Greenhouse installation

Abstract

To provide a greenhouse that effectively uses an available space.SOLUTION: A greenhouse device is designed in a compact shape. For this purpose, the greenhouse device comprises a block storage system capable of housing at least one stack of a plurality of block storage elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a greenhouse apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Known greenhouse devices, for example, comprise a film structure that is placed over the planting area. The greenhouse device is generally placed over the field so that all plants receive uniform light. Glass structures are also used as an alternative to film structures. In either case, the sun's rays must pass through to reach the plants, which requires a certain degree of transparency from the tarpaulin structure or the glass structure. Instead of the aforementioned field, the greenhouse device can also be hung over a planting table. To allow for plant care, watering, and harvesting, aisles are created inside the greenhouse device, but no plants grow on these aisles, or only in certain areas. For this reason, the floor plan of this type of greenhouse device is usually very generously sized.

[0003] Another greenhouse arrangement is known as vertical farming. Here, plants are grown in multiple racks arranged in a hall. The rack arrangement leads to multiple stages in which the plants grow. As with the greenhouse arrangement described above, aisles for care, watering, and harvesting must be provided between the racks in vertical farming. This results in a certain distance between the individual racks, which must be minimally spaced apart to allow for a sufficient amount of free movement for care, harvesting, watering, etc. Therefore, with the same size floor plan as in the field described above, there is room for a larger planting area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to make efficient use of the space available in a greenhouse arrangement. This object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0005] The greenhouse apparatus includes a block storage system that can accommodate at least one stack of multiple block storage elements. The block storage system is characterized by a very high packing density. Depending on the embodiment, the block storage system can be filled with stackable block storage elements either from above or from below. Plants at all growth stages can be placed in the block storage elements. Because the block storage elements are stackable, a very high space yield can be achieved in this type of block storage system. Furthermore, the block storage system can be shielded from environmental influences, thereby creating optimal growing conditions for the plants. Therefore, the greenhouse apparatus configured in this manner has a compact design.

[0006] Preferably, the greenhouse apparatus comprises at least one block storage element receiving space equipped with at least one supplying device and / or at least one data transmission device, via which the plants can receive the appropriate supply of light, fluids, nutrients, a suitable atmosphere, etc. as needed. By using the data transmission device, data can be transmitted from, for example, sensors, valves, switches, etc., so that the data can be used to optimize the growth of the plants using the supplying device.

[0007] Preferably, the unloading space is arranged below the block storage element receiving space. Using this configuration, the block storage element receiving space can be unloaded from below, whereby the stack of block storage elements increases from the bottom upwards with each new block storage element. The stack is then disassembled again through the unloading space, i.e., each bottom block storage element is removed downwards. Gravity moves the block storage elements forming the stack downwards. When only one block storage element is placed in the block storage element receiving space, this block storage element is located in the lowest position within the block storage element receiving space. Through this configuration, as long as a block storage element is placed in the block storage element receiving space, the block storage element is located in the removal position adjacent to the unloading space, thereby avoiding operation when empty.

[0008] Preferably, the block storage element comprises a lighting device, which can be arranged on the bottom side of the block storage element, so that the lighting device shines or illuminates in the direction of gravity. In addition to the lighting function, the lighting device can also perform a heating function, which is capable of illuminating and / or heating stored objects, such as plants or photosensitive objects, arranged in or below the block storage element.

[0009] Preferably, the supply device and / or the data transmission device are arranged along the intake and / or removal direction, so that multiple block storage elements with different heights can be arranged in the block storage element receiving space, e.g., without supply gaps or data transmission gaps.

[0010] Preferably, the block storage element receiving space includes a lowest block storage element receiving position and at least one block storage element receiving position arranged above the block storage element receiving position in the direction of gravity, and the supply device and / or data transmission device start from the highest block storage element receiving position and terminate above the lowest block storage element receiving position. Thus, the block storage elements arranged at the lowest block storage element receiving position are not supplied with energy. This is unnecessary even if a lighting fixture can be arranged on the bottom side of the block storage element, thereby shining downward in the direction of gravity. Since no other block storage elements are arranged below the lowest block storage element, the supply unit and lighting fixture for the lowest block storage element are no longer needed. Therefore, using this configuration ensures that only the block storage elements arranged above the lowest block storage element are supplied with energy. As a result, the cost of controlling the block storage elements at the lowest block storage element receiving position is avoided. Additionally, using this configuration reduces material and assembly costs, resulting in less cost.

[0011] Preferably, different supply devices and / or data transmission devices are arranged in different corners of the block storage element receiving space. In this way, malfunctions between the data transmission devices and the energy transmission devices can be prevented. Furthermore, various safety aspects can be attached by using this configuration.

