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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging pouches, said starting material defining a web longitudinal direction, extending between two longitudinal edges that are opposite one another in the web width direction, and being in particular made of paper or cardboard. The system comprises: a forming device for continuously forming the web-shaped starting material into a material web having a V- or U-shaped cross-section with a receiving cavity that extends in the web longitudinal direction, the forming device comprising at least one folding means, such as a folding roller, which can be brought into abutting contact with the material web in order to insert two wings, that protrude from a pouch base, into the web-shaped starting material transversely to the web longitudinal direction, in particular centrally, preferably in the web width direction, between the opposite longitudinal edges; and a loading device having a loading opening through which shipping items can be inserted into the receiving cavity in a loading direction. The system is characterised in that the loading opening is surrounded by a frame that preferably extends over the entire periphery and that defines a clear width and a clear length which limit the dimensions of the insertable shipping items.

Description

[0001] System for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags. A web-shaped starting material defines a web longitudinal direction and extends between two opposite longitudinal edges. The web-shaped starting material is preferably made of paper or cardboard.

[0003] Packaging bags, a packaging material web, and packaging material blanks are known from DE 10 2020 114211 Ai. Such packaging bags, etc., are used in the packaging industry to package objects, especially shipping items, especially to protect them from damage during shipping.

[0004] Various systems are known for forming packaging bags, a packaging material web and packaging material blanks for holding objects such as shipping items from packaging material webs.

[0005] GB 1,067,166 describes a system for packaging objects. 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 inserted between a forming channel defined by side walls running transversely to the web's longitudinal direction and an infeed channel extending inside the conveyor channel. The infeed channel is dimensioned for a specific type of similar shipping item. Along the infeed channel, the upwardly open packaging material web can be loaded with objects such as shipping items from above. A pusher pushes the inserted objects out of the pair of channels in the conveyor direction into a packaging material tube.At the end of the infeed channel, the edges of the web material are folded inward by a pair of folding lips and sealed with a first die to form the packaging material tube. A second die, located further downstream of the conveyor, seals the leading and trailing edges of the tube in the longitudinal direction of the web and includes a cutting edge for separating packaging pockets. From an ecological perspective, it is desirable to avoid weldable plastic material webs. The supply roll positioned at the top can only hold a very limited amount of the starting material web. Furthermore, due to its weight, 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 is disruptive to the continuous production of packaging material webs and cut pieces thereof.The channel pairing is dimensioned to match the shape of specific items, meaning it is not flexibly suited to packaging different items of variable shape. Instead, different channel pairs must be provided for different item types, requiring significant effort to convert the system. Furthermore, it has been shown that the protruding longitudinal edges of the packaging material web in the area of ​​the channel pair pose a risk of injury. Using the pusher is tiring and time-consuming for users. If a user 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 in small logistics centers.

[0006] 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 simple, safe, and reliable to handle while requiring little space and is suitable for packaging a wide variety of objects. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] Accordingly, a system is provided for converting a web-shaped starting material, wherein the starting material defines a web longitudinal direction and extends between two longitudinal edges opposite in the web width direction. In particular, the starting material comprises or consists of paper or cardboard, in particular predominantly, i.e., at least 75%, in particular at least 80%, preferably at least 90%.

[0008] Web-shaped material or web 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 longitudinal web direction and, viewed transversely to the web direction, in particular has a constant width. In the web width direction, the web-shaped material has opposite longitudinal edges. In the web width direction, the packaging material web ends at a respective longitudinal edge extending in the web longitudinal direction. For example, the web-shaped starting material has a width of at least 200 mm and in particular of at most 2000 mm. For example, the width is approximately 500 mm.Web-shaped material generally has much larger dimensions in the web longitudinal direction than in the web width direction, for example, the extent of the web material in the web longitudinal direction can be at least 20 times, at least 50 times, at least 100 times, or at least 1000 times greater than in the web width direction. Web-shaped material generally has much larger dimensions in the web width direction than in the thickness direction, for example, the extent of the web material in the web width direction can be at least 20 times, at least 50 times, at least 100 times, 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 in sections, 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 provided with cold-sealable adhesive.

[0009] The web-shaped material is preferably formed predominantly or entirely from a cellulose-based material. In particular, the web-shaped material can be formed from paper, such as recycled paper, and / or cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard. Preferably, a web-shaped material is provided, in particular, from paper or cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard. The material web can be made from paper, such as recycled paper, and / or 100% recyclable paper, which can be produced without chemical ingredients. Recycled paper is, in particular, paper materials with a low proportion (less than 50%) of paper material containing virgin fibers. For example, paper materials containing 70% to 100% recycled paper, in particular based on waste paper, are used.The recycled paper within the meaning of this invention can be paper material that can have a tensile strength index along 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 across the machine direction of at most 60 Nm / g, preferably a tensile strength of 5 Nm / g to 40 Nm / g. To determine 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 or waste paper property can be characterized by the so-called bursting resistance. A material in this sense is recycled paper with a bursting index of at most 3.0 kPa*m. A 2 / g, preferably with a burst index of 0.8 kPa*m A 2 / g to 2.5 kPa*m A2 / g. The bursting index is determined according to DIN EN ISO 2758. Furthermore, the packaging material has a mass per unit area of ​​40 g / m A 2 to max. 140 g / m A 2. The web-shaped starting material can be in the form of a roll of material or a zigzag-folded stack of packaging material, which is also called a Leporello stack.

[0010] 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 originally flat, web-shaped starting material into a material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. The receiving cavity of the material web preferably has an insertion opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the web. In particular, the receiving cavity is delimited by a pocket base formed opposite the insertion opening and laterally by protruding 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 form an originally flat, web-shaped starting material by bending or folding at least one wing, which extends along a first (for example, right-hand side in the conveying direction) or second (for example, left-hand side in the conveying direction) longitudinal edge, towards 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 on both opposite longitudinal edges of the originally flat, web-shaped starting material towards one another, forming a spine extending along the center of the web material. In the system for converting 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 or is brought into contact with the material web, such as rolling contact, 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 starting material or the material web, in particular at least one upstream, downstream, to the right or left of the conveying direction relative to the folding means, in such a way 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 starting material or the material web can also be brought into contact with the starting material orThe forming device comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller, which presses against the material web transversely to the web's longitudinal direction between the opposite longitudinal edges to insert two wings protruding from a pocket base into the web-shaped starting material. Preferably, the folding means presses against the material web in the web width direction, particularly centrally between the opposite longitudinal edges.

[0012] Furthermore, the system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging pockets comprises a feeding device with a feeding opening through which shipping articles or goods can be inserted into the receiving cavity of the V- or U-shaped material web in a feeding direction. The feeding direction is preferably oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying direction in the region of the feeding device. The feeding device can comprise a guide to support the V- or U-shape of the material web in the region of the feeding device, in particular at the pocket base 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 manner in the region of the feeding opening. In the system for converting the web-shaped starting material, the feeding device is preferably arranged downstream of the forming device in the conveying direction.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the second aspect and / or the remaining aspects, the loading opening is surrounded by a frame that defines a clear width and a clear length that limit the dimensions of the usable shipping articles. The frame preferably completely surrounds the loading opening. The clear length is preferably oriented in the conveying direction and, if appropriate, the web longitudinal direction. The clear width is preferably oriented transversely to the conveying direction and, if appropriate, 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. It may be preferred for the loading opening to have a clear width that essentially corresponds to the width of the pocket base.In particular, in the area of ​​the feeding device, the longitudinal edges of the material web, in particular the wings protruding from the pocket base, are covered by the frame. In particular, the frame is coordinated with 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 separating 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. In particular, the frame forms a panel which is designed and configured to allow feeding access for inserting shipping items exclusively into the receiving cavity of the material web and / or to prevent access to the longitudinal edges of the material web in a covered state.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, in particular not greater than twice the clear length.

