RU200449U1 - Hydroponic Plant Growing Device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of agriculture, namely to devices for growing plants using the hydroponic method, and can be used for industrial or home (yard) growing greens, vegetables, berries, ornamental, medical and other plants, as well as for landscaping. The device includes a split tubular body (1) having a hole (5) for plant germination (6), passing along the body (1), and a porous substrate (2) having layers (8) and installed inside the body (1) in such a way, that the boundary between the layers (8) is located opposite the specified hole (5) of the body (1). The body (1) includes two parts (2) in the form of grooves, connected by open sides with the formation of a gap that forms the aforementioned hole (5) for germination of plants (6). The technical result is to simplify the operation of the device. 7 p.p. f-ly, 11 ill.

Description

Technology area

[01] The utility model relates to the field of agriculture, namely to devices for growing plants by the hydroponic method and can be used for industrial or home (yard) growing greens, vegetables, berries, ornamental, medical and other plants, as well as for vertical gardening ...

[02] State of the art

[03] Known devices for growing plants, in which pots with plants are placed on pallets, which in turn are installed on multi-level racks (see, for example, European patent EP2348814, 04/01/2015, Chinese patent CN202551765, 11/28/2012). The drawbacks of the design are the complexity of harvesting (workers have to squeeze between the tiers), planting and transplanting plants (workers need to carefully pull large pallets from the tiers) and plant monitoring (the plants located in the middle of the tier are not visible). These problems are exacerbated in the upper tiers, where workers have to climb with the help of special technical means. In addition, there are problems with air circulation on the tiers and with heat removal from lighting lamps. The racks themselves are bulky and it is not always possible to fit them into the room configuration.

[04] Known growing devices in which plants are placed on vertical towers, columns and other surfaces (for example, RF patents RU2383129, 03/10/2010, RU186235, 08/10/2018, US patents US9591814, 03/14/2017, US7055282, 06/06/2006 , US8505238, 13.08.2013, US5555676, 17.09.1996, US10136594, 27.11.2018). These devices have certain advantages over multi-tiered structures. In particular, these systems make it easier to harvest and monitor plant health. Air circulation is facilitated due to the specifics of the placement of columns with plants and lamps (more space for circulation), and the air heated by the lamps naturally moves upward and nothing prevents it from moving (on the shelves, heated air is locked by a tier placed directly above the lamps).

[05] The disadvantage of these systems is the complexity of the design, and, as a consequence, the high cost of the devices themselves and their maintenance.

[06] Known hydroponic device for growing plants (see US patent US 8327582, 11.12.2012), which includes a tubular body of rectangular cross-section having a longitudinal slot forming an opening for plant germination, and a porous substrate consisting of two layers, which are placed in the housing so that the boundary between the layers is opposite the housing opening. This analogue has the advantages of vertical devices, while its design is simpler and easier to clean. However, the device has a significant disadvantage associated with the need to end-install the substrate layers with plants. So, when assembling the device, the substrate with plants is dragged along the body using a hook. As a result, the roots of plants are exposed to mechanical stress, which can lead to their damage. The substrate also wears out quickly and eventually breaks, after which there is no way to use it again.

[07] The closest analogue of the claimed utility model is a hydroponic device disclosed in UK patent GB2532467, 05/25/2016. The cultivation device includes a tubular body having a longitudinal slot for plant germination and two layers of a porous substrate. The body is collapsible and includes one part in the form of a groove (channel), as well as two removable panels, between which the said slot is formed.

[08] The described design partially solves the problem of damage to plants and the substrate, because they are loaded not from the front, but from the front side of the case, where the removable panels are installed. However, the device has a number of the following disadvantages (which are also inherent in the device according to patent US8327582):

[09] - For planting plants, a surface (table) of considerable length is required, 1.5-2 times longer than the length of the device. removable panels are installed from the front side of the case. This reduces space efficiency and complicates the assembly process.

[010] - The substrate is installed in the body as a whole at the same time with the plants, which can lead to damage to the layers of the substrate or plants;

[011] - The device has a fixed body size, which does not allow the use of a substrate of different thickness depending on the size of the plants. For small-sized plants it is necessary to use an excess volume of the substrate, which unreasonably increases the cost of the device.

