Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
  • A01G9/04—Flower-pot saucers
  • A01G9/047—Channels or gutters, e.g. for hydroponics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
  • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
  • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
  • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

• the present invention is in the field of materials and techniques used for the cultivation of food crops above ground and in a greenhouse and relates more particularly to a culture plant using receptacles intended to receive culture substrates, these receptacles being supported above ground level at man's height by means of suspension.
• these receptacles are associated with drainage means and discharge of runoff or integrate the latter.
• the chute carries the exhaust duct via independent removable suspension members engaged in the chute and in the duct. It turns out that such an arrangement increases the time of installation of the installation and makes it more tedious because the suspension members must be introduced at a time and into the chute and into the exhaust duct. In addition, during disassembly operations, these organs can be lost.
• the duct is directly supported by the chute so that if the latter must support loads, the mechanical connection between these two elements needs to be strengthened. Moreover, the load, if it is very important, can cause permanent deformation of the conduit.
• the present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.
• the plant according to the invention for growing above ground plants, comprising at least one horizontal receptacle, having an axis
• said evacuation duct including an internal drainage channel (10), in communication relation with the internal volume of the or each receptacle through through evacuation holes made in the bottom of the latter, is essentially characterized in that the or each receptacle is carried by the evacuation duct, that this exhaust duct has in the upper part a form of cradle in which is engaged and positioned the or each receptacle, that this form of cradle is arranged to ensure the lateral wedging of the or each receptacle and that the bottom of the cradle shape communicates through a longitudinal opening with the evacuation channel that includes the conduit.
• the or each receptacle may be in the form of a tray of a few tens of centimeters in length to be easily manipulated. It then becomes possible to individually remove each receptacle while leaving the others in place on the cradle that forms the evacuation conduit. Such an arrangement is particularly useful in case of health problems affecting the plants of one of the bins. This tray can then removed and the plants he carries destroyed without having to destroy the plants of other bins.
• the exhaust duct is self-supporting.
• the installation comprises suspension members of the exhaust duct to a supporting structure.
• the exhaust duct is arranged as a horizontal support guide rail and receives at least one assistance carriage.
• This carriage suspended from the rail formed by the exhaust duct, is movable in translation along the latter.
• This carriage can be moved manually along the rail by an operator or, according to another characteristic of the invention, by an integrated motor.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an installation according to the invention equipped with a culture receptacle according to a first embodiment
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an installation according to the invention equipped with a receptacle; culture according to a second embodiment
• FIG. 3 is a plan view, from the front, of a discharge duct according to the invention.
• FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the exhaust duct
• FIG. 4 is a plan view of a suspension member of the exhaust duct
• FIG. 4a is a plan view of another embodiment of a suspension member of the exhaust duct
• FIG. 4b is a plan view of the suspension member according to FIG. 4a associated with the evacuation duct, the latter being shown in half-view
• FIG. 4c is a plan view of a variant of FIG. execution of a suspension member of the exhaust duct
• FIG. 4d is a plan view of another embodiment of a suspension member associated with an exhaust duct
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of a culture substrate receptacle according to a first embodiment
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of the receptacle according to FIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a stack of receptacles according to the first embodiment
• FIG. 8 is a plan view, from the front, of a culture substrate receptacle according to a second embodiment
• FIG. 9 is a view of an installation equipped with an assistance carriage according to a first embodiment, the receptacles not being represented for the sake of clarity,
• FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the assistance carriage according to the first embodiment
• FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of a support carriage according to the first embodiment
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the assistance carriage according to the first embodiment
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an installation equipped with an assistance carriage according to a second embodiment
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the assistance carriage according to the second embodiment
• FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the culture trolley according to the second embodiment.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a support pin
• FIG. 17 is a partial view showing two pins in position on slings to support a transverse element.
• FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 13 show a plant according to the invention for growing above-ground plants, for example food crops, horticultural plants and the like, this plant being able to be used outdoors or preferably to be installed in a greenhouse and other shelter.
• the installation according to the invention comprises a horizontal support duct 1, of wastewater discharge, self-supporting, supported above the ground by a supporting structure and this by means of suspension members 4, said duct 1 receiving at least one receptacle 2, 3 open culture in the upper part.
• This receptacle 2, 3 is designed to receive a plant culture substrate, known per se.
• the internal volume of the evacuation duct 1 determines a channel 10 for discharging wastewater, and has, in the upper part, a longitudinal opening 11, for this channel 10, excess water and other liquids, and effluents that can flow from the culture receptacle 2, 3 through through holes 20, 30 formed in the bottom wall of this receptacle. These through holes are in relation to
• the discharge duct 1, in the upper part, is arranged in cradle, the bottom of this cradle being equipped with the longitudinal opening 1 January.
