FLUID SUPPLY OF A BLOCK BEARING ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for supplying liquid to a block bearing element, wherein the block bearing element has an overflow.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a block bearing element with a trough area and an overflow.

[0003] FR 2 461 449 A2 describes a system with a tank whose base has two overflow outlets. Each outlet is equipped with a bushing-shaped extension that fits into an opening in the base. The bushings are interchangeable, and their height controls the liquid overflow. The bushing can also be located inside a tube, the tube having an opening that allows communication between the inside of the tube and the inside of the tank.

[0004] FR 2 382 850 A1 describes a hydroponic growing tray. Roots are placed in a tank that is supplied with oxygenated nutrient solution via one or more supply hoses. After watering, the nutrient solution flows through overflows in the base of the tank supports into a channel. A pump then recirculates the nutrient solution back into the pressurized system.

[0005] FR 2 761 574 A1 describes a trough that includes a growth zone. A channel is provided outside a growth zone for draining excess nutrient solution and is connected to an overflow.

[0006] Block storage elements according to the present invention are used, for example, in block storage systems or block storage arrangements in greenhouses. Conventional block storage elements are supplied externally with liquid or a nutrient solution, enabling plants to grow within them. For this purpose, the liquid level in each block storage element is monitored and adjusted to a setpoint by means of a control system for the inlet and / or outlet. This requires a large number of components, such as valves, and also a sophisticated control system.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to simplify the liquid and nutrient supply of a block bearing element.

[0008] The problem is solved by a method according to the features of claim 1 and by a block bearing element with the features of claim 6.

[0009] A block storage system, or 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 this receiving space. For this purpose, at least one block storage element is inserted into or retrieved from the receiving space via a loading chamber. The loading chamber can be located above or below the receiving space in the direction of gravity, so that the loading and retrieval directions are oriented in the direction of gravity or against it. The loading and retrieval directions are determined by the arrangement of the loading chamber. If the loading chamber is located above the receiving space, the loading direction is in the direction of gravity and the retrieval direction is against it.If the loading chamber is located below the block storage element receiving chamber in the direction of gravity, the loading direction is oriented against the direction of gravity and the unloading direction is aligned with the direction of gravity. If several block storage elements are loaded into the block storage element receiving chamber, a block storage element stack is formed. In the following explanation, the block storage element receiving chamber is located below the loading chamber in the direction of gravity.

[0010] In the method of the type mentioned above, liquid is introduced via an overflow distributor with a distributor limit, wherein the liquid enters a trough area of ​​the block bearing element at a reduced flow rate through at least one passage arranged in the distributor limit, and the liquid that is not discharged through the at least one passage is discharged through the overflow.

[0011] The liquid is introduced into the overflow distributor, which is separated from the basin area of ​​the block bearing element by a distributor baffle. The overflow is also located within the overflow distributor. The liquid introduced into the overflow distributor passes through at least one passage, hereinafter referred to as a passage, into the basin area, with the passage throttling the amount of liquid introduced. This causes the liquid level within the overflow distributor to rise, and once the upper limit of the overflow is reached, it is discharged through the overflow. This arrangement allows the liquid supply to the block bearing element to function without any valves or electronic controls.

[0012] This in turn simplifies the assembly, control, installation and maintenance of the block bearing element.

[0013] According to the invention, a cross-sectional area of ​​the passage is adapted to a cross-sectional area of ​​the overflow.

[0014] The cross-sectional area of ​​the passage refers to the total cross-sectional area of ​​all passages. The passage can be formed by multiple passages. By dividing the passage into several passages, the amount of liquid allowed through can be adjusted to a desired flow rate. Furthermore, this allows for precise adjustment of the flow rate and thus the liquid supply to the tank area.

