MODULAR HYDROPONIC PLANT CULTIVATION DEVICE

Abstract

A modular hydroponic plant cultivation device 1 is described, comprising a nutrient solution reservoir 2 and a plant tower 3, which is attached to a lid 4 on the reservoir 2 and has plant mounting elements 5 on its exterior. A conduit 6 runs inside the plant tower 3, through which nutrient solution from the reservoir 2 is supplied to the plants by means of a pump. Light-beam-like extensions 8 are formed on the sides of the plant tower 3, each equipped with a light 9 that can illuminate the plant at varying distances. The light-beam-like extensions 8 are pivotable relative to the upper contour of the reservoir and, when pivoted, are form-congruent with the reservoir's shape. The light-beam-like extensions 8 can be pivoted by means of respective pivot levers 12 from the top of the reservoir 2, which forms a stop when pivoted, to their maximum extension.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hydroponic plant cultivation device with which plants can be cultivated in a tower-like technical device without the use of soil.

[0002] Such devices have been offered for some time and serve to make the cultivation of plants, especially vegetables, not only healthier, but also economically viable, independent of inflation, availability, or deteriorating climatic conditions.

[0003] In accordance with this importance, numerous such devices are known in the prior art. Particular attention has been paid to the optimization of the function of a mandatory nutrient liquid reservoir, on which a planting tower for receiving plant absorption elements is arranged, to ensure a consistently uniform distribution of the nutrient liquid in terms of concentration and temperature within the reservoir, thus preventing the formation of so-called cold spots. The reservoir has a domed lid on which the planting tower sits. This basic design is described in numerous prior art documents, such as…In US 2021 227763 A1 and US 11076542 B1, the pump and the line for conveying the nutrient solution to the top of the planting tower, from where the solution is supplied to the plant roots, are located outside the container. This basic design is also found in US 10888055 B2, US 2020 375126 A1, and US 10588277 B2. All of these known devices have in common that minor optimizations and improvements have been made to the details over time. However, they are not equipped with special lights to support plant growth in the sense of cultivating healthy and uniformly growing vegetables. For example, CA 3115676 A1 describes light bars with lights that are fixed to the top of the tower and the container lid opposite several planting towers arranged on a container, without any possibility of adjustment or modification.In other known systems, the idea was implemented that several hydroponic plant cultivation devices were combined into larger units and lighting was provided from above via suspended ceiling lights, which are decoupled from the actual individual plant cultivation devices.

[0004] Furthermore, US Patent 2020 / 0093082 A1 describes a hydroponic plant cultivation device comprising a nutrient solution reservoir with a plant tower on its lid, containing plant mounting elements, a conduit running inside the plant tower through which nutrient solution can be supplied to the plants by means of a pump, and lights connected to the nutrient solution reservoir. The plant tower is rotatable by means of an electric motor, so that as the plants pass the rod-shaped light elements, they alternate between a dark and a bright, illuminated state. The distance between the light elements and the surface of the plant tower and the plants within it remains constant.

[0005] US Patent 2017 / 0105360 A1 also describes a hydroponic plant cultivation device, which is arranged on a nutrient liquid reservoir in the form of a box-shaped structure and contains plant receiving elements. Light elements are pivotally mounted on the sides of the container, specifically on the sides of the box-shaped structure, and can be pivotally attached there. The light elements 34, aligned vertically with the height of the box-shaped plant tower, are attached at defined heights via an arm element mounted on the sides of the box-shaped structure and thus protrude from the entire hydroponic plant cultivation device. The light elements illuminate the plants with light from the arm element and the vertical light elements pointing towards the box-shaped plant tower.When moving such plant towers, special care must be taken to ensure that the protruding light elements are not damaged.

[0006] The object of the present invention, compared to known plant cultivation devices, is to further improve the usability of such devices, to overcome the disadvantages of these prior art devices, and to equip the plant cultivation devices with improved properties with regard to growth and health aspects for consumption. This object also includes aspects such as the utilization of the nutrient solution throughout the plant's lifespan, monitoring of the conditions inside the plant cultivation device to prevent the formation of germs, segregation, and concentration differences in the nutrient solution.

[0007] This problem is solved with a hydroponic plant cultivation device having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] A significant advantage is that the device according to the invention enables optimal plant nutrient preparation for the best and healthiest plant growth, while reducing water consumption by up to 95% compared to conventional systems during sowing / planting and harvesting by reusing and recycling the nutrient liquid and supplying nutrients to maintain a constant concentration of the nutrient liquid.

