BLOCK BEARING ELEMENT WITH LIQUID COLLECTION AND OVERFLOW

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a block storage element which serves for the propagation of plant or fungal biomass and is stackable.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a block bearing arrangement with a block bearing element receiving space in which at least one block bearing element is arranged.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for removing a block storage element.

[0004] FR 2 761 575 A1 describes an arrangement for growing individual and hydroponic forced plants. The arrangement comprises containers with overflows, whereby the containers are stacked. The overflows of the containers are arranged alternately on the right and left sides of the container in a container stack. The nutrient solution is drained downwards into a tank, from which the nutrient solution is transferred to the topmost container, where the nutrient solution is introduced into the container at the opposite end of the overflow. The nutrient solution flows through the overflows into the container located below.

[0005] GB 2541687 A describes a plant display device having several stackable shelves. The shelves are closed on three sides and have an open front. An opening is provided on one side of the shelf through which the interior of each shelf is connected to a tank via corresponding hoses. One-way nozzles are provided on the tank through which fluid is pumped into the hoses and then into the shelves. A float valve prevents the shelves from overfilling. As an alternative to supplying the individual shelves in parallel, a fluid connection from one shelf to an adjacent shelf can also be provided. The fluid connection can have a female connection section having a valve. The valve remains closed until a male connection section is inserted, allowing fluid to reach the adjacent shelf.

[0006] KR 101 479 977 B1 describes an aquarium with a hydroponic system. The aquarium is designed as a water tank and is populated with fish. Hydroponic tanks are arranged above this water tank on several shelves. The shelves are mounted on four rods and can be moved along these rods. The hydroponic tanks have a siphon through which the liquid level in the hydroponic tanks can be adjusted. A bottom outlet with an outlet valve is located on the underside of each hydroponic tank, through which liquid can be transferred from the hydroponic tank to the water tank.

[0007] US 2019 / 246571 A1 concerns a block storage arrangement for plant cultivation.

[0008] Common block storage elements are used solely for the storage, warehousing, and retrieval of goods within a block storage facility. Aside from pure storage, the block storage facility and the block storage element have no other functions.

[0009] A block storage facility or a block storage arrangement describes a storage arrangement with at least one block storage element receiving space. Stackable block storage elements can be stored in and retrieved from the block storage element receiving space. For this purpose, at least one block storage element is stored in or retrieved from the block storage element receiving space through a loading space. The loading space can be arranged above or below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, so that a storage or retrieval direction is oriented in the direction of gravity or opposite to the direction of gravity. The storage and retrieval direction is determined by the arrangement of the loading space. If the loading space is arranged above the block storage element receiving space, the storage direction is in the direction of gravity and the retrieval direction is opposite to the direction of gravity.If the loading area is located below the block storage element receiving area in the direction of gravity, the loading direction is oriented counter to the direction of gravity, and the retrieval direction is oriented in the direction of gravity. If multiple block storage elements are stored in the block storage element receiving area, a block storage element stack is created. Block storage is also known as a stack storage or container stack storage. In the present embodiment, the block storage element receiving area is located above the loading area in the direction of gravity.

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to increase the functionality of a block bearing element.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0012] The block storage element of the type mentioned above has a liquid intake with an overflow. This arrangement allows the block storage element to be used for propagating plant or fungal biomass or for its cultivation. The liquid intake allows plants at various stages, such as seeds, seedlings, or the like, as well as fungi, to be supplied with liquid. By arranging the plants or fungi at the liquid intake, they are supplied with liquid and / or nutrient solution. Plants can be arranged above the liquid intake and their roots can reach into the liquid intake. The plants can thus draw liquid from the liquid intake via their roots. For this purpose, plants or fungi can be arranged in containers with a fluid-permeable base. The plant roots can also become entangled in the base.Furthermore, the overflow allows excess liquid to be drained away from the liquid intake. This prevents waterlogging, which could harm plants and / or fungi located in the liquid intake. The plants and / or fungi thus find optimal growth conditions. In addition to reducing waterlogging, the overflow from the block storage element can be used to supply a block storage element located below with a liquid and / or nutrient solution. Thus, a stack of block storage elements only requires one liquid and / or nutrient solution inlet, which leads to low costs. This arrangement allows the block storage element to be stored in a block storage facility and used to propagate biomass. The functionality of the block storage element is increased. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows a large number of plants and / or fungi to grow in a relatively small space.

