NL2026902B1

NL2026902B1 - Water feeding apparatus, rainwater collecting apparatus, and irrigation system

Info

Publication number: NL2026902B1
Application number: NL2026902A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Douwenga Frank
Original assignee: Aco B V
Priority date: 2020-11-16
Filing date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: WO2022101357A1; NL2026902B9

Abstract

The present invention relates a water feeding apparatus (30) for plants. The water feeding apparatus (30) comprises: a plant box (31) for receiving plant cultivating substrate; a water reservoir (32) for storing water; a water tray (33) at least partially receiving a bottom of the plant box (31); a water pumping means (34) for displacing the water from the water reservoir (32) into the water tray (33); and a porous member (35) arranged between the bottom of the plant box (31) and the water tray (33).

Description

P34878NLOO/ME Title: WATER FEEDING APPARATUS, RAINWATER COLLECTING APPARATUS, AND

IRRIGATION SYSTEM

FIELD The present invention relates generally to a water feeding apparatus, a rainwater collecting apparatus, and an irrigation system.

BACKGROUND ART DE 10 2018 110 964 A1 is known in the state of the art, which discloses an integrated irrigation system. According to that invention, an upper module for receiving a nutrient substrate, an irrigation water distribution hose arranged above and over the upper module, and a lower module with a water reservoir and a pump for pumping irrigation water from the water reservoir into the irrigation water distribution hose are provided. A major disadvantage of this particular invention is that water may not effectively reach roots in the nutrient substrate due to the fact that distal ends of the roots extend far or deep from the surface of the nutrient substrate onto which water is to be fed. Also irrigation from above leads to higher evaporation, thus less efficient use of water. EP 0 136 128 B1 is also know in the state of the art, which discloses an apparatus for irrigating plants. The apparatus includes a reservoir for containing water and for location at a level lower than that of a container for soil. Air supply means are provided for forcing a flow of air under pressure into the reservoir to displace liquid from the reservoir to the bottom of the soil container. This particular arrangement may allow the water to directly reach roots of plants in the soil container, contrary to the integrated irrigation system of DE 10 2018 110 964 A1.

There, however, may be a drawback in the apparatus of EP O 136 128 B1; the water supplied from the bottom of the soil container does not evenly spread throughout the lower layer of the soil. The soil has a non-uniform distribution of density by nature, and this affects the quality of water permeability. In particular, the initial flow of water at the lower layer of the soil creates fixed routes for the subsequent water flow. Such a non-uniformity in density tends to worsen over time. In order to address this problem, it may be conceivable that a number of water distribution hoses as disclosed in DE 10 2018 110 964 A1 could be embedded in the soil.

2. This modification, however, will not be sufficient to eliminate the non-uniformity water distribution. There may still be a large deviation in water distribution due to the differences in distance from the respective distribution hoses. This system also has the disadvantage that excess water {too much water in the container) can only flow back in the reservoir when the pump is not running, and there is no “control” on the maximum water level in the soil.

SUMMARY It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide a water feeding apparatus capable of delivering water to plant roots in an effective and uniform manner. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description as below. According to the present invention there is provided a water feeding apparatus for plants comprising: a plant box far receiving plant cultivating substrate; a water reservoir for storing water; a water tray at least partially receiving a bottom of the plant box; a water pumping means for displacing the water from the water reservoir into the water tray; and a porous member arranged between the bottom of the plant box and the water tray.

The gist of the invention is that the plant cultivating substrate is watered from below and not, as usual, by spraying from above. At the top layer of the plant cultivating substrate may remain dry and prevent the moisture around the roots from evaporating upwards. In addition, not all the cultivating substrate has to be watered from the top so that the water reaches the roots. Only smaller amount of water is therefore required.

-3- Furthermore, owing to the fact that the porous member are arranged between the water tray and the cultivating substrate and it has a uniform porous density compared to the cultivating substrate, the water supplied from the bottom of the plant box can be uniformly distributed into the lower layer of the cultivating substrate through the porous member. In addition, the water passages defined in the porous member remains stable, resulting in that the improved water distribution lasts over a long period of time. The material Rockwool is particularly suitable for this purpose due to its high strength as well as chemical stability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The principle of the invention will now be more fully described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation system in use; Figure 2 shows a side view of the irrigation system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of a water feeding apparatus from the irrigation system of Figure 1, with a cover being removed; and Figure 4 shows a cross section view of the water feeding apparatus of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The basic structure of the irrigation system 10 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprises a water feeding apparatus 30 and a rainwater collecting apparatus 50. It should be noted, however, that the present invention can be embodied and implemented without the rainwater collecting apparatus 50.

