembly, in which a continuous tube is formed starting from a web of packaging material that is first wound on a reel and fed through a number of unwinding rollers of such packaging assembly. The web of packaging material is sterilized in the packaging assembly by applying a chemical sterilant, for example an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which, once sterilization is complete, is removed from the surface of the packaging material, for example by evaporation by heating. The web thus sterilized is then kept in a closed, sterile environment, advanced by the aforementioned unwinding rollers, and folded longitudinally and sealed by known web folding devices to form a tube.

[0007] The tube is continuously fed along a first direction, usually a straight vertical direction, filled from above with sterilized food product, formed, sealed and then cut along equally spaced cross sections extending along a second direction, usually a direction perpendicular to the first direction, to obtain so-called pillow packs having a longitudinal seal band, an upper transverse seal band and a lower transverse seal band. The pillow packs are then cut at the cross sections to separate them from one another and guided to a folding device of a packaging assembly for their final folding.

[0008] To perform the forming and sealing operations, known packaging assemblies include a forming device configured to form the tube to imprint on it a contour corresponding to the desired shape of the package, and a sealing device configured to seal the tube at equally spaced cross sections perpendicular to the advancement direction of the tube.

[0009] A packaging assembly of the above type is known from WO 2007114752. Such a packaging assembly comprises a pair of alternatingly movable forming and sealing jaws controllably movable in a reciprocating motion in a first direction and in a third direction orthogonal to the second direction, and interacts with the tube at successive portions thereof.

[0010] In particular, the jaws are guided and driven by drive and guide rods along which the tubes run parallel.

[0011] The forming apparatus comprises at least a pair of forming members, typically in the form of shells, positioned on opposite sides of the tube of packaging material, opposed to each other and which, in use, annularly surround successive portions of the tube to sequentially impart or transfer a predetermined contour to those portions.

[0012] For each jaw, the sealing device is arranged operatively downstream of the forming device along a first direction, relative to the direction of advancement of the tube, and typically comprises at least a pair of sealing elements, typically in the form of clamps, disposed on opposing lateral sides of the tube of packaging material facing each other and, in use, periodically gripping successive equally spaced lateral cross sections of the tube therebetween to sequentially seal the tube at those lateral cross sections, thereby forming a pillow pack.

[0013] In particular, the sealing device comprises two sealing elements: a sealing member carrying the heating means and a counter-seal member defining an abutment surface against which the heating means abuts.

[0014] More specifically, each tubing portion clamped between the sealing elements is heat sealed by heating means which, in use, locally melts the heat-sealable plastics material in the clamped area.

[0015] Packaging materials in which the layer of barrier material is defined by a sheet of electrically conductive material, for example a sheet of aluminium, are typically heat sealed by the well-known induction heat sealing process, in which, when the tube is clamped between a sealing member and a counterseal member, an electric current is induced in the sheet of aluminium, causing local heating of the sheet of aluminium, thereby locally melting the heat-sealable plastic material.

[0016] More specifically, in this latter case, the heating means essentially comprises an inductor carried by the sealing member, supplied by a high frequency current generator and substantially defined by a coil comprising one or more induction bars of conductive material extending parallel to the second direction, inducing a current in the packaging material so as to heat it to the required heat sealing temperature.

[0017] The counter seal member comprises two pressure elements, preferably two pressure pads made of an elastomeric material, having respective front contact surfaces defining said abutment surfaces.

[0018] Once the heat sealing operation is completed, a cutting member carried by one of the two sealing members, usually the counterseal member, is actuated to interact with the tube of packaging material to cut the tube along the respective previously formed seal strips, thereby separating (severing) the pillow pack from the lower end of the tube of packaging material. Typically, the cutting member is withdrawn through a slot located between two pressure pads and engages a recess in the sealing member.

[0019] Once the cutting operation is completed, the sealing member and the counter-seal member move away from each other, ready to grip another subsequent section of the tube.

[0020] The need to lubricate forming equipment is known in the art, in particular because forming shells, due to their cyclical movement towards and away from the tube, create a certain amount of friction while cooperating with the tube.

[0021] The need to cool the sealing device is also known in the art, in particular the heating means of the sealing member are known to locally heat the packaging material, and after certain cycles and under certain operating conditions the heating can exceed a certain threshold, which can cause the sealing member to overheat and inadvertently adhere to the outer plastic layer of the packaging material.

