Liquid supply for bulk storage components

Abstract

The invention relates to the supply of liquids to bulk storage components, in particular a method for the supply of liquids to a bulk storage component (1), wherein the bulk storage component (1) has an overflow (9). The supply of liquids is to be designed to be easy. To this end, the liquid is introduced into an overflow distributor (5) having a distributor boundary (7), wherein the liquid is throttled by means of at least one channel (8) arranged in the distributor boundary (7) into a tank region (2) of the bulk storage component (1), and the liquid which is not discharged through the at least one channel (8) is discharged through the overflow (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for supplying liquid to a block storage component, wherein the block storage component has an overflow section.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a block-shaped storage component having a groove area and an overflow section. Background Technology

[0003] The block storage element according to the invention is used, for example, in a block storage unit or block storage assembly within a greenhouse component. Previous block storage units supplied liquid or nutrient solution from the outside, allowing plants to grow within them. For this purpose, the liquid level was monitored in each block storage unit, and matched to theoretical values ​​by controlling inflow and / or outflow. This required numerous components such as valves, and also necessitated precise control. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to simplify the design of liquid and nutrient supply for block-shaped storage components.

[0005] This objective is achieved through a method described below and a block storage component described below.

[0006] Block memory or block memory assembly describes a memory assembly having at least one block memory component receiving space. Stackable block memory components can be loaded and removed from the block memory component receiving space. For this purpose, at least one block memory component is loaded into or removed from the block memory component receiving space via a loading space. The loading space can be arranged above or below the block memory component receiving space in the direction of gravity, such that the loading and removal directions are oriented towards or opposite to the direction of gravity. The loading and removal directions are determined by the arrangement of the loading space. If the loading space is arranged above the block memory component receiving space, the loading direction is in the direction of gravity, and the removal direction is opposite to the direction of gravity. If the loading space is arranged below the block memory component receiving space in the direction of gravity, the loading direction is oriented opposite to the direction of gravity, and the removal direction is oriented towards the direction of gravity. If multiple block memory components are loaded into the block memory component receiving space, a block memory component stack is created. In the following description, the block memory component receiving space is arranged below the loading space along the direction of gravity.

[0007] In the method of the type mentioned at the beginning, liquid is introduced through an overflow distributor having a distributor boundary, wherein the liquid is throttled through at least one channel arranged in the distributor boundary to reach the tank area of ​​the block storage component, and liquid not discharged through said at least one channel is led out through an overflow section.

[0008] Liquid is introduced into an overflow distributor, which is separated from the tank area of ​​the block storage component by its boundary. Furthermore, an overflow section is arranged within the overflow distributor. The liquid introduced into the overflow distributor reaches the tank area through at least one channel (hereinafter referred to as the channel), where the channel throttles the amount of liquid to be introduced. As a result, the liquid level in the overflow distributor rises, and once it reaches the upper end of the overflow section, it is discharged through the overflow section. This arrangement allows for sufficient fluid supply to the block storage component without the need for any valves or electronic controllers. This further simplifies the assembly, control, installation, and maintenance of the block storage component, making it user-friendly.

[0009] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel can be matched with the cross-sectional area of ​​the overflow section. Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel refers to the total cross-sectional area of ​​all channels. For this purpose, the channel can be formed by multiple channels. By dividing the channel into multiple channels, the amount of liquid to be passed can be matched to the desired throttling. Furthermore, this allows for fine-tuning of the flow, and thus fine-tuning of the liquid supply in the tank area.

[0010] Liquid that does not reach the tank area through the channel remains in the overflow distributor until the liquid level rises above the top of the overflow section. Once the liquid level rises above the top of the overflow section, the liquid is discharged through the overflow section. This results in a system that can accurately and purposefully supply liquid to the tank area of ​​the block storage component. Furthermore, unwanted liquid is discharged from the block storage component early, thus avoiding mixing with the interior of the tank area and consequently avoiding the handling of the prematurely discharged liquid. This reduces the amount of liquid to be processed.

[0011] Liquid discharged through the overflow section of the first block storage component is preferably guided into a liquid guide of the second block storage component arranged below the first block storage component. With this arrangement, a stack of block storage components consisting of at least two block storage components is supplied by introducing liquid into the first block storage component. For this purpose, liquid is introduced into the overflow distributor of the first block storage component, wherein a portion of the liquid passes through a channel to reach the tank area of ​​the first block storage component. The remaining portion of the introduced liquid is introduced through the overflow section of the overflow distributor of the first block storage component into the liquid guide of the second block storage component. The liquid guide of the second block storage component guides the liquid into the overflow distributor of the second block storage component, from where a portion of the introduced liquid is introduced through the channel of the overflow distributor into the tank area of ​​the second block storage component. Therefore, the second block storage component or its tank area is supplied with liquid. With this arrangement, valves and their control devices can be omitted, thus making the arrangement cost-effective.

