System and method for manufacturing a strip element

Abstract

A system configured to manufacture a strip element is disclosed. The strip element forms a plurality of pouch-like pieces arranged sequentially one after another along the longitudinal direction of the strip element. The strip element includes a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member. The system includes: a pressing unit configured to receive the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member and configured to press a first overlapping portion of the first wall-forming member against a second overlapping portion of the second wall-forming member; and a spacer unit configured to temporarily space a third overlapping portion of the first wall-forming member from a fourth overlapping portion of the second wall-forming member by a predetermined distance. A method for manufacturing a strip element is also disclosed.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Today, cutting propagation is used in millions of cases in the field of asexual reproduction of ornamental plants and crops. For this purpose, cuttings are typically planted in a moist substrate to allow them to root. Substrates such as soil, perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir, mineral wool, or expanded clay granules can be used. Cuttings are usually first cultivated in small containers, such as those disclosed in US2011 / 0258926 A1. After the first roots have emerged, the cuttings are transplanted into larger containers, which may then be transported to customers in said containers. Customers then further cultivate the plants in other containers until they are ready for sale.

[0002] The traditional cutting propagation process described above is relatively lengthy and incurs some losses, as not all cuttings grow as expected. Therefore, a new method of cutting rooting and propagation is desired, one that reduces the cost of cutting propagation while producing better results, such as larger and stronger plants and reduced losses. Furthermore, the implemented cutting rooting and propagation method should be environmentally friendly, especially in terms of waste material generation.

[0003] Against this backdrop, suggestions have been made regarding the production of rooted cuttings from unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate. For example, EP 3 790 376 B1 discloses a method for rooting multiple unrooted cuttings without a substrate in a cavity in which elongated strip elements are arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction. This document focuses on how to use the strip element, rather than how to manufacture it. Therefore, there remains a need for methods and systems that can efficiently and reliably manufacture strip elements for rooting multiple unrooted cuttings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, a system and a method for manufacturing strip elements are provided. The strip elements can be configured for rooting multiple unrooted cuttings.

[0005] According to this disclosure, the strip element forms a plurality of pouch-like components (also referred to as empty pockets or empty bags), which are arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction of the strip element. The strip element forming the plurality of empty pouch-like components can be a single and unique structural element for fabricating rooting cuttings therein. The strip element can have a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, and can extend longitudinally within the longitudinal dimension and laterally within the transverse dimension along the transverse direction.

[0006] Each pouch has an opening through which unrooted cuttings can be inserted to root within the pouch. Each pouch may have a width along the longitudinal direction of the strip element and a depth along the transverse direction of the strip element. The opening of each pouch may be located on a top side (e.g., facing the transverse direction of the strip element). Each pouch may have a bottom side opposite the top side. The bottom side may be at least partially or completely closed.

[0007] The strip element includes a first wall forming member and a second wall forming member. The strip element can form the boundary of each empty bag-like piece or empty pocket through its wall forming member. The first wall forming member of the strip element can be substantially planar, while the second wall forming member can be raised to form the bag-like piece.

[0008] The first wall forming member has a first overlapping portion that overlaps with a second overlapping portion of the second wall forming member (e.g., in the transverse and longitudinal directions) and is secured to the second overlapping portion (e.g., by adhesive) to define a plurality of pouches (e.g., at least in the longitudinal direction and optionally in the transverse direction, e.g., at the bottom side of each pouch). The first and second wall forming members can be secured to each other (e.g., only) by the first and second overlapping portions, which can be arranged at least partially longitudinally adjacent to each pouch, thereby separating adjacent pouches from each other. The first and second overlapping portions can define the plurality of pouches by forming the outer contour of each pouch (e.g., in the longitudinal and optionally in the transverse direction). Each pouch can be bounded by a seam formed by the first and second overlapping portions. By securing the first and second wall forming members to each other not only in the areas longitudinally adjacent to the pouches but also in those areas where the bottom side should subsequently remain closed, a closed or partially closed bottom side of each pouch can be obtained.

[0009] The first wall forming member has a third overlapping portion that overlaps with (e.g., in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction) and is (e.g., primarily) spaced apart from the fourth overlapping portion of the second wall forming member. The third and fourth overlapping portions may be spaced apart from each other to form openings in the plurality of pouches (e.g., allowing unrooted or rooted cuttings to be inserted through the respective openings).

[0010] The third and fourth overlapping portions form the sidewalls of the plurality of bag-shaped members. The sidewall of each bag-shaped member may extend between seams formed by the first and second overlapping portions and defining the boundaries of the respective bag-shaped member. The third overlapping portion may be spaced apart from the second wall-forming member, and the fourth overlapping portion may be spaced apart from the first wall-forming member. The third overlapping portion may not be (e.g., directly) attached to the second wall-forming member, and the fourth overlapping portion may not be (e.g., directly) attached to the first wall-forming member.

[0011] The first, second, and third overlapping portions may lie substantially in the same plane, while the second wall forming member (e.g., its fourth overlapping portion) may extend at least partially out of the plane.

[0012] The second wall-forming member may be arranged to overlap with the first wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction of the strip element (e.g., at least partially, completely, or incompletely) and in the transverse direction of the strip element (e.g., at least partially, completely, or incompletely). In one example, the second wall-forming member is arranged to overlap the first wall-forming member at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the strip element and incompletely in the transverse direction of the strip element. The first wall-forming member may extend beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side and / or the bottom side of each pouch.

[0013] The two wall-forming members can completely overlap in the longitudinal direction in the region of the pouch containing the strip element, and at least partially overlap in the longitudinal direction in the remaining region of the strip element. Furthermore, the two wall-forming members can be arranged such that the second wall-forming member does not completely overlap with the first wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element. That is, the first wall-forming member can extend beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side of each pouch to create a guide region directly above each pouch. This guide region facilitates the insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pouch by simplifying the process of widening the opening at the top side of each pouch. This is applicable both manually and automatically to the insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pouch. For example, a finger or similar element of an automatic insertion device can be guided by this guide region into the top opening of any given pouch, and then the finger or similar element can be manipulated to widen the top opening to allow easy access to the pouch, with the aim of enabling rapid and successful insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pouch. Depending on the needs of any given application, the width of the guide region created by the first wall forming member, extending beyond the second wall forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side of each pouch-like member, can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Typically, the width of the guide region in the transverse direction of the strip element is chosen to be as small as possible, but as large as needed, to ensure that the insertion process of the unrooted cuttings is carried out quickly and reliably. For example, the width of the guide region in the transverse direction of the strip element can range from 2 mm to 2 cm.

[0014] Each wall-forming member can be an independent element. At least one of the first and second wall-forming members can consist of more than one layer, for example, two or three layers. To obtain a structurally stable strip element, the first and second wall-forming members are fixed to each other via a first overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, which are arranged at least adjacent to each pouch, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the strip element. Thus, the first and second overlapping portions can provide the required structural stability while physically defining each of the plurality of pouches on each side (e.g., the longitudinal side and optionally the bottom side). Furthermore, the first and second overlapping portions can create a desired spacing in the longitudinal direction between successive pouches.

[0015] The strip element can be formed at least partially of a biodegradable material. The strip element can be substantially composed of a biodegradable material. "Formed at least partially of a biodegradable material" means, for example, that some adhesive can be used to bond the strip element, wherein the adhesive or glue can be fully biodegradable or may not be fully biodegradable. Of course, fully biodegradable adhesives are preferred. Preferably, the term "biodegradable" as used herein can be understood to mean that the material used to form the strip element will biodegrade within a period of no more than 50 days, more preferably, within a period of no more than 28 days, and most preferably, within a period of about 10 days. Ideally, the material used to form the strip element will slowly degrade upon exposure to water or an aqueous solution.

