Greenhouse and horticulture systems

Abstract

A horticulture crop growing system includes a growing tray preparation station in which a plurality of growing trays are pre-processed, filled with a growing bed, and planted; a growing tray displacement system for transferring planted growing trays from the growing tray preparation station to a horticulture crop growing facility; an enclosed structure having a controlled environmental processing system and one or more tray inlet / outlet openings; and one or more horticulture crop growing modules. The horticulture crop growing module includes a plurality of single rows of growing towers arranged in parallel, each growing tower including an array of growing trays supported vertically; a growing tray manipulation system for receiving planted growing trays via the tray inlet opening and loading the planted growing trays to an assigned growing tower, and for displacing the growing trays between the growing towers and through processing stations within the horticulture crop growing module, and for displacing the growing trays to the growing tray outlet opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to greenhouses and horticultural systems utilizing such greenhouses. More specifically, this invention relates to automated greenhouses and ecological growth systems. Background Technology

[0002] The following references are considered relevant to the current topic:

[0003] US20180235156

[0004] ·WO19056057

[0005] ·WO20098890

[0006] The confirmation of the above references in this document should not be construed as implying any connection between these references and the patentability of the currently disclosed subject matter.

[0007] background

[0008] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 235156 discloses a high-density horticultural growing system comprising multiple containers for crop growth and one or more lifting devices for automatically moving the containers between vertical partitions of one or more modular racks. Each lifting device includes a carrier for transporting the containers between the vertical partitions and plungers for pushing the containers from the carrier onto one or more longitudinal supports at the vertical partition. A first conveying device moves the containers at least horizontally from the crop growing area to each rack, and a second conveying device moves the containers at least horizontally from each rack to a crop storage area. One or more processors control the movement of the containers, crop watering, temperature, lighting, and other system parameters. Multiple high-density horticultural growing systems communicate with a centralized data monitoring and collection system to transmit and receive data related to crop growth.

[0009] International Patent Publication No. WO 2019 / 056057 discloses an apparatus for sequentially transporting growing trays around and through a mechanized multi-layered agricultural structure having an inlet side or path and an outlet side or path for the growing trays for crops. The transport apparatus includes: an internal conveyor disposed along the inlet side of the agricultural structure for transporting at least one tray containing growing media from a planting station; an upright lifting member for lifting the at least one tray to a selected height of the agricultural structure and inserting the tray into the inlet side of the agricultural structure; an automatic controller for coordinating the movement of the trays into and / or out of the outlet side of the agricultural structure; an upright receiver for receiving and lowering the at least one tray containing mature crops from the outlet side of the agricultural structure; an internal conveyor disposed along the outlet side of the agricultural structure for transporting the at least one tray to a harvesting station; a growing media remover for removing growing media from each of the at least one tray; and a tray washing machine for emptying and washing empty trays. A method for sequentially transporting growing trays around and through a multi-layered agricultural structure is also disclosed.

[0010] International Patent Publication No. WO2009 / 8890 discloses a growth house comprising a shell defining an internal space. The internal space includes a storage structure comprising several vertically movable storage layers, each configured to receive one or more tray members carrying one or more plants. The shell includes openings and is opaque, configured to prevent sunlight from entering the internal space. The growth house includes a movably disposed transport unit configured to horizontally and vertically move one or more tray members between a first position outside the shell and a second position on the storage structure inside the shell, wherein multiple light sources are provided to emit light to the plants. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This disclosure relates to an automated greenhouse and horticultural growing system that includes large-scale, fully automated crop growing facilities.

[0012] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, there exists a horticultural crop growth system comprising:

[0013] A growth tray preparation station, in which multiple growth trays are pre-treated, filled with growth beds, and planted;

[0014] A growing tray transfer system for transferring planted growing trays from the growing tray preparation station to a horticultural crop growing facility;

[0015] Horticultural crop growing facilities include enclosed structures with controlled environmental treatment systems, one or more controlled inlet / outlet openings for growing trays, and one or more horticultural crop growing modules.

[0016] Each horticultural crop growth module includes: multiple parallel single-row growth towers, each growth tower including an array of vertically supported growth trays; a growth tray manipulation system for receiving planted growth trays at a growth tray inlet opening and loading the planted growth trays into assigned tray positions along the growth tower, for moving the growth trays between the assigned tray positions and through processing stations within the horticultural crop growth module, and for moving the growth trays to a growth tray outlet opening.

[0017] The terms "planted" and "planted" refer to the process of sowing or planting seedlings.

[0018] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, there exists a horticultural crop growth facility comprising a closed structure and including multiple horticultural crop growth modules, the closed structure having a controlled environmental treatment system and one or more controlled growth tray inlet / outlet openings;

[0019] Each horticultural crop growth module includes: multiple parallel single-row growth towers, each growth tower including an array of vertically supported growth trays; a growth tray manipulation system for receiving planted growth trays at a growth tray inlet opening and loading the planted growth trays into assigned tray positions along the growth tower, for moving the growth trays between the assigned tray positions and through processing stations within the horticultural crop growth module, and for moving the growth trays to a growth tray outlet opening.

[0020] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, there is a horticultural crop growth module for use in a horticultural crop growth facility, the horticultural crop growth facility comprising a closed structure having a controlled environmental treatment system and one or more (e.g., controlled) growth tray inlet / outlet openings; each horticultural crop growth module comprising: a plurality of parallel single-row growth towers, each of the plurality of single-row growth towers being configured to receive an array of vertically supported growth trays; a growth tray manipulation system for receiving planted growth trays at the growth tray inlet openings and loading the planted growth trays into assigned growth towers, for displacing the growth trays through a treatment station within the horticultural crop growth module, and for displacing the growth trays to a growth tray outlet opening. The single-row growth towers may be configured to vertically move the growth trays along / within the growth towers. The growth tray manipulation system may include one or both of a top tray conveying system extending above the growth towers and a bottom tray conveying system extending below the growth towers.

[0021] According to another aspect, there exists an automated horticultural crop growing system, comprising: a growing tray preparation station in which multiple growing trays are pre-treated, filled with growing beds, and planted; a growing tray transfer system for transferring planted growing trays from the growing tray preparation station to a horticultural crop growing facility; a closed structure having a controlled environmental treatment system, one or more growing tray inlet / outlet openings; and one or more horticultural crop growing modules. Each horticultural crop growing module includes: multiple parallel single-row growing towers, each single-row growing tower configured to receive vertically supported growing trays and vertically transfer the growing trays along the single-row growing tower and within the single-row growing tower to transfer the growing trays between tray positions within the single-row growing tower; and a growing tray manipulation system including one or both of a top tray conveying system for loading or unloading growing trays from the top of each growing tower and a bottom tray conveying system for loading or unloading growing trays from the bottom of each growing tower.

[0022] The growth tray manipulation system can be configured to receive planted growth trays from the growth tray transfer system via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings, load the planted growth trays into the assigned growth towers of the horticultural crop growth module, transfer the growth trays between the assigned growth towers to the processing station within the horticultural crop growth module, and unload the growth trays by removing them from the horticultural crop growth facility through the growth tray inlet / outlet openings.

[0023] The arrangement structure of this disclosure allows multiple growth trays to be autonomously introduced into the horticultural crop growth module through growth tray inlet openings and automatically loaded into the growth tower, wherein the crop growth cycle includes exposing the growth trays to a processing station that includes basic treatment within the growth tower and moving the growth trays along a processing path, such that each tray receives additional treatment at a processing station extending along the processing path; and thus, when the crop is ready for harvest, the growth trays are autonomously transferred from the horticultural crop growth module through outlet openings.

[0024] The processing station may include any one or more treatments applied along the growth cycle, and is configured to promote and enhance crop growth, i.e., provide ideal growing conditions to obtain fast-growing, healthy, and nutrient-rich crops. To this end, in some embodiments, the horticultural crop growth module is also configured with an artificial intelligence (AI) system. Multiple sensors distributed along the processing path within the horticultural crop growth module are used to acquire parameter signals related to the crop growth cycle and the position and status of the growth tray and processing station. A controller is used to receive and process the parameter signals and generate operating signals in response to the parameter signals to control the operation of the processing station and the automatic displacement of the growth tray along the growth path.

[0025] The treatment station may include any or more of the following: irrigation, lighting, humidity, air temperature, fertilization / nutrient application, hydrogenation, heating of the growth tray, radiation of different wavelengths, sound playback, pollination, sterilization, etc. It is understood that parameters of this treatment can be controlled, such as the duration and intensity (e.g., temperature, light wavelength) of each treatment. The treatment station can be used to apply several treatments; for example, fertilization / nutrient application can be performed through irrigation. Heating can be achieved by heating one or more of the following: air, irrigation liquid, and growth tray.

[0026] For example, sensors in an artificial intelligence system may include one or more of the following: imaging sensors (for acquiring data related to crop maturity and / or health, such as crop shape, size, density, color, and temperature, and for identifying defective crops and pests), sugar content analyzers (e.g., Brix meters / Brix refractometers), temperature sensors, humidity sensors, chemical sensors (e.g., for measuring acidity and detecting different chemicals), etc. Artificial intelligence systems are also suitable for determining when crops have reached harvest time and are ready to be removed from the horticultural crop growth module based on continuously collected parameters.

[0027] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, a horticultural crop growth module includes a growth tray manipulation system. This system includes a bottom tray conveying system extending below the growth tower and configured to receive / convey growth trays from inlet / outlet openings, and a tray loading / unloading station for conveying the growth trays to at least one tray loading / unloading station below each respective growth tower. In some embodiments, the conveying station is used to transport the growth trays to the tray loading / unloading station below each respective growth tower, and / or to a growth tray lifting member, for example, configured to receive growth trays from the bottom tray conveying system and transport them to a top tray conveying system extending above the growth tower. The top tray conveying system may be configured to convey the growth trays to the tray unloading station above each respective growth tower.

[0028] One or more of the bottom pallet conveying system, the growth pallet lifting component, and the top pallet conveying system can also be configured to convey the growth pallet to one or more processing stations extending along the growth pallet conveying path. Each of the bottom pallet conveying system, the growth pallet lifting component, and the top pallet conveying system can be used to convey the growth pallet in any direction.

[0029] The horticultural crop growth system may also include a finished product station configured to receive growth trays from one or more horticultural crop growth modules, where the crops are harvested, packaged, and stored under appropriate conditions in an automated, treatment-free disposal station in preparation for delivery / shipment.

[0030] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, there is a method for growing horticultural crops, which is used in conjunction with a horticultural crop growth module according to this disclosure. The method for growing horticultural crops includes the following steps:

[0031] i. Multiple planted growth trays are received into the horticultural crop growth module through the inlet opening and the multiple planted growth trays are loaded onto the bottom tray conveying system;

[0032] ii. Load the growth trays from the bottom tray conveyor system into the growth tower;

[0033] iii. The growth cycle begins, in which the growth trays circulate among multiple processing stations set up within the horticultural crop growth module;

[0034] iv. Monitor and acquire data related to each growing tray and data relating to the maturity and / or health of the crops grown on the growing trays;

[0035] v. Repeat steps iii and iv until the crop is ready for harvest;

[0036] vi. To transfer the growth tray from the growth tower to the outlet opening for collection of the growth tray.

