Tray of tray assembly for cultivating horticultural crops

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein relates to a tray (3) of a tray assembly (1) for cultivating horticultural crops, the tray (3) comprising: a reservoir (5) configured to contain water and to receive in the reservoir (5) one or more than one suspension (7) to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir (5) from the external environment, one or more hangers (7) configured to receive one or more plants and arranged in the reservoir (5) and substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir (5) from the external environment; and a water inlet section (9) arranged adjacent to the reservoir (5) and comprising a water flow guide (11) wherein the water flow guide (11) has at least one of the following features: defining a downwardly inclined guide surface (13) configured to guide water received on the water flow guide (11) into the reservoir (5), such that the water level is below the height at which the one or more than one suspension (7) can be arranged in the reservoir (5); and comprising a through-flow opening (15) configured to direct water into a chamber (17) of the water inlet section (9) in fluid connection with the reservoir (5), where the through-flow opening (15) comprises a water permeable membrane (25) configured to substantially isolate water within the water inlet section (9) from an external environment. Furthermore, the invention disclosed herein relates to a horticulture method comprising the use of such a tray (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tray for use in a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, particularly in the absence of a growing medium (eg soil, vermiculite, perlite, rockwool / asbestos etc.).

[0002] Recent developments in the field of horticulture have led to an increasing adoption of soilless cultivation systems and methods, in which horticultural crops are not grown in a growing medium, but water containing nutrients and / or oxygen is supplied directly to their roots. Over the years, a variety of different technologies (i.e., systems and methods) have been developed for growing horticultural crops without a growing medium. These technologies are collectively referred to as "hydroponics." Examples of hydroponic technologies include wicking systems, deep water culture, nutrient film technology, ebb and flow systems, drip irrigation systems, and aeroponics, in which the roots of horticultural crops are maintained in an environment filled with an aerosol or mist of nutrient solution.

[0003] Hydroponics includes many advantages over traditional soil-based cultivation techniques, including reduced costs, reduced water consumption, reduced need to apply pesticides due to the absence of soil, and increased control over the amount of nutrients supplied to plants. Despite these advantages, hydroponics-based cultivation techniques do present certain challenges associated with the use of nutrient solutions (i.e., water in which plant nutrients are dissolved) for supplying plants. These challenges include the tendency of algae to grow in the nutrient solution and retaining the nutrient solution near the roots of the crop plants. In a commercial, efficient, and automated horticultural environment, these challenges are believed to be particularly relevant to the filling and / or draining of water (i.e., nutrient solution) of containers containing crops.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement by means of which one or more such disadvantages of known gardening assemblies may be reduced or alleviated.

[0005] The object is achieved by a tray of a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, the tray comprising: - a reservoir configured to contain water and receiving one or more suspension members in the reservoir to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from the external environment, wherein the one or more suspension members are configured to receive one or more plants and are arranged in the reservoir and substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from the external environment; and - a water inlet section arranged adjacent to the reservoir and comprising a water flow guide, wherein the water flow guide has at least one of the following features: -- the water flow guide defines a downwardly inclined guide surface configured to direct water received on the water flow guide into the reservoir such that the water level is below a height at which one or more overhangs may be arranged in the reservoir; and The water flow guide comprises a through-flow opening configured to guide water into a chamber of the water inlet section fluidly connected to the reservoir, wherein the through-flow opening comprises a water-permeable membrane configured to substantially isolate the water in the water inlet section from the external environment.

[0006] With the tray defined above, a tray assembly can be formed by arranging one or more suspension members in the reservoir of the tray, and the water contained in the water reservoir of the tray can always be isolated from the external environment by the suspension members and / or the water flow guide members. At the same time, the tray assembly according to the present invention allows the water reservoir to be easily (e.g. automatically) filled, refilled and drained with little risk of water overflow or leakage.

[0007] In the context of the present invention and disclosure, the phrase "isolated from the external environment" is to be understood as not being exposed to ambient light and / or ambient air, or at least having significantly reduced exposure. Isolating the water contained in the reservoir from ambient light inhibits the growth of algae in the reservoir, while isolating the water from ambient air helps retain oxygen dissolved in the water, making it accessible to plants.

[0008] The tray and tray assembly are advantageous regardless of the type of watering scheme used to water the plants grown using the tray assembly. For example, a watering scheme may be used in which the reservoir is at least partially filled with water that is periodically or continuously renewed at all times. Isolating this water from the external environment results in reduced algae growth and increased retention of oxygen dissolved in the water. Alternatively, a watering scheme may be selected in which the reservoir is substantially completely filled with water and then drained. Here, the isolation of the residual water also reduces the growth of algae and / or fungi, but more importantly helps maintain a humid environment within the reservoir for supplying the plants.