[0009] The hydroponic plant cultivation device according to the invention comprises a nutrient liquid reservoir, on the lid of which, sealing the nutrient liquid reservoir, a plant tower is mounted. The plant tower has plant support elements on its outer circumference, arranged with their respective openings facing upwards, so that, firstly, the plants within are reliably held and can grow, and secondly, the nutrient liquid supplied to them in the root area cannot flow outwards, but instead flows back to the interior of the plant tower, allowing the liquid to be replenished in the reservoir. From the reservoir, the nutrient liquid is conveyed back to the upper part of the plant tower via a pipe.For this purpose, a pipe is provided inside the planting tower, through which the nutrient liquid is supplied to the plants by means of a pump preferably located inside the container.

[0010] According to the invention, lights designed as lightsabers are provided, positioned remotely from the planting tower and integrally connected to the container. These lightsabers are designed to extend from the area of ​​the container's lid along the length or height of the planting tower. The planting tower itself is preferably composed of several stackable modules, allowing its height to be flexibly adjusted. The individual stackable modules are designed internally such that the internal wiring can be plugged together in such a way that, regardless of the planting tower's height, the wiring sections within the individual stackable modules are reliably connected, preferably by plugging them together.

[0011] According to the invention, each light saber has a pivoting lever at its lower end. The light sabers can be pivoted around a pivot pin on the top of the container by means of a pivoting lever. This pivoting action varies the distance of the light saber from the outside of the plant tower and thus from the plants. This is important and advantageous for different growth cycles, sustainability, and efficiency because the irradiation of the cultivated plants can be optimally varied and adjusted in terms of size and effectiveness by changing the distance between the lights of the light saber and the respective plants. The pivoting levers are designed so that, in their container stop position, they are form-conforming to and abut the top of the container.When the swivel levers are in their container stop position, the lights of the light sabers are at their smallest distance from the plants, i.e., from the outside of the plant tower.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydroponic plant cultivation device has a liquid distributor in the upper part of the plant tower, which is designed such that the nutrient liquid conveyed by the pump, which is preferably located inside the container, through the line to the upper part of the plant tower inside the plant tower and distributed via the liquid distributor in such a way that an optimal amount of nutrient liquid is always supplied in a uniform distribution to the root areas of the plants arranged in the plant intake elements.

[0013] Furthermore, preferably the nutrient fluid pumped through the line by means of the pump is adjustable and distributable with regard to quantity, temperature and concentration.

[0014] Preferably, the lightsabers are pivotable from the container stop position into a swivel position. In the swivel position, the lightsabers are pivoted outwards relative to the container stop position to such an extent that the maximum radial distance of the lightsabers from the outer top of the container is reached when the pivot lever is aligned with the side surface of the container as measured from the pivot bolt. This side surface then forms an imaginary plane with the longitudinal extent of the respective pivot bolt. The distance of the lightsaber's illumination from the outside of the planting tower is therefore determined by the perpendicular drop from the respective lightsaber onto the outer surface of the planting tower. It is understood that if the pivot lever is not swiveled fully into the swivel position, i.e.,In all intermediate positions between the container position and the swivel position, different distances to the outside of the plant tower and thus to the illuminating plants can be specifically adjusted.

[0015] Preferably, the container has a polygonal outer shape, including square, hexagonal, octagonal, or polygonal forms, as well as shapes with an odd number of corners. It is understood that the greater the number of sides and thus corners, the more the container resembles a round container.

[0016] Preferably, the number of lightsabers is such that it corresponds to half the surface area of ​​the container formed between its corner edges. The lightsabers can be pivoted out of the container's contour at its top by means of the pivoting lever, with a defined distance between the lightsabers and the plants, i.e., the outer sides of the planting tower, decreasing as the number of corners of the outer shape increases. Alternatively, the pivoting lever could be angled to conform to the outer shape at the top of the container.

[0017] Preferably, it is further provided that on the top of the container, between the respective pivot levers of the lightsabers and the lightsabers themselves, a frame adapted to the top of the container's shape is provided, in which the pivot bolts for pivoting the pivot levers of the lightsabers are received.

[0018] Preferably, drawers are integrated into the frame, into which, for example, nutrient granules can be filled, so that any decreasing nutrient concentration in the plant cultivation device during plant growth can be compensated for.

[0019] Preferably, the lid of the container is attached to the frame, which is fixed to the top of the container, with the lid supporting the planting tower in its central area. The lid is inclined downwards from the top of the container towards the inner area, creating a recess for the planting tower that also serves as a water or liquid reservoir. In contrast, prior art devices favor an optimization by designing the lid to be convex with an upward curve, which effectively eliminates the possibility of a liquid reservoir.

