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

Abstract

System (100) 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, cardboard or paperboard, into packaging bags (11), comprising a forming device (130) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, which has a base formed in particular by at least one folding fold, forming a packaging pocket base (7) and two opposing longitudinal web sections extending away from the base in a V- or U-shape, and a receiving space extending in the longitudinal web direction (L), wherein the forming device (130) is arranged such that the longitudinal direction (L) of the path in the area of ​​the forming device (130) is oriented essentially in the direction of gravity, and a feeding device (150) with a feeding opening (151) is connected downstream of the forming device (130), through which shipping articles (21) can be inserted into the receiving space in a feeding direction (E) oriented transversely to the direction of gravity, in particular essentially horizontally.

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, cardboard, or corrugated board.

[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] Various systems are known for forming packaging bags for holding items such as shipping goods from flat webs of packaging material, a formed web of packaging material and packaging material blanks.

[0004] GB 1,067,166 describes a system for packaging articles, in which a weldable input web material such as polyethylene or polypropylene is processed and guided through a feed channel bounded by side walls transverse to the web's longitudinal direction. The feed channel is dimensioned for only one specific type of identical shipping article. 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 a packaging tube. A second punch, located further downstream and movable in the vertical direction, seals the leading and trailing edges of the tube (in the web's longitudinal direction) by clamping the edges between two sealing jaws.Furthermore, the system includes a cutting unit for separating the manufactured and filled packaging bags. This unit moves horizontally, i.e., transversely, to the longitudinal extension of the tube, similar to a jigsaw. From an ecological perspective, it is desirable to avoid weldable plastic material webs. Due to the horizontal arrangement and material web conveying of the machine, as per GB 1,067,166, it requires considerable space and is therefore only suitable for use at dedicated packaging stations. Moreover, due to the machine's size, repositioning it is hardly efficient. All components are fixed in their arrangement. Consequently, the increasingly acute problem of limited space for packaging machines at all packing stations remains unresolved.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a compact system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags, which can be optimized with regard to its spatial extent and / or flexibly used at a wide variety of packaging locations.

[0006] This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, wherein the starting material defines a longitudinal web direction and extends between two longitudinal edges opposite each other in the web width direction. In particular, the starting material comprises, and especially predominantly, i.e., at least 75%, and more specifically at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, paper, cardboard, or paperboard, or consists thereof.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The web-like material is preferably composed 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 board. Preferably, a web-like material is provided, in particular made of paper, cardboard, or corrugated board. 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.

[0010] The system comprises a forming device for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a receiving space extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The forming device is preferably designed or configured to form the initially flat or two-dimensional, web-shaped starting material into a material web, preferably three-dimensional, with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the forming device comprises a receiving space extending in the longitudinal direction of the web and bounded by opposing V- or U-shaped legs of the material web. Preferably, the receiving space of the material web has an insertion opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. In particular, the receiving space 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.

[0011] 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 be designed and configured, in particular, 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 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 can also be 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.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the forming device is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the material path in the region of the forming device is oriented essentially in the direction of gravity. In other words, the starting material passes through the forming device in a conveying direction oriented essentially in the direction of gravity, in particular from vertically top to vertically bottom. The phrase "in the region of the forming device" can be understood to mean that the longitudinal direction of the material path from the entry into the forming device to the exit from the forming device is oriented essentially in the direction of gravity, for example, up to a sealing unit downstream of the forming device, which can also be described as a press and cut device for sealing and singulating a packaging bag.From the moment a 3D transformation of the flat, two-dimensional starting material web into the pre-formed three-dimensional material web takes place, especially where the starting material web is transformed or folded to form the U- or V-shaped cross-section, the longitudinal direction of the web is oriented in the direction of gravity.

[0013] Furthermore, a feeding device with a feeding opening is connected downstream of the forming device, through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving chamber in a feeding direction oriented transversely to the direction of gravity, particularly in a substantially horizontal direction. Preferably, the feeding direction is oriented transversely, particularly 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, particularly at the bottom of the pocket and / or on at least one wing. The feeding device is specifically designed and configured to hold the material web open in a cheek-like manner in the area of ​​the feeding opening.