[0016] For example, the liquid retention capacity of the biodegradable material is at least about 100 grams of liquid per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material. Regardless of the material used to generate the first and second wall-forming components, the resulting wall-forming components can be waterproof but permeable to water and air, and optionally, their liquid retention capacity is at least about 100 grams of liquid per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material. In other words, the resulting wall-forming component can retain at least its own dry weight in liquid, and preferably, at least two or three times its own dry weight in liquid (meaning a retention capacity of at least about 200 grams of liquid per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material, preferably at least about 300 grams of liquid per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material). This will allow the resulting strip element to absorb and retain sufficient liquid and associated nutrients to ensure that unrooted cuttings root once placed in the bag-like element. The strip element can be designed to rapidly absorb the required amount of liquid, i.e., within a time period of a few seconds to no more than a few minutes. The liquid retention properties of the strip element can be achieved, for example, by using cellulose as a component of the material used to manufacture the wall-forming member. Therefore, both the first and second wall-forming members can be paper fiber webs, preferably cellulose-based paper fiber webs. However, other or additional substances, such as so-called superabsorbents, as well as plastic fibers or natural fibers, can also be used. Water resistance here means that the resulting strip element does not dissolve in water or degrade too quickly upon exposure to water. The materials used to manufacture the wall-forming member can be paper-based materials (with or without perforations), film-based materials (especially perforated), woven materials, or nonwoven materials. In addition to materials used in papermaking, plastic materials and natural fibers (e.g., at least substantially biodegradable) can also be considered as materials for the wall-forming member. Composite materials can also be used. The wall-forming member can be permeable to liquid (e.g., thermally activated) adhesives or liquefied (e.g., thermally activated) adhesives.

[0017] The empty bag-like structure created by connecting the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member to each other can be at least partially closed at the bottom side and appropriately sized to accommodate at least one unrooted cutting. In one variation, the empty bag-like structure created by connecting the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member is completely closed at the bottom side.

[0018] Depending on the type of unrooted cuttings to be treated, the size of each pouch can be small (if the unrooted cuttings to be treated have thinner stems) or large (if the unrooted cuttings to be treated have thicker stems). Furthermore, the size of each pouch can be designed such that the unrooted cutting inserted into the relevant pouch will be held in place by itself. More specifically, the strip element can be provided in a form that reliably holds each cutting in its respective pouch by itself. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately designing the size of the pouch according to the specific application, such that the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member apply a certain clamping force to the cutting positioned in the pouch. To ensure that the further growth of the cuttings is as uniform as possible, the size and maturity of the cuttings used can all be substantially the same.

[0019] For example, viewed along the longitudinal direction of the strip element, the length of the material used to form the second wall forming member of one of the multiple empty pouches is greater than the length of the material used to form the first wall forming member of the pouch, preferably at least 5% to 10%, 20%, or even 30%, depending on the size of the pouch required for the specific application. By using a slightly increased amount of material for the second wall forming member defined in the longitudinal direction of the strip element when forming the pouch, each pouch protrudes slightly outward from the side of the second wall forming member, thereby facilitating the insertion of the unrooted insert into the pouch and contributing to obtaining a properly sized pouch, which is sized to apply the desired amount of clamping force to the unrooted insert inserted into the pouch. The length of the material used to form the second wall forming member of one of the multiple empty pouches can be at least 2% to at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, at most 10%, or at most 5%, greater than the length of the material used to form the first wall forming member of the pouch.

[0020] Each pouch provided by the strip element can be one of substantially rectangular or substantially square in shape. "Substantially rectangular" and "substantially square" mean that the shape of each pouch, pocket, or bag can have more or less rounded corners. Alternatively, the shape of each pouch can taper from its opening at the top side of the strip element toward the opposite bottom side of the pouch. The degree of taper can vary depending on the desired application and can be any of a slight taper (e.g., 1° to 10°), a medium taper (e.g., 11° to 30°), or a significant taper (e.g., greater than 30°).

[0021] The pouches can have at least one similar geometric characteristic (e.g., width and / or depth and / or shape). The pouches can be arranged in a periodic pattern and / or at equal relative distances along the longitudinal direction of the strip elements. For example, the spacing between the midpoints of consecutive pouch widths in the longitudinal direction of the strip elements is constant, regardless of the width of the individual pouches. This constant spacing between the midpoints of the pouch widths is desirable and advantageous when the strip elements are machined by means of automated machinery. Furthermore, this constant spacing between the midpoints of the pouch widths allows for space-saving arrangement of the strip elements filled with inserts during rooting and subsequent cultivation. In other words, this constant spacing between the midpoints of the pouch widths produces a constant grid size, which is advantageous because it facilitates, for example, automated processing and space-saving rooting and cultivation.

[0022] According to this disclosure, the system includes a pressing unit and a spacer unit.

[0023] The pressing unit is configured to receive a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member. The pressing unit may be configured to receive the first and second wall-forming members as separate strips and / or stacked on top of each other. The pressing unit may be configured to receive the first and second wall-forming members such that the wall-forming members overlap each other in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0024] The pressing unit is further configured (e.g., selectively) to press (e.g., only) the first overlapping portion against (e.g., only) the second overlapping portion (e.g., to secure the first overlapping portion to the second overlapping portion). This can include: actively moving the first overlapping portion onto the second overlapping portion arranged in the connecting plane, actively moving the second overlapping portion onto the first overlapping portion arranged in the connecting plane, or moving both the first and second overlapping portions into the connecting plane. That is, if component A is described as being pressed against component B, this can include moving one or both components onto the other component.

[0025] The spacer unit is configured to temporarily (e.g., selectively) space (e.g., only) the third overlapping portion and (e.g., only) the fourth overlapping portion apart by a predetermined distance. The spacer unit may be configured to ensure (e.g., provide) the predetermined distance between the third and fourth overlapping portions, and / or ensure a predetermined size of the opening of each bag-like member, and / or ensure a predetermined length of the material of the second wall forming member forming each bag-like member.

[0026] The pressing unit and the spacer unit can be arranged to work together to produce strip elements. The pressing unit and the spacer unit can be arranged in a fixed spatial relationship with each other. The pressing unit can be configured to contact at least one of a first overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, while the spacer unit contacts at least one of a third overlapping portion and a fourth overlapping portion adjacent to the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion. The pressing unit can be configured to contact the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion that define a boundary for a given bag-like element, while the spacer unit contacts the third overlapping portion and the fourth overlapping portion that form the sidewall of the bag-like element.

[0027] The pressing unit can be configured to secure the first overlapping portion to the second overlapping portion by selectively activating (e.g., pre-applied) an adhesive (e.g., heat-activated) applied to the first overlapping portion and / or the second overlapping portion. The pressing unit can be configured to press the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion such that the adhesive is activated only between the first and second overlapping portions.

[0028] Activating the adhesive may include heating the adhesive and / or liquefying the adhesive. The adhesive may be (e.g., uniformly) applied (e.g., by the system or pre-applied) to one or more wall-forming members, such as on one of two opposing surfaces of one or two wall-forming members (e.g., the entire surface).

[0029] The first overlapping portion and / or the second overlapping portion may be made of a porous or fibrous material, which may be permeable to liquid or liquefied adhesives. The first wall forming member and / or the second wall forming member may also be made of a porous or fibrous material, which may be permeable to liquid or liquefied adhesives. The pressing unit may be configured to press the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion such that (e.g., liquid or liquefied) adhesive (e.g., selectively) permeates (e.g., only) through the first overlapping portion and / or the second overlapping portion.