[0020] To allow the plant cultivation device to be easily repositioned as needed, at least three spaced-apart casters are provided on the underside of the container, i.e., on the side facing the ground. This is particularly advantageous because, even when completely filled and planted, the device can still be moved relatively easily to other locations due to the weight of the filled container, which ranges from 80 to 100 kg.

[0021] In order for the pump to convey the nutrient liquid through the pipe inside the plant tower upwards to the liquid distribution device, it is preferably necessary that the plant cultivation device according to the invention has a power supply unit.

[0022] Preferably, the plant cultivation device comprises plant receiving elements which contain interchangeable baskets. The size of the baskets varies depending on the size of the plants to be planted, without requiring any changes to the basic configuration and size of the plant receiving elements themselves. The baskets serve to hold the respective plants within the plant receiving elements, particularly by supporting their roots and extending far enough into the interior of the planting tower to allow the roots to absorb nutrient solution flowing downwards from the liquid distributor within the tower. To achieve a high degree of flexibility for the individual plant cultivation devices in terms of requirements, plants, and other functionalities, the planting tower is preferably constructed from stacked and interconnected modules.This allows the height of the planting tower to be adjusted to suit its intended use. Preferably, the container has a hexagonal or octagonal outer shape at its top. Other numbers of corners, and therefore sides, are possible.

[0023] Preferably, however, it is also possible for the container, including its top, to have a round outer shape, and for the pivot levers to have a crescent-shaped form adapted to this round outer shape. Ultimately, a round outer shape is a polygonal shape in which the number of edges approaches infinity.

[0024] Preferably, at least one intermediate shelf is arranged in the planting tower, which is designed such that the nutrient solution flowing from the upper to the lower part of the planting tower is directed radially outwards towards the roots of the plants by means of this intermediate shelf. The intermediate shelves thus function as a nutrient solution distributor, because the targeted channeling of the nutrient solution ensures that it is continuously directed to the root zone of the plants. This guarantees that all roots are brought into contact with the nutrient solution evenly, sufficiently, and in the correct dosage.

[0025] Preferably, the stacking modules are designed such that they each have an intermediate shelf in their upper section. This means that each stacking module uses such an intermediate shelf to directly supply all plants arranged in the planting modules within that module with nutrient solution.

[0026] The intermediate shelves are designed so that even in the event of blockages, multiple overflows are provided at different points within the shelf, ensuring that nutrient solution can still be supplied to the plant roots evenly and in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the preferential inclusion of intermediate shelves in each stacking module has the advantage that the supply of nutrient solution to the plant roots is uniform, continuous, and precisely controlled for each level in which the plants are arranged within a stacking module.

[0027] Preferably, the planting modules are detachably attached to the sides of the stacking modules, and the planting modules have plant support elements with baskets. The planting modules are oval-shaped with a larger central recess into which a basket is inserted to hold the plants and secure their roots. The underside has a raised edge that allows the planting module, after being removed from the stacking module, to be placed directly on a table, for example, for serving food or for decorative purposes. After such use, the planting module can easily be reattached to the stacking module, thus ensuring the plant continues to receive its nutrient supply.

[0028] To reliably attach the planting modules to the side wall of a stacking module, the latter is equipped with a guide rail into which the planting module, with its corresponding guide elements, can be inserted and locked or clamped, so that the lower part of the planting module forms a seal against the side wall of the stacking module. A special seal may also be provided to prevent liquid from easily escaping from inside the planting tower.

