Device and method for growing climbing plants, and system and method for growing and harvesting climbing plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for growing climbing plants (10). The device (100) comprises at least one tube (20) having at least one opening (30, 31) for inserting climbing plants (10). The at least one opening (30, 31) is arranged in a wall (22) of the tube (20). The device (100) also comprises a holder element (40) for holding the at least one tube (20). The at least one tube (20) has a first end and a second end and is mounted, at its two opposing ends, on the holder element (40) such that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tube (20), so that at least one hanging part of the climbing plant (10) can be wound over the at least one tube (20). The invention also relates to a method for growing climbing plants (10) using the device (100), a system for growing and harvesting climbing plants (10) including the device (100), and a method for growing and harvesting climbing plants (100) using the system.

Description

[0001] Apparatus and method for cultivating climbing plants and system and method for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants

[0002] The invention relates to a device for cultivating climbing plants, a method for cultivating climbing plants using the device, a system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants using the device, and a method for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants using the system. In recent years, more and more plants are cultivated in a controlled

[0003] Grown in an environment, such as a cultivation room or greenhouse, that is adapted to optimal growth conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light for the plants. The cultivation of agricultural products in fully climate-controlled cultivation rooms with controlled external influences is referred to as "indoor farming."

[0004] Vertical farming (VF) is a particularly important part of "indoor farming." Vertical farming (VF) is an extremely compact, vertical form of plant cultivation that enables highly efficient plant cultivation throughout the year. This form of cultivation features a fast harvest cycle, uses less fertilizer, nutrients, and water, and is largely pesticide-free.

[0005] A vertical farming device for cultivating plants is described, for example, in WO 2018 / 220011 (Orbiplant). The device comprises a conveyor belt movable along a conveyor path with horizontal and vertical sections, with the horizontal and vertical sections alternating along the conveyor path. The plants are fixed to the conveyor belt and, while the conveyor belt is moving, are illuminated at least temporarily by a light source and supplied with nutrients and water. However, the device according to WO 2018 / 220011 is not suitable for the cultivation of long, trailing or climbing plants, such as cucumbers, peas, runner beans, goldenrod, hops, and passionflowers.

[0006] Climbing plants can reach tendrils of several meters, e.g., 4 to 5 meters, in a hanging form. During a growth cycle lasting several months, a portion of the climbing plants ripens daily, and their fruits must be harvested in a timely manner. If the climbing plants are grown in the device according to WO 2018 / 220011, a portion of the climbing plants accumulates in a lower horizontal section while the conveyor belt moves from a previous, higher horizontal section via a vertical intermediate section to the lower horizontal section. This not only makes harvesting the fruits more difficult, but can also lead to the climbing plants becoming tangled. Until now, climbing plants have been cultivated by manually pulling the tendrils onto a support structure as a climbing aid. In the open field or in cultivation rooms, the tendrils are often trained vertically upwards onto a trellis.Alternatively, the climbing plants can be cultivated horizontally in a shelving system according to JP 2016168016 A, with each climbing plant occupying one shelf level of the system. Both common solutions for cultivating climbing plants require a lot of manual labor and take up a relatively large amount of space.

[0007] Another important aspect of climbing plants is harvesting. Both in the field and in cultivation rooms, harvesting is often done manually, which is very labor-intensive. However, existing harvesting robots struggle with optical image recognition and difficulty in accessing the fruits of climbing plants. This is because the fruits are covered by numerous leaves, making it difficult for harvesting robots to visually identify and reach the fruits.

[0008] Based on the devices known from the prior art and the problems explained above, the object of the invention is to provide a device for cultivating climbing plants which enables space-saving cultivation of climbing plants, as well as to provide a system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants which facilitates harvesting.

[0009] The above object is achieved with a device for cultivating climbing plants according to claim 1 and with a system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants according to claim 15. A method for cultivating climbing plants using the device is specified in claim 13. A method for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants using the system is specified in claim 16. Further advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a device for cultivating climbing plants, comprising at least one tube. The tube has a first end and a second end along a tube axis. The tube axis can be understood as a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The tube can advantageously be cylindrical. In this case, the tube axis is the cylinder axis. The base of the cylinder can be of any shape, but a circular base is preferred.

[0011] The tube has at least one opening in a tube wall. The tube wall can be viewed as the outer shell of the tube. It runs around the longitudinal axis of the tube. In the case of a cylindrical tube, the tube wall is the surface area of ​​the cylinder. The opening is arranged so that at least one climbing plant can be inserted into it. The climbing plants can have, for example, roots, leaves, tendrils, and fruit. The fact that a plant can be inserted into one of the openings means that at least the roots of the plant can be inserted into the opening with or without a substrate or a holder. The tube can be used to spatially separate the roots from the leaves and tendrils, as the roots remain inside the tube while the leaves and tendrils grow outside the tube, for example in a hanging form.This type of spatial separation allows for a better controllable and adjustable atmosphere and prevents excessive humidity during the cultivation of the climbing plants.