[0030] For example, the pressing unit is configured to press the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion sequentially. In other words, the pressing unit can be configured to press the first overlapping portions against the corresponding second overlapping portions one after another. In this case, it can be said that the pressing unit is configured to press the first wall forming member against the second wall forming member segment by segment. The pressing unit can also be configured to press only a portion of the first overlapping portion (e.g., exactly one first overlapping portion or segment thereof) against the corresponding portion of the second overlapping portion (e.g., exactly one second overlapping portion or segment thereof). This sequential pressing is different from an implementation in which all first overlapping portions are pressed against all second overlapping portions simultaneously.

[0031] The first overlapping portion and / or the second overlapping portion may be planar and / or located in the same plane. The pressing unit may be configured to press the planar segments of the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member together, thereby defining the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion.

[0032] The spacer unit is configured to sequentially space the third and fourth overlapping portions apart by a predetermined distance while the pressing unit sequentially presses the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion. In other words, the spacer unit can be configured to space the third overlapping portions one after another with their corresponding fourth overlapping portions, or vice versa. In this case, it can be said that the spacer unit is configured to space the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member segment by segment. The spacer unit can also be configured to space only a portion of the third overlapping portion (e.g., exactly one third overlapping portion or a segment thereof) with the corresponding portion of the fourth overlapping portion (e.g., exactly one fourth overlapping portion or a segment thereof). This sequential spacing is different from the implementation in which all third overlapping portions are actively spaced apart from all fourth overlapping portions simultaneously.

[0033] The system can be configured such that the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member move along a common process direction (e.g., while the pressing unit sequentially presses the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion and while the spacer unit sequentially spaces the third overlapping portion and the fourth overlapping portion apart by a predetermined distance). This common process direction can correspond to a longitudinal direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the wall-forming member and / or the strip element). The system can be configured such that the second wall-forming member is received and / or fed into the pressing unit and / or the spacer unit at a faster speed than the first wall-forming member. The system can be configured such that the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member are moved (e.g., pulled) by the pressing unit and / or the spacer unit along a common process direction.

[0034] The spacer unit may include at least one spacer (e.g., exactly one or more spacers), which may also be referred to as fingers. Each spacer may be configured to define the predetermined distance and / or a predetermined size of the opening of at least one bag-like member and / or a predetermined length of material forming (e.g., the second wall forming member of) at least one bag-like member. The spacer unit may be configured to temporarily insert the at least one spacer between one or more third overlap portions and corresponding fourth overlap portions (e.g., from a direction different from the common process direction) such that one or more of the third overlap portions are sequentially spaced from one or more fourth overlap portions (e.g., while the pressing unit sequentially presses the first overlap portion against the second overlap portion). Each spacer may be configured to keep one bag-like member open at a time, for example, by blocking the internal volume of the bag-like member while the pressing unit forms a seam around the bag-like member. The pressing unit may be configured to contact the first overlap portion and the second overlap portion that define the boundary of a given bag-like member while the spacer unit holds the spacer between the third overlap portion and the fourth overlap portion forming the sidewall of the bag-like member. Each spacer can be configured to define the internal volume of one of a plurality of pouches of the manufactured strip element. The spacer unit can be configured such that at least one spacer is laterally oriented toward the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member and moves between a pair of third overlapping regions and a fourth overlapping region.

[0035] The spacer unit may include multiple spacers. The spacer unit may be configured to insert multiple spacers sequentially (e.g., one after another and / or one at a time) between the third and fourth overlapping portions (e.g., while the pressing unit sequentially presses the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion). Each pouch may be associated with a different spacer among the multiple spacers. In forming the pouches, exactly one spacer is used for each pouch.

[0036] The spacer unit may include a central element (e.g., a circular element) configured (e.g., during system operation) to rotate about a first axis. The first axis may be orthogonal to a common process direction. The first axis may be orthogonal to the longitudinal and / or transverse directions of at least one of a first wall-forming member, a second wall-forming member, and a strip element. Each of a plurality of spacers may be attached to the central element and extend radially outward relative to the first axis. For example, the central element and spacers of the spacer unit may be formed as a single integral component. That is, the spacers and the central element may be integrally formed. The central element and spacers may extend in the same plane (e.g., a plane perpendicular to the first axis). The top or bottom surface of the central element and spacers may lie in the connecting plane. The central element and spacers may be formed from a single piece of cut (e.g., planar, unbent) sheet of metal. Each spacer may be substantially flat and / or have a substantially uniform thickness. The thickness of each spacer may also decrease radially outward (e.g., at least in the farthest portion of the respective spacer, such as the distal end).

[0037] The central element and spacers can form a gear, wherein the teeth of the gear correspond to the spacers and the rim of the gear corresponds to the central element. Unlike the radially narrowing teeth of a typical cogwheel, the spacers can be differently shaped. For example, each spacer includes: (i) a radially elongated connecting segment attached to the central element; and (ii) a distal end located at the radial (e.g., radially outermost) end of the connecting segment, said distal end being wider than the connecting segment (e.g., in the circumferential direction and / or when viewed along a first axis).

[0038] Each distal end may have a rounded or circular profile (e.g., when viewed along the first axis). That is, the profile of each spacer (e.g., when viewed along the first axis) may include a curved or circular segment at the distal end of the respective spacer. Each spacer may be lollipop shaped.

[0039] Each connecting segment may have a concave profile (e.g., when viewed along the first axis). Each connecting segment may include a concave portion adjacent to its distal end. Each spacer may be formed such that the profile of its connecting segment transitions continuously to the profile of its distal end without any corners.

[0040] The pressing unit may include a first roller and a second roller. The first roller may be configured to rotate about a first roller axis, and the second roller may be configured to rotate about a second roller axis. The axes of the first roller and the second roller may be parallel to each other and / or parallel to the lateral direction and / or orthogonal to the first axis. The first roller and the second roller may be pre-tensioned toward each other. The system may include at least one spring configured to bias the first roller against the second roller, or vice versa.

[0041] The first and second rollers can be configured to form a roller press. The roller press can be configured to sequentially press a first overlapping portion against a second overlapping portion as the first and second wall forming members pass through the roller press (e.g., along a common process direction). A pressing unit can be configured to receive the first and second wall forming members stacked on top of each other between the first and second rollers. The roller press can be configured to pull the first and second wall forming members into the roller press. In other words, the roller press can be configured to be self-feeding. The system can be configured such that the first wall forming member is fed into the roller press at a speed different from (e.g., lower than) that of the second wall forming member.

[0042] At least one roller selected from the first roller and the second roller may include at least one (e.g., relative to the roller axis) radially decreasing bag-shaped forming portion and at least one (e.g., relative to the roller axis) radially increasing pressing portion, the radially increasing pressing portion being configured to press at least one of the first overlapping portions of the first wall forming member against at least one of the second overlapping portions of the second wall forming member. The at least one roller may be referred to as an embossing roller or a structured roller. If only one of the rollers (e.g., the roller configured to contact the first wall forming member) is such an embossing roller, then the other roller (e.g., the roller configured to contact the second wall forming member) may be a smooth roller, i.e., having a smooth outer surface.

[0043] Each bag-shaped forming portion may include an insertion opening capable of entering from one or both axial directions of at least one roller. The insertion opening may be configured to overlap with the bag-shaped opening and / or receive one of the spacers as the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member move through the roller press.

[0044] The radially rising pressing section can extend axially (e.g., continuously or intermittently) along the circumferential direction surrounding at least one roller. In this case, the radially rising pressing section can be said to have a substantially meandering shape.

