Greenhouse system

Abstract

To provide a method for actuating a green house system comprising: a block storage unit; at least one block storage element; and at least one vehicle.SOLUTION: There is provided a method for actuating a green house system 1, each block storage element has a carrier frame and a plant reception part 10. The plant reception part 10 is detachably engaged to the carrier frame. The block storage element has at least one first area 4 and one second area 5 and has at least one first carrier frame and at least one second carrier frame. The plant reception part 10 in the first area 4, is detachably engaged to the first carrier frame, the plant reception part 10 is then shifted into the second area 5, and in a frame of shift from the first area 4 to the second area 5, the plant reception part is shifted to the second carrier frame from the first carrier frame, and the plant reception part 10 in the second area 5 is detachably engaged to the second carrier frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a greenhouse system comprising a block storage device, at least one block storage element, and at least one vehicle. The present invention further relates to a greenhouse system comprising a block storage device, at least one block storage element, and at least one vehicle, wherein at least one block storage element can be temporarily accommodated in the block storage device.

Background Art

[0002] A block storage device or a block storage system describes a storage system comprising a receiving chamber for at least one block storage element. Stackable block storage elements are stored in and removed from the receiving chamber of the block storage element. For this purpose, at least one block storage element is stored in or removed from the receiving chamber of the block storage element through a loading chamber. Since the loading chamber can be arranged above and below the receiving chamber of the block storage element in the direction of gravity, the storage or removal direction is directed in the direction of gravity or the opposite direction of gravity. When the loading chamber is arranged above the receiving chamber of the block storage element, the storage direction is in the direction of gravity and the removal direction is opposite to the direction of gravity. When the loading chamber is arranged below the receiving chamber of the block storage element in the direction of gravity of the block storage element, the storage direction is the opposite direction of gravity and the removal direction is the direction of gravity. When some of the block storage elements are stored in the receiving chamber of the block storage element, stacking of the block storage elements occurs. A further designation of the block storage device is a stacked body storage device or a container storage device. In the following description, the receiving chamber of the block storage element is arranged above the loading chamber in the direction of gravity. Plants are grown within the framework of a greenhouse system. For this purpose, plants or seedlings require a corresponding environment with appropriate nutrient supply, lighting, etc.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to give an efficient configuration to the greenhouse system. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This objective is achieved by the features of claim 1. Here, each block storage element has a carrier frame and a plant receiving section, the plant receiving section being detachably engaged with the carrier frame, where the block storage element has at least one first region and at least one second region, and at least one first carrier frame and at least one second carrier frame, the plant receiving section in the first region being detachably engaged with the first carrier frame, the plant receiving section being then transferred into the second region, where the plant receiving section is transferred from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame within the framework of transfer from the first region to the second region, the plant receiving section in the second region being detachably engaged with the second carrier frame.

[0005] For example, the first carrier frame and the second carrier frame here differ in their characteristics, shape, etc. Furthermore, different conditions, such as CO2 concentration and humidity, are observed in the first and second regions (prevail in). This allows for adjustments to be made according to the growth stage of the stored plants, resulting in good efficiency.

[0006] It is preferable that the plant receiving section in which seedlings and / or plants are stored is illuminated during the first growth stage by a first lighting system of a first carrier frame positioned upward in the direction of gravity in the first region, and / or that the plant receiving section containing plants is illuminated during the second growth stage by a second lighting system of a second carrier frame positioned upward in the direction of gravity in the second region. For example, seedlings include newly sown seeds for germination, etc. Lighting systems adjusted to growth stages enable energy savings because seedlings and / or small plants in the first growth stage require less lighting, or lower lighting intensity, than plants in later growth stages, for example. Furthermore, this makes it possible to adjust conditions, especially lighting, to the growth stage so that seedlings and / or plants face optimal growth conditions. As a result, seedlings and / or plants grow rapidly. This, in turn, improves the processing capacity of the greenhouse system.

[0007] The plant receiving section is preferably stored with seedlings and / or plants in a storage area outside the block storage device, and then engages with the first carrier frame and is stored in the first area of ​​the block storage device. Outside the block storage device, seedlings and / or plants can be transported into the plant receiving section, for example, by a person and / or automatically by a robot. By separating the stockpiling process from the actual storage location within the block storage unit, the corresponding atmosphere within the block storage unit can be maintained. Furthermore, separating the stockpiling process prevents contamination of plants and / or seedlings in the block storage unit by people during planting, thereby preventing disruption to the operational process.