[0014] The frame ensures safe access, especially for manual insertion of shipping items into the material web. The use of a frame eliminates the risk of injury from the protruding longitudinal edges as well as unintentional deformation of the wings. Furthermore, the frame ensures that only those shipping items whose shape and size allow them to be subsequently accommodated in a packaging pocket surrounding the shipping item can be inserted into the material web being formed into packaging pockets.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the frame is fixedly attached to the loading device. Alternatively or additionally, the clear width and the clear length are dimensionally stable. In particular, the frame is formed in one piece, preferably solid, or from rigid frame parts firmly connected to one another. The frame can, for example, be formed from at least one sheet metal, at least one shell, at least one plate, or the like.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the previous embodiments, the frame has opposing guide surfaces, such as guide plates, transversely to the conveying direction, which delimit the loading 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 loading direction, in particular the guide plates are formed with a bend. The longitudinal edges delimit the loading 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 one another. Preferably, the guide surfaces extend in the loading direction, starting from a front side of the frame, into the loading device, in particular in the direction of the pocket base and / or at least one guide surface opposite the loading 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 may be preferred that the extension length of the guide surfaces in the feeding direction is not greater than a depth of the wings of the V- or U-shaped material web in the region of the feeding device, in particular not greater than three-quarters of the depth, preferably not greater than half the depth, particularly preferably not greater than one-third of the depth. It may be expedient for the guide surfaces to be matched to the forming device in such a way that the guide surfaces protrude at least partially into the receiving cavity of the material web to be formed by the forming device. With the help of guide surfaces, users can safely insert shipping items into a receiving cavity of a material web that is to be formed into a packaging bag.It may be preferred for the guide surfaces, in particular the guide plates, to be formed separately from the frame. Particularly preferably, the frame, on the one hand, and the guide surfaces, on the other hand, are mounted or mountable separately from one another on the loading device. In particular, the frame and the guide surfaces, such as guide plates or the like, are in two parts. Guide surfaces, such as guide plates, can be designed to be adjustable in size or replaceable. This ensures the system is highly flexible and quickly adaptable to different sizes of mailing bags. This is particularly advantageous if the frame, with its clear width or clear length, is replaceable and / or adjustable, so that the guide surfaces, in particular the guide plates, can remain.

[0017] 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 region of the guide surfaces, opposite guides for opposite wings, in particular longitudinal edges, of the material web with a U-shaped cross-section, such as guide plates, guide rollers and / or guide rollers, are included transversely to the conveying direction. The guides are arranged upstream in the conveying direction and / or in the region of the feeding opening. In particular, the guide surfaces can be designed as guide plates or the like and can be configured to guide the insides of the wings defining the receiving cavity in the region of the feeding device in the conveying direction. Additionally or alternatively, the guides can have guide plates which guide the outside of the wings forming the packaging pockets to be formed in the conveying direction in the region of the feeding device.Upstream of the loading opening, the guides can have funnel-like insertion sections for one (right or left) of the wings. Upstream of the loading device, the guides can comprise a funnel-like transfer section for the joint feeding of both wings, in particular both longitudinal edges, to a conveying device, sealing device, and / or separating device provided downstream of the loading device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention, the frame is detachably connected to the loading device. The system preferably comprises a plurality of frames with different frame sizes, wherein one of the plurality of frames can be attached to the loading opening and the others of the plurality of frames can be stored in a magazine or the like. The plurality of frames preferably have different frame sizes that differ from one another in their clear width and / or clear length. A system with an exchangeable frame and / or with an adjustable frame size can be easily adapted to packaging bags and / or shipping items of different 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 designed to be adjustable.The adjusting means is adjustable, in particular, in predetermined grid increments. In particular, the system can comprise a frame with a fixed clear width and an adjusting means for adjusting the clear length. Alternatively, the system can comprise a frame with a fixed clear length and an adjusting means for adjusting the clear width. The adjusting means can preferably comprise an adjusting means actuator, such as an electromechanical actuator in particular, which is designed and configured to move to a clear length and / or clear width to be set, and a control device for actuating the adjusting means actuator. Furthermore, the system can comprise an operating device for determining the clear length and / or clear width to be set, which is connected to the control device for signal transmission.It may be preferred that a size, in particular a length and / or depth, of the packaging pocket 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 can be designed for signal transmission with a separating and / or sealing device and / or conveying device for adjusting a size, in particular a length and / or depth, of the packaging pocket to be formed.

[0019] According to one embodiment of a system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped starting material web into packaging pockets, the feeding device defines a guide surface for the pocket base, which limits the dimensions of the insertable shipping goods 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, if applicable, the forming device define the guide surface, in particular for the pocket base. The guide surface is preferably designed to guide and / or support the V- or U-shaped formed material web in the region of the pocket base and / or between opposing wings of the material web. The guide surface can be designed, in particular, as a stop for objects inserted or insertable in a feeding device, such as shipping items.

[0020] According to a further development of the system with a guide surface opposite the loading opening in the loading direction, the guide surface can be defined by at least one counterbearing, in particular at least one counterbearing roller or a sliding surface, corresponding to at least one folding means, such as folding rollers, in particular the second folding roller. It can be preferred that the guide surface, at least in sections, realizes a means determining the conveying path of the web-shaped starting material or the material web, which means can be or is brought into contact with the starting material or the material web. A deflection axis defined by the deflection, in particular the deflection roller, can be aligned transversely, in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction along the guide surface and / or arranged offset from the guide surface.By means of at least one counter-bearing roller, in particular a plurality of counter-bearing rollers, and / or at least one sliding surface, in particular a plurality of 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 pocket base and, if appropriate, objects that can be inserted or inserted into the receiving cavity, such as shipping articles.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first and / or the remaining aspects, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, which system comprises a forming device and a feeding device. The forming device comprises 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 a feeding direction.