[0012] The device further comprises a holding device for holding the at least one tube. The tube is mounted on the holding device with its two opposite ends, i.e., the said first and second ends of the tube, rotatably about a longitudinal axis of the tube, so that at least a hanging part of the climbing plants can be wound around the tube.

[0013] Climbing plants typically have cultivation and harvest cycles of several months. By the time the fruits are harvested in one harvest cycle, the vines have already reached a certain length. By rotating the tube, the harvested vine sections closest to the roots can be wound over the tube, shortening the length of the remaining hanging vine sections. These can then form a shoot tip area with new flower buds and future fruits in the next cultivation and harvest cycle.

[0014] Instead of presenting the entire length of the climbing plants during the cultivation and harvesting cycles, according to the invention only a crop-bearing part of the climbing plants is presented with a shortened predetermined length, which reduces the cultivation area and promotes or facilitates the subsequent harvest.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tube can be arranged at an angle of inclination to a horizontal direction. The angle of inclination is preferably greater than or equal to 1 degree, preferably greater than or equal to 5 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 10 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 15 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 20 degrees, and / or less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 40 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 30 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees. The angle of inclination is particularly preferably greater than or equal to 4 degrees and less than or equal to 8 degrees.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the support element can comprise two legs, with at least one of the two legs being particularly preferably height-adjustable in a vertical direction. Preferably, the at least one tube can be arranged with an inclination angle greater than zero. If one of the legs is adjustable, the inclination angle can be adjusted by changing the length of that leg.

[0017] An inclined pipe arrangement is particularly suitable for hydroponic cultivation, as the angle of inclination allows the nutrient solution to flow through the pipe independently, ensuring that all roots within the pipe are supplied with the nutrient solution. Especially when the climbing plants are fed aeroponics, an inclined arrangement is unnecessary.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tubes can each comprise a first opening at their first end and a second opening at their second end. In an advantageous embodiment, the device can have an irrigation unit which is designed to introduce nutrient solution into at least one of the tubes, advantageously through the first opening. The first opening can therefore represent an inlet for the nutrient solution. The device according to the invention can, for example as part of the irrigation unit, comprise a collecting element which can be arranged at the second opening such that nutrient solution escaping through the second opening can be collected or collected in the collecting element. The second opening here forms an outlet for the nutrient solution.

[0019] The first and second openings in the tube effectively prevent unwanted waterlogging. Waterlogging occurs when the climbing plants are overwatered and the water doesn't drain away in time. This leads to the roots remaining in the moist substrate or support for extended periods, preventing the climbing plants from absorbing oxygen and nutrients through their roots.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the irrigation unit can comprise a pump, a first line, and a tank. A first end of the first line can be connected to the pump, while a second end of the first line can be arranged at the first opening of at least one of the tubes. The pump can be connected to the tank in such a way that the nutrient solution can be pumped from the tank through the first line to the first opening by means of the pump.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the pump can be arranged so that the nutrient solution can be conveyed from the tank through the first line to the first opening. The arrangement of the pump and the first line enables automatic and precise supply to the roots without unnecessarily moistening the leaves and fruits.

[0022] In an advantageous addition to the previously described embodiment, the irrigation unit can have a second line. A first end of the second line can be connected to the collecting element, while a second end of the second line can be connected to the tank, preferably arranged in the tank. The second line can be configured such that the nutrient solution collected or trapped in the collecting funnel can be returned to the tank. In this way, the excess nutrient solution is recycled and nutrient solution consumption is reduced. Advantageously, the first end of the second line can be arranged higher than the second end of the second line so that the nutrient solution can be returned to the tank under the influence of gravity.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the device comprises a plurality of tubes that are arranged at least partially vertically one above the other. In this embodiment, a larger number of climbing plants can be cultivated because the vertical space is efficiently utilized by the device. It is generally conceivable to cultivate both the same type of climbing plants and different types of climbing plants in the tubes.

[0024] Preferably, it can also be provided that the tubes are arranged parallel to one another, i.e., either in the horizontal direction or at the same angle of inclination to the horizontal direction. The fact that the tubes can be arranged parallel to one another means that their tube axes are parallel to one another.

[0025] Particularly advantageously, the tubes can be moved vertically by a transport unit of the device. This allows the respective heights of the tubes to be adapted to the different growth and harvest cycles of the climbing plants in order to meet the increasing space requirements of the growing climbing plants. For example, those climbing plants that are about to be harvested can be set to a height suitable for harvesting. After the harvesting process, the harvested tendril sections can be wound up over the tube, and the tube can then be moved to a different height to await the next harvest cycle. Furthermore, the individual tubes can be irrigated by the irrigation unit at a height suitable and adjusted for irrigation.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport unit can have two traction transmission devices, which can also be referred to as traction force transmission devices, preferably transport chains, conveyor belts, or conveyor belts. A first of the traction transmission devices can extend at least partially in the vertical direction at the first ends of the tubes, while a second of the traction transmission devices can extend at least partially in the vertical direction at the second ends of the tubes. Preferably, the first traction transmission device can run parallel to the second.

