DEVICE FOR MOISTENING AND/OR FERTILIZING PLANTS

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for moistening and/or fertilizing plants (1), comprising a movable spray lance (3) with at least one spray nozzle (4) arranged on the spray lance (3), wherein a preferably linear guide rail (2) is provided, wherein the spray lance (3) is movably guided in the guide rail (2) in a trajectory extending parallel to the guide rail (2) and extends substantially normal to this trajectory, and wherein a drive, preferably a linear drive (11), is arranged for moving the spray lance in the area of the guide rail (2). The invention further relates to a system for cultivating plants without a substrate, comprising the device according to the invention.

Claims

1. A device for moistening and/or fertilizing plants (1), comprising a movable spray lance (3) with at least one spray nozzle (4) arranged on the spray lance (3), characterized in that a. a preferably linear guide rail (2) is provided, wherein b. the spray lance (3) is movably guided in the guide rail (2) in a trajectory extending parallel to the guide rail (2) and extends substantially normal to this trajectory, and c. wherein a drive, preferably a linear drive (11), is arranged for moving the spray lance in the area of the guide rail (2).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that actuators, e.g. for sowing seeds or harvesting plants or fruits, sensors, e.g. for obtaining plant diagnoses, or cameras are arranged on the spray lance (3).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spray lance (3) is mounted on the guide rail (2) via a preferably rod-shaped connector (7).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the connector (7) comprises a plurality of securing means, preferably latch openings (20), to allow the position of the spray lance (3) to be adjusted.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spray lance (3) comprises three to ten spray nozzles (4) which are implemented to generate an aerosol with a droplet size of 1 μm to 100 μm in a pressure range of 8 bar to 100 bar.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the aerosol contains a nutrient medium and/or water.

7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least two spray nozzles (4) are designed to create overlapping spray cones (12).

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that gas outlet openings are provided on the spray lance (3) or in that a gas outlet lance with gas outlet openings is movably guided in the guide rail (2).

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive is designed as a belt drive, wherein the belt drive comprises a stationarily arranged drive engine.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the spray lance (3) is movable via an endlessly revolving drive belt (24), the drive belt (24) being guided by deflection rollers (25, 26).

11. A system for cultivating plants without a substrate, comprising a device according to claim 1 as well as a preferably substantially horizontal plant support plane (8) adapted to stabilise the plants (1) in their rootstock region, wherein the spray lance (3) is arranged at a distance below or above the plant support plane (8) and wherein the plant support plane (8) extends substantially parallel to the movement plane (6) defined by the movement of the spray lance (3).

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the spray lance (3) is designed such that substantially the entire surface of the plant support plane (8) may be moistened and/or fertilized.

13. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide rail (2) is arranged above or below the plant support plane (8).

14. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that a preferably linear gap (9) is provided in the plant support plane (8), through which a connector (7) for connecting the spray lance (3) and the guide rail (2) projects, the connector comprising a plurality of securing means, preferably latch openings (20), for adjusting the position of the spray lance (3).

15. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two spray lances (3) are provided, wherein preferably at least one spray lance (3) is arranged above the plant support plane (8) and at least one spray lance (3) is arranged below the plant support plane (8).

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the spray lances (3) are mounted on the guide rail (2) via a common connector (7) and are movable via a common drive.

17. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the spray lances (3) are mounted independently of one another on separate guide rails (2) and are movable via independent drives.

18. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the device is arranged in a tray (13) or comprises a tray (13), the tray bottom of which is inclined relative to the plant support plane (8) and preferably has a tilt angle (16) of about 0.5° to about 5°.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that the tray bottom comprises a drain (14) for collecting and optionally reintroducing the medium applied.

20. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that a lighting device (10) is provided, the lighting device (10) preferably being arranged in the area above the plant support plane (8).

21. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the system comprises a frame structure (21) and in that at least one plant support plane (8) is movably mounted relative to the frame structure (21).

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that the plant support plane (8) is movably mounted in a substantially horizontal plane, preferably in a plane parallel to the movement plane (6) of the spray lance (3).

23. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that movement means are arranged on the plant support plane (8), the movement means preferably comprising rollers (22) or telescopic rods.

24. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that cover profiles (23) are provided within the frame structure (21) for protecting the movement means, the cover profiles (23) covering the movement means at least from above.

25. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that movement means are arranged on two outer edges of the plant support plane (8), which extend parallel to one another.

26. The system according to claim 25, characterized in that six to twelve rollers (22) each, preferably eight to ten rollers (22) each, are arranged on two outer edges of the plant support plane (8), which extend parallel to one another.

27. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that the plant support plane (8) can be completely extracted from the frame structure (21).