[0022] According to the second aspect of the invention, the system for converting the web-like starting material into packaging pockets comprises at least one safety sensor, such as a light barrier or a light grid, for scanning the loading 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 article, for example a shipping item, and / or a person, such as their hand, arm, or other body part, is located in the region of the loading opening. In particular, the safety sensor can be configured to detect objects in an area located at the edge of the loading device and spanning the loading opening.Preferably, the safety sensor is designed to at least partially deactivate the system if the safety sensor detects an object located in the area of ​​the loading opening, such as a body part, such as a finger of a person reaching into the loading opening, or a shipping item that is not fully received in the receiving cavity, for example, a shipping item that is not correctly oriented, not inserted deep enough, or is too large. The integration of a safety sensor into a system according to the invention allows for particularly safe handling.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system comprises at least one conveyor device that can be deactivated by the safety sensor. A conveyor device can be designed and configured to convey the web-shaped starting material formed in the forming device, in particular from the feeding device. In particular, only the conveyor device can be deactivated by the safety sensor. It can be preferred that in the system, further system components, such as the feed device, tensioning means, deflection device, forming device, marking device, sealing device, and / or separating device, are operated and / or actuated depending on the conveyor device, wherein in particular these further system components are operated exclusively in an active state of the conveyor device.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system comprises at least one feed device, tensioning device, deflection device, forming device, marking device, sealing device, and / or separating device that can be deactivated by the safety sensor and that is / are connected to the safety sensor for power and / or signal transmission. A feed device can be designed to draw the web-shaped starting material from a material web supply, for example, a zigzag-folded supply stack, which can also be referred to as a fanfold stack, or from a supply roll. A tensioning device can be implemented, for example, as a support roller.A deflection can be realized, for example, by a deflection roller for guiding the web-shaped starting material from the feed device along the deflection to the forming device, in particular along a deflection angle of at least 10°, in particular at least 60°, preferably at least 90°, and optionally not more than 180°. A marking device, such as a printer, a label adhesive, or the like, can be designed and configured to apply or attach at least one visually apparent marking to an outer side of the packaging bag and / or the web-shaped starting 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 starting material, in particular to form a packaging bag.A separating device can be designed and configured to separate a packaging pocket from the source material web along a transverse strip. Optionally, the system can comprise one or more additional components that can be deactivated by the safety sensor.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first and / or the remaining aspects, a system for converting a web-shaped starting material into packaging bags is provided, which system comprises a forming device and a feeding device. The forming device comprises 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 a feeding direction.

[0026] 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 sensor, a gauge, a knobbed button or the like, or an X-ray sensor. The position sensor is directed at at least one reference area on an inner side of the loading device in the region of the loading opening. In particular, the position sensor is directed at 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 shipping item.The position sensor can be connected to at least one signal generator, such as an optical signal generator, for example an indicator light, or an acoustic signal generator, in order to actuate the at least one signal generator, 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 items, are placed into the receiving cavity and then conveyed further if they are too large for the feasible mailing bag size in the loading direction, are not inserted deep enough, or are inserted incorrectly (e.g., crookedly) and at least partially protrude outwards. If a user mistakenly places an item that is too large into the loading opening, they are notified of its incompatibility with the system, so the item can be removed from the receiving cavity and the production process can continue. This ensures that no material jams or similar events occur in the device.

[0027] In one embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the position sensor, in particular the optical sensor, is arranged in the conveying direction in the upstream direction of the loading opening. Preferably, the at least one position sensor is fixedly mounted on a frame of the system, in particular the loading device. In particular, the position sensor can be arranged in the conveying direction between the forming device and the loading device. By arranging the position sensor in the upstream direction of the loading opening, a collision of the position sensor with objects to be inserted, in particular shipping items, can be ruled out.

[0028] 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 space of the material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. The position sensor is preferably oriented in the direction of conveyance. In particular, the position sensor is oriented towards a sealing device arranged downstream (downstream of the feed opening) in the conveyance direction for sealing at least one transverse strip of the formed web-like starting material. Alternatively or additionally, the position sensor can be oriented towards a separating device arranged downstream of the feed opening.

[0029] 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 comprises 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 a feeding direction.

[0030] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the feeding device comprises at least one measuring device for determining at least one piece dimension of at least one object, in particular a shipping article, arranged in the feeding device in the region of the receiving cavity. The measuring device can be designed to determine a plurality of piece dimensions of at least one shipping article. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device can be designed to determine at least one piece dimension of a plurality of objects, in particular shipping articles, arranged in the feeding device in the region of the receiving cavity. The measuring device can, for example, be designed to determine a piece width, piece length, and / or piece height as a piece dimension. The piece width refers to the piece dimension transversely to the conveying direction and transversely to the feeding direction and / or in the web width direction. The piece length refers to the piece dimension in the conveying direction and / or in the web longitudinal direction.The piece height refers to the piece dimension transverse 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 the piece dimension. The measuring device can comprise the position sensor. The measuring device can comprise an optical sensor, in particular the optical sensor implementing the position sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device can comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor, at least one mechanical sensor, such as a slider, a sensor, a gauge, a knobbed probe, or the like, or at least one X-ray sensor. Optionally, the measuring device can comprise a sensor in the manner of a laser scanner.In particular, the measuring device is equipped with a lidar sensor designed and configured to scan the receiving cavity in the manner of a lidar scan and / or to detect objects in the receiving cavity in the manner of a lidar scan. The lidar sensor can preferably be designed as a two-dimensional lidar sensor or as a three-dimensional lidar sensor. Particularly in the case of relatively wide shipping bags, the use of a three-dimensional lidar sensor is recommended; however, for a relatively narrow shipping bag, it has been found that a two-dimensional lidar sensor is sufficient. The measuring device is preferably connected for 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 separating device, can be designed to process the material web depending on the at least one piece dimension determined by the measuring device. With the aid of a measuring device, the system can optimize the production of mailing bags from the web-shaped starting material, for example, with regard to production speed and with regard to an optimized shape of the mailing bags, in particular their transverse and / or longitudinal stripes.

[0031] 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 for the measuring device and the position sensor to comprise different cameras or for the position sensor not to comprise a camera. In particular, the position sensor comprises a lidar sensor, for example as described above. The camera captures a plurality of image sections. In particular, the camera captures an image that comprises a plurality of image sections, preferably consisting of a plurality of area sections. The measuring device is designed and configured to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece height, based on a number of area sections occupied by the at least one shipping article. The length of the shipping envelope to be formed can be adjusted based on the piece dimension, in particular the piece length.

[0032] 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 a plurality of 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 occupied by the nature of a shipping item, in particular 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-like starting material. Alternatively or additionally, the reference plane corresponds to a separating device for separating a packaging pocket from the starting material web along a transverse strip.According to an expedient embodiment, the measuring device can be designed and configured to determine the piece dimension, in particular the piece length, taking into account a predetermined distance between the at least one shipping article in the receiving cavity and the reference plane.

[0033] 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 loading opening. The at least one probe is movable. Preferably, the at least one mechanical probe is movable transversely to the conveying direction and, if appropriate, transversely to the loading 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, location, and / or number of the shipping items laid out by the at least one mechanical probe, preferably inserted in the region of the loading opening.The at least one sensor is preferably mounted on the loading device, particularly in a pivoting or translational manner, in a movable manner, particularly in the region of the frame and / or on the guide surface. Preferably, the at least one mechanical sensor extends into the area of ​​the loading opening in a non-deflected state. The mechanical sensor is preferably designed to push into the area of ​​the loading opening from the outside and / or transversely to the conveying direction, preferably from the outside against the V- or U-shaped material web.

[0034] 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 comprises 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 a feeding direction.

[0035] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the system comprises at least one marking device for applying or affixing at least one visually visible marking to an outer side of the packaging bag and / or the web-shaped starting material, in particular a wing of the material web with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. The marking device can be, for example, a printer, a label adhesive, or the like.

