VERTICAL FARMING SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved vertical growing system (1) for loading and unloading growing tables with plants into such a growing system (1), and for moving these growing tables within the system. The invention also relates to a method for positioning and removing growing tables with plants from a vertical growing system (1), and for moving these growing tables within the system. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Vertical cultivation system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a vertical cultivation system for growing plants, as well as a method of using this system, to facilitate the loading and unloading of plants onto growing tables in a vertical cultivation system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vertical growing systems are increasingly used, especially in densely populated areas (the most extreme example being Singapore). They allow plants to be grown under highly controllable and adjustable conditions (temperature, light, nutrition, water, etc.), in a very efficient and compact manner. Thus, it is possible to significantly increase yield by increasing the number of harvests on the one hand, but also by multiplying by a factor of 2, 3, 4, etc. the number of possible crops on a given surface, depending on the number of levels used in the growing system.

[0003] An example is described in US patent US9675014, which shows a multi-level cultivation system for growing plants at different stages of development.

[0004] A similar system is described in US patent US9004268, where a shuttle moves on a slope and can transport containers (with crops). In this case, the vertical cultivation system is a tower-like structure, where there are actually no separate levels, but all levels merge into a spiral path.

[0005] The problem with many of these systems is that it is very difficult to manipulate the trays or tables on which the plants are grown. There are very complex systems in which this manipulation is carried out using robotic arms, but in practice, vertical cultivation systems are essentially very long shelves with levels on which the cultivation tables are positioned, under light sources, irrigation systems, etc.

[0006] Handling with robotic arms requires a lot of space, which is precisely what vertical cultivation systems try to optimize, and also represents a significant investment.

[0007] Conveyor belt principles are also already applied to cultivation systems, where tables are moved along their entire length by a conveyor belt and then removed to elevators at the end. This is typically very slow and requires moving all tables to one level, which is not always desirable.

[0008] The present invention aims to find a solution to at least some of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to an improved vertical cultivation system for growing plants, comprising: a. one or more growing tables adapted to receive the plants, equipped with at least two sets of at least two wheels, the wheels of each set being aligned and the lines of the sets being parallel to each other; b. a cultivation line extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a support structure with one or more levels, for receiving at least one cultivation table, the support structure having at each level at least two guides extending in the longitudinal direction and adapted to receive and guide the wheels of a cultivation table; c. at least one elevator adapted to move a cultivation table in a vertical direction to a desired level, the elevator being provided at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the cultivation row and, optionally, a second elevator being provided at the second end, opposite the first end, of the cultivation row; d. one or more shuttles for positioning the growing table in the growing line, at least one shuttle being provided per level, and the shuttle being movable along the longitudinal direction of the growing line via a level guidance system, the shuttle comprising a drive system, the drive system comprising height-movable drivers, for removably coupling the shuttle to a growing table.

[0010] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing a growing table from a level of a growing line in a vertical growing system. The level of the growing line comprises guides adapted to receive the wheels of the growing table. The method comprises the following steps: a. moving a shuttle along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line towards the cultivation table; b. coupling the cultivation table to the shuttle by means of mobile drives; c. moving the shuttle along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line towards an elevator located at one end of the cultivation line, the cultivation table being transported on the guides by the movement of the shuttle; d. the positioning of the elevator at the level of the cultivation table; e. uncoupling the culture table and the shuttle; f. the recovery of the cultivation table by the elevator; g. vertical movement of the cultivation table using the elevator.

[0011] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for positioning a growing table with plants at a level of a growing line in a vertical growing system, in which the growing table is equipped with wheels, and in which the level of the growing line comprises guides adapted to receive and guide the wheels of the growing table, comprising the following steps: a. vertical movement of the cultivation table by the elevator to the level; b. positioning of the elevator at the crop line on the level; c. removal of the growing table from the elevator by the elevator; d. coupling the cultivation table to the shuttle by means of mobile drives; e. moving the shuttle along the longitudinal direction of the crop row to the desired position at the crop row, the crop table being transported on the guides by the movement of the shuttle; f. uncoupling the culture table and the shuttle.