Description

[0057] In the following, the invention is discussed in detail with reference to two specific exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0058] FIG. 1a shows a front view of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention with a central drive arrangement;

[0059] FIG. 1b shows a lateral view of the first embodiment of a system according to the invention with a central drive arrangement;

[0060] FIG. 2a shows a front view of a second embodiment of a system according to the invention with a lateral drive arrangement;

[0061] FIG. 2b shows a lateral view of the second embodiment of a system according to the invention with a lateral drive arrangement;

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a system according to the invention with a lateral drive arrangement and an extractable plant support plane;

[0063] FIG. 4 shows a lateral view of a fourth embodiment of a system according to the invention with a lateral drive arrangement.

[0064] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a front view and a lateral view of a system according to the invention for the aeroponic cultivation of plants according to a first exemplary embodiment. For the sake of simplifying the illustration, no plants are shown in this exemplary embodiment.

[0065] The system according to the invention comprises two spray lances 3, which are movable along a direction of movement 5 normal to the figure in a movement plane 6 and/or parallel to the movement plane 6. In this exemplary embodiment, sixteen spray nozzles 4 are arranged on each of the two spray lances 3. The spray lances 3 are connected to the spray nozzles 4 via a connector 7 and, together, movably mounted in a guide rail 2. A linear drive 11 allows the spray lances 3 to be moved back and forth along the direction of movement 5. For minimising the frictional resistance, rollers 15 are provided, which engage the guide rail 2.

[0066] In the area above the plant support plane 8 a lighting device 10 is arranged. It serves the provision of the plants with light. The spectral composition of the light emitted by the lighting device 10 is preferably adapted to ensure that the plants grow as well as possible.

[0067] In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 7 has latch openings 20, on which the spray lance 3 may be fastened. Thus, the spray lance 3 may be adjusted in height depending on the height of the plants and other factors.

[0068] The spray nozzles 4 are arranged at such a distance to each other that the spray cones 12 generated by adjacent spray nozzles 4 overlap. This guarantees surface-wide wetting of the plant support plane 8 and the plants arranged thereon. In order to simplify the illustration, only two spray cones 12 are shown in FIG. 1a. Depending on the pressure of the medium supplied and the characteristics of the spray nozzles 4, the spray cones 12 may have different opening angles.

[0069] In this exemplary embodiment, a first spray lance 3 is arranged above the plant support plane 8, while the second spray lance 3 is arranged below the plant support plane 8.

[0070] In order to guarantee that the connector 7, which connects the two spray lances 3 and couples them to the guide rail 2, can move freely, a gap 9 is provided in the plant support plane 8. In this exemplary embodiment, the gap 9 extends in the direction of movement 5 across the entire extension of the plant support plane 8. Such an arrangement allows plant parts below the plant support plane 8 and plant parts above the plant support plane 8 to be supplied with the medium via two spray lances 3; however, only one drive 11 is necessary.

[0071] The medium is supplied to the spray nozzles 4 via lines not shown in this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, two separately extending lines are provided, which may supply the spray nozzles 4 of the spray lance 3 arranged in the area above the plant support plane 8 and the spray nozzles 4 of the spray lance 3 arranged in the area below the plant support plane 8 with different media. This may be especially advantageous if the above-ground plant parts, which are arranged above the plant support plane 8, are not to contact the nutrient solution, which is intended for the underground plant parts, which are located below the plant support plane 8. Optionally, however, only one supply line may be provided, so that the same medium is supplied to to both spray lances 3.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the lower portion of the system according to the invention is designed as a substantially watertight tray 13. The bottom of the tray 13 is inclined by a tilt angle 16 to allow excess medium, which has not been taken up by the plants, to drain. In this exemplary embodiment, the tilt angle 16 is about 1°. However, in exemplary embodiments which are not shown, the value of the tilt angle 16 may be different.

[0073] Excess medium may be drained by means of a drain 14. A reintroduction of the medium into the system, in particular a configuration as a circulation system, is preferred, but not shown in this exemplary embodiment. When using the system according to the invention as intended, the plants are arranged in the area of the plant support plane 8, which stabilizes them. The plant support plane 8 substantially separates the underground plant parts, i.e. in particular the roots or tubers, from the above-ground plant parts, i.e. in particular the leaves, trunk, flowers etc. Medium atomized by the spray nozzles 4 provides the plants with nutrients. The spray lances 3 are moved back and forth by the linear drive 11 in the direction of movement 5, in order to provide all plants with medium equally. The spray lances 3 move in the movement plane 6 or, optionally, parallel to it.