With further reference to Figs. 3 and 4, which show detailed structure of the water feeding apparatus, the water feeding apparatus 30 comprises a plant box 31 for receiving any suitable plant cultivating substrate such as soil. The water feeding apparatus 30 further comprises a water reservoir 32 for storing water, a water tray 33 at least partially receiving a bottom of the plant box 31, and a water pumping means 34 for displacing the water from the water reservoir into the water tray 33. It also comprises a porous member 35 arranged between the bottom of the plant box 31 and the water tray 33.

-4- The plant box 31 is shaped to receive the cultivating substrate. The height of the plant box 31 is appropriately designed or selected according to the height of the plant to be planted, particularly to the expected depth of the roots. In non-limiting example, the height of the plant box 31 is approximately 30 cm.

The plant box 31 comprises a peripheral wall 31a which may have any cross-sectional shape such as quadrangle, triangle, polygon, circle, or non-regular shape. The peripheral wall 31a as illustrated is quadrangle in cross section. The peripheral wall 31a defines a through opening from the upper to the lower end. Alternatively, the plant box 31 may comprise a perforated plate or mesh at the bottom. The plant box 31 may be directly placed on, and supported by, the porous member 35. Alternatively, the plant box 31 may be supported by means of one or more supporting elements (e.g. supporting legs, not shown) with a distance from the upper side of the water tray 33. The water tray 33 is provided for holding water to be absorbed by the porous member 35, and thus by the cultivating substrate. The water tray 33 is configured to receive at least part of the plant box 31, particularly the bottom of the plant box 31.

The water tray 33 may comprise a peripheral wall 33a and a bottom plate 33b to define a space for holding the water as well as receiving at least the bottom of the plant box 31. The peripheral wall 33a may have any cross-sectional shape such as quadrangle, triangle, polygon, circle, or non-regular shape. The peripheral wall 33a as illustrated is quadrangle in cross section. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral wall 33a may have one or more cut-outs or lower- height-wall portions which allow excessive water in the water tray 33 to overflow and into the water reservoir 32. The water tray 33 may be received at least partially in the upper opening of the water reservoir 32 to prevent the water overflowing from the water tray 33 from falling out of the water reservoir 32. The water reservoir 32 is provided for storing the water to be fed with the plant in the plant box 31. In a preferred embodiment, the water reservoir 32 is located beneath the water tray 33, and receives at least the bottom of the water tray 33. The water reservoir 32 may have any cross-sectional shape such as quadrangle, triangle, polygon, circle, or non-regular shape. The water reservoir 32 as illustrated is quadrangle in cross section.

-5- The water pumping means 34 is provided for displacing the water from the water reservoir 32 into the water tray 33. The water pumping means 34 may comprise a pump driven by an electric motor. The pump is located either within the water in the water reservoir 32, outside the water but still in the water reservoir 32, or outside the water reservoir 32. The pumping means 34 further includes a feeding conduit 34a which connect the pump with the inside of the water tray 33. As an alternative to the electrically driven pump, the water pumping means 34 may comprise a gas-driven pump that utilises pressurised air to deliver the water, as disclosed in EP 0 136 128 B1. In a preferred embodiment, the water pumping means 34 is timer operated. The water pumping means 34 may be configured to be operated at a predetermined time or at a predetermined time interval.

Additionally or alternatively, the water pumping means 34 may be activated in conjunction with the water level in the water tray 33 and/or water retention in the cultivating substrate. To this end, any suitable sensors such as a water level sensor, a humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and an optic sensor may be used. The humidity sensor, the ultrasonic sensor, and/or the optic sensor may be arranged in the plant box 31 and output a signal in conjunction with the water retention in the cultivating substrate. The signal may be transmitted to a control unit (not shown) that is configured to activate the water pumping means 34 when the water retention decreases below a predetermined value. Additionally or alternatively, the water pumping means 34 may be remotely operated through any suitable interface.

The porous member 35 is provided for absorbing the water in the water tray 33 and distributing it in an uniform and even manner to the under side of the cultivating substrate. The porous member 35 is arranged between the bottom plate 33b of the water tray 33 and the bottom of the plant box 31. More precisely, the porous member 35 is arranged between the bottom plate 33b of the water tray 33 and the under side of the cultivating substrate in the plant box 31 when in use. The porous member 35 forms innumerable water passages between the water tray 33 and the cultivating substrate, so that the water in the water tray 33 is distributed over the entire lower layer of the cultivating substrate. Moreover, the porous member 35 can prevent fragment of the cultivating substrate from falling on the water tray 33 and thus blocking the water to flow.

-6- Any suitable material can be used for the porous member 35. The porous member 35 may be made of mineral fibres, metal fibres, resin fibres, or plant fibres. Rock wool is particularly suitable due to its high strength and chemical stability.