[0014] The loading opening can be surrounded by a frame that defines a clear width and 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 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, in the area of ​​the loading device, the longitudinal edges of the material web, especially the flaps projecting from the pocket base, are covered by the frame.In particular, the frame is adapted to a guide for the material web in the feeding device, the forming device arranged upstream of the feeding device, a conveying device, a sealing device, and / or a cutting device such 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 that is designed and configured to allow access for inserting shipping items exclusively into the receiving cavity of the material web and / or, in a covered state, to prevent access to the longitudinal edges of the material web. The width of the frame is greater than the clear width, in particular at least 50% greater than, preferably at least twice as large as, the clear width. The length of the frame is greater than the clear length, in particular at least 10% greater, preferably at least 25% greater.The length of the frame is preferably not greater than three times the clear length, and in particular not greater than twice the clear length.

[0015] The system according to the aspect of the invention described above can also be referred to as a standing version or vertical configuration. Due to the longitudinal path direction oriented in the direction of gravity in the area of ​​the forming process within the system, a particularly space-saving and compact system is created, whereby its space requirement in a horizontal plane is reduced or limited.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system is designed such that the starting material is initially guided from a starting material supply substantially against the direction of gravity by at least one, in particular 1.5 or two times, a vertical dimension of the starting material arranged in the starting material supply, particularly up to a deflection device, before it enters the forming device. For example, the ratio of length in the longitudinal direction to width in the lateral direction is in the range of 100 to 1000. Because the material feed of the starting material is also substantially vertically oriented, the space requirement of the system according to the invention is further reduced in the horizontal plane.It is clear that the reference to the vertical dimension of the starting material arranged in the starting material supply, which is, for example, in accordion-fold form or wound into a roll, refers to its initial dimension when the system is supplied with the starting material supply, at which point the starting material has not yet been withdrawn from the starting material supply.

[0017] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises a deflection device, such as a free-rotating deflection roller, located upstream of the forming device and directing the starting material towards the forming device. The deflection device can define the point in the system where the starting material is located at its highest point. The deflection device can therefore be configured to deflect the starting material stream arriving essentially in the direction of gravity such that it is fed to the downstream forming device in the direction of gravity, or is oriented in the direction of gravity within the forming device. According to an exemplary further development, the deflection device is arranged with respect to the forming device such that the starting material leaves the deflection device towards the forming device essentially in the direction of gravity.

[0018] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the starting material is guided by the forming device, in particular the preferably freely rotating deflecting roller, in such a way that a wrap angle of at least 180°, in particular at least 225°, 270° or at least 315°, is formed. The wrap angle defines the contact area in angular lines in which a flexible component, here the web-shaped starting material, encloses another component, here the deflecting device, preferably the deflecting roller, which is particularly free-rotating.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, wherein the starting material defines a longitudinal web direction and extends between two longitudinal edges opposite each other in the web width direction. In particular, the starting material comprises, and especially predominantly, i.e., at least 75%, and more specifically at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, paper, cardboard, or paperboard, or consists thereof.

[0020] 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.

[0021] For example, both opposite longitudinal edges can be coated with cold-sealable adhesive.

[0022] 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 board. Preferably, a web-like material made of paper, cardboard, or corrugated board is provided. The material web can be made of paper, such as recycled paper, and / or 100% recyclable paper, which may be manufactured without chemical additives.

[0023] Recycled papers are, 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. The tensile strength or the tensile strength index can be determined according to DIN EN ISO 1924-2 or DIN EN ISO 1924-3. Alternatively, or in addition, the properties of recycled paper or waste paper can be characterized by its burst resistance.For this purpose, a material is recycled paper with a burst index of no more than 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 basis weight of, in particular, 40 g / m^2 to a maximum of 140 g / m^2. The web-like starting material can be in the form of a roll or a zigzag-folded stack of packaging material, also known as a leporello stack.

[0024] The system comprises a forming device for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web with a receiving space extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. The forming device is preferably designed or configured to form the initially flat or two-dimensional, web-shaped starting material into a material web, preferably three-dimensional, with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the forming device comprises a receiving space extending in the longitudinal direction of the web and bounded by opposing V- or U-shaped legs of the material web. Preferably, the receiving space of the material web has an insertion opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. In particular, the receiving space 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 designed 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 designed 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.

