Method for operating a plant container and the same

Abstract

The invention relates, among other things, to a method for operating a plant container comprising a base for holding a plant and a planting space arranged above it, in particular a (circular) cylindrical space defined by at least one wall, which is preferably closed at the top, for example by a ceiling element, and which has lighting elements, and in particular at least one sensor for recording data relating to the state of the plant, characterized in that the lighting elements, preferably arranged one above the other, are switched depending on the growth stage of the plant, in particular such that a first, lower lighting element is switched on when a first, lower plant height is reached and a second, higher lighting element is switched on only when a second, greater plant height is reached.

Description

[0001] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a plant container.

[0002] Plant containers are generally well known from the state of the art, in their simplest form, for example, in the form of a flowerpot.

[0003] All kinds of plants, such as flowers, herbs, and the like, are grown in plant containers.

[0004] With increasing technological advancement, systems have emerged that enable autonomous, self-sufficient or automated cultivation of plants in appropriate containers.

[0005] Such plant containers typically have sensors that can measure physical conditions inside the plant container, such as temperature, humidity, or, above all, light intensity. Based on these measurements, these parameters can then be adjusted, typically automatically, for example, using actuators such as temperature control and / or lighting devices, or pumps that supply nutrients, or similar devices.

[0006] Such plant containers are typically hermetically sealed and in any case equipped with appropriate lighting elements.

[0007] Self-sufficient planting systems already function sufficiently well, but fundamentally there is still room for improvement: Especially in times of energy crises, there are fundamental efforts to provide even more ecological and energy-saving systems (or methods for operating them).

[0008] The invention solves this problem according to a first aspect with a method according to the main claim of the present patent application and is therefore particularly characterized in that the lighting elements of the plant container are switched depending on the growth stage of the plant.

[0009] In other words, the idea is to detect the height of the plant grown in the plant container and, depending on the detected height, to switch on lighting elements (which are then typically located in a higher area of ​​the planting space).

[0010] In this case, it is advantageously provided that a first of the lighting elements, which is positioned lower relative to the planting space or plant container, is switched on as soon as a first, lower plant height is reached. A second of the provided lighting elements, which is positioned higher relative to the planting space or plant container (at least higher than the first lighting element), is only switched on or connected once the plant has grown (and reached a greater height).

[0011] In this advantageous embodiment, the lighting elements are arranged at different heights (particularly in relation to the planting space or the plant container).

[0012] The lighting elements can be arranged at different heights on or in the wall of the plant container, which encloses the planting space.

[0013] The planting space can preferably be enclosed by a homogeneous wall (typically a cylindrical one) or by a wall composed of several pieces (for example, if the cross-sectional shape of the wall in plan view is not round or elliptical, but for example rectangular or polygonal).

[0014] For example, a more or less cuboid-shaped planting space can have four walls. For the purposes of the invention, such a configuration can alternatively be described as a (combined) wall with four partial walls.

[0015] The arrangement of the lighting elements in or on the wall enables the method according to the invention to be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

[0016] In the case of state-of-the-art self-sufficient plant containers, the lighting sources were typically located in the ceiling area of ​​the plant container (for example, in the lid).

[0017] The invention recognizes that the arrangement on the wall enables a method according to the invention.

[0018] The individual lighting elements can be arranged at different heights on or in the wall.

[0019] These lighting elements can be provided on the wall (i.e. on the side of the wall which is assigned to the planting space) or in the wall, but in any case in such a way that it is possible to illuminate the plant arranged in the plant container.

[0020] In the event that the lighting elements are arranged in the wall, recesses can be arranged in the wall for the installation of the lighting elements, or the lighting elements can be recessed into the wall, and the planting space is then assigned a part of the wall which is, for example, transparent or translucent or similar.

[0021] In any case, lighting elements arranged one above the other can be addressed or switched on at different times in the method according to the invention.

[0022] The invention also encompasses the possibility of the lighting elements arranged at different heights being operated at different intensities so that they produce different light intensities depending on the growth stage.