[0074] Medium which is not taken up by the plants drips off of them and ends up in the tray 13, which is located in the lower area of the device according to the invention. The tilt angle 16 of the tray 13 allows the excess medium to be led to a drain 14.

[0075] When selecting the material for the system according to the invention, corrosion-resistant materials are preferred where appropriate. In particular, this applies to areas which often come into contact with water or salt-containing solutions. In this exemplary embodiment, the rollers 15 and the guide rail 2 are made of stainless steel. However, the invention is not limited to this material. In other exemplary embodiments, other materials may be provided.

[0076] Also the two spray bars 3 are made of stainless steel, the length of the spray bars being about 170 cm. The spray nozzles 4 are made of plastic. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the spray bars 3 and the spray nozzles 4 may be made of or comprise other metallic and non-metallic materials. Depending on the requirements, the spray bars 3 may have different lengths, e.g. 100 cm or 200 cm.

[0077] In this exemplary embodiment, the plant support plane 8 is made up of an arrangement of six plastic grids, which are not shown and have a size of about 87 cm×63 cm each. Three of these grids each are arranged on both sides of the gap 9. The grids are received in a holding device, which is not shown. In other exemplary embodiments, the plant support plane 8 may be formed as one piece. Optionally, the plant support plane 8 may be made of stainless steel or plastic or may comprise stainless steel and/or plastic.

[0078] In this exemplary embodiment, the linear drive 11 is a controlled servomotor with a reduction gear and a mean torque of about 12 Nm. In this exemplary embodiment, the transmission of force takes place via a rack and pinion. In other exemplary embodiments, which are not shown, the drive may be a toothed belt drive. In this exemplary embodiment, the maximum speed of movement of the spray bars 3 is about 1.5 m/sec.

[0079] In this exemplary embodiment, the frame 19 of the system is made up of frame profiles made of stainless steel, in particular of stainless steel type 1.4571. The cross section of the frame profiles used in this exemplary embodiment is 5 cm×5 cm.

[0080] In another exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, multiple plant support planes 8 are provided, which are arranged one above the other. This may further reduce the space requirements of a system according to the invention.

[0081] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a front view and a lateral view of a system according to the invention for the aeroponic cultivation of plants according to a second exemplary embodiment. The essential components correspond to the first exemplary embodiment. The materials used in this exemplary embodiment remain unchanged compared to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

[0082] However, a lateral linear drive 11 is provided in the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b to move the spray lances 3. Plants 1 with underground plant parts 18 are shown for illustration. However, to enhance the illustration, the plants 1 are only partially shown and not spread across the entire plant support plane 8.

[0083] The provision of two linear drives 11 allows the two spray lances 3 to be movable independently of one another, which allows the movement to be adjusted to the necessary irrigation conditions. The spray lance 3 which is arranged below the plant support plane 8 may be moved faster, for example, to prevent the underground plant parts 18 from desiccating. However, it might be advantageous to halt the movement of the spray lance 3 arranged above the plant support plane 8 in regular intervals to allow the medium to dry.

[0084] Also in the second exemplary embodiment according to the invention, a drain for draining excess medium is provided; however, it is not shown in the figures.

[0085] In this exemplary embodiment, the system is configured as a frame structure and arranged on pedestals 17 to allow it to be spaced apart from the ground.

[0086] In this exemplary embodiment, the transmission of force from the drive takes place via a rack and pinion. For stabilizing the supply line of the medium, guides 19 are provided. The guides 19 comprise flexible chain links, in which the supply lines of the medium, which are not shown, are arranged. This allows the supply lines, which are preferably made of flexible hoses, to be protected against bending, twisting or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, which are not shown, further conventional guiding devices may be used for the supply lines, in particular for hoses.

[0087] In another exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, gas outlet openings may be provided on the spray lances 3, which serve the creation of a desired gas atmosphere. The gas outlet openings may be arranged on the spray lances 3 in the area below the plant support plane 8 and on the spray lances 3 in the area above the plant support plane 8. According to a further exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, the release of a gas may take place via separate gas outlet lances, which do not comprise spray nozzles 4. These gas outlet lances may be connected to the linear drive 11 via a common connector 7, on which also the spray lances 3 are arranged. However, the gas outlet lances may also be driven by a separate linear drive 11.

[0088] Via the gas outlet openings or via the gas outlet lances, different gases, such as carbon dioxide, may be introduced into the area of the plants 1. The supply of the gases may take place via gas supply lines.

[0089] In a further exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, multiple plant support planes are provided, which are arranged one above the other, as described also for the first exemplary embodiment. This allows the necessary footprint for a system according to the invention to be reduced while keeping the number of cultivatable plants the same or, optionally, increasing it.