[0025] In the system for converting the web-shaped input material, the forming device is preferably arranged downstream of a feed device in the conveying direction.

[0026] 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 be designed and configured, in particular, 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 can also be 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.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the system is adaptable, in particular modular or modularly constructed, such that the longitudinal path direction in the area of ​​the forming device can be oriented both substantially in the direction of gravity and transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity. In other words, the starting material passes through the forming device either in a conveying direction oriented substantially in the direction of gravity, in particular from vertically top to vertically bottom, or in a conveying direction oriented transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity.The term "in the area of ​​the forming device" can be understood to mean that the longitudinal direction of the web, from the entry into the forming device to the exit from the forming device, is essentially oriented in the direction of gravity, for example, up to a sealing unit downstream of the forming device, which can also be described as a press and cut device for sealing and singulating a packaging bag. From the point at which a 3D forming of the flat, two-dimensional starting material web into the pre-formed three-dimensional material web takes place, in particular where the starting material web is formed or folded to create the U- or V-shaped cross-section, the longitudinal direction of the web is oriented in the direction of gravity.

[0028] Due to the adaptability between at least two different configurations of the forming device, the system according to the invention can be set up according to customer requirements and / or space constraints. Previously known systems and machines were always designed to be set up in a fixed, rigid configuration or orientation of the components relative to each other. The present invention departs from this established rigid arrangement concept, accepting a certain increase in the system's complexity, but in favor of unprecedented flexibility in the arrangement of the components relative to each other, and thus with regard to the respective customer requirements and spatial conditions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system according to the invention is structured like a modular building block system.This creates further flexibility regarding the arrangement of the system's components and the associated space requirements of the system.

[0029] For example, the system can be multi-part, in particular consisting of at least two building units that are detachably and / or movable relative to each other and coupled together.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system is adjustable, in particular pivotable, between at least one vertical configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the path in the area of ​​the forming device is oriented substantially in the direction of gravity, and at least one horizontal configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the path in the area of ​​the forming device is oriented transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity. For example, the system according to the invention can be configured such that at least one vertical configuration and one horizontal configuration can be assumed. By providing adjustability, in particular pivotability, users can easily select between the at least one vertical and the at least one horizontal configuration and / or change the system between these configurations.

[0031] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises a frame supporting the forming device and an adjustment mechanism for adapting the orientation of the system, in particular for adjusting or pivoting, especially the forming device, relative to the frame. For example, the adjustment mechanism defines at least two end positions, which are particularly fixable, wherein one position represents the vertical configuration and the other position the horizontal configuration.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the adjustment mechanism is formed by a pivot joint that mounts the forming device relative to the frame. The pivot joint enables easy adaptation of the system. For example, the pivot joint can be combined with a spring and / or damper arrangement to cushion or dampen the adjustment movement, and optionally to assist the force required for this movement.

[0033] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system further comprises a frame supporting the forming device, with at least two supports for placement on a surface, which are arranged at an angle, in particular of approximately 90°, to each other. One support can be assigned to the horizontal configuration and the other to the vertical configuration.

[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a frame supporting the forming device and a feed device for drawing the starting material into the system, optionally with a web storage unit whose orientation and / or arrangement on the frame is fixed or which is movable relative to the frame by means of a further adjustment mechanism, such as a pivoting mechanism, in particular to be flexibly arranged depending on the orientation of the system. The feed device can be designed to draw 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. The web storage unit can, for example, be formed by a movably mounted guide roller.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises a locking mechanism for locking the feed device in at least one predefined locking position, and in particular in at least two predefined locking positions. The locking positions can be adapted to the orientation of the system, in particular the vertical and horizontal configuration. In other words, the feed device can be adjusted, in particular pivoted, depending on the system configuration to ensure optimal insertion. By means of the locking mechanism, the feed device can then be locked in the various positions so that the feed device reliably maintains its position during operation.