[0009] According to embodiments of the tray or tray assembly in which the water flow guide defines a downwardly inclined guide surface configured to direct water received on the water flow guide into a reservoir below the one or more overhangs, the downwardly inclined guide surface extends substantially along the entire side of the tray. In these embodiments, the reservoir can be filled relatively quickly along the entire length of the tray with little likelihood of water overflowing.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, at least a portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface arranged in the water inlet section is arranged above the highest water level of the reservoir. In these embodiments, the portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface arranged in the water inlet section and exposed to the external environment always remains unsubmerged and is easy to dry after filling the reservoir. Another portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface, in particular in the opposite direction of water flow to the portion arranged above the highest water level of the reservoir, can be arranged at or below the height at which one or more overhangs can be arranged in the reservoir of the tray. Then, when arranged in the reservoir, water can flow along the downwardly inclined guide surface below the one or more overhangs.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the tray comprises an intermediate reservoir arranged downstream of the downwardly inclined guide surface. When water is supplied to the water inlet section, the intermediate reservoir collects the water and then distributes it evenly into the reservoirs.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the tray or tray assembly, a net is arranged at the intermediate reservoir.The net arranged at the intermediate reservoir collects debris that may have fallen into the water inlet section and would otherwise be carried away by the water flow entering the reservoir.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the water flow guide comprises a through-flow opening configured to guide water into a chamber of the water inlet section fluidly connected to the reservoir.

[0014] As in the above-mentioned alternative embodiments of the tray or tray assembly, the water present in the tray is isolated from the external environment, thereby inhibiting the growth of algae and / or fungi, retaining dissolved oxygen in the water, and / or maintaining a moist environment for plant roots; wherein the water present in the water inlet section is isolated by the water flow guide.

[0015] The through-flow opening preferably comprises a water-permeable membrane, which is configured to substantially isolate the water in the water inlet section from the external environment. Even more preferably, the water-permeable membrane comprises one or more flaps consisting of a flexible material. The one or more flaps are easily pushed aside by an incoming water flow, e.g. from an (automatic) watering system, to facilitate the filling of the reservoir. When the filling of the reservoir has been completed, the one or more flexible flaps re-occupy the initial position in which they substantially seal the through-flow opening of the water flow guide.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the tray or tray assembly, the flexible material of the water-permeable membrane is a non-light-permeable material. Therefore, preventing light from passing through the water-permeable membrane is beneficial to preventing algae growth and / or keeping the roots of the cultivated plants in darkness.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the tray of the tray assembly, the top surface of the water flow guide presents a downward slope in the direction toward the reservoir of the tray. In these embodiments, water that misses the through-flow opening and overflows onto the top surface of the water flow guide can easily flow out of the water flow guide and into the reservoir of the tray.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the water flow guide is removably insertable into the tray.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, at least one of the insertable water flow guide and the tray comprises a recess defining a fluid connection between the reservoir and the water inlet section of the tray.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the bottom of the tray comprises one or more support members, which protrude upward relative to the bottom and are configured to support one or more suspension members. In these embodiments, even when the reservoir has been completely drained, the one or more suspension members are lifted above the bottom of the tray. Thus, a moist environment for supplying plants can be maintained in the space between the bottom of the tray and the one or more suspension members.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the tray or tray assembly, one or more of the support members include a through hole. The lifting mechanism includes one or more extraction pins, and the one or more extraction pins are aligned or configured to be aligned with the through hole of the one or more support members. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move the one or more extraction pins through the through hole of the one or more support members and abut the one or more suspended members, thereby lifting the one or more suspended members out of the tray.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the tray or tray assembly, the lifting mechanism is constituted by a frame configured to at least support the tray.Alternatively, the lifting mechanism can be provided separately from the tray or tray assembly, for example as a movable device that can be arranged under the tray.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the tray further comprises a drain configured to drain water from the reservoir of the tray.The drain may comprise a siphon, in particular a bell-shaped siphon.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the drain comprises an additional net.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the drain is arranged at the water inlet section.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the tray or the tray assembly, the drain and the water inlet section are arranged on opposite sides of the tray.

[0027] A tray assembly for growing horticultural crops may include a tray according to any embodiment disclosed herein and one or more suspension members, the one or more suspension members being configured to receive one or more plants, wherein the one or more suspension members are arranged or arrangeable in a reservoir of the tray to substantially isolate water contained in the reservoir from the external environment. The one or more suspension members may in particular be according to any embodiment of the suspension member and / or tray assembly disclosed herein.

[0028] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by a gardening system comprising one or more trays or tray assemblies according to any one of the above embodiments and a watering device configured to introduce water into a water inlet section of the tray.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the gardening system, the water outlet of the watering system comprises a tap aerator configured to aerate the water flow of the water outlet. This advantageously allows aeration of the water introduced into the reservoir of the tray, which is otherwise isolated from the external environment. A separate aeration device may be omitted.

[0030] Furthermore, the objects of the present invention are achieved by a horticultural method comprising using a tray, a tray assembly or a horticultural system according to any embodiment disclosed herein.

[0031] The present disclosure also provides advantageous combinations of some of the above features associated with the pallet, one or more suspensions, and the support members and lifting mechanisms in alternative embodiments of the pallet assembly thereof. The following pallets, suspensions, and lifting mechanisms present multiple related products adapted to each other.

[0032] A tray of a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops is provided. The tray comprises:

[0033] - a reservoir configured to contain water and receiving one or more suspension members in the reservoir to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from the external environment, wherein the one or more suspension members are configured to receive one or more plants and are arranged in the reservoir and substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from the external environment; - a drain configured to drain water from the reservoir when the water level in the reservoir reaches a maximum water level; and - one or more support members, which protrude upwardly relative to the bottom of the reservoir and are configured to support the one or more suspended members when the one or more suspended members are received in the reservoir, wherein the one or more support members include a through hole arranged above the maximum water level of the reservoir.