[0023] In addition to the above, it is not only possible for a lower lighting element to be switched on at a certain planting height while one above is not. Alternatively, it is possible for the upper lighting element to also be switched on, but with a lower illuminance or with a lower power or similar. This is also encompassed by the main claim.

[0024] Finally, the main claim—at least in its broadest version—even encompasses switching the lighting elements depending on the plant's growth stage, in terms of their light color or similar. This can also be an advantageous method in principle, for example, if a plant prefers different light in an earlier growth stage than in a later one.

[0025] In any case, the growth stage can be monitored (automatically), for which purpose, for example, sensors in the plant container (especially those associated with the planting space) are provided.

[0026] These sensors, which are capable of monitoring the growth stage of the plant, can preferably be optical sensors, such as distance sensors or cameras (whereby the plant container according to the invention can then evaluate the recorded camera images).

[0027] However, the invention should not exclude the possibility of monitoring the growth stage purely manually and then manually communicating the growth stage to the plant container, for example via a keyboard or another interface.

[0028] The plant container can then, regardless of how the growth stage is detected, automatically switch on or activate the lighting elements (in theory, however, it is of course also possible for the growth stage to be automatically monitored by the plant container and then the different lights to be manually activated).

[0029] Since the invention preferably involves a self-sufficient or automated plant container, the most preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the growth stage of the plant is automatically or automatically monitored or detected by the plant container, and the plant container automatically or automatically switches on the lighting elements based on the monitoring results. In this embodiment, the user does not need to intervene and can, for example, be absent or on vacation or similar.

[0030] The lighting elements can, for example, be LEDs, which are particularly economical. Therefore, the lighting elements are lamps or luminaires, especially light bulbs. However, in the broadest sense, mirror elements or similar elements assigned to the planting area should not be excluded.

[0031] The plant container according to the invention comprises, in particular, a base and a planting chamber arranged above it (which is defined by at least one wall). The base can extend into the planting chamber. The base and wall or casing of the planting chamber can be formed as a single piece or, preferably, in multiple pieces and can be separated from one another (for example, via a fastening mechanism, in particular in the form of a thread or a locking mechanism or the like).

[0032] The base can in particular have a planting tray for the plant, into which, for example, soil or substrate is inserted, in which the plant itself or as a seed can be planted.

[0033] However, the invention also encompasses other planting systems, such as hydroponics, for which a specially adapted base can be used.

[0034] The base essentially serves to make it possible to lift the plant container without the plant falling through and / or to hermetically seal the planting space.

[0035] In a very broad version, however, it could also be intended that the base is a surface of an object located below the planting space, such as a table or similar.

[0036] Preferably, the planting space is enclosed at the top by a ceiling element. This is the most typical case, since self-contained plant containers are usually enclosed. However, the method according to the invention also works in principle with a plant container that is open at the top.

[0037] The ceiling element can be a fixed ceiling element or an openable ceiling element, for example in the form of a lid.

[0038] In this sense, the plant container can, in particular, be divided into three parts: a base, a shell area (with at least one wall) that encloses the planting space, and a ceiling element. In keeping with a modular concept, these three elements (or at least the shell area and the base) can be designed to be detachable from one another.

[0039] Since the plant container is preferably self-contained, it preferably has at least one sensor to analyze or monitor the condition of the plant arranged in the plant container. For this purpose, the sensor can record data, which is then transferred to a control unit of the plant container. In this sense, the plant container can have a microcontroller and / or data storage device and / or an interface for (particularly wireless) connection to a data storage device and / or a processing unit. Typically, the plant container has its own control unit, but also an interface for digital communication with other technical devices.

[0040] As already explained above, the sensor can be, for example, a distance sensor, a photo sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a light barrier, a humidity sensor, a sensor for measuring the nutrient content in the medium substrate in which the plant grows, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic, lidar, infrared, laser, distance sensor or similar.

