Device for introducing at least one substance for plants into the soil

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for introducing at least one substance (S1, S2) for plants into the soil (G), the device comprising: - at least one first container (110) for storing the at least one substance, the container comprising a first inlet (111) and a first outlet (112); - at least one first substance controlling device (120) comprising a control means (121) which is mounted movably in the at least one first container so that the first control means is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first control means closes the first outlet at least partially and wherein in the second position the first control means lies at a distance from the first outlet; - an injection device (130) configured to be arranged in the soil, wherein the injection device comprises a second inlet (131) and second outlet (132), wherein the second inlet is connected to the first outlet; and - an air displacing device (140) configured to provide at least one airflow through the device.

Description

[0001] Device for introducing at least one substance for plants into the soil

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a device for introducing at least one substance for plants into the soil.

[0004] DE102008047573 describes a device for introducing at least one substance for plants, particularly trees and / or bushes, into the soil, comprising a container with an inner space for receiving the at least one substance. The device comprises a feed conduit for supplying compressed air. The feed conduit extends in the inner space of the container and debouches with at least an outlet opening for the compressed air in the inner space of the container. The outlet opening is located at a distance from an outlet of the container, such that the compressed air entrains the substance in the inner space on the basis of the injector effect and carries it out of the container via the outlet. A pipe, which can be inserted with a free outer end into the soil, is connected to the outlet of the container in order to blow the mixture of compressed air and substance from the container into the soil.

[0005] Performance of the device described in DE102008047573 is poor. The device thus becomes obstructed frequently, and a flow rate of the substance to be introduced is not controllable.

[0006] Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the invention have the object of providing a device for introducing at least one substance for plants which is controllable and which is less susceptible to becoming obstructed.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device for introducing at least one substance for plants into the soil comprises at least one first container for storing the at least one substance, the container comprising a first inlet and a first outlet. The device further comprises at least one first substance controlling device comprising a control means which is mounted movably in the at least one first container so that the first control means is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first control means closes the first outlet at least partially and wherein in the second position the first control means lies at a distance from the first outlet. Further also provided is an injection device which is configured to be arranged in the soil, wherein the injection device comprises a second inlet and second outlet, wherein the second inlet is connected to the first outlet. The device further comprises an air displacing device configured to provide at least one airflow through the device, wherein the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet so that, when the first control means is in the second position, the at least one airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the container to the injection device and carries the at least one substance stored in the container to the injection device so that the at least one substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet. The movability of the control means enables the flow rate to be adjusted. This advantage is based on the insight that different applications may require different dosages. For instance, depending on the specific requirements of the plants or soil conditions, it may be desirable to adjust the speed at which the substance is injected or the quantity of substance which is injected. The movement of the control means can also serve to unblock the device. Due to the closure of the outlet in the first position and the movement to the second position, any stuck material can be loosened and be cleared away, this preventing obstructions. The flexibility of handling substances with larger granule sizes is a significant advantage. This increases the variety of applications for which the device can be used, since not all substances have the same physical properties. The movability of the control means enables the distribution of the substance to be better controlled and optimized.

[0009] The control means is preferably an elongate pipe piece with a cavity extending in a longitudinal direction of the pipe piece, wherein the pipe piece comprises at the position of an upper segment of the container at least one first opening which connects the container to the cavity, wherein the pipe piece comprises at the position of a lower outer end a second opening and the cavity extends at least between the first opening and the second opening so that an airflow can flow via the at least one first opening, through the cavity up to the second opening. The advantage hereof is based on the insight that, were the substance to still block the outlet, the air pressure in the container will rise. The air pressure will then be guided via the cavity up to the outlet, and there blow away the blockage with increased pressure. In this way a self-unblocking control means is thus provided, this enabling the device to work almost continuously. In other words, an automatic unblocking mechanism is activated by the air pressure increase which occurs when the substance blocks the outlet. This has the result that the pressure is guided along the first opening, via the cavity to the outlet, where the air can remove the blockage with increased pressure. This self-unblocking mechanism makes the device highly reliable and able to work almost continuously, even in situations where there is a risk of obstruction. It minimizes the need for manual intervention and optimizes the efficiency of the operation.