[0012] Preferably, the vertical cultivation systems of the second and third aspects relate to an embodiment of a vertical cultivation system according to the first aspect. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] [Fig.l] shows a perspective view of the vertical cultivation system according to one embodiment of the invention, with a portion of the cultivation line visible.

[0014] [Fig.2] shows an enlarged section of the crop line of [Fig.l].

[0015] [Fig. 3] shows a perspective view of a shuttle according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Unless otherwise stated, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, are used in the sense as generally understood by those skilled in the technical field of the invention. For a better judgment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

[0017] When "about" or "roughly" is used herein, a measurable quantity, parameter, duration or moment etc. means variations of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and even more preferably + / -0.1% or less of the cited value, as long as such variations apply to the above invention. However, the value of the quantity with which the term "about" or "roughly" is used, must itself be specifically expressed.

[0018] The terms "comprise", "comprising", "composed of", "composed of", "intended to", "comprise", "comprising", "contain", "containing" are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of the following, and not excluding or preventing other components, features, elements, members, phases, known or described in the prior art.

[0019] Quoting numerical intervals by means of endpoints includes all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including those endpoints.

[0020] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a vertical cultivation system for growing plants, comprising: a. one or more growing tables adapted to receive the plants, equipped with at least two sets of at least two wheels, the wheels of each set being aligned and the lines of the sets being parallel to each other; b. a cultivation line extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a support structure with one or more levels, for receiving at least one cultivation table, the support structure having at each level at least two guides extending in the longitudinal direction and adapted to receive and guide the wheels of a cultivation table; c. at least one elevator adapted to move a cultivation table in a vertical direction to a desired level, the elevator being provided at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the cultivation row and, optionally, a second elevator being provided at the second end, opposite the first end, of the cultivation row; d. one or more shuttles for positioning the growing table in the growing line, at least one shuttle being provided per level, and the shuttle being movable along the longitudinal direction of the growing line via a level guidance system, the shuttle comprising a drive system, the drive system comprising height-movable drivers, for removably coupling the shuttle to a growing table.

[0021] As described above, the disadvantages of many vertical cultivation systems lie mainly in the difficulty of handling specific cultivation tables, which is solved, in practice, only by very complex (and expensive) systems, such as robotic arms, but requiring additional space for these installations. In a simpler system, in which a cultivation line comprises several levels of elongated supports, the cultivation tables are maintained at these levels and, if necessary, removed from the cultivation line or moved within it, for example, to another level where other conditions are provided (e.g., temperature, lighting, etc.) that are more suitable for the plants grown on the cultivation table.

[0022] This allows the plants on each growing table to be monitored and individually manipulated as needed.

[0023] For this purpose, a growing line is provided, serving as a support structure for the growing tables. The growing tables are preferably in the form of rectangular containers, with raised walls to hold the plants on the growing table in case of sudden movements, and are equipped with several sets of wheels on the lower part. The sets of wheels are arranged in one line per set, parallel to the other sets, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the growing line when the growing table is equipped with them. For this purpose, each level of the growing line comprises a number of guides on which the wheels of the growing tables rest and are guided. Typically, two guides are provided, with two sets of wheels for the growing tables.

[0024] By choosing a suitable material (e.g. aluminum), wheels and guide, it can be ensured that friction is minimal and that the growing tables can be moved easily, with limited effort, along the longitudinal direction of the growing line.

[0025] Each level of the cultivation line comprises one or more shuttles for moving the cultivation tables. These shuttles move under the cultivation tables, allowing them to move to any position along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line, regardless of the presence of the cultivation tables. These shuttles have a width smaller than that of the cultivation tables and move on a guide system along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line. The guide system preferably comprises guide profiles that extend along the length of the cultivation line and on which the shuttles move using wheels.