[012] - The device is only partially disassembled, this complicates the procedure for cleaning the case from the inside, increasing labor costs.

[013] Disclosure of the essence of the utility model

[014] The main technical problem to be solved by the utility model is the development of a compact structure for growing plants, suitable for the commercial production of various crops in a very limited space (in rooms, shipping containers, etc.). In addition, the goals of economy and ease of use were set.

[015] The technical result of the utility model is to simplify the operation of the device. Ease of use in this case means reducing the space required for assembly and disassembly, facilitating assembly, disassembly and cleaning of the device, as well as the possibility of using substrates of different thicknesses.

[016] The specified technical result is achieved in the construction of a hydroponic device for growing plants due to the fact that it includes a split tubular body (1) having an opening (5) for plant germination (6), passing along the body (1), and a porous substrate (2), having layers (8) and installed inside the body (1) in such a way that the boundary between the layers (8) is located opposite the specified opening (5) of the body (1), characterized in that the body (1) includes two parts ( 3) in the form of grooves connected by open sides with the formation of a gap that forms the aforementioned hole (5) for germination of plants (6).

[017] In addition, in order to achieve the technical result, particular embodiments of the device are provided, according to which:

[018] the device includes means for connecting body parts;

[019] - parts of the body are connected with the formation of a hole for plant germination (6) on one side of the body

[020] - parts of the body are connected to form holes for plant germination (6) on both sides of the body;

[021] - the substrate includes three layers, with all boundaries between the layers opposite the opening of the body;

[022] - the device includes a wick tape placed between the layers of the substrate;

[023] - the device includes a waterproof layer in the form of a film, placed between the wall of the housing and the substrate;

[024] - fastening means are provided on the body for mounting the body in a vertical or inclined position.

[025] In contrast to the known analogs, the considered design of the device uses a longitudinally split body, consisting of two parts in the form of grooves, which are connected by open parts to form a gap for plant germination. This housing design has several advantages.

[026] 1. The body is filled from the side surface, while the layers of the substrate and plants are stacked in the body in sequence, which reduces the likelihood of damage to plants and substrate, and also simplifies the process of assembly, disassembly and cleaning.

[027] 2. It is possible to adjust the distance between the body parts, which provides versatility and ease of assembly. In particular, when growing small plants, the walls of parts of the body on one side can be overlapped, which will lead to a decrease in the volume of the body. As a result, there will be no need to use excess substrate volume. When growing larger plants, the parts can be placed at a greater distance from each other.

[028] 3. It is possible to install more than two layers of the substrate, as well as growing plants on both sides of the body, which increases the productivity of the device.

[029] Brief Description of the Drawings

[030] The utility model is illustrated by drawings, where:

[031] Figure 1 shows a structure of a growing device according to a basic embodiment;

[032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a growing device according to a basic embodiment;

[033] Figure 3 illustrates the construction of a growing device according to an alternative embodiment;

[034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a growing device according to an alternative embodiment;

[035] Figure 5 illustrates the construction of a growing device according to another alternative embodiment;

[036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a growing apparatus according to another alternative embodiment;

[037] Figure 7 shows the structure of a growing device with attachment elements;

[038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a plant growing system;

[039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of device installation assemblies in a growing system;

[040] Figures 10 and 11 show an assembly diagram of a growing device.

[041] Structural elements and other objects are indicated in the figures by the following numbers:

1 - case,

2 - porous substrate,

3 - part of the body,

4 - channel wall formed by a part of the body,

5 - hole for plant germination,

6 - plant

7 - means for connecting body parts,

8 - substrate layer,

9 - wick tape,

10 - housing fastening means,

11 - frame,

12 - reservoir,

13 - pump,

14 - watering pipes,

15 - droppers,

16 - drainage elements,

17 - main beam,

18 - additional beam,

19 - lamp.

[042] Implementation of the utility model

[043] A plant growing device generally includes a tubular body (1) and a porous substrate (2) disposed within the body (see FIGS. 1, 2).

