Molding device for forming and sealing a plurality of packages including pourable products and a packaging assembly

Abstract

A forming device (8) is described for a packaging assembly (1) configured to form and seal a plurality of packages (2) containing a pourable product using a tube (3) of packaging material. The forming device (8) comprises a pair of forming members (101) that face each other and are movable towards and away from each other to periodically cooperate in contact with successive portions of the tube (3) to impart or transfer a predetermined external shape. Each forming member (101) is configured to cooperate in external contact with the tube (3) and comprises a hollow body (15) that defines an internal cavity (16) therein, and a reinforcing internal structure (17) that is housed within the cavity (16) and surrounded by the hollow body (15) to reinforce the hollow body (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a forming device for a packaging assembly for forming and sealing a plurality of packages containing pourable products, preferably pourable foods.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging assembly for forming and sealing a plurality of packages containing pourable products, preferably pourable foods.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging assembly configured to fill, form, seal, cut, and fold a package containing a pourable product starting from a tube of packaging material.

Background Art

[0004] As is well known, many pourable foods such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0005] As a typical example, a parallelepiped package for pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic® is mentioned, which is made by folding and sealing a laminated web of packaging material. This packaging material has, for example, a multilayer structure in which both sides of a paper-based substrate layer are covered with layers of heat-sealing plastic materials such as polyethylene.

[0006] In the case of aseptic packages for long-term storable products such as UHT milk, the packaging material includes a layer of an oxygen barrier material, for example an aluminum foil layer, which layer overlaps a layer of a heat-sealing plastic material and is further covered with another layer of a heat-sealing plastic material to finally form the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0007] This type of package is usually manufactured on a fully automatic packaging assembly, in which a continuous tube is formed starting from a web of packaging material that is first wound onto a reel and fed through a plurality of unwind rollers of such a packaging assembly. The web of packaging material is sterilized within the packaging assembly by applying a chemical sterilant such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and upon completion of sterilization, it is removed from the surface of the packaging material, for example, by evaporation through heating. The web thus sterilized is then maintained in a sealed sterile environment, advanced by the aforementioned unwind rollers, folded longitudinally by a known web folding device, and sealed to form a tube.

[0008] This tube is continuously fed along a first direction, usually a straight vertical direction, filled with sterilized food from above, and formed, sealed, and then cut along equally spaced cross-sections extending along a second direction, usually a direction orthogonal to the first direction. Thereby, a so-called pillow pack having a longitudinal seal band, an upper transverse seal band, and a lower transverse seal band is obtained. The pillow packs are then cut in cross-section so as to be separated from each other and directed towards the folding device of the packaging assembly for their final folding.

[0009] To perform the forming and sealing operations, a known packaging assembly comprises a forming device configured to form the tube so as to impart an outer shape corresponding to the desired shape of the package to the tube, and a sealing device configured to seal the tube at equally spaced cross-sections orthogonal to the forward direction of the tube.

[0010] A packaging assembly of the above type is known from International Publication No. WO 2007 / 114752. Such a packaging assembly comprises a pair of alternately movable forming jaws and sealing jaws that are controllable in a reciprocating motion in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions and interact with the tube at their continuous portions.

[0011] In particular, Joe is guided and driven by a pair of drive and guide rods along which the tubes run in parallel.

[0012] The forming device typically consists of at least one pair of forming members in the form of a shell (or half-shell), which are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the tube of the packaging material, face each other, and during use, periodically surround successive portions of the tube and sequentially impart or transfer a predetermined outer shape to these portions.

[0013] For each Joe, the sealing device is arranged operatively downstream of the forming device with respect to a first direction, and comprises at least one pair of sealing elements, typically in the form of clamps, which are arranged on opposite lateral faces of the tube of the packaging material and, during use, periodically grip between them successive equally spaced transverse cross-sections of the tube and seal the tube at these transverse cross-sections, thereby forming pillow packs.

[0014] Specifically, the sealing device comprises a sealing member carrying heating means and two sealing elements of a counter-sealing member defining a contact surface against which the heating means abuts.

[0015] More specifically, each tube portion gripped between the sealing elements is heat-sealed by the heating means which, during use, locally melts the heat-sealable plastic material in the gripping area.