[0013] The overflow preferably cooperates with a guiding or distribution device. The guiding or distribution device prevents liquid and / or nutrient solution drained through the overflow in the block storage element located below from directly flowing back into the overflow. The liquid and / or nutrient solution drained in this way therefore supplies the block storage element located below in an optimal manner. The block storage element can have a trough, whereby the trough can have a guiding structure that guides the liquid and / or nutrient solution. The guiding structure can ensure that the liquid and / or nutrient solution can be evenly distributed in the trough before the liquid can reach the next block storage element and / or through the overflow. The guiding or distribution device can, for example, have a gutter, analogous to a rain gutter.

[0014] The block storage element has an outlet valve. The outlet valve allows the liquid and / or nutrient solution to be drained during a storage process. This prevents the risk of spillage during the storage process, making the block storage element easier to handle. Furthermore, the outlet valve can drain excess liquid and / or nutrient solution that is introduced into the block storage element during an irrigation process. The collected liquid and / or nutrient solution can be recycled and reused.

[0015] The block storage element preferably has an inlet funnel. The inlet funnel collects liquid and / or nutrient solution conveyed by the guide or distribution device and supplies it to the liquid intake in a targeted manner. This prevents potential flow-related erosion and the leaching of carrier material. Furthermore, the inlet funnel allows the liquid and / or nutrient solution to be distributed in a targeted manner to optimally supply all plants or fungi arranged in the block storage element with the liquid and / or nutrient solution.

[0016] Preferably, the inlet funnel and the overflow are arranged in different areas of the block storage element. Liquid and / or nutrient solution flowing through the overflow is directed by the guide or distribution device to the inlet funnel of the block storage element located below. Because the inlet funnel and the overflow are arranged in different areas of the block storage element, the liquid and / or nutrient solution must travel a certain distance before returning to the overflow. This enables the entire liquid intake to be supplied with the liquid and / or nutrient solution, so that all plants and / or fungi located at the liquid intake are supplied.

[0017] The object is achieved by providing a block storage arrangement with a block storage element receiving space in which at least one block storage element is arranged, and at least one liquid and / or nutrient supply device. This arrangement allows the block storage element to be supplied with liquid and / or nutrient solution. The liquid and / or nutrient supply device takes over the supply of the plants and / or fungi, thus eliminating human labor. This reduces running costs and ensures a constant supply of liquid and / or nutrients.

[0018] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has at least one shut-off valve. This shut-off valve can be used to control the flow into the liquid intake of the block storage element. The liquid and / or nutrient solution can be supplied as needed. This prevents over- or under-supply. Furthermore, optimal conditions can be created for each plant and / or fungus species, ensuring optimal growth conditions for the plants and / or fungi.

[0019] The liquid and / or nutrient supply device has an actuating device for the outlet valve. This actuating device actuates the outlet valve on the block bearing element, allowing the liquid and / or nutrient solution to be drained away. This actuating device allows the outlet valve to be kept relatively simple, as it can be operated purely mechanically.

[0020] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device comprises a storage container. The storage container can be arranged above in the direction of gravity or in an upper region of the block bearing element receiving space, whereby the liquid and / or nutrient solution can be transferred by gravity to the liquid receptacle arranged below.

[0021] Preferably, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device comprises a pump. The pump can pump the liquid and / or nutrient solution through the liquid and / or nutrient supply device. Thus, one is not dependent on the effect of gravity and can also convey the liquid and / or nutrient solution against gravity. For example, liquid and / or nutrient solution collected by the pump can be transferred to the storage container upon actuation.

[0022] Preferably, at least two elements of the liquid and / or nutrient supply device are fluidically connected. For example, the actuating device can be fluidically connected to the pump, and the pump, in turn, can be fluidically connected to the reservoir. This allows excess liquid and / or nutrient solution to be transferred back to the reservoir. Furthermore, the reservoir can be fluidically connected to the shut-off valve. This allows the liquid and / or nutrient solution to be conveyed through the fluidic connection. The fluidic connection enables easy transfer of the liquid and / or nutrient solution.