[0027] The tension transmission devices may, for example, comprise a plurality of holders at different heights in the vertical direction, on which the tubes are rotatably mounted horizontally or at an equal angle of inclination to the horizontal direction at their opposite ends about the longitudinal axes of the tubes, so that hanging parts of the climbing plants can be wound over the tubes.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport unit can have at least four deflection rollers. The first tension transmission device can then run over an upper and a lower deflection roller, and the second tension transmission device can also run over an upper and a lower deflection roller. The terms "upper" and "lower" are to be understood in such a way that the corresponding deflection rollers are arranged higher or lower than the other roller of the same tension transmission device when the device is installed as intended. The tension transmission devices can describe a closed path. Each of the two tension transmission devices can comprise two vertical sections: an up-movement section and a down-movement section opposite the up-movement section. In the area of ​​the respective deflection rollers, the tension transmission sections can run along the circumference of the corresponding rollers.These sections then connect the two vertical sections together.

[0029] Optionally, two of the deflection pulleys, over which different traction transmission devices run, are arranged at the same height. For example, the first deflection pulley and the third deflection pulley can be arranged at a common height on the support element, while the second deflection pulley and the fourth deflection pulley are arranged at a different common height on the support element. This arrangement enables a mirror-symmetrical structure of the transport unit and provides high stability and robustness.

[0030] It is preferred that two corresponding deflection pulleys, for example the first and third deflection pulleys and the second and fourth deflection pulleys, are arranged at different heights on the holding element. Preferably, the two upper deflection pulleys can therefore be arranged at different heights and the two lower deflection pulleys can be arranged at different heights. Preferably, a distance between the deflection pulleys of the same tension transmission device, i.e. the distance between the lower and upper deflection pulleys, is the same for both tension transmission devices. In this way, an angle of inclination of the pipes remains unchanged when the pipes are moved by the tension transmission devices. In this way, the direction of inclination of the pipes is maintained during transport of the pipes by the tension transmission devices.To further increase stability, the device may comprise additional transport rollers arranged between the top and bottom deflection rollers, over which the tension transmission devices run.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device can have at least one motor configured to drive at least one of the deflection rollers, preferably one deflection roller of each tension transmission device, such that the pipes can be moved in the vertical direction. The vertical direction can be considered the direction from the lower to the upper deflection rollers. The motor realizes an automatic vertical movement of the pipes. Preferably, the motor is controlled by a control unit such that the speed of the vertical movement of the pipes is regulated in a predetermined manner.

[0032] In addition to the device for cultivating climbing plants, the invention relates to a method for cultivating climbing plants using the device. In the method according to the invention, the climbing plants are each inserted into an opening of the at least one tube. After the plants have grown sufficiently, the at least one tube is rotated to wind a hanging part of the climbing plants over the at least one tube.

[0033] In principle, climbing plants can be cultivated with or without a substrate and / or a support.

[0034] If the climbing plants are placed in the opening without substrate, they are preferably supplied with nutrients and water aeroponics, i.e., via the air. Aeroponics is a plant cultivation method in which the plants are fixed in a tube so that the roots are moistened with an aerosol of a hydroponic fertilizer solution containing nutrients and water. The hydroponic fertilizer solution can be atomized using atomizers, such as low-pressure, high-pressure, and ultrasonic atomizers, arranged inside the tube.

[0035] If the climbing plants are placed in the opening with a substrate, they are preferably supplied with nutrient solution hydroponically by introducing the nutrient solution into the tube through one of the end openings. A suitable substrate could be, for example, rock wool or a similar support material in which the roots are fixed. The substrate is preferably selected so that the roots have good support and the substrate can transport the nutrient solution and store it at least temporarily.

[0036] The rotation of at least one tube can be done manually. Alternatively, the rotation of at least one tube can also be done automatically, for example, electrically. The rotatability of the tube allows the hanging length of the climbing plants to be shortened, saving space for cultivation.

[0037] Advantageously, the at least one tube is rotated such that the at least one opening for inserting climbing plants is positioned after rotation such that nutrient solution cannot flow out of the tube through the opening, i.e., preferably in a lateral or preferably upper tube region. This prevents the nutrient solution from leaking out through the at least one opening for inserting climbing plants. With automatic rotation, the desired angle of rotation of the at least one tube can additionally be controlled or monitored via a control unit.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pipe or pipes can each be arranged on the corresponding tension transmission device via a holding element. The holding element can be arranged on the corresponding tension transmission device via a bearing, preferably a ball bearing. The holding element can advantageously have two legs adjacent to one another at a preferably right angle. A first of the legs can be arranged on the bearing, while a second of the legs can have a swivel joint with a locking device at its end facing away from the first leg. The corresponding pipe can be arranged on the second leg of the holding element on the swivel joint with a locking device in such a way that it can be rotated by the swivel joint when the locking device is released.This arrangement causes the second leg of the retaining element to point downward due to gravity in every position along the movement through the tension transmission device, so that the tube does not change its orientation around the tube axis during movement through the tension transmission device. On the other hand, the tube can be rotated around the tube axis in the swivel joint with locking mechanism to wind up hanging parts of the plants. In this configuration, it is advantageous if the tubes are shorter than the distance between the tension transmission devices, as this prevents the tubes from colliding with the tension transmission devices.