[0016] In some embodiments where a layer of barrier material is defined by a sheet of conductive material, for example a sheet of aluminium, the heat-sealing is obtained by induction. In such cases, the heating means is carried by the sealing member and supplied by a high-frequency current generator, and comprises an inductor substantially defined by a coil consisting of one or more induction bars made of conductive material, extending parallel to a second direction and interacting with the packaging material to induce a current in the packaging material and heat the packaging material to the required heat-sealing temperature.

[0017] In other embodiments, the heat seal is obtained by supplying ultrasonic waves to locally melt the plastic material. In such a case, the heating means comprises a sonotrode carried by the seal member.

[0018] The counter seal member comprises a pressure arrangement, preferably two pressure pads made of an elastomeric material in the case of induction heat sealing, or a pressure anvil made of metal in the case of ultrasonic sealing, and has respective front contact surfaces defining the aforementioned abutment surfaces.

[0019] When the heat seal operation is completed, a cutting member carried by one of the two seal members, usually the counter seal member, is actuated, thereby interacting with the tube of the packaging material to cut the tube along each of the previously created seal bands and separate (cut) the pillow pack from the lower end of the tube of the packaging material. Usually, the cutting member is pulled out from a slot of the counter seal member and engages in a corresponding recess of the seal member.

[0020] When the cutting operation is completed, the seal member and the counter seal member move away from each other to be in a state where they can grip the next subsequent portion of the tube.

[0021] Known forming devices and packaging assemblies are functionally effective, but the applicant has confirmed that there is a need for further improvement, particularly with regard to the total number of components, its overall weight, its maintenance, assembly and manufacture, and its flexibility and adaptability to packages of different formats (e.g., shape / size).

Summary of the Invention

[0022] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a forming device and a packaging assembly designed to simply and inexpensively meet at least one of the above needs.

[0023] This object is achieved by the forming device and the packaging assembly described in the appended claims.

[0024] Hereinafter, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 generally indicates a packaging assembly for manufacturing a plurality of sealed packages 2 starting from a web-like sheet 4 of packaging material unwound from a reel 5 and supplied along a forming path, and containing a product that can be poured, preferably pasteurized milk or UHT milk, water, fruit juice, wine, canned beans, beans, or other pourable foods.

[0027]

[0028] ​More specifically, the packaging assembly 1 is configured to start from the tube 3, form and seal a plurality of pillow packs 2a containing the pourable product, and then fold the pillow packs 2a to obtain the aforementioned formed, sealed, and folded package 2 containing the pourable product.

[0029] Preferably, the packaging material has a multi-layer structure (not shown) and includes, for example, a fibrous material with both sides of a paper layer covered by respective layers of a heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene.

[0030] In the case of the sterile package 2 for long-term storage products such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of a gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is superimposed on a layer of a heat-sealable plastic material and further covered by another layer of a heat-sealable plastic material, the latter forming the inner surface of the package 2 that finally contacts the pourable product.

[0031] Advantageously, after being unwound from the reel 5 and before being formed into the tube 3, the sheet 4 of the packaging material is sterilized by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and after the sterilization is completed, it is removed from the surface of the packaging material, for example, by evaporation through heating.

[0032] The packaging assembly 1 is configured to perform the following operations sequentially: - Bend the sheet 4 of the packaging material longitudinally to obtain the tube 3 by bending means 6, which are known per se and will not be described in detail, and seal the tube 3 longitudinally to form a longitudinal seal band; - Fill the tube 3 (from above) with the pourable product; - Impart or transfer a predetermined outer shape to a continuous portion of the tube 3; - Transversely seal the tube 3 at equal intervals so that the pillow packs 2a are obtained; - Cut the tube 3 at the above cross-section to separate the pillow packs 2a from each other; - To obtain the fully folded package 2, fold the pillow pack 2a.

[0033] Advantageously, the packaging assembly 1 defines an internal environment, in particular an internal sterile environment containing a sterile gas, and comprises an isolation chamber 7 separated from the external environment. Advantageously, the operation of sealing the tube 3 longitudinally and the operation of shaping the tube 3 are performed within the isolation chamber 7.