[0022] According to known solutions, the packaging assembly comprises a fluid distribution device for supplying a lubricating and cooling fluid, usually water, to the forming and sealing devices.

[0023] In particular, it is known to provide an arcuate duct fixedly disposed about the tube so as to at least partially encircle the tube, at a fixed location upstream of the forming and sealing jaws, and configured to provide a continuous flow of water over the outer surface of the tube.

[0024] In particular, the duct has a number of holes through which water is forced onto the tube.

[0025] Gravity also brings the washed water into contact with the molded shells and seals as they interface with the tubes, providing constant lubrication and cooling.

[0026] While known packaging assemblies are functionally effective, the applicant has identified a need for further improvements, particularly in reducing water consumption, improving lubrication and cooling effectiveness, extending component life, and improving the structure of the completed package. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0027] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a packaging assembly designed to simply and cost-effectively meet at least one of the above needs.

[0028] This object is achieved by a packaging assembly according to claim 1. [Means for solving the problem]

[0029] 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]

[0030] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging assembly for producing packages filled with pourable product according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the form-and-seal apparatus of the packaging assembly of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the device of FIG. 2 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 with parts removed for clarity. [Diagram 5] 3A-3D are enlarged detailed views of components of the device of FIG. 2 in different operating states. [Figure 6] 3A-3D are enlarged detailed views of components of the device of FIG. 2 in different operating states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] With reference to FIG. 1 , the number 1 indicates generally a packaging assembly for producing, starting from a tube 3 of packaging material, a plurality of sealed packages 2 containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product such as pasteurized or UHT milk, water, fruit juice, wine, peas, beans, etc.

[0032] In particular, the packaging assembly 1 is configured to form a tube 3 starting from a web-like sheet 4 of packaging material unwound from a reel 5 and fed along a forming path.

[0033] More specifically, the packaging assembly 1 is configured to, starting from a tube 3, form and seal a plurality of pillow packs 2a containing the pourable product, and then fold the pillow packs 2a to obtain said formed, sealed and folded package 2 containing the pourable product.

[0034] Preferably, the wrapping material has a multi-layer construction (not shown) with a layer of fibrous material, e.g. paper, covered on both sides with respective layers of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.

[0035] In the case of an aseptic package 2 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, which is laminated with a layer of heat seal plastic material and covered with another layer of heat seal plastic material, the latter eventually forming the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0036] Advantageously, after being unwound from the reel 5 and before being formed into the tube 3, the sheet 4 of packaging material is sterilised, for example by application of a chemical sterilant, such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is then removed from the surface of the packaging material once sterilisation is complete, for example by evaporation by heating.

[0037] The packaging assembly 1 is then configured to carry out the following operations, in sequence: - folding the sheet 4 of packaging material longitudinally to obtain a tube 3 by folding means 6, known per se and not described in detail, and sealing the tube 3 longitudinally to form a longitudinal sealing band; - filling the filling tube 3 (from above) with pourable product; - forming the tube 3 so as to give a continuous portion of the tube 3 a predetermined contour shape; - sealing the tube 3 transversely at equal intervals so as to obtain a pillow pack 2a; - cutting the tube 3 at said cross section to separate the pillow packs 2a from each other; and - Fold the pillow pack 2a to obtain a completely folded package 2.

[0038] Advantageously, the packaging assembly 1 comprises an isolation chamber 7 which defines an internal environment, in particular an internal sterile environment containing a sterile gas, separated from the external environment. Advantageously, the operations of longitudinal sealing of the tube 3 and shaping of the tube 3 are performed in the isolation chamber 7.

[0039] The packaging assembly 1 includes a form and seal apparatus 8 for forming and sealing the pillow pack 2a and has a longitudinal axis A along which, in use, the tube 3 is fed.

[0040] That is to say, in use, the tube 3 is fed continuously along a first direction Z parallel to the axis A, in particular a straight vertical direction.

[0041] While being fed along the axis A, the tube 3 is filled with a pourable product from above, in a known manner, not described in detail.