[0034] The support of the tray keeps one or more suspension elements lifted above the bottom of the tray even when the reservoir has been completely drained. This protects, for example, the roots of plants contained in the suspension elements. The through-holes of the tray are advantageously arranged above the highest water level of the reservoir determined by the drain element, thereby preventing the reservoir from draining via the through-holes in the support. The through-holes enable access to the bottom of the suspension element, for example for extraction pins of a lifting mechanism, to lift the suspension element out of the tray.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the tray, the through hole is arranged at the top surface of one or more than one support. When the suspension rests on the support, the through hole is blocked. The suspension can be specially configured for this as described below.

[0036] It should be noted that the above tray may further include a water inlet section, which is arranged adjacent to the reservoir and includes a water flow guide. As with the embodiments disclosed above, the water flow guide may be at least one of the following:

[0037] - defining a downwardly inclined guide surface configured to direct water received on the water flow guide into the reservoir below a level at which one or more overhangs may be arranged in the reservoir; and - comprises a through-flow opening configured to guide water into a chamber of the water inlet section fluidically connected to the reservoir, wherein the through-flow opening preferably comprises a water-permeable membrane configured to substantially isolate water in the water inlet section from the external environment.

[0038] A suspension member of a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops is provided. The suspension member is configured to be arranged in a reservoir of a tray according to any of the above embodiments to substantially isolate water contained in the reservoir from the external environment. The suspension member comprises:

[0039] - one or more receptacles configured to receive one or more plants; and - one or more recesses arranged at the bottom surface of the suspension and configured to receive one or more supports of the tray.

[0040] Thus, the tray and the suspension are configured to interact with each other via their recesses and supports, respectively.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the suspension, the one or more recesses are formed as blind holes extending from a bottom surface of the suspension into the suspension.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the suspension, the one or more receiving portions are formed as through holes extending from a bottom surface of the suspension to a top surface of the suspension.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the suspension, the cross section of the one or more recesses is larger than the cross section of the one or more receiving portions. The support of the tray can then be easily dropped onto the recesses instead of into the receiving portions for the plants. The cross section may refer to the diameter of the circular receiving portion or recesses.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the freestanding element, the first two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more recesses is different from the second two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more receptacles. This prevents the support of the tray from accidentally engaging in the receptacles of the freestanding element instead of in the recesses of the freestanding element. The two-dimensional pattern may be formed along the bottom of the tray or the freestanding element. Even when only one recess or receptacle is provided, the two-dimensional pattern may refer to the positioning of this single recess or receptacle relative to the freestanding element, in particular the circumference of the freestanding element.

[0045] In addition, a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops is provided. The tray assembly comprises a tray according to any of the above embodiments and one or more overhangs according to any of the above embodiments. Further details of the tray or overhang are provided below in the context of a tray assembly, and these features may also be applied to an isolated tray or overhang, i.e. when not part of a tray assembly.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, the one or more recessed portions of the suspension member are recessed from the bottom surface of the suspension member by a distance less than the height of the one or more supporting members of the tray.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, the cross-section of one or more supports of the tray (particularly measured at the top of the supports) is larger than the cross-section of one or more receptacles of the suspended member (particularly measured at the bottom surface of the suspended member). This prevents the supports of the tray from engaging with the receptacles of the suspended member. More generally, the supports of the tray may be sized such that they do not fit into the receptacles of the suspended member.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, a third two-dimensional pattern defined by one or more supports of the tray corresponds to the first two-dimensional pattern defined by one or more recesses of the suspended member and is different from the second two-dimensional pattern defined by one or more receiving portions.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, the tray assembly further comprises a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may comprise one or more extraction pins which are aligned with or configured to be aligned with the through holes of one or more supports. The lifting mechanism may be configured to move one or more extraction pins through the through holes of one or more supports and abut one or more suspended members which may be arranged in or are arranged in the reservoir of the tray, thereby lifting the one or more suspended members out of the tray. In particular, the one or more extraction pins of the lifting mechanism may be configured to abut one or more recesses of the suspended member. The recess may also be configured to be abutted by the pin.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, a fourth two-dimensional pattern defined by one or more extraction pins of the lifting mechanism corresponds to at least one of a third two-dimensional pattern defined by one or more support members of the tray and a first two-dimensional pattern defined by one or more recesses of the suspended member.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the tray assembly, the lifting mechanism is comprised by a frame configured to at least support the tray. The tray assembly may comprise the frame. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism may be provided separately from the tray or the tray assembly.

[0052] A lifting mechanism is provided, which is suitable for a tray assembly according to any embodiment disclosed herein. The lifting mechanism includes one or more extraction pins, which are configured to align with through holes of one or more support members of a tray of the tray assembly. The lifting mechanism is configured to move one or more extraction pins through the through holes of one or more support members to abut one or more suspended members arranged or arrangeable in a reservoir of the tray, and lift the one or more suspended members out of the tray. The suspended member is preferably abutted by the extraction pin at the bottom surface of the suspended member (more preferably at a recess arranged in the bottom surface of the suspended member).

[0053] The tray's support and the recessed portions of the suspension provide alignment means for the extraction pins of the lifting mechanism.

[0054] A gardening system is provided, comprising a tray assembly according to any one of the above embodiments and a lifting mechanism according to any one of the above embodiments. Thus, the lifting mechanism may be comprised by the tray or the frame of the tray assembly, but may also be provided as a separate device of the system. The through holes of the one or more support members of the tray, the one or more recesses of the optional hanging member and the one or more extraction pins of the lifting mechanism are aligned or configured to be aligned to lift the hanging member out of the tray.