[0034] The packaging assembly 1 comprises a forming and sealing device for forming and sealing the pillow pack 2a and has a longitudinal axis X to which the tube 3 is supplied.

[0035] That is, in use, the tube 3 is continuously fed along a first direction A parallel to the axis X, in particular a straight vertical direction.

[0036] While being fed along the axis X, the tube 3 is filled in a known manner, not described in detail here, with a product that can be poured in from above.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the forming and sealing device comprises a forming device 8 and a sealing device 10.

[0038] The forming device 8 comprises at least one pair of forming members 101 and is preferably embodied as a forming shell 11 which, in use, is arranged opposite each other on the opposite side of the axis X, i.e. on the opposite side of the tube 3.

[0039] Although not detailed herein, according to a known manner, the forming shell 11 is repeatedly movable towards and away from each other (and towards and away from the tube 3) so as to cooperate periodically with the tube 3 in order to impart or transfer a predetermined outer shape to the tube 3.

[0040] More specifically, each forming shell 11 is defined by a semi-shell having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, whereby the forming member 101 is configured to periodically surround successive portions of the tube 3 by said movement, thereby successively imparting a predetermined outer shape to such portions of the tube 3.

[0041] In particular, the forming shells 11 are movable relative to each other along a second direction B which is transverse, and more particularly orthogonal, to the first direction A and to the axis X.

[0042] Furthermore, the forming shells 11 are reciprocally movable along the first direction A so as to follow the advancement of the tube 3 along the axis X.

[0043] Advantageously, the forming seal device comprises two forming devices 8, i.e. two pairs of forming shells 11, each pair being movable in the aforementioned reciprocal manner.

[0044] More precisely, the speed of each pair of forming shells 11 along the first direction A is, in use, equal to the advancement speed of the tube 3 along the axis X, so that each pair of forming shells 11 can surround respective portions and, periodically, accurately impart or transfer the desired shape.

[0045] Specifically, the tube 3 is fed downward along the axis X. Accordingly, the forming shells 11 move downward so as to follow and surround a portion of the tube 3.

[0046] Then, when the forming is completed, the forming shells 11 disengage from the tube portion and move upward, following the subsequent tube portion and repeating the forming operation on the subsequent tube portion.

[0047] By the two pairs of forming shells 11 performing the above operations alternately, successive portions of the tube 3 are formed.

[0048] The sealing device 10 is configured to repeatedly seal the tube 3 in a cross-section arranged at equal intervals and orthogonal to the tube forward direction, that is, orthogonal to the axis X and the first direction A.

[0049] Specifically, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, the sealing device 10 is arranged on the opposite side of the axis X, particularly on the opposite side of the tube 3, and has a sealing member 12 and a counter-sealing member 13 facing each other.

[0050] According to a known manner, the sealing member 12 and the counter-sealing member 13 are repeatedly movable toward and away from each other so as to cooperate periodically with each other, thereby clamping the tube 3 in a jaw shape in the cross-section for sealing the tube 3 and defining a transverse sealing band extending along a third direction C orthogonal to both the first direction A and the second direction B.

[0051] Advantageously, the forming sealing device comprises two sealing devices 10, and each sealing device 10 moves integrally with its respective pair of forming shells 11 along the axis X (and the first direction A).

[0052] Specifically, for each sealing device 10 and each pair of forming shells 11, the sealing member 12 is integral with one of the forming shells 11 and is preferably arranged below the forming shell 11, and the counter-sealing member 13 is integral with the other forming shell 11 and is preferably arranged below the forming shell 11.

[0053] For this purpose, the packaging assembly 1 comprises at least one, particularly two pairs of arms 14. Each pair of arms 14 is arranged on the opposite side of the axis X, particularly on the opposite side of the tube 3, and carries a pair of forming shells 11 and one sealing device 10. In particular, one arm 14 of each pair of arms 14 carries one of the forming shells 11 and the sealing member 12 of the sealing device 10, and the other arm 14 of each pair of arms 14 carries the other forming shell 11 and the counter-sealing element 13 of the sealing device 10.

