Kit for converting a cabinet into a lightproof plant growing cabinet with ventilation system

Abstract

Passive ventilation device (1) for a cabinet, comprising at least two L-shaped profiles, characterized in that the profiles are positioned and spaced apart from each other by at least one retaining element (1a, 1b) such that their legs overlap and form a light-impermeable, but air-permeable, multi-angled flow channel (10).

Description

[0001] Technical field: The invention lies in the field of ventilation technology for closed plant cultivation systems ("grow boxes"). It relates in particular to a kit for the functional retrofitting of cabinet furniture, comprising a passive supply air unit with light trap, an active exhaust air unit with serial fan arrangement for pressure optimization, and a sealing system to ensure light tightness at door gaps.

[0002] State of the art: In the field of indoor plant cultivation, various solutions are known to ensure air exchange while simultaneously preventing the escape of stray light.

[0003] A common method is the use of flexible ventilation ducts (aluminum or PVC flexible pipes) laid in S-shapes or curves to act as light traps. A disadvantage of this method is the considerable space these ducts require indoors, which reduces the usable plant volume. Furthermore, such ducts are visually obtrusive and difficult to integrate into furniture.

[0004] Rigid light traps in a box-like construction ("baffle boxes") are also known. These often consist of complex wooden or plastic structures with internal baffles. However, these solutions are structurally complex to manufacture and assemble. Another disadvantage is the poor cleanability of the internal surfaces, which poses hygiene risks.

[0005] The market for complete systems includes industrially manufactured grow tents. However, these are usually monolithic, heavy pieces of furniture that are logistically difficult to handle (transport, shipping) and expensive. Furthermore, they often feature a technical, industrial design that doesn't blend discreetly into a typical living environment.

[0006] The technical problem (task): The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a kit that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a system should be provided that is compact, can be manufactured cost-effectively from standard parts, and can be easily integrated into existing cabinets (as a retrofit kit), while simultaneously ensuring high light tightness and guaranteed air circulation.

[0007] The solution: This problem is solved according to the invention by a ventilation device with the features of claim 1 and by a kit with the features of claim 2.

[0008] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 explained in more detail. Fig. 1 The completely retrofitted cabinet system Fig. 2 Passive ventilation unit - light trap labyrinth Fig. 3. Ventilation system Fig. 4 Sealing system for the door gap

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 shows the fully assembled cabinet system (door and right side panel are hidden). It contains two light-trap labyrinths (1) for passive ventilation and two fans (2) for active exhaust with a spacer (3) between them. Air is extracted from the grow rooms through a short curved air duct (4) and an activated carbon filter (5). Each grow room has its own LED grow light (6). The door (not shown) is insulated by an airtight and lightproof system consisting of a double seal with sealing tape (7) and two light-blocking strips (8) covering the door gap. The door is equipped with a lock (9) for secure locking.

[0010] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the ventilation device light trap labyrinth (1) comprises two retaining elements (1a), (1b) and three L-profiles (1c).

[0011] The profiles are held in place by specific retaining elements. The retainers (1a and 1b) have grooves that force the profiles into an overlapping position. This creates a multi-angled flow channel (labyrinth) (10) between the profiles. A light beam entering from outside, or from an adjacent grow room, would be reflected and absorbed multiple times by the black surfaces of the profiles (1c), resulting in a significantly weakened beam reaching the grow room.

[0012] Assembly is carried out by inserting the profiles (1c) into the brackets (1a) and (1b). The device can then be screwed in front of an air gap in the cabinet shelf between grow rooms, or into the cabinet floor (alternatively into the bottom of the cabinet back panel).

[0013] The invention is not limited to the profile geometry shown. For example, a variant embodiment is conceivable in which two commercially available equal-leg L-profiles are used instead of the unequal-leg profiles. Furthermore, the number of profiles can be varied as long as the light-refracting flow channel is maintained. For instance, L-profiles can be technically replaced by interlocking U- and T-profiles.

[0014] Fig. Figure 3 shows the active ventilation device, consisting of two low-noise standard PC fans (2) with spacers (3). The fan assembly is attached to the cutout in the upper shelf directly below the air duct (4) using the mounting adapter (11).

[0015] By arranging the fans in series, sufficient static pressure is achieved to overcome filter resistance without excessive noise.

[0016] For filters with higher resistance, the fan package can be extended to include an additional spacer element (3) and fan (2) to increase static pressure.

[0017] On Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the door sealing system. The sealing system comprises two offset sealing strips and cover strips. The first sealing strip (7a) is glued around the outer edge of the door (not shown) on the inside. The second sealing strip (7b) is glued to the inner edge of the cabinet walls, top, and bottom, offset from the door seal, to form a double barrier against air and light. Two light-blocking strips (8) are attached to the outside of the side walls so that they extend beyond the edges of the cabinet walls and further conceal the door gap from direct light. Reference symbol list 1 ventilation unit - light trap labyrinth 1a, 1b Holding elements 1c L-profiles 2 fans 3 spacer elements 4 Air duct - bend 5 activated carbon filters 6 LED plant lights 7, 7a, 7b Sealing tape 8 light protection strips 9 Castle 10 Air duct - Labyrinth 11 Mounting adapters

Claims

[1] Passive ventilation device (1) for a cabinet, comprising at least two L-shaped profiles, characterized by , that the profiles are positioned and spaced apart from each other by at least one retaining element (1a, 1b) such that their legs overlap and form a light-impermeable, but air-permeable, multi-angled flow channel (10). [2] Kit for converting a cabinet, characterized by , that it comprises at least one ventilation device according to claim 1, an active ventilation unit with at least two fans (2), a spacer element (3) and a mounting adapter (11) and a door sealing system comprising at least one light protection strip (8), an offset double seal (7a), (7b) and a locking lock (9).

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