[0045] For example, each of the radially rising pressing portions partially encloses a corresponding one of the radially decreasing bag-shaped forming portions in the circumferential and / or axial directions of at least one roller. The radially rising pressing portions can be configured to define one or more seams of the strip element. The shape of the one or more seams of the strip element can correspond to the shape of the radially outermost surface (e.g., a planar projection or indentation of the radially outermost surface) of at least one radially rising pressing portion. The seam can be meandering. In this case, the seam can travel longitudinally between two consecutive bag-shaped portions near or at the top side of the opening of each bag-shaped portion, then travel downward along one side of the bag-shaped portion and through the bottom side of the bag-shaped portion to form a bag-shaped portion that is completely closed at its bottom side, then travel upward along the other side of the bag-shaped portion toward the top side of the opening of the bag-shaped portion to define the bag-shaped portion on both sides, then travel longitudinally toward the next bag-shaped portion, and so on.

[0046] The spacer unit can be configured to insert spacers (e.g., one at a time) between the first and second rollers, particularly through an insertion opening in the bag-shaped forming portion. The spacer unit can be configured to temporarily insert spacers, and thus can also be configured to remove the inserted spacers again (e.g., after a bag-shaped portion has been formed and is kept open by the spacers). The spacer unit can be configured to temporarily insert at least one spacer through the insertion opening between the first and second wall forming members (e.g., and between the first and second rollers) and into at least one radially descending bag-shaped forming portion to sequentially space a third overlapping portion from a fourth overlapping portion while the pressing unit sequentially presses a first overlapping portion against a second overlapping portion. The system can be configured such that the spacers of the spacer unit engage with one or more pressing portions by extending into the bag-shaped forming portion (e.g., without direct contact with the pressing portions). Generally, the system can be configured such that the spacers of the spacer unit engage with the embossing rollers of the roller press. The system can be configured such that the spacers are staggered with the radially rising pressing section (e.g., while the first and second rollers and the central element are rotating).

[0047] The system may also include an actuation device configured to rotate at least two components selected from the central element, the first roller, and the second roller at a fixed rotational speed relative to each other. The actuation device may include one or more motors (e.g., electric motors). The at least two components may be coupled to each other via a transmission (e.g., a fixed gear ratio).

[0048] The system may also include a heating unit configured to heat at least one portion of a pressing unit, the at least one portion of which is configured to contact a first overlapping portion and / or a second overlapping portion to press the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion. The heating unit may include a heating lamp arranged to irradiate the surface of one or both rollers of the roller press. Additionally or alternatively, other heating devices, such as heating wires or hot air fans, may be used as part of the heating unit.

[0049] The system may also include an adhesive application unit disposed upstream of the pressing unit and configured (e.g., sequentially) to apply a thermally activated adhesive to at least a first overlapping portion of the first wall-forming member and / or at least a second overlapping portion of the second wall-forming member. The adhesive application unit may be configured to apply the adhesive to a surface of one of the first and second wall-forming members, the surface of which faces the surface of the other wall-forming member after the strip element has been formed. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second wall-forming members may be pre-coated with a thermally activated adhesive. The adhesive may be biodegradable.

[0050] The system may further include an adhesive removal unit disposed downstream of the pressing unit and configured to remove unactivated heat-activated adhesive. The adhesive removal unit may be configured to remove unactivated adhesive from at least the bag-like portion of the manufactured strip element. The adhesive removal unit may include a suction device or a blowing device. The system may be configured to reuse the adhesive removed by the adhesive removal unit for feeding an adhesive application unit.

[0051] The system may also include a feeding unit configured to provide a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member to a pressing unit. The feeding unit may be configured to store the first wall-forming member on a first reel and the second wall-forming member on a second reel. The feeding unit may be configured to pre-tension the first and / or second wall-forming members by applying (e.g., a predetermined) tension to the first and / or second wall-forming members in an upstream direction (e.g., opposite to the common process direction). The feeding unit may be configured to guide the first and second wall-forming members such that they are stacked on top of each other upon arrival at the pressing unit.

[0052] The system may also include a collection unit configured to collect strip elements. The collection unit may include a third spool configured to wind up the strip elements. The collection unit may be configured to tension the strip elements by applying (e.g., a predetermined) tension to the strip elements in a downstream direction (e.g., along a common process direction).

[0053] The system may also include a cutting unit configured to laterally cut or perforate strip elements (e.g., cut or perforate segments having a predetermined length and / or including a predetermined number of bag-like pieces). The cutting unit may be arranged downstream of the adhesive removal unit.

[0054] To avoid unnecessary repetition, the following description of the method for manufacturing strip elements will not repeat all the features discussed above for the system. It should be understood that the system is configured to perform this method, and the method is performed by the system. That is, the features described herein with reference to the system also apply to this method, and vice versa. Therefore, if an indefinite article is used in the subsequent paragraphs describing the method, the relevant feature may, but does not necessarily, correspond to similarly named features introduced by the aforementioned reference system.

[0055] According to this disclosure, the method includes receiving a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member by a pressing unit. The method further includes pressing a first overlapping portion against a second overlapping portion by the pressing unit, while a spacing unit temporarily separates a third overlapping portion and a fourth overlapping portion by a predetermined distance.

[0056] The first overlapping portion can be pressed against the second overlapping portion in sequence. While the first overlapping portion is pressed against the second overlapping portion, the third overlapping portion and the fourth overlapping portion can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in sequence.

[0057] While the first overlapping portion presses against the second overlapping portion in sequence, and while the third overlapping portion is spaced apart from the fourth overlapping portion by a predetermined distance, the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member can move along a common process direction.

[0058] The predetermined distance can be defined by at least one spacer of the spacer unit, wherein the at least one spacer can be temporarily inserted between the third and fourth overlapping portions from a direction different from the common process direction, so as to sequentially space the third and fourth overlapping portions apart while the first overlapping portion is sequentially pressed against the second overlapping portion. The at least one spacer can include a plurality of spacers that can be sequentially inserted between the third and fourth overlapping portions while the first overlapping portion is sequentially pressed against the second overlapping portion. For example, each spacer defines the internal volume of one of a plurality of pouches of the manufactured strip element. The spacer unit can include a central element that rotates about a first axis orthogonal to the common process direction during system operation, wherein each of the plurality of spacers is attached to the central element and extends radially outward relative to the first axis. Each spacer can include a radially elongated connecting segment attached to the central element of the spacer unit and a distal end included at the radial end of the connecting segment, the distal end being wider than the connecting segment. The distal end may have a rounded profile.

[0059] As the first and second wall-forming members pass through a roller press formed by the first and second rollers of the pressing unit along a common process direction, a first overlapping portion can be sequentially pressed against a second overlapping portion by the roller press. At least one of the first overlapping portions of the first wall-forming member can be pressed against at least one of the second overlapping portions of the second wall-forming member by at least one radially rising pressing portion selected from at least one of the first and second rollers, the at least one roller also including at least one radially descending pouch-forming portion. For example, each pouch-forming portion includes an insertion opening that can enter from one or both axial directions of the at least one roller. The radially rising pressing portion can extend axially reciprocatingly along the circumferential direction around the at least one roller. The radially rising pressing portion can partially enclose the radially descending pouch-forming portion in the circumferential and / or axial directions of the at least one roller.

[0060] The at least one spacer can be temporarily inserted between the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member through the insertion opening and inserted into at least one radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion, so that while the first overlapping portion is successively pressed against the second overlapping portion, the third overlapping portion is successively spaced apart from the fourth overlapping portion. At least two components selected from the central element, the first roller, and the second roller can rotate at a rotational speed fixed relative to each other.