• the or each receptacle 2, 3 is releasably engaged in the cradle shape of the duct 1.
• the exhaust duct 1 is arranged in horizontal guide rail and support and receives at least one assist carriage 5, 6.
• This carriage 5, 6 is movable in translation along the length of the conduit 1 and bears on two lateral guide tracks 12, right and left, flat, extending along the entire length of said duct.
• These guide tracks 12 form the guide rail.
• the evacuation duct 1 is formed by folding a magnetizable metal strip, made of galvanized steel for example, and comprises a horizontal lower flank 13, plane, forming the bottom of the duct, two rising flanks 14 , spaced from each other and each extending upwards from the lower flank 13 and two lateral flanks 15 away from the vertical plane P vertical duct, substantially horizontally from the upper end of the flanks ascending 14, the aforementioned cradle being formed and delimited by the side flanks 15.
• the channel 10 is delimited by the flanks 13 and 14.
• the guide tracks 12 are advantageously formed in the lower zone of the rising flanks 14 and preferably are inclined laterally downwards and outwards. For this reason, the lower part of each rising flank 14 is folded and forms a dihedral directed, by the point that it forms, towards the outside of the channel 10.
• the track 12 is formed by the outer face of the upper wing of the dihedron.
• the dihedral can be oriented by its tip, towards the inside of the channel 10 and the track 12 be formed by the upper face of the lower flange of said dihedron.
• the portion of the sidewall 14, located above the dihedron is preferably vertical.
• the duct 1 may comprise lateral openings 16, regularly spaced, for example in the form of openings, to allow the introduction of light into the channel 10. Such a provision will oppose any development in duct 1, of the root system of plants.
• the gills 16 of penetration of the light in the channel 10, will be practiced in each ascending flank 14. These gills 16 will be each formed by depression and localized stretching of the rising flank 14 corresponding. These gills 16 will be formed in the ascending flanks 14 away from the bottom 13 of the duct 1. This provision prevents the waters
• the gills 16 of each rising flank 14 will be disposed opposite the gills 16 of the other flank 14.
• each spacer or spacer may be arranged between the two rising flanks 14, in contact with the latter, to prevent these flanks from approaching each other under the effect of the load supported.
• each spacer or spacer is engaged by its ends in two louvers 16 vis-à-vis.
• These spacers or spacers may also serve as suspension support conduit 1 to the carrier structure.
• each lateral flank 15 has, at a distance from the upward flank 14 to which it connects, a flange 150 inclined obliquely upwards and determining with the oblique flange 150 of the other side flank 15, a widening gradually widening upwards, this flare being in communication relation with the channel 10 through the opening 1 1.
• the wings 150 laterally delimit the positioning cradle of the receptacles 2, 3 and, by constituting two lateral obstacles, oppose any lateral movement of the receptacles 2, 3 in the cradle.
• each flank 15 between the flange 150 and the associated flank 14 is horizontal and constitutes the bottom of the cradle.
• each side flank 15 is extended downwardly by a fastening flange and suspension 151 preferably vertical. This edge is obtained by folding the wing 150.
• each suspension member 4 is in the form of a plate of constant thickness, preferably metal, and comprises in the upper part at least one through-hole 40 of suspension to the supporting structure and more particularly to a sling 1000, or other elongated element, that includes the latter.
• This suspension member comprises a lateral cutout 41 formed between a lateral support lip 42 and a female hook shape 43, in the form of a hollow, extending downwards, in communication relation with the lateral cutout 41.
• the return 151 of the corresponding lateral flank 15 is engaged in the hook shape 43 and the support spout 42 bears on this flank 15 and more.
• the holes 40 are formed substantially to the right of the hook form 43.
• Each suspension member 4, opposite the cutout 41, comprises an opening 44 for passage and suspension of irrigation pipes and other pipes or equipment. These pipes are supported on the banks of this opening to be carried by the suspension member 4.
• the suspension member 4 is in the form of a plate of constant thickness, preferably of metal, and comprises a spout 46 oriented towards the bottom, intended to be engaged in one of the gills 16 of one of the flanks 14, this bill shape 46 being formed at the end of a first horizontal leg 45 which comprises the suspension member 4.
• this first tab 45 has a front end edge, vertical 45a, extending above the spout 46 shape. This edge 45a is provided to abut against the sidewall 14 corresponding.