[0036] In an embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, the marking device is arranged in the conveying direction in the region of the feeding device, in particular the feeding opening.

[0037] 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 one against the outside of the packaging pocket and / or the web-shaped starting material. The marking unit can be a print head, for example. A marking carrier can be realized, for example, by 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 urge the marking unit or the marking carrier against the guide, the guide surface, or one of the guide surfaces onto the packaging pocket, the web-shaped starting material, and / or the V- or U-shaped material web.According to a further development of the system, the driver is actuated by the same drive as a conveying device, a sealing device, and / or a separating device of the system. The driver can be connected or can be connected to the drive of the conveying device, the sealing device, and / or the separating device for power transmission by a coupling, in particular a detachable coupling.

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

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

[0040] A preferred embodiment of the system for converting a web-shaped starting 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 the web-shaped starting material from a material supply, such as a supply roll or a supply stack, in particular a fanfold stack. The feed device can, for example, comprise opposing conveyor rollers, conveyor rollers, or the like. It may be preferred for the feed device to have a drive unit, such as an electric motor, which drives at least one conveyor roller or roller. The feed device is preferably designed to draw the web-shaped starting material from a material web supply, for example a zigzag-folded supply stack, which can also be referred to as a fanfold stack, or from a supply roll.

[0041] Additionally, the system can comprise a deflection device, such as a deflection roller, for guiding the web-shaped starting material from the feed device along the deflection device to the forming device. In the conveying direction, the deflection device is arranged between the feed device and the forming device. The deflection device can expediently implement a means that determines, at least in sections, the conveying path of the web-shaped starting material between the feed device and the forming device. In particular, the forming device can be matched to the web-shaped starting material, the feed device, and / or the forming device in such a way that the web-shaped starting material has a flat, web-shaped extension at the forming device, in particular along an at least partial wrap of the forming device.A flat, web-like extension of the web-like starting material is to be understood in particular with reference to the extension of the starting material in the web width direction. In the conveying direction or the web longitudinal direction corresponding to the conveying direction, the flat, web-like starting material can be guided along a curved path, in particular by a deflection device, the feed device, and optionally a support roller or the like. The curved path can, for example, be C-shaped or S-shaped in sections. The deflection is preferably designed to change the path of the web-like starting material in the conveying direction, for example by at least 10° and / or no more than 180°.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the feed device can have at least one creasing element for introducing at least one longitudinal tear, in particular at least one longitudinal central groove, preferably two or three longitudinal central grooves, into the web-shaped starting material. The at least one creasing element is preferably coordinated with a folding means, in particular at least one, preferably first, folding roller. The system can expediently be equipped with at least one creasing element which is designed to introduce one or more grooves in the web-longitudinal direction into the web-shaped starting material, preferably comprising paper or cardboard or consisting thereof, in order to improve the forming process of the web-shaped starting material along the longitudinal grooves by the folding means. The introduction of the at least one longitudinal groove is preferably carried out in accordance with DE 10 2020 114211 Ai.

[0043] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises an alignment device which is arranged downstream of the feeding device in the conveying direction such that a packaging bag provided with a shipping article reaches the alignment device by utilizing gravity, in particular by utilizing gravity exclusively, and is configured to align the packaging bag in a predetermined orientation. Particularly for downstream process steps in the processing of packaging bags, it has proven advantageous if these are present in predetermined, repeating orientations. According to an exemplary development, the alignment device is a passive device which itself does not perform any active movement or active intervention or access to the packaging bag.For example, the system can be designed such that the packed packaging bag leaves the loading device, in particular is released by it and / or falls out of it in the direction of gravity and reaches the alignment device, by which it is then brought into the predetermined orientation.

[0044] According to an exemplary development of the system according to the invention, the system further comprises a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor system, such as a continuous conveyor, in particular with a conveyor belt, for receiving a packaging bag provided with a shipping item and for conveying the packaging bag further. The conveyor device further contributes to the automated packaging and shipping item processing. By means of the conveyor device, the packaging bags can be automatically transported from the packaging location to a transfer or shipping location.

[0045] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveyor device is arranged downstream of the alignment device in such a way that a packaging bag provided with a shipping item and aligned by the alignment device reaches the conveyor device by utilizing gravity. In other words, the packaging bag can initially leave the loading device unaligned in the direction of the alignment device and finally, after being aligned by the alignment device, arrive at the conveyor calibration device and be conveyed further there in the predetermined orientation.

[0046] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the alignment device is configured and / or arranged with respect to the loading device such that a leading end of the packaging pocket can impinge on the alignment device and be deflected in a predetermined direction. For example, the packaging pocket falls out of the loading device under the influence of gravity and initially impinges with a leading end on the alignment device, which is configured and / or arranged to deflect the leading end in a specific direction so that the predetermined orientation can be assumed. For example, the deflection by means of the alignment device causes the packaging pocket to tilt.

[0047] In a further exemplary development of the system according to the invention, the alignment device is designed as a deflection plate and / or as a chute oriented transversely to a direction of fall, which is in particular oriented exclusively in the direction of gravity, of the packaging bag from the loading device to the alignment device. The deflection plate or chute can thus be oriented transversely to the vertical direction and, as soon as the leading end of the packaging bag has hit the deflection plate or chute, can entrain or specifically deflect the packaging bag, so that a predetermined deflection takes place, which ultimately leads to the predetermined orientation of the packaging bag.After the initial deflection caused by the leading end hitting the deflection plate or chute, the packaging bag can slide or slide down the chute or plate and finally reach the conveyor.

[0048] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the alignment device is designed to align the packaging bag so that the marking is oriented vertically upwards. Thus, the marking is always visible or legible for operators, scanners, automatic processing devices, or the like, allowing automatic further processing of the packaging bag.

[0049] Preferred embodiments are given in the subclaims.

[0050] In the following, further properties, features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a system for forming a web-like starting material into mailing bags;

[0052] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system for forming a web-like starting material into mailing bags;

[0053] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a deflection;

[0054] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a forming device in the conveying direction;

[0055] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the forming device according to Figure 4 transverse to the conveying direction;

[0056] Figure 6 is a side view of a third embodiment of a system for converting a web-like starting material into mailing bags; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the system according to Figure 6;

[0057] Figure 8 is a side view of a feed device with creasing elements;

[0058] Figure 9 is a detailed view of a feeding device in the feeding direction;

[0059] Figure io is a detailed view of the feeding device according to Figure 9 transverse to the conveying direction;

[0060] Figure 11 is a sectional view of a feeding device in the feeding direction;

[0061] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of a conveying device;

[0062] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a separating and sealing device;

[0063] Figure 14 is a schematic representation of a loading device with a

[0064] measuring device;

[0065] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a loading device with an optical sensor;

[0066] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a loading device with a labeler and a light grid;

[0067] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a mailing bag;

[0068] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the shipping bag according to Figure 17; and

[0069] Figure 19 is a view of the mailing bag according to Figure 17, looking from the outside onto the bottom of the bag; and

[0070] Figures 2oa-2od are schematic diagrams of a further exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention in different operating positions.

[0071] To simplify readability, the following description of preferred embodiments of the various aspects of the invention, which can be implemented 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-like starting material into packaging bags. Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the exemplary embodiments of a system described below sometimes embody several combined aspects of the invention, the various aspects can each be implemented individually or in any combination with one another.

