WO2013128049A1

WO2013128049A1 - Agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation

Info

Publication number: WO2013128049A1
Application number: PCT/ES2013/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: S.L. Investigaciones Y Desarrollos La Macaronesia; Jesús Manuel MARTÍN LUIS
Original assignee: Investigaciones Y Desarrollos La Macaronesia S L
Priority date: 2012-03-02
Filing date: 2013-02-28
Publication date: 2013-09-06
Also published as: ES1076723Y; ES1076723U

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation, which comprises a structure (2) having a plurality of irrigation pipes (7) or trays arranged horizontally with a series of holes (12) in which pots (13) are incorporated with an absorbent wick (14) protruding from the lower part thereof, and with an irrigation system which comprises water pipes (16a, 16b, 16c), an irrigation tank (17), an impeller pump (18), a humidifier (19) and a collection tank (20). The whole structure, including pipes (7), irrigation elements and dehumidifier, is housed within a greenhouse covering (23), wherein the dehumidifier (19) constitutes the only air intake into the interior of said covering (23). Said device is provided with artificial light and a control system for regularly monitoring the air of the dehumidifier, the irrigation and the light, and the power supply thereof relies on a solar photovoltaic panel (24).

Description

AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the statement herein, refers to an agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation.

More particularly, the object of the invention is centered on an agricultural device that is configured as a self-sufficient system from the point of view of energy and hydraulic resources, for the cultivation of plants, particularly fruit and vegetable or ornamentation plants of small size, and Thanks to its innovative configuration and organization, it is possible to achieve an increase in agricultural production per area, reducing costs and being applicable in any type of land, as it does not depend on the availability of arable agricultural land for its application.

This system is based primarily on the use of water condensation produced by a dehumidifier for irrigation of the plantation that rests on a structure protected by a small greenhouse that completely isolates the whole, so that the dehumidifier is the only one air inlet to the system, so that this, in addition to condensing water that is used for irrigation, acts as a filter for the incoming air, retaining dust, particles, mites, etc., and, on the other hand, the electrical supply to feed Its operation is provided by a solar panel.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is framed within the agricultural sector, focusing on the field of devices for plant cultivation

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION At present, and as a reference to the state of the art, it should be noted that, at least by the applicant, the existence of any other is unknown. agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation or invention of similar application that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics similar to those presented here and whose characterizing details are conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present specification thereof .

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION Specifically, what the invention proposes, as noted above, is an applicable device for agricultural cultivation that constitutes a self-sufficient system from the point of view of energy and hydraulic resources, which also allows a greater agricultural production by surface, in comparison with the conventional systems and, likewise, does not require the availability of cultivable agricultural soils for its application, since it can be implemented in any type of soil or surface.

For this, the agricultural device of the invention is designed to achieve energy resources by means of a solar panel; hydraulic resources, by taking advantage of the condensation of water produced by a dehumidifier; to take advantage of the space and not depend on the existence of arable agricultural land, the plantation that rests on a structure protected by a cover that converts it into a small greenhouse, and completely isolates it, with which, the dehumidifier also acts as a filter , since it constitutes the only entrance to the interior of the roof.

Specifically, the device is composed of the following essential parts: A tubular metal structure, formed by two parallel triangular sections that are joined together, by means of a crossbar at its top and a lower rectangle, so that they form the edges of a prism triangular. The assembly is preferably made with bolted pipes and joints, so that it can be assembled and disassembled on site.

In addition, this structure, which can be made of steel, plastic material, Carbon, fiberglass or other properly resistant materials, rests on the floor on adjustable legs that provide horizontal contact points for leveling. A plurality of pipes that are arranged horizontally on the two inclined sides thereof are coupled on this structure, the existence of a gear system, manually operated or motorized, which may be comprised of cogwheels, sprockets and chains having been provided, or by oval links or straps with pinions or other elements, in any case designed to ensure the lifting and lowering of each of said pipes when assembling the crop, which facilitates planting and harvesting operations manually, without great efforts or need some machinery.

The pipes can be pipes or trays, preferably made of plastic material (PVC, PE, GRP) and along them are pots with substrate where the plants are incorporated.

The pots, which are preferably half a liter in volume and filled with a mixture of picon and manure, have a wick of cotton or other absorbent material that is disposed in contact with said substrate and protruding from it at the bottom, through a perforation that is carried out for this purpose.