[0010] The at least one first opening is preferably provided in an outer surface of the elongate pipe piece. Placing the at least one first opening in the outer surface of the elongate pipe piece further optimizes the connection between the container and the cavity. This provides for an even more accurate guiding of the airflow and strengthens the self-unblocking mechanism. This feature contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of the device, this making the device even more suitable for a wide range of applications wherein an accurate and reliable injection of substances into the soil is essential. The at least one first opening more preferably extends substantially transversely through the outer surface and up to the cavity.

[0011] The at least one first opening is preferably freely connected to an internal volume of the at least one container. This additional feature emphasizes the direct and unimpeded connection between the at least one first opening in the outer surface of the elongate pipe piece and the internal volume of the container. This free connection has the result that air can flow through the opening unimpeded and so can activate the self-unblocking mechanism when necessary.

[0012] The pipe piece is preferably arranged substantially vertically in the container.

[0013] The second opening is preferably aligned with the cavity. This alignment ensures that the airflow can flow through the cavity unimpeded and, in the case of a blockage, aims the airflow at the first outlet as efficiently as possible and can displace the substance to the injection device. Aligning the second opening directly with the cavity further reduces the chances of obstructions and increases the overall efficiency of the device. This further increases the reliability of the device, which is of great importance for application thereof in diverse situations where accurate and reliable injection of substances into the soil is crucial. The pipe piece is preferably arranged aligned relative to the first outlet. The at least one first opening preferably has a diameter of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

[0014] The distance between the control means and the first outlet is preferably controllable. This controllability provides additional flexibility and enables the configuration of the device to be adapted to specific conditions or requirements. Because the distance between the control means and the first outlet is adjustable, the airflow and the pressure distribution can be controlled more effectively. This is because the opening between the control means and the outlet of the container can be set to be larger or smaller. This is advantageous in optimization of the injection process for different substance types, soil types or ambient conditions. The distance is preferably at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 15 cm.

[0015] The at least one first substance controlling device preferably comprises an actuator which is configured to move the control means between the first and the second position.

[0016] The air displacing device is preferably further connected to the first outlet. This direct connection provides for an efficient flow of air from the air displacing device to the first outlet. Owing to this connection, the air displacement is accurately controlled and the air pressure can be utilized optimally for the injection process. This contributes to the reliability and effectiveness of the device in introducing substances into the soil. The airflow further also blows the substance away from the first outlet in improved manner, so that substance can be blown out of the container faster and in greater quantity. The first outlet more preferably comprises a venturi flow control device, which venturi flow control device comprises a first venturi inlet, a second venturi inlet and a venturi outlet, wherein the first outlet is connected to the first venturi inlet and the air displacing device is connected to the second venturi inlet, wherein the venturi flow control device further comprises a flow channel which extends from the second venturi inlet up to the venturi outlet and wherein a lateral feed channel is provided which extends between the first venturi inlet and the flow channel. By providing a venturi flow control device use is made of the Venturi effect, wherein a narrow passage increases the speed of the liquid or air and reduces the pressure in the flow. This pressure reduction has the result that the substance is suctioned from the container in improved manner and improves injection of the substance into the soil.

[0017] The injection device is preferably provided at an upper outer end with a connecting piece which is configured to be coupled to a vibrator block of an external vibrating device, for instance a work vehicle with a crane arm and a vibrator block. This connecting piece is designed to be coupled to a vibrator block of an external vibrating device, for instance a work vehicle with a crane arm and a vibrator block. This configuration provides the option of transmitting vibrations from the external vibrating device to the injection device. This can facilitate and optimize the injection of the substance into the soil, especially in situations where the soil is denser or more compact.