[0037] Any one or more of the following features, designs, and configurations may be applied individually or in various combinations to one or more different aspects of this disclosure:

[0038] • Horticultural crop growth systems can be housed in enclosed, treated environments; the term “treated environment” refers to a clean environment free of pesticides or any biological materials, with controlled humidity and temperature, etc.

[0039] • Horticultural crop growing facilities can be housed in enclosed, treated environments;

[0040] • Horticultural crop growth modules can be housed in enclosed, treated environments;

[0041] • The growth tray preparation station can be accommodated in a closed, treated environment.

[0042] • Before the growth cycle, the growing tray preparation station, growing trays and horticultural crop growing facilities can be pretreated to sterilize the surrounding environment and equipment.

[0043] • One or more growth tray inlet openings and growth tray outlet openings of a horticultural crop growth facility may be uniform openings or dedicated openings for each of the inlet and outlet openings, and may have controlled doors to maintain a controlled environment in the vicinity of the facility.

[0044] • Horticultural crop growing facilities can be partitioned, with each horticultural crop growing module housed in a compartment, each compartment being a controlled environment;

[0045] Each growth tower is equipped with a growth tray support system to keep the trays vertically aligned. The bottommost working growth tray is braked by a tray braking mechanism at the bottom of the support system, and each consecutive growth tray is supported on another growth tray, but can be easily moved along the tower.

[0046] • The growth tray handling system may include one or both of a top tray conveying system and a bottom tray conveying system, wherein the top tray conveying system is used to load (or unload) growth trays from the top of each growth tower into the growth tower, and the bottom tray conveying system is used to load (or unload) growth trays from the bottom of each growth tower into the growth tower.

[0047] • The growth tray manipulation system is configured to deploy growth trays into the growth tower and transport growth trays between the processing station of the horticultural crop growth module and the growth tower;

[0048] • A lighting system can be configured to illuminate each growth tray;

[0049] • The lighting system can be installed on the tray support rails of the growth tower and / or on the bottom surface of the growth tray;

[0050] • The tray support track defines the sliding path, along which the tray inside the growth tower can slide due to gravity;

[0051] • Irrigation can be applied to the growth trays in a cascade configuration, wherein irrigation is applied to one or more top growth trays at the growth tower, and the irrigation liquid flows by gravity to the growth trays below each other;

[0052] • Irrigation can be applied to the topmost growing tray via drip irrigation;

[0053] • The growth tray may be configured with an irrigation inlet opening and an irrigation outlet opening, with the irrigation inlet opening located at the top portion of the growth tray and the irrigation outlet opening located at the bottom portion of the growth tray, and the growth tray is configured with an irrigation flow path extending between the openings.

[0054] • A normally closed valve can be installed at the irrigation outlet opening of the growth tray, the valve being configured to be opened only by a valve opening member located at the inlet opening of the adjacent bottom growth tray when the growth trays are stacked one on top of the other in the growth tower.

[0055] • One or both of the irrigation inlet and irrigation outlet openings may be equipped with a filter to prevent the growth bed material from drifting between the growth trays;

[0056] • The valve can be associated with a filter, thereby filtering the liquid that reaches the valve;

[0057] • The bottommost growth tray inside the growth tower can optionally engage with a valve opening member configured to open the valve of the irrigation outlet opening of the bottommost growth tray when the bottommost growth tray is placed above the valve opening member;

[0058] • The bottommost growth tray inside the growth tower can be positioned above the discharge container, wherein the valve opening component is configured to open the valve of the irrigation outlet opening of the bottommost growth tray when the bottommost growth tray is positioned above the discharge container.

[0059] • The discharge container can be configured to process irrigation liquid (e.g., filter, add nutrients, treat water hardness, regulate temperature, etc.) and return the irrigation liquid to the topmost growth tray;

[0060] • The discharge containers within the horticultural crop growth module can be in flow communication with each other, or the same discharge container can be configured as two or more growth towers for the horticultural crop growth module;

[0061] • Drained irrigation liquid from one or more growth towers within the horticultural crop growth module can be directly collected to an external irrigation liquid treatment station;

[0062] • Irrigation liquid discharged from one or more growth towers in the horticultural crop growth module flows along the growth trays inside the growth tower under the action of gravity. After flowing through all the growth trays in the tower, the irrigation liquid flows to the irrigation liquid treatment station inside or outside the growth module. Here, the irrigation liquid is analyzed and treated, that is, it is cleaned, nutrients and minerals are added, hardness and pH value are treated, and then it is recycled.

[0063] • Each growth tray can be configured with a readable identifier, such as a tray ID code, barcode, QR code, color code, RFID, or digital code, so that tray data associated with each growth tray can be recorded at the controller;

[0064] • The tray data may include data relating to the location and status of the growing tray, and / or data relating to the growth cycle of the crop being grown on the growing tray;

[0065] • Data from sensors and control signals can be transmitted to an external control station (e.g., wirelessly and / or via serial / parallel data bus);

[0066] • Alarm signals can be generated when system malfunctions are detected or abnormal parameters are detected during the crop growth cycle;

[0067] • The growth tower is configured to accommodate vertically stacked growth trays supported between side bars, wherein the bottommost growth tray can be braked by a tray braking mechanism, wherein the consecutive growth trays are arranged vertically to each other, thereby disengaging the bottommost tray from the tray braking mechanism to facilitate loading the bottommost tray onto the bottom tray conveying system, and also causing the growth tray to move downward within the growth tray under the action of gravity.

[0068] The bottom tray conveying system can be implemented by paired conveyor chains, which are arranged in parallel and configured to support opposite sides of the bottom surface of the growth tray.

[0069] • The lighting device can be associated with each growth tray inside the growth tower;

[0070] • The lighting device can be hinged to the side rod of the growth tower;

[0071] • Each growth tray can be illuminated from both sides:

[0072] • A tray braking mechanism is located at the bottom portion of the growth tower. The tray braking mechanism can be operated between a conventional tray braking position and a disengaged position. In the conventional tray braking position, one or more obstructing elements protrude into the space below the bottommost growth tray. In the disengaged position, one or more obstructing elements retract from the space, thereby facilitating the displacement of the bottommost growth tray from the growth tower.

[0073] • One or more braking elements of the tray braking mechanism can be driven by different mechanisms, such as solenoids, cam followers, hydraulic / pneumatic pistons, electric motors, etc.

[0074] • The tray braking mechanism of the growth tower within the horticultural crop growth module can be configured to operate simultaneously, whereby all tray braking mechanisms within the horticultural crop growth module simultaneously shift between their respective tray braking positions and disengaged positions, or the tray braking mechanisms can shift according to command signals received from the controller, wherein any one or more of the tray braking mechanisms can operate individually.

[0075] According to a specific example, the pallet braking mechanism includes: an activation lever rotatably fixed to a bottom portion of a horticultural crop growth module, and the activation lever being configured with a threaded portion adjacent to each growth tower; a plurality of threaded slides, each growth tower being associated with at least one threaded slide; each slide engaging over a respective threaded portion and being restricted to axial displacement along the activation lever; and wherein each slide includes a pallet engaging member; thereby rotating the threaded lever in one direction causes the slide to simultaneously axially displace to its pallet braking position, and rotating the threaded lever in the opposite direction causes the slide to simultaneously axially displace to its disengaged position;

[0076] • The pallet engaging member may be a pin extending from the slide, and the pallet engaging member is configured to brake within an opening at the bottom portion of the bottommost pallet;

[0077] • The pallet braking mechanism may include a pair of opposing pins, wherein in the pallet braking position, the pins are displaced toward each other, and in the disengaged position, the pins are displaced away from each other;

[0078] • The growth tray can be a solid tray made of metal or plastic material, having a flat growth section and two parallel upright side frames, the two parallel upright side frames being located at opposite ends of the tray, wherein the growth trays in the growth tower are configured such that the bottom surface of the top growth tray is supported on the side frames of the adjacent bottom growth tray.

[0079] • A valve opening component (for opening the normally closed valve at the top growth tray) is positioned on the upright side frame of the adjacent bottom growth tray;

[0080] • The growth tray can be engaged by a growth tray lifter at the bottom of the tray or at its upright frame;

[0081] • The upright side frame of the growth tray may be configured with engagement recesses, and the top tray conveying system may be configured with two side rails, each side rail accommodating multiple pick-up hooks, which can be displaced along the side rails and are configured to be selectively braked by the engagement recesses.

[0082] • The two side rails of the top tray conveying system can be fixed above the growth tower within the horticultural crop growth module, wherein engagement with one or more trays occurs when the growth trays are moved upward toward the side rails;

[0083] • Crops can be harvested selectively, allowing only crops that have reached a predetermined (e.g., mature) stage to be harvested;

[0084] • The horticultural crop growth module may include a growth tray propulsion unit configured to lift the bottom working growth tray from the bottom tray conveying system into the corresponding growth tower / lower the bottom working growth tray from the corresponding growth tower into the bottom tray conveying system;

[0085] Each growth module can be configured as an autonomous growth module independent of other growth modules, and is equipped with all the necessary components required to obtain a growth cycle, including inlet / outlet openings and a restricted controlled environment.

[0086] The top pallet conveying system can also be installed to convey growth pallets to and from the exit / inlet opening.

[0087] • The growth tray may include perforated groove elements configured to spray irrigation liquid received from the irrigation inlet opening.

[0088] • The horticultural crop growth module may include an irrigation station configured to supply irrigation liquid to a growth tray introduced therein through its irrigation inlet opening.

[0089] • The irrigation station can be configured to discharge residual irrigation liquid accumulated in the growth tray through its irrigation outlet opening.

[0090] The irrigation station may include a tilting mechanism configured to discharge residual liquid.

[0091] The bottom tray conveying system may include one or more tracks extending below the growth tower, and a frame structure configured to move along one or more tracks and transfer or receive growth trays from a selected growth tower.

[0092] • The frame structure may include a manipulator unit configured to engage the tray braking mechanism of the growth tower and controllably change it between a tray braking position and a disengaged position.

[0093] • The framework structure may include a lifting component configured to transport the growth tray thereon to or from the growth tower.

[0094] • The horticultural crop growth module can be configured to change the tray braking mechanism to its disengaged position when the growth tray is being conveyed to the growth tower, and then change the tray braking mechanism back to its tray braking position to secure the conveyed growth tray in the tray position at the bottom of the growth tower.