[0029] Further advantages, applications, and details of the invention will now be explained in detail using an exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. The basic representation of the inventive hydroponic plant cultivation device in three-dimensional view ( Fig. 1a), in side view ( Fig. 1b)) and in top view ( Fig. 1c)); Fig. 2 the device according to Fig. 1 in expanded view with planting tower omitted; Fig. 3. The attachment of swiveling lightsabers to a frame mounted on the top of the field in a three-dimensional representation with the lightsabers swiveled out ( Fig. 3a)) as well as in top view ( Fig. 3b)); Fig. 4 a frame for mounting on the top of the container, over which the lightsabers can be pivotably mounted; Fig. 5. A basket for the plant receiving elements in the plant tower with a grid-like structure; Fig. 6 an intermediate floor which is arranged on the top of a stacking module and above a planting module in the planting tower; Fig. 7 a basic arrangement of three stacked modules to form a plant tower, each with an intermediate floor in the upper area of ​​the plant modules, and a representation of a central conduit for conveying the nutrient fluid to the upper area of ​​the plant tower, as well as the flow path of the nutrient fluid to the roots of the plants; Fig. 7.1 a basic representation of a first overflow in the intermediate floor, which is caused by a blockage of the middle area in the upper collection area; Fig. 7.2 A second overflow, which provides drainage in the event of a complete blockage of the inner area of ​​the intermediate floor; Fig. 7.3 an additional third overflow, which enables the reintroduction of liquid from the outside of the plant tower into its interior, which is used, for example, in the event of complete blockage of the intermediate floor; Fig. 7.4 a reliable supply of liquid to the root areas of the plants in the event of a blockage on one side of the inner area of ​​the intermediate floor; Fig. 8 a stacking module with a removed planting module; Fig. 9 a planting module consisting of a basket and plant receiving element for attaching to or detaching from a stacking module; Fig. 10. A plant receiving element in three-dimensional view, shown in top and bottom view; and Fig. 11 the base part of a stacking module with corresponding receptacles for the plant receptacle elements attached to the side surfaces of the stacking module.

[0030] In Fig. Figure a) shows the hydroponic plant cultivation device 1 in three-dimensional representation. Fig. Figure 1b) shows a side view and Figure 1c) a top view. The hydroponic plant cultivation device 1 has a nutrient liquid container 2, hereinafter also referred to as container 2, with a lid 4, which covers the otherwise open top of the container. A plant tower 3 sits on the lid 4 in its central area. This plant tower consists of six stacked and interconnected modules 23 and has a liquid distributor 15 on its top surface, forming a cover for the plant tower 3. The plant tower 3 has a hexagonal cross-section, so that all stacked modules 23 have six outer surfaces, each containing a plant receiving element 5.

[0031] The lid 4 is slightly lowered towards the center, where the planting tower 3 rests, thus ensuring that nutrient liquid dripping down the planting tower 3 does not run next to the actual plant cultivation device. The individual stacking modules 23 are connected to each other in such a way that they are leak-tight at the joints and that each module has internal sections of the line 6 which are joined or inserted into each other when the stacking modules 23 are stacked. This allows nutrient liquid to be pumped through the line to the liquid distributor 15 by means of a pump (not shown). From there, the nutrient liquid can be evenly distributed to the root zone of the plants inside each plant absorption element 5.

[0032] Extending upwards from three edges of the container 2 to the level of the liquid distributor 15, light sabers 8 are arranged, each with a light 9 on its inner side, i.e., the side facing the planting tower 3. The lower end of each light saber 8 is connected to a pivot lever 12, which rests on the upper edge of the container 2 in a container stop position 13 as shown. In this position, the light sabers 8, and thus the lights 9 located inside them, are pivoted almost to the outer contour of the container 2, thereby achieving the minimum distance to the planting tower 3 and thus to the plants located in the planting elements 5. This means that, in the pivoted position shown, the pivot levers 12 are arranged in a plane lying in the side surface of the container 2.

[0033] In Fig. 1b) is the three-dimensional view according to Fig. 1a) shown in side view, which clearly shows that the hydroponic plant cultivation device has a very tidy and well-structured exterior, with the stacking modules 23 and the plant receiving elements 5 arranged on them somewhat resembling stacked bats. This is, of course, only true as long as no plants are arranged in the plant receiving elements 5. Baskets 22 inserted in the plant receiving elements 5 are at least indicated (see Fig. 5), which are designed to hold the respective plants particularly well. The baskets, formed as a mesh, allow the plant roots to penetrate and entwine themselves around the openings, so that the plants themselves provide a hold in the respective plant support element 5, which becomes increasingly better, firmer, and more reliable the longer the plant remains in the plant support element 5 during the growth phase.

[0034] The underside of container 2 is designed as a flat base 19, on which, preferably (not shown in detail here), rollers can be arranged to allow the plant cultivation devices to be easily moved. After all, such a plant cultivation device, with a container volume of 80 to 100 liters and a height of up to 2 m, has a considerable weight.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1c) shows a top view of the plant cultivation device 1, which demonstrates the uniformity and good structure of the device. It is evident that the lid 4, in terms of its shape and edge design, resembles or is adapted to the hexagonal cross-section of the container 2, thus revealing a uniform structure for the entire device. This is also evident because the liquid distributor 15 is located in the upper cover for the planting tower 3. The top view clearly shows that a plant receiving element 5 is arranged on each side surface of each stacking module 23. [The following appears to be a separate, unrelated sentence fragment:] Indicated in Fig. 1c) also the lightsabers present at three of the six corners 8.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the basic structure of the plant cultivation device 1, with the planting tower 3 omitted for clarity. The three-dimensional representation is shown as a disassembled drawing, so that the interaction and the method of attaching the lightsabers 8 to the upper open part of the container 2 can be illustrated. The container 2 is designed as a hexagonal outer shape with six side faces 16 and forms a transition section from the hexagonal cross-section to a circular cross-section in its lower part, extending upwards to the base 19. A frame 17 is screwed onto the upper edge of the container 2, which on the one hand provides additional stability to the container 2 at the upper edge and on the other hand serves as a mounting for the pivoting mechanism of the lightsabers 8 with pivot lever 12 and pivot bolt 11 (not shown here).