• the first tab 45 is provided with an upper horizontal support edge 45b designed to receive in abutment the lower face of the horizontal part of the lateral flank 15
• the first tab 45 opposite to the bill shape 46, is extended upwards by a second tab 47 provided to cooperate in engagement with the angle 150a formed by the flange 150 and the rim 151 and intended to be suspended to one of the slings 1000 of the support structure.
• this second tab 47 has, in the upper part, a hook shape 47a designed to cooperate in engagement with the angle 150a formed by the flange 150 and the flange 151.
• the hook 47a is engaged by slight forcing on said angle 150a to provide a latching function.
• the second tab 47 comprises a vertical support edge 47b provided to bear against the flange 151.
• the second leg 47 has an opening 44 for the passage and suspension of irrigation pipes and other pipes or equipment.
• the second tab 47 will be equipped with at least one through-hole suspension to the supporting structure and more particularly to a sling 1000 or other elongated element of the carrier structure.
• the duct 1 is mainly supported by the horizontal portion of the flanks 15.
• two opposing suspension members 4 that is arranged facing each other relative to the vertical median plane of symmetry of the evacuation duct 1, can be connected to one another by a spacer 4a in the form of a bar.
• This spacer not shown, will be removably attached to the two suspension members 4, or to the two slings 1000 of suspension of these two bodies.
• These rigid spacers 4a are intended to oppose the deformation of the duct 1 by bringing the flanks 14 closer together under the effect of the weight supported by the duct 1.
• FIG. 4c shows an alternative embodiment of the suspension member according to Figure 4a.
• the first tab 45 is not designed to receive the flange 15 in support and the second tab 47 opposite the hook shape 47a has a housing 47b intended to receive the flange 151.
• the second tab 47 is always equipped with the opening 44 for passage and pipe support.
• FIG. 4 d shows another embodiment of the suspension member 4.
• This suspension member 4 is in the form of a tee having a vertical leg 48 intended to be engaged in the duct 1 to receive in suspension by its part. lower, said duct 1. More specifically, this duct 1 is supported plane against plane, by the inner face of each guide track 12, against a bulge 48a that includes the vertical leg of the tee.
• the horizontal leg 49 of the tee is provided to come above the two sides 15. It will be equipped with through-holes suspension slings 1000 of the support structure. It may be noted that the lower part of the branch of the tee remains spaced from the bottom of the duct 1 so as to leave a flow gap. Furthermore this lower part has a notch facing downwards always in order to clear a gap sufficient to facilitate the flow of liquids in the tray or even the flow of soil or culture substrate during the cleaning of the ducts 1.
• Suspension slings 1000 may be associated pins 1 100 or support sliders of rigid transverse elements 2000 such as those described for example in the patent application WO2012 / 072898. These rigid transverse elements are in the form of a long elongated element partly corrugated having at one of its ends a form of gripping arranged in an open ring.
• Each pin 1 100 as shown in Figure 16 is formed of a resiliently flexible metal plate, rectangular in shape with two straight through holes, opposite, 1 1 10 opening for one in one of the two small sides of the blade and for the other in the other side of the metal blade.
• These lights 1 1 10 are parallel to the long sides of the blade and are axially aligned .
• To each light 1 1 10 are associated two opposite cavities 1 120, 1 130 of substantially rectangular contour, located spaced the corresponding small side. These two through cavities communicate with the light 1 1 10, each, through an opening.
• cavities are provided to receive a sling 1000.
• a 1 130 of these two cavities is larger than the other. This provision allows the mounting of the pin on slings of different diameters.
• the pin 1100 is elastically folded along its small median axis and the sling 1000 is engaged for example in one of the two cavities associated with one of the lights 1 1 10 and in the homologous cavity associated with the other light. Under the effect of the elasticity of the pin, the corresponding edges of these cavities 1 120, 1 130, bear firmly against the sling 1000 which ensures the locking of the pin 1 100 along the sling 1000.
• each light 1 1 10 is associated with a resilient tongue 1 150 which closes the opening in the light, the two cavities 1020, 1030 associated with this light.
• this resilient tongue 1150 extends into the lumen and is rooted to the body of the hairpin. Such an arrangement effectively opposes the unexpected withdrawal of the pin once in place on the sling 1000.
• the width of each lumen 11 is smaller than the largest dimension of the waist cavity. the most important.
• each pin 1 100 will be provided with two oblong through slots 1 160.
• Each of these lights is symmetrical, with respect to the transverse center axis of the pin, the other light 1 160. These lights are provided for receiving in suspension at least one rigid transverse support member 2000.