[0095] • The horticultural crop growth module can be configured to change the tray braking mechanism to its disengaged position when receiving the growth tray from the growth tower, and then change the tray braking mechanism back to its tray braking position to secure the downwardly translating growth tray in the tray position at the bottom of the growth tower. Attached Figure Description

[0096] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate its implementation in practice, embodiments will now be described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0097] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a horticultural crop growth system based on an example of the present disclosure;

[0098] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A Horticultural crop growing facilities seen in horticultural crop growing systems;

[0099] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1A The horticultural crop growing facility has transparent walls so that its interior can be seen and the horticultural crop growing modules can be exposed;

[0100] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of the horticultural crop growth module seen in the image;

[0101] Figure 3A yes Figure 2B The front right perspective view of the horticultural crop growth module, as seen in the image, with the walls removed;

[0102] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The front left perspective view of the horticultural crop growth module shown;

[0103] Figure 4A It shows Figure 3A The horticultural crop growth module shown has some components removed for simplification;

[0104] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Enlarged view of the part marked 4B;

[0105] Figure 4C yes Figure 4B Enlarged view of the part marked 4C;

[0106] Figure 4D yes Figure 4B Enlarged view of the part marked 4D;

[0107] Figure 5A yes Figure 4A Enlarged view of the section marked 5A;

[0108] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Enlarged view of the part marked 5B;

[0109] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B The left perspective view of the portion shown;

[0110] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A Enlarged view of the part marked 5D;

[0111] Figure 5E yes Figure 5B Bottom perspective view of the portion shown;

[0112] Figure 6 yes Figure 4D Enlarged view of the section marked 6A;

[0113] Figure 7A It is along Figure 4D Vertical cross-section of line 7A–7A in the middle;

[0114] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A An enlarged view of the valve system seen in section 7B, with the valve in the open position;

[0115] Figure 7C and Figure 7B The same applies, except that the valve is in the closed position;

[0116] Figure 7D It is along Figure 4C Vertical cross-section of line 7D–7D in the middle;

[0117] Figure 8A It is along Figure 4C Vertical cross-sectional view of line 8A-8A in the middle;

[0118] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Enlarged view of the part marked 8B;

[0119] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A Enlarged view of the part marked 8C;

[0120] Figure 9A yes Figure 3A Enlarged view of the section marked 9A;

[0121] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Enlarged view of the part marked 9B;

[0122] Figure 9C It is along Figure 9B Vertical cross-section of line 9C–9C in the middle;

[0123] Figure 10A and Figure 3A The same applies, wherein the growth tray lifting component is equipped with a growth tray;

[0124] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Enlarged view of the section marked 10B;

[0125] Figure 11A This is a perspective view of a growth tray according to an example of the present invention;

[0126] Figure 11B It is along Figure 11A Vertical cross-section of line 11B–11B in the middle;

[0127] Figure 12A yes Figure 4C An enlarged view of the portion marked 12A shows the growth tray locking mechanism in the tray braking position;

[0128] Figure 12B The growth tray locking mechanism is shown in the tray loading position;

[0129] Figure 13A This is a bottom perspective view of the growth tray propulsion unit shown in the example, where several other sub-components are hidden for clarity;

[0130] Figure 13B yes Figure 13AEnlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the section marked 13B;

[0131] Figure 14 The growth tray loading stage of a possible implementation is shown;

[0132] Figures 15A to 15D Possible configurations of the bottom pallet conveying system and its lifting mechanism are shown;

[0133] Figures 16A to 16E An example of growth tray loading according to a possible implementation is shown;

[0134] Figures 17A to 17C An example of a growth tray unloading method utilizing a tray locking mechanism is illustrated.

[0135] Figures 18A to 18F This illustrates a possible configuration for the top pallet conveying system;

[0136] Figures 19A to 19K An example is shown of loading growth trays using a top tray conveyor system;

[0137] Figure 20 The plant growth apparatus and growth cycle of possible implementations are shown;

[0138] Figures 21A to 21C An irrigation apparatus with possible implementations is shown;

[0139] Figures 22A to 22H Irrigation apparatuses with other possible implementations are shown;

[0140] Figures 23A to 23C The discharge device is shown in possible embodiments;

[0141] Figures 24A to 24D The system ventilation device shown has possible implementations;

[0142] Figures 25A to 25H The pollination sequence of possible implementations is shown;

[0143] Figure 26 An environmental control device with possible implementations is shown; and

[0144] Figure 27A and Figure 27B A crop monitoring device with possible implementation methods is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0145] First, please note the attached image. Figure 1A The diagram schematically illustrates a horticultural crop growth system, generally indicated by 10, according to an example of this disclosure. The horticultural crop growth system 10 includes a growth tray preparation station, generally indicated by 12, a finished product station, generally indicated by 13, and a horticultural crop growth facility, generally indicated by 14.

[0146] The grow tray treatment and preparation station 12 is a closed, typically treated environment configured for cleaning and sterilizing the grow trays, applying the growing medium (i.e., any type of treated growing soil, natural or artificial, or a mixture thereof) and applying growing materials, i.e., growing or sowing. The term "treated environment" refers to a clean environment that is substantially free of pesticides or any biological material, with controlled humidity and temperature, etc.

[0147] When ready, multiple growth trays 20 are deployed from the growth tray preparation station 12 and conveyed toward the horticultural crop growth facility 14 via the conveyor system 22. It is understood that the conveyor system 22 may be a closed environmental system (i.e., extending through the treated environment), or the entire horticultural crop growth system 10 may be contained within the treated environment.

[0148] The horticultural crop growing facility 14 is a closed structure comprising one or more (five in this example) horticultural crop growing modules, typically designated 25 and numbered 25i to 25v, each of which is a separately treated environment. Each horticultural crop growing module 25 includes a growing tray inlet / outlet opening 27 fitted with a door (e.g., a shearing bed type) that can be moved between a closed and an open position to allow the growing tray 20 to pass through the opening. In the figure below, for clarity, the wall 26 of the horticultural crop growing module 25 has been removed.

[0149] Understandably, each growth module can be configured as an autonomous growth module independent of other growth modules, and has all the necessary elements required to obtain the growth cycle, including inlet / outlet openings and a closed controlled environment, as described below.

[0150] Each horticultural crop growth module 25 is configured with multiple single-row growth towers, typically designated 30, each configured to receive an array of vertically supported growth trays 20. The horticultural crop growth module 25 is also configured with a growth tray manipulation system for receiving grown growth trays 20 at the growth tray inlet opening 27 and loading the grown growth trays 20 into assigned tray positions at the growth towers 30, for shifting the growth trays between assigned tray positions and through processing stations within the horticultural crop growth module, and for shifting the growth trays to growth tray outlet openings, which will be explained in more detail below. In this example, each horticultural crop growth module 25 includes ten growth towers, designated 30i to 30x.

[0151] The growth tray handling system is equipped with a bottom tray conveying system, typically designated 35, which extends below the growth tower 30 and is configured to receive / transfer growth trays 20 from the inlet / outlet opening 27, and to convey the growth trays 20 to each growth tower 30. i Up to 30 x The tray loading / unloading station below is typically marked 40 (with the same index number 40 as the corresponding growth tower). i Up to 40 x The bottom pallet conveying system 35 is also designed to convey the growth pallets 20 to the growth pallet lifter, typically designated 45, located at the opposite end of the horticultural crop growth module 25, and configured to receive the growth pallets 20 from the bottom pallet conveying system 35 and transport them to the top pallet conveying system, typically designated 48, which extends along the horticultural crop growth module 25 and is located at the growth tower 40. i Up to 40 x Above, the top tray conveying system 48 is configured to convey growth trays 20 to tray unloading stations 50 located above each respective growth tower (as indicated by the respective growth tower, typically using the same index 50). i Up to 50 x (marked), as described below. According to another example of this disclosure, the top pallet conveying system 48 may also be adapted to convey growth pallets to and from an outlet / inlet opening, which may be a single opening or auxiliary openings, i.e., configured in addition to opening 27.

[0152] Further attention Figure 11A and Figure 11B The figure shows a growth tray 20, which includes a tray-shaped portion 60 having peripheral sidewalls 62 configured to receive a growth medium (not shown) and two normally closed valves 64 disposed near a corresponding end of the growth tray 20 and covered by a screen cover 66 to prevent damage to the soil or growth medium due to valve malfunction, as will be discussed below. The growth tray 20 also has a frame support 70 at its corresponding end, the topmost portion of which is fitted with a valve-operated hollow tube section 72, and an engagement recess 76 along a top rod 79 of the frame 70, wherein an opening 78 defines an engagement opening for a pickup hook. It can be seen that the engagement recess 76 has a first narrow section 76i, a second narrow section 76ii, and a wider intermediate section 76iii connecting the first narrow section 76i and the second narrow section 76ii.

[0153] As further shown, it is best to refer to Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7D , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Figure 11B Valve 64 includes a tubular housing 80 having a top inlet opening 82 extending to a bottom outlet opening 84, and a mushroom-shaped sealing plunger 86 biased to a normally closed position by a helical spring 88. Figure 7C Therefore, this arrangement ensures that valve 64 is normally sealed when plunger 86 is pressed sealingly against top inlet opening 82; however, when the valve-operated hollow tube section 72 of the adjacent bottom tray penetrates into bottom outlet opening 84, valve 64 shifts to the open position (e.g., see...). Figure 7B and Figure 8B This causes the plunger 86 to move to the open position, disengaging from the top inlet opening 82, whereby liquid can flow from the top tray along arrow line 90 (see...). Figure 7B The water flows into pipe section 72 and down to the adjacent bottom tray, as will be discussed further below.

[0154] Now let’s focus further on the components of the pallet handling system. First, refer to the bottom pallet conveying system 35 (see, for example...) Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 5B , Figure 8B and Figure 8C There are pairs of parallel extending support rails 100, each support rail in the form of a double hollow profile accommodating an endless pallet conveyor belt 102, wherein the top portion of the conveyor belt 102 slightly protrudes through a recess 106 at the top hollow profile, and wherein the conveyor belt 102 is tensioned on an idler pulley 107 (see...). Figure 4C and Figure 5C The growth tray 20 is mounted on a drive pulley 108 fixed to a pulley rod 110, which in turn engages with a motor 114. This arrangement allows for bottom transport of the growth tray 20. b The bottom surface 120 is supported on the conveyor belt 102 (protruding through the hollow profile), thereby shifting the conveyor belt 102 (when the motor 114 rotates in either direction) to allow the bottom transport growth tray 20 to move. b A corresponding linear displacement is performed between the position of the inlet / outlet station extending near the inlet / outlet opening 27 and the position of the growth tray lifting position near the growth tray lifting member 45. It should be understood that the outer surface of the conveyor belt 102 and / or the bottom surface 120 of the growth tray 20 may be configured with friction-enhancing devices.

[0155] The next sub-component is part of the pallet handling system, namely the growth pallet lifter, typically designated 45. The growth pallet lifter is located near the far end of the bottom pallet conveying system 35 and is configured to receive a pallet from it each time and lift the pallet toward the top pallet conveying system 48.