[0037] Frame 17 incorporates smaller drawers 18, adapted to the structural constraints, into which, for example, nutrient granules can be placed. This allows granules to be added to the container if the concentration of the nutrient fluid in container 2 decreases. Corresponding to the hexagonal shape of the container, at least in its upper region, frame 17 is also hexagonal in its basic form. The lightsabers 8 have a pivot lever 12 attached to their lower end 10. At the end furthest from the actual lightsaber 8, this lever has a receiving ring for a pivot pin 11 (not shown).This pivot bolt 11 is inserted and guided in the circular recesses in the frame 17, so that the lightsaber 8 with the pivot lever 12 about the axis of rotation with the pivot bolt 11 pivots from a container stop position 13 (not shown, but essentially the position of the right lightsaber 8 in . Fig. 2 accordingly) can be executed in a swivel position 14 (also not shown). In the container stop position 13, the light blades 8 are at the smallest distance to the outside of the plant tower 3 and thus to the plants located in the plant receiving elements 5.

[0038] Furthermore, the presentation shows that Fig. Figure 2 shows the lid 4 for the container. The lid is recessed inwards towards its center and has an opening there. With the planting tower 3 attached, the lid 4 acts as a water collection device or a collection device for nutrient solution, which can flow back into the container 2 through the opening in the central part of the lid 4, on which the planting tower 3 rests, without any liquid spilling or dripping over the edge of the container onto its installation site. A maintenance hatch 26 is provided in the lid itself, which can be removed and through which, for example, the inside of the container can be inspected.

[0039] The illustration further shows that the container 2 has a water connection 24 through which water can be introduced into the device when nutrient solution has been consumed or when, for example, after the addition of nutrient granules, the nutrient concentration in the nutrient liquid is higher than required. The required concentration can be adjusted by adding fresh water. Furthermore, a power connection 25 is provided, which is integrated into the frame 17.

[0040] In Fig. 3 are in the Fig. 3a) in a three-dimensional representation the swivel position 14 of the lightsabers 8 and thus the position of the maximum distance of the lightsabers 8 from the outer surface of the planting tower 3 or the plants in the plant receiving elements 5 as well as a top view of this state of the plant cultivation device shown (see Fig. 3b)). For the sake of simplicity, all other parts such as lid 4 and planting tower 3 have been omitted. Only the frame 17, which is mounted on the top of the container 2, and the sliding rings on the opposite sides of the pivot levers 12 on the lightsabers 8 are shown assembled. These sliding rings encompass a pivot pin 11 (not shown separately) around which the lightsabers 8, together with the pivot lever 12, pivot from the container stop position 13 to the pivoted position 14, as shown here in Fig. Execute as shown in section 3.