[0026] Finally, the shuttles are equipped with a drive system which allows, once positioned correctly, that is to say under the cultivation table to be moved, to couple the growing table so that it follows the movement of the shuttle when it starts moving again, thus allowing the growing table to be transported.

[0027] However, by allowing the growing table to continue to rest on the guides, the load on the shuttle is very limited and it can move the tables along the line very easily. The shuttle simply grips the tables, but does not lift them, so that only a horizontal force is exerted in the longitudinal direction. This also has the advantage of being able to work much more quickly, since raising and lowering the growing tables would take time for safety reasons. Furthermore, this would be an additional complication that is no longer necessary in the present system, where the growing table always rests on its guides.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the growing tables comprise a substantially concave underside defined by downwardly extending side walls provided at least on the sides of the growing table perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the growing line. Thus, the shuttle drivers are adapted to couple the growing tables within the side walls. Preferably, the drivers are adapted to move upwardly and outwardly relative to the shuttle during coupling.

[0029] In particular, the coupling consists of an upward movement and ends with an outward movement. The upward movement causes the drivers to be in the cavity of the growing table, under the growing table, between the downwardly extending side walls. During this upward movement, the outward movement is usually already initiated (or even simultaneous), although these can be carried out completely separately. In the final phase, once the upward movement is completed and the drivers are (partially) in the cavity, they move outward and clamp the growing table, gripping the opposite side walls with one or more drivers each (preferably at least two). In this way, the growing table remains supported on the guides and is fixed, allowing the shuttle to move the growing tables.

[0030] This movement can be achieved, for example, by direct rotation of the drivers, or by a four-bar mechanism or the like that allows the movement of the drivers. Alternatives are of course possible to perform the two movements (upwards and outwards) separately.

[0031] Preferably, the shuttles are equipped with two sets of at least two, and preferably two, drivers, the two drivers of a set being located on each side along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line perpendicular thereto. Preferably, the drivers are placed symmetrically on the two opposite sides of each other (distributed regularly along the length of each side). More preferably, the drivers are also arranged in pairs along a shared longitudinal axis along the longitudinal direction (with one driver on each side).

[0032] The trainers are distributed along the entire length in order to evenly distribute the forces exerted on the growing tables, which in particular makes it possible to avoid problems linked to uneven loading of the growing table.

[0033] The drivers preferably have gripping elements at their ends, with which they come into contact with the growing table. By judiciously choosing the gripping elements, for example coated with rubber, provided with a sufficiently large contact surface, etc., a firm grip and solid anchoring of the growing table are ensured.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the growing tables comprise a substantially concave lower face defined by downwardly extending side walls provided at least on the sides of the growing table perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the growing line.

[0035] The elevator is equipped with a movable loading mechanism comprising at least one U-shaped hook, and preferably at least two. The loading mechanism is at least movable along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line. Thus, the hook is movable between, on the one hand, a first position for coupling a cultivation table and moving the coupled cultivation table along the longitudinal direction and, on the other hand, a second position for moving the hook along the longitudinal direction without manipulating a cultivation table.

[0036] The difference in positioning is primarily in the height of the (highest part of the) hook. In the first position, the hook has its open side facing upwards and the ends of the hook (ends of the legs of the "U") are above the plane defined between the edges of the side walls of the growing tables at the level where the elevator is located. The base of the hook is preferably below said plane in the first position.

[0037] By moving the hook between these two positions, the loading mechanism may or may not move the growing table as the hook moves along the longitudinal direction of the growing line. When a hook is placed under a side wall of a growing table and moved to the first position, this means that the side wall is between the two ends of the hook. By moving the hook along the longitudinal direction, the growing table can then be driven away from the elevator or pulled towards the elevator. In the second position, the loading mechanism can be extended or retracted without the growing table being manipulated. This aspect is particularly advantageous because the growing table has two side walls on opposite sides, which allows the hook to grasp both side walls, thus halving the length of the loading mechanism, and loading and unloading can be done in two movements. For loading, first grasp the nearest side wall, then pull the grow table towards the elevator, uncouple the hook and return it to the farthest side wall, return it to the first position, and pull the grow table completely into the elevator. For unloading, first grasp the farthest side wall with the hook, then partially push the grow table out of the elevator, uncouple and retract the hook to couple it to the nearest side wall, and then push the grow table completely out of the elevator.