[0039] The invention also relates to a system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants. The system comprises the device according to the invention, a lighting device arranged on a first side of the device for illuminating the climbing plants, and a harvesting robot arranged on a side of the device for harvesting the climbing plants opposite the first side. Preferably, the harvesting robot can be arranged opposite the lighting device with respect to a plane spanned by at least two of the tube axes or with respect to a plane in which at least one tube axis of one of the tubes and at least one hanging component of a climbing plant arranged in this tube are arranged. The device can therefore be arranged between the harvesting robot and the lighting device. The lighting device can illuminate a plane spanned by at least two of the tube axes.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the lighting device enables targeted and controlled irradiation of the climbing plants with suitable wavelengths. It is also conceivable to adapt the lighting of the lighting device to the specific needs of the climbing plants in different growth phases.

[0041] With single-sided lighting, the leaves of the climbing plants orient themselves toward the light-facing side, while the fruits of the climbing plants are presented for harvesting on the side facing away from the light, where the harvesting robot is located. Single-sided lighting causes the leaves to grow toward the lighting device to maximize photosynthetic energy and promote growth.

[0042] An inventive concept behind this design of the system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants is the utilization of the phototropism of the climbing plants. The leaves of the plants orient themselves toward the light. This ensures that the fruits are not obscured by leaves on the opposite side. This allows the harvesting robot unobstructed access to the fruits, significantly reducing downtimes due to difficulties in the optical image recognition of the fruits by the harvesting robot.

[0043] Furthermore, it is possible to remove shoot tips of the climbing plants that orient themselves toward the light-facing side to enable more homogeneous longitudinal growth of the main shoot of the climbing plants and prevent them from overgrowing. Furthermore, pruning the shoot tips promotes the health of the climbing plants. Since higher secondary metabolite concentrations are often found in shoot tips, the removed shoot tips of the climbing plants can also be used as secondary target products in such cases.

[0044] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the harvesting robot is designed to harvest the climbing plants on the side of the device opposite the first side and / or to harvest the climbing plants, in particular shoot tips of the climbing plants, on the first side of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the system can comprise a further harvesting robot for harvesting climbing plants, in particular shoot tips of the climbing plants, which is arranged on the first side of the device between the lighting device and the device. The harvesting of climbing plants disclosed in this document can comprise the harvesting of only one climbing plant, the harvesting of at least one climbing plant, or the harvesting of a plurality of climbing plants. The same applies to the harvesting of the shoot tips.

[0045] In this context, the system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants can comprise a cutting tool for harvesting the shoot tips of the climbing plants. The cutting tool can be a component of the harvesting robot and / or the further harvesting robot. Advantageously, the cutting tool is arranged on the first side of the device between the lighting device and the device. In particular, the cutting tool or the respective harvesting robot can enable an automatic vertical cut to harvest the shoot tips of the climbing plants growing toward the lighting device.

[0046] In addition to the system for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants, the invention also relates to a method for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants using the system.

[0047] In the method according to the invention, the climbing plants are each inserted into an opening in one of the tubes. On the first side of the device, the climbing plants are illuminated by the lighting device. When the fruits of the climbing plants are ripe in a harvest cycle, the climbing plants are harvested by the harvesting robot on the side of the device opposite the first side. The corresponding tube is then rotated in order to wind the harvested hanging part of the climbing plants over the corresponding tube. The rotation significantly shortens the length of the remaining hanging tendril sections. These then form a shoot tip area with new flower buds and future fruit in a next cultivation and harvest cycle. The above-mentioned process steps regarding illumination, harvesting, and rotation can be repeated in subsequent harvest cycles.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the method can comprise harvesting shoot tips of the climbing plants on the first side of the device. The harvesting of the shoot tips of the climbing plants can be carried out by means of a cutting tool and / or the harvesting robot and / or the further harvesting robot of the system. When harvesting the shoot tips, it is advantageous to harvest the shoot tips of the climbing plants after harvesting the fruits of the climbing plants and before rotating the tube. For this purpose, the harvesting robot can move from the original location, namely from the side of the device opposite the first side, to the first side of the device in order to harvest the shoot tips of the climbing plants. After harvesting the shoot tips of the climbing plants, the corresponding tube is then rotated in order to wind the harvested hanging part without the shoot tips of the climbing plants over the corresponding tube.The two harvesting processes, i.e. harvesting the fruits and the shoot tips, particularly promote new flower buds and future fruits in the next cultivation and harvesting cycle.