[0036] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises a feeding device downstream of the forming device, with a feeding opening through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving space in a feeding direction, and a deflecting device upstream of the forming device, such as a free-rotating deflecting roller, which directs the starting material towards the forming device. The forming device and the feeding device and / or the forming device and the deflecting device form a rigid unit, which is adaptable, in particular adjustable or pivotable, only as a whole with respect to its orientation.

[0037] For example, the system according to the invention is composed of at least two modules. A first module can comprise the material supply of starting material, the feed device, and a web storage unit. The second module can comprise the remaining components, namely the deflection device, the forming device, and the feeding device. Furthermore, coupling points can be provided for docking the material supply and for docking the two modules to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the deflection device, forming device, feeding device, conveying device, and sealing unit form a rigid unit that is inherently unchangeable and cannot be adjusted, and can only be adapted as a whole in relation to the remaining components, i.e., adjusted or pivoted. This ensures simple and error-free operation of the machine.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a packaging technology production station is provided comprising a system designed according to the invention and a supply of web-shaped starting material, which defines a web longitudinal direction and protrudes between two longitudinal edges opposite each other in the web width direction, in particular made of paper, cardboard or corrugated board, from which the system can draw the starting material. In other words, the system is configured to draw starting material from the starting material supply.

[0039] Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0040] 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 schematic principle sketch in perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention; Fig. 2 the system out Fig. 1 in another perspective view; Fig. 3 another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention in perspective view; Fig. 4 the system out Fig. 3 in side view; Fig. 5, Fig. 6 schematic diagrams illustrating different configurations of the system according to the invention; and Fig. 7-9 schematic views of a packaging bag produced using a system according to the invention.

[0041] To simplify readability, the following description uses the same or similar reference numerals for preferred embodiments of the various aspects of the invention that can be realized individually or combined, 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 sometimes embody several combined aspects of the invention, the various aspects can each be realized individually or in any combination.

[0042] A system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped starting material, which defines a longitudinal web direction and extends between two longitudinal edges opposite each other in the web width direction, into packaging bags, is generally designated by reference numeral 100. The web-shaped starting material 1 is preferably made of or consists of cardboard, paperboard, 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.

[0043] As in Fig. 1 or Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the web-shaped starting material 1 for the system 100 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 by plugging, snapping, screwing, or clipping, to achieve optimized alignment of the web-shaped input material 1 relative to a feed device 110. 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 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] To process the web-like input material 1 into a multitude of packaging bags 11 by the system 100, the input material web 1 is guided and pulled through the system 100 in a conveying direction 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 along which the web-like material 1 is moved can be varied with respect to the vertical direction V as well as with respect to a horizontal direction.

[0046] The conveying path of the input material conveyor 1 through system 100 according to the in Fig. 1 or Fig. The process shown in the two exemplary designs generally proceeds (in successive order according to the following list of system components) from a material web supply 2 through a feed device 110, along a clamping device, such as a carrying roller, to a deflection, such as a deflection roller 120, and then to a forming device 130 and a subsequent feeding device 150, and further to a conveying device 170 and a pressing and cutting device 180.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the web-shaped starting material 1 extends from the material web supply 2 to the deflection roller 120 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 into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving space extending in the web longitudinal direction L. The receiving space is bounded on one side by a pocket base and on both sides by wings projecting transversely to the conveying direction and / or web longitudinal direction L, and extends in the web longitudinal direction L. From the forming device 130, the starting material web 1, pre-formed into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, is transferred to the feeding device 150.The loading device 150 has a loading opening 151 opposite the bottom of the pocket, through which shipping items 21 can be inserted into the receiving area. The conveying device 170 pulls the V- or U-shaped web of material, containing at least one shipping item 21, from the loading device 150 in the conveying direction. A pressing and cutting device 180 serves to seal the packaging pockets 11 and, essentially simultaneously, to cut the sealed packaging pockets 11, containing a shipping item 21, from the web of material.

[0048] The infeed device 110 is arranged vertically V above the material web supply 2. Downstream of the infeed device 110, the web-shaped input material 1, which may have been formed into a grooved web within the infeed device 110 by means of a grooving element 105, is guided along a support roller. The support roller can be called a float roller or dancer and may be capable of forming a web storage area. The support roller is attached to the system 100, in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 on the infeed device 110, mounted so as to be movable transversely to the conveying direction. The support roller is held movable to allow for an evasive movement relative to the infeed device 110 and / or a deflection 120. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the evasive movement can be aligned in the vertical direction V.