[044] The body (1) consists of two parts (3), made in the form of grooves (channels), connected at the open sides to form the body space. At the same time, a gap is formed between the walls (4) of these channels, at least on one side of the body (1), which forms a longitudinal hole (5) for plant germination (6).

[045] At least one means for connecting (7) the parts (3) of the body (1) can also be provided in the structure of the device, which allows them to be fixed in a given position. As a means of connection (7), belts, lacing, clamps, fasteners, hooks, tie locks and any other devices or their combinations can be used that allow to securely fasten the parts (3) and clamp the substrate (2) between them. Thus, the parts (3) of the housing (1) ensure the retention of the substrate (2) with the plants (6) placed in it and the retention of the nutrient solution flowing inside the device.

[046] The body (1) in cross-section can have rectangular (square), round, oval and other shapes. The most optimal is the rectangular shape of the body, in which the connected parts (3) have a U-shaped configuration. The body (1) can be made of polymer (plastic), metal, wood or any other suitable material. In particular, the sample manufactured by the applicant is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[047] The substrate (2) has the function of retaining the plants in the body and gives oxygen access to the plant root system. The substrate (2) has two or more layers (8), which are laid inside the body (1) in such a way that the boundaries between the layers are opposite the hole (5), which makes it possible to place plants (6) or their seeds between the indicated layers and germinate plants outside the body (1). Layers (8) can be made either separately or as parts of a single element. In the latter case, the layers (8) can be formed, for example, by folding the porous substrate element or making one or more slits therein. The substrate (8) can be made of artificial or natural porous material. In particular, a highly porous resilient polymer sponge can be used.

[048] In one of the alternative embodiments of the construction (see Fig. 3.4), the substrate (2) may consist of three or more layers (8) stacked in the body in a package so that all the boundaries of adjacent layers are located opposite the opening (5) of the body (1). In another embodiment of the structure (see Fig.4.5), parts (3) of the body (1) can be connected to form gaps between the walls (4) on both sides, forming two holes (5) for plant germination (6)

[049] The device can be additionally equipped with a wick tape (9), which is placed between the layers (8) of the substrate and is in direct contact with the root system of plants. The wick band ensures reliable delivery of the nutrient solution to the plant root system. The material of the wick tape must provide a capillary effect. For example, polyester can be used.

[050] In addition, the device can be additionally equipped with a waterproof film (not shown in the figures) placed between the wall of the housing (1) and the substrate (2), in order to prevent the nutrient solution from flowing through the joint of the parts (3). In particular, polyethylene film can be used.

[051] For fastening the plant cultivation device in a vertical or inclined position on the housing, fastening means (10) can be provided, which are made, for example, in the form of hooks (see Fig. 7).

[052] The specific dimensions of the parts and the substrate in various embodiments of the device are selected so that the assembled (contracted) device has at least one gap between the channels for plant growth through it. The length of the walls (4) of the channel of the parts (3) is selected depending on the configuration. When one hole (5) of the body (1) is formed, the length of the walls (4) of the parts (3) from the side of this hole, as a rule, is much less than this length from the opposite side. This makes it possible to adjust the dimensions of the body (1) and the holes (5) over a wide range due to the fact that the walls (4) of the parts (3) are overlapped. If holes (5) are formed on both sides of the body (1), the walls (4) can have approximately the same length.

[053] As an example, two U-shaped parts (3) with sides 20 mm (one canal wall) - 90 mm (the "bottom" of the canal) - 40 mm (the other canal wall) and 2 m long and a composite substrate can be used (2): four rectangular briquettes measuring 25 x 90 mm, 1 m long, folded in pairs. In this example, the device has one 10 mm wide lumen along the entire device.

[054] The claimed device can be used as part of a system for growing plants (see Fig. 8, 9), including a frame (11), on which the above-described devices are fixed in the form of blocks. The system design also includes equipment for feeding the nutrient solution, including a reservoir (12) for the nutrient solution, a pump (13), irrigation pipes (14), droppers (15) and drainage elements (16) (troughs and pipes).

