Device for filling and planting the pots

Abstract

Device for preparing, filling and planting plant pots in a continuous process, characterized in that the machine performs all steps in an integrated manner.

Description

Summary Previously, filling and planting the plant pots in commercial nurseries were done separately, by a potting machine and a planting robot. The present invention relates to an integrated device that performs all work steps from substrate preparation and filling to planting the young plants in plant pots in a continuous process. The invention combines these steps in a single device, with filling and planting integrated and performed automatically within one unit. The integration of planting elevates the processes of a conventional potting machine to a new technical level. This enables fully integrated, more efficient, precise, and seamless plant preparation. State of the art and problems of standard technology Previously known potting machines mainly perform the following steps: 1. Preparation of the pots from a pot magazine 2. Filling the pots with substrate 3. Stripping and compacting the substrate in the filled pots 4. Preparation for planting by means of a hole or a drilling pattern for the young plants. The actual planting, however, is done separately, either manually or via a separate planting machine. Disadvantages and limitations of the state of the art 1. Two separate, different machines are always required. 2. Two frames, controllers, and operating units are always used. 3. Additional effort is required for production, procurement, installation, and connecting the two machines. 4. Controlling the two machines is more difficult when operating them via two HMI units located far apart. 5. The programs, operating units, and software philosophy are almost always different. 6. Even the layout and labeling of dialog boxes are labeled with different characters, sometimes even in different languages. Furthermore, different words are often used for the same concepts. 7. Problems arise when synchronizing the software of the two machines in the event of a stop and restart. 8. Problems arise with the machines' safety concepts, the connection of the emergency stop systems, etc. Description of the invention The invention relates to a device for automated pot planting, which integrates all process steps from pot supply, singulation of the pots, substrate preparation and filling of the pots, to planting and output of the planted pots. For this purpose, a planting module is installed on a potting machine that has been prepared at the factory to accommodate a planting module, which immediately after the pots have been drilled, inserts young plants into the pots filled with substrate. It is also possible to install a potting machine on a planting robot that is factory-prepared to accommodate one, in order to achieve the same purpose. The machine has a fully modular design, utilizing standardized housing components, safety devices, electrical wiring, and pneumatic systems. The entire system is operated via a central control unit with a single user interface (HMI). In a compact version, the machine can be equipped with a chassis that allows transport within a workspace without having to change the presets between the pot positioning and the planting module. Advantages of the invention: 1. A fully integrated process from filling to planting in a single machine solves the disadvantage of the current state of the art. 2. Controlled via a central control unit with an HMI and using programs stored once for different pots, capacities, and operating modes, disadvantages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the current state of the art are solved. 3. Improved process accuracy and better process control. 4. Increased flexibility for different pot sizes and potted plants. Two separate machines do not need to be reconfigured. 5. Continuous workflow with a higher degree of automation. 6. Simplified maintenance, remote maintenance, and service. Introduction and definition of the term "PlantPotter" Since the present invention significantly expands upon previously known technology, such a machine, which performs both pot filling and the insertion of young plants directly in the same machine, represents a new concept and design. This elevates the previously known potting machine to a new technical level. To distinguish a prior art potting machine from the machine that constitutes the invention presented here, it is necessary to introduce a new term that clearly differentiates this new machine from the prior art. To increase the international appeal of this new term, we propose introducing the name "PlantPotter." The English words "plant" and "pot" (also widely used in Germany for pot) are related. Therefore, we will henceforth refer to the subject matter of the invention as "PlantPotter." Exemplary embodiment aligned with the claims: 1. Substrate preparation A soil container serves to hold the substrate. The substrate is supplied via conveyor belts or other conveying mechanisms, including regulating systems. An elevator conveys the substrate to the metering point, and the pots are filled by gravity or other mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means. 2. Pot preparation A pot storage system provides the supply of plant pots. The pot storage system can be designed in various ways, with manual or mechanical filling, monitoring, counting of the pots, etc. From the pot storage system, the empty pots are conveyed to the singulation system. Singulation can be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric, after which the pots are separated and positioned in a pot transport system. This pot transport system can be configured as a circular system (rotating ring), a chain system following a closed curve, or a linear track. 3. Preparing the filled pots for planting The pots can be filled gravitationally, or with mechanical or pneumatic, possibly hydraulic, equipment. After filling, excess substrate is removed mechanically, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. If necessary, the substrate is compacted mechanically, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically, and a planting hole is drilled using mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means. 4. Planting Young plants are removed from trays and precisely placed into the prepared planting pots by the transport system. The planting modules can be configured according to different system principles. Single, double, or multiple grippers can be moved by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic drives, and controlled by various systems (electric, pneumatic). 5. Quality control An optical or other inspection system checks the planted pots and identifies those that are incorrectly planted. The system reports the result to the machine's control unit and can simultaneously perform a count. This is important because previously, the machine's cycles were counted, but the exact number of plants placed in the pots was unknown. 6. The machine frame The entire machine is built on a standardized frame. The frame is not subject to any restrictions, and potting machines with rotary heads, chain or belt conveyors, and especially linear potting machines can be used. Frames made of aluminum profiles, carbon fiber profiles, or wood are particularly noteworthy. 7. Control The machine can be controlled by a PLC or an industrial PC. 8. Software and HMI The software and user interface can be built on all known systems, communication can be supplemented with visual or acoustic signals, and it can be designed in all languages ​​of the countries where "PlantPotter" is exported. Text, ideograms, drawings, and photos can also be incorporated into the communication. Reference symbol list STATE OF THE ART Fig. 1 1 Substrate container 2 Pot magazines 3 Filling 4 Brushing and drilling 5 Control 1 6 HMI 1 7 Control 2 8 HMI 2 9 Machine 1 10 Machine 2 CONVENTIONAL POTTING MACHINE Fig. 2 1 Substrate container 2 Pot magazines 3 Filling 4 Brushing and drilling 5 Control 1 6 HMI 1 SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION “PLANTPOTTER” Fig. 3 1 Substrate container 2 Pot magazines 3 Filling 4 Brushing and drilling 5 Control 1 6 HMI 1 7 Planting module

Claims

Device for preparing, filling, and planting plant pots in a continuous process, characterized in that the machine performs all steps in an integrated manner. Device with earth container with substrate transport, elevator and dosing system. Device with pot storage system and pot singulation. Device with stripping or substrate compaction and railway station. Device with automatic planting mechanism. Device with a control system for the finished planted pots. Device with a uniform frame for the entire machine. Device with a unified HMI and PLC control. Device with a chassis, making the machine easier to move around a work area.

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