[0049] However, if an additional harvesting robot is used, the additional harvesting robot is preferably arranged on the first side of the device, between the lighting device and the device. In this case, the harvesting of the shoot tips of the climbing plants on the first side of the device is independent of the harvesting of the fruits of the climbing plants on the side of the device opposite the first side. This allows for more flexible harvesting of the shoot tips of the climbing plants.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment, the harvesting of the shoot tips of the climbing plants and the harvesting of the fruits of the climbing plants can take place simultaneously on both sides of the device in order to reduce the harvesting time.

[0051] The invention is explained in more detail below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals denote like or corresponding features. The features can also be implemented independently of the specific example and combined between the examples. It shows:

[0052] Figure 1: A schematic representation of a device according to the invention for cultivating climbing plants with a tube;

[0053] Figure 2: A schematic representation of a device according to the invention for cultivating climbing plants with a plurality of tubes;

[0054] Figure 3: A schematic representation of a system according to the invention for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants with the device according to Figure 2;

[0055] Figure 4: An example of fastening the pipes to tension transmission devices;

[0056] Fig. 5: A schematic representation of another system according to the invention for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants with the device according to Figure 2.

[0057] Figure 1 schematically shows a device 100 according to the invention for cultivating climbing plants 10. In this example, the device 100 comprises a tube 20 with two openings 30 and 31 for inserting climbing plants 10. The openings 30 and 31 are arranged in a tube wall 22 of the tube 20. The climbing plants 10 are inserted into the openings 30 and 31 with rock wool 16, in which the roots 17 are fixed. The leaves 14 and the tendrils 15 of the climbing plants 10 are located outside the openings 30 and 31. A portion of the tendrils 15, which is closer to the roots 17, is wound over the tube 20, while another portion of the tendrils 15, which is further away from the roots 17, grows hanging. In addition to the openings 30 and 31 for inserting climbing plants 10, the tube 20 comprises a first end opening 27 at a first end 24 and a second end opening 28 at a second end 26. The tube 20 can be circular, square or hexagonal in cross-section, for example.If the tube 20 has a circular cross-section, it may, for example, have a diameter of 20 to 30 cm, preferably 25 cm.

[0058] The device 100 further comprises a holding element 40 for holding the tube 20. The tube 20 is mounted at its two opposite ends 24, 26 on the holding element 40 so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tube 20, such that a hanging part of the climbing plants 10 can be wound up over the tube 20. The rotation of the tube 20 can be done manually, for example via a handle 23 arranged at the end 24 or 26 of the tube 20. Alternatively, the rotation of the tube 20 can be done automatically, e.g. electrically, e.g. with the aid of an electric motor (not shown in Figure 1). The tube 20 is arranged on the holding element 40 at an angle of inclination w greater than zero to a horizontal direction x. In the example shown, the angle of inclination w is greater than or equal to 4 degrees and less than or equal to 8 degrees. If the climbing plants 10 are supplied aeroponics, the pipe 20 can also be arranged horizontally.

[0059] The device 100 also includes an irrigation unit 60. The irrigation unit 60 includes a pump 64, a first line 66, a second line 74, a tank 68, and a collecting funnel 62. A first end 70 of the first line 66 is connected to the pump 64, and a second end 72 of the first line 66 is arranged at the first opening 27.

[0060] The pump 64 is arranged in the tank 68 such that nutrient solution 67 can be conveyed from the tank 68 through the first line 66 to the first end opening 27 in the pipe 20. The collecting funnel 62 is arranged at the second end opening 28 such that the nutrient solution 67 exiting through the second end opening 28 can be collected or trapped in the collecting funnel 62. The first end opening 27 forms an inlet for the nutrient solution, while the second end opening 28 forms an outlet for the nutrient solution. A first end 76 of the second line 74 is connected to the collecting funnel 62, and a second end 78 of the second line 74 is arranged in the tank 68. The first end 76 of the second line 74 is arranged higher in a vertical direction y than the second end 78 of the second line 74, so that the nutrient solution 67 can be returned to the tank 68 under the influence of gravity.

[0061] Figure 2 schematically shows a device 200 according to the invention for cultivating climbing plants 10. The device 200 differs from the device 100 according to Figure 1 in that the device 200 comprises a plurality of tubes 20 and a transport unit 80 for moving the tubes 20 in the vertical direction y. In addition, the tubes 20 have three openings 32, 33, and 34 for inserting climbing plants 10 (not shown in Figure 2). The openings 32, 33, and 34 are also arranged in the tube walls 22 of the tubes 20. The climbing plants 10 can be inserted into the openings 32, 33, and 34 with or without the rock wool 16, as described in Figure 1.

[0062] The transport unit 80 comprises two traction transmission devices 82, 84, preferably transport chains, conveyor belts, or conveyor belts. A first traction transmission device 82, 84 extends at least partially in the vertical direction y at the first ends 24 of the tubes 20, and a second traction transmission device 84 extends at least partially in the vertical direction y at the second ends 26 of the tubes 20.

