System for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags

Abstract

System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped input material (1) defining a web longitudinal direction (L) and extending between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper or cardboard, into packaging bags (11), comprising: a forming device (130, 230) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section with a receiving cavity (9) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the web, wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233), which is capable of introducing two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1) transversely to the web longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the web width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), and a loading device (150, 250) with a loading opening (151, 251) through which shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized by the fact that the loading opening (151, 251) is surrounded by a preferably full-circumference frame (155, 255) which defines a clear width (q) and a clear length (f) which limit the dimensions of the shipping items (21) that can be used.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags. A web-shaped starting material defines a longitudinal direction and extends between two opposing longitudinal edges. The web-shaped starting material preferably consists of paper or cardboard.

[0002] Packaging bags, a web of packaging material, and packaging material blanks are known from DE 10 2020 114 211 A1. Such packaging bags, etc., are used in the packaging industry to pack items, especially shipping items, in particular to protect them from damage during shipping.

[0003] Although various systems are known for forming packaging bags, packaging material webs and packaging material blanks for holding items such as shipping goods from packaging material webs.

[0004] GB 1,067,166 describes a system for packaging articles. The system comprises a supply roll of a weldable web material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Starting from the supply roll, the web material is unwound downwards over guide rollers and fed between a forming channel, bounded transversely to the web's longitudinal direction by side walls, and an infeed channel extending inside the conveying channel. The infeed channel is dimensioned for a specific type of identical shipping item. Along the infeed channel, the upwardly open packaging material web can be loaded from above with articles such as shipping items. A pusher pushes the inserted articles out of the channel pair in the conveying direction and into a packaging material tube.At the end of the feed channel, the edges of the web material are folded inwards by a pair of folding lips and sealed with a first punch to form the packaging material tube. A second punch, positioned further downstream, seals the leading and trailing edges of the tube (in the longitudinal direction of the web) and includes a cutting edge for separating packaging pouches. From an environmental perspective, it is desirable to avoid heat-sealable plastic webs. The supply reel positioned at the top can only hold a very limited quantity of the starting material web. Furthermore, it is heavy and time-consuming to load. Forming using a pair of channels has also proven to be a frequent cause of web breaks, which disrupts the continuous production of packaging material webs and sections thereof.The channel pairing is dimensioned to fit specific items, making it unsuitable for packaging a variety of differently shaped objects. Instead, different channel pairs must be provided for different item types, requiring costly system reconfiguration. Furthermore, the protruding longitudinal edges of the packaging material web in the area of ​​the channel pair have been found to pose a risk of injury. Using the pusher is tiring and time-consuming for the user. If an operator inserts items that are too large, these items or the packaging material web can be damaged when using the pusher. The system also has a large footprint, which is undesirable for small logistics centers.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a system for converting a web-like starting material into packaging bags which is easy, safe and reliable to handle and suitable for packaging a wide variety of objects while requiring little space. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0006] Accordingly, a system for converting a web-shaped input material is provided, wherein the input material defines a longitudinal web direction and extends between two longitudinal edges opposite each other in the web width direction. In particular, the input material comprises, and especially predominantly, i.e., at least 75%, and more specifically at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, paper or cardboard, or consists thereof.

[0007] Web-shaped material, like the starting material, has a longitudinal web direction. The web-shaped material preferably has a constant web / material thickness. Web-shaped material generally expands in the web width direction transversely to the web length direction and, viewed transversely to the web direction, has a particularly constant width. In the web width direction, the web-shaped material has opposite longitudinal edges. In the web width direction, the packaging material web terminates at each longitudinal edge extending in the web length direction. For example, the web-shaped starting material has a width of at least 200 mm and, in particular, at most 2000 mm. For example, the width is approximately 500 mm.Web-shaped material generally has much larger dimensions in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction. For example, the extent of the web material in the longitudinal direction can be at least 20, at least 50, at least 100, or at least 1000 times greater than in the width direction. Web-shaped material generally has much larger dimensions in the width direction than in the thickness direction. For example, the extent of the web material in the width direction can be at least 20, at least 50, at least 100, or at least 1000 times greater than the web / material thickness. Optionally, at least one longitudinal edge strip adjacent to a longitudinal edge is provided, at least partially, with a cold-sealable adhesive. The adhesive width of the longitudinal edge strip provided with cold-sealable adhesive can be at least 10 mm and, in particular, at most 300 mm, 250 mm, or at most 200 mm.For example, both opposite longitudinal edges can be coated with cold-sealable adhesive.

[0008] The web-like material is preferably made predominantly or entirely of a cellulose-based material. In particular, the web-like material can be made of paper, such as recycled paper, and / or cardboard, especially corrugated cardboard. Preferably, a web-like material made of paper or cardboard, especially corrugated cardboard, is provided. The material web can be made of paper, such as recycled paper, and / or 100% recyclable paper, which may be produced without chemical additives. Recycled paper is, in particular, paper materials with a low proportion (less than 50%) of virgin fiber paper. For example, paper materials containing 70% to 100% recycled paper, especially based on waste paper, are used.The recycled paper within the meaning of this invention can be paper material that has a tensile strength index longitudinally to the machine direction of at most 90 Nm / g, preferably a tensile strength of 15 Nm / g to 60 Nm / g, and a tensile strength index transversely to the machine direction of at most 60 Nm / g, preferably a tensile strength of 5 Nm / g to 40 Nm / g. For determining the tensile strength or the tensile strength index, a standard such as DIN EN ISO 1924-2 or DIN EN ISO 1924-3 can be used. In addition, or alternatively, a recycled paper property can be characterized by its so-called burst resistance. A material in this sense is recycled paper with a burst index of at most 3.0 kPa*m^2 / g, preferably with a burst index of 0.8 kPa*m^2 / g to 2.5 kPa*m^2 / g. The burst index is determined according to the standard DIN EN ISO 2758.Furthermore, the packaging material has a mass per unit area of, in particular, 40 g / m² to a maximum of 140 g / m². The web-like starting material can be in the form of a roll of material or a zigzag-folded stack of packaging material, also known as a leporello stack.

[0009] The system according to the invention comprises a forming device for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a receiving cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The forming device is preferably designed and configured to form the, in particular initially flat, web-shaped starting material into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the receiving cavity of the material web has an insertion opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. In particular, the receiving cavity is bounded by a pocket base formed opposite the insertion opening and laterally by projecting wings of the material web. The material web can, for example, be formed with a V-shaped cross-section.The forming device can, for example, be configured to transform an initially flat, web-shaped starting material by bending or folding at least one wing extending along a first (e.g., right in the conveying direction) or second (e.g., left in the conveying direction) longitudinal edge onto the other wing. Alternatively, the material web can be formed with a U-shaped cross-section. The forming device can be configured to bend or fold opposing wings at both opposite longitudinal edges of the initially flat, web-shaped starting material towards each other, forming a back extending along the center of the web material. In the system for transforming the web-shaped starting material, the forming device is preferably arranged downstream of a feed device in the conveying direction.

[0010] In particular, the forming device comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller, which can be brought into contact with the material web, such as a rolling contact, a sliding contact, or the like. The folding means can, in particular, be designed and configured to press against the material web. The folding means can be arranged relative to at least one other means determining the conveying path of the web-shaped input material or the material web, in particular at least one upstream, downstream, or to the right or left of the folding means with respect to the conveying direction, such that the folding means, together with the at least one other means, causes a deformation of an originally flat, web-shaped extension. In particular, the at least one other means determining the conveying path of the web-shaped input material or the material web is also brought into contact with the input material or the material web.The forming device comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller, which presses against the web of material between the opposing longitudinal edges to introduce two wings projecting from a pocket base into the web-shaped starting material transversely to the longitudinal direction of the web. Preferably, the folding means presses against the web in the web width direction, particularly centrally between the opposing longitudinal edges.