[0008] Within the framework of transfer from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame, the plant receiving section is moved to the transfer location. As soon as the plants and / or seedlings reach a certain size, the complete plant receiving section is transferred from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame. Here, the first carrier frame is adjusted to the first growth stage, and the second carrier frame is adjusted to the second growth stage. Thus, for example, the gravity-directed growth of the first carrier frame is less than the gravity-directed growth of the second carrier frame. The transfer addresses the needs of the plant at each growth stage, allowing the plants to grow. Thus, more first carrier frames than second carrier frames can be placed in the room, with growth determined by gravity.

[0009] A carrier frame having a plant receiving section with harvestable plants is preferably moved to a removal location where the plant receiving section is separated from the carrier frame. By separating the plant receiving section from the carrier frame, in this case the second carrier frame, the plant receiving section becomes easily accessible, and as a result, harvesting can be performed, for example, by a person and / or robot. This enables efficient harvesting of plants.

[0010] The plant receiving section is preferably moved from the retrieval location to the storage location, where it is washed. The washing process removes all contamination from the plant receiving section, so that seedlings and plants to be stored come into contact with a clean plant receiving section, thus reducing the risk of mold formation and the appearance of pests and diseases.

[0011] For example, the carrier frame is transported to a relocation site where it can be serviced or cleaned, for instance. This extends the lifespan of the carrier frame. For example, in this case, the plant receiving section is moved from the retrieval area to the storage area, outside the block storage device, where the plant receiving section is again washed outside the block storage device.

[0012] The greenhouse system preferably has a first buffer and a second buffer, where a first carrier frame to be transported that does not have or does not have a plant support is detachably stored in the first buffer, and a second carrier frame to be transported that does not have or does not have a plant support is detachably stored in the second buffer. This creates buffer capacity and ensures the smooth operation of the greenhouse system. For example, the first buffer can be merged into the second buffer. This reduces the required space.

[0013] Furthermore, the objective is achieved by the features of claim 8. To this end, the block storage element comprises a carrier frame and a plant receiving portion that is detachably engaged with the carrier frame, the block storage device comprises at least one first region and at least one second region, the first carrier frame together with the plant receiving portion forms a first block storage element, the second carrier frame together with the plant receiving portion forms a second block storage element, the first block storage element can be stored in the first region, the second block storage element can be stored in the second region, and the plant receiving portion is transferred from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame.

[0014] As a result of this configuration, the carrier frame can be handled separately from the plant support section. This eliminates the need to "replant" seedlings and / or plants while they remain in the first area for harvesting. This reduces stress on the plants and / or seedlings during their growth, allowing them to grow undisturbed without generating new root systems.

[0015] Seedlings and / or plants are referred to as plants, and in this usage, they mean all stages of plant growth, from seeds to harvestable plants. The first area is adjusted to the first growth stage of the plant, where it faces optimal growth conditions. For example, the second area is adjusted to the second growth stage of the plant, where it faces optimal growth conditions. As a result, the plant grows rapidly, and high processing capacity is achieved in the block storage device and greenhouse system.

[0016] Preferably, the first carrier frame has a first lighting system, and / or the second carrier frame has a second lighting system. These lighting systems allow the plants to be illuminated according to their growth stage; for example, in the first growth stage, the plants are illuminated with lower intensity than in the second growth stage. By adjusting the lighting system to each growth stage, good plant growth can be achieved.

[0017] The growth of the plants on the first carrier frame in the direction of gravity is preferably less than the growth of the plants on the second carrier frame in the direction of gravity. As a result, more first carrier frames than second carrier frames can be stored in the receiving chamber of the block storage elements, with the defined vertical growth. Thus, the first area can be smaller in composition than the second area. This reduces the required space.

[0018] A greenhouse system preferably has a storage area, a retrieval area, and a transfer area. For example, plants can be transferred to a plant receiving section in the storage area. The plant receiving section then engages with a first carrier frame. In the transfer area, the plant receiving section is transferred, for example, from the first carrier frame to a second carrier frame. In the retrieval area, the carrier frame and the plant receiving section are separated from each other, and further harvesting can be carried out, for example, in the retrieval area. For example, in each of the storage, retrieval, or transfer areas, peripheral functions are coordinated to the tasks of each respective location. As a result, good efficiency is achieved.

[0019] It is preferable that the storage area and / or retrieval area constitute the transfer area, and / or the storage area constitutes the retrieval area. This configuration allows several tasks, such as storage, transfer, and retrieval or harvesting, to be performed in one location. This further reduces the space required, resulting in a more compact greenhouse system.

[0020] Preferably, a transfer system is provided between the retrieval location and the storage location. For example, the transfer system transports the plant receiving units. As a result, the plant receiving units are transported from the retrieval location to the storage location, and sufficient plant receiving units become available at the retrieval location. This enables efficient operation.