[0012] For example, the liquid guide is implemented as a funnel, such that the inaccurate positioning of the first block storage component relative to the second block storage component does not affect the transfer of liquid from the overflow portion of the first block storage component to the liquid guide of the second block storage component. This arrangement also compensates for manufacturing tolerances and assembly errors.

[0013] The overflow section is preferably a first overflow section, and the liquid introduced into the block storage component from the overflow distributor is discharged through the second inlet of the second overflow section of the overflow collector. The first overflow section discharges fresh liquid that has not yet come into contact with the tank area of ​​the block storage component, while the second overflow section discharges liquid from the tank area. With this arrangement, even if further liquid is introduced, a defined liquid level is maintained inside the tank area. Thus, a sufficient amount of liquid is always supplied to the storage, for example, a container composed of plants, seedlings, seeds, fungi, or other biological materials. Furthermore, liquid flows from the overflow distributor to the second overflow section, for example. This supplies fluid to all areas of the tank area, thereby applying liquid evenly.

[0014] Liquid discharged from the first block storage component through the second overflow section is preferably guided into a second liquid guide of the second block storage component disposed below the first block storage component. By transferring the discharged liquid from the first block storage component to the second liquid guide of the second block storage component, undesirable mixing of fresh liquid and discharged liquid is avoided. This ensures that the tank area is always supplied with fresh liquid.

[0015] Preferably, liquid is introduced into the second liquid guide of the second block storage component arranged below the first block storage component through the second overflow section of the first block storage component, and then transferred through the first inlet of the second overflow section to a third block storage component arranged below the second block storage component in the direction of gravity. With this arrangement, used liquid is discharged from the first block storage component, while not reaching the tank area of ​​the second or third block storage component. The inflow of fresh liquid and the outflow of used liquid are thus arranged separately from each other.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved through the features described below. Here, the overflow portion is arranged in an overflow distributor, wherein the overflow distributor has a distributor boundary having at least one channel to the tank region, wherein the first cross-section of the at least one channel is substantially smaller than the second cross-section of the overflow portion. Here, the channel may also have, for example, multiple channels separated from each other. The sum of the individual cross-sections of the channels forms the first cross-section.

[0017] The overflow section is separated from the tank area by the distributor boundary. Liquid is introduced into the area surrounding the overflow section, wherein the amount of liquid introduced is, for example, greater than the amount of liquid reaching the tank area through the channel. Here, the liquid that is not discharged through the channel causes the liquid level in the overflow distributor to rise. Once the liquid level rises above the upper end of the overflow section in the direction of gravity, the liquid is discharged through the overflow section. This allows for control and / or adjustment of the liquid level without moving parts, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one channel is arranged at least partially at the height of the upper end of the overflow section in the direction of gravity, and / or at least partially below the upper end of the overflow section in the direction of gravity. This arrangement ensures that at least a portion of the liquid flows from the overflow distributor through the at least one channel into the tank interior. Furthermore, the throttling of the liquid can be matched according to the liquid level, for example, by matching the channel geometry.

[0019] The overflow distributor is preferably located in a corner area of ​​the slot area of ​​the block storage component. Furthermore, because the overflow distributor is located in a corner area, it can be accessed from all sides into the interior of the slot area of ​​the block storage component. This allows for easy handling, removal, and loading of stored items from and within the slot area of ​​the block storage component.

[0020] The overflow distributor preferably has a liquid guide whose lower end is arranged below the upper end of the overflow section along the direction of gravity. Because the lower end of the liquid guide is arranged below the upper end of the overflow section along the direction of gravity, liquid is introduced into the overflow distributor below the upper end of the overflow section. This prevents liquid from directly flowing from the liquid guide into the overflow section. The liquid level in the overflow distributor will therefore inevitably rise first until the liquid is discharged through the overflow section. This allows for targeted liquid supply and transfer.