[0011] Furthermore, the system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped input material into packaging bags comprises a feeding device with a feeding opening through which shipping items or goods can be inserted into the receiving cavity of the V- or U-shaped material web in a feeding direction. Preferably, the feeding direction is oriented transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying direction in the area of ​​the feeding device. The feeding device can include a guide to support the V- or U-shape of the material web in the area of ​​the feeding device, in particular at the bottom of the bag and / or on at least one wing. The feeding device is in particular designed and configured to keep the material web open in a trough-like shape in the area of ​​the feeding opening. In the system for converting the web-shaped input material, the feeding device is preferably arranged downstream of the forming device in the conveying direction.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the second aspect and / or the other aspects, the loading opening is surrounded by a frame that defines a clear width and a clear length, which limit the dimensions of the items that can be loaded. Preferably, the frame completely surrounds the loading opening. The clear length is preferably oriented in the conveying direction and, optionally, in the longitudinal direction of the web. The clear width is preferably oriented transversely to the conveying direction and, optionally, in the web width direction. In particular, the loading device is covered by the frame at least on the side provided with the loading opening, with the exception of the loading opening itself. It may be preferred that the loading opening has a clear width that essentially corresponds to the width of the pocket base.In particular, the longitudinal edges of the material web, especially the flaps projecting from the bottom of the pocket, are covered by the frame in the area of ​​the feeding device. Specifically, the frame is designed to fit a guide for the material web in the feeding device, a forming device arranged upstream of the feeding device, a conveying device, a sealing device, and / or a cutting device in such a way that the longitudinal edges of the material web in the area of ​​the feeding device are covered by the frame. Specifically, the frame forms a cover designed and configured to allow access for inserting shipping items exclusively into the receiving cavity of the material web and / or, in a covered position, to prevent access to the longitudinal edges of the material web.The frame width is greater than the clear width, in particular at least 50% greater than, preferably at least twice as large as, the clear width. The frame length is greater than the clear length, in particular at least 10% greater, preferably at least 25% greater. The frame length is preferably not greater than three times the clear length, in particular not greater than twice the clear length.

[0013] The frame ensures safe access, particularly for manually inserting items into the material web. Using a frame eliminates the risk of injury from protruding edges and prevents unintentional deformation of the web. Furthermore, the frame ensures that only items whose shape and size allow for subsequent placement in a packaging bag can be inserted into the material web being formed into packaging bags.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the frame is fixed to the loading device. Alternatively or additionally, the clear width and clear length are dimensionally stable. In particular, the frame is formed in one piece, preferably solid, or from rigidly connected frame parts. The frame can, for example, be formed from at least one sheet, at least one shell, at least one plate, or the like.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the preceding embodiments, the frame has guide surfaces, such as guide plates, opposite each other transversely to the conveying direction, which define the feed opening. The guide surfaces form opposing longitudinal edges, wherein the guide surfaces are rounded in the region of the longitudinal edges with respect to the feed direction, in particular the guide plates are curved. The longitudinal edges define the feed opening in the web width direction. The clear width can be determined by the, preferably constant, distance between the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are preferably arranged parallel to each other. Preferably, the guide surfaces extend in the feed direction from a front face of the frame into the feed device, in particular towards the bottom of the pocket and / or at least one guide surface opposite the feed opening.The extension length of the guide surfaces in the feeding direction is preferably selected to correspond to the depth of the wings formed by the forming device. It is preferred that the extension length of the guide surfaces in the feeding direction is no greater than the depth of the wings of the V- or U-shaped material web in the area of ​​the feeding device, in particular no greater than three-quarters of the depth, preferably no greater than half the depth, and most preferably no greater than one-third of the depth. It may be advantageous for the guide surfaces to be adapted to the forming device such that the guide surfaces project at least partially into the receiving cavity of the material web formed by the forming device. With the aid of guide surfaces, users can reliably place shipping items into a receiving cavity of a material web that is to be formed into a packaging bag.It may be preferred that the guide surfaces, in particular the guide plates, are designed separately from the frame. It is especially preferred that the frame and the guide surfaces are mounted or mountable separately on the feeding device. In particular, the frame and the guide surfaces, such as guide plates or the like, are two-part. Guide surfaces, such as guide plates, can be adjustable in size or interchangeable. This ensures that the system offers high flexibility and rapid adaptability to different sizes of shipping bags. This is particularly advantageous if the frame, with its clear width or clear length, is interchangeable and / or adjustable, so that the guide surfaces, in particular the guide plates, can remain in place.

[0016] According to a further development of the system with guide surfaces, it can be provided that, on the inside of the feeding device, in the area of ​​the guide surfaces, opposite guides for opposing vanes, in particular longitudinal edges, of the material web with a U-shaped cross-section, such as guide plates, guide rollers, and / or guide cylinders, are arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The guides are arranged upstream in the conveying direction and / or in the area of ​​the feeding opening. In particular, the guide surfaces can be designed and configured as guide plates or the like to guide the inner surfaces of the vanes, which define the receiving cavity, in the area of ​​the feeding device in the conveying direction. Additionally or alternatively, the guides can have guide plates that guide the outer surface of the vanes forming the packaging pockets on the outside in the area of ​​the feeding device in the conveying direction.Upstream of the feed opening, the guides may have funnel-shaped inlet sections for one (right or left) of the blades. Upstream of the feed device, the guides may include a funnel-shaped transfer section for the simultaneous feeding of both blades, in particular both longitudinal edges, to a conveying device, sealing device, and / or separating device located downstream of the feed device.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention, the frame is detachably connected to the loading device. Preferably, the system comprises several frames of different sizes, one of which can be attached to the loading opening, while the others can be stored in a magazine or the like. The frames preferably have different sizes, differing in their clear width and / or clear length. A system with an interchangeable frame and / or adjustable frame size can be easily adapted to packaging bags and / or shipping items of varying sizes. Alternatively or additionally, the frame has at least one adjusting means for adjusting the clear length and / or the clear width. To achieve greater flexibility, the clear width and / or the clear length can be adjustable.The positioning device is adjustable, in particular, in predefined increments. Specifically, the system can comprise a frame with a fixed clear width and a positioning device for adjusting the clear length. Alternatively, the system can comprise a frame with a fixed clear length and a positioning device for adjusting the clear width. The positioning device preferably comprises a positioning actuator, such as an electromechanical actuator, designed and configured to move to a set clear length and / or clear width, and a control device for actuating the positioning actuator. Furthermore, the system can comprise an operating device for determining the set clear length and / or clear width, which is connected to the control device via signal transmission.It may be preferred that the size, in particular the length and / or depth, of the packaging bag to be formed is adjustable depending on the clear width and / or clear length of the frame. For example, the control device and / or the operating device may be designed with a signal transmission system including a separating and / or sealing device and / or a conveying device for adjusting the size, in particular the length and / or depth, of the packaging bag to be formed.

[0018] According to one embodiment of a system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped input material into packaging bags, the feeding device defines a guide surface for the bag base, which limits the dimensions of the items that can be placed inside in the feeding direction. The guide surface is preferably arranged opposite the feeding opening in the feeding direction. The guide surface can extend into the forming device. The feeding device, and optionally the forming device, define the guide surface, particularly for the bag base. Preferably, the guide surface is designed to guide and / or support the V- or U-shaped formed material web in the area of ​​the bag base and / or between opposing wings of the material web. The guide surface can, in particular, be designed as a stop for items, such as items for shipment, that are used or can be used in a feeding device.

[0019] According to a further development of the system with a guide surface opposite the feed opening in the feed direction, the guide surface can be defined by at least one counter bearing corresponding to at least one folding element, such as folding rollers, in particular the second folding roller, and in particular by at least one counter bearing roller or a sliding surface. It is preferred that the guide surface at least partially implements a means determining the conveying path of the web-shaped input material or the material web, which can be brought into contact with the input material or the material web. A deflection axis defined by the deflection, in particular the deflection roller, can be oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the conveying direction along the guide surface and / or offset from the guide surface.With the aid of at least one counter bearing roller, in particular several counter bearing rollers, and / or at least one sliding surface, in particular several sliding surfaces, wherein in particular counter bearing rollers and sliding surfaces can be provided alternately in the conveying direction, a reliable counter bearing can be realized on the guide surface for supporting the bottom of the pocket and, if necessary, objects that can be inserted or placed into the receiving cavity, such as shipping items.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first and / or the other aspects, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, comprising a forming device and a feeding device. The forming device includes at least one folding means for forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The feeding device has a feeding opening through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving cavity in one feeding direction.