[0021] The transfer system preferably includes a cleaning device. For example, the cleaning device here cleans the plant receiving part. As a result, plants can be placed on a clean plant receiving part. This reduces the burden of sprouting and avoids possible operational failures and crop failures that may occur later.

[0022] The block storage element preferably has a first buffer for accommodating at least one transported first carrier frame and a second buffer for accommodating at least one transported second carrier frame. Since the buffer can always provide a sufficient number of carrier frames to be transported, a smooth operation process is possible. For example, here the first buffer can be integrated with the second buffer. This leads to a compact greenhouse system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] It is a top view of the greenhouse system. [Figure 2] It is a conceptual diagram showing a series of flows for operating the greenhouse system.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a greenhouse system 1 including a take-out location 2, a storage / transfer location 3, a first area 4, a second area 5, a buffer 6, a travel route 7 of a vehicle (not shown), a transfer system 8, a cleaning device 9, and a plant receiving part 10 that sometimes engages with a carrier frame (not shown). The first area 4, the second area 5, and the buffer 6 are arranged in a block storage device together with a part of the travel route 7.

[0025] The first area 4, the second area 5, and the buffer 6 have receiving rooms (not shown in the figure) for block storage elements, in which block storage elements (see below) are stored and taken out through a loading room (not shown in the figure) from below in the direction of gravity.

[0026] Based on Figure 2, the sequence of operations of greenhouse system 1 is shown. At storage / transfer location 3, seeds are sown in the plant receiving section 10. The plant receiving section 10, with the sown seeds, then engages with the first carrier frame at storage / transfer location 3. The plant receiving section 10 and the first carrier frame together form the first block storage element.

[0027] The first block storage element is moved to the first region 4, or to the block storage element receiving chamber in the first region. The first block storage element remains in the first region 4 for a specified period until the seed reaches a specified growth stage.

[0028] The atmosphere within the first region 4 is adjusted so that the seeds encounter the optimal growth environment. Lighting conditions are achieved here by a lighting system (not shown) on the carrier frame. Depending on the plant species, seeds prefer either a light-intensive or a slightly dark environment for germination. Based on this preference, the corresponding lighting system is mounted on the first carrier frame. Also, seeds and their seedlings are smaller than plants in subsequent growth stages. Therefore, the first carrier frame is adjusted to the first growth stage and has growth (expansion) measured in the direction of gravity.

[0029] After a certain period of time, seedlings grown from seeds require different environments and spatial conditions. For this reason, a complete first block storage element, consisting of the first carrier frame and plant receiving section 10, is transported from the first area 4 to the storage / transfer location 3. At the storage / transfer location 3, the plant receiving section 10 is separated from the first carrier frame. The first carrier frame is then transported, for example, to a buffer 6. The plant receiving section 10 engages with the second carrier frame, and as a result, the second carrier frame, together with the plant receiving section 10, forms a second block storage element. For example, the second carrier frame is then removed from the buffer.

[0030] The second block storage element is then transferred from the vehicle to the second area 5, where it is stored in the block storage element receiving chamber of the second area. In the second area 5, the air and lighting are adjusted to suit the plant growth stage and its corresponding requirements.

[0031] The second carrier frame is similarly adjusted to the requirements of the plants. The second carrier frame allows for greater plant growth in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, since plants in later growth stages require more light, the second carrier frame has a different lighting system. The lighting system is positioned here to radiate light downward in the direction of gravity. In the stack of block storage elements, one block storage element, in particular the plant receiving section 10, is illuminated from above.

[0032] The process of moving from one area 4, 5 to another area 5, 4, and the accompanying transfer of the plant receiving section 10 from one carrier frame to another, is repeated according to the needs of the plants. Each area and each carrier frame is adjusted here to suit the needs of the plants at the corresponding growth stage.

[0033] As soon as the plants reach a harvestable stage, the plants, along with the plant receiving section 10 and the carrier frame which is a second carrier frame in this case, are transported by a vehicle from the second area to the picking location 2 as a second block storage element.

[0034] At the retrieval location 2, the plant receiving section 10 is separated from the second carrier frame, and then the second carrier frame is transferred to, for example, buffer 6. Buffer 6 can also be located in the first region 4 and / or the second region 5, for example, plants with different stages of growth are stored in the first region 4 and the second region 5.

[0035] Harvestable plants in the plant receiving section 10 are harvested. The plant receiving section 10 is then transported by the transport system 8 to a washing device 9 for washing and / or disinfecting the plant receiving section 10. The plant receiving section 10 is then brought to the storage / transfer location 3, where seeds or seedlings are loaded into the plant receiving section 10 again. Here, the transport system 8 serves to provide the plant receiving section 10. Therefore, the transport system 8 also has a buffer function.