• FIG 17 two slings 1000 each equipped with pin 1 100, according to the invention, receiving a rigid transverse member 2000 support.
• Figures 5 and 6 is shown a receptacle 2 according to a first embodiment.
• this receptacle 2 of substantially parallelepipedal shape, is in the form of a tray and is provided with a bottom 21, two longitudinal side walls 22 extending upwards and two transverse side walls 23 s extending to the top.
• the bottom wall 21 of each tray 2 has the minus a depression 21a, the through holes 20 discharge being formed in the wall constituting the bottom of this depression.
• At least one of the sides of the peripheral edge 24 is equipped with at least one attachment lip 25 at the peripheral edge 24 of an adjacent tray, this lip 25 being configured to ensure a removable attachment.
• the or each lip 25 forms a hook facing downwards. This hook, in hooking relationship with an adjacent tray, overlaps the peripheral edge of the latter.
• At least one of the attachment lips 25 is formed on one of the short sides of the peripheral edge 24. This arrangement makes it possible to align the containers according to their longitudinal plane in the cradle of the duct 1 and more particularly on the horizontal portions of the lateral flanks 15 and to secure these bins 2 to each other in order to form a continuous and compact alignment.
• each culture tank 2 comprises rolling members 26 by which it bears in the cradle, on the parts
• Such an arrangement facilitates the movement of each tray or the tray alignment in the cradle that forms the exhaust duct.
• each rolling member 26 is in the form of a roller parallel to the central vertical longitudinal plane of the tray, having a horizontal support shaft mounted in a clevis shape formed by two wings that includes the bottom 21 of the tray 2.
• each tray 2 has four rolling members 26. These rolling members 26 may be removable.
• one of the long edge sides 24 is also equipped with at least one hooking lip 25 to be hung on one side of the border 24 of an adjacent tray.
• the bins 2 can be hooked to each other by the small and large sides of the peripheral rim 24 to form a compact set of rows and columns that lend themselves, without risk of overturning, to a transport on palette.
• the bins 2 can be stacked in a staggered manner and crossed one over the other and to ensure a keying of the bins from one floor to another, the bottom 21 of each bin 2, parallel to the short sides of the border will be provided with three parallel grooves 27 assembly to lower trays. These grooves 27 are provided to receive the short sides or the long sides of the borders of the lower trays and the lips 25
• grooves 27 will be central while the other two will be arranged laterally beyond the rolling members so that the latter during a stack are found housed in the upper part of the volumes of the lower trays.
• bins 2 placed on each other crosswise as can be seen in Figure 7.
• bins 2 do not penetrate into each other, but rest on the borders 24 bins 2 lower.
• bins 2 equipped with culture substrates and possibly seeded can be arranged on top of each other while being keyed together and thus grouped together in a small space while waiting for their installation on evacuation ducts. 1.
• the tray 2 is of flared shape to be engaged in the internal volume of another tray in a stacking relationship and the bottom wall of each tray, in the internal volume of said tray, has vertical fins 28 forming stops. These wings limit the penetration of the bins 2 into each other, so that their side walls, when in stacking relationship with each other, are kept spaced from each other. This avoids jamming bins into each other.
• the longitudinal walls 22 and / or the transverse walls may be provided with through holes, the plants can then push through these holes.
• Figure 8 is shown a culture receptacle 3 according to a second embodiment.
• This receptacle 3 is arranged in a chute and is preferably formed by extrusion of a synthetic material.
• This chute 3 has a bottom 31 provided with through-holes 30 for discharging water and other liquids towards the channel 10 of the evacuation duct 1.
• This chute further has two longitudinal side walls 32 and is free of transverse side walls to form a longitudinally open volume.
• the bottom 30 of the chute has a U-shaped cross section and comprises a basal flange 310, preferably horizontal, and two lateral wings 31 1, preferably oblique, in order to form a flaring widening progressively upwards.
• This chute is designed to be positioned in the cradle shape that the evacuation duct presents.
• the bottom 31 is provided to be engaged in the opening 1 1 and positioned in the upper part of the channel 10 of the exhaust duct, and each side wall 32 of the chute is arranged to bear against the plane, against the flank lateral 15 corresponding to the exhaust duct 1.
• each side wall 32 has a horizontal portion bearing on the horizontal portion of the corresponding sidewall 15 and an oblique portion bearing against the oblique portion 150 of said sidewall 15.
• each side wall 32 of the chute has a lateral extension 320 provided with a convex upper face adapted to receive in support the stems of the plants.