[0038] Again, the fact that the growing tables do not have to be lifted and can always rest on the guides is a substantial advantage. This means that the loading mechanism itself only has to exert very little force and also does not have to compensate for whether the growing table is loaded or not.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, two such hooks are provided, the first at the distal end of the loading mechanism and the second more proximal. Both hooks move (tilt or raise / lower) simultaneously to couple (or uncouple) the culture tables. The use of two separate hooks makes the loading mechanism more compact, by dividing the loading and unloading movement in two. During the first part of the unloading, the loading mechanism extends fully and the culture table is gripped by the distal hook on the side wall closest to the loading mechanism.Then, the loading mechanism returns to its normal position, pulling the culture table toward the loading mechanism to an intermediate position, with the nearest sidewall in the intermediate position being above the position of the proximal hook when the loading mechanism is fully extended. Then, the distal hook is uncoupled, deploys the loading mechanism again, and the proximal hook is coupled into the same nearest sidewall of the loading mechanism, and then pulls the culture table further toward the loading mechanism. The same distribution is followed for loading the culture tables.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the loading mechanism includes a stop hook that moves separately from the other hook(s) of the loading mechanism. This stop hook is configured to engage in the growing table when the other hook(s) disengage from the growing table, to ensure immobilization of the growing table, and to disengage when the other hook(s) reengage in the growing table. The stop hook does not move with the other hook(s) along the longitudinal direction of the line during the movement of the loading mechanism, and remains substantially in place, at the position of the proximal hook in the fully extended position, or at the position of the distal hook in the retracted position. Since the culture tables and the system are adapted to create the smoothest possible movement, a very small impulse is often enough to set the culture table in motion, and it can move quite far until it stops again due to friction. The stop hook ensures that the culture table cannot move undesirably (out of the culture line), but also that it remains perfectly in place so that the hook(s) can re-engage by a predefined movement.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the hook is rotatable about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the hook is moved between the first and second positions by rotation about the longitudinal axis. In the first position, the hook is oriented upwards with its open side, generally with a side wall between its ends. In the second position, the hook is in the horizontal plane, with the open side oriented horizontally.

[0042] Alternatively, the hook may be moved up and down between the first and second positions, with or without all or part of the loading mechanism.

[0043] These two options allow, with minimal movement of the loading mechanism and without having to manipulate the growing table itself, to get into position to, on the one hand, couple the growing table and, on the other hand, "uncouple" it. It should be noted, however, that the invention is in no way limited to these two embodiments.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the loading mechanism can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position, the hook performing, between the retracted position and the extended position, a movement over a distance equal to the distance between the opposite side walls of the growing table on the sides of the growing table perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the growing line. By perfectly adapting the freedom of movement of the hook to the width of the growing table (distance between the side walls), loading and unloading can be carried out in two controlled movements. This makes it possible on the one hand to reduce the length of the elevator, thus saving space, but also to make the mechanism more robust, by reducing the distance traveled per movement.Finally, by making the distance traveled equal to the width of the growing table, it is also ensured that after the first movement, the second side wall is positioned in the correct place for the hook to couple to it in order to perform the second movement.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises at least two elongated table guides, preferably cylindrical bars, for receiving and guiding the wheels of a growing table, each of the table guides being in the same vertical plane as one of the guides per level. By providing the table guides in the same vertical plane, they will be aligned with the guides of a level when the elevator is brought to that level (same horizontal plane). Preferably, in this case, the table guides also connect somewhat to the guides, with minimal gap, so that the growing tables experience little or no interference when loading and unloading the elevator.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the guides are equipped at the longitudinal ends with a coupling element, which is in the extension of the guide and which is preformed to receive a table guide, the table guide being held in the extension of the guide of the coupling element when the table guide is in the coupling element.