[0021] According to the second aspect of the invention, the system for forming the web-shaped starting material into packaging bags includes at least one safety sensor, such as a light barrier or a light grid, for scanning the feed opening. The system can be at least partially deactivated by the safety sensor. The safety sensor is preferably designed and configured to detect whether at least one object, such as an item (e.g., a shipping item) and / or a person (e.g., their hand, arm, or other body part), is located in the area of ​​the feed opening. In particular, the safety sensor can be designed to detect objects in an area located at the edge of the feed device and spanning the feed opening.Preferably, the safety sensor is designed to initiate at least partial deactivation of the system if it detects an object located in the area of ​​the loading opening, such as a body part (e.g., a finger), a person reaching into the loading opening, or a shipping item not completely inserted into the receiving cavity (e.g., an item that is not oriented correctly, not inserted deeply enough, or is too large). Integrating a safety sensor into a system according to the invention allows for particularly safe handling.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system comprises at least one conveying device that can be deactivated by the safety sensor. A conveying device can be designed and configured to convey the web-shaped input material formed in the forming device, particularly from the feeding device. In particular, only the conveying device can be deactivated by the safety sensor. It may be preferred that further system components, such as a feed device, clamping device, deflection device, forming device, marking device, sealing device, and / or cutting device, are operated and / or actuated depending on the conveying device, and in particular that these further system components are operated exclusively when the conveying device is active.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system comprises at least one feed device, clamping device, deflection device, forming device, marking device, sealing device, and / or cutting device, which can be deactivated by the safety sensor and which is / are connected to the safety sensor for energy and / or signal transmission. A feed device can be designed to pull the web-shaped starting material from a supply of material webs, for example, a zigzag-folded supply stack, which can also be referred to as a leporello stack, or from a supply roll. A clamping device can, for example, be implemented by a support roller.A deflection can be implemented, for example, by a deflection roller to guide the web-shaped input material from the feed device along the deflection to the forming device, in particular along a deflection angle of at least 10°, more specifically at least 60°, preferably at least 90°, and optionally not more than 180°. A marking device, such as a printer, a label applicator, or the like, can be designed and configured to apply or affix at least one visually perceptible marking to the outside of the packaging bag and / or the web-shaped input material. A sealing device can be designed and configured to seal at least one transverse strip and / or one longitudinal strip of the formed web-shaped input material, in particular to form a packaging bag.A separating device can be designed and configured to separate a packaging bag from the source material web along a transverse strip. Optionally, the system can include one or more additional components that can be deactivated by the safety sensor.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first and / or the other aspects, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, comprising a forming device and a feeding device. The forming device includes at least one folding means for forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The feeding device has a feeding opening through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving cavity in one feeding direction.

[0025] According to the third aspect of the invention, the loading device comprises at least one position sensor, for example, an optical sensor such as a camera, in particular a 3D camera. Alternatively, the position sensor can comprise an ultrasonic sensor, a mechanical sensor such as a slider, a probe, a gauge, a studded sensor, or the like, or an X-ray sensor. The position sensor is directed toward at least one reference area on an inner surface of the loading device in the region of the loading opening. In particular, the position sensor is directed toward an inner edge of the loading opening. The position sensor is designed to detect whether the reference area is exposed or at least partially (or even completely) covered by a shipment.The position sensor can be connected to at least one signal transmitter, such as an optical signal transmitter (e.g., a warning light) or an acoustic signal transmitter, to actuate the at least one signal transmitter, in particular to trigger it if the reference area is at least partially covered. Alternatively or additionally, the position sensor can be connected to at least one component of the system, for example, a control unit, a conveying device, a sealing device, and / or a separating device. In particular, the system can be designed and configured to prevent actuation of the conveying device, the sealing device, and / or the separating device if the position sensor detects at least partial coverage of the reference area.The position sensor ensures that no items, such as shipping bags, are inserted into the receiving chamber and subsequently conveyed if they are too large, not inserted deeply enough, or incorrectly inserted (e.g., at an angle and protruding at least slightly) for the achievable shipping bag size. If a user mistakenly inserts an oversized item into the loading opening, they are notified of its incompatibility with the system, allowing the item to be removed and the production process to continue. This prevents material jams or similar issues within the device.

[0026] In one embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the position sensor, in particular the optical sensor, is arranged in the conveying direction upstream of the feed opening. Preferably, the at least one position sensor is fixedly mounted on a frame of the system, in particular the feed device. In particular, the position sensor can be arranged in the conveying direction between the forming device and the feed device. By arranging the position sensor upstream of the feed opening, a collision of the position sensor with items being inserted, in particular shipping items, can be prevented.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the previous one, the position sensor, in particular the optical sensor, is arranged on the inside of the feeding device. The position sensor is directed towards the receiving area of ​​the material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the position sensor is aligned in the direction of conveying. In particular, the position sensor is aligned towards a sealing device arranged downstream of the feeding opening in the conveying direction for sealing at least one transverse strip of the formed web-shaped starting material. Alternatively or additionally, the position sensor can be aligned towards a cutting device arranged downstream of the feeding opening.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the third and / or the remaining aspects, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, comprising a forming device and a feeding device. The forming device includes at least one folding means for forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The feeding device has a feeding opening through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving cavity in one feeding direction.

[0029] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the feeding device comprises at least one measuring device for determining at least one dimension of at least one object, in particular a shipping item, arranged in the feeding device in the area of ​​the receiving cavity. The measuring device can be designed to determine several dimensions of at least one shipping item. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device can be designed to determine at least one dimension of several objects, in particular shipping items, arranged in the feeding device in the area of ​​the receiving cavity. The measuring device can, for example, be designed to determine a dimension of one piece: width, length, and / or height. The width refers to the dimension of the piece transverse to the conveying direction and transverse to the feeding direction and / or in the web width direction. The length refers to the dimension of the piece in the conveying direction and / or in the web longitudinal direction.The piece height refers to the piece dimension perpendicular to the conveying direction in the feeding direction. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measuring device can be designed to determine a piece volume and / or piece weight as a piece dimension. The measuring device can include the position sensor. The measuring device can include an optical sensor, in particular the optical sensor that implements the position sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device can include at least one ultrasonic sensor, at least one mechanical sensor such as a slide, a probe, a gauge, a studded sensor, or the like, or at least one X-ray sensor. Optionally, the measuring device can include a sensor of the type of a laser scanner.In particular, the measuring device is equipped with a lidar sensor designed and configured to scan the receiving cavity using lidar scanning and / or to detect objects within the receiving cavity using lidar scanning. The lidar sensor can preferably be configured as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional lidar sensor. A three-dimensional lidar sensor is particularly advantageous for relatively wide shipping bags, while a two-dimensional lidar sensor has proven sufficient for relatively narrow shipping bags. Preferably, the measuring device is connected via signal transmission to a control unit, a conveying device, a sealing device, and / or a separating device of the system.The system, in particular the control unit, the conveying device, the sealing device and / or the cutting device, can be designed to process the material web according to at least one dimension determined by the measuring device. With the aid of a measuring device, the system can optimize the production of shipping bags from the web-shaped starting material, for example with regard to production speed as well as with regard to an optimized shape design of the shipping bags, in particular their transverse and / or longitudinal stripes.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the measuring device comprises a camera, in particular a 3D camera. Optionally, the measuring device and the position sensor comprise the same camera. It is conceivable that the measuring device and the position sensor comprise different cameras or that the position sensor does not comprise a camera. In particular, the position sensor comprises a lidar sensor, for example, as described above. The camera captures several image sections. In particular, the camera captures an image that comprises several image sections, preferably consisting of several area sections. The measuring device is designed and configured to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece height, based on a number of the area sections occupied by the at least one shipping item. Based on the piece dimension, in particular the piece length, the length of the shipping bag to be formed can be adjusted.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the previous one, the measuring device comprises a camera, in particular a 3D camera, which captures several image sections. The measuring device is designed and configured to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece length, based on a preferably maximum distance of at least one image section depicting the essence of a shipment, particularly in relation to a predetermined reference plane. In particular, the reference plane corresponds to a sealing device for sealing at least one transverse strip of the formed web-shaped starting material. Alternatively or additionally, the reference plane corresponds to a separating device for separating a packaging bag from the starting material web along a transverse strip.According to a suitable embodiment, the measuring device can be designed and set up to determine the piece dimension, in particular the piece length, taking into account a predetermined distance between the at least one shipping item in the receiving cavity and the reference plane.