[0156] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5C and Figure 5D The growth tray lifting component 45 includes an annular belt 120 supported by a ladder-shaped rigid frame structure 126. The annular belt 120 is tensioned between a pair of top idler pulleys 128 and a pair of bottom drive pulleys 130. The idler pulleys 128 are coaxially connected to the frame 126, while the drive pulleys 130 are coaxially mounted on a shaft 132, which is connected to a motor 136 via a chain 138 (see [link to motor 136]). Figure 5C Multiple pairs of growth tray support arms 140 are fixedly attached to an annular belt 120, which can move around the frame 126 in a carousel-like manner as the annular belt 120 is rotated by a motor 136. The growth tray support arms 140 are configured such that when the paired arms are in the tray collection position, they extend to the bottom working growth tray 20 at the distal end of the bottom tray conveyor system 35. db Below (see below) Figure 5E ), thus the working growth tray 20 db It can be lifted to the top level by the growth tray lifter 45, specified as 20. dt (see Figure 10B ), ready to be collected by the top tray conveyor system 48.

[0157] Now turn to the top pallet conveyor system 48, such as Figure 10B As shown, the top pallet conveying system 48 includes two parallel-extending annular belts 150, each supported by a longitudinal track 154, and each annular belt is tensioned at an idler pulley 158 (extending behind the growth pallet lifter 45, as shown). Figure 4A (as shown) and drive pulley 160 (as shown) Figure 4D As shown, in a group of 30 x Between the marked pallet loading / unloading stations (extending forward), the drive pulley 160 is coaxially mounted on a shaft 162, which is connected to a motor 166 for rotation.

[0158] Each of the two annular belts 150 is equipped with a plurality of equidistant pairs of pickup hooks 170, each pickup hook having an inverted mushroom-shaped cross-section, i.e., extending radially from the belt, such that the mushroom stem-like portion is hinged to the annular belt 150, thereby suspending the pickup hook 170 invertedly from the bottom path of the annular belt. Figure 9B and Figure 9CAs shown in the optimal configuration, the thickness of the stem portion of the pick-up hook 170 is less than the thickness of the narrow segment 76 of the engagement recess 76. i and 76 ii The width is such that it allows the stem portion of the hook 170 to be picked up along the narrow segment 76 of the engagement recess 76. i and 76 ii The diameter of the head portion of the pickup hook 170 is greater than the thickness of the wide segment 76iii of the engagement recess 76 to allow it to pass through. However, the diameter of the head portion of the pickup hook 170 is smaller than the width of the hook engagement opening 78 (see [reference]). Figure 9B , Figure 9C This allows the pickup hook 170 to be passed through and introduced into the engagement recess 76. The distance D between each pair of pickup hooks 170 is greater than the wider section 76. iii The length of the joint recess 76 is less than the total length of the engagement recess 76, for securing the grippers of the paired pickup hooks 170 to the top rod 79 of the frame 70. The distance between each pair of adjacent pickup hooks 170 is equal to the distance between the growth tower 30 and the growth tower 30. i Up to 30 x The distances between them are similar.

[0159] Horticultural crop growth module 25 also includes a growth tray loading / unloading device configured to load trays onto growth tower 30. i Up to 30 x In the middle. Therefore, as Figure 4B As shown, growth tower 30 i Up to 30 x Each growth tower includes a cage-like support frame 180, along which growth trays 20 are slidably displaced, having small gaps. The top portion 184 of the support frame 180 is open, so a growth tray placed above the top portion 184 can freely descend under gravity until it comes to rest above an obstacle, typically another growth tray 20 located below, as will be explained. Figure 4D As shown, the support frame 180 is equipped with an array of processing components 188. According to a specific example, the processing components 188 are light emitter arrays, typically LED strips, extending to both sides of each growth tray 20 to achieve ideal illumination. It is worth noting that the processing components 188 may also include thermal radiation units, optical sensors, temperature / humidity sensors, etc.

[0160] See further Figure 12A and Figure 12BAs can be seen, the bottom end 190 of the support frame 180 is open but equipped with a growth tray locking mechanism, located on both sides of the horticultural crop growth module 25. For clarity, only the front system is referenced, but it will be understood that the front and rear locking mechanisms can be identical and operate synchronously. In this example, the growth tray locking mechanism includes an elongated rod 200 that runs along all the growth towers 30. i Up to 30 x The bottom end extends. Rod 200 is coupled to receive rotational motion from motor 201, and rod 200 is configured with opposing threaded portions 202A and 202B spaced apart from each growth tower 30. Threaded slides 204A and 204B are mounted on the corresponding threaded portions 202A and 202B. Slides 204A and 204B are provided with brake pins 206A and 206B, which can pass through openings in brake plates 208A and 208B, thereby causing axial displacement of slides 204A and 204B toward and away from each other by rotation of rod 200. When slides 204A and 204B are displaced toward each other (see...), Figure 12A The tips of the braking pins 206A and 206B extend into the openings 210 located at the bottom of each growth tray 20, thereby controlling the bottommost growth tray 20. i Apply brakes and prevent the bottom growth tray 20 i The support frame 180 is shifted, and the bottommost growth tray 20 is located within it. i The load on the continuous growth trays stacked on top of the growth tower is supported. However, when the rod 200 rotates in the reverse direction, the slides 204A and 204B are axially displaced away from each other (see...). Figure 12B Thus, the tips of the brake pins 206A and 206B disengage from the opening 210 at the growth tray 20i, thereby allowing the tray to pass through the bottom working growth tray 20. db The tray may be moved upwards (as described below) or the tray may be moved onto the bottom tray conveying system 35.

[0161] The growth tray loading / unloading device is also equipped with a growth tray propulsion unit, which is configured to propel the bottom working growth tray 20 db The tray rises from the bottom tray conveyor system 35 into the corresponding growth tower 30, or is used to receive the bottommost growth tray 20. i They are then placed on the bottom pallet conveyor system 35 for movement toward the inlet / outlet opening 27 or toward the growth pallet lifter 45 (with optional processing stops along the path).

[0162] Growth tray propulsion unit such as Figure 13A and Figure 13BAs shown, this includes a pair of solid rods 212 extending below the horticultural crop growth module 25, located below all the growth towers 30. Multiple pistons 214 (or other mechanical equivalents) are arranged below the rods 212 and are operable between a retracted position (as shown) and an extended position. This arrangement allows for the bottom transport of the growth tray 20. b The bottom surface 120 extends above the top surface 218 of the rod, thereby manipulating the piston 214 to the extended position so that the bottom transport growth tray 20b is vertically deployed into the corresponding growth tower 30. i Up to 30 x (Assuming the growth tray locking mechanism is in the open position). Similarly, remove the tray from growth tower 30. i Up to 30 x Discharge onto the bottom tray conveying system 35 is accomplished by opening / unlocking the growth tray locking mechanism, and allows the bottommost growth tray 20 to... i It moves downward (under the influence of gravity) and stops on the conveyor belt 102 of the bottom tray conveyor system 35.

[0163] The horticultural crop growth module 25 is also equipped with an irrigation and drainage system. For irrigation, in some embodiments, there is an irrigation supply line 220 (see preferably). Figure 9A The irrigation supply line 220 runs along both sides of the horticultural crop growth module 25, at the top layer 20 adjacent to the growth tray. xi Extending at level 11 in this example, the irrigation supply line 220 has multiple irrigation nozzles 226, each configured to irrigate the soil of an adjacent growth tray. The irrigation method can be controlled, i.e., whether to perform flood irrigation / drip irrigation / or sprinkler irrigation, or alternately.

[0164] 30 per growth tower i Up to 30 x 20 growth trays inside i Up to 20 x Irrigation is carried out via liquid flow between levels / layers, where each bottom growth tray is activated to open the flow of liquid through valve 64 at the growth tray above it, in a cascading manner, such as in combination. Figure 7B and Figure 7C As illustrated in the example.

[0165] In some embodiments, the irrigation system further includes a plurality of discharge containers 240, each disposed below a corresponding growth tower 30 and equipped with a valve operating device 244. Figures 8A to 8C ), to be used for discharging the bottom horizontal / layer growth tray 20 iThe valve actuation device 244 includes actuating rods 246 mounted on a pair of actuators 248 (hydraulic / pneumatic pistons, solenoids, etc.), and a pair of hollow plungers 250 aligned with valves 64 of the lowest growth trays 20i / 20b. When the actuators 248 are activated by a command signal, they push the rods 246 upward to engage with the plungers 86 of valves 64, thereby opening the valve and facilitating the flow of liquid through the hollow plungers 250 and into the discharge container 240 (as indicated by arrow line 253).

[0166] In the illustrated example, each growth tower 30 is associated with a discharge container 240, which in turn includes a discharge outlet 260 for collecting all irrigation liquid and treating it for use in new irrigation cycles, such as filtration, hydrogenation, enrichment with nutrients and minerals, temperature control, sterilization, etc., before recirculating the irrigation liquid back into the irrigation system. However, it is understood that, in addition to... Figure 21A In addition to each growth tower 30 being equipped with a separate discharge container 240, it is also possible to configure any two or more growth towers to provide one or more discharge containers, or to provide a single discharge container for the horticultural crop growth module 25, which is located below or to the side of the module (e.g., Figure 21B (As shown).

[0167] In some implementations, irrigation liquid discharged from one or more growth towers 30 within the horticultural crop growth module 25 flows under gravity along growth trays 20 within the growth towers, and after flowing through all the growth trays 20 within the towers, the irrigation liquid flows to an irrigation liquid treatment station inside or outside the growth module, where it is analyzed and treated, i.e., cleaned, supplemented with nutrients and minerals, and treated for water hardness and pH, and then recycled.

[0168] In some implementations, the horticultural crop growth module 25 is also configured with multiple processing stations. For example, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, a processing station 270 is provided at the distal end of the module. The processing station includes a dome 272, which can be operated by a pair of pistons 276 (or other equivalent mechanisms) to shift between a raised position (as shown) and a lowered position. The internal space of the dome 272 (not shown) is configured with a plurality of nozzles 278z (see Figure 1). Figure 25E ), tube 278 is connected to the nozzle 278z.

[0169] In some embodiments, this arrangement allows the processed work growth tray 20 t Arriving at processing station 270, for example, using such Figures 25A to 25C The bottom tray conveyor system 35, as shown, leads to the processing station 270, where the dome 272 is then lowered to cover the growth tray 20.t And through a nozzle (e.g., such as Figures 25D to 25F (As shown) The treatment agent is applied to the growth material through tube 278. After treatment, piston 278 raises dome 272, thereby exposing the treated growth tray 20. t Continue moving (via the bottom tray conveyor system 35), for example, to the growth tray lifter 45, such as... Figures 25G to 25H and Figures 25A to 25B As shown, processing station 270 is now ready to receive and process another growth tray.