Alternatively, the porous member 35 may be a sintered body having a large number of continuous pores. The thickness of the porous member 35 is preferably 30 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, and more preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. The thickness of the porous member 35 is 60 mm in some cases.

In a preferred embodiment, the water feeding apparatus 30 further comprises one or more aeration tubes 36 to be embedded in the cultivating substrate. The aeration tubes 36 facilitate replacement of air in the cultivating substrate, allowing sufficient oxygen to be supply to the roots of plant. The combination of the porous member 35 and the aeration tubes 36 is advantageous in delivering sufficient oxygen to the roots. More specifically, the porous member 35 prevents excess water, that might completely cover the roots and thus cut off the supply of oxygen, from being supplied to the lower layer of the cultivating substrate, so that air gaps still exist around the roots on one hand; the aeration tubes 36 may directly provide fresh air to the air gaps around the roots, on the other hand.

It is also expected that the aeration tube 36 may discharge excess water to the outside particularly when a large amount of rainwater permeates the cultivating substrate. The discharged water may be collected in the water reservoir 32. Also the porous member 35 can overflow and release excess water.

In a preferred arrangement, the one or more aeration tubes 36 are located below a centre of the plant box 31 in height.

Each aeration tube 36 may include one or more holes 36a that penetrate its peripheral wall. Additionally or alternatively, the aeration tube 36 may include one or more slits. The one or more holes 36a or slits are preferably arranged on the under side of the aeration tube 36 to face the porous member 35.

In a preferred arrangement, the one or more aeration tubes 36 extend in the direction along the upper surface of the porous member 35, and more preferably over the entire width of the plant box 31. In other words, the one or more aeration tubes 36 extend across opposing wall

-7- portions of the plant box 31. At least one end, preferably both ends, of each aeration tube 36 run through the opposing wall portions of the plant box 31 to communicate with the outside of the irrigation system 10.

In a preferable embodiment, the water feeding apparatus 30 further comprise a conduit 37. The conduit 37 runs vertically through the plant box 31 as well as the water tray 33 toward the water reservoir 32 so that the inside of the water reservoir 32 communicates with the outside of the apparatus 30. The conduit 37 may be used, for example, to supply water from an outside source in preparation for initial use or when the water level of the water reservoir 32 becomes low. A lid 37a may be attached on the top of the conduit 37 in order to prevent contaminant such as fallen leaves from entering the water reservoir 32. In a further embodiment, the water feeding apparatus 30 may comprise a cover or housing

38. The cover 38 is configured to house and protect the plant box 31, the water tray 33 and the water reservoir 32, but expose the top face of the cultivating substrate. The cover 38 may also enhance the aesthetics of the water feeding apparatus 30. Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, the rainwater collecting apparatus 50 will be discussed. The rainwater collecting apparatus 50 is provided for at least reducing or eliminating the need for further water supply. The rainwater collecting apparatus 50 comprises a rainwater collecting channel 51 or a gully/point drain. An upper side of the channel 51 has one or more openings to receive rainwater. In the illustrated example, the channel 51 includes a U-shaped wall 51a and a perforated plate 51b mounted on top of the U-shaped wall 51a. The rainwater collecting apparatus 50 may be arranged adjacent to one side face of the cover 38 or water reservoir

32. Alternatively, the rainwater collecting apparatus 50 may extend so as to completely surround the cover 38 or water reservoir 32. The rainwater collecting apparatus 50 may be arranged further away from the water reservoir 32. The rainwater collecting apparatus 50 further comprises a connection pipe 52 for connecting the channel 51 with the water reservoir 32. The connection pipe 52 introduces the rainwater collected with the channel 51 into the water reservoir 32. In consideration of heavy rain, an overflow pipe 53 may be provided from the water reservoir 32. Whilst the present invention has been discussed by way of example, the Applicant does not intend to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional modification will also readily appear to those skilled in the art.

-8- It is conceivable that the system may aerate the water so as to be kept fresh by means of supplying more water in each pump cycle than the amount that can be absorbed by the soil. This may be purposely done such that excessive water will overflow from the water tray and porous member and drop into the reservoir. This will create an aeration effect.

It is also conceivable that a closing valve may be provided in the pipe connection 52. Such a closing valve may be used particularly during winter such that collected water from paved surfaces together with de-icing salt or other de-icing substances on the paved surfaces does not pollute the water in the reservoir.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 Irrigation system 30 Water feeding apparatus 31 Plant box 32 Water reservoir 33 Water tray 34 Water pumping means 35 Porous member 36 Aeration tube 37 Conduit 50 Rainwater collecting apparatus 51 Rainwater collecting channel 52 Connection pipe 53 Overflow pipe