[0023] The problem is solved in a method of the type mentioned above by emptying a block storage element's liquid receptacle, which is filled with liquid up to the overflow level, before removal. This removes a block storage element with a relatively empty liquid receptacle, thus reducing the weight of the block storage element. This allows for easier handling of the block storage element, in addition to reducing the risk of sloshing.

[0024] Preferably, the block storage elements are emptied and removed sequentially. By emptying and removing the block storage elements sequentially, a stack of block storage elements can be emptied with just one actuating device. This reduces costs, both production and maintenance costs. The block storage has only one actuating device per block storage element receiving space. Peripherals such as the storage container, treatment system, pump, or the like can interact with one or more block storage element receiving spaces. This keeps the block storage structure simple. Preferably, the bottommost block storage element from a stack of block storage elements to be removed is emptied and removed. By removing the bottommost block storage element, gravity is used to remove the liquid and / or nutrient solution. This enables a pure flow of the liquid and eliminates the need for pumping.

[0025] Preferably, the shut-off valve and outlet valve work together for emptying. To prevent new liquid and / or nutrient solution from flowing in during the emptying process, the shut-off valve and outlet valve work together. This shortens the emptying process, which also reduces the time required for removal.

[0026] The invention is described below using a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a block bearing arrangement; Fig. 2 shows a block bearing element; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the block bearing element; Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of an exhaust valve and an actuating device in a non-actuated state; Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of an exhaust valve and an actuating device in an actuated state; and Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of the block bearing arrangement.

[0027] The Fig. 1The block storage arrangement 1 shown has at least one block storage element receiving space 2. A loading space (not shown) is arranged below the block storage receiving space 2. At least one block storage element 3 is arranged in the block storage receiving space 2. The block storage element 3 can be transferred into the interior of the block storage through a storage and retrieval station 4.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a representation of the block bearing element 3. An outlet valve 5 is arranged on one end of the block bearing element 3. An inlet funnel 6 is arranged on the top side of the block bearing element 3. The underside of the block bearing element 3 has a guide or distribution device 7.

[0029] Fig. 3shows a side view of the block storage element 3. A liquid receptacle 8 is arranged in a base of the block storage element 3. Furthermore, an overflow 9 is arranged in the base, which interacts with the guide or distribution device 7.

[0030] In the Figures 4 and 5 a cross-section of the actuating device 10 and the outlet valve 5 is shown. Fig. 4 a non-actuated state in which the actuating device 10 and the outlet valve 5 are separated. Furthermore, in the non-actuated state, the actuating device 10 is arranged outside the container receiving space 2. The outlet valve 5 is actuated by the actuating device 10.

[0031] In Fig. 5An actuated state is shown in which the actuating device 10 actuates the outlet valve 5. The outlet valve 5 is fluidly connected to the fluid receptacle 8. The actuating device 10 is moved from the non-actuated state to the actuated state and vice versa by a movement mechanism (not shown).

[0032] Fig. 6shows a flow diagram of the block storage arrangement 1 with several block storage elements 3, which are arranged in a block storage element receiving space 2. The arrows shown schematically show a liquid and / or nutrient solution course. This exemplary representation also shows a storage container 11, which can be arranged at a highest point in the direction of gravity of a liquid and / or nutrient supply device. The storage container 11 is fluidically connected to a shut-off valve 12. In this example, plant containers, in which plants are in turn arranged, are arranged in the liquid receptacle 8. The plant containers have a fluid-permeable base in which plant roots can hook. The plants stabilize themselves through their roots and the base of the plant container. The plants can also grow on a substrate or the like.The block storage element 3 has an overflow 9, which interacts with the guide or distribution device 7. The overflow 9 is arranged at a first end of the guide or distribution device 7, and the inlet funnel 6 is arranged at a second end of the guide or distribution device 7. The liquid receptacle 8 further has a guide structure that guides the liquid and / or nutrient solution from the inlet funnel 6 to the overflow 9. The guide structure ensures that the liquid and / or nutrient solution reaches a large part of the liquid receptacle 8 before the liquid and / or nutrient solution reaches the overflow 9. The block storage element 3 further has an outlet valve 5. Starting from the lowest block storage element 3, the liquid and / or nutrient solution is transferred by a pump (not shown) into, for example, a treatment device (not shown) or the storage container 11.