[0049] The feed device 110 comprises pairs of conveying rollers 111 and 112, between which the web-shaped input material web can be conveyed, wherein at least one pair of conveying rollers is driven.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] An exemplary embodiment of a forming device 130 is described below. Starting from the deflection point, the input material web 1 is conveyed downwards in the conveying direction corresponding to the vertical direction V into and through the forming device 130. The longitudinal edges 6 of the material web can remain essentially in the plane defined by the deflection point 120, which extends from the deflection roller 120 to the conveying unit 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, into a pocket base 7 of a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, which is framed on both sides by wings extending to the longitudinal edges 6.

[0053] 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, an axial distance is provided between the roll axis of the first folding roll 131 and the deflection axis U. Transversely to the conveying direction, a reversal distance extends between the deflection axis U and the roll axis W of the first folding 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.

[0054] The folding rolls 131, 132, 133 are formed by a pair of rolling discs 135, between which a spacer is arranged. The distance between the rolling discs 135 relative to each other in the direction of the roll axis W, defined by the spacer, can correspond to the distance between the creasing discs 107 of a creasing element 105 upstream of the forming device 130.

[0055] The forming device 130 has a guide surface 140, which is realized section by counter-bearing rollers 141, 142, 143, 145 assigned to the folding rollers 131, 132, 133. The V- or U-shaped formed material web, 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 129 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. The guide surface 140 extends through both the forming device 130 and the feeding device 150. Several sections of the guide surface 140 and counter-bearing rollers 141, 142, 143 and 145 arranged therein form a section surface for the outside of the material web in the area of ​​the pocket base 7.

[0056] The counter-bearing rollers 141, 142, 143, and 145 are arranged in the area of ​​the loading device 150 in the loading direction E opposite the loading opening 151. In the loading direction E, the counter-bearing rollers 141, 142, 143, and 145 limit the depth to which a shipping item 21 (not shown) can be inserted and brought into contact with the bottom of the pocket 7. The loading direction E is oriented horizontally. In the conveying direction, the loading opening 151 has a clear length f. Transversely to the conveying direction, the loading opening 151 has a clear width q. The clear length f and the clear width q of the loading opening 151 are defined by a frame 155 that completely surrounds the loading opening 151.

[0057] Downstream of the feeding device 150, a conveying device 170 is arranged, which can grip the longitudinal edges 6 of the material web and convey it in the conveying direction. Downstream of the conveying device 170, a pressing and separating device 180 is provided for forming and singulating packaging bags 11 from the web-shaped input material 1.

[0058] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a system 100 for forming a web-shaped input material into packaging bags 11. In this system 100 as well, the deflection roller 220 is arranged in the vertical direction V in the uppermost region of the system 100. In contrast to the systems 100 described above, however, the conveying direction F in the forming device 130, as well as at the outlet of the feed device 110, is essentially horizontally oriented. The adaptability of the system 100 according to the invention between a vertical configuration, in which the web longitudinal direction in the region of the forming device 130 is essentially oriented in the direction of gravity, and a horizontal configuration, in which the web longitudinal direction in the region of the forming device 130 is essentially oriented in the horizontal direction, offers a user increased flexibility in positioning it at a packaging station or in a packaging hall.

[0059] The arrangement of the guide surface 140 and its arrangement in relation to the folding rollers 131, 132 and 133 as well as the deflection roller 120 is essentially the same as described above with regard to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The guide surface 140 extends through both the forming device 130 and the feeding device 150. Several sections of the guide surface 140 and counter bearing rollers 141, 142, 143 and 145 arranged therein form a section surface for the outside of the material web in the area of ​​the pocket base 7.

