Block support element with liquid receiving section and overflow port

Abstract

This invention relates to a block support element with a liquid receiving portion and an overflow port, specifically a block support element (3) for increasing the biomass of plants or fungi and capable of stacking. It is desirable to improve the functionality of the block support element (3). To improve the functionality of the block support element (3), the block support element (3) has a liquid receiving portion (8) with an overflow port (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a block support element for increasing the biomass of plants or fungi and for stacking.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a block support assembly with a block support element receiving space, wherein at least one block support element is arranged therein.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for extracting block support elements. Background Technology

[0004] Known block lage elements are used solely for storing, retrieving, and storing items within the block lage. Block ladles and block lage elements have no additional functionality beyond pure storage operations.

[0005] The block support or block support assembly describes a support assembly with a receiving space for at least one block support element. Stackable block support elements can be stored in and retrieved from the receiving space. For this purpose, at least one block support element is stored in or retrieved from the receiving space via a loading space. The loading space can be arranged above or below the receiving space along the direction of gravity, such that the storage or retrieval direction is oriented along or against the direction of gravity. The storage and retrieval directions are determined by the arrangement of the loading space. If the loading space is arranged above the receiving space, the storage direction is along the direction of gravity and the retrieval direction is against the direction of gravity. If the loading space is arranged below the receiving space along the direction of gravity, the storage direction is oriented against the direction of gravity and the retrieval direction is oriented along the direction of gravity. If multiple block support elements are stored in the receiving space, a block support element stacking occurs. Other names for the block support are stacking supports or container stacking supports. In this embodiment, the receiving space for the block support elements is arranged above the loading space along the direction of gravity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to improve the functionality of block support elements.

[0007] This task is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] The block support element of the type mentioned at the beginning has a liquid reservoir with an overflow outlet. With this arrangement, the block support element can be used to increase the biomass or reproduction of plants or fungi. Through the liquid reservoir, plants at different stages, such as seeds, seedlings, etc., or similar fungi, are supplied with liquid. Through the arrangement of the plants or fungi at the liquid reservoir, they are supplied with liquid and / or nutrient solutions. The plants can be arranged above the liquid reservoir and reach into it with their roots. The plants can thus obtain liquid from the liquid reservoir via their roots. For this purpose, the plants or fungi can be arranged in a container having a liquid-permeable bottom. The roots of the plants can also be hooked in the bottom. Furthermore, excess liquid can be drained away from the liquid reservoir through the overflow outlet. Thus, waterlogging (sometimes called stagnant water) must not occur, which can damage the plants and / or fungi located in the liquid reservoir. The plants and / or fungi thus encounter optimal growth conditions. In addition to reducing moisture buildup, liquid and / or nutrient solutions can be supplied to the underlying block support elements through their overflow outlets. Thus, a single block support element stack requires only one liquid and / or nutrient solution inlet, resulting in lower costs. This arrangement allows block support elements to be stored within the block support and used to increase biomass. The functionality of the block support elements is enhanced. Furthermore, with such an arrangement, a large number of plants and / or fungi can grow in a relatively confined space.

[0009] Preferably, the overflow port works in conjunction with a guiding or distributing device. The guiding or distributing device prevents the liquid and / or nutrient solution drained through the overflow port in the block support element below it from directly returning to the overflow port. Therefore, the liquid and / or nutrient solution thus drained is supplied to the block support element below it in an optimal manner. Here, the block support element may have a wane, which may have a guiding structure that guides the liquid and / or nutrient solution. The guiding structure ensures that the liquid and / or nutrient solution is evenly distributed in the wane before it reaches the next block support element through the overflow port. The guiding or distributing device may, for example, have a groove, similar to a rain trough.

[0010] Preferably, the block support element has a drain valve. The drain valve allows liquid and / or nutrient solution to be drained during removal. This prevents the risk of splashing during removal, thereby making the block support element easier to manipulate. Furthermore, the drain valve can guide excess liquid and / or nutrient solution introduced into the block support element during watering. The captured liquid and / or nutrient solution can be processed and reused.