[0170] Understandably, the processing station 270 can provide one or more different processes, such as pollination, sterilization, heating / cooling / ventilation, art treatment, etc.

[0171] However, as Figure 10B As shown, in some embodiments, a processing station—typically designated 284—is located at the distal top of the horticultural crop growth module 25. This processing station 284 is static and configured to process the growth trays as they are discharged from the growth tray lifter 45 and collected by the top tray conveying system 48. The processing station 284 has a dome shape facing the growth trays, such that processing is applied when they reach the top position of the top tray conveying system 48. The processing station 284 may be, for example, a radiation station, a sterilization station, etc., and / or it may include an imaging unit for acquiring images of the plants growing on the growth trays.

[0172] Horticultural crop growth module 25 is also equipped with a control system, which includes a controller ( Figure 20 The controller 77 comprises 77, multiple sensors, and actuators. The controller 77 is configured to control the environment and growth processes within the module (i.e., temperature, humidity, light, irrigation, pollination, nutrition, etc.) to detect, determine, and monitor the growth progress of the teach growth tray, and to circulate the growth tray from its entry into the module to its exit for harvesting the growth, as described below.

[0173] For example, crop control station 290 is shown placed side by side with processing station 284 because the growth tray is discharged from growth tray lift 45.

[0174] To obtain data associated with each growth tray individually, in some implementations, each growth tray is equipped with a readable identifier (e.g., Figure 27B The ID code 20y in the controller 77 can be used, such as a barcode, QR code, color code, RFID, digital code, etc., so that the tray data associated with each growth tray 20 can be recorded at the controller 77.

[0175] Now back to Finished Products Section 13 ( Figure 1AThe finished product conveying system 23 (actually an extension of the conveying system 22) extends from each of at least one inlet / outlet opening 27 and is configured to transport growth trays from one or more horticultural crop growth modules 25 to the finished product station 13. The growth trays 20 received at the finished product station 13 enter an automated, hands-free disposal station where the grown crops (e.g., fruits such as strawberries) are harvested, then packaged and optionally wrapped and stored under appropriate conditions in preparation for delivery / shipment.

[0176] According to this disclosure, the horticultural crop growth method using the horticultural crop growth module 25 includes the following steps:

[0177] i. Multiple planted growth trays 20 are received into the horticultural crop growth module 25 through the inlet / outlet opening 27, and the multiple planted growth trays 20 are loaded onto the bottom tray conveying system 35;

[0178] ii. Load the growth tray 20 from the bottom tray conveying system 35 into the growth tower 30;

[0179] iii. Initiating a growth cycle, wherein the growth tray 20 circulates among multiple processing stations 270 and / or 284 and / or 290 disposed within the horticultural crop growth module 25;

[0180] iv. Monitor and acquire data relating to each growth tray 20 and to the maturity of the crops grown on the growth trays;

[0181] v. Repeat steps iii and iv until the crop is ready for harvest;

[0182] vi. Transfer the growth tray 20 from the growth tower 30 to the inlet / outlet opening 27 to collect the growth tray;

[0183] vii. Transport pallet 20 to finished product conveying system 13, for example, for automated, hands-free harvesting, packaging and delivery stations.

[0184] Note the accompanying drawings and refer to the steps of the horticultural crop growth method using the horticultural crop growth system 10 as described above, paying particular attention to steps ii) to vi).

[0185] In step (i), after preparation at the growth tray handling and preparation station 12, multiple growth trays 20 are conveyed via the conveyor system 22 to the inlet opening 27 of the assigned horticultural crop growth module 25, as shown below. Figure 14The phases (a) and (b) are shown. In phase (c), near the entry module 25, and in phase (d), the growth tray 20 is placed above the bottom tray conveyor system 35 and gradually moved (in the direction toward the growth tray lifter 45) until the conveyor belt 35 is completely occupied by the growth tray 20. As shown, in some embodiments, the growth tray 20 is transferred from the conveyor system 22 to the sliding frame structure 35f of the bottom tray conveyor system 35, which will be referred to below. Figures 15A to 15D Detailed description.

[0186] In step (ii), when in growth tower 30 i Up to 30 x Each growth tower in the system has a working growth tray 20 located below it. db At this time, the growth tray locking mechanism is moved to the unlocked position by starting motor 201, which causes brake pins 206A and 206B to retract and move away from each other to the unlocked position. Then, the growth tray pushing unit is activated by piston 214, which moves the solid rod 212 vertically upward, causing the working growth tray 20 db Move upwards to the corresponding growth tower 30 i Up to 30 x In the middle. When the working growth tray 20db is located inside the growth tower, the growth tray locking mechanism is activated again in the opposite direction, thereby shifting the brake pins 206A and 206B to the growth tray 20. i Braking engagement is performed within the opening 210 at the location. Repeat this step until the growth tower is loaded with multiple growth trays.

[0187] Then the growth cycle is initiated (step (iii)), in which each growth tray receives “horticultural attention,” meaning each tray is treated individually or collectively in its own tower or dedicated treatment station. This treatment may include any or more of the following: irrigation, lighting, humidity, air temperature, fertilization / nutrients, hydrogenation, heating of the growth tray, radiation of different wavelengths, sound playback, pollination, sterilization, etc.

[0188] refer to Figures 21A to 21C In some embodiments, irrigation is performed by applying irrigation liquid through irrigation supply lines 220 (one or more) via one or more nozzles 220z to the topmost growth tray 20 of each growth tower 30. xi To perform this, for example, in this particular example, each of the topmost growth trays 20 is made up of two nozzles 220. zIrrigation occurs, and the irrigation liquid flows by gravity in a cascade configuration to growth tray 20 below the topmost growth tray. Irrigation liquid from the bottommost growth tray is discharged into discharge container 240, from which the irrigation liquid is collected and transferred for new irrigation cycle treatments, such as filtration, hydrogenation, enrichment with nutrients and minerals, temperature control, sterilization, etc., and then the irrigation liquid is recycled back to the irrigation system from there.

[0189] The growth cycle also includes circulating the growth trays using the horticultural crop growth module 25, specifically moving the growth trays 20 along different processing and monitoring stations. Thus, within a defined cycle, a growth tray relocation cycle occurs based on the control and growth parameters of the controller 77. For this purpose, the bottommost growth tray within each tower 30 is moved onto the bottom tray conveyor system 35 (one tray can be moved onto the bottom tray conveyor system 35 at a time due to the controlled operation of the growth tray locking mechanism). Then, as described above, one tray can be moved to the processing station 270 at a time. After processing, the processed working growth trays 20... t The tray is moved to, for example, the growth tray lifter 45, where it engages with the growth tray support arm 140, and then lifted to the top layer for collection by the top tray conveyor system 48.

[0190] Each tray reaching the top of the grower tray lift 45 is then engaged by the pick-up hooks 170 of the annular belt 150, as previously described, and as it extends above the corresponding grower tower, the grower tray can be released from the top tray conveyor system 48, allowing the grower tray to move into the grower tower 30 under gravity and remain above the tray below. When a grower tray is positioned above another grower tray, valves and filtration systems are activated, as previously described, to facilitate the cascading flow of irrigation fluid.

[0191] The growth process can be fully automated and continuously monitored and controlled (step (iv)), where each growth tray receives a prescribed and monitored throughput. When the controller identifies that the growth on the tray has reached the so-called ready / mature stage, the specific tray is moved to the outlet opening 27. This is achieved by identifying the tray (via a readable identifier / ID code 20y), and when the tray reaches the bottom tray conveyor system 35, the conveyor belt rotates in the opposite direction (unloading direction), moving the growth tray toward the outlet opening.

[0192] In some embodiments, the control unit 77 is configured to implement some or all of the steps in the method described above, as disclosed herein, using sensor units, marker readers, and various planned processing and / or monitoring units. For example, in some embodiments, one or more imagers / cameras are installed in each horticultural crop growth module 25, and one or more imagers / cameras are used to control one or more of the following: disease quantification, i.e., the level of disease in the plant; plant health, i.e., the level of disease in the plant and growing conditions; plant senescence, i.e., how the plant ages to adjust nutrient solution, LED exposure, temperature, humidity, etc.; chlorophyll level, so as to adjust the quality of growth through LED lighting exposure, etc.; and carotenoid content, indicating the level of light absorption.

[0193] N content refers to the nitrogen content in the growth medium.

[0194] The plant is in bloom and has begun the pollination process.

[0195] Pollination control, including re-pollination or adjustment of pollination parameters.

[0196] The crops are ripe and harvesting begins.

[0197] Figure 15A Another possible implementation of the bottom tray conveying system 35 is shown, wherein the growth tray 20 is received in a sliding frame structure 35f and thus transported via track 35r. Figure 15C As shown more clearly, the sliding frame structure 35f includes an actuator (e.g., a linear actuator / motor) 35f coupled to a rack and pinion track 35c, which is configured to move the sliding frame structure 35f along the track 35r of the horticultural crop growth module 25 (e.g., rack and pinion transmission drive). Thus, a growth tray 20 received from the inlet / outlet opening 27 or from the growth tray lifter 45 can be moved to any one of the growth towers 30, and vice versa.

[0198] The sliding frame 35f includes a lifting mechanism configured to transfer the growth tray 20 from the sliding frame 35f to the growth tower 30 and vice versa. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting platform 35a on which the growth tray 20 is placed and vertically moved along a vertical rod 35b of the sliding frame 35f (e.g., by linear actuation). Figure 15B The vertical movement of the growth tray 20 via the lifting platform 35a in the growth tower 30 is shown, as well as the fixing / releasing of the bottommost growth tray 20 in the growth tower 30 via locking mechanisms 29. For example, four locking mechanisms 29 for fixing the growth tray 20 in each growth tower 30 are illustrated here.

[0199] For example, the lifting platform 35a can lift the growth tray 20 placed on the lifting platform 35a upward toward and along the support frame 180 of the growth tower 30, thereby pushing upward the bottommost growth tray 20i of the growth tower 30 and any other growth trays 20 stacked thereon. After the growth tray 20 placed on the lifting platform 35a reaches the bottom tray position in the growth tower 30, the locking (e.g., spring) mechanism 29 mounted to the support frame 180 changes from an unlocked state to a locked state by pushing its locking pin 29p into the fixing opening 210 of the growth tray 20. When the growth tray 20 is securely locked in the bottom tray position of the growth tower 30 by the locking mechanism 29, the lifting platform 35a moves downward back to the bottom base / floor of the sliding frame 35f.

[0200] Figure 15C and Figure 15D The diagram illustrates the displacement of the growth tray 20 via a lifting mechanism and by means of locking actuators (e.g., piston mechanisms) 29a mounted on support elements 35s extending vertically upward from the sliding frame 35f. Each locking actuator 29a is configured to engage a corresponding locking mechanism 29 of the growth tower 30 and (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, electrically) manipulate it to change the locking pin 29p between a released state and a locked state.