[0012] Preferably, the supply device comprises an energy transmission device. For example, it is advantageous if lighting fixtures are supplied with energy so that plants arranged in the plurality of block storage elements can be supplied with light. In addition to lighting fixtures, the energy device can be connected to other energy consumers, such as sensors.

[0013] Preferably, at least one block storage element arranged in the block storage element receiving space comprises at least one counterpart to an energy transmission device and / or a data transmission device, by means of which energy can be transmitted from the block storage element receiving space to the block storage system in order to supply the energy to a consumer. Possible energy consumers are, for example, sensors, lighting fixtures, control devices, etc.

[0014] Preferably, the counterpart comprises a complementary device, by means of which errors in the positioning of the block storage elements can be compensated for, so that the interaction of the counterpart with the energy transfer device and / or the data transfer device can be ensured.

[0015] Preferably, the counterpart comprises a clamping device that presses at least a portion of the counterpart against the energy delivery device and / or data delivery device, thereby establishing contact between the counterpart and the energy delivery device and / or data delivery device, and the clamping device further serves to compensate for irregularities in the energy delivery device and / or data delivery device.

[0016] Preferably, the energy and / or data transmission devices comprise contact rails and their counterparts comprise sliding contacts. Both the contact rails and the sliding contacts are manufactured in large quantities, resulting in cost-effective components, which minimizes the cost of the greenhouse device. Furthermore, during the process of storage and retrieval, the surfaces of the contact rails and sliding contacts are cleaned, polished, etc., thereby ensuring good energy or data transmission.

[0017] Preferably, the counterpart comprises at least two sliding contacts arranged one after the other. By using this configuration, at least one sliding contact, and therefore the counterpart, interacts with the supply device and / or data transmission device. In this way, gaps that may exist in the supply device and / or data transmission device can be filled. Thus, the interaction of the supply device and / or data transmission device with the counterpart is guaranteed.

[0018] Preferably, the supplying device comprises a fluid and / or nutrient supplying device that can supply fluid and / or nutrients to plants placed in the block storage element, so that the plants can encounter optimal growing conditions, thereby promoting plant growth.

[0019] Preferably, the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises at least one valve and / or at least one storage tank and / or at least one pump and / or at least one feeding element and / or at least one outflow element and / or at least one treatment device. By using this configuration, the plants placed in the block storage element can be supplied with fluid and / or nutrients. Therefore, the plants experience optimal growing conditions, thereby shortening the time to harvest. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to periodically remove the block storage element from the block storage system in order to supply the plants with fluid and / or nutrients from outside the block storage system. This reduces maintenance costs and therefore costs.

[0020] The invention is explained below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a block storage system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the block storage element receiving space. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the counterpart and the conductor rail. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the lowest block storage element receiving position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the corner guide profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A block storage system refers to a storage device including at least one block storage element receiving space. A plurality of stackable block storage elements can be stored in the block storage element receiving space and removed from the storage state. For this purpose, at least one block storage element is stored in the block storage element receiving space or removed from the storage state through a loading / unloading space. The loading / unloading space can be arranged above or below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, whereby the direction of storage to the storage state or the direction of removal from the storage state is oriented in the direction of gravity or opposite to the direction of gravity. The direction of storage to the storage state and removal from the storage state is determined by the arrangement of the loading / unloading space. When the loading / unloading space is arranged above the block storage element receiving space, the direction of storage to the storage state is the direction of gravity, and the direction of removal from the storage state is opposite to the direction of gravity. When the loading / unloading space is arranged below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, the direction of storage to the storage state is oriented opposite to the direction of gravity, and the direction of removal from the storage state is oriented in the direction of gravity. When a plurality of block storage elements are placed in a storage state in the block storage element receiving space, a block storage element stack is formed. Other terms for a block storage system are a stack storage system or a container stack storage system. In this exemplary embodiment, the block storage element receiving space is located above the loading / unloading space in the direction of gravity.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a block storage system 1. The block storage system 1 includes a number of block storage element receiving spaces 2. A number of block storage elements 3 can be stackably and removably arranged within the plurality of block element receiving spaces 2. The block storage elements 3 are transported into the block storage system 1 through a storage and removal area 4 and can also be removed again from the block storage system 1. In this embodiment, the storage and removal area 4 is connected to a loading / unloading space by a port (not shown). The port is then connected to a loading / unloading space (not shown), which is arranged below at least one block storage element receiving space. A mobile loading vehicle is arranged within the loading / unloading space, and the loading vehicle transfers a plurality of block storage elements 3 from the port into the container receiving space 2. To do so, the loading vehicle picks up the block storage elements 3 from the port by using a lifting device to lift the block storage elements from below in the direction of gravity, so that the block storage elements 3 are placed on the loading / unloading vehicle. Next, the unloading vehicle moves together with the block storage element 3 to the block storage element receiving space 2 where the block storage element 3 is to be placed. Upon arriving at the block storage element receiving space 2, the unloading vehicle lifts the block storage element upward against the direction of the shear force. If one or more block storage elements 3 are already positioned in the block storage element receiving space 2 to be filled, the unloading vehicle lifts the block storage element 3 to be placed in storage together with any block storage elements 3 positioned above it, thereby forming a block storage element stack. Once the block storage element stack has been lifted above a certain height by the unloading vehicle, the multiple holding elements (not shown) holding the block storage element stack move, allowing the lifting device of the unloading vehicle to be lowered again without the block storage element 3. The unloading vehicle is then free to place or remove additional block storage elements 3 from storage.During the removal process from storage, only the lowest block storage element 2 of the block storage element stack located in the block storage element receiving space 2 can be removed at any one time. For this purpose, a loading and unloading vehicle is positioned below the block storage element 3 being removed and lifts the block storage element 3 or block storage element stack so that the holding element moves to the release position. The loading and unloading vehicle then lowers the block storage element stack. After the block storage element stack has been lowered a certain distance, the holding element moves back to the holding position and holds the remaining block storage element stack in the block storage element receiving space 2. The lowest block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack is then placed onto the loading and unloading vehicle, which transports the block storage system 3 to a port device (port). From there, the block storage element 3 can be further transported, inspected, repaired, returned to storage, etc.