[0090] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a system according to the invention for the aeroponic cultivation of plants according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. For the sake of simplifying the illustration, no plants 1 and no spray cones 12 are shown in this exemplary embodiment.

[0091] Apart from the movable plant support plane 8 the third exemplary embodiment corresponds to the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Hence, also a lateral linear drive 11 for moving the spray lances 3 is provided.

[0092] In contrast to the second exemplary embodiment, an extractable plant support plane 8, which is inclined in order to allow excess liquid to drain, is provided in the third exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 3 it is shown in the partially extracted state. The plant support plane 8 has rollers 22, which serve as movement means, on two outer edges, which extend parallel to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, nine rollers 22 each are arranged on both outer edges. In further exemplary embodiments, which are not shown, a different number of rollers 22 may be provided. In other exemplary embodiments, telescopic rods may be used as movement means as well.

[0093] In the third exemplary embodiment described here of a system according to the invention, the rollers 22 are held in a guide rail arranged on the frame structure 21 of the system. In this exemplary embodiment, the guide rail is provided integral with a cover profile 23. In other exemplary embodiments, the guide rail may also be provided separately from the cover profile 23. The cover profile 23 serves to protect the movement means, in particular the rollers 22, against excessive exposure to moisture caused by the aeroponic system according to the invention, for example caused by sinking aerosol droplets.

[0094] In this exemplary embodiment, the plant support plane 8 may be designed in such a way that it can be extracted completely; hence, it may also be removed completely from the frame structure 21. This makes the cultivation of the plants on the plant support plane 8 easier and allows the plant support plane 8 to be transferred to a frame structure 21 of another system according to the invention. The manipulation of the plant support plane 8 is advantageously achieved automatically via a robot or a similar automated or automatable device. Preferably, a pick-up mechanism of the robot has a guide rail adapted to the geometry of the rollers 22. Alternatively, the manipulation of the plant support plane 8 may be achieved through human work.

[0095] FIG. 4 shows a lateral view of a fourth embodiment of a system according to the invention with a lateral drive arrangement in the form of a belt drive. Similar to the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the system comprises a frame structure 21, in which a plant support plane 8 is arranged. The plant support plane 8 is adapted to receive plants 1. For the sake of simplicity, only one plant 1 is shown in the view shown. The underground plant parts 18 are arranged below the plant support plane 8. A spray lance 3 is also arranged below the plant support plane 3, the lance being movable in a movement plane 6 along a direction of movement 5. A lighting device 10 provides the plants 1 with UV radiation.

[0096] In this exemplary embodiment, the drive of the spray lance is designed as a belt drive, wherein a drive belt 24 is provided, which is guided over a first deflection roller 25 and a second deflection roller 26. The drive belt 24 is coupled to the spray lance 3 via a drive carriage 27, so that a movement of the first drive belt 24 is directly translated into a movement of the spray lance along the direction of movement 5. The drive carriage 27 is guided on a guide rail 2. A guide 19 serves to receive and guide supply lines, such as water pipes, which in particular lead water to the spray lance 3.

[0097] The first deflection roller 25 is driven by a drive engine via a gear transmission. In this view, the drive engine is hidden by the first deflection roller 25 and thus not visible. The drive engine is connected to a motor control, which allows the rotational speed of the drive engine to be controlled, for example. By moving the first deflection roller 25, the drive belt 24 is made to move, which also causes the spray lance to move. In this exemplary embodiment, the second deflection roller 26 is not driven by a drive engine, but only serves to deflect the drive belt 24. In this exemplary embodiment, the drive belt 24 is designed as a drive cable.

[0098] In this exemplary embodiment, the guide rail 2 is designed as a profile rail, the drive carriage 27 being coupled to the profile of the guide rail via a slotted guide.

REFERENCE LIST

[0099] 1 Plant [0100] 2 Guide rail [0101] 3 Spray lance [0102] 4 Spray nozzle [0103] 5 Direction of movement [0104] 6 Movement plane [0105] 7 Connector [0106] 8 Plant support plane [0107] 9 Gap [0108] 10 Lighting device [0109] 11 Linear drive [0110] 12 Spray cone [0111] 13 Tray [0112] 14 Drain [0113] 15 Roller [0114] 16 Tilt angle [0115] 17 Pedestal [0116] 18 Underground plant part [0117] 19 Guide [0118] 20 Latch opening [0119] 21 Frame structure [0120] 22 Roller [0121] 23 Cover profile [0122] 24 Drive belt [0123] 25 First deflection roller [0124] 26 Second deflection roller [0125] 27 Drive carriage