[0032] In an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention that can be combined with the other embodiments, the measuring device comprises at least one mechanical probe. Preferably, the measuring device comprises a plurality of mechanical probes, for example, a plurality of mechanical probes arranged in the conveying direction along the feed opening. The at least one probe is movable. Preferably, the at least one mechanical probe is movable transversely to the conveying direction and, optionally, transversely to the feed direction. The at least one probe can be translationally movable or pivotally movable. The measuring device is designed to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece length, piece width, and / or piece weight, based on the position, orientation, and / or number of the shipping items detected by the at least one mechanical probe, preferably located in the area of ​​the feed opening.The at least one sensor is preferably movable, in particular pivotable or translationally movable, on the feeding device, especially in the area of ​​the frame and / or on the guide surface. Preferably, the at least one mechanical sensor projects into the area of ​​the feeding opening in an un-displaced state. The mechanical sensor is preferably designed to push into the area of ​​the feeding opening from the outside and / or transversely to the conveying direction, preferably from the outside against the V- or U-shaped material web.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first, second, and / or the remaining aspects, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, comprising a forming device and a feeding device. The forming device includes at least one folding means for forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The feeding device has a feeding opening through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving cavity in one feeding direction.

[0034] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the system comprises at least one marking device for applying or affixing at least one visually perceptible marking to an outer surface of the packaging bag and / or the web-shaped starting material, in particular a wing of the material web having a V- or U-shaped cross-section. The marking device can be, for example, a printer, a label adhesive, or the like.

[0035] In one embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, the marking device is arranged in the conveying direction in the area of ​​the feeding device, in particular the feeding opening.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the others, the marking device comprises at least one driver movable transversely to the conveying direction for guiding a marking unit or a marking carrier, such as an adhesive label, against the outside of the packaging bag and / or the web-shaped starting material. The marking unit can, for example, be a printhead. A marking carrier can, for example, be an adhesive label. This embodiment can optionally be combined with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the driver can be designed and configured to push the marking unit or the marking carrier against the guide, the guide surface, or one of the guide surfaces onto the packaging bag, the web-shaped starting material, and / or the V- or U-shaped material web.

[0037] According to a further development of the system, the drive element is actuated by the same drive as a conveying device, a sealing device, and / or a separating device of the system. The drive element can be connected or linked to the drive of the conveying device, the sealing device, and / or the separating device by means of a coupling, in particular a detachable coupling, for the purpose of power transmission.

[0038] In an embodiment of a system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the marking device is connected by signal transmission to an identification device for recognizing the shipment item. The identification device can, for example, be a scanner and / or a database system, which is part of the system or at least connectable to or connected to the system by data transmission. The marking device is designed to provide a marking corresponding to an individual shipment item. The marking can, for example, include a shipping address corresponding to a specific shipment item. Alternatively or additionally, the marking can include information relating to the individual shipment item, such as a unit dimension of the shipment item, for example, its unit weight, a product name, and / or a value indication of the shipment item.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the system for converting a web-shaped starting material into a material according to at least one of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, the feed opening extends in a plane that is vertically oriented or in a plane that is horizontally oriented.

[0040] A preferred embodiment of the system for converting a web-shaped input material into packaging bags according to one or more of the first to fifth aspects of the invention described above further comprises a feed device for drawing off the web-shaped input material from a material supply, such as a supply roll or a supply stack, in particular a concertina stack. The feed device may, for example, comprise opposing conveyor rollers, conveyor cylinders, or the like. It may be preferred that the feed device has a drive unit, such as an electric motor, which drives at least one conveyor roller or cylinder. Preferably, the feed device is designed to draw off the web-shaped input material from a material web supply, for example, a zigzag-folded supply stack, which may also be referred to as a concertina stack, or from a supply roll.

[0041] Additionally, the system can include a deflection device, such as a deflection roller, for guiding the web-like input material from the infeed device along the deflection to the forming device. In the conveying direction, the deflection device is arranged between the infeed device and the forming device. Advantageously, the deflection device can implement a means that determines, at least in sections, the conveying path of the web-like input material between the infeed device and the forming device. In particular, the forming device can be adapted to the web-like input material, the infeed device, and / or the forming device such that the web-like input material has a flat, web-like extension at the forming device, especially along at least a partial wrap around the forming device.A flat, web-like extension of the web-like input material is understood to refer particularly to its extension in the web width direction. In the conveying direction or the web longitudinal direction corresponding to the conveying direction, the flat, web-like input material can be guided along a curved path, particularly by means of deflection, the feed device, and optionally a support roller or the like, wherein the curved path can, for example, be C- or S-shaped in sections. Preferably, the deflection is designed to change the path of the web-like input material in the conveying direction, for example by at least 10° and / or not more than 180°.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the feeding device can have at least one creasing element for introducing at least one longitudinal groove, in particular at least one longitudinal center groove, preferably two or three longitudinal center grooves, into the web-shaped starting material. Preferably, the at least one creasing element is matched to a folding means, in particular at least one, preferably first, folding roller. Advantageously, the system can be equipped with at least one creasing element designed to introduce one or more grooves in the longitudinal direction of the web into the web-shaped starting material, which preferably comprises or consists of paper or cardboard, in order to improve the forming process of the web-shaped starting material along the longitudinal grooves by the folding means. Preferably, the introduction of the at least one longitudinal groove is carried out in accordance with DE 10 2020 114 211 A1.

[0043] Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0044] Further properties, features and advantages of the invention will be clarified below by means of a description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a side view of a first embodiment of a system for forming a web-shaped starting material into shipping bags; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system for forming a web-shaped input material into shipping bags; Fig. 3 a detailed view of a deflection; Fig. 4 a detailed view of a forming device in the conveying direction; Fig. 5 a detailed view of the forming device according to Fig. 4 perpendicular to the direction of conveyance; Fig. 6 a side view of a third embodiment of a system for forming a web-shaped input material into shipping bags; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the system according to Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a side view of a feed device with groove elements; Fig. 9 a detailed view of a feeding device in the feeding direction; Fig. 10 a detailed view of the loading device according to Fig. 9 perpendicular to the direction of conveyance; Fig. 11 a sectional view of a feeding device in the feeding direction; Fig. 12 a detailed view of a conveyor device; Fig. 13 a perspective view of a separating and sealing device; Fig. 14 a schematic representation of a feeding device with a measuring device; Fig. 15 a perspective view of a feeding device with an optical sensor; Fig. 16 a perspective view of a feeding device with a labeler and a light grid; Fig. 17 a perspective view of a shipping bag; Fig. 18 a perspective view of the shipping bag according to Fig. 17; and Fig. 19 a view of the shipping bag according to Fig. 17 with a view from the outside of the bag bottom.

[0045] To simplify readability, the following description of preferred embodiments of the various aspects of the invention that can be realized individually or combined uses the same or similar reference numerals for the same or similar components of different embodiments of systems for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags. Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the embodiments of a system described below may embody several combined aspects of the invention, the various aspects can each be realized individually or in any combination.

[0046] A system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped input material, which defines a web longitudinal direction and extends between two longitudinal directions opposite each other in the web width direction, into packaging bags, is generally designated with the reference numeral 100 or 200. The various embodiments of systems according to the invention, which are designated with the reference numeral 100 on the one hand and with the reference numeral 200 on the other, differ essentially only in the position of the various system components relative to each other and the resulting conveying path for the input material.

[0047] The web-shaped starting material 1 is preferably made of or consists of cardboard or paper. In addition to cardboard or paper, the starting material 1 may comprise an adhesive or the like for sealing the packaging bags 11 to be formed. An example of a packaging bag 11 that can be produced with the system according to the invention is shown in the Fig. 17-19 illustrated.