[0018] The container preferably further comprises a filling opening for filling the container with the at least one substance. This filling opening makes it possible to fill the container with the required substance in simple manner. The presence of a filling opening facilitates the process of preparing and loading up the device for use. This is of practical importance to ensure that the device is able to work efficiently and effectively when injecting the substance into the soil. This feature contributes to the utility and user-friendliness of the device, and makes it possible to add the required substance quickly and accurately for the desired application.

[0019] The device more preferably further comprises at least one second container for storing at least one second substance, the container comprising respectively a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the first outlet of the second container is connected to the injection device, preferably downstream of the first outlet of the first container, at least one second substance controlling device comprising a second control means which is mounted movably in the at least one second container so that the second control means is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second control means closes the first outlet at least partially and wherein in the second position the second control means lies at a distance from the first outlet. The air displacing device is configured to provide at least one airflow through the at least one second container, wherein the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet of the second container so that, when the second control means is in the second position, the at least one airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the second container to the injection device and carries the at least one second substance stored in the second container to the injection device so that the at least one second substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet. The device therefore preferably comprises a plurality of containers, preferably at least a second container intended for storing a second substance. This second container also has a first inlet and a first outlet. The first outlet of the second container is connected to the injection device, preferably downstream of the first outlet of the first container. In addition, the device comprises a second substance controlling device. This comprises a second control means which is disposed movably in the second container. The second control means can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position the second control means closes the first outlet at least partially, while in the second position it lies at a distance from the first outlet. The air displacing device is designed to provide at least one airflow through the second container. This air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet of the second container. When the second control means is in the second position, the airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the second container to the injection device. The second substance is hereby guided from the second container to the injection device, so that this second substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet. In this way the device is able to handle and inject a plurality of substances, this increasing the versatility thereof. The device can hereby be adapted to specific requirements and environments, and different types of substance can be injected into the soil efficiently.

[0020] Brief description of the figures

[0021] The above and other advantageous features and objectives of the invention will become more apparent and the invention better understood with reference to the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device for introducing at least one substance for plants into the soil.

[0023] Detailed embodiments The following detailed description relates to determined specific embodiments. The teaching hereof can however be applied in different ways. The same or similar elements are designated in the drawings with the same reference numerals.

[0024] The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments. The invention is however not limited thereto, but solely by the claims.

[0025] As used here, the singular forms “a” and “the” comprise both the singular and plural references, unless clearly indicated otherwise by the context.

[0026] The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “composed of’ as used here are synonymous with “including”. The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “composed of’ when referring to stated components, elements or method steps also comprise embodiments which “consist of’ the components, elements or method steps.

[0027] The terms first, second, third and so on are further used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order, unless this is specified. It will be apparent that the thus used terms are mutually interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described here can operate in an order other than described or illustrated here.

[0028] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” or “one aspect” means that a determined feature, structure or characteristic described with reference to the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The manifestations of the sentences “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” or “one aspect” in different places in this specification thus do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspects. As will be apparent to a skilled person in this field, the specific features, structures or characteristics can further be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or aspects. Although some embodiments or aspects described here comprise some but no other features which are included in other embodiments or aspects, combinations of features of different embodiments or aspects are further intended to fall within the context of the invention and to form different embodiments or aspects, as would be apparent to the skilled person. In the appended claims all features of the claimed embodiments or aspects can for instance be used in any combination.

[0029] The same or similar elements are designated in the drawing with the same reference numerals.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a device 100 which is configured to introduce at least one substance, designated as “SI”, for plants into the soil. The substance which has been introduced into the soil is designated as “S2”. An example of a substance is a nutrient for plants, also referred to as fertilizers. Several examples of nutrients are: Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth. It stimulates production of leaves and stalks. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in the energy transfer in plants and is important for the development of roots and flowers. Potassium is essential for regulation of important processes in plants, such as the opening and closing of stomata. Calcium strengthens the cell membranes of plants and is important for the stability and strength of the plant. Magnesium is an important component of chlorophyll, the green pigments in leaves that enable photosynthesis. Sulphur plays a role in the formation of amino acids, proteins and vitamins in plants. Trace elements are minerals that are needed in smaller quantities, such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum and boron. Natural material such as compost, humus and animal manure can also be used to provide plants with nutrients. There are also several other substances and substrates that can be important for plant growth. Vermiculite and perlite are for instance minerals that are used to improve air and water regulation. Clay pellets are used in hydroculture in order to manage water regulation. Materials such as lime or sulphur are used to adjust the pH of the soil to the needs of specific plants. Sand can be added to clay soil in order to improve drainage, or to sandy soil in order to increase water retention.