[0011] Preferably, the block support element has an inlet funnel. Through the inlet funnel, liquid and / or nutrient solution guided by a guiding or dispensing device is captured and selectively supplied to the liquid reservoir. Erosion and scouring that may be determined by the flow of the carrier material can thus be prevented. Furthermore, through the inlet funnel, the liquid and / or nutrient solution can be selectively dispensed to optimally supply liquid and / or nutrient solution to all plants or fungi arranged in the block support element.

[0012] Preferably, the inlet funnel and overflow outlet are arranged in different areas of the block support element. Liquid and / or nutrient solution flowing through the overflow outlet is guided by a guide or distribution device to the inlet funnel of the block support element located below it. Because the inlet funnel and overflow outlet are arranged in different areas of the block support element, the liquid and / or nutrient solution must travel a certain path before reaching the overflow outlet again. This allows for the supply of liquid and / or nutrient solution to the entire liquid container, thereby supplying all plants and / or fungi arranged in the liquid container.

[0013] Furthermore, this task is solved by having a block support assembly with a block support element receiving space in which at least one block support element is arranged, and having at least one liquid and / or nutrient supply device. Through this assembly, the block support element can be supplied with a liquid and / or nutrient solution. The liquid and / or nutrient solution provides the plant and / or fungus, thereby eliminating manual labor. This reduces operating costs and ensures a continuous supply of liquid and / or nutrients.

[0014] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has at least one shut-off valve. This shut-off valve controls the inflow into the liquid reservoir of the block support element. Liquid and / or nutrient solutions can be supplied as needed. This avoids oversupply or undersupply. Furthermore, optimal conditions can be created for each plant type and / or fungal type, ensuring that the plants and / or fungi encounter optimal growth conditions.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has an actuating device for a discharge valve. By means of this actuating device, the discharge valve is actuated at the block support element, thereby allowing the liquid and / or nutrient solution to be discharged. By means of this actuating device, the discharge valve can be held relatively simply because it can be operated purely mechanically.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has a storage container. The storage container may be arranged above or in the region above the receiving space of the block support element along the direction of gravity, whereby the liquid and / or nutrient solution may be gravity-determined to be transferred to the liquid receiving section arranged below.

[0017] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device includes a pump. The pump can pump the liquid and / or nutrient solution through the liquid and / or nutrient supply device. Thus, the liquid and / or nutrient solution can be transported independently of gravity and even against gravity. For example, the liquid and / or nutrient solution captured by the pump can be transferred from the operator to a storage container.

[0018] Preferably, at least two components of the liquid and / or nutrient supply device are fluidly connected. For example, the operating device may be fluidly connected to a pump, and the pump, in turn, is fluidly connected to a storage container. This allows excess liquid and / or nutrient solution to be transferred back to the storage container. Furthermore, the storage container may be fluidly connected to a shut-off valve. Thus, liquid and / or nutrient solution can be delivered via the fluid connection. The fluid connection enables simple transfer of liquid and / or nutrient solution.

[0019] This task is solved in the type of method mentioned at the beginning by emptying the liquid reservoir of the block support element, which is filled with liquid up to the overflow port, before extraction. Thus, the block support element with a relatively empty liquid reservoir is removed, thereby reducing the weight of the block support element. This, in addition to reducing the risk of splashing, also makes the block support element easier to handle.

[0020] Preferably, the block support elements are emptied and retrieved sequentially. By sequentially emptying and retrieving the block support elements, the block support element stack can be emptied using only a single operating device. This reduces costs, not only production costs but also maintenance costs. The block support has only one operating device for each block support element's accommodating space. Peripherals, such as storage containers, processing devices, pumps, etc., can work in conjunction with one or more block support element accommodating spaces. This keeps the block support's structure simple.