[0063] The tubes 20 are arranged one above the other and parallel to each other in the vertical direction y on the tension transmission devices 82, 84. The tubes 20 are preferably arranged equidistant from each other, measured along the tension transmission device 82, 84. In this context, the tension transmission devices 82, 84 comprise a plurality of holders at different heights, on which the tubes 20 are rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axes of the tubes 20 at their opposite ends 24, 26, either horizontally or at an equal angle of inclination w to the horizontal direction x, so that hanging parts of the climbing plants 10 can be wound over the tubes 20.

[0064] Advantageously, the tubes 20 can be arranged on the tension transmission devices 82, 84 via ball bearings. For example, a holding element (not shown in Figure 2) can be provided for each tube on each side of the tube 20, which is connected to the corresponding tension transmission device 82, 84 via a ball bearing and to which the corresponding tube 20 is locked. Advantageously, the holding element can be shaped such that the corresponding tube is held with its tube axis parallel to and spaced from a rotation axis of the corresponding ball bearing by a distance greater than zero. In this way, the tube 20 hangs downwards relative to the two ball bearings in any position along the tension transmission devices 82, 84 and maintains its alignment. In this way, the tubes 20 are therefore not rotated by the movement of the tension transmission device 82, 84.

[0065] The transport unit 80 also comprises four deflection rollers 85, 86, 87, 88. The device 200 comprises a holding element 50 for holding the four deflection rollers 85, 86, 87, 88. The first tension transmission device 82 runs over the first, upper deflection roller 85 and the second, lower deflection roller 86, and the second tension transmission device 84 runs over the third, upper deflection roller 87 and the fourth, lower deflection roller 88. Due to the deflection rollers 85, 86, 87, 88, the tension transmission devices 82, 84 are movable on a corresponding closed path. The first tension transmission device 82 comprises two vertical sections consisting of an up-movement section and a down-movement section opposite the up-movement section, and two curved sections in the region of the upper 85 and lower deflection pulley 86, which connect the vertical up-movement section and the vertical down-movement section to one another.The second tension transmission device 84 also comprises two vertical sections, which have an up-movement section and a down-movement section opposite the up-movement section, and two curved sections in the region of the upper 87 and lower deflection pulley 88, which connect the vertical up-movement section and the vertical down-movement section to one another.

[0066] The tubes 20 can advantageously be somewhat shorter than a distance between opposing deflection rollers 80, 87 or 86, 88, respectively, or a distance between the tension transmission devices 82, 84. In this way, the tubes are held between the tension transmission devices 82, 84. This arrangement can be achieved, for example, by means of the holding element described above.

[0067] For the vertical movement of the pipes 20, the device 200 comprises a motor (not shown in Figure 2). The motor is configured to drive at least one of the deflection pulleys 85, 86, 87, 88, preferably a deflection pulley of each tension transmission device, such that the pipes 20 are moved in the vertical direction y. Furthermore, the motor can be controlled via a control unit to regulate or control the speed of the vertical movement of the pipes 20.

[0068] The device 200 also includes the irrigation unit 60, through which one of the pipes 20 can be irrigated at a height suitable for irrigation, e.g., at a lowest height. As the pipes move through the traction transmission device, all pipes 20 move past the opening 72 of the line 66 and can thus be irrigated one after the other.

[0069] It is optionally possible for the first, upper deflection roller 85 and the third, upper deflection roller 87 to be arranged at a common height on the holding element 50, while the second, lower deflection roller 86 and the fourth, lower deflection roller 88 are arranged at a different common height on the holding element 50. Thus, the transport unit 80 has a mirror-symmetrical structure that is relatively stable and robust.

[0070] Advantageously, the first, upper deflection pulley 85 and the third, upper deflection pulley 87 can be arranged at different heights on the support element 50, while the second, lower deflection pulley 86 and the fourth, lower deflection pulley 88 can be arranged at other, different heights on the support element 50. Preferably, a distance between the heights of the first deflection pulley 85 and the third deflection pulley 87 is equal to a distance between the heights of the second deflection pulley 86 and the fourth deflection pulley 88. In this arrangement, the angle of inclination of the tubes 20 remains unchanged as the tubes 20 move from the vertical sections through the curved sections to the opposite vertical sections of the tension transmission devices 82, 84.As a result, in particular, the pipes 20 in the two opposite vertical sections of the traction transmission devices 82, 84 can be irrigated without having to exchange a position of the inlet 72 of the nutrient solution 67 and a position of the outlet 28 of the nutrient solution 67.

[0071] Figure 3 schematically shows a system 300 according to the invention for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants 10. The system 300 comprises the device 200 according to Figure 2 with the climbing plants 10 inserted into the openings 32, 33, 34 of the tubes 20. The system 300 also comprises an illumination device 310, which is arranged on a first side of the device 200 for illuminating the climbing plants 10. The illumination device 310 can, in particular, illuminate the climbing plants 10 in a targeted and controlled manner with suitable wavelengths and / or adapt them to the respective needs of the climbing plants 10 in different growth phases. The system 300 also comprises a harvesting robot 320, which is arranged on a side of the device 200 for harvesting the climbing plants 10 opposite the first side.