[0201] Figures 16A to 16E It shows the use of Figures 15A to 15D The filling sequence of the crop growth module 25 of the bottom tray conveying system 35. Figure 16A In this process, the growth tower 30 of the crop growth module 25 is completely empty, and the first growth tray 20 is introduced into the crop growth module 25, for example, through the inlet / outlet opening 27 of the crop growth module 25, and the first growth tray 20 is loaded onto the sliding frame 35f of the bottom tray conveying system 35. Figure 16B In this process, the sliding frame 35f is moved to a selected growth tower in the growth tower 20, and its locking manipulator 29a engages with the corresponding locking mechanism 29 of the growth tower 30 and is operated to move the respective locking pin 29p to its released state.

[0202] exist Figure 16C In the process, the lifting platform 35a moves vertically along the vertical rod 35b of the sliding frame 35f to translate the growth tray 20 to the bottom tray position of the growth tower 30. Then, the locking actuator 29a is operated again to move the corresponding locking mechanism 29 to its locked state, thereby fixing the growth tray 20 at the bottom tray position of the growth tower 30. Figure 16D In the middle, the sliding platform 35a moves vertically downward to the base of the sliding frame 35f.

[0203] exist Figure 16E In the middle, the new growth framework 20 i The new growth frame 20 is introduced into the sliding frame 35f, for example, through its inlet / outlet opening 27, and after its locking actuator 29a is actuated to change the corresponding locking pin 29p to the released state, i The new growth tray 20 is vertically lifted upwards into the growth tower 30 via the lifting platform 35a. i As the growth tower 30 moves upward, the bottommost growth tray 20 and any other growth trays 20 stacked upon it are pushed upward along the growth tower. When the new growth tray 20... i When in the bottom tray position in the growth tower 30, its locking manipulator 29a is operated to change the corresponding locking pin 29p to its locked state, and then the lifting platform 35a moves down back to the base of the sliding frame.

[0204] Figures 16A to 16E The growth tray filling sequence shown can be repeated any number of times to introduce new growth trays into selected growth towers 30 of the crop growth module 25 until the assigned tray positions of the growth towers 30 are fully / partially filled. After the crop growth module 25 is fully / partially filled with growth trays 20, a growth cycle can begin, as disclosed herein.

[0205] Figure 17A Figure 17D illustrates the unloading sequence of the growth tray 20 according to a possible implementation. Figure 17A In this process, the sliding frame 35f moves to a selected growth tower within the growth tower 30 via the track 35r, and its locking manipulator 29a engages with the corresponding locking mechanism 29 of the growth tower 30. Figure 17B In the middle, the lifting platform 35a moves vertically upward until it reaches the growth tray 20 at the bottom of the growth tower 30. i At this point, the locking actuator 29a is operated to change the corresponding locking pin 29p to its released state, thereby releasing the growth tray 20i onto the lifting platform 35a. In Figure 17c, the lifting platform 35a moves downward back to the base of the sliding frame 35f, thereby translating the growth tray placed thereon into the sliding frame and causing all other growth trays stacked thereon to move down one layer. Thus, when the growth tray 20 from the upper layer of the growth tower 30 reaches the bottom tray position, the locking actuator 29a is operated again to change the corresponding locking pin 29p to its locked state, thereby securing the growth tray 20 descending from the upper layer in the bottom tray position of the growth tower 30.

[0206] Figures 18A to 18CA top tray conveying system 48 according to some possible embodiments is shown. The top tray conveying system 48 includes an elongated track 48r extending above and along the horticultural crop growth module 25, a motor drive unit 48m coupled to rotate an (e.g., timed) annular belt 48e passing along or within the elongated track 48r, and a tray carrier assembly 48f coupled to the annular belt 48e via one or more support elements 48s for translating the tray carrier assembly 48f along the elongated track 48r. Thus, the tray carrier assembly 48f can move to one end of the elongated track 48r to receive / transfer growth trays 20 from / to a growth tray lifter 45, and from there to any of the growth towers 30 of the horticultural crop growth module 25 to transfer / receive growth trays 20. In some embodiments, one or more plant treatment and / or monitoring stations are located above at least some of the growth towers 30, and a top tray conveying system 48 is used to convey growth trays from the growth tray lifting member 45 or from one of the growth towers 30 to the treatment and / or monitoring stations, thereby applying one or more treatments and / or monitoring.

[0207] The pallet carrier assembly 48f includes: one or more carrier rods 48b (two in this particular example), the carrier rods 48b being coupled to support elements 48s to allow the pallet carrier assembly 48f to move along an elongated track 48r, two pairs of linear guide rails 48g extending downward from the end portions of the carrier rods 48b; and a pallet sliding mechanism 48q movably located between each pair of linear guide rails 48g. The tray sliding mechanism 48q is configured to grip and hold the growth tray 20 and to slide the gripped growth tray 20 in a controllable manner along the linear guide rails 48g for moving the growth tray 20 down or up to / from a selected growth tower in the growth tower 30 or the support arm 140 of the growth tray lift 45, or for approaching and gripping the topmost growth tray 20 in one of the growth towers and moving it upward from there, for example, for transferring or moving it to another growth tower in the growth tower 30 via the growth tray lift 45, or for applying one or more treatments and / or monitoring in one or more processing / monitoring stations.

[0208] In this configuration, the frame 70 of the growth tray 20 includes one or more gripping holes 70c, for example, two gripping holes 70c formed in the upper portion of the frame 70, the gripping holes 70c being configured to receive corresponding gripping arms 48x of the tray slider mechanism 48q for gripping and moving the tray slider mechanism 48q. Figures 18D to 18F The sequence of growth tray transfers using the top tray transfer system 48 is illustrated. Figure 18DIn this process, the tray carrier assembly 48f is loaded with a growth tray 20 held by its tray slider mechanism 48q for moving the tray 20 to a selected growth tower in the growth tower 30, such as from another growth tower in the growth tower 30 or from the growth tray lifter 45.

[0209] exist Figure 18E In the middle, the growth tray 20 moves downward, for example by a lifting cable 48y connected to the tray sliding mechanism 48q, so as to, for example, utilize Figure 22B The sliding pin 20k shown engages the growth tray 20 with the guide channel (not shown) of the support frame 180 of the growth tower 30 for sliding movement. Thus, the growth tray 20 slides downwards along the support frame 180 of the growth tower 30 until it abuts against another growth tray 20, typically positioning the sliding growth tray at the top tray position of the growth tower 30. After the growth tray 20 is positioned in the growth tower 30, the clamping arms 48x change from a tray clamping state to a tray released state, for example, they move relative to / towards each other so that their clamping tips / finger-like parts can be released from the clamping holes 70c of the growth tray 20. After the clamping arms 48x change to their tray released state, the tray sliding mechanism 48q retracts upwards, for example, via the lifting cable 48y, returning to its undeployed state near the support rod 48b, as... Figure 18E As shown.

[0210] Figures 19A to 19K The growth tray loading sequence using the top tray conveying system 48 is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 19A A horticultural crop growing module 25 is depicted in several possible implementations prior to introducing any growing tray 20 into its growing tower 30. The sliding frame 35f of the bottom tray conveying system 35 is shown loaded with growing trays 20, for example, growing trays 20 received through tray inlet / outlet openings 27. Figure 19B In the middle, the sliding frame 35f moves toward the growth tray lifter 45 on the track 35r of the bottom tray conveying system 35, and... Figure 19C In the process, the growth tray 20 is transferred from the sliding frame 35f of the bottom tray conveying system 35 to the growth tray support arm 140 of the growth tray lifting member 45. Figure 19D In the middle, the growth tray lifting component 45 moves the growth tray 20 upward toward the top tray conveying system 48, so as to Figure 19E In the middle, the pallet carrier assembly 48f of the top pallet conveying system 48 moves toward the growth pallet lifter 45 on the top track 48r, and... Figure 19F In the middle, the growth tray 20 is joined to the tray carrier assembly 48f.

[0211] exist Figure 19GIn this configuration, the tray slider mechanism 48q moves downward, engaging the clamping hole 70c with the clamping tip / finger of its clamping arm 48x. Then, for example, by moving them apart, the clamping hole 70c is brought into its clamping state, thereby providing clamping of the growth tray 20. In Figure 16H, the tray carrier assembly 48f moves along the top track 48r, and the clamped growth tray 20 reaches a selected growth tower within the growth tower 30. Figure 19I In this process, the clamped growth tray 20 is moved / lowered downwards via a tray sliding mechanism 48q, for example via a lifting cable 48y, along a guide channel (not shown) of the support frame 180 of the tower, to a designated position in the growth tower 30, which in this example is the bottom tray position of the tower 30. The growth tray 20 is then secured to the support frame 180 by the locking pin 29p of the locking mechanism 29, and the clamping arm 48x of the tray sliding mechanism 48q can change from its tray-clamping state to its tray-released state, thereby lifting the tray sliding mechanism 48q back to its undeployed state.

[0212] Figure 19K Describing the execution Figures 19A to 19H Following the steps shown, a new growth tray 20 is placed in the horticultural crop growth module 25. As shown, the new growth tray 20 is held by a tray slider mechanism 48q and lowered / moved downwards by, for example, a lifting cable 48y along a guide channel (not shown) of the support frame 180 of the tower to a designated position in the growth tower 30, in this example, a tray position above the bottommost tray position of the tower 30. The growth tray 20 can then be secured to the support frame 180 by the locking pin 29p of the locking mechanism 29, and the clamping arm 48x of the tray slider mechanism 48q can change from its tray-clamping state to its tray-released state to lift the tray slider mechanism 48q back to its undeployed state. Figure 19K As shown, Figures 19A to 19I The steps shown may be repeated any number of times to at least partially fill one or all of the growth towers of at least growth tower 30.

[0213] Figure 20 A plant growth apparatus 20g according to some possible embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, each horticultural crop growth module 25 is configured to form a tray cultivation cycle 20u, which is implemented using a bottom tray conveying system 35, a growth tray lifting member 45, a top tray conveying system 48, and a vertical growth tray translation mechanism implemented in each growth tower 30. For example, the tray cultivation cycle 20u includes a pollination station 20p in some embodiments (e.g., referred to herein). Figures 25A to 25H The pollination station described herein) and / or irrigation station 20i (e.g., referred to herein) Figures 22A to 22DThe irrigation station described herein) and / or sterilization station 20s (e.g., radiation station as described above) and / or crop control / monitoring station 20c (e.g., the one referred to herein). Figure 27A and Figure 27B The crop control / monitoring station described) and / or lighting device 20h, for example, one or more light emitters 188 are set at each tray position of the growth tower 30, as described above, which can be set in any suitable order.