[0055] Finally, a gardening method is provided, which includes using a tray, a suspension, a tray assembly, a lifting mechanism and / or a gardening system according to any embodiment disclosed herein. The method may particularly include lifting or lowering one or more suspensions relative to the tray via the bottom surface of the one or more suspensions.

[0056] The present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a tray assembly according to a first embodiment; - Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a tray assembly; - Figure 3 Depicted Figure 2 A close-up of a cross section of the water inlet section of the tray assembly; - Figure 4 Depicted Figure 2 A close-up of a cross section of a discharge section of a tray assembly; - Figure 5 and Figure 6 Depicted are the cases with and without hanging parts. Figure 1 A sectional side view of a tray assembly; - Figure 7 Depicted Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of the tray assembly; - Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Depicted are the cases with and without hanging parts. Figure 1 a cross-sectional side view of a discharge section of a tray assembly; - Fig.10 Depicted Figure 1 Another perspective view of the components of the tray assembly; - Fig.11 depicts a perspective view of a tray assembly according to a second embodiment; - Fig.12 Depicted Fig.11 a cross-sectional view of a tray assembly; - Fig.13 Depicted Fig.12 A close-up of a cross section of the water inlet section of the tray assembly; - Fig.14 Depicted Fig.12 A close-up of a cross section of a discharge section of a tray assembly; - Fig.15 and Fig.16 Both show Fig.11 A perspective view of a tray assembly; - Fig.17 and Fig.18depicts a perspective view of a watering device according to the present invention; - Fig.19 depicts a cross-sectional view of a tray assembly having a lifting mechanism; - Fig. 20 depicts a suspended member having a recess in a bottom surface thereof; - Fig.21 A detailed view depicting a lifting mechanism engaging a recess of a suspension member through a through hole in a support member of a pallet; and - Fig.22A and Fig. 22B Depicted is a cross-sectional view of an extraction pin of the lift mechanism abutting and lifting the suspended piece out of the pallet.

[0057] The following reference numerals are used in this application.

[0058] 1 Tray assembly 2 Framework 3 Pallets 5 Storage 7 Suspended parts 8. Accommodation 9 Inlet section 10 Bottom surface 11 Water flow guide 12 recess 13 Downward sloping guide surface 15 Flow opening 17 Chamber 21 Intermediate storage 23 Net 25 water permeable membrane 26 Wings 29 Top surface 31 recess 33 Bottom 35 Support 36 Edge 37 Through Holes 39 Pins 40 Lifting mechanism 41 Emissions 43 Additional Network 44 Connecting device 45 Watering equipment 47 Water outlet 49 Faucet Aerator 50 Extraction or harvesting stations 51 dripper 52 Horticulture System Now refer to the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 10, shows a tray assembly 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0059] The tray assembly 1 includes a tray 3 having a reservoir 5 configured to contain water therein. The water is preferably a nutrient solution (i.e., water with plant nutrients dissolved therein), which may be prepared using a nutrient solution such as Fig.17 and Fig.18 The watering device 45 shown supplies water into the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 .

[0060] like Figure 1 As best depicted in FIG. 1 , the tray assembly 1 includes a plurality of suspended members 7. Each of the suspended members 7 includes a plurality of receiving portions 8 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 and Figure 8 ), each of the plurality of receiving portions 8 is configured to receive at least one plant (not shown).

[0061] The suspended members 7 are configured to be arranged individually adjacent to each other in the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 of the tray 1 is accordingly configured to receive the suspended members 7. Adjacent suspended members 7 may abut each other or have an intermediate distance of at most about 2 mm or less. Therefore, any water present in the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 is effectively isolated from the external environment of the tray assembly 1.

[0062] Here, the phrase "isolated from the external environment" is to be understood as relating to both ambient light and ambient air present in the external environment. The plurality of suspension elements 7, which abut against one another or have only a relatively small intermediate distance between one another, prevents ambient light from entering the reservoir 5 of the tray 3. Since algae require light to grow and develop, such development of algae in the reservoir 5 of the tray can be prevented or at least reduced, at least when water is present in the reservoir 5.

[0063] The water contained in the reservoir 5 may also include oxygen dissolved therein and absorbed by plants, particularly when such plants are not exposed to light and are not photosynthesizing. When the water in the reservoir 5 is exposed to ambient air, gas exchange between the water in the reservoir 5 and the external environment results in the dissolved oxygen being lost from the water in the reservoir 5 by diffusion. In contrast, when the water in the reservoir 5 is isolated by a plurality of suspension members 7, gas exchange between the water in the reservoir 5 and the external environment is impeded. Although gas exchange may still occur between the water and any air trapped in the reservoir 5, over time such trapped air becomes enriched in oxygen. As a result, the concentrations of oxygen dissolved in the water in the reservoir 5 and oxygen present in the air trapped in the reservoir 5 attain a state of equilibrium, resulting in substantially no net gas exchange.

[0064] The advantages of isolating the reservoir 5 have been explained above based on an example assuming that water is present in the reservoir 5. However, the isolation provided by the plurality of suspension members 7 is also advantageous when a humid environment is to be maintained within the reservoir 5. This may be the case when the tray assembly 1 is applied to a gardening system 52 based on, for example, a tidal watering scheme. In a tidal watering scheme, the reservoir 5 is first filled with water and subsequently drained of water. During high tide conditions, the roots of the plants can absorb water. During low tide conditions, a humid environment exists in the reservoir 5 and the plants can still absorb water from the humid environment. This humid environment in the reservoir is maintained by the isolation of the reservoir 5 provided by the plurality of suspension members 7.

