PLANT GROWING SYSTEM, PLANT CARRIER AND METHOD OF GROWING VERTICALLY GROWN PLANTS

Abstract

A plant growing systemfor growing vertically grown plants, particularly of the fruit bearing type. The system includes at least one track having at least two guides extending substantially parallel at a distance from each other, and a plurality of plant carriers each comprising a gutter for holding plants. The plant carriers extend transversally with respect to the track and are movable along the track. The plant carriers are suspended from the track. A plant carrier used in such a system. A method of growing vertically grown plants, in particular of the fruit bearing type, includes providing plants in gutters of plant carriers and moving the plant carriers along at least one track while suspending the plant carriers from the at least one track.

Claims

1-27. (canceled)

28. A plant growing system, in particular for growing vertically grown plants, particularly of the fruit bearing type, the system comprising: at least one track, comprising at least two guides extending substantially parallel at a distance from each other; and a plurality of plant carriers, each comprising a gutter for holding plants, the plant carriers extending transversally with respect to the track, the plant carriers being movable along the track, wherein the plant carriers are suspended from the track; and wherein optionally the gutters extend at distance below the track.

29. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein each plant carrier further comprises, on or near either end thereof, a rigid suspension element, such as a bracket or hook, for suspending the gutter from a respective one of the at least two guides.

30. The plant growing system according to claim 29, wherein each plant carrier further comprises one or more diagonal braces, such as a cables, extending between a respective free end zone of the rigid suspension element and a central zone of the gutter; and wherein the plant growing system optionally comprises one or more diagonal braces extending along opposite long sides of each plant carrier.

31. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein each carrier further comprises one or more supports which extend between the two rigid suspension elements above the gutter, optionally at mutually different heights.

32. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein the gutter of each plant carrier comprises a water inlet near one or both of its longitudinal ends; and wherein optionally each gutter extends, at at least one longitudinal end thereof, beyond a corresponding suspension element.

33. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein the gutter of each plant carrier comprises a lid substantially closing the gutter, the lid being provided with through holes along its length.

34. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein the gutter of each plant carrier comprises at least one water outlet in a central zone as seen along its length.

35. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein the gutter of each plant carrier comprises several spacers for maintaining a mutual distance between plants in the gutter.

36. The plant growing system according to claim 28, further comprising several such tracks arranged in parallel; and optionally further comprising: a track switching system for moving plant carriers from one track to another; and/or a climate control system, said climate control system being configured to provide a first controlled climate along a first track, and a different, second controlled climate along the second track.

37. The plant growing system according to claim 36, comprising a crop handling area and a growing area, wherein at least one track is arranged in the crop handling area and at least one track is arranged in the growing area.

38. The plant growing system according to claim 28, wherein the plant growing system is an indoor plant growing system, optionally a greenhouse plant growing system.

39. The plant growing system according to claim 28, further comprising drive means for driving the plant carriers along the at least one track, and wherein optionally the drive means are configured for changing the distance between consecutive plant carriers.

40. A plant carrier for use in a plant growing system according to claim 28.

41. A method of growing vertically grown plants, in particular of the fruit bearing type, comprising: a) providing plants in gutters of plant carriers; and b) moving the plant carriers along at least one track, wherein step b) comprises suspending the plant carriers from the at least one track.

42. The method according to claim 41, further comprising: c) growing the plants in a growing area, and d) performing operations, optionally exclusively, in a crop handling area; and optionally further comprising: e) circulating the plant carriers between the growing area and the crop handling area.

43. The method according to claim 41, further comprising: f) providing several such tracks with gutters with plants; and g) controlling the climate differently from one track to another.

44. The method according to a claim 41, further comprising: h) changing a distance between consecutive plant carriers.

45. The method according to claim 41, further comprising: i) watering the plants by supplying water to the gutters at or near one or both of its longitudinal ends.

46. The method according to claim 41, further comprising: j) draining water at or near a central zone of each gutter.

47. The method according to claim 41, wherein the method is a method of growing vertically grown plants, particularly of the fruit bearing type, such as tomato or pepper.