[055] The frame (11) of the system consists of vertical struts and horizontal (longitudinal and transverse) beams interconnected. The main (supporting) beams (17) are provided for hanging devices for growing plants using hooks (10) attached to the rear walls of the body (1). Above the main beams (17), irrigation pipes (14) are attached with droppers (15) or holes installed in them at certain distances from each other, under which devices are placed.

[056] Under the main beam (17), at a distance close to the height of the body (1), a drainage trough (16) is installed. The devices with plants placed on the frame form a vertical plane of plant growth (working plane). In the system, the working planes are oriented with their front sides to each other, and are located from each other at a distance that provides a passage for a person. There can be several such passages, depending on the configuration of the room. Along the specified passage, between the main beams (17), parallel to them, an additional beam (18) is installed, on which the plant lighting lamps (19) are hung, the radiation of which is directed to the working planes. Lamps (19) are not rigidly fixed and can be moved along the beam (18). To access the plants, the worker moves the lamps, making room for work.

[057] The operation of the claimed device is as follows.

[058] When assembling the device, one of the parts (3) of the body (1) is placed on a horizontal surface (for example, a table). A waterproof film is placed in it (if any). On top, one layer (8) of the substrate (2) and the wick tape (9) (if used) are placed (see Fig. 10). Germinated young plants (6) (seedlings) are placed on top of the tape (9) or seeds are planted. On top, another layer (8) of the substrate (2) is laid (if the substrate is composite), which is covered with the free part of the waterproof film (if any) and the second part (3) of the body (1) (see Fig. 11). Then the parts (3) are pulled together using the connection means (7).

[059] When installing devices in a growing system, the assembled device with the plants placed in it can be placed vertically or at any angle to the horizon. The device can be installed in specially designed slots or suspended using any type of fasteners (10). In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, the body (1) is suspended on the beam (17) using a hook attached to the rear wall of the body. The devices are placed or hung in a row, the irrigation pipe (14) (or hose) is fixed on top with droppers (15) installed in it in places above the upper ends of the devices.

[060] The lower ends of the bodies (1) are installed in the drainage channel (16). The nutrient solution is supplied by a pump (13) from the reservoir (12) to the irrigation pipe (14) and through the dropper (15) enters the device. If there is a wick band (9), it is installed in such a way that the nutrient solution from the dropper (15) falls on it. The excess nutrient solution passes through the substrate (2), irrigates the root system and flows down the walls of the housing (or waterproof film) into the drainage trough (16), from where it flows back into the reservoir (12).

[061] For harvesting (depending on the crop - partial or complete cutting of greens or fruits / berries), the device can be removed from the system. It is also possible to harvest directly on site without removing the device.

[062] To clean the device, after the end of the life cycle of the plants planted in the device, it is removed from the system, placed on a horizontal surface, the means (7) tightening channels and layers (8) of the substrate (2) with the plants (6) between them are fastened, disassemble parts (3) of the housing (1) and the substrate (2). The channels of the parts (3) of the body (1) are cleaned from the remnants of roots and other extraneous formations. The substrate (2) is cleaned of large roots and dried. Substrate (2), wick tape (9) and waterproof film can be additionally heat pasteurized in specially designed devices.

Claims (9)

1. Hydroponic device for growing plants, including a split tubular body (1), having a hole (5) for plant germination (6), passing along the body (1), and a porous substrate (2) having layers (8) and installed inside of the body (1) in such a way that the boundary between the layers (8) is located opposite the specified opening (5) of the body (1), characterized in that the body (1) includes two parts (3) in the form of grooves, connected by open sides with the formation of a gap that forms the aforementioned hole (5) for germination of plants (6). 2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes means (7) for connecting the body parts. 3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the parts (3) of the body (1) are connected to form a hole (5) for germination of plants (6) on one side of the body (1). 4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the parts (3) of the body (1) are connected to form holes (5) for germination of plants (6) on both sides of the body (1). 5. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the substrate (2) comprises three layers (8), with all boundaries between the layers (8) located opposite the opening (5) of the housing. 6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a wick tape (9) placed between the layers (8) of the substrate (2). 7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a waterproof layer in the form of a film placed between the wall of the housing (1) and the substrate (2). 8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that fastening means (10) are made on the body (1) for mounting the body (1) in a vertical or inclined position.

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