[0042] To perform the operation of shaping the tube 3, the device 8 comprises at least a pair of forming shells 10 arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the axis A, i.e. on opposite sides of the tube 3. According to a known embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 and diagrammatically in Figure 4, the forming shells 10 are repeatedly movable towards and away from each other so as to cooperate with each other cyclically to surround successive portions of the tube 3, thereby successively imparting a predetermined contour to the tube 3.

[0043] In particular, the molded shells 10 are movable relative to one another along a first direction Z and a second direction X transverse, more particularly perpendicular, to the axis A.

[0044] Furthermore, the forming shell 10 is reciprocally movable along a first direction Z to follow the advancement of the tube 3 along the axis A.

[0045] Advantageously, the apparatus 8 comprises two pairs of formed shells 10, each pair being movable in the reciprocating manner previously described.

[0046] More precisely, the speed of each set of forming shells 10 along the first direction Z corresponds, in use, to the forward speed of the tube 3 along the axis A, so that each set of forming shells 10 can periodically surround its respective portion.

[0047] In particular, the tube 3 is fed downwards along the axis A. The forming shell 10 thus moves downwards following and surrounding the tube portion.

[0048] Once molding is complete, the forming shell 10 separates from the tube section and moves upward to follow the succeeding tube section, where the molding operation is repeated.

[0049] The two pairs of forming shells 10 alternately carry out the above operations to form successive portions of the tube 3.

[0050] To perform the sealing operation, the apparatus 8 comprises at least one sealing device 11 configured to repeatedly seal the tube 3 at equally spaced cross sections perpendicular to the tube advancement direction, i.e. perpendicular to the axis A and the first direction Z.

[0051] In detail, as shown diagrammatically in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the sealing device 11 has a sealing member 12 and a counter-seal member 13 arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the axis A, in particular on opposite sides of the tube 3.

[0052] According to a known embodiment, the sealing member 12 and the counter-seal member 13 are repeatedly movable towards and away from each other in a cyclical cooperation with each other (FIG. 4) to clamp and seal the tube 3 in a jaw-like manner at said cross section to define a transverse sealing band extending along a third direction Y perpendicular to both the first direction Z and the second direction X.

[0053] Advantageously, the device 8 comprises two sealing devices 11, each moving integrally with a respective pair of moulded shells 10 along the axis A (and the first direction Z).

[0054] In particular, for each seal arrangement 11 and each pair of molded shells 10, the seal member 12 is integral with one of the molded shells 10 and preferably disposed below the latter, and the counter seal member 13 is integral with the other molded shell 10 and preferably disposed below the latter.

[0055] For this purpose, the device 8 comprises at least one, in particular two pairs of arms 14 arranged on opposite sides of the axis A, in particular on opposite sides of the tube 3, each pair of arms carrying a pair of molded shells 10 and one sealing device 11.

[0056] For each pair of arms, arm 14 has: - are movable towards and away from each other along a direction perpendicular to the axis A, in particular along a second direction X; a reciprocating movement is possible along a first direction Z so as to follow the advancement of the tube 3 along the axis A;

[0057] Such reciprocating or cyclical movement of the arm 14 and the formation of the shell 10, the seal member 12 and the counter-seal member 13 are known and are described, for example, in WO2007114752.

[0058] In this manner, each set of arms 14 controls and determines the movement of its respective set of molded shells 10 and the movement of its respective sealing device 11 .

[0059] In practice, the arm 14 defines alternatingly movable forming and sealing jaws, the forming jaws being controllable in a reciprocating motion in a first direction Z and a second direction X so as to interact with the tube 3 at successive portions thereof.

[0060] For the sake of brevity, the following will refer to a pair of molded shells 10 and a pair of arms 14 carrying one sealing device 11. However, the functional and structural features of such a pair of arms 14 are equally applicable to other pairs of arms 14 of the device 8.

[0061] The pair of arms 14 includes: a first arm 14a carrying the sealing member 12 and one molded shell 10; and a second arm 14b carrying the counterseal member 13 and one of the moulded shells 10;

[0062] The first arm 14a and the second arm 14b are disposed to extend substantially along a third direction Y.

[0063] From the above, the sealing member 12 and the counter-seal member 13 are arranged to cooperate cyclically with each other in the form of jaws to seal the tube 3 by the movement of the arm 14 .

[0064] Preferably, the sealing member 12 is provided with heating means for locally heating the outer layer of heat sealable plastics material.

