FR3018666A1 - DEVICE FOR GERMINATING SEEDS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seed germination device comprising a reservoir (2) for receiving water for moistening seeds and at least one housing (4) for receiving seeds, characterized in that the device comprises in addition - a nebulizer (111) for generating a haze of water particles from the water contained in the reservoir, and - a filter (3) between the nebulizer (111) and the housing (4) to retain the water particles whose particle size is greater than 100 micrometers (preferably greater than 5 micrometers, and even more preferably greater than 100 nanometers), the filter (3) comprising at least one pipe (31) connected to the housing (4) to allow the transport of haze particles smaller than 100 micrometers to the housing (4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the general technical field of germination of seeds, in particular with a view to their consumption. PRESENTATION OF THE PRIOR ART Sprouted seeds are seeds that have been sprouted, generally above ground, for feeding, drinking or sowing purposes. Devices are already known in which seeds are, in order to cause germination, subjected to a treatment which consists essentially of: - moistening the seeds by projecting drops of water on them, and a - aerate the seeds. The duration of this treatment may vary depending on the germination rate of the seeds. A disadvantage of these devices is that they do not ensure sufficient homogeneity of the treatment in the seed mass. Thus, at the end of treatment, there are differences that can be significant in the seed germination state. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for the germination of seeds intended to be consumed, this device making it possible to achieve more homogeneous seed germination so as to increase the yield of sprouted seeds having the same germination stage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To this end, the invention provides a seed germination device comprising a reservoir for receiving water for moistening seeds and at least one housing for receiving seeds, characterized in that the device further comprises - a nebulizer for generating a mist of water particles from the water contained in the reservoir, and - a filter between the nebulizer and the housing for retaining water particles whose particle size are greater than 100 micrometers, the filter comprising at least one pipe connected to the housing to allow the transport of haze particles smaller than 100 microns to the housing. Preferred but non-limiting aspects of the seed germination device according to the invention are the following: the nebulizer comprises a tank downstream of the tank and an ultrasound element extending in the tank, the tank and the tank being connected by an outlet pipe, - the nebulizer comprises a fan, - the filter comprises a vertically extending channel, - the channel is arranged to the right of the nebulizer, - each pipe extends projecting from the channel away from the nebulizer, each duct is of oblong tubular shape, the duct comprises a gutter dug on its external face for discharging wastewater from the housing, the device further comprises a wastewater collection tank, said tank being connected to the gutter, - each housing comprises a bottom and opaque side walls, each housing being associated with an opaque removable cover for styling said housing, - the bottom of each that housing extends substantially in a plane, for example horizontal, - the device comprises a plurality of housings arranged in line with each other, - the device further comprises a control panel for setting a germination cycle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other advantages and characteristics of the device for the germination of seeds will be further apparent from the following description of several alternative embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, from the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a germhouse for seed germination; - FIG. 2 is an exploded view of various parts of the seedling illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a sectional view of another FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter of the germoir, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a column, of the filter and of a housing of the germoir before positioning the housing on the filter, - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the column, filter and housing after positioning the housing on the filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION An example of a seed germination device (hereinafter referred to as "germinator") will now be described with reference to the figures. In the different figures, the equivalent elements bear the same numerical references. Referring to Figure 1, the germoir comprises a base 1 supporting a water reservoir 2, a filter 3 and one (or more) housing (s) 4 containing seeds to germinate.

The base support is composed of a base 11 and a column 12 extending vertically. A nebulizer 111 is housed in the base 11 to generate a mist of water particles. The filter 3 makes it possible to retain the particles of water of particle size greater than 100 micrometers, preferably greater than 5 microns and even more preferably greater than 100 nanometers. The sprouter makes it possible to moisten seeds to moisturize them and induce their germination.

The use of a haze of water particles smaller than 100 microns (preferably less than 5 microns, and even more preferably less than 100 nanometers) allows a better distribution of water on the seeds by a supersaturation of air in water.

This leads to a more homogeneous moistening of the seeds so as to increase the yield of sprouted seeds having the same stage of germination. Tank Tank 2 is designed to hold water to allow the seeds to be moistened. This tank 2 has a capacity of the order of one to three liters, which allows a water autonomy of the germinator between about three days and a week.