[0065] Because the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 is isolated by a plurality of suspensions 7, water cannot be supplied directly into the reservoir 5 without removing at least one of the suspensions 7. Removing at least one of the suspensions 7 is undesirable because it would temporarily remove the isolation of the reservoir 5 provided by the suspensions 7. The controlled environment in which humidity and oxygen are trapped would be lost. Lifting the suspensions 7 is also uncommon in a commercial, highly automated agricultural environment.

[0066] Thus, the tray 3 of the tray assembly 1 comprises an inlet section 9 through which the reservoir 5 of the tray can be filled. The inlet section 9 is arranged adjacent to the reservoir 5 covered (i.e., isolated) by the plurality of overhangs 7 and is fluidly connected to the reservoir 5. The inlet section 9 and the reservoir 5 can be considered to define together the interior of the tray 3.

[0067] The water inlet section 9 includes a water flow guide 11, which guides the water flowing into the water inlet section 9, and the water flows from the water flow guide 11 into the reservoir 5. Figures 1 to 10 In the depicted embodiment, the water flow guide 11 comprises a top surface 29. The top surface 29 rises above the height of the bottom 33 of the tray 3 to approximately the same height level as the suspension 7.

[0068] The water flow guide 11 comprises a through-flow opening 15 configured to guide water for filling the reservoir 5 into a chamber 17 of a water inlet section 9 fluidly connected to the reservoir 5. The chamber 17 of the water inlet section 9 is located below the aforementioned top surface 29 of the water flow guide 11. Therefore, any water (or optionally a humid environment) present in the chamber 17 of the water inlet section 9 is isolated from the aforementioned external environment of the tray assembly 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the throughflow opening 15 of the water flow guide 11 comprises a water-permeable membrane 25 which substantially closes the throughflow opening 15 , thereby isolating the water in (the chamber 17 of) the water inlet section 9 from the external environment.

[0070] like Figure 5As best shown in the figure, the water-permeable membrane 25 comprises at least one flap 26 of a flexible material which is moreover preferably of a non-light-transmissive material to isolate the water in the water inlet section 9 from ambient light. For example, the water-permeable membrane 25 may be a non-light-transmissive silicone sheet having one or more cutouts defining the aforementioned one or more flaps 26. When the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 is filled via the throughflow opening 15, for example by means of Fig.17 and Fig.18 In the watering device 45 depicted in FIG. 1 , these one or more fins 26 can be easily pushed aside by the incoming water flow.

[0071] As in Figure 3 As best depicted in the depicted cross-sectional close-up of the water inlet section 9, the top surface 29 of the water flow guide 11 preferably presents a downward inclination in the direction of the reservoir 5 towards the tray 3. Therefore, any water used to fill the reservoir 5 that misses the through-flow opening 15 of the water flow guide 11 and eventually reaches the top surface 29 can flow into the reservoir 5 via the intermediate space between the water flow guide 11 and the first suspension of the plurality of suspensions 7 arranged adjacent to the water flow guide 11.

[0072] The water flow guide 11 of the above-described first embodiment of the tray assembly 1 may be regarded as a downwardly inclined guide surface 13 within the meaning of the appended claims.

[0073] Figure 7 A perspective view of the construction composition of the tray assembly 1, in particular the tray 3 of the tray assembly 1, is depicted. As can be seen from this figure, the water flow guide 11 can be a different component from the tray 3, and the water flow guide 11 can also be removably inserted into the tray 3. In addition, the water flow guide 11 includes one or more recesses 31, which define a fluid connection between the reservoir 5 and the water inlet section 9 of the tray 1 when the water flow guide 11 is inserted into the tray 3. It is also conceivable that the above-mentioned recess 31 can be alternatively included by the tray to define the fluid connection between the reservoir 5 and the water inlet section 9. Figure 7 As shown, the recess 31 may fluidly connect the top surface 29 of the water flow guide 11 and / or the chamber 17 to the reservoir 5 .

[0074] also, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The tray 3 is shown to include one or more drains 41 configured to drain water from the reservoir 5 of the tray 3. According to some embodiments, the drain 41 may include a siphon, such as a bell siphon, which automatically drains the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 when the water level in the reservoir 5 reaches a maximum water level, and maintains a minimum water level after the draining of the reservoir 5 has been completed to create a humid (and preferably oxygen-rich) environment in the reservoir 5.

[0075] One or more drains 41 preferably include an additional net 43 that blocks debris from entering the drain 41 and prevents clogging of the drain 41. In the figures, the drain 41 and the water inlet section 9 are arranged on opposite sides of the tray 3. Alternatively, the drain 41 may be arranged at the water inlet section 9, or at least on the same side of the tray 3 as the water inlet section 9.

[0076] In the attached figure Figures 11 to 16 , an alternative embodiment of the tray assembly 1 is depicted. Figures 1 to 10 Compared to the embodiment of the tray assembly 1 depicted in , in this embodiment, the water flow guide 11 defines a downwardly inclined guide surface 13, which is configured to guide water received on the water flow guide 11 into the reservoir 5 and under one or more overhangs 7.