[0065] In particular, each tubing section gripped between the seal member 12 and the counterseal member 13 is heat sealed by heating means which, in use, locally melts the heat-sealable plastic material in the gripped area.

[0066] In one embodiment, the seal member 12 comprises a known inductor which, in use, induces a current in the barrier layer if the barrier layer is made of a conductive material, the induced current causing heating of the barrier layer and thereby localized heating of the plastic material.

[0067] In another embodiment, the seal member 12 comprises a known sonotrode configured to generate heat by ultrasonic vibrations.

[0068] Preferably, when the seal member 12 comprises an inductor, the counter seal member 13 comprises an elastomeric element facing the seal member 12 and defining an abutment surface for the latter.

[0069] As a result, the sealing member 12 locally heats the plastic material of the outer layer, and therefore there is a need to cool the sealing member 12.

[0070] For this purpose, the packaging assembly 1 , in particular the device 8 , further comprises a dispensing device 15 for supplying a cooling fluid and / or a lubricating fluid towards at least the sealing member 12 .

[0071] Preferably, the fluid is water.

[0072] The dispensing device 15 is carried by the second arm 14b.

[0073] In particular, the dispensing device includes a nozzle 15 for spraying a fluid towards the sealing member 12 .

[0074] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the nozzle 15 is fixedly attached to the second arm 14b.

[0075] In particular, the nozzle 15 moves integrally with the second arm 14b.

[0076] As a result of the above, the nozzle 15 moves integrally with the movement of the second arm 14b approaching and moving away from the first arm 14a.

[0077] Furthermore, the nozzle 15 is integrated with the reciprocating motion of the second arm 14b.

[0078] Advantageously, the nozzle 15 is carried by the second arm 14b, preferably fixedly mounted, for spraying the fluid adjacent to the first arm 14a along a direction transverse to the axis A.

[0079] This configuration is particularly shown in FIG.

[0080] In particular, the device 8 comprises two dispensing devices or nozzles 15 each associated with a pair of arms 14 .

[0081] In particular, the second arm 14b of each pair of arms 14 carries one respective nozzle 15 for spraying water towards the respective seal member 12, the nozzle 15 being carried by the first arm 14a opposite and facing such second arm 14b.

[0082] Thanks to the above arrangement, the fluid can be more precisely directed towards each seal member 12, thereby providing more effective localised cooling than if the water were supplied from above by ducts arranged in a fixed position relative to the tubes 3 and the seal members 12, where the water would circulate around the seal members 12 solely by gravity.

[0083] Additionally, the advantageous configuration of the nozzle 15 allows for more efficient lubrication of the seal member 12 .

[0084] Preferably, each nozzle 15 is fluidly connected to a source of cooling and / or lubricating fluid, such as a reservoir, which is known per se and is not shown.

[0085] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the packaging assembly 1, in particular the device 8, is provided with one nozzle 15 for each arm 14, i.e. for each pair of arms 14, each one of the first arm 14a and the second arm 14b carries one nozzle 15.

[0086] In this way, the efficiency of cooling and / or lubrication of the sealing arrangement 11 is further improved.

[0087] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the first arm 14a and the second arm 14b is a first part 16 configured to face the tube 3 or the axis A and on which the sealing member 12 or the counter-seal member 13 is attached; a second portion 17 adjacent to the first portion 16 along a direction parallel to the arm 14 itself, in particular along a third direction Y; Equipped with.

[0088] In particular, each first portion 16 carries one molded shell 10 and one of the seal member 12 and the counterseal member 13 .

[0089] Thus, the first portion 16 of the first arm 14a faces the first portion 16 of the second arm 14b.

[0090] Advantageously, the nozzle 15 is mounted on the second part 17 of the second arm 14b in order to spray the fluid towards the first part 16 of the first arm 14a without passing through the tube 3. In other words, the tube 3 does not impede the flow of fluid towards the first part 16 of the first arm 14a, i.e. towards the sealing member 12.

[0091] In practice, the nozzle 15 is positioned such that, in use, the atomised fluid bypasses or avoids the tube 3 .

[0092] More precisely, the nozzle 15 is arranged to direct the fluid towards the seal member 12 along a fourth direction W inclined with respect to the second direction X.