[0041] Preferably, more than one sensor is provided, typically a whole array of sensors, to obtain as much information as possible about the condition in the planting area or base. These sensors are typically installed in the plant container, for example, in or on the ceiling element and / or in the wall area of ​​the planting area and / or base.

[0042] All types of plants can be grown in the planting container, such as crops, ornamental plants, herbs, young trees, and the like. These can typically be grown from seed to harvest in the planting container.

[0043] The plant container typically also contains appropriate actuators that can influence and control various parameters (in the planting chamber or the base), particularly depending on the measurements taken by the sensors. Thus, appropriate actuators, such as nutrient pumps, ventilation systems, temperature control elements, and lighting elements, can influence light, air, water, and / or nutrient conditions.

[0044] The invention achieves the stated object according to the independent claim 2 with a plant container, which is particularly characterized in that the lighting elements are assigned to at least one wall. The lighting elements can be arranged on or in the wall.

[0045] In particular, they are arranged at different heights to enable the implementation of a method according to the main claim.

[0046] Further advantageously, the lighting elements are designed as LEDs or contain such.

[0047] Advantages or features already described relating to the method according to the invention shall also apply to the plant container according to the invention and shall be deemed disclosed in connection with the latter. The same applies, of course, in reverse: All features and advantages relating to the plant container described previously or later shall also be deemed disclosed in connection with the method according to the invention according to the main claim.

[0048] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting elements are arranged substantially uniformly around the vertical central axis of the planting space. This configuration enables particularly uniform illumination of the plant being grown from all sides. The lighting elements can, for example, be arranged on a fictitious cylindrical surface extending around the central axis.

[0049] In this sense, the lighting elements are preferably at the same distance from the central axis when viewed from above (into the planting area). Other designs are also considered to be essentially uniform. This can mean a rotationally symmetrical and / or mirror-symmetrical arrangement when viewed from above.

[0050] What is crucial for understanding this optional feature, however, is that the lighting elements are arranged (evenly) around the vertical central axis and not, for example, only on one side of the planting space.

[0051] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting elements are arranged in horizontal groups. These horizontal groups particularly facilitate the implementation of the method according to the invention: For example, a horizontally upper group can be provided, which is only controlled / switched on (in time) after a horizontally lower group (for example, when the plant has grown further).

[0052] It is particularly advantageous if the horizontal group is arranged essentially in a circle around the vertical central axis of the planting space. Alternatively, a rectangular arrangement surrounding the central axis can also be provided (for example, in a planting space with a rectangular or polygonal cross-section). In both cases, a ring-like arrangement is created.

[0053] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lighting elements comprise LEDs. In particular, the lighting elements can be designed as LED strips.

[0054] In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, this can be carried out in such a way that LED strips surround the central axis of the planting space in a circular ring, each at a constant height and arranged parallel to one another.

[0055] Since lighting elements, even LEDs, typically emit (small) amounts of heat, the lighting elements can in particular be arranged or aligned in such a way that they emit their heat away from the planting space, i.e. outwards with respect to the plant container.

[0056] In order to be able to better dissipate the heat generated during operation of the lighting elements, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the plant container has cooling fins on its outside.

[0057] In other words, these are heat exchanger fins, similar to those found in heat exchanger tubes or similar devices. The fins increase the outer surface of the plant container in the area of ​​the lighting elements, thus enabling better heat exchange or heat dissipation with or to the environment.

[0058] These cooling fins can be aligned vertically and / or parallel, which further improves their thermal effect (with regard to the rising, dissipated air). In principle, the fins can be straight. However, helical fins or similar designs are also conceivable.

[0059] The ribs are therefore assigned to the shell area of ​​the plant container (and in particular only to this area, i.e. not, for example, to the ceiling element or the base, even if this is of course not excluded by the invention).

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the following feature can also be combined with the latter feature. This feature consists in the plant container (particularly in its shell area, i.e., between the ceiling element and the base) having a cooling layer made of thermally highly conductive plastic. This embodiment of the invention also serves to dissipate heat from the lighting elements. The cooling layer can either form the entire wall (or all walls) of the plant container or only an (outer) layer of the plant container, in the area of ​​the (side) wall or walls. In particular, this cooling layer can also form the aforementioned cooling fins.