[0072] A system according to the invention for converting a web-shaped starting material, which defines a web longitudinal direction and extends between two longitudinal directions opposite in the web width direction, into packaging pockets is generally provided with the reference numeral 100 or 200. The various embodiments of systems according to the invention, which are provided with the reference numeral 100 on the one hand or with the reference numeral 200 on the other hand, differ essentially only in the position of the various system components relative to one another and the resulting conveying path for the starting material.

[0073] The web-shaped starting material 1 is preferably formed from or consists of cardboard or paper. In addition to cardboard or paper, the starting material 1 can comprise an adhesive or the like for sealing the packaging pockets 11 to be formed. An example of a packaging pocket 11 that can be produced using the system according to the invention is shown in Figures 17-19.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1 or 2, the web-shaped starting material 1 for the 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 for a material web supply 2 can be used, as can be seen in Figure 2. The support frame 20 itself can be mechanically coupled to the system 100, for example, plugged in, in order to establish an optimized alignment of the web-shaped starting material 1 relative to the feed device 110 / 210. The web-shaped starting material 1 rolled up to form the material web supply 2 has a web width direction B.The extension of the starting material 1 in the web width direction B corresponds to the cylinder height of the roll-shaped material web supply 2. The opposing, circular base surfaces of the roll-shaped or cylindrical material web supply 2 are formed by the opposing longitudinal edges 6 of the starting material web 1. To form the roll-shaped material web supply 2, the starting material web 1 is wound in its longitudinal direction L. The system 100 and, if applicable, the support frame 20 stand on a surface, such as a hall floor, that extends essentially horizontally. A vertical direction V extends orthogonally on this surface in the direction of gravity.

[0075] To process the web-shaped starting material 1 into a plurality of packaging pockets 11 by the system 100, the material web 1 is guided through the system 100 in a conveying direction F corresponding to its longitudinal web direction L, and is pulled through it, thereby unwound from the roll-shaped material web supply 2. Within the various components of the system 100, the local conveying direction F along which the web-shaped material 1 is moved can be variable with respect to the vertical direction V as well as with respect to a horizontal direction.

[0076] The conveying path of the material web 1 through the system 100 according to the embodiments shown by way of example in Figure 1 or 2, as well as through the system 200 according to the embodiment shown by way of example in Figures 6 and 7, generally runs (in successive order according to the following list of the system components) from a material web supply 2 through a feed device 110 / 210, along a clamping means, 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 separating device 190 / 290.

[0077] In the embodiments illustrated here as examples, the web-shaped starting material 1 extends essentially flat, in particular in a horizontal direction, from the material web supply 2 to the deflection roller 120 / 220 in the web width direction B. 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-shaped or U-shaped cross-section and a receiving cavity 9 extending in the web longitudinal direction L. The receiving cavity 9 is delimited on the one hand by a pocket base 7 and on both sides thereof by wings 8 protruding 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-shaped 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. By means of the conveying device 170 / 270, the material web 5, which is V-shaped or U-shaped in cross-section and is covered with at least one shipping item 21, is pulled further out of 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-shaped or U-shaped material web 5 to form packaging pockets 11. The separating device 190 / 290 separates packaging pockets 11 containing at least one shipping article 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.

[0078] Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the system 100 for converting the web-shaped starting material 1, which is formed in particular from paper or cardboard, into packaging pockets 11. A feed device 110 draws the web-shaped starting material 1 from the material web supply 2. The feed device 110 is arranged above the material web supply 2 in the vertical direction V. Downstream of the feed device 110, the web-shaped starting 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 referred to as an idler roller or dancer roller. The support roller 115 is mounted on the system 100, in the embodiment according to Figure 1 on the feed device 110, so as to be movable transversely to the conveying direction F.The support roller 115 is movable relative to the intake device 110 and / or a deflection device 120 to perform an evasive movement a. As shown in Figure 1, the evasive movement a can be oriented in the vertical direction V.

[0079] The support roller 115 can be preloaded downwards in the vertical direction V, for example, by a mass, in particular its own weight. Alternatively or additionally, the support roller 215 can be spring-loaded to perform an evasive movement a. The support roller 215 is designed without a pneumatic actuator. The tension force of the web-shaped starting material 1 acts counter to the preload of the support roller 215 as a result of a tensile force acting on the starting material web 1 by a conveyor device 170 in the conveying direction F. With the help of the support roller, discontinuities between a conveying speed when pulling the web-shaped starting material web 1 from the material web supply 2, on the one hand, and a conveying speed at the conveyor 170 and / or the separating device 190, on the other hand, can be compensated.By displacing the support roller 115 in the direction of the compensating movement a, the conveying path is extended from the intake device 110 to the feeding device 150, so that a buffer quantity of web-shaped starting material 1 can be kept along the conveying path.

[0080] In the advance section of the forming device 130, a deflection device is arranged, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here is implemented as a deflection roller 120. The web-shaped starting material 1 is supported along the deflection axis U on the deflection roller 120 before being conveyed through the forming device 130. The deflection roller 120 or deflection roller extends in the direction of the deflection axis U over more than the initial width b of the starting material web i.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a deflection system 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. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the circumferential contact area 121 extends, according to Figure 1, over more than 90° around the outer circumference of the deflection roller 120. The retaining belt 125 is in touching 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 tears.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the holding belt 125 is guided along three belt deflection pulleys or belt rollers 126, 127, of which, for example, one belt deflection pulley 126 is driven and one belt deflection pulley 127 can be movably mounted to maintain belt tension. The driven belt roller 126 can provide a drive force for conveying the source material web 1. Optionally, the belt roller 126 is provided with a freewheel, which is arranged between the drive motor and the holding belt 125 itself. This facilitates the restart 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 holding belt 125 extends significantly shorter than the deflection pulley 120.

[0083] 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 Figure 1 or Figure 2, the deflection forms 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 installed with a particularly narrow footprint in a logistics hall.

[0084] A forming device 130 is described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Starting from the deflection, the starting 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 determined by the deflection, which extends from the deflection roller 120 to the conveyor 170. The central region of the material web in the web width direction B is formed in the forming device 130 by folding means, which here are realized 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 as far as the longitudinal edges 6.

[0085] The forming device 130 comprises a first folding roller 131, the roller 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 axial distance X is provided between the roller axis W of the first conveying roller 131 and the deflection axis U. Transverse to the conveying direction F, a turnover distance Y extends between the deflection axis U and the roller axis W of the first conveying roller 131. A second folding roller 132 and optionally a third folding roller 133 arranged between the first folding roller 131 and the second folding roller 132 define the path of the pocket base 7 through the forming device 130. The roller axis W of the second folding roller 132 is arranged in relation to the deflection axis U in the direction of conveying direction F through the forming device 130 significantly further offset than the axial distance X, preferably by 2 times to 5 times.Transverse to the conveying direction F (in the feeding direction E), the second folding roller 132 is further relative to the first folding roller 131 relative to the deflection axis U than the wrapping distance Y, but not more than 100%, preferably 10% - 50%. The roller axes W of the folding rollers 131, 132, and optionally 133, are spatially parallel to each other.