[0093] In particular, the fourth direction W is inclined with respect to both the second direction X and the third direction Y. More particularly, the fourth direction W is also inclined with respect to the first direction Z.

[0094] In this way, the nozzle 15 can spray fluid directly towards the seal member 12 without the tube 3 being interposed between the first portions 16 relative to the second direction X.

[0095] Preferably, the nozzle 15 is configured to spray fluid towards the seal member 12 when the seal member 12 is spaced from the counter seal member 13 .

[0096] In particular, the nozzle 15 is configured to spray the fluid as soon as the sealing operation is completed and the seal member 12 and the counter-seal member 13 move away from each other along the second direction X and the arm 14 starts to move upwards along the first direction Z.

[0097] In this manner, the seal member 12 is cooled immediately after completion of a sealing cycle to avoid overheating during the next sealing cycle.

[0098] Alternatively, the nozzle 15 is configured to spray fluid into the jaw-like cooperation between the seal member 12 and the counter-seal member 13 .

[0099] In this case, the nozzle 15 sprays the fluid during the downward movement of the arm 14 along the first direction Z.

[0100] In this manner, the seal member 12 is cooled throughout the sealing cycle to avoid overheating during the sealing operation and to avoid sticking of the inductor or sonotrode to the plastic material.

[0101] In one embodiment, the nozzle 15 is configured to continuously spray fluid during the sealing operation.

[0102] In this way, overheating of the inductor and sonotrode can be further prevented.

[0103] Furthermore, it is known in the art that the molded shell 10 generates a certain amount of friction while cooperating with the tube 3 due to the cyclical movement between the molded shell 10 and the tube 3. Hence, there is a need to lubricate the molded shell 10.

[0104] To this end, the nozzle 15 according to the invention is advantageously configured to atomize the fluid to form an atomized fluid cloud 18 (visible in Figures 3, 4 and especially in Figures 5 and 6).

[0105] In particular, nozzle 15 is configured to atomize the fluid such that a cloud 18 orbits and surrounds shell 10 .

[0106] More precisely, by said nebulization, the nozzle 15 is configured to generate a plurality of droplets 18 a which, during operation, remain in suspension around the tube 3 , thereby wrapping the tube 3 and forming the shell 10 .

[0107] More specifically, by the reciprocating motion of the arms 14 as described above, and by the movement of the arms 14 towards and away from each other, the nozzles 15 are configured to form a cloud 18 that occupies an axially elongated area around the tube 3.

[0108] Such movement causes the molded shell 10 together with the seal member 12 and the counterseal member 13 to be constantly immersed in such cloud 18 .

[0109] This configuration is particularly useful where nozzle 15 continuously atomizes fluid during operation.

[0110] By virtue of the above arrangement, the formed shell 10 can be efficiently and effectively lubricated even though the nozzle 15 sprays fluid directly towards the seal member 12 .

[0111] Advantageously, the nozzle 15 is made of a metallic material, in this way the risk of clogging of the nozzle fluid passages by limestone is reduced.

[0112] The operation of the packaging assembly 1 will now be described with reference to the pair of arms 14, starting with the arms 14 moving downwards along the first direction Z in accordance with the forward speed of the tube 3.

[0113] In this condition, the moulded shell 10, as well as the seal member 12 and the counter seal member 13, begin to move towards each other.

[0114] The tube 3 is sealed by the seal member 12 and the counter seal member 13 gripping the tube 3 to form a transverse seal band along the third direction Y.

[0115] Immediately thereafter, a forming shell 10 surrounds the tube 3, giving it the desired shape.

[0116] Once molding and sealing is complete, the molded shells 10, as well as the seal members 12 and counterseal members 13, are separated from one another.

[0117] According to the invention, the nozzle 15 sprays water, in particular in the form of a mist, towards the seal member 12 during operation.

[0118] This operation is repeated for the other pair of arms 14 of the device 8 in a similar manner.

[0119] The advantages of the packaging assembly 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0120] In particular, the above arrangement allows fluid to be more precisely directed at each seal member 12, thereby providing more efficient and localized cooling than would be possible if water were supplied from above through ducts.

[0121] Furthermore, because the dispensing device is defined by a nozzle 15 which sprays water and does not simply force water through the tube 3, the Applicant has determined that the consumption of fluid (water) is reduced.