[0021] Preferably, the overflow section is a first overflow section, and the block-shaped storage component has a second overflow section with a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet interacts with the interior of the overflow collector, and the second inlet interacts with the exterior of the overflow collector. The exterior of the overflow collector is, for example, a tank area. The second inlet can be at least partially located in the tank area. The first inlet is spatially separated from the tank area. This allows liquid to drain from the tank area through the second inlet, while the first inlet is only used to drain liquid introduced into the overflow collector. With this arrangement, used liquid guided from the overflow distributor through the tank area to the overflow collector is not remixed with fresh liquid. Instead, the used liquid is selectively discharged.

[0022] Preferably, the liquid guide is a first liquid guide, and the second liquid guide cooperates with the interior of the overflow collector. Through the second liquid guide, the used liquid discharged through the second overflow section is introduced into the overflow collector. This, for example, prevents the used liquid from spraying or splashing, thereby avoiding mixing of the used liquid with the liquid located in the tank area. Furthermore, the second liquid guide prevents contamination of the area surrounding the block storage component by used liquid.

[0023] The second inlet is preferably arranged above the first inlet in the direction of gravity. With this arrangement, liquid introduced via the second liquid guide is directed into the first inlet without the risk of liquid introduced via the second liquid guide reaching the tank area. Conversely, liquid introduced via the second liquid guide is discharged directly through the second overflow section. This allows for easy drainage of used liquid.

[0024] Preferably, the upper end of the first inlet along the direction of gravity is at the same height as the bottom of the overflow collector. This further avoids the risk of liquid introduced through the second liquid guide overflowing into the tank area. Furthermore, in this arrangement, only a small amount of introduced liquid remains in the overflow collector. This small amount does not provide sufficient basis for the proliferation of unwanted insects, fungi, or other biological materials that could interfere with operation. This improves the user-friendliness and cleanability of the block storage component.

[0025] The corner area is preferably a first corner area, wherein the overflow collector with a second overflow section is arranged in a second corner area different from the first corner area. This ensures that the liquid introduced by the overflow distributor must first pass through the tank area before it can be discharged through the overflow collector. Consequently, the tank area is uniformly wetted, allowing all components arranged in the tank area to be supplied with and surrounded by liquid.

[0026] The first block-shaped storage component is preferably arranged above the second block-shaped storage component along the direction of gravity, wherein a first overflow portion of the block-shaped storage component is arranged above a first liquid guide of the second block-shaped storage component, and / or a second overflow portion of the first block-shaped storage component is arranged above a second liquid guide of the second block-shaped storage component. According to this arrangement, for example, the first overflow portion of the first block-shaped storage component interacts with the first liquid guide of the second block-shaped storage component. Furthermore, for example, the second overflow portion of the first block-shaped storage component interacts with the second liquid guide of the second block-shaped storage component.

[0027] Here, the first overflow section and the first liquid guide are always in contact with fresh liquid, thereby supplying fresh liquid to the tank area from the overflow distributor.

[0028] The second overflow section and the second liquid guide handle the used liquid introduced into the second overflow section from the tank area.

[0029] These two arrangements separate fresh liquid from used liquid. This ensures that the tank area is supplied with fresh liquid that has not been mixed with used liquid.

[0030] Block storage components are, for example, housed within a block memory. Here, at least two block storage components form a stack. For instance, fresh liquid is introduced through a first liquid guide in the first, uppermost block storage component. The liquid is introduced through the first liquid guide into the overflow distributor of the first block storage component. From there, a portion of the liquid reaches the tank area. The remaining portion of the introduced liquid remains in the overflow distributor, causing the liquid level in the overflow distributor of the first block storage component to rise until the liquid is discharged through the first overflow section. From there, liquid passes through the first liquid guide of the second block storage component to reach the overflow distributor of the second block storage component. Here, the second block storage component is arranged below the first block storage component. The process is repeated there, causing the tank area in the second block storage component to be wetted, and excess liquid to be discharged through the first overflow section.

[0031] In the stacking of block storage components described in the previous paragraphs, liquid diffuses in the tank area within the first block storage component. There, the liquid level rises until the liquid is discharged through the second inlet of the second overflow section. From there, the discharged liquid reaches the second liquid guide of the second block storage component. The second liquid guide transfers the discharged liquid into the interior of the overflow collector, whereby the discharged liquid further exits from the interior of the overflow collector and is discharged directly through the first inlet of the second overflow section.