[0061] The method may further include at least a portion of a heated pressing unit, said at least a portion of the pressing unit contacting a first overlapping portion and / or a second overlapping portion to press the first overlapping portion against the second overlapping portion. For example, the method further includes sequentially applying a heat-activated adhesive to at least a first overlapping portion of the first wall forming member and / or at least a second overlapping portion of the second wall forming member. The method may include removing unactivated heat-activated adhesive. The method may include reusing the removed adhesive for subsequent application to at least a first overlapping portion of the first wall forming member and / or at least a second overlapping portion of the second wall forming member. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote the same functional or structural features, and wherein:

[0063] Figure 1 A strip element according to this disclosure is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system according to this disclosure is shown;

[0065] Figure 3 A perspective view of the system according to this disclosure is shown;

[0066] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The left-side view of the system;

[0067] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 The front view of the system;

[0068] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 The right-side view of the system;

[0069] Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 Rear view of the system;

[0070] Figure 8 A variation of the first roller according to this disclosure is shown;

[0071] Figure 9 A first variation of the spacer unit according to this disclosure is shown;

[0072] Figure 10 A second variation of the spacer unit according to this disclosure is shown; and

[0073] Figure 11 A flowchart of the method according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A strip element 2 according to the present disclosure is shown. The strip element is configured to root a plurality of unrooted cuttings 4. Specifically, the strip element 2 forms a plurality of pouches 6 arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction 8 of the strip element 2. Each pouch 6 has a bottom side 7 and an upper opening 10 at laterally opposite ends through which the unrooted cuttings 4 can be inserted for rooting within the pouch 6. The strip element 2 includes a first wall forming member 12 and a second wall forming member 14. The first wall forming member 12 has a first overlapping portion 16 that overlaps with and is fixed to a second overlapping portion 18 of the second wall forming member 14 to define the plurality of pouches 6. The first overlapping portion 16 and the second overlapping portion 18 form a seam defining the pouches 6. The first wall forming member 12 also has a third overlapping portion 20 that overlaps with and is spaced apart from a fourth overlapping portion 22 of the second wall forming member 14. The third overlapping portion 20 and the fourth overlapping portion 22 form the sidewalls of a plurality of bag-shaped pieces 6.

[0075] Depending on the type of the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 used to manufacture the strip elements 12, 14, the thickness of the strip element 2 forming a plurality of empty bag-like pieces 6 is preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. Within the experimental testing range, favorable results were obtained using the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14, both having a permeability in the range of 1100 l / m²s to 1200 l / m²s. It was further found advantageous that the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 both have tensile strengths from 13.0 N / 15 mm to 16.0 N / 15 mm in the machine direction (based on the papermaking process) and from 7.0 N / 15 mm to 9.5 N / 15 mm in the transverse direction (also based on the papermaking process). A material particularly suitable for manufacturing the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member is from the Danish company Ellepot A / S. ® The product is sold under the brand name Organic 10 weeks. Another material particularly suitable for making first and second wall-forming components is a product sold by the Swedish company BCC AB under the name BIOBASED FIBERCELLPAPER. These materials are especially permeable to liquid adhesives, at least when the adhesive is forced into the corresponding material under external pressure.

[0076] Further details regarding the shape and seams of the strip element 2, and especially the bag-shaped element 6, have been described in general terms above and are omitted here to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0077] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. The system 100 is configured to fabricate a strip element, such as a strip element 2, by selectively connecting the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 together while moving the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 along a common process direction 101.

[0078] System 100 includes a feed unit 102 that stores a first wall-forming member on a first spool 104 and a second wall-forming member on a second spool 106. The spools are pre-tensioned to apply tension to the first wall-forming member 12 and the second wall-forming member 14 in an upstream direction 108 (i.e., opposite to the common process direction / downstream direction 110). The feed unit 102 is configured to arrange and guide the first wall-forming member 12 and the second wall-forming member 14 such that they are stacked on top of each other.

[0079] The system also includes an adhesive application unit 112, disposed downstream of the feed unit 102 and configured to uniformly apply a heat-activated (e.g., powder-based) adhesive 114 onto the entire surface 116 of the first wall-forming member 12, which partially contacts the surface 118 of the second wall-forming member 14 during subsequent processing. The adhesive 114 may also be referred to as a hot-melt adhesive. This adhesive may be a biodegradable adhesive, such as a starch-based adhesive.

[0080] The system also includes a pressing unit 120, which includes a first roller 122 and a second roller 124, the first roller and the second roller forming a roller press 126. The pressing unit 120 is configured to press a first overlapping portion 16 against a second overlapping portion 18 while the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 pass through the roller press 126 along a common process direction 101, so as to connect the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 together.

[0081] Additionally, the system includes a heating unit 128 configured to heat at least a portion of rollers 108 and / or 110, the at least a portion being configured to contact a first overlapping portion 16 and / or a second overlapping portion 18 to press the first overlapping portion 16 against the second overlapping portion 18. The heating unit may include one or more (e.g., infrared) heating lamps 130 that irradiate one or both rollers 108, 110.

[0082] Furthermore, the system includes a spacer unit 132 configured to temporarily and sequentially space the third overlapping portion 20 and the fourth overlapping portion 22 apart by a predetermined distance while the pressing unit 120 presses adjacent first overlapping portions 16 against corresponding second overlapping portions 18. This ensures that the bag-shaped piece 6 has the required volume.

[0083] When the spacer unit 132 is not used, the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 can be continuously stacked and fixed to each other by the pressing unit 120. Therefore, although the bag-shaped member 6 is separated from each other in the longitudinal direction 8 and the transverse direction 24, the bag-shaped member may not be able to be opened without deforming the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 and / or without breaking the seam between the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member formed by the connecting first overlapping portion 16 and the second overlapping portion 18. The spacer unit 132 prevents the third overlapping portion 20 and the fourth overlapping portion 22 from directly contacting each other when forming the bag-shaped member 6. This means that the formed bag-shaped member 6 will have a predetermined volume and can be entered through their openings 10, possibly without even deforming the first wall forming member 12.

[0084] The system also includes an adhesive removal unit 134, which is disposed downstream of the pressing unit 120 and the spacer unit 132 and configured to remove heat-activated adhesive 114 that has not been activated by the pressing unit 120. The adhesive removal unit 134 includes a suction or blowing device 136 configured to suck or blow unactivated adhesive 114 from the bag-like part 6 of the manufactured strip element 2.

[0085] The system also includes a collection unit 138 configured to collect the strip element 2. The collection unit includes a third spool 140 for winding up the strip element 2. The third spool 140 is slightly pre-tensioned to apply tension to the strip element 2 in the downstream direction 101.

[0086] The system may also include a cutting unit 140 configured to laterally cut or perforate the strip elements 2 (e.g., cut or perforate segments having a predetermined length and / or including a predetermined number of bag-like pieces). The cutting unit 140 may be arranged downstream of the adhesive removal unit 134 and upstream of the collection unit 138.

[0087] The system also includes an actuation device 142 configured to rotate the first roller 122 and / or the second roller 124, and additionally to rotate the components of the spacer unit 132, each rotating at a predetermined and preferably fixed relative rotational speed.

[0088] If needed, additional components and units can be added to system 200, such as for post-processing of the strip element 2, automatically arranging the cut segments of the strip element 2 in the growth container, and / or placing unrooted cuttings in the bag-like component 6. System 100 may also not include... Figure 1One or more of the components shown may, for example, exclude one or more of the feeding unit 102, adhesive application unit 112, heating unit 128, adhesive removal unit 134, collection unit 138, cutting unit 140, and actuation device 142.