[0122] Incidentally, as a result of the above, the structural quality of the finished package 2 is also further improved, since a lower amount of water reduces the risk of soaking (by absorption) the paper material of the base layer and thereby reduces undesirable deformations of the package 2.

[0123] Finally, thanks to the aforementioned atomized spray, lubrication of the molded shell 10 and generally the entire operating zone of the device 8 can be ensured, despite the fact that the nozzles 15 spray the fluid directly towards the sealing member 12 .

[0124] Therefore, reduced friction can improve the lifespan of the molded shell 10 as well as the structural quality of the packaging material.

[0125] Changes may be made to the packaging assembly 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly (1) for forming and sealing a plurality of packages (2) containing a pourable product from a tube (3) of packaging material, comprising: The packaging assembly (1) comprises: a longitudinal axis (A) along which the tube (3) is fed in use; a sealing device (11) for repeatedly sealing the tube (3) at successive cross sections, the sealing device (11) having a sealing member (12) and a counter-seal member (13) arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A); at least one pair of arms (14) arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A) and movable toward and away from each other along a first direction (X) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A), the arms including a first arm (14a) carrying a seal member (12) and a second arm (14b) carrying a counter-seal member (13); the sealing member (12) and the counter-seal member (13) are configured to periodically cooperate with each other in the form of jaws to seal the tube; The packaging assembly (1) further comprises a dispensing device (15) for supplying a cooling fluid and / or a lubricating fluid towards at least the sealing member (12), The dispensing device (15) is carried by the second arm (14b). Packaging assembly (1).

2. The dispensing device (15) is fixedly attached to the second arm (14b). The packaging assembly of claim 1 .

3. The dispensing device (15) operates integrally with the second arm (14b). The packaging assembly of claim 1 .

4. the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) are reciprocatable along a second direction (Z) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A); The dispensing device (15) is integral with the reciprocating motion. The packaging assembly of claim 1 .

5. The dispensing device includes a nozzle (15) for spraying the fluid toward the sealing member (12). The packaging assembly of claim 1 .

6. the nozzle (15) is carried by the second arm (14b) for spraying fluid towards the first arm (14a) along a direction (W) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A); The packaging assembly of claim 5.

7. Each one of the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) a first part (16) configured to face the tube (3) and to which the sealing member (12) or the counter-seal member (13) is attached; a second portion (17) parallel to the arm itself and adjacent to the first portion (16) along a third direction (Y) transverse to the first direction (X); Equipped with the nozzle (15) is attached to the second part (17) of the second arm (14b) for spraying fluid towards the first part (16) of the first arm (14a) without the intervening tube (3), thereby bypassing or avoiding the tube (3); The packaging assembly of claim 6.

8. the sealing member (12) and the counter-seal member (13) are movable towards and away from each other along the first direction (X), the first direction (X) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A); the nozzle (15) is arranged in the second portion (17) to direct the fluid towards the sealing member (12) along a direction (W) oblique to the first direction (X) and the third direction (Y); The packaging assembly of claim 7.

9. The nozzle (15) is configured to spray the fluid toward the seal member (12) when the seal member (12) moves away from the counter seal member (13). The packaging assembly of claim 5.

10. The nozzle (15) is configured to spray the fluid when the seal member (12) and the counter seal member (13) cooperate with each other in the form of jaws. The packaging assembly of claim 5.

11. The nozzle (15) is configured to spray the fluid continuously. The packaging assembly of claim 5.

12. The nozzle (15) is configured to atomize a fluid to form an atomized fluid cloud (18). The packaging assembly of claim 5.

13. a molding device for molding a continuous portion of the tube (3); the forming device has a pair of forming shells (10) arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A), the first arm (14a) carrying one of the forming shells (10) and the second arm (14b) carrying the other of the forming shells (10), the forming shells (10) being movable towards and away from each other so as to repeatedly come into cooperative contact with the tube (3); The nozzle (15) is configured to atomize the fluid so that the cloud (18) circulates around the forming shell (10).

13. The packaging assembly of claim 12.

14. a further dispensing device for supplying cooling fluid and / or lubricating fluid towards said counter-seal element (13), said further dispensing device being carried by a first arm (14a), The packaging assembly of claim 1 .

15. The dispensing device includes a nozzle (15) made of a metal material. The packaging assembly of claim 1 .

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