[0061] This cooling layer preferably consists of a composite material and / or surrounds the planting space. The composite material can be produced, in particular, by incorporating fillers into a polymer matrix, with the fillers consisting, for example, of metallic and / or ceramic materials (such as aluminum oxide, boron nitride, copper, graphite, and / or diamond powder).

[0062] According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plant container has an additional (at least partially transparent or translucent) protective wall between the lighting elements and the planting space.

[0063] On the one hand, such a protective wall offers protection against damage to the lighting elements. More importantly, however, it prevents shadows, which could potentially occur if the plants grow outward and, for example, cover the lighting elements with their leaves. This partially transparent protective wall prevents complete shading. The lighting elements thus always maintain a minimum distance from the plant, its leaves, or parts.

[0064] In order to avoid disturbing the lighting properties, the protective wall is transparent or at least translucent, at least in the area of ​​the lighting elements.

[0065] Preferably, the protective wall is completely transparent and consists, for example, of (plexi-)glass or similar or a suitable plastic.

[0066] The protective wall can be made of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and / or acrylic.

[0067] A design has proven particularly preferred in which the protective wall is designed as a cylindrical casing body which is inserted into the plant container and which surrounds the wall or walls from the inside and thus the planting space from the outside.

[0068] Preferably, this protective wall can be provided with perforations. Extensive tests have shown that, while a protective wall is generally beneficial for counteracting the aforementioned shading effects, it can lead to mold growth, which is prevented by perforations.

[0069] The perforation can then, of course, preferably be provided in the protective wall in the areas that are not assigned to the lighting elements - e.g. with regard to the height between the lighting elements - (since otherwise the above-mentioned shading effect could occur again).

[0070] In other words, a perforation can be provided in a height range between height-staggered lighting groups or LED strips.

[0071] Alternatively, it is also possible for the perforation to be continuous, meaning that holes are also provided at the height where the lighting groups are located. In particular, the holes can be made small enough (e.g., less than 5 mm). With such small holes, plants typically cannot penetrate them (with their leaves), thus reliably preventing shading effects.

[0072] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plant container has a camera. This camera is particularly integrated into the plant container. It is preferably assigned to the planting space and can optically record or detect it. The camera can take individual photographs or record films, or even (only) detect color developments or similar. It enables manual monitoring by a user from outside (e.g., via a mobile phone app), particularly in hermetically sealed or closed planting spaces.

[0073] It can be arranged in particular in the ceiling element.

[0074] A user can interact with the plant container from the outside, for example, by assigning a wireless communication interface to the plant container. This can be integrated into the container. This allows the user to display the data recorded by the sensors and camera (via an app) on a device such as a PC, tablet, mobile phone, smartwatch, or similar. The user can thus obtain information about the "inner workings" of the closed plant container from a distance or even from close up, without having to open the plant container.

[0075] Likewise, he can make changes or modifications to the physical framework parameters, such as temperature or lighting, via the communication interface, for example by operating control elements on a terminal device that interact with the control system of the plant container.

[0076] In this way, it can address the actuators mentioned above and thus supply the plant with nutrients or fertilizers or light or temperature or similar.

[0077] The interface can be, for example, a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or internet interface, or another suitable technical interface, especially a wireless one. Of course, a wired interface can also be provided, although this is probably less common these days.

[0078] According to a further aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved with a system which has a plant container according to the invention and an interchangeable base.

[0079] The removable base can be swapped out for the planter's regular base, for example, if the regular base is damaged or something similar. This allows for repairs without having to dispose of the entire planter.

[0080] Furthermore, the interchangeable base can also be designed differently from the original base. For example, it can be suitable for accommodating other plant species (such as hydroponics or similar).