[0031] Selection of the correct substance depends on the specific needs of the plant species and the conditions at the growth location. The device 100 has for its object to inject the substance SI effectively and efficiently into the soil G as substance S2 in order to feed plants and trees or to achieve other desired effects.

[0032] The device 100 comprises at least one first container 110. The device 100 can also comprise a plurality of containers, including at least one first container 110. The at least one first container 110 is configured to store the at least one substance SI. The at least one first container 110 is configured to store the at least one substance SI, but can also store a plurality of substances, for instance a mixture of a nutrient and a neutral substrate such as sand. Container 110 comprises a first inlet 111 and a first outlet 112. Container 110 is configured to store the at least one substance SI.

[0033] The device 100 further comprises at least one first substance controlling device 120. The substance controlling device 120 has for its object to control the substance, specifically the flow rate thereof. This is understood to mean that this substance controlling device is able to adjust the speed at which the substance is released or injected into the soil. Controlling the flow rate is of great importance for enabling the dosage and distribution of the substance to be accurately managed, this being important for an effective application in the soil. The substance controlling device 120 comprises a control means 121 which is mounted movably in the at least one first container 110. The control means 121 is movable between a first position Pl and a second position P2. In the first position Pl the first control means closes the first outlet at least partially. In the first position Pl this means that the first control means 121 is in a determined position in which the first control means 121 covers or blocks the first outlet 112 of container 110, albeit partially. This means that the throughflow of substance from container 110 and out is impeded. This may be useful in situations where it is desirable to control or reduce the quantity of substance flowing out, for instance in order to adjust the dosage of the substance in the soil. In the second position P2 the first control means 121 lies at a distance from the first outlet 112. In the second position P2 the first control means 121 lies at a distance from the first outlet 112 of container 110 such that it does not impede the throughflow of substance any longer, or not substantially so. In other words, the first control means 121 is no longer in the way of substance SI flowing out of container 110. This second position is used when it is desirable to facilitate or to maximize the throughflow of substance to the injection device. The first control means 121 allows substance SI to pass unimpeded, whereby a smooth and uninterrupted injection process is realized. The option of displacing the first control means between these two positions Pl, P2 provides a mechanism of control over the throughflow of substance and enables the user to adapt the adjustment to specific requirements and circumstances. An injection device 130 is further also provided, which is configured to be arranged in the soil. The injection device 130 comprises a second inlet 131 and second outlet 132, wherein the second inlet 131 is connected to the first outlet 112 of container 110 so that the substance can flow from the container to the injection device.

[0034] The device 100 further comprises air displacing device 140 configured to provide at least one airflow through the device, wherein the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet 111 so that, when the first control means 121 is in the second position P2, the at least one airflow LI can flow via the first inlet 111, through the container 110 to the injection device and carries the at least one substance stored in the container to the injection device so that the at least one substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet. The movability of the control means 121 enables the flow rate to be adjusted. This advantage is based on the insight that different applications may require different dosages. For instance, depending on the specific requirements of the plants or soil conditions, it may be desirable to adjust the speed at which the substance is injected or the quantity of substance which is injected. The movement of the control means can also serve to unblock the device. Due to the closure of the outlet in the first position and the movement to the second position, any stuck material can be loosened and be cleared away, this preventing obstructions. The flexibility of handling substances with larger granule sizes is a significant advantage. This increases the variety of applications for which the device can be used, since not all substances have the same physical properties. The movability of the control means enables the distribution of the substance to be better controlled and optimized.