[0072] Due to the one-sided illumination, the leaves 14 of the climbing plants 10 are oriented toward the light-facing side, where the lighting device 310 is located, while the fruits 12 of the climbing plants 10 are presented for harvesting on the side facing away from the light, where the harvesting robot 320 is located. Since the distances between the leaves 14 and the fruits 12 are relatively large and the leaves 14 do not cover the fruits 12, the fruits 12, in this case the cucumbers, are easily recognized from the side facing away from the light by optical image recognition of the harvesting robot 320 and can then be successfully harvested by the harvesting robot 320.

[0073] The system 300 therefore allows the harvesting robot 320 free access to the fruits 12 and reduces downtimes due to difficulties with the optical image recognition of the fruits 12 by the harvesting robot. Figure 4 shows an example of a possible way of attaching the tubes 20 to the tension transmission devices 82, 84. This configuration is advantageous because it does not change the orientation of the tubes about their tube axes when moved by means of the tension transmission devices 82, 84.

[0074] Only one tube 20 is shown here on one of the tension transmission devices 82, but the other tubes 20 can be fastened in the same way and the fastening to the other tension transmission device 84 can also be designed in this way. Here, a holding element 302 is arranged on the tension transmission device 82 via a ball bearing 301. The holding element 302 has two legs that adjoin one another at a preferably right angle. The first of the legs is arranged on the ball bearing 301, while the second leg has a swivel joint with a locking mechanism 303 at its end facing away from the first leg. The tube 20 is arranged on the second leg of the holding element 302 via the swivel joint with a locking mechanism 303.This arrangement causes the second leg of the holding element 302 to point downward due to gravity in every position along the movement through the tension transmission device 82, so that the tube 20 does not change its orientation about the tube axis during movement through the tension transmission device 82. On the other hand, the tube 20 can be rotated about the tube axis in the swivel joint with locking device 303 to wind up hanging parts of the plants 10.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the system 300. Fig. 5 differs from Fig. 3 only in that a cutting tool 401 is present. The cutting tool 401 can be a component of the harvesting robot 320 or of another harvesting robot. With the embodiment of Fig. 5, it is particularly possible to remove shoot tips 400 of the climbing plants 10 that are oriented towards the side facing the light in order to enable more homogeneous longitudinal growth of the main shoot of the climbing plants 10 so that the climbing plants 10 do not overgrow. Furthermore, pruning promotes the health of the climbing plants 10. Since higher secondary metabolite concentrations are often found in shoot tips 400, the removed shoot tips 400 of the climbing plants 10 can also be used as secondary target products in such cases. In the embodiment of Fig.5, it can be provided that the harvesting robot 320 is designed for harvesting the climbing plants 10 on the side of the device 200 opposite the first side and / or for harvesting the climbing plants 10, in particular shoot tips 400 of the climbing plants 10, on the first side of the device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the system 300 can comprise a further harvesting robot for harvesting climbing plants 10, in particular shoot tips 400 of the climbing plants 10, which is arranged on the first side of the device 200 between the lighting device 310 and the device 200.

[0076] Advantageously, the cutting tool 401 is arranged or can be arranged on the first side of the device 200 between the lighting device 310 and the device 200. In particular, the cutting tool 401 or the respective harvesting robot can enable an automatic vertical cut in order to harvest the shoot tips 400 of the climbing plants 10 growing toward the lighting device 310.

[0077] List of reference symbols

[0078] Device 100, 200

[0079] Climbing plants 10

[0080] Fruits 12

[0081] Pages 14

[0082] Tendrils 15

[0083] Roots 17

[0084] Rock wool 16

[0085] Pipe 20

[0086] Pipe wall 22

[0087] Handle 23

[0088] First end of pipe 24

[0089] Second end of pipe 26

[0090] First opening 27

[0091] Second opening 28

[0092] Openings 30, 31, 32, 33, 34

[0093] Holding element 40, 50

[0094] Irrigation unit 60

[0095] Pump 64

[0096] First Line 66

[0097] First end of the first line 70

[0098] Second end of the first line 72

[0099] Nutrient solution 67

[0100] Tank 68

[0101] Collecting funnel 62

[0102] Second line 74

[0103] First end of the second line 76

[0104] Second end of the second line 78

[0105] Transport unit 80

[0106] Train transmission device 82, 84

[0107] Deflection pulleys 85, 86, 87, 88

[0108] System 300

[0109] Lighting device 310

[0110] Harvesting robot 320

[0111] Ball bearing 301 Retaining element 302

[0112] Swivel joint with locking device 303

[0113] Shoot tips of climbing plants 400

[0114] Cutting tool 401 inclination angle w

[0115] Horizontal direction x

[0116] Vertical direction y

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (100, 200) for cultivating climbing plants (10), comprising: at least one tube (20), wherein the at least one tube (20) has a first end (24) and a second end (26) along a tube axis, wherein the at least one tube has at least one opening (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) for inserting climbing plants (10), wherein the at least one opening (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is arranged in a tube wall (22) of the tube (20) surrounding the longitudinal axis of the tube; wherein the device further comprises a holding device (40, 50), wherein the tube is arranged with the first and second ends (24, 26) on the holding device (40, 50) so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the tube (20), so that a hanging part of the climbing plants (10) can be wound up over the at least one tube (20).