• bottom 31 and the side walls 32 of the chute comprise longitudinal cavities 33 opening at the end of said chute.
• FIGS. 9 and 10 and 11 is shown a support carriage 5 according to a first embodiment.
• This carriage 5 comprises a horizontal tray 50 and vertical candles 51, for example four in number, fixed by their lower end to the plate 50 and each having, at their end
• a rolling member 52 provided for rolling on the guide rail formed by the exhaust duct 1 and more particularly on one of the two guide tracks and rolling 12 that includes the exhaust duct 1 (Fig.10).
• the plate 50 of this carriage is thus suspended from the guide rail formed by the exhaust duct 1 and is located under and away from this duct.
• the tray 50 can thus receive various accessories, useful for example at harvesting, such as trays 53 of crop conditioning and weighing scale 54 for weighing the crop contained in each tray to form lots of weight uniform.
• Vertical candles 51 may be braced.
• Each rolling member 52 in the form of a roller, will be engaged on a horizontal axis formed at the end of the corresponding candle 51 and have a truncated cone tread to be able to properly bear on the corresponding track 12.
• the carriage 5 is supported by two adjacent ducts 1 and comprises two trays 50 connected to each other by a bridge shape 500.
• each plate 50 is always suspended from its conduit 1 by candles 51 provided with rollers 52 resting on the tracks 12.
• FIGs 13, 14 and 15 is shown a support carriage 6 according to a second embodiment.
• This carriage 6 is of the automotive type and comprises a frame 60 provided with vertical candles 61, extending upwards, each equipped at the upper end with a rolling member 62 provided for rolling on one of the rolling tracks 12 and guidance provided by the exhaust duct 1.
• the axis of rotation of each rolling member 62 is vertical and this rolling member is in the form of a roller arranged diabolo.
• the tread of this roller is formed by two opposite frustoconical surfaces joined by their small base. The dihedral shape of the rising flank 14 penetrates into the diabolo shape of the roller.
• the chassis 60 made of non-magnetic material, for example aluminum, forms a sliding sole around which and against which the magnetic links 64 of an endless track 63 slide, in relation to each other. meshing with a drive motor means 65 carried by the frame 60.
• the track 13 is formed of a chain of the Galle 630 type, in meshing relation with the motor means 65, to which are associated laterally two rows of magnetic links 64 mounted articulated on lateral extensions.
• axial axes of the rollers of the chain 630 are connected in pairs by side hinged sides.
• Each magnetic link 64 has a flat face through which it comes into contact with the bottom 13 of the evacuation duct 1.
• the chassis 60 in the path of the track, has two semi-cylindrical ends each provided with a central cut-out in which is mounted in attachment on an axis 655, a pinion gear 656 meshing with the chain 630.
• the axis 655, support of the pinion gear 656 is engaged in rotation in cylindrical bearings formed in said end.
• the chain 630 is thus mounted on two pinions 656 end, one of these two gears being driving and the other led.
• the axis 655 of the drive gear is coupled to the motor means 65 in a manner known per se.
• the axis 655 of the drive gear externally to its bearing receives a gear 651.
• This toothed wheel 651 is geared with toothed gear 650 fixed to the rotary output shaft of the motor means 65.
• the motor means 65 may be formed by an electric motor supplied with electrical energy by a set of electric accumulators carried by the frame 60.
• the motor means will be constituted by a volumetric motor powered by a gaseous fluid.
• This assistance carriage 6 is autonomously movable along the exhaust duct.
• the exhaust pipe 1 will be equipped with limit stop, known per se, and the chassis 60 will be equipped with at least an end-of-stroke sensor intended to be actuated by the limit stops. The actuation of this sensor will cause self shutdown of the electric or volumetric motor, ie reversal of the direction of operation.
• This assistance carriage 6, as described, is mainly intended to carry a spray bar 7 of pesticides (Fig. 13). These products are intended to be sprayed in a direction directed in the closed space of a greenhouse and this without human presence.
• the ramp 7 is fixed in any known manner to the frame 60 and is connected by a hose, mounted on the winder 8, to a source 9 of phytosanitary product under high pressure.
• the volumetric motor 65 may be supplied with energy by the phytosanitary product.

Landscapes

• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=47754697

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Citations (2)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2012
  • 2012-11-27 FR FR1261304A patent/FR2998444B1/fr active Active
• 2013
  • 2013-11-27 EP EP13820786.5A patent/EP2925118A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-11-27 WO PCT/FR2013/052877 patent/WO2014108607A1/fr active Application Filing

Patent Citations (2)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events