[0041] It becomes clear that in this maximum swivel position 14, the respective swivel levers 12 of the respective lightsabers 8 are aligned with their outer edge on the side surface 16. This results in a very tidy structural unit of the device despite the swivel. The swivel of the lightsabers 8 from the minimum distance position to the plants to the maximum distance position allows the light intensity for the plants, i.e., for plant growth, to be adjusted according to the size of the plants and according to the intensity required for a specific growth and quality. This makes it possible to adjust the light intensity in response to plant growth at the plant tower 3.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3b) shows a top view of this swivel position 14 of the lightsabers 8, a construction that appears to have three prongs. For a clear understanding and recognition of the structure of the frame 17 with its drawers 18, see in Fig. Figure 4 shows the frame in three dimensions. The flat sections extending radially from the device, together with the hexagonal shape, significantly increase the container's stability. This design allows the container walls to be made thinner to save weight, while still ensuring that the entire plant cultivation device remains stable enough to prevent wall deformation even when the container is full.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the basic structure of a basket 22, which is designed to be inserted into the opening of a respective plant receiving element 5. These elements are attached to the side surfaces 16 of the respective stacking modules 23 of the planting tower 3. The grid structure allows the roots to grow through the openings, thus ensuring that the plants are securely held in the plant receiving elements 5. The baskets 22 can be of different sizes and can be inserted into corresponding plant receiving elements 5, depending on the size of the plant. Due to their conical structure, these elements reliably hold baskets 22 of varying sizes.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a basic representation of an intermediate shelf 27, which is arranged for mounting on the upper part of each stacking module 27 forming the planting tower 3. The essential function of the intermediate shelf 27 is to hold nutrient fluid, which was previously supplied via the line 6 (see Figure 6). Fig. 7) inside the planting tower 3, the nutrient solution has been pumped into the upper part of the planting tower 3. The planting module 32 consists of the plant receiving element 5 and the basket 22. An upper collection area 28 and a lower collection area 29 are provided in the intermediate floor 27. The nutrient solution, which accumulates in the upper collection area 28 until an overflow 30 is reached, then flows down a slope towards the middle area of ​​the intermediate floor 27 and is fed into the lower collection area 29. From the lower collection area 29, the nutrient solution is fed via a downwardly inclined, saucer-like ring to an outlet 31, so that the flow path 33 is directed to the root areas of the plants in the planting modules.The intermediate floor 27 is therefore designed in such a way that the nutrient fluid, regardless of the source from which this nutrient fluid comes from above, collects in the lower collection area, from where it can flow evenly to the roots of the plants from all sides.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of a planting tower 3, which consists of three stacked or interconnected modules 23. It is shown that an intermediate shelf 27 is arranged in the upper part of each of the stacking modules 23. The line 6 runs through the center of the intermediate shelf 27, through which nutrient fluid is conveyed from the container 2 (not shown) into the upper part of the planting tower 3. The nutrient fluid is distributed outwards from the top of the planting tower 3. The liquid distributor 15 (not shown) in the uppermost stacking module 23 essentially acts as an intermediate shelf, which also ensures a uniform distribution of the nutrient fluid towards the roots of the plants in the planting modules 32. Fig. Figure 7 now shows the general path the liquid takes on its flow path 33, namely through the root zone of the plants in the planting module 32, from where this liquid then reaches the intermediate shelf 27. Due to the inclined arrangement of the side surfaces of the intermediate shelf 27, the nutrient liquid enters the central area of ​​the intermediate shelf and from there into the lower collection container 29, from where it is again guided radially outwards on an inclined, plate-like surface in the planting tower 3, and then flows directly to the roots of the plants in the basket 22 below after leaving the inclined, plate-like part of the intermediate shelf 27.In this way, unlike the known plant towers, the plant tower 3 is equipped with an intermediate shelf 27 in the function of a liquid distributor, so that it is ensured that all roots of the plants in the respective plant modules 32 are supplied with nutrient liquid evenly and reliably according to the dosage.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 7.1 illustrates how the functioning of the intermediate floor is ensured even when a blocked area 35 prevents reliable drainage from the upper collection area 28. For this purpose, a first overflow 30.1 is provided in the central area. The accumulated nutrient solution from the upper collection area is directed downwards through this overflow in the central area of ​​the intermediate floor 27 to the outwardly inclined, plate-like slope. From this slope, the flow path 33 of the nutrient fluid leads directly to the root zones of the plants in the baskets 22 within the plant receiving elements 5 of the plant module 32. This demonstrates that the intermediate floor 27 not only distributes the liquid but also ensures continued functionality even if an outflow area from the intermediate floor becomes blocked via an overflow.This is particularly beneficial because, with such plant towers, it's unavoidable that roots or other small parts of the plants will get into the nutrient solution and clog the filters, potentially leading to blockages. Therefore, it's especially advantageous that the intermediate layer continues to function properly and reliably, ensuring a consistent and well-dosed flow of nutrient solution to the plants' root zones.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 7.2 shows a further example of an even more severe blockage in the interior of the intermediate floor 27. The areas of the [unclear text] are also shown there. Fig. The first overflow shown in Figure 7.1 is blocked, so that no nutrient liquid collecting in the upper collection area 28 can flow out via the blocked overflows 35. Therefore, a second overflow 30.2 is provided in the intermediate floor, through which liquid can flow out at the circumferential outer surfaces of the intermediate floor 27 between these outer surfaces and the inner surfaces of the stacking modules 23, and from there, without being guided over the plate-like slopes, directly to the root areas of the plants.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 7.3 shows a further overflow, overflow 30.3, which is independent of whether overflows 30.1 or 30.2 are blocked or not. The third overflow 30.3 is provided in case nutrient fluid runs downwards from the areas with the plant receiving elements in the stacking modules 23. This nutrient fluid can be directed back into the interior of the plant tower 3 from the outside via the third overflow 30.3. This prevents fluid that escapes to the outside from flowing downwards on the plant tower 3 and, if no drainage is possible in the lid of the hydroponic plant cultivation device according to the invention, collecting there and potentially flowing over the container onto the ground area, which is generally to be avoided.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 7.4 illustrates another type of blockage, in which it must also be ensured that the nutrient fluid reaches all root areas located on a stacking module 23 evenly. Fig. Figure 7.4 shows that the middle section of the intermediate floor 27 is blocked on one side, meaning that water collecting in the upper collection area 28 due to the blockage 35 can no longer drain through the middle section on this blocked side. However, unless the entire middle interior area has a blockage 35, i.e., the case is as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 7.4, the flow path 33 can pass through the central area of ​​the intermediate floor in the usual manner onto the entire area of ​​the saucer-like, downward-sloping circumferential ramps. From there, the flow path 33 leads directly downwards over the outer edges of these saucer-like ramps to the root areas below of the plants located in the plant intake elements, so that even in the event of the specified blockage 35, a reliable and uniform supply of nutrient fluid to each of the plants in the planting tower 3 is still guaranteed.