[0054] For each pair of arms, arm 14 is as follows: - It is movable toward and away from each other along a direction orthogonal to axis A, particularly along the second direction B; and - It is reciprocally movable along the first direction A so as to follow the advancement of tube 3 along axis X.

[0055] Such reciprocating motion, alternating motion, periodic motion of arm 14, and forming shell 11, seal member 12, and counter seal member 13 are well known and are described, for example, in International Publication No. 2007 / 114752.

[0056] In this way, each set of arms 14 controls and determines the movement of the forming shell 11 of each set and the movement of each sealing device 10.

[0057] In practice, arm 14 defines a forming jaw and a sealing jaw that are movable alternately, and these jaws are controllable in reciprocating motion in the first direction A and the second direction B so as to interact with tube 3 at their successive portions.

[0058] For the sake of brevity, hereinafter only a single forming shell 11 will be referred to. However, the functional and structural features of such a forming shell 11 are equally applicable to each forming shell 11 of the forming device 8.

[0059] According to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the forming shell 11 includes - A hollow body 15 configured to contact and cooperate with tube 3 externally and define an internal cavity 16 internally; and - A reinforcing internal structure 17 housed in cavity 16, surrounded by hollow body 15, and configured to reinforce hollow body 15. It comprises.

[0060] More specifically, the forming shell 11 is defined by a hollow C-shaped half shell 15 that internally partitions cavity 16, and the structure 17 is disposed within cavity 16.

[0061] According to a known embodiment, the forming shell 11 has a main wall and two side walls protruding orthogonally from the main wall, thereby defining the aforementioned C-shaped configuration.

[0062] The reinforcing internal structure 17 comprises a lattice structure arranged within the cavity 16.

[0063] In particular, the structure 17 comprises a lattice macrostructure, i.e., a lattice structure with a particularly high proportion of voids relative to the solid matter, which is particularly visible to the naked eye.

[0064] Advantageously, the lattice structure has a plurality of beams 18 extending within the cavity 16.

[0065] Specifically, the cavity 16 extends longitudinally within the hollow body 15 with respect to the axis X and a first direction A, and the beams 18 extend longitudinally within the cavity 16 with respect to the axis X and the first direction A.

[0066] More specifically, the hollow body 15 - has a first wall 19 having a first outer surface 19a for contacting and cooperating with the tube 3 and a first inner surface 19b on the opposite side of the first outer surface 19a, which partially defines the cavity 16; - and a second wall 20 having a second inner surface 20a facing the first inner surface 19b and partially defining the cavity 16 and a second outer surface 20b facing the second inner surface 20a. comprises.

[0067] Each beam 18 extends laterally within the cavity 16 from the first inner surface 19b to the second inner surface 20a.

[0068] That is, each beam 18 extends laterally between the first inner surface 19b and the second inner surface 20a.

[0069] This configuration ensures the structural rigidity of the hollow body 15 while reducing the weight of the forming shell 11.

[0070] According to this preferred embodiment, the first wall 19 is the front wall of the forming shell 11 with respect to the axis X or the tube 3, and the second wall 20 is the rear wall of the forming shell 11.

[0071] Both the first wall 19 and the second wall 20 have a C-shape for defining the C-shape for forming the shell 11.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the beam 18 is defined by an elongated plate extending (in the longitudinal direction) within the cavity 16, defining a plurality of longitudinal passages (or chambers, or cells, or voids) 21 each having a prismatic cross-section.

[0073] Specifically, for each passage 21, two sides of the respective prismatic cross-section are defined by a pair of opposing beams 18.

[0074] From the above, the beam 18 intersects the first wall 19 and the second wall 20 of the hollow body 15 and extends within the cavity 16 without intersecting each other.

[0075] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the beam 18 intersects the first wall 19, the second wall 20 and extends into the cavity 16 so as to form a mesh-like internal structure.

[0076] Preferably, the passages 21 are separated from each other.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the reinforcing internal structure 17 further comprises a plurality of ribs 22 extending on the first inner surface 19b and protruding therefrom towards the cavity 16.

[0078] Advantageously, the ribs 22 are arranged so as to define a raised grid extending on the first inner surface 19b as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0079] In this way, the hollow body 15 is further strengthened at its most stressed part, i.e., the part where the forming shell 11 contacts and cooperates with the tube 3.