2. Device (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tube (20) is arranged with an angle of inclination (w) to a horizontal direction (x) which is greater than or equal to 1 degree, preferably greater than or equal to 5 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 10 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 15 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 20 degrees, and / or less than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 35 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 30 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 25 degrees, wherein the angle of inclination (w) is particularly preferably greater than or equal to 4 degrees and less than or equal to 8 degrees.

3. Device (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one tube (20) has a first end opening (27) at its first end (24) and a second end opening (28) at its second end (26), wherein the device (100, 200) comprises an irrigation unit (60) with which nutrient solution (67) can be introduced into the tube (20) through the first end opening (27), wherein the device also has a collecting element, which is or has preferably a collecting funnel (62), wherein the collecting element is arranged below the second end opening (28) in such a way that nutrient solution (67) emerging through the second end opening (28) can be collected in the collecting element (62).

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the irrigation unit (60) comprises a pump (64), a first line (66), and a tank (68), wherein the pump (64) can convey the nutrient solution (67) from the tank (68) through the first line (66) to the first opening (27).

5. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the irrigation unit (60) comprises a second line (74) with which the nutrient solution (67) collected in the collecting element (62) can be returned to the tank (68).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of tubes (20) arranged vertically one above the other.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the tubes (20) are arranged with mutually parallel tube axes.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a transport unit (80) which is arranged to move the tubes (20) in the vertical direction (y).

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the transport unit (80) has two tension transmission devices (82, 84), preferably transport chains, conveyor belts or conveyor belts, wherein a first (82) of the tension transmission devices (82, 84) extends at least partially in the vertical direction (y) at the first ends (24) of the tubes (20), and wherein a second (84) of the tension transmission devices (82, 84) extends at least partially in the vertical direction (y) at the second ends (26) of the tubes (20) and parallel to the first tension transmission device.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the first tension transmission device (82) runs over a first (85) and a second deflection pulley (86), and the second tension transmission device (84) runs over a third (87) and a fourth deflection pulley (88).

11. Device according to claim 10, comprising at least one motor which is arranged to drive at least one of the deflection rollers (85, 86, 87, 88) such that the tubes (20) are movable in the vertical direction (y).

12. Device according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the tubes are arranged at their first and second ends in each case via a holding element on the corresponding tension transmission device, wherein the holding elements each have two legs adjoining one another at a non-vanishing angle, wherein one of the legs is in each case via a bearing, preferably a ball bearing, on the corresponding Tension transmission device is arranged, wherein the corresponding tube is arranged on the other of the legs via a swivel joint, preferably with a locking device.

13. A method for cultivating climbing plants using a device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: Inserting at least one climbing plant (10) into at least one of the at least one opening (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) of the at least one tube (20); and Rotating the at least one tube (20) about its tube axis in order to wind a hanging part of the climbing plant (10) over the at least one tube (20).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one tube (20) is rotated such that the at least one opening (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) for inserting climbing plants (10) is located in a lateral or upper tube region after rotation.

15. A system (300) for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants (10), comprising: a device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a lighting device (310) for illuminating the climbing plants (10), which is arranged on a first side of the device (100, 200); and a harvesting robot (320) for harvesting the climbing plants (10), which is arranged on a side of the device (100, 200) opposite the first side.

16. System (300) according to claim 15, wherein the harvesting robot (320) is designed to harvest the climbing plants (10) on the side of the device (100, 200) opposite the first side and / or to harvest the climbing plants (10), in particular shoot tips of the climbing plants (10), on the first side of the device (100, 200).

17. System (300) according to one of claims 15 or 16, further comprising a further harvesting robot for harvesting climbing plants (10), in particular shoot tips of the climbing plants (10), which is arranged on the first side of the device (100, 200) between the lighting device (310) and the device (100, 200).

18. A method for cultivating and harvesting climbing plants (10) using a system (300) according to any one of claims 15-17, comprising the following steps: Inserting at least one climbing plant (10) into at least one opening (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) of the at least one tube (20); Illuminating the at least one climbing plant (10) on a first side of the device (100, 200); Harvesting the at least one climbing plant (10) on the side of the device (100, 200) opposite the first side; and Rotating the at least one tube (20) to wind at least one harvested hanging part of the at least one climbing plant (10) over the at least one tube (20).

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the following step: Harvesting the shoot tips of the climbing plants (10) on the first side of the device (100, 200).

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