[0035] Figure 1 further shows that control means 121 is preferably an elongate pipe piece 121 with a cavity. The cavity of the pipe piece 121 extends in the longitudinal direction of the pipe piece itself. At the upper segment of container 110 the pipe piece 121 has at least one first opening, designated as the first opening 122. A plurality of first openings 122 can also be provided, this adding an additional layer of functionality. Instead of only one opening, there are now a plurality of points where air can be introduced into the cavity of the pipe piece. The air can hereby be distributed more uniformly or aimed at specific areas, depending on the process requirements. Not only does this increase the adaptability and efficiency of the device, it also provides a certain degree of backup in the event that one of the openings is not functioning properly for whatever reason. This opening 122 connects the open space of container 110 to the cavity of the pipe piece. A second opening, designated as the second opening 123, is located at the lower outer end of the pipe piece. The cavity of the pipe piece extends between the first opening 122 and the second opening 123. This means that there is a path along which an airflow can move, starting at the first opening 122, through the cavity of the pipe piece and up to the second opening 123. This makes it possible to displace air inside the pipe piece via the cavity. The advantage hereof is based on the insight that, were the substance to still block the first outlet 112, the air pressure in the container will rise.The air pressure will then be guided via the cavity up to the outlet, and there blow away the blockage with increased pressure. In this way a self-unblocking control means is thus provided, this enabling the device to work almost continuously. In other words, an automatic unblocking mechanism is activated by the air pressure increase which occurs when the substance blocks the outlet. This has the result that the pressure along the first opening 122 is guided via the cavity to the first outlet 123, where the air can remove the blockage with increased pressure. This selfunblocking mechanism makes device 100 highly reliable and able to work almost continuously, even in situations where there is a risk of obstruction. It minimizes the need for manual intervention and optimizes the efficiency of the operation. As shown in figure 1 , the at least one first opening 122 is provided in an outer surface of the elongate pipe piece 121. Placing the at least one first opening 122 in the outer surface of the elongate pipe piece further optimizes the connection between the container and the cavity. This provides for an even more accurate guiding of the airflow and strengthens the self-unblocking mechanism. This feature contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of the device, this making the device even more suitable for a wide range of applications wherein an accurate and reliable injection of substances into the soil is essential. A further advantage is based on the insight that when the pressure in the container increases and the air is blown via the cavity to the first outlet 112, the cavity also provides for a flow acceleration of the air and thus creates a jet effect which removes the blockage. The at least one first opening 122 more preferably extends substantially transversely through the outer surface and up to the cavity. The at least one first opening 122 is preferably freely connected to an internal volume of the at least one container. This additional feature emphasizes the direct and unimpeded connection between the at least one first opening in the outer surface of the elongate pipe piece and the internal volume of the container. This free connection has the result that air can flow through the opening unimpeded and so can activate the self-unblocking mechanism when necessary. The second opening is preferably aligned with the cavity. This alignment ensures that the airflow can flow through the cavity unimpeded and, in the case of a blockage, aims the airflow at the first outlet as efficiently as possible and can displace the substance to the injection device. Aligning the second opening directly with the cavity further reduces the chances of obstructions and increases the overall efficiency of the device. This further increases the reliability of the device, which is of great importance for application thereof in diverse situations where accurate and reliable injection of substances into the soil is crucial. The pipe piece is preferably arranged aligned relative to the first outlet. The at least one first opening preferably has a diameter of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

[0036] As illustrated with the double-ended arrow in figure 1 , the distance between the outer end of control means 121 and first outlet 112 is controllable. This controllability provides additional flexibility and enables the configuration of the device to be adapted to specific conditions or requirements. Because the distance between the control means and the first outlet is adjustable, the airflow and the pressure distribution can be controlled more effectively. This is because the opening between the control means and the outlet of the container can be set to be larger or smaller. This is advantageous in optimization of the injection process for different substance types, soil types or ambient conditions. The distance is preferably at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 15 cm. In order to move the control means the at least one first substance controlling device can comprise an actuator (not shown) which is configured to move the control means between the first and the second position.