[0047] As indicated, it is important that the table guides and guides fit optimally, both in terms of alignment and to avoid a gap between the coupled ends. Alignment is optimally ensured by providing a coupling element that guides the table guides to the correct position and can make minimal adjustments. In doing so, it also serves as additional support for the free end of the table guides, which bear a substantial load when the growing tables are loaded onto and unloaded from the elevator.

[0048] The coupling elements are generally formed in a hollow to receive the underside of the table guides. The table guides are preferably round bars, so that the coupling elements have a semi-circular cutout.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the table guides are movable in the longitudinal direction of the crop line by a distance at least equal to the dimension of the coupling element along the longitudinal direction of the crop line.

[0050] By making the table guides movable in the longitudinal direction, they can be retracted and extended. In the retracted position, in which the table guides protrude only slightly beyond the elevator, they can be moved vertically, without the coupling elements being in their path. This allows them to be raised to the correct height (and desired level). When they are at the correct level, they can then be extended so that the ends of the table guides protrude beyond the ends of the coupling elements (in the horizontal plane), and the table guides can be lowered to be inserted into the coupling elements, so that the table guides and guides are coupled with minimal space (gap) between their ends.

[0051] The above configuration ensures that the growing tables can be moved very easily between the guides and the table guides, and the loading mechanism also has to apply a very limited force to overcome the resistance of the transition between the two.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the growing line is provided with a closing element at at least one end, preferably both, of each level, the closing element being adjustable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closing element does not undergo any external interaction (meaning that it is "naturally" in this position), and the position of the closing element prevents, in this closed position, the growing tables from moving beyond the end of the growing line. In the open position, the closing element allows the growing tables to move beyond the end of the growing line, towards the elevator, positioning the elevator at a level placing the closing element for said level in the open position.

[0053] As previously stated, it is desirable that the growing tables can move on the guides with minimal friction. This also means that they move easily and only stop slowly on their own. For this reason, closing the growing lines using a closing element is an important improvement. By passively closing the closing element (i.e. without external influence on the closing element, it is closed and the growing tables cannot move out of the growing line), safety is thus guaranteed.

[0054] Furthermore, by associating the manipulation that opens the closing element with the positioning of the elevator at the relevant level, the operation of the system is considerably simplified. The manipulation can, for example, be carried out by the downward movement of the elevator or a longitudinal positioning movement, which manipulates a part of the closing element and thus moves the closing element to the open position.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, the closure element is rotatably arranged on the crop line about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction or translationally arranged along a vertical axis on the crop line, so that the elevator, when positioned at a level of the crop line, pushes the closure element downwards to the open position.

[0056] The downward movement is the last movement when positioning the elevator. By defining it as the manipulation that opens the closing element, it is ensured that the growing table can only start moving once the elevator is finally in position to accept the growing table onto the table guide.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the guides are cylindrical bars or U-shaped profiles. This allows easy guidance and minimal friction.

[0058] Preferably, the guides are cylindrical bars and the wheels of the growing tables are provided in pairs, the wheels of the pairs being on either side of the line of the assembly to which the wheels belong, and the wheels of the pairs forming an angle of between 10° and 170°, preferably between 45° and 135°, with respect to each other.

[0059] By working with bars on which the wheels of the cultivation tables are placed in pairs, with one wheel on each side of the bar, it is ensured on the one hand that the cultivation tables rest very firmly on the cultivation line and can compensate for lateral forces, but also that the load on each wheel is reduced, and therefore that friction is also effectively reduced.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, each level of the growing line comprises a lighting system along the entire length of the growing line, the lighting system being oriented towards the guides of the level, i.e. where the growing tables with the plants are located.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, each level of the growing line comprises a ventilation system along the entire length of the growing line, the ventilation system having outlets oriented towards the guides of the level, i.e. where the growing tables with the plants are located.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, each level of the growing line includes a water supply system along the entire length of the growing line.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the shuttles comprise at least two sets of wheels, the wheels of each set being aligned, and the lines of the sets being parallel to each other, and the shuttles are arranged on the crop line with the lines of the sets parallel to the longitudinal direction of the crop line, each set comprising at least 2 wheels which are rotatably arranged about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crop line.