Description

[0072] The invention will be further elucidated with referenced to the attached figures, wherein:

[0073] FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an indoor growing structure:

[0074] FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically show a top view of a plant growing system and of a row thereof:

[0075] FIG. 2C schematically shows a side view of the plant growing system of FIGS. 2A-2B

[0076] FIG. 2D schematically shows a detailed top view of the plant growing system of FIGS. 2A-2C:

[0077] FIG. 3A schematically shows another plant growing system in perspective view,

[0078] FIGS. 3B-3D schematically show details of the plant carriers of the plant growing system of FIG. 3A in respectively a front view, a perspective view, and a detailed front view.

[0079] Throughout the figures, like elements will be referred to using like reference numerals. Across different embodiments, like elements are referred to with like reference numerals, increased with one hundred (100). In case multiple instances of an element occur in a single figure, not all instances may be provided with reference signs for the sake of brevity and/or clarity.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows an indoor growing structure 1, which consists of a greenhouse section 2 and an operations section 3. In the greenhouse section 2, plants are grown in carriers 23, which in FIG. 1 are represented schematically by lines. The carriers 23 are arranged in rows in a row direction R. Two rows 5 of carriers 23 are shown, stacked in a columnar direction C. Only two rows 5 of carriers 23 are shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of simplicity: in practice more rows 5 will be used to more completely fill the greenhouse section 2. Details of the plant carriers 23 will be described below with reference other figures. The operations section 3 provides space for storage, personnel, and operations such as leaf picking, harvesting, monitoring, etc.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a growing system 101, which is represented very schematically. As shown, the growing system 101 still has a greenhouse section 102 and an operations section 103. The greenhouse section 102 has been subdivided in several areas 106-110. Each section 106-110 serves a specific purpose, and as such is provided with conditions (close to) optimal for that purpose. The purpose is determined by the needs of the plant at a specific growth stage. In the currently shown system 101, tomatoes are grown as an example. Of course, other plants could be chosen, and the greenhouse section 102 could be arranged differently for a different species. By way of example, young seeded plants are allowed to sprout in a first area 106, after which they move to a second area 107 for enhancing growth, in which they receive a relatively large amount of (sun)light, which is indicated by a sun-symbol 111. In a next area 108, which is heated as shown by a fire symbol 112, the plants are fertilized by bumblebees 113. In a next area 109, the plants are allowed to grow and develop fruits. This area 109 is kept relatively cool as indicated by frost symbol 114. In other cases another temperature may be used. As such, the specific temperature, whether cold or hot, is not relevant for the system described herein. Finally, a ripening area 110 is present, in which temperature can be varied to speed up or slow down the ripening process for matching demand, as shown by thermometer symbol 115.

[0082] Depending on the requirements of a specific plant species, different areas may be provided, and their area may be varied. However, once the greenhouse section 102 has been arranged, the areas 106-110 remain unchanged. Accordingly, plants begin in one area 106, and pass through the others 107, 108, 109, and finally arrive at the final area 110. Plants 116-120 in a similar stage of growth, therefore requiring similar conditions, are kept together in one area 106-110.

[0083] Briefly referring to FIG. 2B, which shows part of a single row 105 of the plant growing system of FIG. 2A, the way in which plants are arranged in a row is further elucidated. Each row 105 is provided with a track 104 comprising two guides 121, 122, which extend at a distance from each other parallel to the row direction R. The track 104 supports plant carriers 123, which will be described in more detail below. The plant carriers 123 extend transversally with respect to the track 104, and thus also with respect to the row 105 and the row direction R. Only some plant carriers 123 have been shown for reasons of simplicity. FIG. 2B further shows that the plant carriers 123 provide space for individual plants 124, represented herein schematically as circles. Obviously the amount of plants 124 in a plant carrier 123 can be varied. The plant carriers 123, and thus the plants 124, can be moved along the track 104, e.g. in the row direction R. It is noted that the amount of carriers 123 in a track 104 may be chosen as desired.