[0050] Fig. Figure 8 shows a stacking module 23, specifically the lowest stacking module 23 of the planting tower 3, from which a planting module 32 has been removed. In the upper part of the oval cutout for the plant-bearing basket 22, two insertion guides 34 are indicated, into which corresponding guide elements are inserted. The planting module 32, consisting of the plant receiving element 5 and the basket 22, is guided in the insertion guides 34 and can be reliably attached to the outside of the planting module 32. The planting module 32 is designed in such a way that it can be easily removed from the planting tower 3 and, for example, placed directly on a dining table for consumption of the plants or even as decoration.After removing, for example, leaves from the plant (e.g., for lettuce), the plant can then be locked together with the planting module 32 in the corresponding opening and reattached to the planting tower 3, so that the plant can continue to grow without further ado with the appropriate nutrient supply.

[0051] And finally, in Fig. Figure 9 shows how the planting module 32 with the plant receiving element 5 and the basket 22 can be removed from or reattached to the stacking module 23.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 10 shows the plant receiving element 5 in a three-dimensional front view and a bottom view. The bottom view shows two insertion guides 34 of this planting module 32, which are provided with corresponding guide openings or receiving insertion guides 34 in the housing of the stacking module 23.

[0053] Fig.Figure 11 shows such a base part of the stacking module 23 with the openings in the side walls. In this embodiment, the stacking module 23, and thus the planting tower 3, is hexagonal.

[0054] In principle, the planting module 32 is modular in design, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from any of the hexagonal stacking modules 23. A standard tower typically consists of six stacking modules 23, with six planting modules 32 attached to each stacking module 23, i.e., to each of its surfaces. The planting module 5 is inserted into the opening in the stacking module 23 from above at an angle of approximately 60°. This angle, combined with the fit provided by two receiving guide rails on the top, securely fixes the planting module 5 within the stacking module 23, its underside surfaces sealing against the outer surfaces of the stacking module 23. The planting module 5, along with the plant and the basket 22, can then be removed from the locking mechanism at an angle of approximately 60°.Because the planting module 32 is removable, it is also possible to reach through the opening in the side walls of the stacking module 23, allowing access to the interior of the planting tower 3 and enabling any necessary additional cleaning by removing plant material that might be causing a blockage. Therefore, the planting modules or plant receiving elements 5 are provided with openings that allow the human hand to reach through them.