[0077] Figure Fig.12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tray assembly 1 comprising a tray 3 is depicted. Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 A close-up of a cross section of the water inlet section 9 of the tray 3 of the tray assembly 1 depicted in FIG.

[0078] As can be seen from the figure, water supplied into the water inlet section 9 hits the downwardly inclined guide surface 13 and flows along the downwardly inclined guide surface 13 into the reservoir 5 below the plurality of suspended members 7 .

[0079] The downwardly inclined guide surface 13 of the water flow guide 11 extends along the entire length of the water inlet section 9 and flows into at least a portion of the reservoir 5 of the tray 3. The portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface 13 located in the water inlet section 9 is raised above the highest water level of the reservoir 5. Therefore, no water can be collected on this portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface 13. In contrast, the portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface 13 located in the reservoir 5 is located below the highest water level of the reservoir 5 and is therefore in contact with the water present in the reservoir 5. However, as described above, the water here is isolated by a plurality of suspension members 7.

[0080] As shown in the attached figure Fig.15 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the downwardly inclined guide surface 13 of the water flow guide 11 extends substantially along the entire side of the tray 3, which side here preferably refers to the width of the tray 3. Because water can be fed into the water inlet section 9 along this entire side, this advantageously allows the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 to be filled relatively quickly.

[0081] also, Fig.15 and Fig.16A tray 3 is shown which comprises an intermediate reservoir 21 arranged downstream of the downwardly inclined guide surface 13 of the water flow guide 11. Water supplied into the water inlet section 9 first flows through the intermediate reservoir 21 before flowing into the reservoir 5 of the tray 3. The intermediate reservoir 21 comprises a net 23 which blocks debris and thereby prevents said debris from flowing into the reservoir 5.

[0082] In particular, Figure 7 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.15 , Fig.16 , Fig.19 and FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B The bottom 33 of the tray 3 is shown, and the bottom 33 of the tray 3 includes one or more support members 35 protruding upward relative to the bottom 33 of the tray. The one or more support members 35 are configured to support the one or more suspension members 7 above the bottom 33 of the tray 3, for example, when the reservoir 5 is empty or contains only a small amount (minimal amount) of water. The above-mentioned humid environment can be maintained between the bottom 33 of the tray 3 and the one or more suspension members 7.

[0083] Fig.15 and Fig.16 The support members 35 depicted each include a through hole 37. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As best depicted in , an extraction pin 39 comprised by a lifting mechanism 40 can be actuated to move through the through hole 37 of the tray 3 and abut the suspended member 7, thereby lifting the suspended member 7 upwardly, allowing the suspended member 7 to be removed from the reservoir 5 of the tray 3. Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B Various aspects of the lift mechanism 40 are also shown.

[0084] The lifting mechanism 40 may include a plurality of extraction pins 39 that are aligned with or at least configured to be aligned with each of the plurality of through holes 37 of the corresponding support member 35. For example, the lifting mechanism 40 may be integrated into the frame 2 that supports at least the tray 3 of the tray assembly 1, and thus the tray assembly 1 includes the frame 2. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism 40 may be part of the extraction or harvesting station 50. In these embodiments, the tray assembly 1 may be moved on the extraction or harvesting station 50 (e.g., by the frame 2 of the tray assembly 1 including wheels), after which the through holes 37 of the support member 35 may be aligned with the extraction pins 39, which are then actuated to lift at least one suspended member 7 out of the reservoir 5 of the tray 3 as described above. Thereafter, the remaining suspended members 7 may be manually removed from the reservoir 5 without using the lifting mechanism 40, because when at least one of the suspended members 7 has been removed from the reservoir 5 of the tray 3, these suspended members 7 may be easily grasped by hand. Once the lifting mechanism 40 has lifted the suspended piece 7 from the tray 3 at the extraction or harvesting station 50, additional suspended pieces 7 may float in this position in the tray 3 to be subsequently lifted out of the tray 3 by the lifting mechanism 40. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism 40 may be moved along the tray 3 to the position of other suspended pieces 7. In general, the lifting mechanism 40 and the tray 3 may be moved relative to each other so that all suspended pieces 7 may be lifted out of the tray 3 for further processing. For example, once a particular suspended piece 7 is lifted, a processing device (not shown) of the extraction or harvesting station 50 may receive the suspended piece 7 from the lifting mechanism 40 to perform further automated tasks in the horticultural system 52. When the suspended piece 7 is lifted vertically above the tray 3 by the lifting mechanism 40 to carry the suspended piece 7, such a processing device may include protrusions that may be arranged, for example, in a horizontal direction below the suspended piece 7. The suspended piece 7 may then be further processed in an automated manner using known techniques, including processing plants arranged in the suspended piece receptacle 8.

[0085] Now special reference Figures 19 to 22B , the lifting mechanism 40 includes an extraction pin 39 aligned with the through hole 37 in the support member 35 of the tray 3. The extraction pin 39 can be moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 40 to lift the suspended piece out of the tray 3 or lower the suspended piece into the reservoir 5 of the tray 3.

[0086] Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of a tray assembly 1 having a lifting mechanism 40 is depicted. The tray assembly 1 is otherwise similar to Fig.11 The lifting mechanism 40 is arranged on the side of the tray 3 opposite to the water inlet section 9. However, other positions are also conceivable, and the lifting mechanism 40 can be implemented to be movable by known means (such as wheels and drives) to occupy different positions along the tray 3.