[0015] Liquid that is not directed through the passage into the basin area remains in the overflow distributor until the liquid level exceeds the top of the overflow. As soon as the liquid level rises above the top of the overflow, liquid is discharged through the overflow. This creates a system that enables a precise and targeted liquid supply to the basin area of ​​the block bearing element. Furthermore, excess liquid is discharged from the block bearing element early, preventing it from mixing with the interior of the basin area through contact, thus avoiding the need to treat the discharged liquid. This reduces the amount of liquid requiring treatment.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid discharged through the overflow of a first block bearing element is directed into a liquid channel of a second block bearing element located below the first. This arrangement allows a stack of block bearing elements, consisting of at least two block bearing elements, to be supplied by introducing liquid into the first block bearing element. For this purpose, liquid is introduced into the overflow distributor of the first block bearing element, with a portion of the liquid passing through the opening into the basin area of ​​the first block bearing element. The remaining portion of the introduced liquid is directed via the overflow of the overflow distributor of the first block bearing element into the liquid channel of the second block bearing element.The fluid flow of the second block bearing element directs the fluid into an overflow distributor of the second block bearing element. From there, a portion of the introduced fluid is fed through the overflow distributor into the basin area of ​​the second block bearing element. This supplies the second block bearing element, or rather its basin area, with fluid. This arrangement eliminates the need for valves and their controls, making the arrangement cost-effective.

[0017] For example, the fluid guide is designed as a funnel, so that an inaccurate positioning of the first block bearing element relative to the second block bearing element has no effect on the transfer of fluid from the overflow of the first block bearing element to the fluid guide of the second block bearing element. This arrangement also compensates for manufacturing tolerances and assembly inaccuracies.

[0018] Preferably, the overflow is a first overflow, and the liquid introduced into the block storage element from the overflow distributor is discharged through a second inlet of a second overflow of an overflow collector. The first overflow carries away fresh liquid that has not yet come into contact with the basin area of ​​the block storage element, while the second overflow drains liquid from the basin area. This arrangement maintains a defined liquid level inside the basin area, even as more liquid is introduced. This ensures that the stored material, which may consist of plants, seedlings, seeds, fungi, or other biological material, is always adequately supplied with liquid. Furthermore, the liquid flows, for example, from the overflow distributor to the second overflow. This ensures that all areas of the basin area are supplied with liquid, resulting in a uniform application.

[0019] Preferably, the liquid drained through the second overflow of a first block bearing element is directed into a second liquid channel of a second block bearing element located below the first. By transferring the drained liquids from the first block bearing element into the second liquid channel of the second block bearing element, unwanted mixing of fresh and drained liquid is prevented. This ensures that the basin area is always supplied with fresh liquid.

[0020] Preferably, the liquid introduced into the second fluid channel of the second block bearing element located below the first block bearing element via the second overflow is transferred through a first inlet of the second overflow into a third block bearing element, which is arranged in the direction of gravity below the second block bearing element. This arrangement allows used liquid to be drained from the first block bearing element without it entering a basin area of ​​the second or third block bearing element. The inlet of fresh liquid and the outlet of used liquid are thus arranged separately.

[0021] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 6. In this claim, an overflow is arranged in an overflow distributor, the overflow distributor having a distributor boundary with at least one passage to the basin area, wherein a first cross-section of the at least one passage is substantially smaller than a second cross-section of the overflow. The passage can, for example, also have several separate passages. The sum of the individual cross-sections of the passages constitutes the first cross-section.

[0022] The overflow is separated from the basin area by the distributor. Liquid is introduced into the area around the overflow, with the amount introduced being greater than the amount of liquid entering the basin area through the passage. Any liquid not discharged through the passage causes the liquid level within the overflow distributor to rise. Once the liquid level rises above the upper end of the overflow (in the direction of gravity), liquid is discharged through the overflow. This allows for control and / or regulation of the liquid level without moving parts, thus reducing maintenance requirements.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one passage is arranged at least partially at the level of an upper end of the overflow and / or at least partially below the upper end of the overflow in the direction of gravity. This arrangement ensures that at least some of the liquid from the overflow distributor enters the interior of the tank through the at least one passage. Furthermore, the flow rate can be adjusted depending on the liquid level, for example, by modifying the geometry of the passage.

[0024] Preferably, the overflow distributor is arranged in a corner area of ​​the trough section of the block storage element. By arranging the overflow distributor in a corner area, the interior of the trough section of the block storage element remains accessible from all sides. This allows for easy handling, removal, and storage of goods from and within the trough section of the block storage element.