Indeed, the production of a haze of water particles allows the sprouter to consume about thirty-three centilitres of water per day to hydrate the seeds when the prior automatic sprinklers of the prior art use between two and three liters of water. water a day to moisturize the seeds. Preferably, the tank 2 is transparent. This allows the user of the sprouter to check the amount of water contained in the tank 2. The tank 2 is closed in its upper part 21. The tank 2 comprises an outlet pipe 22 in its lower part for the passage of the tank. water between the reservoir 2 and the nebulizer 111 contained in the base 11 of the support base 1. This outlet pipe 22 also allows the filling of the reservoir 2 of water when it is empty. In some embodiments, the tank 2 may be open in its upper part 21 to allow the tank 2 to be filled. In this case, the box may comprise a removable lid intended to cover said upper part 21.

Support socket As indicated above, the support base 1 comprises a base 11 in which the nebulizer 111 is arranged, and a recovery tank 112 of any excess wastewater flowing from the housing (s) during successive operations of humidification of the seeds. The presence of the nebulizer 111 and the tank 112 in the base 11 of the support base 1 improves the ergonomics of the germoir.

Preferably, the tank 112 is disposed under the (or) housing (s) 4. This limits the complexity of means for conveying excess water between the (or) housing (s) 4 and the tank 112. This also makes it possible to use gravity to induce the displacement of excess water between the housing (s) 4 and the tank 112. Thus, no pump is necessary to convey the water of the (or) housing (s) 4 to the tank 112. The tank 112 may consist of an extractable drawer 1121 (capped with a plate 1122) to allow the user to evacuate the water contained therein. In this case, the support base 1 may comprise a presence detector (not shown) to detect the presence or absence of the tank 112 in the support base 1. This detector may be electrically connected to a controller (not shown ) to generate an alarm (light and / or sound) and / or disable the nebulizer 111 when the tank 112 is not positioned on the support base 1. A sensor (not shown) connected to the controller can also be arranged on the tank 112 to detect the level of water in the tank 112 and issue an alarm (light and / or sound) and / or disable the nebulizer 111 when the tank 112 is full. The sensor and sensor associated with the controller prevent any risk of overflow of wastewater. The nebulizer 111 can atomize the water contained in the tank 2 to generate a mist of water particles for moistening the seeds. It is positioned in a chamber formed inside the base 11. The nebulizer 111 comprises a tray 1111 including a horizontal bottom wall and four vertical side walls. The tank 1111 is intended to contain a certain amount of water from the tank 2 for the purpose of atomizing it. The nebulizer 111 also includes an ultrasound element 1112 including an ultrasonic power generator and a vibrating surface powered by ultrasound (frequency> 20000 Hz), such as a ceramic pellet. This ultrasonic element 1112 is immersed in the tank 1111 so as to be covered with water. The vibration of the ultrasonic element 1112 makes it possible to transform the water contained in the tank 1111 into a cloud of extremely fine water particles. The nebulizer 111 further comprises a fan 1113 arranged so that the air flow generated by the fan 1113 directs the haze of water particles to the filter 3. This facilitates the delivery of the particulate mist. water to the filter 3 and its distribution to the housing (s) 4 containing the seeds. The nebulizer 111 may also comprise a sensor (not shown) disposed in the tank 1111 and adapted to estimate the quantity of water contained in the tank 1111. This sensor is electrically connected to the controller for the transfer of a signal representative of the quantity of water estimated by the sensor. If this estimated amount of water is below a threshold, then the controller controls the deactivation of the ultrasound element 1112 to prevent its degradation and limit the amount of energy consumed by the sprouter. Otherwise, the controller authorizes the activation of the ultrasound element 1112. In some embodiments, this sensor can be integrated with the ultrasound element 1112. The support base 1 further comprises a control panel 113 equipped with keyboard 1131 input and / or programming, a display screen 1132 and signaling means (light and / or sound) for the generation of an alarm. The control panel 113 is connected to the controller.

The keyboard 1131 can be integrated with the display screen 1132. In this case, the display screen 1132 can be a touch screen incorporating virtual buttons forming the keyboard. Alternatively, the keyboard 1131 can be disassociated from the display screen. In this case, the keyboard 1131 consists of push buttons. In the embodiment illustrated in the various figures, the keyboard comprises a plurality of pushbuttons disposed at the periphery of the screen. These pushbuttons allow the user to program the sprouter. A flexible layer of watertight material (possibly a polymer material) can be mounted on the push buttons so as to protect them against the risk of splashing water likely to degrade their operation. In this case, the flexible layer may include a plurality of thermoformed domes, each dome being intended to extend to the right of a respective push button. The presence of dome facilitates the actuation of the push buttons by the user.