[0089] Figure 3-7 Different views of the system 200 according to this disclosure are shown, wherein solid arrows indicate the direction of movement when the system 200 is in operation. The system 200 includes a pressing unit 120 and a spacer unit 132, and may further include one or more of a feeding unit 102, an adhesive application unit 112, a heating unit 128, an adhesive removal unit 134, a collection unit 138, a cutting unit 140, and an actuation device 142. The system 200 or selected components thereof may be part of the system 100.

[0090] As can be seen, the first roller 122 of system 200 includes a plurality of radially descending pouch-forming portions 144, which are defined by radially ascending pressing portions 146. Therefore, the first roller 122 may be referred to as an embossing roller.

[0091] The first roller 122 may include a radially inner central portion and a radially outer structured portion. The structured portion may include a bag-forming portion 144 and a pressing portion 146. The structured portion may be made of metal or a metal alloy. The inner central portion may be made of a material with relatively low heat capacity, such as wood.

[0092] The pressing portion 146 is configured to press only the first overlapping portion 16 of the first wall forming member 12 against only the second overlapping portion 18 of the second wall forming member 14 by selectively pressing the second wall forming member 14 onto the first wall forming member 12 supported by the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 124 in the connecting plane 143.

[0093] Each pouch-forming portion 144 includes an insertion opening 145 that opens along the axial direction 147 of the first roller 122 and is therefore axially accessible. A pressing portion 146 partially encloses each radially descending pouch-forming portion 144 in both the circumferential and axial directions of the first roller 122. The pressing portion 146 extends axially reciprocating along the circumferential direction surrounding at least one roller, and thus can be described as having an overall meandering shape. The shape of the outermost radial surface of the pressing portion 146 (corresponding to the pressing pattern of the embossing roller) corresponds to the shape of the seam formed between the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 by the first overlapping portion 16 and the second overlapping portion 18 connected together.

[0094] The pressing portion 146 of the first roller 122 has circumferential segments 178 arranged periodically in the circumferential direction and extending along the circumferential direction. The circumferential segments 178 are configured to form a seam at the bottom of each bag-shaped piece 6. The pressing portion 146 also has a first axial segment 180 and a second axial segment 182. The first axial segment 180 is configured to form a seam on the longitudinal left side of the bag-shaped piece 6, and the second axial segment 182 is configured to form a seam on the longitudinal right side of the bag-shaped piece 6. The axial segments 180 and 182 are inclined in opposite directions, thereby ensuring that the shape of the produced bag-shaped piece 6 tapers from its opening 10 toward its bottom along the transverse direction 24.

[0095] The second roller 124 has a substantially smooth outer peripheral surface 148. In the illustrated example, the first roller 122 and the second roller 124 have substantially similar diameters. The first roller 122 and the second roller 124 are pressed together by a spring force provided by a spring 150. In the illustrated example, the first roller 122 is rotatably attached to the frame 154 via a bearing 152, and the second roller 124 is rotatably attached to a support 158 ​​via a bearing 156, the support being pushed upward toward the frame 154 by the spring 150. Thus, the first roller 122 and the second roller 124 are pre-tensioned toward each other and form a roller press 126. In particular, the first roller 122 and the second roller 124 are pressed together with sufficient force so that heat from one or more heated rollers can be transferred to the adhesive applied to the wall forming member 12, thereby melting the adhesive and ensuring that the liquefied adhesive selectively penetrates the two wall forming members 12, 14 in the first overlap 16 and the second overlap 18. This ensures that the first overlap 16 and the second overlap 18 are bonded and fixed together. If the materials of the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 allow for cold-press welding, the force required to press the first roller 122 and the second roller 124 together is less than the force required to cold-press the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 together. For example, in the case where the overlapping portions 16 and 18 pressed together by the rollers 122 and 124 extend over an area of ​​3 × 40 mm, the two rollers 122 and 124 can be pre-tensioned toward each other with a force of 100 N to 300 N. It has been found that pressures applied to the pressed overlapping portions 16 and 18 between 500 kPa and 2500 kPa produce favorable results.

[0096] Spacer unit 132 includes a central element 160 attached to a shaft 162 extending along a first axis 165 orthogonal to the axial direction 147 of the first roller 122 and to the process direction 101 at the roller press 126. Spacer unit 132 also includes a plurality of finger spacers 163 extending radially outward from the central element 160. The central element 160 and spacers 163 extend in a common plane. The bottom surfaces of spacers 163 and central element 160 may be referred to as connecting plane 143 and may be configured to contact the first wall forming member 12 (e.g., within the roller press 126).

[0097] Spacer unit 132 is configured to temporarily insert spacer 162 sequentially through corresponding axial insertion openings 145 of the pressing portion 146 of the first roller 122. In other words, spacer 163 engages with the pressing portion 146 but remains non-contact with it. Spacer unit 132 is arranged such that when the roller press 126 presses together the first overlapping region 16 and the second overlapping region 18, which are directly adjacent to the third overlapping region 20 and the fourth overlapping region 22, spacer 163 is located between the third overlapping region 20 and the fourth overlapping region 22. In other words, during the formation of each bag-shaped piece 6 in the roller press 126, each bag-shaped piece is kept open by spacer 163, which ensures a minimum volume of bag-shaped piece 6 by defining a predetermined distance between the third overlapping portion 20 and the fourth overlapping portion 22.

[0098] Each spacer 163 includes a radially elongated connecting segment 164 attached to a central element 160. Each spacer 163 also includes a distal end 166 located at the radial end of the connecting segment 164. The distal end 166 is wider than the connecting segment in the circumferential direction of the central element 160 and has a circular profile 168 when viewed along axis 162. Thus, the spacer 163 can be inserted into the bag-like member 6 to be formed without pressing the first wall forming member 12 or the second wall forming member 14 against the pressing portion 146 (e.g., the radially protruding wall of the pressing portion). That is, the specific shape of the spacer 163, together with the shape of the pressing portion 146, ensures that the wall forming members 12, 14 are not damaged (e.g., damaged by tearing) when passing through the roller press 126 and the spacer unit 132, while preventing the third overlapping portion 20 of the first wall forming member 12 and the fourth overlapping portion 22 of the second wall forming member 14 from joining together, and simultaneously making each bag-like member 6 have a predetermined volume.

[0099] To ensure reliable engagement between the spacer 163 and the pressing portion 146 of the first roller 122, the central element 160 and the first roller 122 rotate, causing the spacer 163 and the opening 154 to move at similar speeds. For this purpose, the first roller 122 and the central element 160 are rotated at a fixed relative speed by connecting the roller shaft 170, attached to the first roller 122 and carrying the first gear 172, to the shaft 162 carrying the second gear 174 via a fixed gear transmission 176 formed by the first gear 172 and the second gear 174. A motor (not shown) can be connected to either shaft 162 or shaft 170 to rotate both shafts 162 and 170 via the transmission 176.

[0100] Before the first wall-forming member 12 and the second wall-forming member 14 are pressed together in the roller press 126, the surface 116 of the first wall-forming member 12 can be uniformly coated with a heat-activated adhesive 114. The adhesive 114 can be applied to the surface 116 in liquid or powder form by the unit 112. The surface of the first roller 122 can be heated. In particular, the pressing portion 146 can be heated, for example by heating unit 128. As described above, when the first overlapping portion 16 and the second overlapping portion 18 are pressed together, the heat transferred to the adhesive 114 through the second wall-forming member selectively activates the adhesive to form a seam defining the bag-like member 6. The adhesive on other portions of the first wall-forming member is thus kept unactivated and can be removed by the adhesive removal unit 134.

[0101] although Figure 3-9 The first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 are arranged in parallel planes before being fed into the roller press 126, but other variations are also possible. For example, the second wall forming member 14 can be guided to be located on the pressing portion 146 of the first roller 122, and then moved into the connecting plane 143 by the rotation of the first roller 122. The first wall forming member 12 can be similarly guided to be located on the second roller 124, or can be guided to be located in the connecting plane 143 before reaching the second roller 124.