[0024] In FIG. 2, a block storage element receiving space 2 is shown. A block storage element 3 is disposed within the block storage element receiving space 2. The block element receiving space 2 further comprises at least one corner guide profile 5 with an integrated conductor rail 6. The block storage element 3 comprises stacking geometry portions 7 with counterparts 8 at multiple corners of the block storage element 3. The counterparts 8 thereby interact with the conductor rails 6 when the block storage element 3 is in a stored state. The stacking geometry portions 7 are disposed at at least one corner of the block storage element 3 and space the individual block storage elements 2 from one another in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the stacking geometry portions 7 may comprise a geometric configuration that prevents the stacked block storage elements 3 from moving relative to one another.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows the corner guide profile 5, the conductor rail 6, the stacking geometry 7, and the counterpart 8 in detail. The counterpart 8 can thus be equipped with a complementary device (not shown) and a clamping device (not shown). Furthermore, the counterpart 8 has two sliding contacts (not shown) arranged one after the other, which interact with the conductor rail 6 in the storage state. The conductor rail 6 and the counterpart 8 are adapted to each other. As a result, both the conductor rail 6 and the counterpart 8 can be equipped with various current phases for transmitting current. Depending on the number of current phases to be transmitted, the conductor rail 6 and the counterpart can have a two-phase design for one positive pole and one negative pole, or three phases for transmitting three-phase current.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically where the conductor rails 7 are arranged in the block storage element receiving space 2. This ensures that the counterparts 8 of the bottom block storage element 3 do not interact with the conductor rails 7. The conductor rails 7 end above the lowest block storage element receiving position in the direction of gravity. Below the lowest block storage element receiving position, a loading / unloading space 9 is arranged. Furthermore, one or more planting containers 10 can be arranged in one block storage element 3. Plants at all stages of growth can be arranged in this type of planting container 10.

[0027] In Figure 5, the corner guide profile 5 is shown with the integrated conductor rail 6. This clearly shows that the conductor rail is only arranged in the upper region 11, which is arranged above the lowest block storage element receiving position. The lower region 12 corresponds to the region of the lowest block storage element receiving position, but no conductor rail is arranged in the lower region 12.

[0028] An exemplary process is described below in which a block storage element 3 loaded with plants is placed into storage within the block storage system, remains in the block storage system until the plants are ready to be harvested, and is then removed from storage again.

[0029] The block storage elements 3 are transferred to the storage and removal area 4. From the storage and removal area 4, the block storage elements 3 are transferred through a port into the unloading space 9. Starting from the unloading space 9, the block storage elements 3 are transferred from below into the block storage element receiving space 2. This allows additional block storage elements 3 to be stored in the block storage element receiving space 2. A block storage element stack is formed in the block storage element receiving space 2.