[0033] In the following, an exemplary process is described, starting from the storage of the block storage element 3 through growth phases of plants arranged in a plant container in the liquid intake 8, up to the removal of the block storage element 3 together with the plants arranged in the plant container.

[0034] The block storage element 3 is loaded with seeds, seedlings, or plants and transferred to the loading and unloading station 4. The loading and unloading station 4 forms an entrance and exit to the block storage arrangement 1. The loading and unloading station 4 can be connected to the loading chamber by a lock arrangement (not shown). The block storage element 3 is transferred via the loading chamber into the block storage element receiving chamber 2.

[0035] The block storage element 3 is transferred through a storage and retrieval station 4 into the block storage 1 and removed from there again. In the present embodiment, the storage and retrieval station 4 is connected to the loading area by a lock (not shown). The lock is in turn connected to the loading area, which is arranged below at least one block storage element receiving area 2. A movable loading vehicle is arranged in the loading area, which transfers the block storage element 3 from the lock into a container receiving area 2. To do this, the loading vehicle retrieves the block storage element 3 from the lock by picking up the block storage element 3 from below, in the direction of gravity, whereby the block storage element 3 is arranged on the loading vehicle.The loading vehicle then moves, together with the block storage element 3, to the block storage element receiving space 2 in which the block storage element 3 is to be stored. Once there, the loading vehicle lifts the block storage element 3 upwards against the direction of shear force. If one or more block storage elements 3 are already arranged in the block storage element receiving space 2 to be filled, the loading vehicle lifts the block storage element 3 to be stored, together with the block storage elements 3 arranged above it, thus forming a block storage element stack. As soon as the block storage element stack has been lifted above a certain height by the loading vehicle, holding elements (not shown) that hold the block storage element stack move so that the loading vehicle can lower again without the block storage element 3. The loading vehicle is now free and can load or unload further block storage elements 3.During a retrieval process, only the bottommost block storage element 3 of a block storage element stack arranged in a block storage element receiving space 2 can be removed. To do so, the loading vehicle positions itself beneath the block storage element 3 to be removed and lifts it or the block storage element stack so that the holding element moves into a release position. The loading vehicle then lowers the block storage element stack. As soon as the block storage element stack has been lowered a certain distance, the holding elements move back into a holding position and hold the remaining block storage element stack in the block storage element receiving space 2. The bottommost block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack is now arranged on the loading vehicle, which transfers the block storage 3 to the lock arrangement (lock).From there, the block storage element 3 can be further transported, serviced, repaired, re-stored, or the like. The process of storing the block storage element 3 is repeated until a desired number of block storage elements 3 are arranged in the block storage element receiving space 2.

[0036] Once the desired number of block storage elements 3 is arranged in the block storage element receiving space 2, the liquid and / or nutrient supply device can supply the block storage elements 3 with liquid and / or nutrient solutions (hereinafter referred to as liquid). For this purpose, liquid is transferred from the storage container 11 via the shut-off valve 12 into the liquid receptacle 8 of a first block storage element 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the first block storage element 3 is the uppermost block storage element 3 of a block storage element stack. A liquid level in the liquid receptacle 8 rises until the liquid flows over the overflow 9. From the overflow 9, the liquid flows via the guide or distribution device 7 into the inlet funnel 6 of the second block storage element 3 located below. The guide or distribution device 7 can comprise a gutter, a hose, a pipe, or the like.The process is then repeated until all fluid receptacles 8 of the block bearing elements 3 within the block bearing element receiving space 2 are supplied with sufficient fluid. This results in a fluid flow through the fluid receptacle 8 because the overflow 9 and the inlet funnel 6 are arranged remotely from each other. The fluid thus floods the entire fluid receptacle 8 before it can flow out through the overflow 9. Preferably, the overflow 9 and the inlet funnel 6 are arranged at different ends of the fluid receptacle 8.