[0086] In a practical embodiment, the conveyor rollers 131, 132, and 133 are formed by a pair of rolling disks 135, between which a spacer 134 is arranged. The distance between the rolling disks 135 relative to one another in the direction of the roller axis W, defined by the spacer 134, can correspond to the distance between the creasing disks 107, 207 of a creasing element 105 upstream of the forming device. Alternatively, the rolling disks 135 and the spacer 134 can be formed as a single-piece molded part. However, it is essential that all of the aforementioned designs of the spacers 134 have a smaller outer diameter than the rolling disks 135. Alternatively, the conveyor rollers 131, 132, and 133 can be cylindrical.

[0087] The forming device 130 has a guide surface 140, which is partially realized by counter-bearing rollers 142, 143 assigned to the conveyor 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 spanned by the deflection and the conveyor device 170. In the embodiment of the system 100 according to Figures 1 or 2, the guide surface 140 extends in a substantially vertical plane. Figures 6 and 7 show various views of another embodiment of a system 200 for forming a web-shaped starting material into packaging pockets. In this system 200, the deflection roller 220 is also arranged in the vertical direction V in the uppermost region of the system 200.In contrast to the systems 100 described above, however, the conveying direction F is essentially horizontal in the forming device 230 as well as at the exit of the feed device 210. The feed device 210 is described in detail below with reference to Figure 8.

[0088] 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 essentially applies to what was previously explained with reference to Figures 4 and 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 the counter-bearing rollers 241, 242, 243, and 245 arranged therein form a section surface for the outer side of the material web 5 in the region of the pocket base 7.

[0089] Provided inside the forming device 230 is a pair of opposing guide rods 236, the transverse spacing of which tapers in the conveying direction F. The guide rods 236 are arranged transversely to the conveying direction F on both sides of the folding rollers 231, 232, and 233. In the conveying direction F, the guide rods 236 extend essentially from the deflection roller 220 to the feeding device 250. The outer sides of the wings 8 can be guided along the guide rods 236 to form the V- or U-shaped material web 5. The counter-bearing rollers 241, 242, and 243 are arranged in the region of the forming device 230 and can each be assigned to a folding roller 231, 232, and 233. The counter-bearing rollers 245 are arranged in the region of the feeding device 250 opposite the feeding opening 251. In the embodiment of the system 200 shown in Figures 6 and 7, the guide surface 240 extends essentially in a horizontal plane.

[0090] The loading device 250 is arranged downstream of the forming device 230. The loading device 250 has a loading opening 251 completely surrounded by a solid frame 255. The interior space 259 of the loading device 250 extends in the loading direction E behind the frame 255. In the conveying direction F, the loading opening 251 has a clear length f, which determines the maximum length of the shipping items that can be inserted. The loading direction E, through which shipping items (not shown in detail) can be inserted through the loading opening 251 of the loading device, extends perpendicular to the conveying direction F and the plane defined by the guide surface 240.

[0091] 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. Following the conveying device 270, a sealing and separating device 280 / 290 is provided for forming and separating packaging pockets 11 from the web-shaped starting material 1.

[0092] Figure 8 shows a side view of a feed device 210. The feed device 210 differs from the feed device 110 essentially only in the orientation of its conveying direction F at the inlet and outlet of the feed device. The feed device 210 comprises a pair of conveyor rollers 211 and 212, between which the web-shaped starting material (not shown in detail in Figure 8) can be conveyed. The lower conveyor roller 211 is provided with a drive device which drives the conveyor roller 211. The upper conveyor roller 212 rolls on the web-shaped starting material and follows the movement of the lower conveyor roller 211 in the opposite direction of rotation. In the absence of starting material, the conveyor roller would roll on the lower conveyor roller 211.

[0093] The feed device 210 comprises a creasing element 205. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the creasing element 205 is arranged upstream of the conveyor roller pair 211, 212. The creasing element 205 comprises two axially offset creasing discs 207, 208. The creasing discs 207, 208 are mounted on a pivotable arm 216, spring-loaded by a compression spring 209. It is conceivable that the creasing discs 207, 208 are held rotationally rigidly. Preferably, the creasing discs 207, 208 are rotatably mounted. The creasing discs 207, 208 roll on the counter-bearing roller 206. The compression spring 209 urges the creasing discs against the counter-bearing roller or counter-bearing roll 206. The web-shaped starting material (not shown in detail in Figure 8) is conveyed by the feed device 210 along the creasing element 205, which longitudinally grooves the web-shaped starting material 1 in order to form it into a grooved web material 3.Downstream of the feed device 210 in the forming device 230, the folding means fold the web-shaped material 1, preferably along the longitudinal grooves introduced by the creasing element 205, in order to configure the material web 5 with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. The rolling disks 135 mentioned above are designed as relatively narrow disks, with each of the disks running along the respective longitudinal groove introduced. It has been found that the forming of the web-shaped starting material 1 is simplified if the rolling disk runs along the longitudinal groove. Advantageously, the rolling disk 135 has a rounded portion or a truncated cone or a double truncated cone on its outer diameter.

[0094] Figures 9 and 10 show a loading device 150. With the exception of the orientation of the guide surface 140, the loading device 150 of the system 100 essentially corresponds to the loading device 250 of the 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 - '2^ -. The counter-bearing rollers 145 limit the depth in the loading direction E to which a shipping article (not shown in detail) can be inserted. The loading direction E is oriented horizontally in the system 100 shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0095] In the conveying direction F, the loading opening 151 has a clear length f. Transversely to the conveying direction F, 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. Transversely to the conveying direction F, the loading opening 151 is delimited by opposing guide plates 156. The guide plate 156 has a rounded bend 157 in the area of ​​the loading opening 151 so that a shipping article can easily slide along the guide plate 156 into the loading opening 151 and a receiving cavity 9 provided behind it of a V- or U-shaped material web 5 (see Fig. 1). The guide plates 156 form guide plates 144 behind the frame 155 in the interior 159 of the feeding device 150 for guiding the wings 8 in the conveying direction F on their inner sides defining the receiving cavity 9.Further guide plates 146 can be provided on their outer sides to guide the wings 8 in the conveying direction F.

[0096] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the feeding device 150 through a cutting 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 shown in dashed lines in Figure 11. The guidance of the right and left wings 8 between the respective guide plates 144 and 146 is clearly visible in the cutting plane. The guide plates 144, 146 form a funnel-like 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.

[0097] Downstream of the feed opening, the outer guide plates 146 form a funnel-like transfer section 154 for feeding the longitudinal edges 6 of the material web 5 into the contact area of ​​two mutually rotating conveyor rollers 171, 172. The conveyor rollers 171, 172 implement a conveyor device 170, which pulls the material web 5 through the forming device 130. Preferably, the conveyor rollers 171, 172 have cooperating cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces. The conveyor rollers 171, 172 can apply high tensile stresses to the material web 5 in order to realize the forming from a flat starting material web into a formed material web along a particularly short folding path by the forming device 130. Figure 12 shows an optional embodiment of a conveyor roller pair 171, 172, which forms a sealing device 180.A first conveyor roller 171 has a full-circumferential annular projection 173, which rolls in a corresponding full-circumferential 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 n. Optionally, a cold-sealing adhesive can be applied to the material web 5 on the inside of the receiving cavity 9, at least in the region 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.