[0064] The guidance system comprises at least two shuttle guides extending along the length of the crop row, wherein preferably there are no guides between the shuttle guides, the shuttle guides being adapted to receive and guide the at least two wheels of each set of shuttles.

[0065] By providing shuttle guides between the guides, it is possible to keep the shuttles compact and allow them to be easily maneuvered between all the elements, whereas the growing tables generally have the full width of the growing row, and their guides are ideally also somewhat distributed across the width.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment, each set of wheels of the shuttles comprises at least one, preferably two, support wheels, which are rotatably arranged about a vertical axis. The shuttle guides comprise a raised wall extending along the length of the crop line, the support wheels rolling against the raised walls during the movement of the shuttle on the shuttle guides. Preferably, the shuttle guides have an L-shaped profile. The raised walls provide an additional guide for the shuttle wheels, which ensures that they continue to move very correctly along the longitudinal direction, even when carrying crop tables. Since crop tables are often much heavier than the shuttles, it must be avoided that they influence the longitudinal movement of the shuttles, which is prevented by the vertical walls.By further placing the raised walls on the outer edges of the shuttle guides, it is also ensured that the shuttles are effectively confined in their path along the longitudinal direction.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a toothed belt drive at each level, for longitudinal movement of the shuttle.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the cultivation system comprises, at the elevator or elevators, a loading / unloading line by means of which the cultivation tables can be moved into or out of the elevator, generally transversely to the cultivation lines themselves (lateral loading / unloading to save space). This may be done by means of a motorized roller conveyor.

[0069] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing a growing table with plants from a level of a growing line in a vertical growing system, the growing table being provided with wheels, and the level of the growing line comprising guides adapted to receive and guide the wheels of the growing table, comprising the following steps: a. moving a shuttle along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line towards the cultivation table; b. coupling the cultivation table to the shuttle by means of mobile drives; c. moving the shuttle along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line towards an elevator located at one end of the cultivation line, the cultivation table being transported on the guides by the movement of the shuttle; d. the positioning of the elevator at the level of the cultivation table; e. uncoupling the culture table and the shuttle; f. the recovery of the cultivation table by the elevator; g. vertical movement of the cultivation table using the elevator.

[0070] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for positioning a growing table with plants at a level of a growing line in a vertical growing system, in which the growing table is equipped with wheels, and in which the level of the growing line comprises guides adapted to receive and guide the wheels of the growing table, comprising the following steps: a. vertical movement of the cultivation table by the elevator to the level; b. positioning of the elevator at the crop line on the level; c. removal of the growing table from the elevator by the elevator; d. coupling the cultivation table to the shuttle by means of mobile drives; e. moving the shuttle along the longitudinal direction of the crop row to the desired position at the crop row, the crop table being transported on the guides by the movement of the shuttle; f. uncoupling the culture table and the shuttle.

[0071] Both embodiments use shuttles that can individually couple the growing tables without lifting them from the guides. In particular, embodiments are advantageous in which the elevator itself has table guides that can be connected to the guides of the growing line, so that it is sufficient to move the growing tables, without lifting them.

[0072] Preferably, the above-mentioned methods are carried out with a vertical cultivation system according to the first aspect of the invention. The specific embodiments also describe method steps with which the system can be implemented, including coupling without lifting the cultivation table from the guides, loading and unloading in stages, also without lifting, etc.

[0073] In the following, the invention will be described with the aid of non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and should not be construed as such. EXAMPLES

[0074] Figures 1 and 2 show the vertical cultivation system (1) according to the invention, comprising a cultivation line (2) and an elevator (3). The cultivation line (2) here comprises 6 levels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) and extends over an indefinite length (in this case, only a limited length is shown). The elevator (3) is arranged on a first side of the cultivation line (2). At each level of the cultivation line, a number of guides (4) extend along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line away from the elevator. On these guides, the cultivation tables can move with the help of a number of wheels.