[0036] The carrier frame is moved here exclusively by vehicle. Furthermore, since the vehicle can separate the carrier frame from the plant receiving section 10, the plant receiving section can be removed from the carrier frame at the storage / transfer location 3 and / or the retrieval location 2. In addition, several vehicles can be provided.

[0037] For example, a stack of completed block storage elements is constantly being stored, transferred, or retrieved. The stack of completed block storage elements is related to the maximum storage capacity of the block storage element receiving chambers. Moving from the vehicle, the block storage elements are here individually transferred from one block storage element receiving chamber to another. As a result, a certain period of the plant's growth stage is allocated to each block storage element receiving chamber, for example. For example, the receiving chamber of the first block storage element is allocated to the first day of the growth stage, and the receiving chamber of the second block storage element is allocated to the second day of the growth stage. The number of block storage element receiving chambers is determined according to the duration of the growth stage.

[0038] As shown in the figure, regions 4 and 5 are spatially separated from each other. However, they can also be adjacent to each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] List of symbols 1. Greenhouse System 2. Retrieval location 3. Storage / Relocation Sites 4. First Domain 5. Second Domain 6 buffers 7. Routes of travel 8. Transport System 9. Washing device 10 Plant support section

Claims

1. A method for operating a greenhouse system (1) having a block storage device, at least one block storage element, and at least one vehicle, wherein each block storage element has a carrier frame and a plant receiving portion (10), the plant receiving portion (10) being removably engaged with the carrier frame, and the block storage device has at least one first region (4) and at least one second region (5), as well as at least one first carrier frame and at least one second carrier frame. The plant receiving portion (10) of the first region (4) is removably engaged with the first carrier frame, The plant receiving section (10) is then moved to the second region (5), The plant receiving section (10) is transported from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame within the framework of transport from the first region (4) to the second region (5). A method wherein the plant receiving portion (10) of the second region (5) is removably engaged with the second carrier frame.

2. The plant receiving section (10) storing seedlings and / or plants is illuminated in a first area (4) during a first growth stage by a first lighting system of a first carrier frame positioned above in the direction of gravity. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plant receiving portion (10) having a plant is illuminated in the second region (5) during the second growth stage by a second lighting system of a second carrier frame positioned above in the direction of gravity.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plant receiving portion (10) stores seedlings and / or plants in an external storage area (3) of the block storage device, and then engages with the first carrier frame to store them in the first area (4) of the block storage device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plant receiving portion (10) is moved to the transfer location (3) within the framework of transfer from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a carrier frame equipped with a plant receiving section (10) having harvestable plants is transported to a removal location (2), and at the removal location (2), the plant receiving section (10) is separated from the carrier frame.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plant receiving section (10) moves from the retrieval area (2) to the storage area (3), and the plant receiving section (10) is washed on its way from the retrieval area (2) to the storage area (3).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the greenhouse system (1) has a first buffer (6) and a second buffer (6), and a first carrier frame that is transported without a plant support section (10) or without a plant support section (10) is detachably stored in the first buffer (6), and a second carrier frame that is transported without a plant support section (10) or without a plant support section (10) is detachably stored in the second buffer (6).

8. In a greenhouse system (1) comprising a block storage device, at least one block storage element, and at least one vehicle, wherein at least one block storage element is temporarily housed in the block storage device, The block storage element comprises a carrier frame and a plant receiving portion (10) that is detachably engaged with the carrier frame. The block storage device has at least one first region (4) and at least one second region (5), The first carrier frame, together with the plant receiving portion (10), forms the first block storage element. The second carrier frame, together with the plant receiving section (10), forms a second block storage element. A greenhouse system in which the first block storage element can be stored in the first region (4), the second block storage element can be stored in the second region (5), and the plant receiving section (10) is transferred from the first carrier frame to the second carrier frame.

9. The greenhouse system according to claim 8, wherein the first carrier frame has a first lighting system, and the second carrier frame has a second lighting system.

10. The greenhouse system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the growth of plants in the direction of gravity of the first carrier frame is less than the growth of plants in the direction of gravity of the second carrier frame.

11. The greenhouse system (1) comprises a storage area (3), a retrieval area (2), and a relocation area (3), as described in claim 8 or 10.

12. The greenhouse system according to claim 11, wherein the storage location (3) and / or the retrieval location (2) comprises the transfer location (3), and / or the storage location (3) comprises the retrieval location (2).

13. The greenhouse system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a transfer system (8) is provided between the retrieval location (2) and the storage location (3).

14. The greenhouse system according to claim 13, wherein the transfer system (8) is equipped with a washing device (9).

15. The greenhouse system according to any one of claims 8 to 14, comprising a first buffer (6) for accommodating at least one first carrier frame to be transported, and a second buffer (6) for accommodating at least one second carrier frame to be transported.

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