[0025] Preferably, the overflow distributor has a fluid guide whose lower end is positioned below the upper end of the overflow in the direction of gravity. Because the lower end of the fluid guide is positioned below the upper end of the overflow in the direction of gravity, fluid is introduced into the overflow distributor from below the upper end of the overflow. This prevents fluid from flowing directly from the fluid guide into the overflow. The fluid level within the overflow distributor must first rise before fluid is discharged via the overflow. This enables controlled fluid supply and conveyance.

[0026] Preferably, the overflow is a first overflow, and the block bearing element has a second overflow with a first inlet and a second inlet, wherein the first inlet interacts with the interior of an overflow collector and the second inlet interacts with an exterior of the overflow collector. The exterior of the overflow collector is, for example, the basin area. The second inlet can be located at least partially within the basin area. The first inlet is spatially separated from the basin area. This allows liquid to be discharged from the basin area through the second inlet, with the first inlet serving only to discharge liquid introduced into the interior of the overflow collector. This arrangement prevents used liquid, which is conveyed from the overflow distributor through the basin area to the overflow collector, from being remixed with fresh liquid.Instead, used fluid is systematically drained away.

[0027] Preferably, the fluid routing consists of a first fluid routing system, and a second fluid routing system interacts with the interior of the overflow collector. The second fluid routing system directs used fluid, diverted through the second overflow, into the overflow collector. This prevents, for example, splashing or lapping of the used fluid, thus avoiding mixing of the used fluid with fluid present in the basin area. Furthermore, the second fluid routing system prevents contamination of the area surrounding the block bearing element by used fluid.

[0028] Preferably, the second inlet is arranged above the first inlet in the direction of gravity. This arrangement allows the liquid introduced through the second fluid channel to flow into the first inlet without the risk of it entering the basin area. Instead, the liquid introduced through the second fluid channel is discharged directly through the second overflow. This facilitates the simple drainage of the used liquid.

[0029] Preferably, the upper end of the first inlet, in the direction of gravity, is at the same level as the bottom of the overflow collector. This further prevents the risk of the liquid introduced through the second liquid channel overflowing into the basin area. Furthermore, with this arrangement, only a small amount of the introduced liquid remains in the overflow collector. This small amount does not provide a sufficient basis for the proliferation of unwanted insects, fungi, or other biological material that could disrupt the operational process. This improves the user-friendliness and ease of cleaning of the block bearing element.

[0030] Preferably, the corner area is a first corner area, with the overflow collector and the second overflow being arranged in a second corner area that differs from the first corner area. This ensures that liquid introduced through the overflow distributor must first pass through the basin area before it can be discharged through the overflow collector. This results in the basin area being evenly flooded, so that all elements arranged within the basin area are supplied with and surrounded by liquid.

[0031] Preferably, a first block bearing element is arranged in the direction of gravity above a second block bearing element, wherein the first overflow of the first block bearing element is arranged above the first fluid guide of the second block bearing element and / or the second overflow of the first block bearing element is arranged above the second fluid guide of the second block bearing element. According to this arrangement, for example, the first overflow of the first block bearing element interacts with the first fluid guide of the second block bearing element. Furthermore, for example, the second overflow of the first block bearing element interacts with the second fluid guide of the second block bearing element.

[0032] The first overflow and the first liquid channel always come into contact with fresh liquid, so that, starting from the overflow distributor, the tub area is supplied with fresh liquid.

[0033] The second overflow and the second liquid channel handle the used liquid, which is introduced into the second overflow from the tub area.

[0034] The two arrangements keep the fresh liquid separate from the used liquid. This ensures that the basin area is supplied with fresh liquid that does not mix with used liquid.

[0035] Block bearing elements are stored, for example, in a block bearing. At least two block bearing elements form a block bearing element stack. Fresh liquid is introduced, for example, through the first liquid guide of the first, uppermost block bearing element. The liquid is introduced through the first liquid guide into the overflow distributor of the first block bearing element. From there, some of the liquid flows into the basin area. The remaining portion of the introduced liquid stays in the overflow distributor, causing the liquid level within the overflow distributor of the first block bearing element to rise until the liquid is discharged through the first overflow. From there, the liquid flows through the first liquid guide of a second block bearing element into the overflow distributor of the second block bearing element. The second block bearing element is located below the first block bearing element.The process is repeated there, so that in the second block bearing element the basin area is flooded and excess liquid is drained away through the first overflow.