The operating mode of the control panel will be described in more detail below. Housing Referring to Figure 3, each housing 4 comprises a bottom 41 and side walls 42. Advantageously, the bottom 41 and the side walls 42 of the housing 4 are opaque to light. This makes it possible to prevent the generation of chlorophyll by the seeds.

Preferably, the bottom 41 extends substantially in a plane to allow a better distribution of the seeds over the entire surface of the bottom 41. It thus limits the agglomerations of seeds in the housing 4, and therefore the risk of generation of mold. Each housing 4 is associated with a removable cover 43 also opaque.

The fact that the cover 43 is removable allows a user to check the germination of the seeds contained in the housing 4. When the seeds have germinated, they occupy a larger volume so that they apply forces on the cover 43 tending to lift it. To avoid the risk of lifting, each housing 4 may include cap retention means 43. These retaining means may comprise: - a peripheral skirt formed in the cover 43, said skirt including a bead on its outer face and being intended for be inserted between the side walls of the housing, - a groove formed on the inner faces of the side walls 42 of the housing 4 at their ends opposite the bottom 41. In this case, the bead of the cover 43 is intended to cooperate by clipping with the groove of the housing 4. However, the opening and the repeated closing of a cover can induce premature wear of the peripheral skirt and / or the groove, which decreases the effectiveness of the clipping closure. This is why, as a variant and as illustrated in the figures, each housing 4 may comprise a guide rail 46 formed in the upper part of its side walls 47. This guide rail 46 is intended to receive the longitudinal edges of the cover 43 for allow the cover 43 to slide on the housing 4 so as to open or close it. Closing the cover 43 by sliding on the housing 4 through the guide rail 46 avoids any risk of lifting the cover 43, regardless of the intensity of the force applied by the seeds sprouted on the cover 43. The use of a sliding hood system 43 also makes it possible to limit the risk of crushing sprouted seeds located on the periphery of the housing 4 when closing the hood 43. Advantageously, each hood 43 may comprise a tongue 45 extending protruding from one of its transverse edges. This tongue 45 makes it easier to grip the cover 43 to induce its movement along the guide rail 46, especially when the housing is closed by the cover 43. Spikes may be provided on the upper face of the tongue (ie opposite face housing). These pins can increase the adhesion between the tongue and the fingers of the user during the gripping of the tongue by it. Each housing 4 may also be associated with a removable ring intended to be positioned between the housing 4 and the cover 43. The removable ring defines an additional volume above the housing 4 to allow an increase in the dedicated growth space to the seeds contained in the dwelling 4.

Each housing 4 further comprises an intake port 44 consisting of an opening in a side wall 42 of the housing 4. This intake port 44 is intended to cooperate by fitting with a pipe 31 of the filter 3 for the transport of the haze of water particles. Each housing 4 may also comprise a through-hole arranged on one of its side walls, for example the side wall opposite the intake port 44, to improve the circulation of the haze of water particles inside the housing 4. Each housing may further include an exhaust port for the evacuation of any excess water contained in the housing. The exhaust and intake ports can be confused and consist of a single port. Alternatively, the exhaust port and the intake port may be separate.

In all cases, the exhaust port is connected to an exhaust gutter 32 wastewater filter 3. Advantageously, the bottom 41 of the housing 4 may comprise a retaining collar extending transversely near the ports of intake and exhaust. This retaining flange makes it possible to limit the risk of seed falling out of the housing through the intake and / or exhaust ports. The retaining flange may comprise a slot for conveying the surplus water to the exhaust port of the housing 4. The bottom of the housing may also include a plurality of flanges forming a grid on the bottom 41 of the housing. This grid of strands allows a better distribution of the seeds on the bottom 41 of the housing 4. Filter The water particles generated by the nebulizer 111 may have variable sizes between nanometer sizes and millimeter sizes. Millimetric water particles do not guarantee an adequate distribution of water on the seeds. This is why the device comprises a filter making it possible to retain the water particles of sizes greater than 100 microns (preferably greater than 5 microns, and even more preferably greater than 100 nanometers). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the filter 3 consists of a channel extending vertically to the right of the nebulizer 111. The channel comprises four ducts 31 each connected to a respective housing 4 to allow the transport of the particles of haze of dimensions less than 100 microns (preferably less than 5 micrometers, and even more preferably less than 100 nanometers) to the housings 4. Advantageously, the distance between the nebulizer 111 and the pipe 31 the closest to the nebulizer 111 can be provided sufficient so that water particles of millimeter dimensions do not penetrate into said pipe 31 closest to the nebulizer 111. Thus, the millimeter-sized water particles projected by the nebulizer 111 during the generation of the mist fall back into bin 1111 under the effect of gravity. This allows - in addition to a better distribution of water on the seeds - to limit the amount of water consumed to hydrate the seeds. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this distance may vary in particular depending on the power of the nebulizer 111 and / or the fan 1113.