[0081] After cultivating the first plant, the original base can be exchanged for the interchangeable base to cultivate a different plant species that requires a different base. This makes the entire system very flexible.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the ceiling element (which, for example, is designed like a lid) can be exchanged for a removable ceiling element. This removable lid element can, for example, contain different sensors, or it can be the same, or it can have windows of different sizes, or something similar.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the plant container can either be completely light-tight or it can have windows for inspection, openable gaps, hatches or lockable “shutters” or similar.

[0084] Further advantages of the invention emerge from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. In these figures: Fig. 1a an embodiment of the plant container according to the invention, in a very schematic exploded view, which shows the design with three, in particular detachable, elements, Fig. 1b the plant container according to Fig. 1a, in a side exploded view, approximately according to view arrow Ib in Fig. 1a, Fig. 2 in a slightly elevated side view, only the shell area of ​​the plant container according to the invention according to Fig. 1, in which in particular the lighting elements inside the plant container are visible and the ceiling element is generally not, in which, however, for reasons of clarity, the sensor assigned to the ceiling element (hanging in the air) is indicated, Fig. 3 of the Fig. 1 depicted plant container, in a very schematic, lateral sectional view with a young plant arranged therein and the lower lighting elements switched on, Fig. 4 the plant container according to Fig. 3 at a later stage, with the plant more grown and the activated lighting elements positioned higher, and Fig. 5 an interchangeable base of the plant container shown in the preceding drawings, in a very schematic plan view.

[0085] Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or regions are designated by identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters or apostrophes, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0086] Features described only with reference to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments are encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0087] All disclosed features are essential to the invention in themselves. The disclosure of the application hereby fully incorporates the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application), as well as the cited publications and the described prior art devices, also for the purpose of incorporating individual or multiple features of these documents into one or more claims of the present application.

[0088] Fig. Figure 1a initially shows an exploded view or a schematic side perspective view of a plant container 10 according to the invention, from which figure its basic three-part structure becomes clear: The plant container consists of a base 11, a ceiling element 12 and a casing segment 13 arranged therebetween, in particular a central one.

[0089] The shell segment 13 is hollow and forms in its interior the Fig. 1 not yet visible planting space for the plant to be grown there.

[0090] The plant is held by the base 11, for which purpose the base can, for example, provide a planting trough 14 (which can, for example, be trough-shaped or hollow-cylindrical or similar), into which a user can introduce a substrate, such as plant soil, potting soil or other substrates (in particular potting substrates) and into which young plants or seeds can then be inserted.

[0091] An exchange of the base 11, which will be explained later, can alternatively enable the cultivation of plants with a substrate-free base, whereby the base can then have, for example, a hydroponic or aeroponic system.

[0092] The ceiling element 12 is designed in particular as a cover (which is particularly Fig. 1b). The ceiling element 12 can, in addition to control electronics and actuators discussed later, also have one or more sensors, one of which is shown as an example in Fig. 1a and is provided with the reference number 15.

[0093] The sensor 15 is, for example, a distance sensor which can measure, in particular, the distance to the upper region of the growing plant during operation of the plant container 10.

[0094] In addition, Fig. 1a shows a recessed grip 16 for the lid or cover element 12, which may optionally be provided with or connected to a locking mechanism for the container 10.

[0095] In the present embodiment, access to the casing segment 13 or the planting space can therefore be achieved via the ceiling element 12.

[0096] Fig. Finally, Figure 1a shows that the casing segment 13 in the present case is essentially cylindrical. The cylinder of the casing segment 13 is provided by a more or less integral wall 16, which encloses the invisible planting area in a cylindrical manner (i.e., in plan view, in the shape of a circular ring).

[0097] On the outside of the casing segment 13, the wall 16 forms ribs 17, which in the exemplary embodiment are aligned substantially vertically, i.e. along the vertical direction y.

[0098] The ribs 17 can be formed integrally, in particular by a material bond, with the wall 16 or can be attached separately to it. Their vertical orientation is merely exemplary, but appears to be preferred for thermal and aesthetic reasons.