[0102] exist Figure 8-10 The dimensions shown are in millimeters. However, it should be understood that these examples are not limited to these specific dimensions, and other relative or absolute dimensions may be used depending on the strip element to be manufactured, and in particular on the dimensions of the pouch 6 of the strip element to be manufactured. For example, if the pressing portion 146 extends 5 mm radially from the first roller 122, the height of the spacer 163 along the axis 162 may be approximately 3 mm.

[0103] Figure 8 A variation of the first roller 122 is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 3-7Compared to the first roller 122 shown, the periodic longitudinal distance between the midpoints of the bag-shaped pieces 6 is larger relative to the longitudinal width of the corresponding bag-shaped piece opening 10. Compared to using... Figure 3-7 Compared to the case of the first roller 122, when using Figure 8 When the first roller 122 is in operation, the bag-shaped pieces 6 of the strip elements made by the systems 100 and 200 are spaced further apart from each other.

[0104] Figure 9 A first variation of the spacer unit 132 is shown. Figure 10 A second variation of the spacer unit 132 is shown. Compared to the second variation of the spacer unit 132, the first variation of the spacer unit 132 is configured to form a smaller pouch-like member 6. For this purpose, the diameter of the circular profile 168 of the distal end 166 in the first variation (e.g., 9.5 mm) is smaller than the diameter of the circular profile of the distal end in the second variation (e.g., 12 mm), and the radially outward protrusion distance of the spacer 163 in the first variation (e.g., 50 mm) is smaller than the radially outward protrusion distance of the spacer in the second variation (e.g., 60 mm). In both variations, the substantially planar spacer unit 132 can be made from a single 3 mm thick metal sheet.

[0105] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by system 100 or 200. That is, system 100 and / or 200 can be configured to execute the method. Optional steps are indicated by dashed boxes.

[0106] The method includes step 1102, in which a first wall forming member 12 and a second wall forming member 14 are fed by a feed unit 102 to move along a common process direction 110. As described above, the wall forming members 12 and 14 can be fed from corresponding reels 104 and 106. The wall forming members 12 and 14 can be pulled along the common process direction 110 by a roller press 126.

[0107] In step 1104, a thermally activated powdered adhesive 114 is applied to the surface 116 of the first wall forming member 12. The powder can be applied uniformly across the entire surface 116.

[0108] In step 1106, the first wall forming member 12 and the second wall forming member 14 are received by the pressing unit 120 while they are stacked together, and the first overlapping portion 16 and the second overlapping portion 18 are selectively pressed together by the pressing unit 120. Simultaneously, the third overlapping portion and the fourth overlapping portion are temporarily spaced apart by the spacer unit 132. In this way, a strip element 2 with a bag-like member 6 is formed, while ensuring that the bag-like member 6 does not accidentally close as it passes through the roller press 126.

[0109] The embossing roller 122 can be preheated to approximately 170°C to 180°C. For this purpose, the infrared illumination device of the heating unit 128 (maximum output power of 1kW) can operate at 85% of its maximum output power (i.e., 850W) to heat the roller 122. The smooth surface roller 124 can be preheated to approximately 170°C. For this purpose, the heating fan of the heating unit 128 (maximum output power of 2kW) can be used to heat the roller 124 at 90% of its maximum output power (i.e., 1800W). Alternatively, another infrared illumination device of the heating unit 128 can be used to heat the roller 124. These temperatures depend on the type of adhesive used and should be selected to ensure that the adhesive between the first overlapping portion 16 and the second overlapping portion 18 is activated, while the adhesive in other areas (particularly between the third overlapping portion 20 and the fourth overlapping portion 22) remains inactive. The processing speed can be selected such that approximately one bag 6 is formed per second (e.g., 3400 bags per hour). For example, the first wall forming member can pass through the roller press 126 at a speed of 2 m / min.

[0110] In step 1108, the adhesive removal unit 134 removes unactivated adhesive from the strip element 2. For example, the powder-based adhesive 114 can be drawn from the pouch 6 of the strip element using the suction device 136. The removed adhesive can be reused in step 1104. This can result in a total usage of 0.15 to 0.2 grams of adhesive per pouch.

[0111] In optional step 1110, the strip element 2 may be cut or perforated by the cutting unit 140 to divide the strip element 2 into segments having a predetermined similar length and containing a predetermined similar number of bag-shaped pieces 6.

[0112] In step 1112, the strip element 2 thus produced is stored on the third reel 140 of the collecting unit 138. The third reel 140 can be pre-tensioned to pull the strip element 2 out of the roller press 126.

[0113] The method may also include additional steps, such as post-processing the strip element 2, arranging the strip element 2 in a growth box, and placing the unrooted cuttings 4 in the bag-like part 6 of the strip element 2.

[0114] It should be understood that the features described with reference to the accompanying drawings may be combined or omitted. In particular, this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples shown in the drawings. Further modifications and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A system (100; 200) configured to manufacture a strip element (2) forming a plurality of pouches (6) arranged sequentially one after another along a longitudinal direction (8) of the strip element (2), each pouch (6) having an opening (10) through which an unrooted cutting (4) can be inserted to root within the pouch (6), the strip element (2) including a first wall forming member (12) and a second wall forming member (14), the first wall forming member (12) having a first overlapping portion (16). The first overlapping portion (16) overlaps with and is fixed to the second overlapping portion (18) of the second wall forming member (14) to define the plurality of bag-shaped members (6). The first wall forming member (12) has a third overlapping portion (20) that overlaps with and is spaced apart from the fourth overlapping portion (22) of the second wall forming member (14). The third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) form the sidewalls of the plurality of bag-shaped members (6). The system (100; 200) includes: A pressing unit (120) is configured to receive the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) and to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18); as well as Spacer unit (132), the spacer unit being configured to temporarily separate the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) by a predetermined distance. The pressing unit (120) is configured to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence, and the spacer unit (132) is configured to, while the pressing unit presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence, space the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) apart by the predetermined distance in sequence.

2. The system (100; 200) according to claim 1, wherein, The pressing unit (120) is configured to fix the first overlapping portion (16) to the second overlapping portion (18) by selectively activating the adhesive applied to the first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18).

3. The system (100; 200) according to claim 2, wherein, The first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18) are made of porous or fibrous material, and the pressing unit (120) is configured to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) such that the adhesive penetrates through the first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18).

4. The system (100; 200) according to claim 1, the system further comprising a heating unit (128) configured to heat at least a portion of the pressing unit (120), the at least a portion of the pressing unit (120) configured to contact the first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18) to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18).

5. The system (100; 200) according to claim 1, the system further comprising an adhesive application unit (112) disposed upstream of the pressing unit (120) and configured to sequentially apply thermally activated adhesive to at least the first overlapping portion (16) of the first wall forming member (12) and / or at least the second overlapping portion (18) of the second wall forming member (14).

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to move the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member along a common process direction (101) while the pressing unit (120) presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence and while the spacer unit separates the third overlapping portion (20) from the fourth overlapping portion (22) by the predetermined distance in sequence.

7. The system (100; 200) according to claim 6, wherein, The spacer unit (132) includes at least one spacer (163) defining the predetermined distance, wherein the spacer unit (132) is configured to temporarily insert the at least one spacer (163) between the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) from a direction different from the common process direction (101) so as to sequentially space the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) while the pressing unit (120) sequentially presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18).

8. The system (100; 200) according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one spacer (163) includes a plurality of spacers (163), and the spacer unit (132) is configured to insert the plurality of spacers (163) sequentially between the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) while the pressing unit (120) sequentially presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18).