[0080] Preferably, the reinforcing internal structure 17 comprises a plurality of further ribs (not shown) extending on the second inner surface 20a and protruding therefrom towards the cavity 16.

[0081] Advantageously, the ribs of the further plurality of ribs are also arranged so as to define a raised grid extending on the second inner surface 20a.

[0082] In this way, the hollow body 15 is further reinforced and as a result can better withstand the loads applied during use.

[0083] Advantageously, the density of the reinforcing internal structure 17 of both the grid structure (i.e., the beam 18) and the ribs 22 is variable (non-uniform) within the cavity 16.

[0084] For example, such a density is high at the most stressed locations and low at the least stressed locations, so that materials can be saved and weight reduced while ensuring appropriate mechanical properties.

[0085] According to an important aspect of the invention, the hollow body 15 and the reinforcing internal structure 17 are integrally formed without disrupting continuity, so that the forming shell 11 is integrally formed without disrupting continuity.

[0086] Advantageously, the forming shell 11 is obtained by additive manufacturing.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the forming shell 11 is made of a metal such as titanium or stainless steel.

[0088] Advantageously, the forming device 8 comprises at least one cam follower 23 coupled to each forming shell 11 for controlling the movement of the forming shells 11 towards and away from each other in cooperation with a cam surface (known per se and not shown) of the packaging assembly 1 for each forming shell 11.

[0089] In particular, each forming shell 11 carries two cam followers 23 on respective lateral portions 24 that extend in opposite directions from the hollow body 15 along the third direction C.

[0090] Advantageously, the forming shell 11 comprises at least one, in particular two, lubrication channels 25 for conveying a lubricating medium towards the respective cam followers 23. Specifically, each lubrication channel 25 is configured to receive the lubricating medium from a known source and convey the received lubricating medium with the respective cam followers 23.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, each lubrication duct 25 is integrally formed with the hollow body 15 without interruption of continuity.

[0092] In particular, each side portion 24 defines one lubrication duct 25 therein, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0093] Advantageously, each lateral portion 24 is integrally formed with the hollow body 15 without interruption of continuity.

[0094] More specifically, the lateral portion 24 is formed with the hollow body 15 by additive manufacturing, whereby the lubrication duct 25 is formed with the hollow body 15 and a further internal cavity of the hollow body 15 itself, separate from the cavity 16, is defined.

[0095] Hereinafter, the operation of the packaging assembly 1 will be described with reference to a pair of arms 14, starting from a state where the arms 14 are moving downward along the first direction A in accordance with the forward speed of the tube 3.

[0096] In this state, the forming shell 11, like the sealing member 12 and the counter-sealing member 13, begins to move towards each other.

[0097] The sealing member 12 and the counter-sealing member 13 grip the tube 3, thereby sealing the tube 3 and forming a lateral seal band along the third direction C.

[0098] Immediately thereafter, the forming shell 11 surrounds the tube 3 and imparts the desired outer shape.

[0099] When the forming and sealing are completed, the forming shells 11 move away from each other, and the seal member 12 and the counter seal member 13 also move away from each other in the same manner.

[0100] The advantages of the forming device 8 and the packaging assembly 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0101] In particular, due to the special configuration of the forming shell 1, that is, being hollow and internally reinforced, the weight of the forming device 8 is significantly reduced while ensuring appropriate rigidity and resistance.

[0102] Also, since each forming shell 11 is defined by a single part that also includes the lubrication duct 25 instead of a number of parts and fastening elements for connecting those parts to each other, the total number of parts is significantly reduced. Therefore, maintenance, assembly, and manufacturing are significantly facilitated.

[0103] Furthermore, during manufacturing, it is sufficient to simply change the shape (such as the shape, dimensions, and / or density of the beam 18) of the reinforcing internal structure 17 for different types of load profiles exerted by the different packages 2 to be formed. Thus, the flexibility and adaptability of the forming device 8 for packages 2 of different formats are improved.

[0104] Also, it is possible to make the density of both the lattice structure (i.e., the beam 18) and the rib 22 of the reinforcing internal structure 17 not constant within the cavity 16, for example, high at the most stressed locations and low at the least stressed locations, thereby saving material and reducing weight while ensuring appropriate mechanical properties.