[0099] The fins 17 are also referred to as cooling fins because they enlarge the outer surface of the wall 16 or the casing segment 13, thus improving heat exchange with the atmosphere or surroundings 18. Heat generated by the plant container 10 (by its lighting elements, which will be described later) can be dissipated to these. The casing segment 13 thus has an outer wall 16 that serves as a heat exchanger.

[0100] This is supported by the fact that the material of the ribs and / or the wall 16 can typically consist of a plastic, in particular a composite material, which has particularly good thermally conductive properties.

[0101] This material can be improved in terms of its thermal conductivity, particularly by incorporating fillers into a polymer matrix. The fillers used can consist, in particular, of metallic and / or ceramic materials (such as aluminum oxide, boron nitride, copper, graphite, or diamond powder).

[0102] Such configurations improve the design of the wall 16 as a heat exchanger.

[0103] Even if the three essential elements 11, 12 and 13 are shown in the exploded view according to Fig. 1a are shown separately, they are nevertheless secured to one another during operation and after assembly of the plant container. For this purpose, the casing segment 13 can be screwed to the base 11, for example, or secured in some other way. The lid or ceiling element 12 can be attached (hinged) to the casing segment.

[0104] In the fully assembled state, the plant container can thus form a planting space within itself (in particular in the area of ​​the casing segment 13), which can in particular be airtight and / or opaque and / or hermetically sealed or locked.

[0105] In order to ensure that nutrients can still be supplied to the plant and / or the planting tray 14 afterwards, lines and / or pumps for conveying nutrients can be provided in individual or all of the three basic elements 11, 12, 13 mentioned.

[0106] In the simplest version, however, this nutrient supply is probably realized via the ceiling element 12, for example, in the manner of a "plant shower," whereby the plant can be sprayed with the appropriate nutrients from above. Accordingly, the ceiling element can also include a nutrient container or similar.

[0107] In addition to the distance sensor shown, other sensors can also be provided in the plant container, particularly in the ceiling element 12, such as ultrasonic, lidar, infrared, laser, distance, and capacitive sensors. In particular, a camera system can also be provided.

[0108] Fig. 2 then shows the casing segment 13 of the plant container 10 according to the invention in a single view, in which the cover element 12 is omitted, but not completely, since the sensor 15 of the cover element 12 is still shown in order to clarify its position relative to the casing segment 13, at least when the cover is closed (but in Fig. 2 (not shown) ceiling element 12.

[0109] A special feature of the invention shows Fig. 2 in the slightly raised initial perspective, which allows a view into the planting space 19 arranged in the casing segment 13: Thus, on the inner side 20 of the wall 16, parallel offset LED strips 21 are provided with respect to the height extension y of the plant container 10 or the casing segment 13, of which in Fig. 2, the top six are shown as examples. In reality, however, these LED strips 21 extend into the lower edge area 22 of the wall 16 or the casing segment 13.

[0110] In a top view, these LED strips would thus be arranged coaxially one behind the other, in a circular ring around the (vertical) central axis 23 of the planting space 19.

[0111] In this way, the LED strips 21 enable a particularly homogeneous illumination of the plants arranged in the planting space 19, Fig. 2 but still not visible, plant.

[0112] The LED strips 21 can be typical LED strips. For example, RGB, WW, CW, RGBW, RGBWW, UV, and / or IR LED strips are possible (a combination of the above is also possible). Low-voltage or high-voltage LEDs can be used (a combination is also possible here). However, other suitable lighting elements, in particular LEDs or LED strips, can also be used instead.

[0113] Since even the most economical LEDs cannot completely avoid heat generation, Fig. 2, that the LED strips 21 are arranged on the inner side 20 of the wall 16, towards the interior or the planting area 19, while their rear side faces outwards. In the outdoor area, the wall 16 then has the Fig. 1a, which (if necessary in conjunction with the particularly suitable material of the wall 16) can ensure excellent heat dissipation.