[0098] 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 opposing jaws transverse to the conveying direction F, which can be pressed against one another to form a transverse strip 15 sealing a packaging pocket 11. The separating device 190 comprises at least one, in particular scissor- or guillotine-like, cutting edge and / or a plurality of cutting edge-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 designed with a cutting edge of the separating device 190, so that when the jaws are pressed against each other, the packaging pocket 11 is separated from the material web 5 at the same time as the packaging pocket 11 is sealed along a transverse strip 15.

[0099] Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of a loading device 150 with a measuring device having an optical sensor in the form of a camera 158. Figure 15 shows a perspective representation of a loading 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 the present disclosure.

[0100] The camera 158 is mounted on the frame of the loading device 150. To prevent a collision between shipping items 21 and the camera 158, the camera 158 is arranged upstream of the loading opening 151. The camera 158 is essentially aligned with the loading opening 151 in accordance with the conveying direction F. The viewing direction of the camera 158 is oriented such that it looks into the receiving cavity 9 of a material web extending in the region of the loading device 150.

[0101] It may be preferred that the camera 158 captures an image area that includes a reference area along an inner edge of the loading opening 151, in particular along the guide plate 144, the baffle 156, and / or the bend 157. If the camera 158 forms part of a position sensor, the system 100 detects any possible coverage of the reference area by an object, such as a body part of a user and / or a shipping item, in order to accordingly prevent movement of one or more components of the system 100.

[0102] In the schematic representation according to Figure 14, the camera 158 captures a reference plane defined by the sealing device 180. The predetermined distance c between the separating and sealing device 180 / 190 and the shipping article 21, which results from deformations of the material web 5, can be known in advance or determined using the measuring device. The distance c can, for example, correspond to a known taper of the material web in the transfer area 154. Furthermore, the camera 158 captures the distance from a rear edge of the shipping article 21 in the conveying direction F to the reference plane. The measuring device can thus determine the piece length SL of the shipping article. The measuring device can also determine other piece dimensions, such as the piece width SB transverse to the conveying direction F and the piece height SH in the feeding direction E.

[0103] At the beginning of a measuring cycle, a computer, for example a PLC, arithmetic unit, or similar central machine control unit, can transmit a signal to the sensor provided for length measurement (here: camera 158). The sensor then detects the shipping item 21. For example, the camera 158 can take an image and subdivide the image into a plurality of image sections, for example a field matrix comprising 5x8 fields. The possibly different distances of each of these image sections from the reference plane are determined and transmitted back to the computer. The computer then determines the maximum value of the different distances. The distance c between the shipping item 21 and the front end of the shipping pocket 11 to be formed, as well as a second distance d in the trailing section of the shipping item 21, possibly corresponding to the distance c, can be predetermined for the computer.The computer can then determine a feed along which the conveying device 170 conveys the material web from the feeding device 150 through the sealing and / or separating device 180 and / or 190, and which determines the overall dimension 9 of the packaging pocket 11 to be formed in the web longitudinal direction L. The overall dimension 9 can, if necessary, be compared by the computer with at least one minimum and / or maximum threshold value, for example, to detect shipping items 21 with an impermissible length.

[0104] Alternatively, a piece dimension, such as a piece height SH of a shipping item 21, in particular of a particularly narrow shipping item 21, can be determined by a preferably optical sensor of the measuring device based on the reflection behavior on an inner side (or outer side) of the material web 5 in the region of the loading opening 151. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the loading device 150. Extending along the loading opening 151 is a light grid 149 of a safety sensor, which is designed to detect when a user has inserted a body part, in particular a hand or an arm, into the loading opening 151 or through the loading opening 151 into the interior 159 of the loading device 150. The light grid 149 essentially covers the entire area spanned by the loading opening 151 within the frame 155.When 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.

[0105] The system 100 also includes a marking device 160, which is arranged here, by way of example, in the interior 159 of the feeding device 150. The marking device 160 includes a driver 161 for pressing labels, for example, of shipping items, against an outer side of the material web 5 in the region of the feeding device 150. The system 100 can have 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.

[0106] 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 in dashed lines. The shipping item 21 has a piece length SL and a piece height SH. The length 9 of the packaging bag 11 corresponds to the sum of the piece length SL, the predetermined distance c, and the second distance d. Figures 18 and 19 show other views of the packaging bag 11 shown in Figure 17.

[0107] Figures 2oa-2od show schematic diagrams of a further exemplary embodiment of a system 100 according to the invention, in which the transfer of a finished packaging pocket to a conveyor device 320 arranged downstream of the feeding device 150 by means of an alignment device 310 arranged between the feeding device 150 and the conveyor device 320 is shown.

[0108] In Figure 20a, the packaging pocket 11 is still arranged in the loading device 150 and points downwards with a leading end 12 in the direction of gravity, a trailing end 14 in the opposite direction and has on an outer surface a marking applied by a marking device 160, 260, which can be referred to as the marking side and is provided with the reference number 13.

[0109] The sequence shown in Figures 2ob-2od shows the process of transferring the packaging pocket 11 to the conveyor device 320 designed as an endless conveyor belt. In the exemplary embodiment, the alignment device 310 designed as a deflection plate or chute is arranged vertically below the discharge opening of the loading device 150, so that the packaging pocket 11 falling out or down (Figure 20b) initially encounters the deflection plate or chute 310, which is oriented obliquely with respect to the vertical direction (Figure 20c), with its leading end 12, and is guided into a specific orientation by the deflection plate or chute 310. This occurs because the leading end 12 follows the path of the alignment device 310 and is thus tilted, before the packaging pocket 11 is transferred to the conveyor belt 320 in the predetermined, desired orientation with the marking side 13 facing upwards in the vertical direction.

[0110] The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims can be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in the various embodiments.

[0111] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0112] 1 web-shaped starting material

[0113] 2 Material web supply

[0114] 3 grooved material web

[0115] 5 Material web with U-shaped cross-section

[0116] 6 Longitudinal edge

[0117] 7 Pocket base

[0118] 8 wings

[0119] 9 Receiving cavity

[0120] 11 packaging bag

[0121] 12 leading end

[0122] 13 Labeling page

[0123] 14 trailing end

[0124] 15 horizontal stripes

[0125] 16 longitudinal stripes

[0126] 21 shipping items

[0127] 100, 200 systems

[0128] 105, 205 creasing element

[0129] 106, 206 Counter bearing roller

[0130] 107, 108, 207, 208 grooving disc

[0131] 109, 209 compression spring

[0132] 110, 210 feed device

[0133] 111, 211 driven conveyor roller

[0134] 112, 212 roller conveyors

[0135] 115, 215 dancers (supporting roller, idler roller)

[0136] 116, 216 booms

[0137] 120, 220 pulley

[0138] 125 straps

[0139] 130, 230 U forming device

[0140] 131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233 folding roller