[0060] Inside the forming device 130, a pair of opposing guide rods 136 are provided, the transverse distance of which tapers in the conveying direction F. The guide rods 136 are arranged transversely to the conveying direction F on both sides of the folding rolls 131, 132, and 133. In the conveying direction F, the guide rods 136 extend essentially from the deflecting roller 120 to the feeding device 150. The outer surfaces of the vanes can be guided along the guide rods 136 to form the V- or U-shaped material web. The counter-bearing rollers 141, 142, and 143 are arranged in the area of ​​the forming device 130 and can each be assigned to a folding roll 131, 132, and 133, respectively. The counter-bearing rollers 145 are arranged in the area of ​​the feeding device 150 opposite the feeding opening 151. The guide surface 140 extends into the Fig. 3 and Fig. The embodiment of system 100 shown in Figure 4 is essentially in a horizontal plane.

[0061] The loading device 150 is arranged downstream of the forming device 130. The loading device 150 has a loading opening 151 fully enclosed by a solid frame 155. The interior of the loading device 150 extends behind the frame 155 in the loading direction E. In the conveying direction F, the loading opening 151 has a clear length f, which determines the maximum length of the shipping items 21 that can be inserted. The loading direction E, through which the shipping items 21 (not shown in detail) can be inserted through the loading opening 151 of the loading device 150, extends perpendicular to the conveying direction F and the plane defined by the guide surface 140.

[0062] Downstream of the feeding device 150, a conveying device 170 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 170, a sealing unit 180, also called a pressing and separating device, is provided for forming and singulating packaging bags 11 from the web-shaped input material 1.

[0063] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows schematic principle sketches of two different configurations of a system 100 according to the invention, wherein the Fig. 5 the vertical configuration 183 and the Fig. 6 represents the horizontal configuration 185. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system 100 is provided which is adjustable, in particular pivotable, between the vertical configuration 183 and the horizontal configuration 185. For this purpose, the system 100 according to the invention has two supports 187, 189 arranged at an angle to each other, wherein the support 187 is assigned to the vertical configuration 183 and the support 189 to the horizontal configuration 185. In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is an adjustment mechanism for switching between the configurations of the system 100, implemented as a rotary joint 193, around which the components of the system 100 can be rotated to switch between the configurations in Fig. 5 vertical configuration 183 shown and the one in Fig. The horizontal configuration 185 shown in Figure 6 is adjusted. Following the conveying direction F, the starting material 1 in the vertical configuration 183 enters the system 100 via the material feed 110, optionally supported by a web storage unit 113, and is deflected at a material deflection device 120 such that the web longitudinal direction L is oriented in the vertical direction V in the area of ​​the subsequent forming device 130. Downstream of the forming device 130 in the conveying direction is the feeding device 150, which may optionally be equipped with a product marking unit 190, followed by the conveying device 170, and then the embossing and cutting device 180.

[0064] Referring to the Fig. Figure 6, in which the horizontal configuration 185 is shown, results in the same sequence of components with the difference that the longitudinal direction L in the area of ​​the forming device 130 is oriented in the horizontal direction.

[0065] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the system 100 has a further adjustment mechanism 195, which is also formed as a rotary joint 197, via which a sub-unit consisting of a web storage unit 113 and a material feeder 110 can be adjusted relative to the other components forming another sub-unit.

[0066] Fig. Figure 7 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 sH The total length g of the packaging bag 11 corresponds to the sum of the piece lengths s. L , the predetermined distance c and the second distance d. The Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 other views of the in Fig. 7 shown packaging bag 11.

[0067] 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 6 Longitudinal edge 7 Pocket Ground 11 Packaging bag 15 horizontal stripes 16 longitudinal stripes 20 mobile support frame 21 shipping items 100 System 105 Grooving element 107 Grooved disc 110 Feed device 111, 1.12 Conveyor roller 113 railway storage 120, 220 pulley 130 forming device 131, 132, 133 Folding roller 135 rolling disc 136 Guide rod 140 guide surface 141, 142, 143, 145 Counter bearing roller 150 loading device 151 Loading opening 155 frames 170 Conveyor device 180 Pressing and cutting device 183 Vertical configuration 185 Horizontal configuration 187, 189 elevations 190 Product identification unit 193, 197 Swivel joint 195 Adjustment mechanism b Starting width c predetermined distance d second distance f clear length g Total length 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 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] GB 1,067,166

[0004]