[0032] This cascaded liquid supply to individual block storage units can be applied to stacks of block storage units of any size. Here, the arrangement of overflow collectors and overflow distributors combined with corresponding liquid guides is sufficient without any moving parts. This results in excellent maintenance friendliness. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 A block-shaped storage component is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A detailed cross-sectional view of the overflow distributor is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A detailed cross-sectional view of the overflow collector is shown;

[0037] Figure 4 A detailed view of the second overflow section is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 The block storage component 1 shown has a slot region 2 and a stacked geometry 3. A distribution component 4 is disposed in the slot region 2. An overflow distributor 5 is disposed in the first corner region of the block storage component 1. An overflow collector 6 is disposed in the second corner region of the block storage component 1.

[0039] exist Figure 2 The overflow distributor 5 is shown in cross-section. The overflow distributor 5 has a distributor boundary 7 with multiple channels 8. The distributor boundary 7 separates the area surrounding the first overflow portion 9 from the tank area 2. A first liquid guide 10 enters the area surrounding the first overflow portion. Here, the lower end of the liquid guide 10 in the direction of gravity is arranged below the upper end of the first overflow portion 9. Furthermore, the first liquid guide 10 has a funnel-shaped shape, wherein the funnel inlet is arranged above the first overflow portion 9 in the direction of gravity. The channels 8 connect the area surrounding the first overflow portion 9 (also referred to as the interior of the overflow distributor 5) to the tank area 2. Through the channels 8, liquid flows from the interior of the overflow distributor 5 to the tank area 2. In the tank area 2, the liquid is guided by the dispensing member 4.

[0040] Figure 3 The diagram shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the overflow collector 6. The overflow collector 6 has a second overflow section 11 with a first inlet 12 and a second inlet 13, wherein the two inlets 12 and 13 are separated from each other by a boundary 14. In addition, a second liquid guide 15 is provided.

[0041] Figure 4 The arrangement of the first inlet 12 and the second inlet 13 of the overflow collector 6 is shown. The second inlet 13 serves as an overflow section for the tank area 2. Conversely, the first inlet 12 serves as an overflow section for liquid that has been introduced into the interior of the overflow collector 6. Both the first and second inlets 12 and 13 lead into the second overflow section 11. Furthermore, the first inlet 12 is at the same height as the bottom 16.

[0042] In a block storage component assembly (not shown), at least two block storage components 1 are stacked on top of each other. Here, the first block storage component 1 is arranged on top of the second block storage component 1. The stacking geometry 3 of the corresponding block storage components 1 can be loosely engaged with each other. In this arrangement, the first liquid guide 10 of the second block storage component 1 is arranged below the first overflow portion 9 of the first block storage component 1. Furthermore, the second liquid guide 15 of the second block storage component 1 is arranged below the second overflow portion 11 of the first block storage component 1.

[0043] Fresh liquid is introduced into the first liquid guide of the first block storage component 1. There, the liquid guide transfers the liquid to an overflow distributor, from which at least a portion of the liquid flows through channel 8 into the tank area 2. The liquid is throttled through channel 8, causing the liquid level to rise within the overflow distributor 5. Once the liquid level reaches the upper end of the first overflow section 9, the liquid is discharged through the first overflow section 9. The first overflow section 9 of the first block storage component 1 flows into the first liquid guide 10 of the second block storage component. There, the process begins again.

[0044] Liquid originating from the overflow distributor 5 and reaching the tank area 2 is distributed along the entire tank area 2 by the distribution component 4. Thus, the entire tank area 2 is supplied with fresh liquid. Once the tank area 2 has been supplied with liquid, the liquid also reaches the overflow collector 6. There, the used liquid flows through the second inlet 13 of the first block storage component 1 to the second liquid guide 15 of the second block storage component 1. The second liquid guide 15 transfers the used liquid into the interior of the overflow collector 6, from where it flows through the first inlet 12 to the second overflow section 11 of the second block storage component 1. Alternatively, any number of block storage components 1 can be stacked together to drain the used liquid.

[0045] The overflow distributor 5, combined with the first liquid guide 10, guides only fresh liquid. The overflow collector 6, combined with the second liquid guide 15, handles used liquid. Thus, fresh liquid is separated from used liquid. This allows for efficient supply to all block storage components 1 located in the block storage assembly.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 1 block storage component

[0048] 2-slot area

[0049] 3 Stacked Geometry

[0050] 4 Distribution Components

[0051] 5 Overflow distributors

[0052] 6 Overflow Collectors

[0053] 7 Distributor Boundaries

[0054] 8 channels

[0055] 9 First Overflow Section

[0056] 10 First Liquid Guide

[0057] 11 Second Overflow Section

[0058] 12 First Entrance

[0059] 13 Second Entrance

[0060] 14 boundaries

[0061] 15 Second Liquid Guide

[0062] 16 Bottom.