[0036] In the block bearing element stack described in the previous paragraph, the liquid spreads out in the basin area of ​​the first block bearing element. There, the liquid level rises until the liquid is discharged through the second inlet of the second overflow. From there, the discharged liquid enters the second liquid channel of the second block bearing element. The second liquid channel transfers the discharged liquid into the interior of the overflow collector, from where the discharged liquid is then discharged directly through the first inlet of the second overflow.

[0037] This cascade-like supply of fluid to the individual block bearing elements can be applied to block bearing element stacks of any size. The arrangement of the overflow collector and overflow distributor, in combination with the respective fluid flow, requires no moving parts. This results in excellent ease of maintenance.

[0038] The invention is described below with reference to a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a block bearing element; Fig. 2 a cutaway detail view of the overflow distributor; Fig. 3 a cutaway detail view of the overflow collector; Fig. 4 a detail view of the second overflow.

[0039] The in Fig. 1The block storage element 1 shown has a trough area 2 and stacking geometries 3. Distribution elements 4 are provided in the trough area 2. An overflow distributor 5 is provided in a first corner area of ​​the block storage element 1. An overflow collector 6 is provided in a second corner area of ​​the block storage element 1.

[0040] In Fig. 2The overflow distributor 5 is shown in cross-section. The overflow distributor 5 has a distributor boundary 7 with several passages 8. The distributor boundary 7 separates an area around a first overflow 9 from the basin area 2. A first liquid guide 10 opens into the area around the first overflow. The lower end of the liquid guide 10 (in the direction of gravity) is located below the upper end of the first overflow 9. The first liquid guide 10 is funnel-shaped, with a funnel inlet located above the first overflow 9 (in the direction of gravity). The passages 8 connect the area around the first overflow 9, also called the interior of the overflow distributor 5, to the basin area 2. Liquid flows through the passages 8 from the interior of the overflow distributor 5 into the basin area 2. In the basin area 2, the liquid is guided by distribution elements 4.

[0041] In Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a cutaway detail view of the overflow collector 6. The overflow collector 6 has a second overflow 11 with a first inlet 12 and a second inlet 13, the two inlets 12 and 13 being separated from each other by a boundary 14. A second fluid channel 15 is also provided.

[0042] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows the arrangement of the first inlet 12 and the second inlet 13 of the overflow collector 6. The second inlet 13 serves as an overflow for the basin area 2. In contrast, the first inlet 12 serves as an overflow for liquid that has been introduced into the interior of the overflow collector 6. The first and second inlets 12, 13 both open into the second overflow 11. Furthermore, the first inlet 12 is at the same level as a base 16.

[0043] In a block bearing element arrangement (not shown), at least two block bearing elements 1 are stacked one above the other. A first block bearing element 1 is arranged above a second block bearing element 1. The stacking geometries 3 of the respective block bearing elements 1 are detachably engaged with one another. In this arrangement, the first fluid guide 10 of the second block bearing element 1 is located below the first overflow 9 of the first block bearing element 1. Furthermore, the second fluid guide 15 of the second block bearing element 1 is located below the second overflow 11 of the first block bearing element 1.

[0044] Fresh liquid is introduced into the first liquid channel of the first block bearing element 1. There, the liquid channel transfers the liquid to the overflow distributor, from where at least some of the liquid passes through the passages 8 into the basin area 2. The liquid flow is restricted by the passages 8, causing the liquid level to rise within the overflow distributor 5. As soon as the liquid level reaches the upper end of the first overflow 9, liquid is discharged through the first overflow 9. The first overflow 9 of the first block bearing element 1 empties into the first liquid channel 10 of the second block bearing element. The process then begins again.

[0045] Liquid flowing from overflow distributor 5 into basin 2 is distributed along the entire basin 2 by distribution elements 4. This ensures that the entire basin 2 is supplied with fresh liquid. Once basin 2 is supplied with liquid, liquid also flows to overflow collector 6. There, the now used liquid passes through the second inlet 13 of the first block support element 1 into the second liquid channel 15 of the second block support element 1. The second liquid channel 15 transfers the used liquid into the interior of overflow collector 6, from where the liquid is transferred through the first inlet 12 into the second overflow 11 of the second block support element 1. Any number of block support elements 1 can be stacked on top of each other to allow for the discharge of used liquid.