Claims

[1] System (100) 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, cardboard or paperboard, into packaging bags (11), comprising a forming device (130) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, which has a base formed in particular by at least one folding fold, forming a packaging pocket base (7) and two opposing longitudinal web sections extending away from the base in a V- or U-shape, and a receiving space extending in the longitudinal web direction (L), wherein the forming device (130) is arranged such that the longitudinal direction (L) of the path in the area of ​​the forming device (130) is oriented essentially in the direction of gravity, and a feeding device (150) with a feeding opening (151) is connected downstream of the forming device (130), through which shipping articles (21) can be inserted into the receiving space in a feeding direction (E) oriented transversely to the direction of gravity, in particular essentially horizontally. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, which is designed such that the starting material (1) is initially guided from a starting material supply substantially against the direction of gravity by at least one, in particular 1.5 times or twice, a vertical dimension of the starting material (1) arranged in the starting material supply, in particular up to a deflection device, before it enters the forming device (130). [3] System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a deflecting device upstream of the forming device (130) which directs the starting material (1) towards the forming device (130), such as a deflecting roller, in particular a free-rotating one, wherein the deflecting device is arranged in such a way in relation to the forming device (130) that the starting material (1) leaves the deflecting device towards the forming device (130) substantially in the direction of gravity. [4] System (100) according to claim 3, wherein the starting material (1) is guided by the deflecting device in such a way that a wrap angle of at least 180°, in particular of at least 225°, 270° or of at least 315°, is formed. [5] System (100), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for converting a web-shaped starting material (1) which defines a web longitudinal direction (L) and extends between two longitudinal edges (6) opposite each other in the web width direction (B), in particular made of paper, cardboard or corrugated board, into packaging bags (11), comprising a forming device (130) for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material (1) into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section, which has a base formed in particular by at least one folding fold, forming a packaging pocket base (7) and two opposing longitudinal web sections extending away from the base in a V- or U-shape, and a receiving space extending in the longitudinal web direction (L), wherein the system (100) is adaptable such that the longitudinal direction (L) in the area of ​​the forming device (130) can be oriented both substantially in the direction of gravity and transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity. [6] System (100) according to claim 5, wherein the system (100) is adjustable, in particular pivotable, between at least one vertical configuration in which the longitudinal direction (L) in the area of ​​the forming device (130) is oriented substantially in the direction of gravity and at least one horizontal configuration in which the longitudinal direction (L) in the area of ​​the forming device (130) is oriented transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity. [7] System (100) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a frame supporting the forming device (130) and an adjustment mechanism for adapting the orientation of the system (100), in particular for adjusting or pivoting, especially the forming device (130) relative to the frame. [8] System (100) according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism is formed by a pivot joint which supports the forming device (130) relative to the frame. [9] System (100) according to one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising a frame supporting the forming device (130) with at least two supports for placing it on a base, which are arranged at an angle, in particular of about 90°, to each other. [10] System (100) according to one of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a frame supporting the forming device (130) and a feed device (110) for feeding the starting material (1) into the system (100), optionally with a web storage unit whose orientation and / or arrangement on the frame is fixed in a non-variable manner or which is movable relative to the frame by means of a further adjustment mechanism, such as a pivoting mechanism, in particular to be flexibly arranged depending on the orientation of the system (100). [11] System (100) according to claim 10, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the retraction device (110) in at least one predefined locking position, in particular at least two predefined locking positions, wherein in particular the locking positions are adapted to the orientation of the system (100), in particular the vertical and horizontal configuration. [12] System (100) according to one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a feeding device (150) downstream of the forming device (130) with a feeding opening (151) through which shipping articles (21) can be inserted into the receiving space in a feeding direction (E), and a deflecting device upstream of the forming device (130) aligning the starting material (1) towards the forming device (130), such as a deflecting roller, in particular a free-rotating roller, wherein the forming device (130) and the feeding device (150) and / or the deflecting device form a rigid unit which is adaptable in its entirety with respect to its orientation, in particular adjustable or pivotable. [13] Packaging bag manufacturing station comprising a system (100) according to one of the preceding claims and a supply of 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, cardboard or corrugated board, from which the system (100) can draw the starting material (1).

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