[0075] At the ends of the growing tables, at each level, a closing element (5) is provided which is closed at rest, preventing the growing tables from sliding out of the growing table.

[0076] The figures do not show the shuttle guidance system (6), but this generally has a shape similar to the guides (4) of the cultivation tables and preferably includes a raised rib.

[0077] The shuttle, illustrated in [Fig.3], is equipped with a number of wheels (7) for moving on the guide system, as well as a number of vertical wheels (9), which roll against the raised rib as the shuttle moves along the guide system.

[0078] The shuttle (6) has two carriers (8) on each side which can be lifted from the plane of the shuttle to grip the culture tables from below.

[0079] It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that certain modifications or changes may be made to the described examples without re-evaluating the added claims. For example, the present invention has been described with reference to plants, but it is obvious that it can be applied, for example, to fungi.

Claims

Claims

1. A vertical cultivation system (1) for growing plants, the cultivation system comprising at least: - one or more cultivation tables adapted to receive the plants, equipped with at least two sets of at least two wheels (7), the wheels of each set being aligned and the lines of the sets being parallel to each other; - a cultivation line (2) extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a support structure with one or more levels (2a - 2f), for receiving at least one cultivation table, the support structure having at each level at least two guides (4) extending in the longitudinal direction and adapted to receive and guide the wheels (7) of a cultivation table;- at least one elevator (3) adapted to move a cultivation table in a vertical direction to a desired level, the elevator (3) being provided at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2) and, optionally, a second elevator (3) being provided at the second end, opposite the first end, of the cultivation line (2); - one or more shuttles (6) for positioning the cultivation table in the cultivation line (2), at least one shuttle (6) being provided per level and the shuttle (6) being movable along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2) via a level guidance system (4); characterized in that the shuttle (6) comprises a drive system, the drive system comprising height-movable drivers (8), for removably coupling the shuttle (6) to a cultivation table.;

2. The vertical cultivation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cultivation tables comprise a substantially concave lower face defined by downwardly extending side walls, at least provided on the sides of the cultivation table perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2), and wherein the shuttle drivers (6) are adapted to couple the cultivation tables within the side walls, preferably wherein the drivers are adapted to move upwards and outwards relative to the shuttle (6) when coupling.

3. The vertical cultivation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cultivation tables comprise a substantially concave lower face defined by downwardly extending side walls, at least provided on the sides of the cultivation table perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2), and wherein the elevator (3) is equipped with a movable loading mechanism comprising at least one U-shaped hook, the loading mechanism being at least movable along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2);wherein the hook is movable between a first position for coupling a growing table and moving the coupled growing table along the longitudinal direction and a second position for moving the hook along the longitudinal direction without manipulating a growing table, wherein, in the first position, the hook has its open side facing upwards and the ends of the hook are above the plane defined between the edges of the side walls, and wherein the base of the U-shaped hook is, in the first position, preferably below said plane; and wherein, in the second position, the hook is completely below said plane.;

4. The vertical cultivation system according to the preceding claim 3, characterized in that the hook is rotatable about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the hook is moved between the first and second position by rotation about the longitudinal axis.

5. The vertical cultivation system according to one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the loading mechanism is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the hook performing, between the retracted position and the extended position, a movement over a distance equal to the distance between the opposite side walls of the cultivation table on the sides of the cultivation table perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2).

6. The vertical cultivation system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the elevator (3) comprises at least two elongated table guides (4), preferably cylindrical bars, for receiving and guiding the wheels (7) of a cultivation table, each of the table guides being in the same vertical plane as one of the guides (4) per level.

7. The vertical cultivation system according to the preceding claim 6, in which the guides (4) are equipped at the longitudinal ends with a coupling element, which is in the extension of the guide (4) and which is preformed to receive a table guide, the table guide being held in the extension of the guide of the coupling element when the table guide is in the coupling element.