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 2A, it can therefore be seen how plants 124 can therefore move along the row direction R through their respective areas 106-110. In some cases, plants 124 can be moved from one area 106 to the next 107 by simply moving the plant carrier 123 along its track 104. Other areas 108-110 consist of multiple rows 105, each provided with its own track 104. Plant carriers 123 can be moved from a track 104 in one row 105, to another, if desired also to a track 104 in another area 108-110. When operations on the plants 124 are to be performed, the plants 124 can be moved in their plant carrier 123, to the operations section 103. This is shown in FIG. 2A by arrows 125. From the operations section 103, plant carriers 123 with plants 124 may be brought back to the same or a different track 104, as indicated by arrows 126. It is also possible to bypass the operations section 103 in order to move plant carriers from one track 104 to another as is shown by arrow 127. Accordingly, a looped path is created along which different tracks 104 and the operations section 103 are included. A plant carrier 123 may move along various tracks 104, and may pass the operations section 103 multiple times. In FIG. 2A the movement of the plant carriers 123 along all tracks 104 is shown in a single direction, however it is also possible to alternate the direction of movement along the tracks 104, or to reverse the direction of only some of the tracks 104 with respect to that shown in FIG. 2A. In some alternative systems, the tracks 104 could for instance be aligned with the column direction C instead of with the row direction R if desired. Thus, the direction of the tracks 104 with respect to the indoor growing environment 1 may be suitable chosen for the application at hand. It should be noted that since the plants are moved to the operations section 103, there is little need for workers to enter the greenhouse section 102. To easily place and move plants in the operations section 103, the operations section 103 can be provided with at least one track 104 similar to that described herein, for supporting the plant carriers 123. Accordingly, the operations section 103 can be used as a crop handling area, where many, almost all or all operations on plants take place, whereas the greenhouse section 102 functions as a growing area, in which there is little or no human presence.

[0085] It should be noted that the plant carriers 123 are driven to move along the track 104 by a drive system, details of which are not described herein. Moreover, plant carriers 123 are moved from one track 104 to the other by a track switching system, details of which are not described herein.

[0086] FIG. 2C shows a plant carrier 123 with plants 124, as suspended from a track 104. The track 104 runs into and out of the plain of the figure, parallel to the row direction R. FIG. 2C further shows columns 127 which are part of the greenhouse construction. It should be noted that columns 127 are unrelated to the columnar direction C. Other parts of the greenhouse construction are not shown. Alternatively, use could be made of separately provided posts. The columns 127 carry two guides 121, 122 for each track 104. The guides 121, 122 making up the track 104 extend on the sides of each row 105 in the row direction R. Existing, or altered, heating pipes could be used as guides 121, 122, however it is also possible to outfit the greenhouse section 102 with separate guides 121, 122. The guides 121, 122 extend substantially parallel to each other, at a distance from each other. From each track 104, multiple plant carriers 123 are suspended. One plant carrier 123 is visible in the side view of FIG. 2C. Each plant carrier 123 has a gutter 128 for holding plants 124. The gutter 128 is a generally u-shaped profile, which is open towards its top. The gutter 128 allows water to pass through longitudinally, and allows the roots of plants to develop inside the gutter 128. As will be shown below in relation to FIG. 3C, the top of the gutters 128 may be partly closed with a lid (not shown in FIG. 2C). The plant carriers 123 are moveable along the track 104, in casu in the row direction R. The plant carriers 123 are suspended from the track 104. As a result the gutters 128 extend at a distance below the track 104. Each plant carrier 123 comprises brackets 129, which are rigid elements, for suspending the gutters 128 below the track 104.