Claims

1. A method for liquid supply for a stack of block-shaped storage elements (1) having at least two block-shaped storage elements (1), wherein, The first block-shaped storage component (1) has a first overflow section (9), wherein liquid is introduced into an overflow distributor (5) of the first block-shaped storage component (1) having a distributor border (7) via a first liquid guide (10), wherein the liquid is throttled through at least one channel (8) arranged in the distributor border (7) into a tank region (2) of the first block-shaped storage component (1), and wherein liquid not discharged through the at least one channel (8) of the first block-shaped storage component (1) is conducted out through the first overflow section (9) of the first block-shaped storage component (1), wherein the liquid conducted out through the first overflow section (9) of the first block-shaped storage component (1) is guided in a first liquid guide (10) of a second block-shaped storage component (1) arranged below the first block-shaped storage component (1), wherein the first liquid guide (10) of the second block-shaped storage component (1) guides liquid in an overflow distributor (5) of the second block-shaped storage component (1), and wherein a lower end of the first liquid guide (10) is arranged below an upper end of the first overflow section (9) in the direction of gravity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The overflow section (9) is a first overflow section (9), and liquid introduced into the block-shaped storage component (1) from the overflow distributor (5) is discharged through a second inlet (13) of a second overflow section (11) of an overflow collector (6).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, Liquid discharged through the second overflow section (11) of the first block-shaped storage component (1) is guided into a second liquid guide (15) of a second block-shaped storage component (1) arranged below the first block-shaped storage component (1).

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, Liquid introduced into the second liquid guide (15) of a second block-shaped storage component (1) arranged below the first block-shaped storage component (1) through the second overflow section (11) of one of the block-shaped storage components (1) is transferred through a first inlet (12) of the second overflow section (11) into a third block-shaped storage component (1) arranged below the second block-shaped storage component (1) in the direction of gravity.

5. A bulk storage component having a sump area and an overflow, wherein, An overflow section (9) is arranged in an overflow distributor (5), wherein the overflow distributor (5) has a distributor border (7) with at least one channel (8) to the tank region (2), wherein a first cross section of the at least one channel (8) is substantially smaller than a second cross section of the overflow section (9), characterized in that the overflow distributor (5) has a liquid guide (10) with a lower end arranged below an upper end of the overflow section (9) in the direction of gravity.

6. The block storage component of claim 5, wherein, The at least one channel (8) is at least partially arranged in the height of the upper end of the overflow section (9) in the direction of gravity and / or at least partially arranged below the upper end of the overflow section (9) in the direction of gravity.

7. The block storage component of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The overflow distributor (5) is arranged in a corner region of the tank region (2) of the block-shaped storage component (1).

8. The block storage component of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The overflow (9) is a first overflow (9) and the block-shaped storage component (1) has a second overflow (11) with a first inlet (12) and a second inlet (13), wherein the first inlet (12) cooperates with the interior of the overflow collector (6) and the second inlet (13) cooperates with the exterior of the overflow collector (6).

9. The block storage component of claim 8, wherein, The liquid guide (10) is a first liquid guide (10) and a second liquid guide (15) cooperates with the interior of the overflow collector (6).

10. The block storage component of claim 8, wherein, The second inlet (13) is arranged above the first inlet (12) in the direction of gravity.

11. The block storage component of any of claims 9-10, wherein, An upper end of the first inlet (12) in the direction of gravity is at the same height as a bottom (16) of the overflow collector (6).

12. The block storage component of claim 8, wherein, The overflow distributor (5) is arranged in a corner region of the tank region (2) of the block-shaped storage component (1), wherein the corner region is a first corner region and the overflow collector (6) with the second overflow (11) is arranged in a second corner region different from the first corner region.

13. A bulk storage component assembly having at least one bulk storage component according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that A first block-shaped storage component (1) is arranged above a second block-shaped storage component (1) in the direction of gravity, wherein a first overflow (9) of the first block-shaped storage component (1) is arranged above a first liquid guide (10) of the second block-shaped storage component (1) and / or a second overflow (11) of the first block-shaped storage component (1) is arranged above a second liquid guide (15) of the second block-shaped storage component (1).

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