The pipes 31 extend parallel to each other, in a vertical plane passing through a longitudinal axis of the channel. Thus the different pipes extend above each other, so that the different housing associated with said pipes extend above each other. This limits the area occupied by the sprouter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sliding opening / closing system of the hoods in this case enables the user to check the progress of germination in the various housings 4 without requiring the withdrawal of those ci of their associated conduits 31. The pipes 31 extend in projection from the channel 3, perpendicular to it. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, each duct 31 is an oblong tube comprising an ovoid side wall in section. More specifically, the side wall of each duct is composed of two parallel flat partitions extending vertically and two opposite rounded partitions between the flat partitions, these rounded partitions having a semicircular shape in section. Each conduit 31 includes an input port 34 connected to the channel and an output port 35 for connection to a housing. The input port 34 is an oblong opening in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel. The output port 35 consists of a plate including a circular opening in its upper part (i.e. part of the highest altitude output port). This 25 makes it possible to prevent the flow of water drops in the housings 4. Indeed, because of the saturation of the air into water particles, water droplets can form by condensation on the walls. The fact that the outlet port of each pipe 31 consists of a plate including a circular opening in its upper part therefore limits the introduction of droplets of millimeter size in the housings 4. In the mode of embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, each duct 31 comprises a resilient tab 33 with shape return close to the output port. This facilitates fitting of the inlet port 44 of the housing 4 on the pipe 31 of the filter 3, and ensures that the housing is held in position on the pipe 31. When a housing 4 is disengaged from a pipe 31, for example to allow a user to consume the seeds contained therein, a cap may be positioned on the pipe 31 to obstruct it to limit the amount of water consumed by the sprouter to germinate the seeds. Advantageously, the channel also comprises a channel 32 dug on its outer face. This channel 32 directs the excess water (or wastewater) flowing from the housing 4 to the recovery tank 1121. The fact that the channel comprises a groove 32 excavated (rather than a tubular pipe for example) facilitates the cleaning of the germoir. Indeed: - as the portions of the sprouter in which circulates the water from the tank 2 may be tubular since the water circulating there is clean, - it is preferable that the portions of the sprouter in which circulate the water from the housing 4 (and thus loaded with unsuitable particles covering the seeds, etc.) has the form of grooves to facilitate the cleaning thereof. However, in some embodiments, the gutters may be replaced by tubular conduits for aesthetic reasons. In this case, these pipes may include a removable portion to facilitate cleaning. Principle of operation of the germoir The principle of operation of the germoir is as follows. The water contained in the tank 2 is conveyed into the tank 1111 through the outlet pipe 22 of the tank 2. The quantity of water contained in the tank 1111 increases to cover the ultrasonic element 1112. The sensor measures information representative of the quantity of water contained in the tank 1111 and transmits it to the controller. When this quantity of water is below a threshold value, the controller prohibits the activation of the ultrasound element 1112. When this quantity of water exceeds a threshold value, the controller authorizes the activation of the ultrasound element 1112.

The activation of the ultrasound element 1112 induces the transformation into water of the water contained in the tank 1111. The flow of air generated by the fan 1113 makes it possible to move the haze of water particles towards the filter 3. The filter 3 separates the water particles according to their dimensions. More specifically, the filter 3 retains particles of dimensions greater than 100 micrometers (preferably greater than 5 microns, and even more preferably greater than 100 nanometers). The water particles smaller than 100 microns (preferably less than 5 microns, and even more preferably less than 100 nanometers) are conveyed through the filter (ie the channel) to the various conduits 31 in which the housings are fitted. 4 containing the seeds. For each housing 4, the haze of water particles is concentrated in the volume defined by the bottom 41, the side walls 42 and the cover 43. The haze of particles is deposited on the seeds and thus makes it possible to hydrate them in order to their germination. The excess water contained in each housing 4 circulates towards the liquid outlet port and flows along the gutters 32 excavated in the outer wall of the filter 3 to the recovery tank 112.