[0048] As in Fig. 1 or Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the web-shaped starting material 1 for system 100 (or 200) can be provided as a material web supply 2, for example, in the form of a supply roll. The material web supply 2 is preferably arranged near the ground so that even heavy, large material web supplies 2 can be used without cranes or similar lifting aids. Instead, for example, a mobile support frame 20 can be used for a material web supply 2, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2. The support frame 20 itself can be mechanically coupled to the system 100, for example, attached, to achieve optimized alignment of the web-shaped input material 1 relative to the feed device 110 / 210. The web-shaped input material 1, wound into the material web supply 2, has a web width direction B. The extent of the input material 1 in the web width direction B corresponds to the cylinder height of the coil-shaped material web supply 2. The opposing circular base surfaces of the coil-shaped or cylindrical material web supply 2 are formed by the opposing longitudinal edges 6 of the input material web 1. To form the coil-shaped material web supply 2, the input material web 1 is wound in the direction of its longitudinal web direction L.

[0049] System 100 and, if applicable, the support frame 20 stand on a surface, such as a hall floor, which extends essentially horizontally. A vertical direction V extends orthogonally across this surface in the direction of gravity.

[0050] To process the web-like starting material 1 into a multitude of packaging bags 11 by the system 100, the material web 1 is guided and pulled through the system 100 with a conveying direction F corresponding to its longitudinal direction L, and is thereby unwound from the roll-like material web supply 2. Within the various components of the system 100, the local conveying direction F, along which the web-like material 1 is moved, can be variable with respect to the vertical direction V as well as with respect to a horizontal direction.

[0051] The conveying path of material track 1 through system 100 according to the in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 exemplary versions shown, as well as by the system 200 according to the in Fig. 6 and Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7, the process generally proceeds (in successive order according to the following list of system components) from a material web supply 2 through a feed device 110 / 210, along a clamping device, such as a support roller 115 / 215, to a deflection, such as a deflection roller 120 / 220, and then to a forming device 130 / 230 and a subsequent feeding device 150 / 250, and further to a conveying device 170 / 270 and a sealing device 180 / 280, and finally to a cutting device 190 / 290.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the web-shaped starting material 1 extends from the material web supply 2 to the deflection roller 120 / 220 in the web width direction B, essentially flat, particularly in a horizontal direction. Starting from the deflection, the web-shaped starting material 1 is formed in the forming device 130 / 230 into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity 9 extending in the web longitudinal direction L. The receiving cavity 9 is bounded on one side by a pocket base 7 and on both sides by wings 8 projecting transversely to the conveying direction F and / or the web longitudinal direction L, and extends in the web longitudinal direction L. From the forming device 130 / 230, the material web 5 with a V- or U-shaped cross-section is transferred to the feeding device 150 / 250.The loading device 150 / 250 has a loading opening 151 / 251 opposite the pocket base 7, through which shipping items 21 can be inserted into the receiving cavity 9. The conveying device 170 / 270 pulls the V- or U-shaped material web 5, bearing at least one shipping item 21, from the loading device 150 / 250 in the conveying direction F. A sealing device 180 / 280 introduces transverse strips 15 and longitudinal strips 16 into the V- or U-shaped material web 5 to form packaging pockets 11. The separating device 190 / 290 separates packaging bags 11 containing at least one shipping item 21 from the material web 1. The sealing device 180 / 280 can be formed at least partially in functional union with the conveying device 170 / 270 and / or the separating device 190 / 290.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the system 100 for converting the web-like input material 1, which is made of paper or cardboard in particular, into packaging bags 11. A feed device 110 draws the web-like input material 1 from the material web supply 2. The feed device 110 is arranged vertically V above the material web supply 2. Downstream of the feed device 110, the web-like input material 1, which may have been formed into a grooved material web 3 in the feed device 110 by means of a creasing element 105, is guided along a support roller 115. The support roller 115 can be called a float roller or dancer roller. The support roller 115 is mounted on the system 100 in the embodiment shown. Fig. 1. The infeed device 110 is movably mounted transversely to the conveying direction F. The support roller 115 is held movable to perform an evasive movement a relative to the infeed device 110 and / or a deflection 120. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the evasive movement a can be aligned in the vertical direction V.

[0054] The support roller 115 can, for example, be pre-tensioned downwards in the vertical direction V by a mass, in particular its own weight. Alternatively or additionally, the support roller 215 can be spring-tensioned to perform a deflection movement a. The support roller 215 is designed without a pneumatic actuator. The tension force of the web-shaped input material 1 acts against the pre-tension of the support roller 215 as a result of a tensile force acting on the input material web 1 in the conveying direction F by a conveying device 170. With the aid of the support roller, discontinuities between a conveying speed when the web-shaped input material web 1 is pulled from the material web supply 2 on the one hand, and a conveying speed at the conveying device 170 and / or the separating device 190 on the other hand, can be compensated for.By shifting the support roller 115 in the direction of the compensating movement a, the conveying path from the infeed device 110 to the feed device 150 is extended, so that a buffer quantity of web-shaped input material 1 can be kept along the conveying path.

[0055] In the upstream section of the forming device 130, a deflection element, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here is implemented as a deflection roller 120, is arranged. The web-shaped input material 1 is supported along the deflection axis U against the deflection roller 120 before being conveyed through the forming device 130. The deflection roller 120 extends in the direction of the deflection axis U over more than the output width b of the input material web 1.

[0056] Fig. Figure 3 shows a deflection with a deflection roller 120 and an optional retaining belt 125. The web-shaped starting material 1 is guided along a circumferential contact area 121. The circumferential contact area 121 extends in the Fig. 3 illustrated exemplary versions accordingly Fig. 1 over more than 90° around the outer circumference of the deflection roller 120. The retaining belt 125 is in contact with part of the circumferential contact area 121. The retaining belt 125 prevents the web-shaped starting material 1 from lifting off the deflection roller 120, which could otherwise lead to material jams or material tears.

[0057] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the retaining belt 125 is guided along three belt deflection pulleys or belt rollers 126, 127, of which, for example, one belt deflection pulley 126 can be driven and one belt deflection pulley 127 can be movably mounted to maintain belt tension. The driven belt roller 126 can provide a driving force for conveying the input material web 1. Optionally, the belt roller 126 is equipped with a freewheel, which is arranged between the drive motor and the retaining belt 125 itself. This facilitates the commissioning of the system 100 / 200 or when a new material web 5 is fed into the system 100 / 200. In the direction of the deflection axis U, the retaining belt 125 extends significantly shorter than the deflection pulley 120.

[0058] The deflection, implemented here as a deflection roller 120, is arranged vertically above the forming device 130 in the vertical direction V. The deflection roller 120 is also arranged above the feed device 110, which is located above the material web supply 2. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 the uppermost component of the system 100. The arrangement of the deflection between the feed device 110 and the forming device 130 allows for a compact design in the horizontal direction, so that the system 100 can be set up in a logistics hall with a particularly narrow footprint.

[0059] A forming device 130 is described below with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is described in detail. Starting from the deflection point, the initial material web 1 is conveyed downwards in the conveying direction F, corresponding to the vertical direction V, into and through the forming device 130. The longitudinal edges 6 of the material web can essentially remain in the plane defined by the deflection point, which extends from the deflection roller 120 to the conveying device 170. The central area of ​​the material web in the web width direction B is formed by folding means, implemented here by folding rollers 131, 132, and 133, into a pocket base 7 of a material web 5 with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, which is framed on both sides by wings 8 that extend to the longitudinal edges 6.

[0060] The forming device 130 comprises a first folding roll 131, the roll axis W of which is aligned parallel to the deflection axis U and offset from the deflection axis U. In the conveying direction F, an axis distance X is provided between the roll axis W of the first conveying roll 131 and the deflection axis U. Transversely to the conveying direction F, a reversal distance Y extends between the deflection axis U and the roll axis W of the first conveying roll 131. A second folding roll 132 and, optionally, a third folding roll 133 arranged between the first folding roll 131 and the second folding roll 132 define the path of the pocket bottom 7 through the forming device 130. The roll axis W of the second folding roll 132 is arranged significantly further away from the deflection axis U in the conveying direction F through the forming device 130 than the axis distance X, preferably by a factor of 2 to 5.Transverse to the conveying direction F (in the feeding direction E), the second folding roll 132 is positioned relative to the deflection axis U relative to the first folding roll 131 at a distance Y, but not exceeding 100%, preferably between 10% and 50%. The roll axes W of the folding rolls 131, 132, and optionally 133, are parallel to each other.