[0021] Preferably, the bottommost block support element is emptied and extracted from the stack of block support elements to be extracted. By extracting the bottommost block support element, gravity is used to extract the liquid and / or nutrient solution. This achieves pure flow of the liquid and eliminates the need for pumping.

[0022] Preferably, the shut-off valve and the drain valve work together for evacuation. Therefore, no new liquid and / or nutrient solution flows during the evacuation process, as the shut-off valve and drain valve work together. This shortens the evacuation time, which in turn shortens the extraction time. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 The block support assembly is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 Block support elements are shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A side view of the block support element is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 The cross-section of the discharge valve and operating device is shown in the unoperated state;

[0028] Figure 5 The cross-section of the discharge valve and the operating device in the operated state is shown; and

[0029] Figure 6 A flowchart of the block support assembly is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The block support assembly 1 shown has at least one block support element receiving space 2. A loading space (not shown) is arranged below the block support element receiving space 2. At least one block support element 3 is arranged in the block support element receiving space 2. The block support element 3 can be transferred into the interior of the block support through the storage and retrieval station 4.

[0031] Figure 2 A diagram showing the block support element 3 is displayed. A discharge valve 5 is arranged at one end of the block support element 3. An inlet funnel 6 is arranged on the upper side of the block support element 3. A guiding or dispensing device 7 is provided on the lower side of the block support element 3.

[0032] Figure 3 A side view of the block support element 3 is shown. A liquid reservoir 8 is arranged in the bottom of the block support element 3. An overflow port 9 is also arranged in the bottom, which works in conjunction with the guiding or dispensing device 7.

[0033] exist Figure 4 and 5 The diagram shows a cross-section of the operating device 10 and the discharge valve 5. Here, Figure 4 The diagram shows the unoperated state, in which the operating device 10 and the discharge valve 5 are separate. Furthermore, the operating device 10 is positioned outside the container housing 2 in the unoperated state. The discharge valve 5 is operated via the operating device 10.

[0034] exist Figure 5 The diagram shows the operating state, in which the operating device 10 operates the discharge valve 5. The discharge valve 5 is fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir 8. The operating device 10 moves from an unoperated state to an operated state and vice versa via a motion mechanism (not shown).

[0035] Figure 6A flowchart of a block support assembly 1 with multiple block support elements 3 arranged in a block support element receiving space 2 is shown. Arrows schematically indicate the flow of liquid and / or nutrient solution. This exemplary diagram further shows a storage container 11, which may be arranged at the uppermost point along the direction of gravity of the liquid and / or nutrient supply device. The storage container 11 is fluidly connected to a shut-off valve 12. In this example, a plant container is arranged in the liquid receiving section 8, in which a plant is subsequently arranged. The plant container has a fluid-permeable bottom in which plant roots can hook. The plant is stabilized by its roots and the bottom of the plant container. The plant may also grow on a substrate, etc. The block support element 3 has an overflow port 9, which works in conjunction with a guide or dispensing device 7. The overflow port 9 is arranged at a first end of the guide or dispensing device 7, and an inlet funnel 6 is arranged at a second end of the guide or dispensing device 7. The liquid receiving section 8 further has a guiding structure that guides the liquid and / or nutrient solution from the inlet funnel 6 to the overflow port 9. Here, the guide structure ensures that the liquid and / or nutrient solution reaches most of the liquid container 8 before reaching the overflow port 9. Furthermore, the block support element 3 has a discharge valve 5. Starting from the lowermost block support element 3, the liquid and / or nutrient solution is transferred via a pump (not shown) to, for example, a processing device or storage container 11 (not shown).

[0036] In the following, an exemplary process is described, starting from the storage of the block support element 3, passing through the growth stage of the plant arranged in the plant container in the liquid containment section 8, until the block support element 3 is removed together with the plant arranged in the plant container.