[0114] Fig. 3 then shows, in a sectional view through the plant container 10 according to the invention, the plant 24 to be grown for the first time. The plant 24 is evidently Fig. 3 planted in the planting tray 14, in which an unspecified substrate 29 is located.

[0115] The sensor 15 arranged (centrally) in the ceiling element 12 can measure the distance of the plant tip 25 to the sensor 15 or ceiling element 12, as shown by an indicated, dashed line, which distance in Fig. 3 is designated E1.

[0116] Fig. 4 then shows, in a substantially identical view, a later point in time of plant growth of the plant 24, at which the plant 24 has grown significantly and the plant tip 25' is only at a distance E2 from the sensor 15 or the ceiling element 12.

[0117] The method according to the invention makes use of this as follows: In or on the wall 16 of the casing segment 13, the already Fig. 2 described LED strip 21 arranged in Fig. 3 shows twelve of them (21a to 21l) as an example. LED strip 21a represents the lowest LED strip in terms of vertical extension y, while LED strip 21l represents the highest LED strip.

[0118] In a situation according to Fig. 3, in which a distance E1 to the plant tip 25 is measured by the sensor 15, in the method according to the invention, for example, the lighting elements 21a to 21c can be switched on in order to illuminate the plant 24 evenly (wherein in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 For reasons of clarity, only the topmost active LED strips 21 are indicated as activated).

[0119] The LED strips 21d to 211 can remain switched off and thus save energy, since the still small plant 24 is sufficiently irradiated with light.

[0120] In a situation according to Fig. 4, in which the distance between plant tip 25' and sensor 15 is much smaller (with E2 < E1), many more lighting elements are activated, namely lighting elements 21a to 21j. Only lighting elements 21k and 21l are still switched off. These can then be successively switched on as the plant continues to grow.

[0121] Finally, regarding the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, it should be noted that a further feature of a plant container 10 according to the invention is indicated here, which in Fig. 2 has been omitted for the sake of clarity. Thus, on the inner side 20 of the wall 16, a further wall is provided, namely a transparent (or at least translucent) protective wall 26. This protective wall 26 is also circumferential and consists, for example, of glass or Plexiglas or another suitable, in any case translucent or transparent, plastic.

[0122] The wall 26 can be provided by a single-piece body, for example in the form of a hollow-cylindrical (shell-like) insert, which can be inserted into the inner side 20 of the wall 16 during assembly of the plant container 10 and thus also encloses the planting space 19. This protective wall 26 serves to prevent a shadowing effect that could occur if the leaves of the plant 24 grow toward the lighting elements 21, touching and thus covering them.

[0123] If, on the other hand, the transparent wall 26 is present, this does not impair the lighting activity of the lighting elements 21, but the plant 24 cannot reach the lighting element 21 with its leaves and cannot completely cover it, so that no or only slight shadow effects are created.

[0124] For reasons of clarity, only Fig. 3, specifically in the upper right area, a further possible design of said protective wall 26 is indicated: This protective wall 26 can have a perforation 27, wherein the perforation 27 is only shown in cross-section on one side for the area between the LED strips 21i and 21j, between the LED strips 21j and 21k and between the LED strips 21k and 21l.

[0125] This perforation can counteract the formation of mold on the inner side 20 of the wall 16, and thus on the outer side 28 of the protective wall 26.

[0126] The perforation can, of course, be present over the entire height of the casing segment 13. Again: Only for reasons of clarity, Fig. 3 only three such holes are shown and in Fig. 4 none at all, although they may be present there over the entire height and in terms of the section on both sides, relative to the protective wall 26.

[0127] The perforation 27 is provided exactly in the area between the individual lighting elements 21 so that the efforts to exclude the shading effect are not counteracted by the perforation.

[0128] Finally, Fig. 5 shows a highly schematic top view of an interchangeable base 11'. It is immediately noticeable that this also has a planting tray 14', although it is much smaller or only offers access to a room or tank below in the form of a hole.