[0087] Diagonal braces in the form of metal cables 130 extend from the top, free end, of the brackets 129 to the center of the gutter 128, thereby providing strength to the plant carrier 123. Further, plant supports 131 extend parallel to the gutter 128 at mutually different heights, from one bracket 129 to the other 129. In the shown example, plant supports 131 consist of wires, but alternative supports could be employed. The plants 124 engage on the plant supports and thereby keep upright even under the load of e.g. trusses of fruit. The brackets 129 engage the gutter 128 at a relatively small distance from its longitudinal ends. As such, the gutter 128 extends beyond a point of engagement of the bracket, leaving ends 132 extending freely. By arranging stationary taps 133 under the guides 121, 122 of the track 104, and passing the gutters below said stationary taps 133, the gutters 128 can be provided with water and/or plant feed. A central zone 134 of the gutter 128 comprises an outlet 135, through which superfluous water and/or waste can be let out of the gutter 128. Below the central zone 134 a drain 136 is be arranged to capture the drainage for e.g. recycling purposes.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 2D, it is noted plant carriers 123 on the same track can be moved directly adjacent to each other, or at a mutual distance, which may change. FIG. 2D shows multiple plant carriers 123 arranged in the row direction R. The plant carriers 123 carry plants 124, represented herein with stars. Other parts of the plant growing system 101 and details of the plant carriers 123 are not shown. A single plant carrier 123 is shown empty, i.e. without plants 124. As an example method of growing plants 124, the empty plant carrier 123 may be moved to the operations section 103 so that young plants or seeds can be arranged therein. Then, multiple plant carriers 123 with plants 124 therein can be kept at a relatively short distance, for instance in a first area 106, or in a particular segment 137 of a row 105. Later, the same plant carriers 123 can be spaced with a larger distance in between, in order to provide more room for the plants 124 contained therein. It is likely the larger spacing will be provided in another segment 138 of the row 105, or in another area 107-110. The desired distance between plant carriers 123 can for instance be set by the drive means driving the plant carriers 123, or by placing spacer members in between the plant carriers 123.

[0089] FIGS. 3A-3D show another plant growing system 201, in more detail. Save for some details, only differences between the plant growing systems 201 with respect to that of FIGS. 2A-2D are described herein. In the overview of FIG. 3A, multiple plant carriers 223 are shown suspended from a track made up by two guides 221, 222. Below the guides 221, 222 stationary water conduits 239 are provided which can be used to provide water to the gutters 228. The plant carriers 223 are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3B-3D.

[0090] The plant carriers 223 comprise a metal wire frame, for instance made of rigid steel wires. The wire frame forms brackets 229 on longitudinal ends of the frame. The brackets 229 support a gutter 228 near the longitudinal ends thereof. The gutter 228 extends beyond a point of engagement of the brackets 229. The brackets 229 suspend the gutter 228 at a distance below the guides 221, 222 of the track. Between the brackets, plant supports 231 are provided for supporting plants. The plant supports 231 are arranged on either long side of the plant carrier 223 in order to distribute forces evenly. Similarly, diagonal braces 230, which in this case are steel wires 230 but could be replaced by cables, extend on both long sides from a top free end of the brackets 229 to a central zone of the plant carrier 223. The brackets 229 and diagonal braces 230 extend below the gutter 228 in order to provide further structural rigidity. The gutter 228 can be made of a relatively light materials, both in terms of weight and in terms of structural capabilities, such as relatively thin steel sheet or plastics.

[0091] The gutter 228 is partly sealed with a number of lids 240. The lids 240 leave free the longitudinal ends 232 of the gutter 228, so that an inlet is created for water. Further, the lids 240 have through holes 241 at a distance from each other. Plants can extend through the through holes 241, are kept in position by them. For the purpose of this application, multiple lids may be replaced by a single lid and vice versa.

[0092] In FIG. 3D, where intermediate parts of the plant carrier 223 have been omitted, a method of providing water can be seen more clearly. The conduits 239 are shown carried by a longitudinal support 299, and are provided with a dosing system 242 capable of providing water and/or plant feed at a suitable rate.

[0093] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific examples and embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto. In fact, the invention is also covered by the scope of the claims, which now follow.