[0046] The overflow distributor 5, in combination with the first fluid guide 10, carries only fresh fluid. The overflow collector 6, in combination with the second fluid guide 15, handles used fluid. This keeps fresh fluid separate from used fluid, ensuring a good supply to all block bearing elements 1 in the block bearing arrangement. Reference symbol list

[0047] 1 Block bearing element 2 Tub area 3 Stacking geometry 4 Distributor element 5 Overflow distributor 6 Overflow collector 7 Distributor limit 8 Passage 9 First overflow 10 First liquid guide 11 Second overflow 12 First inlet 13 Second inlet 14 Limit 15 Second liquid guide 16 Bottom

Claims

1. Method for supplying liquid to a block storage element (1), wherein the block storage element (1) has an overflow (9), wherein liquid is introduced into an overflow distributor (5) with a distributor limit (7), wherein the overflow (9) is arranged in the overflow distributor (5), wherein the fluid is throttled through at least one passage (8) arranged in the distributor limit (7) and enters a tub area (2) of the block storage element (1), and fluid that is not discharged through the at least one passage (8) is diverted through the overflow (9).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid discharged through the overflow (9) of a first block storage element (1) is directed into a liquid conduit (10) of a second block storage element (1) arranged below the first block storage element (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overflow (9) is a first overflow (9) and that the liquid introduced into the block storage element (1) from the overflow distributor (5) is discharged through a second inlet (13) of a second overflow (11) of an overflow collector (6).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the liquid of a first block storage element (1) discharged through the second overflow (11) is fed into a second liquid conduit (15) of a second block storage element (1) arranged below the first block storage element (1).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluid discharged through the second overflow (11) of one of the block storage elements (1) into the second fluid conduit (15) of the second block storage element (1) arranged below the first block storage element (1) is transferred through a first inlet (12) of the second overflow (11) into a third block storage element (1) which is arranged below the second block storage element (1) in the direction of gravity.

6. Block storage element with a tub area and an overflow, wherein the overflow (9) is arranged in an overflow distributor (5), wherein the overflow distributor (5) has a distributor limit (7) with at least one passage (8) to the tub area (2), characterized in that a total cross-sectional area of a first cross-section of the at least one passage (8) is substantially smaller than a second cross-section of the overflow (9).

7. Block storage element according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one passage (8) is arranged in the direction of gravity at least partially at the level of an upper end of the overflow (9) and / or in the direction of gravity at least partially below the upper end of the overflow (9).

8. Block storage element according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the overflow distributor (5) is arranged in a corner area of the tub area (2) of the block storage element (1).

9. Block storage element according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the overflow distributor (5) has a liquid guide (10) whose lower end is arranged below the upper end of the overflow (9) in the direction of gravity.

10. Block storage element according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the overflow (9) is a first overflow (9) and that the block storage element (1) has a second overflow (11) with a first inlet (12) and a second (13) inlet, wherein the first inlet (12) cooperates with the interior of an overflow collector (6) and the second inlet (13) cooperates with an exterior of the overflow collector (6).

11. Block storage element according to claim 10, characterized in that the fluid conduit (10) is a first fluid conduit (10), and in that a second fluid conduit (15) cooperates with the interior of the overflow collector (6).

12. Block storage element according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the second inlet (13) is arranged above the first inlet (12) in the direction of gravity.

13. Block storage element according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that an upper end of the first inlet (12) in the direction of gravity is at the same height as the bottom (16) of the overflow collector (6).

14. Block storage element according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the corner area is a first corner area, and that the overflow collector (6) with the second overflow (11) is arranged in a second corner area that differs from the first corner area.

15. Block storage element arrangement with at least one block storage element according to one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that a first block storage element (1) is arranged above a second block storage element (1) in the direction of gravity, wherein the first overflow (9) of the first block storage element (1) is arranged above the first fluid conduit (10) of the second block bearing element (1) and / or the second overflow (11) of the first block bearing element (1) is arranged above the second fluid conduit (15) of the second block bearing element (1).