[0037] Since no further block bearing element 3 is located below the lowest block bearing element 3, the guide or distribution device 7 would no longer function. Therefore, the outlet valve 5 of the lowest block bearing element 3 interacts, at least temporarily, with the actuating device 10. This prevents the fluid from flowing out via the overflow 9 of the lowest block bearing element 3.

[0038] Through the interaction of the outlet valve 5 and the actuating device 10, the liquid level is lowered in time before the liquid in the liquid receptacle 8 of the lowest block bearing element 3 overflows. The collected liquid is fed to a treatment device (not shown) and from there transferred back to the storage container 11 or other components. Starting from the actuating device 10, the liquid is pumped by a pump (not shown). However, the pump can also be arranged at a different location, for example after the treatment or in the area of ​​the storage container 11. As soon as the liquid level in each liquid receptacle 8 of the block bearing elements 3 has risen sufficiently, the shut-off valve 12 is closed again. This prevents any further liquid from entering the block bearing elements 3 or the liquid receptacle 8.At intervals, the shut-off valve 12 can be reopened to restore the liquid level lowered by the plants or fungi. Likewise, the outlet valve 5 can be opened by the actuating device 10 as soon as the liquid has reached a certain height in the liquid intake 8. This prevents accidental drainage through the overflow 9. A continuous, constant circulation of the liquid and / or nutrient supply device is also possible, but not always necessary.

[0039] In order to remove the block storage elements 3 together with the plants ready for harvest, the liquid in the lowest block storage element 3 is completely or partially drained through the interaction of the outlet valve 5 and the actuating device 10. This makes the block storage element 3 easier to handle because, on the one hand, the block storage element 3 is lighter and, on the other hand, the risk of liquid overflowing is reduced. The block storage element 3 can be removed from storage in its emptied state. For this purpose, the block storage element 3 is removed downwards as described above and transferred through the lock to the storage and retrieval station 4. From there, the block storage element 3 can be further processed or transported further. Furthermore, the block storage element 3 can be serviced in its removed state, for example by renewing or replacing the outlet valve 5.

[0040] Depending on whether the plants are to be harvested, transplanted, or transported, a certain level of liquid may remain in the liquid intake 8. This ensures that the plants remain in contact with the liquid during transport, which extends their shelf life. List of reference symbols:

[0041] 1Block storage arrangement 2Block storage element receiving space 3Block storage element 4In- and out-storage station 5Outlet valve 6Inlet funnel 7Guide or distribution device 8Liquid intake 9Overflow 10Actuating device 11Storage tank 12Shut-off valve

Claims

1. Block storage arrangement (1) having a block storage element receiving space (2) and a charging space arranged beneath the block storage element receiving space (2), at least one block storage element (3) being arranged in the block storage element receiving space (2), which block storage element serves for the multiplication of plant and is stackable, the block storage arrangement (1) having at least one liquid and / or nutrient supply device, characterized in that the block storage element (3) has a liquid receiver (8) with an overflow (9), the block storage element (3) having a discharge valve (5), and wherein the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has an actuating means (10) for the discharge valve (5), the actuating means (10) being arranged outside the container receiving space (2) in a non-actuated state.

2. Block storage arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the overflow (9) interacts with a guide or distribution device (7).

3. Block storage arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the block storage element (3) has an inlet funnel (6).

4. Block storage arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the inlet funnel (6) and the overflow (9) are arranged in different regions of the block storage element (3).

5. Block storage arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has at least one shut-off valve (12).

6. Block storage arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has a pump.

7. Block storage arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the liquid and / or nutrient supply device has a storage container (11).

8. Block storage arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least two elements of the liquid and / or nutrient supply device are at least in fluid communication.

9. Method for removing a block storage element (3) from a block storage arrangement (1) according to claims 1 to 8, wherein a liquid receptacle (8) of a block storage element (3), which is filled with liquid up to a maximum level of the overflow (9), is emptied by means of an outlet valve (5) prior to removal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the block storage elements (3) are emptied and removed sequentially.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the lowermost block storage element (3) is emptied and removed from a stack of block storage elements (3) to be removed.

12. The method according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the shut-off valve (12) and the outlet valve (5) cooperate to empty the block storage elements.