[0037] The block support element 3 is filled with seeds, seedlings, or plants and transferred to the storage and retrieval station 4. The storage and retrieval station 4 forms an inlet and outlet to the block support assembly 1. Here, the storage and retrieval station 4 can be connected to the loading space via a gate assembly (not shown). The block support element 3 is transferred to the block support element receiving space 2 via the loading space.

[0038] The block support element 3 is transferred to the block support 1 via the storage and retrieval station 4 and is retrieved from there. In this embodiment, the storage and retrieval station 4 is connected to the loading space via a gate (not shown). The gate is in turn connected to the loading space located below at least one block support element receiving space 2. A movable loading vehicle is arranged in the loading space, which transfers the block support element 3 from the gate to the container receiving space 2. To do this, the loading vehicle removes the block support element 3 from the gate by receiving it from below in the direction of gravity, thereby arranging the block support element on the loading vehicle. Immediately afterwards, the loading vehicle, along with the block support element 3, travels to the block support element receiving space 2 where the block support element 3 should be stored. Upon reaching there, the loading vehicle lifts the block support element 3 upwards against the direction of gravity. If one or more block support elements 3 are already arranged in the block support element receiving space 2 to be filled, the loading vehicle lifts the block support element 3 to be stored along with the block support element 3 arranged above it, thereby forming a block support element stack. Once the block support element stack has been lifted to a certain height by the loading vehicle, a holding element (not shown) holding the block support element stack moves, so that the loading vehicle can be lowered again without any block support element 3. The loading vehicle is then idle and can store and retrieve other block support elements 3. During the retrieval process, only the bottommost block support element 3 of the block support element stack arranged in the block support element receiving space 2 can be retrieved. To do this, the loading vehicle is positioned below the block support element 3 to be retrieved and lifts it or the block support element stack, thereby moving the holding element to the release position. Immediately afterwards, the loading vehicle lowers the block support element stack. Once the block support element stack has been lowered a certain distance, the holding element moves back to the holding position and holds the remaining block support element stack in the block support element receiving space 2. The bottommost block support element 3 of the stack of block support elements is then placed on a loading vehicle, which transfers the block support 3 to the gate assembly (gate). From there, the block support element 3 can continue to be transported, maintained, repaired, and re-stored. The process of storing the block support element 3 is repeated until the desired number of block support elements 3 are arranged in the block support element receiving space 2.

[0039] If the desired number of block support elements 3 are arranged in the block support element receiving space 2, a liquid and / or nutrient supply device can supply the block support elements 3 with liquid and / or nutrient solution (hereinafter referred to as liquid). For this purpose, liquid is transferred from the storage container 11 through the shut-off valve 12 to the liquid receiving section 8 of the first block support element 3. In this embodiment, the first block support element 3 is the uppermost block support element 3 in the block support element stack. The liquid level in the liquid receiving section 8 rises until the liquid overflows through the overflow port 9. From the overflow port 9, the liquid flows through the guide or distribution device 7 to the inlet funnel 6 of the second block support element 3 located below it. The guide or distribution device 7 may here have a trough, hose, pipe, etc. This process is repeated until all the liquid receiving sections 8 of the block support elements 3 within the block support element receiving space 2 are supplied with sufficient liquid. Liquid flow through the liquid receiving sections 8 is generated because the overflow port 9 and the inlet funnel 6 are arranged far apart from each other. Therefore, the liquid completely submerges the liquid receiving section 8 before it can flow away through the overflow port 9. Preferably, the overflow port 9 and the inlet funnel 6 are arranged at different ends of the liquid container 8.

[0040] Because no other block support element 3 is arranged below the lowest block support element 3, the guiding or dispensing device 7 will not continue to function. Therefore, the discharge valve 5 of the lowest block support element 3 works at least partially with the operating device 10. This prevents liquid from flowing away through the overflow port 9 of the lowest block support element 3.