[0105] The reduction in weight also reduces the stress on the servo motor configured to move the arm 14, and its torque tendency also becomes smoother.

[0106] Due to the presence of the rib 22, while the first wall 19 and the second wall 20 can be made thinner, sufficient rigidity of such walls can be ensured.

[0107] It is obvious that modifications may be made to the molding device 8 and the packaging assembly 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A molding apparatus (8) for a packaging assembly (1) configured to form and seal a plurality of packages (2) containing a pourable product using a tube (3) of packaging material, wherein the molding apparatus (8) comprises a pair of molding members (101) that are opposite to each other, and movable toward and away from each other, so as to periodically cooperate in contact with a continuous portion of the tube (3) in order to impart or transfer a predetermined external shape to the tube (3), Each molded member (101) is A hollow body (15) is configured to contact and cooperate with the tube (3) externally, and internally defines an internal cavity (16), In order to reinforce the hollow body (15), a reinforcing internal structure (17) is housed within the internal cavity (16) and surrounded by the hollow body (15), Equipped with, Molding device (8).

2. Each of the molded members (101) partitions the cavity (16) internally and is defined by a hollow half-shell having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, and the molded members (101) encircle the continuous portion of the tube (3) in an annular manner. The molding apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The reinforcing internal structure (17) comprises a lattice structure, particularly a lattice macrostructure, arranged within the cavity (16). The molding apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The lattice structure has a plurality of beams (18) extending into the cavity (16), The molding apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The hollow body (15) is A first wall (19) having a first outer surface (19a) for contacting and cooperating with the tube (3), and a first inner surface (19b) on the opposite side of the first outer surface (19a) that partially partitions the cavity (16), A second wall (20) having a second inner surface (20a) facing the first inner surface (19b) and partially partitioning the cavity (16), and a second outer surface (20b) facing the second inner surface (20a), Each beam (18) extends within the cavity (16) from the first inner surface (19b) to the second inner surface (20a). The molding apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The beam (18) is defined by an elongated plate extending into the cavity (16), defining a plurality of longitudinal passages (21), each having a prismatic cross-section. For each passage (21), two sides of the prism cross-section are defined by a pair of opposing beams (18). The molding apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The reinforcing internal structure (17) further comprises a plurality of ribs (22) that extend at least on the first inner surface (19b) and project toward the cavity (16), The molding apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The ribs (22) are arranged to define a raised grid extending on the first inner surface (19a). The molding apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The reinforcing internal structure further comprises a plurality of ribs extending on the second inner surface (20a) and projecting toward the cavity (16). The molding apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The ribs of the further plurality of ribs are arranged to define a raised grid extending on the second inner surface (20a). The molding apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The hollow body (15) and the reinforcing internal structure (17) are formed integrally without disrupting continuity, so that each molded member (101) is formed integrally without disrupting continuity. The molding apparatus according to claim 1.

12. Each molded member (101) is obtained by additive manufacturing. The molding apparatus according to claim 11.

13. Each molded member (101) is provided with at least one cam follower (23) which cooperates with the cam surface of the packaging assembly (1) to control the movement of the molded members (101) toward each other and away from each other. Each molded member (101) is provided with at least one lubrication duct (25) for transporting a lubricating medium toward the cam follower (23), The lubrication duct (25) is formed integrally with the hollow body (15) without disrupting its continuity. The molding apparatus according to claim 11.

14. Each of the molded members (101) extends from the hollow body (15), supports the cam follower (23), and includes at least one lateral portion (24) that defines the lubrication duct (25) inside. The aforementioned lateral portion (24) is integrally formed with the hollow body (15) without disrupting its continuity. The molding apparatus according to claim 13.

15. A packaging assembly (1) for forming and sealing multiple packages (2) containing a pourable product, starting from a tube (3) of packaging material, The longitudinal axis (X) along which the tube (3) is fed during use, A sealing device (10) that seals the tube (3) in its continuous cross-section and has a sealing member (12) and a counter-sealing member (13) located on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis, The molding apparatus (8) described in claim 1, A packaging assembly (1) comprising:

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