[0037] In order to further improve transport of the substance to the injection device the air displacing device 140 is preferably further connected to the first outlet 112. This direct connection provides for an efficient flow of air from the air displacing device 140 to the first outlet 112. Owing to this connection, the air displacement is accurately controlled and the air pressure can be utilized optimally for the injection process. This contributes to the reliability and effectiveness of the device in introducing substances into the soil. The airflow further also blows the substance away from the first outlet 112 in improved manner so that substance can be blown out of the container faster and in greater quantity. In order to further increase this effect the first outlet 112 more preferably further comprises a venturi flow control device, which venturi flow control device comprises a first venturi inlet, a second venturi inlet and a venturi outlet, wherein the first outlet is connected to the first venturi inlet and the air displacing device is connected to the second venturi inlet, wherein the venturi flow control device further comprises a flow channel which extends from the second venturi inlet up to the venturi outlet and wherein a lateral feed channel is provided which extends between the first venturi inlet and the flow channel. By providing a venturi flow control device use is made of the Venturi effect, wherein a narrow passage increases the speed of the liquid or air and reduces the pressure in the flow. This pressure reduction has the result that the substance is suctioned from the container in improved manner and improves injection of the substance into the soil. Varying the pressure at the position of first outlet 112 makes start-up of device 100 controllable in improved manner. The variable air pressure at the position of the first outlet 112 blows the possible obstruction at the position of the first outlet away almost immediately, so that the substance can be blown freely from the container to the air displacing device more quickly.

[0038] Figure 1 shows that the container 110 can further comprise a filling opening 113 for filling the container with the at least one substance. This filling opening 113 makes it possible to fill the container with the required substance in simple manner. The presence of a filling opening 113 facilitates the process of preparing and loading up the device for use. This is of practical importance to ensure that the device is able to work efficiently and effectively when injecting the substance into the soil. This feature contributes to the utility and user-friendliness of the device, and makes it possible to add the required substance quickly and accurately for the desired application.

[0039] Yet another advantage of the device 100 is that device 100 is expandable in simple manner. Device 100 can thus further comprise at least one second container (not shown) for storing at least one second substance. The second container is substantially similar to the first container. The second container thus comprises respectively a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the first outlet of the second container is connected to the injection device, preferably downstream of the first outlet of the first container, at least one second substance controlling device comprising a second control means which is mounted movably in the at least one second container so that the second control means is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second control means closes the first outlet at least partially and wherein in the second position the second control means lies at a distance from the first outlet. The air displacing device 140 is configured to provide at least one airflow through the at least one second container, wherein the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet of the second container so that, when the second control means is in the second position, the at least one airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the second container to the injection device and carries the at least one second substance stored in the second container to the injection device so that the at least one second substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet. Device 100 therefore preferably comprises a plurality of containers, preferably at least a second container intended for storing a second substance. This second container also has a first inlet and a first outlet. The first outlet of the second container is connected to the injection device, preferably downstream of the first outlet of the first container. In addition, the device comprises a second substance controlling device. This comprises a second control means which is disposed movably in the second container. The second control means can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position the second control means closes the first outlet at least partially, while in the second position it lies at a distance from the first outlet. When two or more containers are used, the same air displacing device can be used to provide the airflow through both the first, second or even third, fourth and fifth container, and so on. For this purpose the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet of the second container. When the second control means is in the second position, the airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the second container to the injection device. The second substance is hereby guided from the second container to the injection device, so that this second substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet. In this way the device is able to handle and inject a plurality of substances, this increasing the versatility thereof. The device can hereby be adapted to specific requirements and environments, and different types of substance can be injected into the soil efficiently.

[0040] Figure 1 does not show that the injection device can be provided at an upper outer end with a connecting piece configured to be coupled to a vibrator block of an external vibrating device, for instance a work vehicle with a crane arm and a vibrator block. This connecting piece is designed to be coupled to a vibrator block of an external vibrating device, for instance a work vehicle with a crane arm and a vibrator block. This configuration provides the option of transmitting vibrations from the external vibrating device to the injection device. This can facilitate and optimize the injection of the substance into the soil, especially in situations where the soil is denser or more compact.