[0030] During the transfer of the block storage element 3 from the loading / unloading space 9 into the block storage element receiving space 2, the counterpart 8 is inserted into the corner guide profile 5. As soon as the block storage element 3 is transferred from the lowest block storage element receiving position to the upper block storage element receiving position, the counterpart 8 engages with the upper region 11 of the conductor rail 6. In this way, the counterpart 8 interacts with the conductor rail 6. In an insertion region at the lower end of the conductor rail 6, the conductor rail 6 can be provided with an insertion formation that facilitates the insertion process of the counterpart 8 into the conductor rail 6. Furthermore, complementary devices and clamping devices of the counterpart 8 can be used to further facilitate the insertion process.

[0031] Once the counterpart 8 is in contact with the conductor rail 6, the luminaires arranged on the bottom side of the block storage element 3 can, for example, light up. The block storage element 3 arranged in the lowest block storage element receiving position does not interact with the energy transmission device, so that the luminaires above that block storage element cannot provide light. It is no longer necessary to interrupt the energy supply to the lowest block storage element 3, thereby reducing the costs of open-loop and closed-loop control.

[0032] By using a supplying device (not shown) capable of delivering fluids and / or nutrients to plants, human intervention during the plant growth process is not required. This type of fluid and / or nutrient supplying device can further comprise the following elements: at least one valve and / or at least one storage tank and / or at least one pump and / or at least one feeding element and / or at least one outflow element and / or at least one treatment device. By using these elements, the fluid and / or nutrient supplying device can be adapted to greenhouse equipment. The fluid and / or nutrients can also be reused by the treatment device.

[0033] Furthermore, the greenhouse apparatus can be equipped with an air conditioning system that allows optimal climatic conditions for the plants, whereby the growth of the plants can be accelerated or slowed down, for example, including temperature, CO2 content of the air, humidity, etc.

[0034] The block storage elements 3 remain in the block storage system 1 until the plants are ready to be harvested or transplanted. To remove the block storage elements 3 from storage and out of the block storage system 1, the lowest block storage element 3 in the block storage element stack is transported out of the block storage element receiving space 2 and into the loading / unloading space 9, respectively. From the loading / unloading space 9, the block storage elements 3 are transported through a port into the storage and unloading area. In the storage and unloading area, plants ready for harvest can be removed from the block storage elements 3, and the block storage elements 3 can receive new plants or seeds before being placed back into storage. Instead of returning the block storage elements 3 to storage, the block storage elements 3 can be inspected or cleaned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1 Block storage system 2 Block storage element receiving space 3 Block Storage Elements 4. Storage and receiving area 5 Corner guide profile 6 Conductor rail 7 Stacking Geometry Section 8 Counterpart 9 Loading and unloading space 10 Planting Containers 11 Upper area 12 Lower area

Claims

1. a block storage system (1) capable of accommodating at least one stack of a plurality of block storage elements (3); and at least one block storage element receiving space (2) including at least one supplying device for appropriately supplying the plants arranged in said block storage element (3) with a supply target and / or at least one data transmission device for transmitting data configured to optimize the growth of said plants by said supplying device, the supply device and / or the data transmission device are arranged along a direction of insertion into and / or removal from a storage state; the supply apparatus includes an energy delivery device; The energy transfer device and / or the data transfer device comprises a conductor rail (6), At least one of the block storage elements (3) arranged in the block storage element receiving space (2) comprises at least one counterpart (8) to the energy transmission device and / or the data transmission device, The counterpart (8) comprises a sliding contact.

2. A greenhouse device as described in claim 1, wherein a loading and unloading space for loading and unloading into the block storage element receiving space (2) from below is arranged below the block storage element receiving space (2).

3. 3. A greenhouse arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the block storage element (3) is provided with a lighting fixture.

4. 4. The greenhouse apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the block storage element receiving space (2) comprises a lowest block storage element receiving position and at least one other block storage element receiving position arranged above the lowest block storage element receiving position, and the supply device and / or the data transmission device start from the highest block storage element receiving position and terminate above the lowest block storage element receiving position.

5. Greenhouse arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein different supply devices and / or data transmission devices are arranged at different corners of the block storage element receiving space (2).

6. A greenhouse arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the counterpart (8) comprises a complementary device.

7. A greenhouse arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the counterpart (8) comprises a clamping device.

8. Greenhouse device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said counterpart (8) comprises at least two of said sliding contacts arranged one after the other.

9. Greenhouse arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supplying arrangement comprises a fluid and / or nutrient supplying device.

10. 10. The greenhouse apparatus of claim 9, wherein the fluid and / or nutrient supply device comprises at least one valve and / or at least one storage tank and / or at least one pump and / or at least one feeding element and / or at least one outflow element and / or at least one treatment device.

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