8. The vertical cultivation system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cultivation line (2) is provided with a closing element (5) at at least one end, preferably both, of each level, the closing element (5) being adjustable between a closed position and an open position, the closed position being the position in which the closing element (5) does not undergo any external interaction, the closing element (5) preventing, in the closed position, the cultivation tables from moving beyond the end of the cultivation line (2), and the closing element (5) allowing, in the open position, the cultivation tables to move beyond the end of the cultivation line (2), towards the elevator (3), positioning the elevator (3) at a level placing the closing element (5) for said level in the open position.

9. The vertical cultivation system according to the preceding claim 8, wherein the closing element (5) is rotatably arranged on the cultivation line (2) about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction or translationally arranged along a vertical axis on the cultivation line (2), so that the elevator (3), when positioned at a level of the cultivation line (2), pushes the closing element (5) downwards to the open position.

10. The vertical cultivation system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the guides (4) are cylindrical bars or U-shaped profiles, preferably, wherein the guides (4) are cylindrical bars and the wheels (7) of the cultivation tables are provided in pairs, the wheels (7) of the pairs being located on either side of the line of the assembly to which belong the wheels (7), and the wheels (7) of the pairs forming an angle of between 10° and 170°, preferably between 45° and 135°, relative to each other.

11. The vertical cultivation system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the shuttles (6) comprise at least two sets of wheels (7), the wheels (7) of each set being aligned, and the lines of the sets being parallel to each other, and wherein the shuttles (6) are arranged on the cultivation line (2) with the lines of the sets parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2), each set comprising at least 2 wheels (7) which are rotatably arranged about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2); wherein the guide system comprises at least two shuttle guides (4) extending along the length of the cultivation line (2), wherein, preferably, there are no guides between the shuttle guides, the shuttle guides being adapted to receive and guide the at least two wheels (7) of each set of shuttles (6).

12. The vertical cultivation system according to the preceding claim 11, wherein each set of wheels (7) of the shuttles comprises at least one, preferably two, support wheels, which are rotatably arranged about a vertical axis, and wherein the shuttle guides comprise a raised wall extending along the length of the cultivation line, the support wheels (7) rolling against the raised walls during movement of the shuttle (6) on the shuttle guides, preferably wherein the shuttle guides have an L-shaped profile.

13. A method for removing a growing table with plants from a level of a growing line (2) in a vertical growing system (1), the growing table being provided with wheels (7), and the level of the growing line (2) comprising guides (4) adapted to receive and guide the wheels of the growing table, comprising the following steps: a. moving a shuttle (6) along the longitudinal direction of the growing line towards the growing table; b. coupling the growing table to the shuttle (6) by means of movable drivers; c. moving the shuttle (6) along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2) towards an elevator (3) located at one end of the cultivation line (2), the cultivation table being transported on the guides (4) by the movement of the shuttle (6); d. positioning of the elevator (3) at the level of the cultivation table; e. uncoupling the culture table and the shuttle (6); f. the recovery of the cultivation table by the elevator (3); g. vertical movement of the growing table using the elevator (3).

14. A method for positioning a growing table with plants at a level of a growing line (2) in a vertical growing system (1), wherein the growing table is equipped with wheels (7), and wherein the level of the growing line (2) comprises guides (4) adapted to receive and guide the wheels (7) of the growing table, comprising the following steps: a. the vertical movement of the cultivation table by the elevator (3) towards the level; b. positioning the elevator (3) at the crop line (2) on the level; c. removal of the growing table from the elevator by the elevator (3); d. coupling the cultivation table to the shuttle (6) by means of mobile drives; e. moving the shuttle (6) along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation line (2) to the desired position at the cultivation line (2), the cultivation table being transported on the guides (4) by the movement of the shuttle (6); f. uncoupling the culture table and the shuttle (6).

15. The method according to the preceding claim 13 or 14, wherein the vertical cultivation system (1) is a cultivation system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

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