[0061] In a suitable embodiment, the conveying rollers 131, 132, and 133 are formed by a pair of roller discs 135, between which a spacer 134 is arranged. The distance between the roller discs 135 relative to each other in the direction of the roller axis W, defined by the spacer 134, can correspond to the distance between the grooving discs 107, 207 of a grooving element 105 upstream of the forming device. Alternatively, the roller discs 135 and the spacer 134 can be formed as a single, integral component. It is essential, however, that all the aforementioned designs of the spacer 134 have a smaller outer diameter than the roller discs 135. Alternatively, the conveying rollers 131, 132, and 133 can be cylindrical.

[0062] The forming device 130 has a guide surface 140, which is realized section by counter-bearing rollers 142, 143 assigned to the conveying rollers 131, 132, 133. The V- or U-shaped material web 5, in particular the pocket base 7, can be guided along the guide surface 140. Preferably, the guide surface 140 extends parallel to the plane defined by the deflection and the conveying device 170. In the embodiment of the system 100 according to the Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 in a substantially vertical plane.

[0063] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows various views of another embodiment of a system 200 for forming a web-shaped input material into packaging bags. In this system 200 as well, the deflection roller 220 is arranged vertically V in the uppermost area of ​​the system 200. However, unlike the systems 100 described above, the conveying direction F in the forming device 230, as well as at the outlet of the feed device 210, is essentially horizontally oriented. The feed device 210 is described below using the following examples: Fig. 8 described in detail.

[0064] The arrangement of the guide surface 240 and its arrangement in relation to the folding rollers 231, 232 and 233 as well as the deflection roller 220 is essentially the same as described above with regard to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The guide surface 240 extends through both the deflection device 230 and the feeding device 250. Several sections of the guide surface 240 and counter bearing rollers 241, 242, 243 and 245 arranged therein form a section surface for the outside of the material web 5 in the area of ​​the pocket base 7.

[0065] Inside the forming device 230, a pair of opposing guide rods 236 are provided, the transverse distance of which decreases in the conveying direction F. The guide rods 236 are arranged transversely to the conveying direction F on both sides of the folding rolls 231, 232, and 233. In the conveying direction F, the guide rods 236 extend essentially from the deflecting roller 220 to the feeding device 250. The outer surfaces of the vanes 8 can be guided along the guide rods 236 to form the V- or U-shaped formed material web 5. The counter-bearing rollers 241, 242, and 243 are arranged in the area of ​​the forming device 230 and can each be assigned to a folding roll 231, 232, and 233, respectively. The counter-bearing rollers 245 are arranged in the area of ​​the feeding device 250 opposite the feeding opening 251. The guide surface 240 extends into the Fig. 6 and Fig. The depicted version of the system 200 is essentially in a horizontal plane.

[0066] The feeding device 250 is arranged downstream of the forming device 230. The feeding device 250 has a feeding opening 251 fully enclosed by a solid frame 255. The interior 259 of the feeding device 250 extends behind the frame 255 in the feeding direction E. In the conveying direction F, the feeding opening 251 has a clear length f, which determines the maximum length of insertable shipping items. The feeding direction E, through which shipping items (not shown in detail) can be inserted through the feeding opening 251 of the feeding device, extends perpendicular to the conveying direction F and the plane defined by the guide surface 240.

[0067] Downstream of the feeding device 250, a conveying device 270 is arranged, which can grip the longitudinal edges 6 of the material web 5 and convey it in the conveying direction F. Downstream of the conveying device 270, a sealing and separating device 280 / 290 is provided for forming and singulating packaging bags 11 from the web-shaped input material 1.

[0068] Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of a feeding device 210. The feeding device 210 differs from the feeding device .110 essentially only in the orientation of its conveying direction F at the inlet and outlet of the feeding device. The feeding device 210 comprises a pair of conveying rollers 211 and 212, between which the web-shaped input material (in Fig. (8 not shown in detail) is conveyable. The lower conveying roller 211 is equipped with a drive unit that drives the conveying roller 211. The upper conveying roller 212 rolls on the web-shaped input material and follows the movement of the lower conveying roller 211 in the opposite direction of rotation. In the absence of input material, the conveying roller would roll on the lower conveying roller 211.

[0069] The infeed device 210 comprises a creasing element 205. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the creasing element 205 is arranged upstream of the feed roller pair 211, 212. The creasing element 205 comprises two creasing discs 207, 208 axially offset from one another. The creasing discs 207, 208 are spring-loaded by a compression spring 209 and mounted on a pivotable arm 216. It is conceivable that the creasing discs 207, 208 are held rigidly against rotation. Preferably, the creasing discs 207, 208 are mounted so as to be rotatable. The creasing discs 207, 208 roll on the counter-bearing roller 206. The compression spring 209 presses the creasing discs against the counter-bearing roller 206. The web-shaped input material (in Fig. (Figure 8 not shown in detail) is conveyed by the infeed device 210 along the grooving element 205, which introduces longitudinal grooves into the web-shaped starting material 1 to form it into a grooved web material 3. Downstream of the infeed device 210 in the forming device 230, the folding means cause the web-shaped material to fold over, preferably along the longitudinal grooves introduced by the grooving element 205, to form the material web 5 with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. The aforementioned rolling discs 135 are designed as relatively narrow discs, with each disc running along the respective longitudinal groove. It has been found that the forming of the web-shaped starting material 1 is simplified when the rolling disc runs along the longitudinal groove. Advantageously, the rolling disc 135 has a rounded or truncated cone or a double truncated cone on its outer diameter.

[0070] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a loading device 150. With the exception of the orientation of the guide surface 140, the loading device 150 of system 100 essentially corresponds to the loading device 250 of system 200. The counter-bearing rollers 145 are arranged in the area of ​​the loading device 150 in the loading direction E opposite the loading opening 151. The counter-bearing rollers 145 limit the depth in the loading direction E to which a shipping item (not shown in detail) can be inserted. The loading direction E is in the Fig. 9 and Fig. System 100, as shown in the illustration, is oriented in the horizontal direction.

[0071] In the conveying direction F, the feed opening 151 has a clear length f. Transverse to the conveying direction F, the feed opening 151 has a clear width q. The clear length f and the clear width q of the feed opening 151 are defined by a frame 155 that completely surrounds the feed opening 151. Transverse to the conveying direction F, the feed opening 151 is bounded by opposing guide plates 156. The guide plate 156 has a rounded bend 157 in the area of ​​the feed opening 151, so that a shipping item can easily be guided along the guide plate 156 into the feed opening 151 and into a receiving cavity 9 behind it for a V- or U-shaped material web 5 (see figure). Fig. 1) can slide in. Behind the frame 155 inside 159 of the feeding device 150, the guide plates 156 realize guide plates 144 for guiding the vanes 8 in the conveying direction F on their inner surfaces, which define the receiving cavity 9. Further guide plates 146 can be provided on their outer surfaces for guiding the vanes 8 in the conveying direction F.

[0072] Fig. Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the feeding device 150 through a section plane behind the frame 155. The wings 8 of the V- or U-shaped material web 5 in the area of ​​the feeding device 150 are in Fig. Figure 11 is shown with dashed lines. The guidance of the right and left wings 8 between the respective guide plates 144 and 146 is clearly visible in the section plane. The guide plates 144 and 146 form a funnel-shaped inlet section 153, which serves to reliably feed the V- or U-shaped material web 5 from the forming device into the feeding device 150.

[0073] Downstream of the feed opening, the outer guide plates 146 form a funnel-shaped transfer section 154 for feeding the longitudinal edges 6 of the material web 5 into the contact area of ​​two mutually rotating feed rollers 171, 172. The feed rollers 171, 172 constitute a conveying device 170, which draws the material web 5 through the forming device 130. Preferably, the feed rollers 171, 172 have cooperating cylindrical outer circumferential surfaces. The feed rollers 171, 172 can apply high tensile stresses to the material web 5 to effect the forming of a flat initial material web into a formed material web along a particularly short folding path through the forming device 130. Fig. Figure 12 shows an optional embodiment of a pair of conveyor rollers 171, 172, which forms a sealing device 180. A first conveyor roller 171 has a full-circumference annular projection 173, which rolls in a corresponding full-circumference annular groove 174 of the second conveyor roller 172. The sealing device 180 formed by the pair of conveyor rollers provides the material web 5 with a longitudinal strip 16 to form a packaging pocket 11. Optionally, a cold-seal adhesive can be applied to the material web 5 on the inside of the receiving cavity 9, at least in the area of ​​the longitudinal strips 16 and the transverse strips 15. In an alternative embodiment of the conveyor rollers 171, 172, at least one conveyor roller 171, 172 is cylindrical on the outside.