[0214] like Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments, each tray location in each growth tower 30 includes one or more processing elements 188. In this particular example, each tray location includes two such processing elements 188 for illuminating the plants with emitted light (e.g., using light-emitting diodes - LEDs) and / or ventilating the plants in each growth tray 20, as will be referenced below. Figures 24A to 24D As stated above.

[0215] In possible implementations Figures 22A to 22D The irrigation device shown is used to individually irrigate the growth trays 20 one at a time in an irrigation station 20i. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the growth tray 20 includes: one or more perforated liquid channel elements 20v (e.g., a single channel 20v is shown in this example), extending along the length of the growth tray 20 and, for example, attached to the frame 70 of the growth tray 20 by support elements 20w; and one or more liquid pipes 20j (e.g., a single pipe 20j is shown in this example), extending downward from a liquid inlet opening 20n formed in the upper side of the frame 70 to the perforated liquid channel elements 20v. The liquid pipes 20j are configured to receive irrigation liquid via the liquid inlet opening 20n and flow it by gravity to the perforated liquid channel elements 20v, from which the irrigation liquid flowing out is sprayed onto the plants via perforations 20z.

[0216] like Figures 22C to 22H As shown, in some embodiments, the irrigation station 20i is configured to receive growth trays 20 from one or more selected growth towers 30 via a bottom tray conveying system 35. A sliding frame 35f locates the growth tray 20 from the growth tower 30 and transfers it to the tray support arm 140 of the tray lifter 45, wherein a liquid supply pipe 24p is fluidly connected to the liquid inlet opening 20n of the growth tray 20, and a liquid discharge pipe 24b is fluidly connected to the normally closed valve 64 of the growth tray 20 via an interface funnel element 24f, thereby changing the normally closed valve 64 to an open state. Thus, when irrigation liquid is supplied through the liquid supply pipe 24p to the perforated groove 20v and sprayed onto the plants through the perforations 20z, residual irrigation liquid accumulated in the tray-shaped portion 60 of the growth tray 20 is discharged into the discharge container 240 through the liquid drain pipe 24b.

[0217] After supplying a certain amount of irrigation liquid to the growth tray 20, the liquid supply pipe 24p and liquid drain pipe 24b are removed / retracted, and the growth tray 20 is moved back to a designated position in one of the growth towers 30, for example, by lifting the growth tray 20 to the top tray conveying system 48 via the tray lifting member 45 to lower the growth tray 20 to a selected growth tower in the growth tower 30, or by transferring the growth tray 20 back to the sliding frame 35f and lifting the growth tray 20 to a selected growth tower in the growth tower 30.

[0218] Figures 23A to 23C A discharge device 28 is shown in some embodiments for removing residual irrigation liquid accumulated within the tray-shaped portion 60 of a growth tray 20. The discharge device 28 includes a tilting element 28a configured to apply a predetermined tilt angle to the growth tray 20 after the irrigation liquid supply ceases, so as to discharge the residual liquid accumulated within the tray-shaped portion 60 toward a normally closed valve 64. Optionally, but preferably in some embodiments, a normally open valve is provided at the irrigation outlet opening of the growth tray; alternatively, no valve is provided at the irrigation outlet opening, allowing the residual irrigation liquid accumulated in the growth tray to be discharged continuously and uninterruptedly.

[0219] Figures 24A to 24D A system ventilation device 33a is shown, which, in a possible embodiment, directs gas / air flow to the growth tray 20 of the horticultural crop growth module 25. In this embodiment, each tray location of the growth tower 30 includes one or more gas / air distribution pipes 33 having multiple gas / air outlets 33t for directing gas / air flow to the plants in the growth tray 20. In some embodiments, the ventilation device 33a includes one or more main gas / air ducts 33d, from which multiple gas / air distribution pipes 33 extend toward the growth tray 30. In this particular example, the main gas / air ducts 33d are mounted on the side of the horticultural crop growth module 25, and the gas / air distribution pipes 33 are alternately distributed from the main gas / air ducts 33d on each side of the growth tower 30. The main gas / air ducts 33d are configured to receive incoming gas / air through gas / air inlets 33i (one or more) and to allow gas / air flow using gas / air duct transition elements 33t.

[0220] Figure 26A possible implementation of an environmental control device 26a is shown. The environmental control device 26a includes one or more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units k1 configured to control the temperature in the system, and / or one or more dehumidifier units k2 configured to control the humidity in the system, and / or one or more blower circulating fans k3 for circulating fresh air through the system, and / or one or more light emitting (e.g., LED) units k4 for providing artificial plant growth lighting, and / or one or more irrigation units k5 configured to mix an irrigation solution, and optionally also integrating measurement data from sensor devices indicating the acidity, and / or conductivity, and / or temperature of the irrigation solution. In some embodiments, a control unit 77 is configured to process and analyze the measurement data from the various sensors and control / regulate the operation of each of the units k1 to k5 based on this.

[0221] Figure 27A and Figure 27B A crop monitoring / control device 27a utilizing multiple tray tracking areas within a horticultural crop growth module 25 is illustrated in possible embodiments. In some embodiments, each growth tray 20 includes a unique readable identifier (e.g., a Datamatrix identifier) ​​20y. The system uses the tray identifier 20y to record information / measurement data from sensors associated with each plant in the horticultural crop growth module 25.

[0222] In some embodiments, the horticultural crop growth module 25 includes: a tray identification area c1 at sterilization station 20s and / or crop control station 20c for recording information (e.g., ID, date, time, sterilization, and crop control) of growth trays 20 undergoing sterilization / crop control; and / or a top tray passage area c2 above / adjacent to each growth tower 30 for recording information (e.g., ID, date, time, tower ID) of each growth tray 20 transported to / from the growth tower 30; and / or a tray entrance area c3 near / at the entrance / exit opening 27 for identifying growth trays loaded into and unloaded from the system; and / or c4 at / near the entrance of pollination station 20p and / or irrigation station for recording information (e.g., ID, date, time, pollination / irrigation) of growth trays 20 undergoing pollination / irrigation processes.

[0223] The control unit 77 can be configured to collect and record tray identification information for each tray identification area c1, ..., c4 of each growth tray 20 transported in the system. This tray identification information is associated with certain conditions / attributes, such as: duration of light exposure; nutrients; sterilization; pollination, and optionally, information about product type, seed type, or mother plant. The collected data can be processed and analyzed to generate standard growth profiles, which can be used to determine the optimal growth conditions for the system.

[0224] The control unit 77 can use the pallet identification / traceability device 27a of each growth pallet 20 transported in the system to determine the individual growth conditions / profile of each growth pallet 20, such as the location of the growth tower, faster / slower movement speed within the system, etc.

[0225] As described above and shown in the relevant figures, this disclosure provides greenhouse and horticultural systems and related methods for automating plant growth facilities. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in accordance with the foregoing teachings. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the invention can be implemented in various ways using one or more of the techniques described above, all of which are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated horticultural crop growth system, the automated horticultural crop growth system comprising: A growth tray preparation station, in which multiple growth trays are pre-treated, filled with growth beds, and planted; A growing tray transfer system for transferring planted growing trays from the growing tray preparation station to a horticultural crop growing facility; The horticultural crop growth facility includes a closed structure and one or more horticultural crop growth modules. The closed structure has a controlled environmental treatment system and one or more growth tray inlet / outlet openings for displacing growth trays through the inlet / outlet openings. The horticultural crop growth module includes: Multiple parallel single-row growth towers, each of the multiple parallel single-row growth towers being configured to receive a vertically supported growth tray and to move the growth tray vertically upward or downward along the single-row growth tower and within the single-row growth tower, for transferring the growth tray between tray positions within the single-row growth tower. A growth tray manipulation system includes one or both of a top tray conveying system and a bottom tray conveying system, wherein the top tray conveying system is used to load or unload growth trays from the top end of each growth tower, and the bottom tray conveying system is used to load or unload growth trays from the bottom end of each growth tower. The growth tray manipulation system is configured to: The planted growth trays are received from the growth tray transfer system via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings, and the planted growth trays are loaded into the assigned growth towers of the horticultural crop growth module. The growth trays between the allocated growth towers are moved to the processing station within the horticultural crop growth module; and The growth tray is unloaded by removing it from the horticultural crop growing facility through the growth tray inlet / outlet opening.

2. The automated horticultural crop growth system according to claim 1, further comprising a finished product station configured to receive growth trays from the horticultural crop growth module, wherein the grown crops are harvested, packaged, and stored under appropriate conditions at an automated, treatment-free disposal station in preparation for delivery / shipment.

3. A horticultural crop growth facility, the horticultural crop growth facility comprising a closed structure and one or more horticultural crop growth modules, the closed structure having a controlled environmental treatment system and having one or more growth tray inlet / outlet openings, the growth tray inlet / outlet openings being used to allow growth trays to be moved through the growth tray inlet / outlet openings; each horticultural crop growth module comprising: Multiple parallel single-row growth towers, each configured to receive an array of vertically supported growth trays and move the trays vertically upwards or downwards along the single row of growth towers; a growth tray manipulation system including one or both of a top tray conveying system and a bottom tray conveying system, the growth tray manipulation system being configured to: receive planted growth trays via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings and load the planted growth trays into the assigned growth towers of the horticultural crop growth module; move the growth trays through processing stations within the horticultural crop growth module; and remove the growth trays from the horticultural crop growth facility via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings.

4. A horticultural crop growth module, the horticultural crop growth module comprising a closed structure having a controlled environmental treatment system and one or more growth tray inlet / outlet openings, the growth tray inlet / outlet openings being used to allow growth trays to be displaced through the growth tray inlet / outlet openings; each horticultural crop growth module comprising: A plurality of parallel, single-row growth towers, each configured to receive an array of vertically supported growth trays and move the growth trays vertically upward or downward along the single row of growth towers; a growth tray manipulation system comprising one or both of a top tray conveying system and a bottom tray conveying system, the top tray conveying system extending above the growth towers and the bottom tray conveying system extending below the growth towers, the growth tray manipulation system being configured to: receive planted growth trays via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings and load the planted growth trays into the assigned growth towers of the horticultural crop growth module; move the growth trays through processing stations within the horticultural crop growth module; and remove the growth trays from the horticultural crop growth module via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings.

5. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein the horticultural crop growth module is configured to: automatically introduce a plurality of growth trays into the horticultural crop growth module via the growth tray inlet / outlet opening, automatically load the plurality of growth trays into the growth tower, and displace one or more of the growth trays along a processing path, whereby the growth trays are processed at a processing station extending along the processing path; thereby, when the crop is ready to be harvested, the growth trays are automatically transferred from the horticultural crop growth module via the growth tray inlet / outlet opening.

6. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 5, wherein, The treatment station is configured to apply one or more treatments along the treatment path to promote and enhance crop growth.

7. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The processing station includes any one or more of the following: irrigation, lighting, humidity, air temperature, fertilization / nutrients, hydrogenation, heating of the growth tray, radiation of different wavelengths, sound playback, pollination, and sterilization.

8. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The horticultural crop growth module is equipped with an artificial intelligence system, which includes: multiple sensors distributed along the processing path within the horticultural crop growth module, configured to acquire parameter signals related to the crop growth cycle and the position and status of the growth tray and processing station; and a controller configured to receive and process the parameter signals and generate operation signals in response to receiving and processing the parameter signals, for controlling the operation of the processing station and the automatic displacement of the growth tray along the processing path.

9. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 8, wherein, The sensors of the artificial intelligence system include any one or more of the following: image sensors, temperature sensors, sugar content analyzers, humidity sensors, chemical condition and / or characteristic sensors.

10. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The growth tray handling system includes a growth tray lifting component configured to receive the growth tray from the bottom tray conveying system and transport the growth tray to the top tray conveying system.

11. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 10, wherein, One or more of the bottom tray conveying system, the growth tray lifting component, and the top tray conveying system can also be configured to convey the growth tray to one or more of the processing stations.

12. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the bottom tray conveying system, the growth tray lifting component, and the top tray conveying system can be used to convey the growth tray in any direction.

13. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, Each growth tower is equipped with a growth tray support system for keeping the growth trays vertically aligned, wherein the bottommost working growth tray is braked at the bottom portion of the support system by a tray braking mechanism, and wherein each consecutive growth tray is supported above another growth tray, thereby enabling easy displacement to move along the growth tower.

14. The horticultural crop growth module of claim 4, wherein the horticultural crop growth module includes a lighting system configured to illuminate the growth tray.

15. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, Each growth tower includes a tray support track that defines a sliding path, wherein the growth trays within the growth tower can slide along the growth tower due to gravity.

16. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, Irrigation is applied to the growth trays in a cascade configuration, wherein irrigation is applied to the top growth tray within the growth tower, and the irrigation liquid flows by gravity to the growth trays arranged vertically to each other.

17. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The growth tray is configured with an irrigation inlet opening at the top portion of the growth tray and an irrigation outlet opening at the bottom portion of the growth tray to define an irrigation flow path extending between the irrigation inlet opening and the irrigation outlet opening of the growth tray.

18. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 17, wherein, The irrigation outlet opening of the growth tray includes a normally closed valve, which is configured to be opened only by a valve opening member located at the inlet opening of the adjacent bottom growth tray when the growth trays are stacked one on top of the other.

19. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 17, wherein, One or both of the irrigation inlet opening and the irrigation outlet opening are equipped with a filter device.

20. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 18, wherein, The bottommost growth tray inside the growth tower is selectively engaged by a valve opening mechanism configured to open the normally closed valve of the irrigation outlet opening of the bottommost growth tray when the bottommost growth tray is positioned above the valve opening mechanism.

21. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 17, wherein, The growth tray includes a perforated groove element configured to spray irrigation liquid received from the irrigation inlet opening.

22. The horticultural crop growth module of claim 17, the horticultural crop growth module comprising an irrigation station configured to supply irrigation liquid to a growth tray introduced into the irrigation station via an irrigation inlet opening of the irrigation station.

23. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 22, wherein, The irrigation station is configured to discharge residual irrigation liquid accumulated in the growth tray via the irrigation outlet opening of the irrigation station.

24. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 23, wherein, The irrigation station includes a tilting mechanism configured to discharge the residual irrigation liquid.

25. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The growth tray includes: an irrigation outlet opening; a valve located at the irrigation outlet opening; and a filtration device, wherein liquid reaching the valve of the growth tray is filtered by the filtration device.

26. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 18, wherein, The bottommost growth tray inside the growth tower is positioned above the discharge container, and wherein a valve opening mechanism is configured to open the normally closed valve of the irrigation outlet opening of the bottommost growth tray when the bottommost growth tray is positioned above the discharge container.

27. The horticultural crop growth module of claim 26, wherein the horticultural crop growth module is configured to treat irrigation liquid and to recycle irrigation liquid.

28. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 26, wherein, The discharge containers are in flow communication with each other, or the same discharge container is configured for two or more growth towers of the horticultural crop growth module.

29. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, Irrigation liquid discharged from one or more of the growth towers within the horticultural crop growth module is directly collected to an external irrigation liquid treatment station.

30. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, Irrigation liquid discharged from one or more of the growth towers within the horticultural crop growth module flows by gravity along the growth trays within the growth towers, and after flowing through all the growth trays within the towers, the irrigation liquid flows to an irrigation liquid treatment station inside or outside the horticultural crop growth module, where the irrigation liquid is analyzed and treated and then recycled.

31. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The growth tower is configured to accommodate vertically stacked growth trays supported between side bars, wherein the bottommost growth tray can be braked by a tray braking mechanism, wherein the consecutive growth trays are arranged vertically to each other, thereby disengaging the bottommost growth tray from the tray braking mechanism to facilitate loading the bottommost growth tray onto the bottom tray conveying system, and also causing the growth trays within the growth tower to shift downward under the influence of gravity.

32. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The bottom tray conveying system includes pairs of conveyor chains arranged in parallel and configured to carry opposite sides of the bottom surface of the growth tray.

33. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, A tray braking mechanism is disposed at the bottom portion of the growth tower, and the tray braking mechanism is operable between a conventional tray braking position and a disengaged position. In the conventional tray braking position, one or more obstructing elements protrude to secure the bottommost growth tray to the growth tower, and in the disengaged position, the one or more obstructing elements retract to release the bottommost growth tray from the growth tower.

34. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 33, wherein, The tray braking mechanisms of the growth tower are configured to operate simultaneously, such that all tray braking mechanisms within the horticultural crop growth module simultaneously shift between their respective tray braking positions and disengagement positions, or the tray braking mechanisms are configured to shift according to command signals received from the controller, wherein any one or more tray braking mechanisms can operate individually.

35. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 33, wherein, The tray braking mechanism includes: an activation rod rotatably fixed to the bottom portion of the horticultural crop growth module, the activation rod having a threaded portion adjacent to each growth tower; a plurality of threaded slides, each growth tower associated with at least one threaded slide; each slide engaging above the respective threaded portion and restricted to axial displacement along the activation rod; and wherein each slide includes a tray engaging member; thereby, rotation of the threaded rod in one direction will simultaneously cause axial displacement of the slide to move the tray braking mechanism to the tray braking position, and rotation of the threaded rod in the opposite direction will simultaneously cause axial displacement of the slide to move the tray braking mechanism to the disengaged position.

36. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 35, wherein, The tray engagement member is an engagement pin that extends from the slide and is configured to engage within an opening in the bottommost growth tray.

37. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 33, wherein, The tray braking mechanism includes a pair of opposing brake pins, such that in the tray braking position, the brake pins are displaced toward each other, and in the disengaged position, the brake pins are moved away from each other.

38. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 33, wherein, The bottom tray conveying system includes: one or more tracks extending below the growth towers; and a frame structure configured to move along the one or more tracks and convey or receive growth trays from or from a selected growth tower.

39. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 38, wherein, The frame structure includes a manipulator unit configured to engage the tray braking mechanism of the growth tower and controllably change the tray braking mechanism between the tray braking position and the disengaged position.

40. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 38, wherein, The frame structure includes a lifting component configured to transport a growth tray thereon to or from the growth tower.

41. The horticultural crop growth module of claim 40, wherein the horticultural crop growth module is configured to change the tray braking mechanism to a disengaged position when the growth tray is conveyed to the growth tower, and subsequently change the tray braking mechanism back to a tray braking position to secure the conveyed growth tray in the tray position at the bottom of the growth tower.

42. The horticultural crop growth module of claim 40, wherein the horticultural crop growth module is configured to change the tray braking mechanism to a disengaged position when receiving the growth tray from the growth tower, and subsequently change the tray braking mechanism back to a tray braking position to secure the downwardly translating growth tray in the tray position at the bottom of the growth tower.

43. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The growth tray is a solid tray made of metal or plastic material, having a flat growth section and two parallel upright side frames located at opposite ends of the growth tray. The growth trays within the growth tower are configured such that the bottom surface of the top growth tray rests on the side frames of the adjacent bottom growth tray.

44. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 43, wherein, A valve opening member is provided at the upright side frame of the adjacent bottom growth tray for opening the normally closed valve at the top growth tray.

45. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 43, wherein, The growth tray is engaged by a growth tray lifting member at the bottom of the growth tray or at the upright side frame of the growth tray.

46. ​​The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 43, wherein, The upright side frame of the growth tray is provided with a engagement recess, and the top tray conveying system is provided with two side rails that accommodate one or more pick-up hooks. The top tray conveying system is movable along the side rails and is configured to selectively brake via the engagement recess.

47. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 46, wherein, The two side rails of the top tray conveying system are fixed above the growth tower within the horticultural crop growth module, wherein the two side rails of the top tray conveying system engage with one or more growth trays when the growth tray is moved upward toward the side rails.

48. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, further comprising a growth tray propulsion unit configured to lift the bottom working growth tray from the bottom tray conveying system into the corresponding growth tower and to lower it from the corresponding growth tower into the bottom tray conveying system.

49. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 10, wherein, The top tray conveying system is also adapted to convey the growth tray to and from the inlet / outlet opening.

50. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein the horticultural crop growth module is received in a closed, treated environmental location.

51. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, The lighting source is associated with each growth tray within the growth tower.

52. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 51, wherein, The lighting source is located on the tray support rail of the growth tower and / or on the bottom surface of the growth tray.

53. The horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, wherein, Each growth tray is equipped with a readable identifier, enabling the recording of tray data associated with each growth tray at the controller of the horticultural crop growth module.

54. The horticultural crop growth module of claim 4, wherein the horticultural crop growth module is configured as an autonomous growth module independent of other growth modules, and the horticultural crop growth module is equipped with all necessary elements required to obtain the growth cycle, the horticultural crop growth module including an inlet / outlet opening and a confined, controlled environment.

55. A method for growing horticultural crops used in conjunction with the horticultural crop growth module according to claim 4, the method comprising the following steps: Step i. Receive multiple planted growth trays into the horticultural crop growth module via the growth tray inlet / outlet openings and transport the multiple planted growth trays via the bottom tray conveying system; Step ii. Load the growth tray from the bottom tray conveying system into the growth tower; Step iii. Initiate the growth cycle, wherein the growth tray circulates among multiple processing stations within the horticultural crop growth module; Step iv. Monitor and acquire data associated with each growth tray and data related to the maturity of the crops grown on the growth trays; Step v. Repeat steps iii and iv until the crop is ready for harvest; Step vi. Transfer the growth tray from the growth tower to the growth tray inlet / outlet opening for collection of the growth tray.

56. The method for growing horticultural crops according to claim 55, wherein, Before the growth cycle, the growth trays and the horticultural crop growth modules are pretreated at the growth tray preparation station to sterilize the surrounding environment and equipment.

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