[0141] 135, 235 rolling disc

[0142] 136, 236 Command Staff

[0143] 140, 240 guide surface

[0144] 141, 241 Counter bearing roller

[0145] 142, 242 Counter bearing roller

[0146] 143, 243 Counter bearing roller

[0147] 144, 244 Guide plate 145, 245 Counter bearing roller

[0148] 146, 246 guide plate

[0149] 147, 247 guide roller

[0150] 149 light grids

[0151] 150, 250 feeding device

[0152] 151, 251 loading opening

[0153] 153 Introductory section

[0154] 154 transfer section

[0155] 155, 255 frames

[0156] 156, 256 baffle

[0157] 157, 257 bend

[0158] 158, 258 Camera

[0159] 159, 259 inside

[0160] 160, 260 marking device

[0161] 161, 261 driver

[0162] 170, 270 conveyor device

[0163] 171, 172, 271, 272 conveyor roller

[0164] 173 ring projection

[0165] 174 ring groove

[0166] 180, 280 sealing device

[0167] 190, 290 separating device

[0168] 310 alignment device

[0169] 320 Conveyor a Evasive movement b Output width c Distance d Second distance e Reference plane f Clear length g Total length

[0170] 1 Forming length q clear length

[0171] SB piece width

[0172] SL piece length

[0173] SH piece height

[0174] L Web longitudinal direction B Web width direction

[0175] E Feeding direction

[0176] F Conveying direction

[0177] U Deflection axis V Vertical direction

[0178] W roller axis

[0179] X axis distance

[0180] Y envelope distance

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. 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 pockets (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 web longitudinal direction (L), 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 designed to introduce 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 opposite longitudinal edges (6), it can be brought into contact with the material web,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 in 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 inserted.

2. System (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (155, 255) is fixed in position on the loading device (150, 250) and / or that the clear width (q) and the clear length (f) are dimensionally stable, wherein in particular the frame (155, 255) is made in one piece, in particular solid, or formed from rigid frame parts firmly connected to one another. System (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (155, 255) has guide surfaces, such as guide plates (156, 256), opposite the conveying direction (F) and defining the feed opening (151, 251), wherein the guide surfaces form opposite longitudinal edges, and wherein the guide surfaces are rounded in the region of the longitudinal edges with respect to the feed direction (E).System (100, 200) according to claim 3, characterized in 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 opposite 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). System (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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).System (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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). System (100, 200) according to claim 6, characterized in that a guide surface (140, 240) opposite the loading opening (151, 251) in the loading 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 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 pockets (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 web longitudinal direction (L), 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 used to introduce 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 can be brought into contact with the material web centrally, preferably in the web width direction (B), between the opposite 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 in 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 at least partially deactivated by the safety sensor.

9. System (100, 200) according to claim 8, characterized in that the safety sensor is designed to initiate at least partial inactivation of the system (100, 200) if the safety sensor detects an object arranged 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 in that the system (100, 200) has at least one safety sensor has an inactivatable conveying device (170, 270) for conveying the web-shaped starting material (1) that has been formed in the forming device (130, 230). 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 web longitudinal direction (L), wherein the forming device (130, 230) comprises at least one folding means, such as a folding roller (131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233).a device for 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 feeding device (150, 250) with a feeding opening (151, 251) through which shipping articles (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a feeding direction (E), characterized in that the feeding 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 inner side (159, 259) of the feeding device (150, 250) in the area of ​​the feeding opening (151, 251). is, in particular on an inner edge of the loading opening (151, 251), wherein the position sensor is designed toto determine whether the reference area is exposed or at least partially covered by a shipment. System (100, 200) according to claim 11, characterized in 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). System (100, 200) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the position sensor, in particular the optical sensor, is arranged on the inside (159, 259) of the feed 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 lead-up to the feed opening (151, 251) for sealing at least one transverse strip (15) of the formed web-shaped starting material (1). System (100, 200) for converting a web-shaped input 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 or cardboard, in 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 can be brought into contact with the material web for introducing two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1) transversely to the longitudinal direction (L), in particular centrally, preferably in the width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), and a feeding device (150, 250) with a Loading opening (151, 251),by which the shipping items (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a loading direction (E), characterized in that, The loading device (150, 250) comprises at least one measuring device for determining at least one piece dimension, such as a piece width (SB), piece length (SL) and / or piece height (SH), of at least one shipping item (21) arranged in the loading device (150, 250) in the area of ​​the receiving cavity (9). System (100, 200) according to claim 14, characterized in that the measuring device comprises a camera (158, 258), in particular a 3D camera, which captures several image sections. System (100, 200) according to claim 15, characterized in that the measuring device is designed and configured to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece height (SH), based on a number of image sections occupied by the at least one shipping item (21).System (100, 200) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the measuring device is designed and configured to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece length (SL), 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).System (100, 200) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that 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 the position, orientation and / or number of a transported item (21) based on its position, orientation and / or number. A deflected mechanical probe is used to determine a piece dimension, in particular a piece length (SL) and / or piece width (SB). 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 web longitudinal direction (L), 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 used to introduce two wings (8) projecting from a pocket base (7) into the web-shaped starting material (1) transversely to the Longitudinal direction of the track (L), especially in the middle,preferably in the web width direction (B), between the opposing longitudinal edges (6), can be brought into contact with the material web, and a feeding device (150, 250) with a feeding opening (151, 251) through which shipping articles (21) can be inserted into the receiving cavity (9) in a feeding direction (E), characterized in 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 attaching 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) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section. System (100, 200) according to claim 19, characterized in that the marking device (160, 260) is located in the conveying direction (F) in the The system (100, 200) according to claim 19 or 20 is arranged in the area of ​​the feeding device (150, 250), in particular the feeding opening (151, 251). It is characterized in 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 printhead, 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). System (100, 200) according to claim 21, characterized in 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).System (100, 200) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in 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). System (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading opening (151, 251) extends in a plane that is oriented vertically or horizontally.System (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 creasing element (105, 205) for introducing at least one longitudinal crack. in particular comprising at least one longitudinal central groove, preferably two or three longitudinal central grooves, in the web-shaped starting material (1).

26. System (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (100, 200) further comprises an alignment device (310) which is arranged downstream of the feed device (150, 250) in such a way that a packaging bag (11) provided with a shipping item (21) reaches the alignment device (310) by utilizing gravity and is configured to align the packaging bag in a predetermined orientation.

27. System (100, 200) according to claim 26, characterized in that the system (100, 200) further comprises a conveying device (320), in particular a conveying system, such as a continuous conveyor, in particular with a conveyor belt, for receiving a packaging bag (11) provided with a shipping item (21) and conveying the packaging bag (11) further.

28. System (100, 200) according to claim 27, characterized in that the conveying device (320) is arranged such that a packaging bag (11) provided with a shipping item (21) and aligned by the alignment device (310) reaches the conveying device (320) by utilizing gravity.

29. System (100, 200) according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the alignment device (310) is configured and / or arranged in relation to the feeding device (150, 250) such that a leading end of the packaging bag (11) can strike the alignment device and be deflected in a predetermined direction.

30. System (100, 200) according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the alignment device (310) is designed as a deflection plate and / or a slide aligned transversely to a fall direction of the packaging bag (11) from the feeding device (150, 250) to the alignment device (310).

31. System (100, 200) according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the alignment device (310) is configured to is designed to align the packaging bag(s) so that the marking is oriented vertically upwards.

Images