[0055] The intermediate shelf 27, located at the top of each stacking module 23, is designed to primarily function as a root stop via a sieve grid. This means that roots that have detached from the plants can be collected in each intermediate shelf. This is important to prevent detached roots and plant parts from reaching the lower levels and causing blockages in the plants below. The secondary function of each intermediate shelf 27 is to distribute the nutrient solution evenly to each plant on every level below, ensuring that all plants receive a uniform supply of nutrients.The intermediate shelf 27 consists of three main parts: the intermediate shelf main module, the lid located at the top, and the nutrient liquid distributor located at the bottom, with its radially outward and slightly downward-sloping drainage surfaces. This distributor is screwed into the intermediate shelf main module from below. To prevent blockages caused by roots and other plant parts accumulating on the intermediate shelf 27, three overflows, which operate independently of each other, are provided. If, for example, the main water overflow (first overflow 30.1) in the middle of the intermediate shelf should become blocked, the water can still flow via the second and third overflows 30.2 and 30.3, respectively, to the nutrient liquid distributor, where the liquid then collects and is evenly distributed to all six plants of a given stacking module 23 on the next level. Reference symbol list 1 Hydroponic plant cultivation device 2 nutrient fluid containers / containers 3 plant tower 4 lids 5 plant intake element 6 Line 8 Lightsaber 9 light 10 lower end lightsaber 11 pivot bolts 12 swivel levers 13 Container stop position 14 Swivel position 15 liquid distributors 16 side surface of container 17 frames 18 drawers 19 Floor 22 baskets 23 Stacking module 24 water connection 25 Power connection 26 Maintenance hatch 27 intermediate floor 28 upper collection area 29 lower collection area 30 Overflow 30.1 first overflow 30.2 second overflow 30.3 third overflow 31 Procedure 32 planting modules 33 Flow path nutrient fluid 34 Insert guide plant module 35 blocked overflows

Claims

[1] Modular hydroponic plant culture device (1), comprising: - a nutrient liquid container (2) which can be closed with a lid (4) carrying a planting tower (3), the planting tower (3) having receiving elements (5) for plants; and - a line (6) running inside the planting tower (3), through which the nutrient liquid can be supplied to the plants by means of a pump; characterized by , that - lights (9) designed as lightsabers (8) are arranged to the side of the planting tower (3), which are integrally connected to the container (2); - by means of a pivoting lever (12) arranged at the lower end (10) of a respective lightsaber (8) with respect to the container (2) so as to be pivotable about a pivot pin (11), its respective distance from the outside of the planting tower (3) can be varied; and - the respective pivoting levers (12) in their container stop position (13) are designed to be congruent in shape with and to abut against the top of the container (2). [2] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that in the upper region of the planting tower (3) there is arranged a liquid distributor (15) which is designed in such a way that the nutrient liquid conveyed by means of the pump through the line (6) to the upper region of the planting tower (3) can be distributed in the interior of the planting tower (3). [3] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the nutrient liquid pumped through the line (6) by the pump can be distributed in an adjustable manner. [4] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the lightsabers (8) can be pivoted from the container stop position (13) into a pivoting position (14) in which the maximum radial distance of the lightsabers (8) from the outside in the region of the top side of the container (2) is reached when the pivoting lever (12) with the side surface of the container (2) illuminates from the pivoting bolt (11). [5] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the container (2) has a polygonal outer shape. [6] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the number of lightsabers (8) corresponds to half of the side surfaces (16) formed between the corner edges with corresponding top sides of the container (2). [7] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat on the top side of the container (2) between the respective pivoting levers (12) of the lightsabers (8) and the actual lightsabers (8) there is provided a frame adapted to the top side of the shape of the container (2). [8] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that drawers are integrated into the frame. [9] Hydroponic plant culture device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the lid (4) of the container (2) is fastened to the frame (17), which lid carries the planting tower (3) in its inner area and is inclined downwards from the top of the container (2) to the inner area. [10] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the container (2) has at least three spaced-apart rollers on its side facing the bottom (19). [11] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that a power supply unit is provided. [12] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the plant receiving elements (5) have interchangeable baskets (22) in which the plants are received and whose roots extend so far into the interior of the plant tower (3) that they absorb the nutrient liquid flowing downwards from the liquid distributor (15) in the plant tower (3). [13] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the planting tower (3) has four to eight, in particular six, stacking modules (23). [14] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the container (2), including its top, has a hexagonal or octagonal outer shape. [15] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the container (2) including its top has a round outer shape and the pivoting levers (12) have a sickle-shaped design adapted to the round outer shape. [16] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that at least one intermediate floor (27) is arranged in the plant tower (3), which intermediate floor is designed in such a way that nutrient liquid flowing from the upper region of the plant tower (3) to its lower region is guided radially outwards in the plant tower in the direction of its inner side to the roots of the plants. [17] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to claim 16, characterized by that the stacking modules (23) have an intermediate floor (27) in their respective upper area. [18] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by that plant modules (32) having plant receiving elements (5) with baskets (22) can be detachably fastened to the side surfaces of the stacking modules (23). [19] Hydroponic plant culture device (1) according to claim 18, characterized by that the planting modules (32) are fastened to the respective stacking module (23) in a sealing manner, in particular by means of a seal, by means of an insertion guide (34).

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