9. The system (100; 200) according to claim 8, wherein, The spacer unit (132) includes a central element (160) configured to rotate about a first axis orthogonal to the common process direction (101) during operation of the system (100; 200), wherein each of the plurality of spacers (163) is attached to the central element (160) and extends radially outward relative to the first axis (165).

10. The system (100; 200) according to claim 9, wherein, Each spacer (163) includes: The radially elongated connecting segment (164) attached to the central element (160) of the spacer unit (132); and The distal end (166) located at the radial end of the connecting section (164) is wider than the connecting section (164).

11. The system (100; 200) according to claim 10, wherein, The distal end (166) has a circular profile (168).

12. The system (100; 200) according to claim 6, wherein, The pressing unit (120) includes a first roller (122) and a second roller (124), the first roller and the second roller forming a roller press (126), the roller press being configured to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) sequentially as the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) pass through the roller press (126) along the common process direction (101).

13. The system (100; 200) according to claim 12, wherein, At least one roller selected from the first roller (122) and the second roller (124) includes at least one radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion (144) and at least one radially raised pressing portion (146), the radially raised pressing portion being configured to press at least one of the first overlapping portions (16) of the first wall forming member (12) against at least one of the second overlapping portions (18) of the second wall forming member (14).

14. The system (100; 200) according to claim 13, wherein, Each bag-shaped forming portion (144) includes an insertion opening (145) that can enter from one or both axial directions of the at least one roller (122; 124).

15. The system (100; 200) according to claim 14, wherein, The radially rising pressing portion (146) extends axially reciprocating in the circumferential direction surrounding the at least one roller (122; 124), and / or wherein, The radially raised pressing portion (146) partially encloses the radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion (144) in the circumferential and / or axial directions of at least one roller (122; 124).

16. The system (100; 200) according to claim 14, wherein, The spacer unit (132) includes at least one spacer (163) defining the predetermined distance, wherein the spacer unit (132) is configured to temporarily insert the at least one spacer (163) between the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) from a direction different from the common process direction (101), so that while the pressing unit (120) sequentially presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18), the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion are sequentially pressed together. The spacers (22) are separated, wherein the spacer unit (132) is configured to temporarily insert the at least one spacer (163) through the insertion opening (145) between the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) and into the at least one radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion (144) so ​​that while the pressing unit (120) presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence, the third overlapping portion (20) is spaced apart from the fourth overlapping portion (22).

17. The system (100; 200) according to claim 9, wherein, The pressing unit (120) includes a first roller (122) and a second roller (124), the first roller and the second roller forming a roller press (126), the roller press being configured to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18) sequentially as the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) pass through the roller press (126) along the common process direction (101), the system further includes an actuation device (142) configured to rotate at least two components selected from the central element (160), the first roller (122) and the second roller (124) at a rotational speed fixed relative to each other.

18. The system (100; 200) according to claim 8, wherein, Each spacer (163) is configured to define the internal volume of one of the plurality of pouches (6) of the manufactured strip element (2).

19. A method for manufacturing a strip element (2), the strip element (2) forming a plurality of pouches (6) arranged sequentially one after another along a longitudinal direction (8) of the strip element (2), each pouch (6) having an opening (10) through which an unrooted cutting (4) can be inserted to take root within the pouch (6), the strip element (2) including a first wall forming member (12) and a second wall forming member (14), the first wall forming member (12) having a first overlapping portion (16). The first overlapping portion overlaps with and is fixed to the second overlapping portion (18) of the second wall forming member (14) to define the plurality of bag-shaped members (6). The first wall forming member (12) also has a third overlapping portion (20), which overlaps with and is spaced apart from the fourth overlapping portion (22) of the second wall forming member (14). The third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) form the sidewalls of the plurality of bag-shaped members (6). The method includes: The pressing unit (120) receives the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14). as well as The pressing unit (120) presses the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18), while the spacer unit (132) temporarily separates the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) by a predetermined distance. The first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence, and while the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18), the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) are separated by the predetermined distance in sequence.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The first overlapping portion (16) is fixed to the second overlapping portion (18) by selectively activating the adhesive applied to the first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18) by the pressing unit (120).

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18) are made of porous or fibrous material, and the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18) by the pressing unit (120) such that the adhesive penetrates through the first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18).

22. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: At least a portion of the pressing unit (120) is heated, and the at least a portion of the pressing unit (120) contacts the first overlapping portion (16) and / or the second overlapping portion (18) to press the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18).

23. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: Heat-activated adhesive (114) is sequentially applied (1104) to at least the first overlapping portion (16) of the first wall forming member (12) and / or at least the second overlapping portion (18) of the second wall forming member (14).

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein, While the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence and while the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) are spaced apart by the predetermined distance in sequence, the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) move (1102) along a common process direction (101).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The predetermined distance is defined by at least one spacer (163) of the spacer unit (132), wherein the at least one spacer (163) is temporarily inserted between the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) from a direction different from the common process direction (101) to sequentially space the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) while sequentially pressing the first overlapping portion (16) against the second overlapping portion (18).

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The at least one spacer (163) includes a plurality of spacers (163), and while the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18) in sequence, the plurality of spacers (163) are inserted in sequence between the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The spacer unit (132) includes a central element (160) that rotates about a first axis (165) orthogonal to the common process direction (101), wherein each of the plurality of spacers (163) is attached to the central element (160) and extends radially outward relative to the first axis (165).

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, Each spacer (163) includes a radially elongated connecting segment (164) attached to the central element (160) of the spacer unit (132) and a distal end (166) included at the radial end of the connecting segment (164), the distal end (166) being wider than the connecting segment (164).

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The distal end (166) has a circular profile (168).

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein, As the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) pass through the roller press (126) formed by the first roller (122) and the second roller (124) of the pressing unit (120) along the common process direction (101), the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18) by the roller press (126).

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, At least one first overlapping portion of the first overlapping portion (16) of the first wall forming member (12) is pressed against at least one second overlapping portion of the second overlapping portion (18) of the second wall forming member (14) by at least one radially raised pressing portion (146) of at least one roller selected from the first roller (122) and the second roller (124), the at least one roller further comprising at least one radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion (144).

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, Each bag-shaped forming portion (144) includes an insertion opening (145) that can enter from one or both axial directions of the at least one roller (122; 124).

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The radially rising pressing portion (146) extends axially reciprocating in the circumferential direction surrounding the at least one roller (122; 124), and / or wherein, The radially raised pressing portion (146) partially encloses the radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion (144) in the circumferential and / or axial directions of at least one roller (122; 124).

34. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The predetermined distance is defined by at least one spacer (163) of the spacer unit (132), wherein the at least one spacer (163) is temporarily inserted between the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) from a direction different from the common process direction (101) to sequentially space the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) while the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18), wherein the at least one spacer (163) is temporarily inserted between the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) through the insertion opening (145) and inserted into the at least one radially lowered bag-shaped forming portion (144) to sequentially space the third overlapping portion (20) and the fourth overlapping portion (22) while the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18).

35. The method according to claim 27, wherein, As the first wall forming member (12) and the second wall forming member (14) pass through a roller press (126) formed by the first roller (122) and the second roller (124) of the pressing unit (120) along the common process direction (101), the first overlapping portion (16) is pressed against the second overlapping portion (18) by the roller press (126), wherein at least two components selected from the central element (160), the first roller (122) and the second roller (124) rotate at a rotational speed fixed relative to each other.

36. The method according to claim 26, wherein, Each spacer (163) defines the internal volume of one of the plurality of pouches (6) of the manufactured strip element (2).

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