[0087] Fig. 20 A suspension is depicted having a recess 12 in its bottom surface 10. The suspension 7 further comprises a receptacle 8 for receiving a plant to be cultivated.

[0088] Fig.21 Describes the connection Fig. 20 Detailed view of the lifting mechanism 40 of the tray 3. The extraction pin 39 of the lifting mechanism 40 can be aligned with the through hole 37 in the support 35 protruding from the bottom 33 of the tray 3. Once aligned, the extraction pin 39 can be moved to abut the suspension 7, in particular the recess 12 arranged in the bottom surface 10 of the suspension 7. The suspension 7 can then be lifted out of the tray 3.

[0089] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B This process is depicted in a cross-sectional view. The extraction pin 39 of the lifting mechanism 40 abuts against the suspension 7 and lifts the suspension 7 out of the tray 3. Here, the support 35 of the tray 3 together with the recess 12 of the suspension 7 define the height at which the suspension 7 can be arranged in the reservoir 5. When such a recess 12 is omitted from the suspension 7, for example a flat bottom surface 10 is to be used, only the support 35 of the tray 3 defines the height at which the suspension 7 can be arranged in the reservoir 5.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the tray 3 may include one or more edges 36 on which the overhang 7 (particularly its bottom surface 10) may rest in the receptacle 5 of the tray 3. Such edges 36 may also be provided on the tray 3. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.16 Shown in.

[0091] Reference now Fig.17 and Fig.18 , shows a watering device 45 for filling the reservoir 5 of the tray assembly 1 via the water inlet section 9 as described above. The watering device 45 comprises connection means 44 for connecting the watering device 45 to a water supply (not shown).

[0092] As from Fig.18As can be seen, the watering device 45 includes one or more water outlets 47. The watering device 45 is configured to be arranged above the above-mentioned tray assemblies 1, with one or more water outlets 47 aligned with the water inlet sections 9 of these corresponding tray assemblies 1. The one or more water outlets 47 are configured to output a relatively large water flow to fill the reservoir 5 of a given tray assembly 1, which makes the watering device 45 suitable for watering schemes (e.g., tidal watering) in which the reservoir 5 is to be quickly filled and then optionally discharged. In addition, the watering device 45 includes a plurality of drippers 51, each dripper 51 outputting a relatively small water flow for alternative watering schemes, such as a watering scheme in which water is continuously supplied to the reservoir 5 and discharged from the reservoir 5 at the same time.

[0093] In addition, one or more of the water outlets 47 include a tap aerator 49. The tap aerator 49 aerates the outgoing water flow with ambient air including oxygen, which can be absorbed by the plants. Another advantage of the tap aerator 49 is that the outgoing water flow of the water outlet 47 becomes more consistent and softer, which further reduces the possibility of water splashing during filling of the reservoir 5 of the tray assembly 1 as described above.

[0094] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a gardening system 52 comprising one or more trays 3 or tray assemblies 1 as described above and a watering device 45 which may optionally include a spigot aerator 49 and / or a lifting mechanism 40 as described above.

[0095] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a gardening method comprising using at least one of the tray assembly 1 , the tray 3 or the suspension 7 thereof and / or the gardening system 52 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or the watering device 45 described above.

[0096] It should be noted that the scope of protection for the research and development described in this disclosure is in no way limited to any particular features of the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain features disclosed herein in relation to one embodiment of the tray assembly 1 may also be applied to another embodiment of the tray assembly 1. For example, it is entirely conceivable that Figures 1 to 10 The depicted embodiment of the tray assembly includes a support member 35 having a through hole 37 .

[0097] The scope of protection is determined solely on the basis of the limitations of the attached independent claims, but in some jurisdictions, even obvious alternatives to the features in the independent claims may be included. Other variations of the specifically described elements, components and functions (which may also be embodied within the scope of the attached claims of the present disclosure) are at least hinted in the above-mentioned embodiment description, or the skilled person may be considered to be able to think of these variations within the general knowledge of the skilled person. Exemplary references to alternative embodiments confirm that any limitation to any specific feature that is not defined as a limitation in the independent claim is inappropriate.

Claims

1. A tray of a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, the tray comprising: - a reservoir configured to contain water and to receive one or more suspension members in the reservoir to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from the external environment, wherein the one or more suspension members are configured to receive one or more plants and are arranged in the reservoir and to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from the external environment; and - a water inlet section arranged adjacent to the reservoir and comprising a water flow guide, wherein the water flow guide has at least one of the following features: - the water flow guide defines a downwardly inclined guide surface configured to direct water received on the water flow guide into the reservoir such that the water level is below a height at which the one or more overhangs can be arranged in the reservoir; and The water flow guide comprises a through-flow opening configured to guide water into a chamber of the water inlet section fluidly connected to the reservoir, wherein the through-flow opening comprises a water-permeable membrane configured to substantially isolate the water in the water inlet section from the external environment.

2. The pallet according to claim 1, wherein: The downwardly inclined guide surface extends along substantially the entire side of the tray.

3. The pallet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the downwardly inclined guide surface arranged in the water inlet section is arranged above a maximum water level in the reservoir.

4. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate reservoir arranged downstream of the downwardly inclined guide surface.

5. The pallet according to claim 4, further comprising a net arranged at the intermediate storage.

6. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The water-permeable membrane comprises one or more flaps made of a flexible material.

7. The pallet according to claim 6, wherein: The flexible material of the water-permeable membrane is a non-light-transmitting material.

8. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A top surface of the water flow guide presents a downward slope in a direction toward the reservoir of the tray.

9. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The water flow guide is removably insertable into the tray.

10. The pallet according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the water flow guide and the tray includes a recess defining a fluid connection between the reservoir and the water inlet section of the tray.

11. A tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, comprising: - A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims; and - one or more suspension members, the one or more suspension members being configured to receive one or more plants, wherein the one or more suspension members are arranged or can be arranged in the reservoir of the tray to substantially isolate water contained in the reservoir from the external environment.

12. A gardening system comprising: - a pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a pallet assembly according to claim 11; and - A watering device configured to introduce water into the water inlet section of the tray.

13. The horticultural system of claim 12, wherein: The water outlet of the watering device includes a tap aerator, and the tap aerator is configured to aerate the water flow of the water outlet.

14. A method of gardening comprising using a tray according to any one of claims 1 to 10, using a tray assembly according to claim 11, or using a gardening system according to claim 12 or 13.

15. A tray of a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, the tray comprising: - a reservoir configured to contain water and to receive one or more suspension members in the reservoir to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from an external environment, wherein the one or more suspension members are configured to receive one or more plants and are arranged in the reservoir and to substantially isolate the water contained in the reservoir from an external environment; - a drain configured to drain water from the reservoir when the water level in the reservoir reaches a maximum water level; and - one or more support members protruding upwardly relative to the bottom of the reservoir and configured to support the one or more suspended members when the one or more suspended members are received in the reservoir, wherein the one or more support members include a through hole arranged above the maximum water level of the reservoir.

16. The pallet according to claim 15, wherein: The through holes are arranged at a top surface of the one or more supports.

17. A tray according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a water inlet section arranged adjacent to the reservoir and comprising a water flow guide, wherein The water flow guide has at least one of the following features: - the water flow guide defines a downwardly inclined guide surface configured to direct water received on the water flow guide into the reservoir such that the water level is below a height at which the one or more suspended members can be arranged in the reservoir; and - The water flow guide comprises a through-flow opening configured to guide water into a chamber of the water inlet section which is fluidically connected to the reservoir.

18. A suspended member of a tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, wherein: The suspension is configured to be arranged in the reservoir of the tray according to any one of claims 15 to 17 to substantially isolate water contained in the reservoir from the external environment, and comprises: - one or more receptacles configured to receive one or more plants; and - one or more recesses arranged at the bottom surface of the suspension and configured to receive the one or more supports of the tray.

19. The suspended member according to claim 18, wherein: The one or more recesses are formed as blind holes extending from the bottom surface of the suspension into the suspension.

20. The suspended member according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The one or more receiving portions are formed as through holes extending from a bottom surface of the suspension to a top surface of the suspension.

21. The suspended member according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: The cross-section of the one or more recesses is larger than the cross-section of the one or more receiving portions.

22. The suspended member according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein: A first two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more recesses is different from a second two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more receptacles.

23. A tray assembly for growing horticultural crops, comprising: - A pallet according to any one of claims 15 to 17; and - One or more suspended elements according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

24. The tray assembly of claim 23, wherein: The one or more recessed portions of the suspension member are recessed from the bottom surface of the suspension member by a distance that is smaller than the height of the one or more supporting members of the tray.

25. A tray assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: The cross-section of the one or more supports of the tray (particularly measured at the top of the supports) is larger than the cross-section of the one or more receiving portions of the suspended member (particularly measured at the bottom surface of the suspended member).

26. A tray assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The third two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more supports of the tray corresponds to the first two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more recesses of the suspended member and is different from the second two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more receiving portions.

27. The tray assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising: - a lifting mechanism comprising one or more extraction pins, which are aligned with or configured to be aligned with the through holes of the one or more supports, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to move the one or more extraction pins through the through holes of the one or more supports and abut against one or more suspended members that can be arranged in or are arranged in the reservoir of the tray, in particular abut against the one or more recesses of the one or more suspended members, and thereby lift the one or more suspended members out of the tray.

28. The tray assembly of claim 27, wherein: The second two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more extraction pins of the lifting mechanism corresponds to at least one of the third two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more support members of the tray and the first two-dimensional pattern defined by the one or more recesses of the suspended member.

29. A tray assembly according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The lifting mechanism is comprised of a frame configured to support at least the tray.

30. A lifting mechanism for a pallet assembly or a lifting mechanism for the pallet assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein: The lifting mechanism includes one or more extraction pins, which are aligned with the through holes of the one or more supporting members of the tray of the tray assembly or are configured to be aligned with the through holes, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to move the one or more extraction pins through the through holes of the one or more supporting members to abut against one or more suspended members arranged or capable of being arranged in the storage container of the tray and lift the one or more suspended members out of the tray.

31. A horticultural system comprising: - A tray assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 29; and - A lifting mechanism according to claim 30, Wherein, the through holes of the one or more supporting members of the tray, the one or more recesses of the optional suspended member, and the one or more extraction pins of the lifting mechanism are aligned or configured to be aligned to lift the suspended member out of the tray.

32. A method of gardening comprising using a tray according to any one of claims 15 to 17, a suspension according to any one of claims 18 to 22, a tray assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 29, a lifting mechanism according to claim 30, or a gardening system according to claim 31.

33. A gardening method according to claim 32, comprising raising or lowering one or more suspended members relative to the tray via a bottom surface of the one or more suspended members.

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