[0041] The skilled person will appreciate on the basis of the above description that the invention can be embodied in different ways and on the basis of different principles. The invention is not limited here to the above described embodiments. The above described embodiments and the figures are purely illustrative and serve only to increase understanding of the invention. The invention is not therefore limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A device for introducing at least one substance (SI, S2) for plants into the soil (G), the device comprising:- at least one first container (110) for storing the at least one substance, the container comprising a first inlet (111) and a first outlet (112);- at least one first substance controlling device (120) comprising a control means (121) which is mounted movably in the at least one first container so that the first control means is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first control means closes the first outlet at least partially and wherein in the second position the first control means lies at a distance from the first outlet;- an injection device (130) configured to be arranged in the soil, wherein the injection device comprises a second inlet (131) and second outlet (132), wherein the second inlet is connected to the first outlet;- an air displacing device (140) configured to provide at least one airflow through the device, wherein the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet so that, when the first control means is in the second position, the at least one airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the container to the injection device and carries the at least one substance stored in the container to the injection device so that the at least one substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet.

2. The device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the control means is an elongate pipe piece (121) with a cavity extending in a longitudinal direction of the pipe piece, wherein the pipe piece comprises at the position of an upper segment of the container at least one first opening (122) which connects the container to the cavity, wherein the pipe piece comprises at the position of a lower outer end a second opening (123) and the cavity extends at least between the first opening and the second opening so that an airflow can flow via the at least one first opening, through the cavity up to the second opening.

3. The device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the at least one first opening is provided in an outer surface of the elongate pipe piece.

4. The device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the at least one first opening extends substantially transversely through the outer surface and up to the cavity.

5. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims 2-4, wherein the at least one first opening is freely connected to an internal volume of the at least one container.

6. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims 2-5, wherein the pipe piece is arranged substantially vertically in the container.

7. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims 2-6, wherein the second opening (123) is aligned with the cavity.

8. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims 2-7, wherein the pipe piece is arranged aligned relative to the first outlet.

9. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims 2-8, wherein the at least one first opening has a diameter of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

10. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the distance between the control means and the first outlet is controllable.

11. The device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the distance is at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 15 cm.

12. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least one first substance controlling device comprises an actuator which is configured to move the control means between the first and the second position.

13. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air displacing device is further connected to the first outlet.

14. The device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the first outlet comprises a venturi flow control device, which venturi flow control device comprises a first venturi inlet, a second venturi inlet and a venturi outlet, wherein the first outlet is connected to the first venturi inlet and the air displacing device is connected to the second venturi inlet, wherein the venturi flow control device further comprises a flow channel which extends from the second venturi inlet up to the venturi outlet and wherein a lateral feed channel is provided which extends between the first venturi inlet and the flow channel.

15. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the injection device is provided at an upper outer end with a connecting piece which is configured to be coupled to a vibrator block of an external vibrating device, for instance a work vehicle with a crane arm and a vibrator block.

16. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the container further comprises a filling opening for filling the container with the at least one substance.

17. The device according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising:- at least one second container for storing at least one second substance, the container comprising respectively a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the first outlet of the second container is connected to the injection device, preferably downstream of the first outlet of the first container;- at least one second substance controlling device comprising a second control means which is mounted movably in the at least one second container so that the second control means is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second control means closes the first outlet at least partially and wherein in the second position the second control means lies at a distance from the first outlet;- wherein the air displacing device (140) is configured to provide at least one airflow through the at least one second container, wherein the air displacing device is connected at least to the first inlet of the second container so that, when the second control means is in the second position, the at least one airflow can flow via the first inlet, through the second container to the injection device and carries the at least one second substance stored in the second container to the injection device so that the at least one second substance is injectable into the soil via the second outlet.

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