[0074] Fig. Figure 13 schematically shows the sealing and separating device 180 / 190. The V- or U-shaped material web 5 is conveyed in the conveying direction F by the conveying device 170 to and through the separating and sealing device 180 / 190. The sealing device 180 comprises a pair of jaws opposite each other transversely to the conveying direction F, which can be pressed against each other to form a transverse strip 15 sealing a packaging pocket 11. The separating device 190 comprises at least one cutting edge, in particular scissor- or guillotine-like, and / or a plurality of cutting-like teeth for separating a packaging pocket 11 from the web-shaped starting material 1.At least one jaw of the sealing device 180 can be equipped with a cutting edge of the separating device 190, so that during a pressing operation of the jaws against each other, the packaging bag 11 is simultaneously sealed along a transverse strip 15 and the packaging bag 11 is separated from the material web 5.

[0075] Fig. Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of a feeding device 150 with a measuring device with an optical sensor in the form of a camera 158. Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a feeding device 150 with a camera 158, which can serve as an optical sensor of a position sensor and / or a measuring device. The camera 158 is to be understood as an exemplary sensor within the scope of this disclosure.

[0076] The camera 158 is mounted on the frame of the feeding device 150. To prevent a collision between the shipping items 21 and the camera 158, the camera 158 is positioned upstream of the feeding opening 151. The camera 158 is essentially aligned with the conveying direction F towards the feeding opening 151. The camera 158's viewing direction is such that it looks into the receiving cavity 9 of a material web extending in the area of ​​the feeding device 150.

[0077] It may be preferred that the camera 158 captures an image area which includes a reference area along an inner edge of the loading opening 151, in particular along the guide plate 144, the guide plate 156 and / or the bend 157. If the camera 158 forms part of a position sensor, the system 100 detects any possible covering of the reference area by an object, such as a body part of a user and / or a shipping item, in order to prevent movement of one or more components of the system 100 accordingly.

[0078] In the schematic representation, camera 158 captures Fig. 14 a reference plane defined by the sealing device 180. The predetermined distance c between the separating and sealing device 180 / 190 and the shipping item 21, resulting from deformations of the material web 5, may be known in advance or determined using the measuring device. The distance c may, for example, correspond to a known narrowing of the material web in the transfer area 154. Furthermore, the distance from a rear edge of the shipping item 21 in the conveying direction F to the reference plane is detected using the camera 158. The measuring device can thus determine the piece length s. L of the shipped item. The measuring device can also measure other piece dimensions, such as the piece width. B perpendicular to the conveying direction F and the piece height S H determine in the feed direction E.

[0079] At the beginning of a measurement cycle, a computer, such as a PLC, processing unit, or similar central machine control unit, can transmit a signal to the sensor (here: camera 158) intended for length measurement. The sensor then detects the shipping item 21. For example, camera 158 can capture an image and subdivide it into multiple image sections, such as a 5x8 array. The potentially varying distances of each of these image sections to the reference plane are determined and transmitted back to the computer. The computer then calculates the maximum value of these varying distances. The distance c between the shipping item 21 and the front end of the shipping bag 11 to be formed, as well as a potentially corresponding second distance d following the shipping item 21, can be predefined for the computer.The computer can then determine a feed rate along which the conveying device 170 transports the material web from the feeding device 150 through the sealing and / or cutting device 180 and / or 190, and which defines the overall dimension 9 of the packaging bag 11 to be formed in the longitudinal direction L of the web. The overall dimension 9 can optionally be compared by the computer with at least one minimum and / or maximum threshold value in order, for example, to detect shipping items 21 with an impermissible length.

[0080] Alternatively, a piece dimension, such as a piece height, can be used. H The size of a shipping item 21, in particular a particularly narrow shipping item 21, is determined by a preferably optical sensor of the measuring device based on the reflection behavior on an inside (or outside) of the material web 5 in the area of ​​the feed opening 151.

[0081] Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the loading device 150. A light curtain 149 of a safety sensor extends along the loading opening 151. The light curtain is designed to detect when a user inserts a body part, in particular a hand or arm, into the loading opening 151 or through the loading opening 151 into the interior 159 of the loading device 150. The light curtain 149 covers substantially the entire area within the frame 155 spanned by the loading opening 151. If the light curtain 149 detects a collision with a user or an object, the safety sensor causes at least one or more components of the system 100 to be deactivated in order to prevent any danger to the user.

[0082] System 100 also includes a marking device 160, which is shown here by way of example arranged inside 159 of the feeding device 150. The marking device 160 includes a driver 161 for pressing a marking unit, for example an adhesive label, against an outer surface of the material web 5 in the area of ​​the feeding device 150. System 100 may include a scanner or the like to identify the shipping items 21 fed into the feeding device 150 and to cause the marking device 160 to provide a corresponding label for the packaging bag 11 of the identified shipping item 21.

[0083] Fig. Figure 17 shows a side view of a shipping bag or packaging bag 11. The packaging bag 11 is sealed by transverse strips 15 and, opposite the bag base 7, by a longitudinal strip 16. Inside the packaging bag 11 is a shipping item 21, shown with dashed lines. The shipping item 21 has a length s. L and a piece height s H The length 9 of the packaging bag 11 corresponds to the sum of the piece length s. L , the predetermined distance c and the second distance d. The Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 show other views of the Fig. 17 shown packaging bag 11.

[0084] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, figures and claims can be important for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list 1. web-shaped starting material 2 Material web stock 3 grooved material web 5 Material web with U-shaped cross-section 6 Longitudinal edge 7 Pocket Ground 8 wings 9 Receiving cavity 11 Packaging bag 15 horizontal stripes 16 longitudinal stripes 21 shipping items 100, 200 system 105, 205 groove element 106, 206 Counter bearing roller 107, 108, 207, 208 Grooved disc 109, 209 Compression spring 110, 210 feed device 111, 211 driven conveyor roller 112, 212 trailing conveyor whales 115, 215 Dancers (carrying roll, loose roll) 116, 216 outriggers 120, 220 pulley 125 retaining straps 130, 230 forming device 131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233 Folding roller 135, 235 rolling disc 136, 236 Command Staff 140, 240 guide surface 141, 241 Counter bearing roller 142, 242 Counter bearing roller 143, 243 Counter bearing roller 144, 244 Guide plate 145, 245 Counter bearing roller 146, 246 Guide plate 147,247 Guide roller 149 light grids 150, 250 loading device 151, 251 Loading opening 153 Introductory section 154 Transfer section 155, 255 frame 156, 256 Guide plate 157, 257 bend 158, 258 camera 159, 259 Inside 160, 260 Marking device 161, 261 carrier 170, 270 Conveyor device 171, 172, 271, 272 Conveyor roller 173. Ring protrusion 174 Ring groove 180, 280 Sealing device 190, 290 separating device a evasive movement b Starting width c distance d second distance e Reference plane f clear length g Total length Forming length q clear length s B piece width s L piece length s H Unit height L Longitudinal direction of the railway B Lane width direction E Feed direction F Conveyor direction U deflection axis V Vertical direction W roller axle X-axis distance Y turnover distance QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 114 211 A1 [0002, 0042] GB 1,067,166

[0004] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN ISO 1924-3

[0008]