[0129] Another special feature is that, unlike the basic base 11 shown in the other figures, the interchangeable base 11' has ribs 17'. This is intended to clarify that the rib structure does not have to be limited exclusively to the shell segment 13, but can certainly continue in the area of ​​the base or be incorporated in the area of ​​the ceiling element (not shown). For clarification: The fins 17' are, of course, formed separately from the fins 17 of the shell segment 13. However, after the interchangeable base 11' has been joined to the shell segment 13, they can be aligned in continuation of the ribs 17, thus ensuring a satisfactory appearance.

[0130] Overall, to replace the base 11 with the interchangeable base 11', the base 11 can first be separated from the rest of the plant container 10 or the casing segment 13. For this purpose, a detachable connection between the casing segment 13 and the base 11 is provided, for example in the form of a screw thread or in the form of locking or click elements or the like. Corresponding locking means or threads or similar connecting means are not shown in the figures and therefore also in Fig. 5 not apparent.

[0131] It is only important that the exchange base 11' has the same means (not shown) as the standard base 11 (according to the previous figures).

[0132] Starting from Fig. 4, for example, a maximum planting height of 24 can be achieved.

[0133] A user can remove the plant 24 (e.g., by opening the lid element 12) and then transplant it to another location or the like.

[0134] If the user now wants to grow a completely different type of plant, which requires a different substrate or even a hydroponic or aeroponic system, he can completely remove the base 11 from the shell segment 13 and instead use an interchangeable base, such as the one in Fig. 5, attach the interchangeable base 11' to the casing segment 13, and then transplant a new seed or young plant into the planting container 10.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a, in particular self-sufficient, plant container (10), which comprises a base (11) for holding a plant (24) and a planting space (19) arranged thereabove, in particular a (circular) cylindrical space, defined by at least one wall (16), which is preferably closed at the top, for example by a ceiling element (12), and lighting elements (21), and in particular at least one sensor (15) for recording data relating to the state of the plant (24), characterized by that the lighting elements (21), which are preferably arranged one above the other, are switched depending on the growth stage of the plant (24), in particular in such a way that a first, lower one of the lighting elements (21e) is switched on when a first, lower plant height is reached and a second, higher one of the lighting elements (21j) is switched on only when a second, greater plant height is reached. [2] Plant container (10), comprising a base (11) for holding a plant (24), a planting space (19) arranged thereabove, in particular a (circular) cylindrical space, defined by at least one wall (16), which is preferably closed at the top, for example by a ceiling element (12), further comprising lighting elements (21), and in particular at least one sensor (15) for recording data relating to the state of the plant (24), characterized by that the lighting elements (21), preferably comprising LEDs, are assigned to the at least one wall (16), in particular arranged at different heights on or in the wall (16). [3] Plant container (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that the lighting elements (21) are arranged substantially uniformly around the vertical central axis of the planting space (19). [4] Plant container (10) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized bythat the lighting elements (21) are provided in horizontal groups and / or by LED strips, in particular surrounding the planting space (19) in a circle. [5] Plant container (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the plant container (10) has on its outer side, preferably vertically aligned, cooling fins (17) which in particular surround the planting space (19). [6] Plant container (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the plant container (10), in particular on its outer side, has a cooling layer made of thermally highly conductive plastic, preferably a composite material, which layer in particular surrounds the planting space (19). [7] Plant container (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized bythat the plant container (10) provides an additional at least partially transparent or translucent protective wall (26) between the lighting elements (21) and the planting space (19), which preferably has a perforation (27). [8] Plant container (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by that it has an (integrated) camera. [9] System comprising a plant container (10) according to one of claims 2 to 8, and at least one interchangeable base (11'), which differs in particular from the base (11), and which can be exchanged for the base (11) of the plant container (10), preferably without tools and / or manually. [10] Plant container (10), method or system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the plant container (10) has a wireless communication interface, in particular a Bluetooth or Internet interface, so that the plant container (10) can be operated and / or monitored remotely without wires, for example with the aid of a mobile phone, tablet or the like.

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