When the quantity of water contained in the tank 112 exceeds a given value, the sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller then emits an alarm (light and / or sound) and / or deactivates the nebulizer 111 to avoid an overflow of the water recovery tank 112. If the quantity of water contained in the tank 112 does not exceed the value threshold, the controller authorizes the activation of the nebulizer 111 according to a predefined germination cycle which will now be described with reference to the control panel 113. Control panel will now be described in more detail aspects of the invention associated to the control panel 113 in the case of a sprouter comprising four ducts 31 for receiving four housings 4 comprising seeds to be sprouted.

The duration of germination of the seeds contained in each of the housing 4 may vary according to the nature of said seeds. In a first step, the user fills a housing 4 with the type of seed he wants to germinate and puts it on one of the ducts 31 of the filter channel 3. The user then activates various buttons allowing him to set the new culture. The display screen 1132 may advantageously display a sanitary message informing the user that a washing cycle of the sprouter must be implemented periodically. Once the parameterization phase is completed, a germination cycle is implemented by the controller. This germination cycle is preprogrammed in a memory of the sprouter associated with the controller. The germination cycle includes periods of activation and deactivation of the nebulizer 111 of the germinator. For example, during the first day, the nebulizer 111 is activated for a period of forty minutes and deactivated for a period of twenty-five minutes, the activation and deactivation steps being repeated for twenty-four hours. During the following days, the nebulizer 111 is activated for a period of twenty minutes and deactivated for a period of forty minutes. Controlling the activation and deactivation of the nebulizer 111 in a periodic manner makes it possible to limit the water consumption necessary for seed germination. The reader will have understood that many modifications can be made to the present invention without physically going out of the new teachings presented here. For example, in the foregoing description, the control desk included a display screen and an input keyboard. Alternatively, the control desk could include a touch screen for both the display of information and data entry. Moreover, the germoir could include wireless communication means for remote control of the sprouter, for example by using a remote terminal such as a pocket terminal (or "Smartphone" in English) or any other electronic equipment communicant known to those skilled in the art. Finally, in the various embodiments described above, the ducts were described as protruding outwardly from the filter, the housings coming to slip outside said ducts. Alternatively, the ducts could extend projecting towards the inside of the filter, the housings coming to slip inside said ducts. Therefore, all such modifications are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

REVENDICATIONS1. Seed germination device comprising a reservoir (2) for receiving water for moistening seeds and at least one seed receiving housing (4), characterized in that the device further comprises - a nebulizer (111) for generating a mist of water particles from the water contained in the reservoir, and - a filter (3) between the nebulizer (111) and the housing (4) for retaining the water particles of which the particle dimensions are greater than 100 micrometers, the filter (3) having at least one pipe (31) connected to the housing (4) to allow the transport of haze particles smaller than 100 microns to the housing (4). The germination device according to claim 1, wherein the nebulizer (111) comprises a tank (1111) downstream of the tank (2) and an ultrasound element (1112) extending into the tank (1111), the tank (2) and the tank (1111) being connected by an outlet pipe (22). zo The germinating device of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the nebulizer (111) comprises a ventilator (1113). 4. Germinating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter (3) comprises a vertically extending channel. 25 5. germinating device according to claim 4, wherein the channel is disposed to the right of the nebuliser (111). 6. Germinating device according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein each conduit (31) extends projecting from the channel away from the nebuliser (111). 7. Germinating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pipe (31) is of oblong tubular shape. 8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the channel comprises a trough groove (32) on its outer face for the discharge of waste water housing (4). 9. Device according to claim 8, which further comprises a wastewater recovery tank (112), said tank (112) being connected to the gutter (32). 10. germination device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each housing (4) comprises a bottom (41) and side walls (42) opaque, each housing (4) being associated with a removable cover (43). opaque for capping said housing (4). 11. germination device according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom (41) of each housing (4) extends substantially in a plane, for example horizontal. 12. Germinating device according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a plurality of housings (4) arranged in line with each other. 13. Germinating device according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a control panel for setting a germination cycle.