Claims

[1] System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped input material (1) defining a web longitudinal direction (L) and extending between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper or cardboard, into packaging bags (11), comprising: a forming device (130, 230) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section with a receiving cavity (9) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the web, wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233), which is capable of introducing two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1) transversely to the web longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the web width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), and a loading device (150, 250) with a loading opening (151, 251) through which shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized by , that the loading opening (151, 251) is surrounded by a preferably full-circumference frame (155, 255) which defines a clear width (q) and a clear length (f) which limit the dimensions of the shipping items (21) that can be used. [2] System (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the frame (155, 255) is fixed in place on the loading device (150, 250) and / or that the clear width (q) and the clear length (f) are fixed in a dimensionally stable manner, wherein in particular the frame (155, 255) is formed in one piece, in particular solid, or from rigidly connected frame parts. [3] System (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the frame (155, 255) has guide surfaces opposite to the conveying direction (F), such as guide plates (156, 256), which define the feed opening (151, 251), wherein the guide surfaces form opposite longitudinal edges, wherein the guide surfaces are rounded in the area of ​​the longitudinal edges with respect to the feed direction (E). [4] System (100, 200) according to claim 3, characterized by, that on the inside (159, 259) of the feeding device (150, 250) in the area of ​​the guide surfaces transverse to the conveying direction (F) opposite guides for opposing wings (8), in particular longitudinal edges (6), of the material web (5) with V- or U-shaped cross-section, such as guide plates (144, 244), guide rollers and / or guide cylinders (147, 247), the guides being arranged upstream in the conveying direction (F) and / or in the area of ​​the feeding opening (151, 251). [5] System (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the frame (155, 255) is detachably connected to the loading device (150, 250) and / or that the frame (155, 255) has at least one adjusting means for adjusting the clear length (f) and / or the clear width (q). [6] System (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the loading device (150, 250) defines a guide surface (140, 240) for the pocket base (7) which limits the dimensions of the usable shipping items (21) in the loading direction (E). [7] System (100, 200) according to claim 6, characterized by , that a guide surface (140, 240) opposite the feed opening (151, 251) in the feed direction (E) is defined by a counter bearing, in particular at least one counter bearing roller (141, 142, 143, 145, 241, 242, 243, 245) and / or a sliding surface. [8] System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped input material (1) defining a web longitudinal direction (L) and extending between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper or cardboard, into packaging bags (11), comprising: a forming device (130, 230) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity (9) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the web, wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233), which is capable of being brought into contact with the web of material (1) transversely to the longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), in order to introduce two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1), and a loading device (150, 250) with a loading opening (151, 251) through which shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized by , that the system (100, 200) has at least one safety sensor, such as a light barrier or a light grid (149), for scanning the loading opening (151, 251), wherein the system (100, 200) can be deactivated at least partially by the safety sensor. [9] System (100, 200) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the safety sensor is designed to initiate at least partial inactivation of the system (100, 200) if the safety sensor detects an object located in the area of ​​the loading opening (151, 251), such as a body part, for example a person's finger or a shipping item not fully received in the receiving cavity (9). [10] System (100, 200) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the system (100, 200) has at least one conveying device (170, 270) which can be deactivated by the safety sensor for conveying the web-shaped starting material (1) that has been formed in the forming device (130, 230). [11] System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped starting material (1) defining a web longitudinal direction (L) and extending between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper or cardboard, into packaging bags (11), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a forming device (130, 230) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity (9) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the web, wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233), which is capable of being brought into contact with the web of material (1) transversely to the longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), in order to introduce two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1), and a loading device (150, 250) with a loading opening (151, 251) through which shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized by , that The loading device (150, 250) comprises at least one position sensor, for example an optical sensor, such as a camera (158, 258), in particular a 3D camera, which is directed towards at least one reference area on an inside (159, 259) of the loading device (150, 250) in the area of ​​the loading opening (151, 251), in particular towards an inside edge of the loading opening (151, 251), wherein the position sensor is designed to detect whether the reference area is exposed or at least partially covered by a shipment item. [12] System (100, 200) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the position sensor, in particular the optical sensor, is arranged in the conveying direction (F) in the lead-up to the feed opening (151, 251). [13] System (100, 200) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by, that the position sensor, in particular the optical sensor, is arranged on the inside (159, 259) of the feeding device (150, 250) and is directed towards the receiving cavity (9) of the material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, in particular in the direction of a sealing device (180, 280) arranged in the conveying direction (F) in the trailing position of the feeding opening (151, 251) for sealing at least one transverse strip (15) of the formed web-shaped starting material (1). [14] System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped starting material (1) defining a web longitudinal direction (L) and extending between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper or cardboard, into packaging bags (11), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a forming device (130, 230) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity (9) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the web, wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233), which is capable of being brought into contact with the web of material (1) transversely to the longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), in order to introduce two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1), and a loading device (150, 250) with a loading opening (151, 251) through which shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized by , that the feeding device (150, 250) at least one measuring device for determining at least one piece dimension, such as a piece width (s B ), piece length (s L ) and / or piece height (s H ), at least one shipment item (21) arranged in the loading device (150, 250) in the area of ​​the receiving cavity (9). [15] System (100, 200) according to claim 14, characterized by , that the measuring device comprises a camera (158, 258), in particular a 3D camera, which captures several image sections. [16] System (100, 200) according to claim 15, characterized by that the measuring device is designed and set up to measure a piece dimension, in particular a piece height (s H ), based on a number of image sections occupied by at least one shipping item (21). [17] System (100, 200) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized bythat the measuring device is designed and configured to measure a piece dimension, in particular a piece length (s L ), based on a preferably maximum distance of at least one image section covered with the at least one shipping item (21), in particular in relation to a predetermined reference plane (e), wherein in particular the reference plane corresponds to a sealing device (180, 280) for sealing at least one transverse strip (15) of the formed web-shaped starting material (1) and / or to a separating device (190, 290) for separating a packaging bag (11) from the starting material web (1) along a transverse strip (15), and optionally taking into account a predetermined distance (c) between the shipping item (21) and the reference plane (e). [18] System (100, 200) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized bythat the measuring device comprises at least one mechanical probe, preferably a plurality of mechanical probes, such as a plurality of mechanical probes arranged in the conveying direction (F) along the feed opening (151, 251), which are preferably movable transversely to the conveying direction (F), and optionally transversely to the feed direction (E), wherein the measuring device is designed to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece length (s), based on the position, orientation and / or number of mechanical probes deflected by an inserted shipping item (21). L ) and / or piece width (s B ) to determine. [19] System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped starting material (1) defining a web longitudinal direction (L) and extending between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper or cardboard, into packaging bags (11), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a forming device (130, 230) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web (5) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity (9) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the web, wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233), which is capable of introducing two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1) transversely to the web longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the web width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), and a loading device (150, 250) with a loading opening (151, 251) through which shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized by , that the system (100, 200) comprises at least one marking device (160, 260), such as a printer, a label adhesive, or the like, for applying or affixing at least one visually visible marking to an outer surface (12) of the packaging bag (11) and / or the web-shaped starting material (1), in particular a wing (8) of the material web (5) having a V- or U-shaped cross-section. [20] System (100, 200) according to claim 19, characterized by , that the marking device (160, 260) is arranged in the conveying direction (F) in the area of ​​the feeding device (150, 250), in particular the feeding opening (151, 251). [21] System (100, 200) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by, that the marking device (160, 260) comprises at least one driver (161, 261) movable transversely to the conveying direction (F) for guiding a marking unit, such as a print head, or a marking carrier, such as an adhesive label, against the outside (12) of the packaging bag (11) and / or the web-shaped starting material (1). [22] System (100, 200) according to claim 21, characterized by , that the driver (161, 261) is actuated by the same drive as the conveying device (170, 270), the sealing device (180, 280) and / or the separating device (190, 290). [23] System (100, 200) according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized by, that the marking device (160; 260) is connected by signal transmission to an identification device, such as a scanner and / or a database system, for recognizing the shipment (21) and is designed to provide a marking corresponding to an individual shipment (21). [24] System (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the loading opening (151, 251) extends in a plane that is vertically or horizontally oriented. [25] System (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the system (100, 200) further comprises a feed device (110, 210) for drawing off the web-shaped starting material (1) from a material supply (2), wherein in particular the system (100, 200) comprises a deflection, such as a deflection roller (120, 220), for guiding the web-shaped starting material (1) from the feed device (110, 210) along the deflection to the forming device (130, 230) and / or wherein in particular the feed device (110, 210) comprises at least one grooving element (105, 205) for introducing at least one longitudinal groove, in particular at least one longitudinal center groove, preferably two or three longitudinal center grooves, into the web-shaped starting material (1).

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