[0041] The liquid level drops due to the combined action of the discharge valve 5 and the operating device 10, before overflowing into the liquid reservoir 8 of the lowest block support element 3. The captured liquid is supplied to a processing device (not shown) and from there transferred to a storage container 11 or other components. From the operating device 10, the liquid is transported by a pump (not shown). This pump could, however, be located elsewhere, for example, after the processor or in the area of ​​the storage container 11. Once the liquid level in each liquid reservoir 8 of the block support element 3 has risen sufficiently, the shut-off valve 12 closes again. This prevents further liquid from reaching the block support element 3 or the liquid reservoir 8. Periodically, the shut-off valve 12 can be reopened to re-establish the liquid level, which then drops through plants or fungi. Similarly, the discharge valve 5 can be opened by the operating device 10 once the liquid in the liquid reservoir 8 has reached a certain height. Unintentional leakage through the overflow port 9 is thus avoided. Continuous and stable circulation of the liquid and / or nutrient supply is also feasible, however not always necessary.

[0042] To remove the block support element 3 along with the harvestable plant, the liquid is completely or partially drained from the lowest block support element 3 by the combined action of the drain valve 5 and the operating device 10. This makes the block support element 3 easier to handle because, on the one hand, the block support element 3 has a smaller weight, and on the other hand, the risk of splashing liquid is reduced. The block support element 3 can be removed in its emptied state. For this purpose, the block support element 3 is pulled downwards as described above and passed through a gate to the storage and retrieval station 4. From there, the block support element 3 can continue processing or transportation. Furthermore, the block support element 3 can be maintained in its removed state by, for example, by updating or replacing the drain valve 5.

[0043] Depending on whether the plant should be harvested, transplanted, or transported, a certain level of liquid can be maintained in the liquid container 8. This keeps the plant in contact with the liquid during transport, thus allowing it to be preserved for a longer period.

[0044] Reference Symbol List

[0045] 1 bracket assembly

[0046] Space for 2 support components

[0047] 3 support components

[0048] 4. Deposit and withdrawal stations

[0049] 5. Discharge valve

[0050] 6. Enter the funnel

[0051] 7. Guiding or distributing equipment

[0052] 8. Liquid container

[0053] 9. Overflow outlet

[0054] 10. Operating equipment

[0055] 11. Storage Containers

[0056] 12. Shut-off valve.

Claims

1. A block support assembly (1) having a block support element receiving space (2), wherein, At least one block support element (3) is arranged in the block support element receiving space (2), the block support element being used to increase the biomass of plants or fungi, wherein the block support assembly (1) has at least one liquid and / or nutrient supply device, wherein the block support element (3) has a liquid receiving portion (8) with an overflow port (9), wherein the block support element (3) has a discharge valve (5), and wherein the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has an actuating device (10) for the discharge valve (5), characterized in that the block support assembly (1) has a loading space arranged below the block support element receiving space (2), wherein the at least one block support element (3) is stackable, and wherein the block support element (3) is configured to form a block support element stack when another block support element (3) is lifted upward from below against gravity into the block support element receiving space (2).

2. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow port (9) works together with the guiding or distributing device (7).

3. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The block support element (3) has an inlet funnel (6).

4. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet funnel (6) and the overflow port (9) are arranged in different areas of the block support element (3).

5. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid and / or nutrient supply device has at least one shut-off valve (12).

6. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The liquid and / or nutrient supply device has a pump.

7. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The liquid and / or nutrient supply device has a storage container (11).

8. The block support assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, At least two components of the liquid and / or nutrient supply device are in fluid connection.

9. A method for extracting block support elements (3) from a block support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The liquid container (8) filled with liquid up to the overflow port (9) of the block support element (3) is emptied before extraction.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The block support element (3) is successively emptied and extracted.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, Empty and extract the bottommost block support element (3) from the stack of block support elements (3) to be extracted.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The liquid and / or nutrient supply device has at least one shut-off valve (12), and the shut-off valve (12) and the drain valve (5) work together to drain the liquid.

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