The pots, in turn, are placed in perforations made in the pipe, so that they are embedded in it, with the lower part raised a few centimeters above the bottom of said pipe, so that it does not have direct contact with the irrigation water that passes through the pipe, but the plant feeds on the water that moistens the mixture of picon and manure, being transmitted by capillarity by means of the cotton wick that does have direct contact with the water and thus humidifies the flower pot.

For irrigation, the device includes a closed circuit water recirculation system.

For this, the water part, driven by a small pressure pump, from an irrigation tank located on the floor and, through two irrigation pipes, one for each side of the structure, ascends to the highest part of the same. Each irrigation pipe is connected to the potting pipe located at the highest part of each side of the structure, through a T-piece that is incorporated at the ends for this purpose. The water flows along the piping pipe feeding all the plants that it supports and goes down to the piping pipe immediately below with the one connected by means of downspouts provided at the ends and also connected by T-pieces.

The water, in this way, goes down and through all the pipes until reaching the last one (the one located at the bottom) and returning to the irrigation tank to start the cycle again. Thus, it is possible to form a closed circuit in which the flow of water travels through all the pipes until returning to the initial tank after having watered all the pots. Since the impregnation of water from the pots by means of the cotton wicks is not immediate, the irrigation process will be extended as long as necessary, repeating the cycle over and over again until the mixture of picon and manure reaches the desired degree of humidity.

The restitution of the water is resolved by taking advantage of the condensation of the atmospheric water produced by a dehumidifier provided in the device, which does not require input water for irrigation of the plantation. The system feeds itself.

The water recovered in the dehumidifier is stored in a collection tank which, by gravity, restores water from the irrigation tank through a connection pipe.

It is important to emphasize that the whole of the structure and the irrigation and dehumidifier elements are housed inside a transparent or translucent cover as a greenhouse that completely isolates the assembly, so that the dehumidifier constitutes the only air inlet to the system, So this has a double function, in addition to condensing water that is used for irrigation, it is in charge of filtering all the incoming air, retaining dust, particles, mites, etc.

Likewise, the device has an artificial light installation as well as a computerized control system that regulates hot or cold air through the dehumidifier and in turn regulates the irrigation system and artificial light in the greenhouse. In addition, the electrical supply that feeds said light installation, the irrigation pump and the operation of the dehumidifier, is obtained through a photovoltaic solar panel that is installed at the top on the cover conveniently connected to said elements.

The advantages provided by the recommended device are numerous and, as most noteworthy, the following should be noted: - Increase the productivity of the land from 16 Iechugas / m2 with the traditional system to a minimum of 100 Iechugas / m2 with the device.

- It does not need vegetal land, being able to realize the crop in any type of surface, even on concrete or asphalt.

- It has no energy consumption, since it is powered by solar panel for the operation of the dehumidifier and the irrigation pump.

- With hardly any water consumption, since the system takes advantage of the water from the condensation produced in the dehumidifier, this being a higher quality water by being free of limes.

- No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used, only natural fertilizers traditionally used.

- The system is mechanized, which implies an improvement in the conditions and safety of the workforce.

In view of the foregoing, it is found that the described agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation represents an innovative structure of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now for the purpose to which it is intended, reasons that, together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the exclusivity privilege requested.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present descriptive report is attached, as an integral part thereof, of a set of drawings, in which for illustrative purposes and not limiting the following has been represented:

Figure number 1- Shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment example of the agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation object of the invention, showing in it the main parts and elements that it comprises as well as its general configuration.

Figure number 2.- Shows a schematic elevation view of the device, in which the arrangement of the irrigation pipes on one of the sides of the structure is appreciated.

Figure number 3.- Shows a schematic elevation view similar to the previous one, in this case without the irrigation pipes, the support structure and the mechanized system of raising and lowering the irrigation pipes as well as the closed circuit of Water, tanks and humidifier.

Figure number 4.- shows a perspective view of the structure and the system of raising and lowering the pipes.

Figure number 5.- Shows a perspective view of the detail of one of the irrigation pipes with the built-in pots, which has been shown partially sectioned, showing the wick that remains in contact with the irrigation water that flows through the interior of the pipe.

Figure number 6.- Shows a perspective view of the detail of the connection of the water circulation conduits at the point where they penetrate the pipes of the upper parts of the structure.

Figure number 7.- Shows a perspective view of the detail of the connection of the irrigation tank and the water circulation lines to the pump. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the agricultural device for self-sufficient cultivation object of the invention can be observed, the main parts and elements of which are described in detail below.

Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the device (1) in question is configured essentially from a removable structure (2) of bolted pipes and joints, formed by two lateral triangles (3) joined by an upper stringer (4) and a lower rectangle (5), being equipped with four adjustable legs (6) that facilitate leveling.

On this structure (2) a plurality of pipes (7) or irrigation trays are arranged horizontally arranged on the two inclined sides thereof, there being linked to them a system of gears and chains, preferably manually operated for hoisting and lowering. of each of said pipes (7).

In a preferred, but not limited to, embodiment, said gear system comprises sprockets (8) of pinions and roller chains (9) to which the pipes (7) are fixed, and which are related to each other by a common axis (10) which, in turn, are linked to a multiplier group (11) located on each side of the structure (2) and to which a crank can be attached to achieve manual operation of the system, without discarding its coupling To a small electric motor. With this movement it is possible to move the pipe that is fixed to said chains (9) according to interest.

On the other hand, the pipes (7), which are preferably plastic material (PVC, PE, GRP) have a series of holes (12) in which the pots (13) are incorporated in which the corresponding crop is planted, for which, preferably, are filled as a substrate with a mixture of picon and manure, a wick (14) of absorbent material in contact with said substrate being provided therein and protruding from the bottom thereof, through a perforation that is carried out to such end

The pots (13) are embedded in the pipe (7) with the bottom raised on the bottom of it, so that it has no direct contact with the water (15) that passes through the pipe.

Continuing with the particularities of the device, it is important to highlight the irrigation system through a closed circuit, which, linked to the irrigation pipes (7), comprises a set of water pipes (16a, 16b, 16c), a irrigation tank (17), a pump (18), a humidifier (19) and a collection tank (20). With all this, the water starts, driven by the pump (18), from the irrigation tank (17) located on the floor, through two upstream pipes (16a), which connect, on each side of the structure ( 2), with the pipe (7) located in the highest part of the same, through a piece in T (21) that is incorporated in the ends of the same.

The water flows along the pipe (7) and goes down to the pipe (7) immediately below with the one connected by means of downpipes (22) provided at the ends and also connected by T-pieces (21).

The water, in this way, goes down and through all the pipes until it reaches the last one (the one located at the bottom) and returning to the irrigation tank (17) through another pair of return pipes (16b) to return to start the cycle

But in addition, the device has a humidifier (19) that recovers the water from the device, when the assembly incorporated into a greenhouse cover (23) is found, so that the water recovered in the dehumidifier (19) is stored in a tank collection (20) which, in turn, by gravity is restoring the water from the irrigation tank (17) through an inter-reservoir conduit (16c) with which they are connected. As mentioned, the whole structure with the irrigation pipes (7) and the irrigation and dehumidifier elements are housed inside a transparent or translucent cover (23), the dehumidifier (19) being arranged so that it constitutes the only air inlet inside said cover (23). Likewise, the device has an artificial light installation (not shown) and has a computerized control system that regulates cold air or heat through the dehumidifier (19), regulate the irrigation system and regulate artificial light.

Finally, the device incorporates at least one photovoltaic solar panel (24) that, installed in its upper part and conveniently connected, provides electrical supply to power the pump (18) and the dehumidifier (19).

Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle .

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S

1 - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, characterized in that it comprises:

- a structure (2) with a plurality of pipes (7) or irrigation trays arranged horizontally on two inclined sides thereof, in which pots (13) are incorporated in which the crop is planted, a wick having been provided therein (14) of absorbent material in contact with the substrate and and in contact with the irrigation water that passes through the pipe;

- a closed circuit irrigation system comprising a set of water pipes (16a, 16b, 16c), an irrigation tank (17), a pump (18), a humidifier (19) and a collection tank (20), whereby water circulates through the pipes, from the upper to the lower ones that are connected to each other, returning to the irrigation tank (17);

- a greenhouse cover (23), transparent or translucent, within which the whole of the structure with the irrigation pipes (7), the elements of the irrigation system and dehumidifier (19), the dehumidifier (19) being housed arranged so that it constitutes the only air inlet inside said cover (23);

- an artificial light installation;

- at least one photovoltaic solar panel (24) installed in its upper part and connected to provide power supply to the pump (18) and the dehumidifier (19);

- and a computerized control system that regulates hot or cold air through the dehumidifier (19), the irrigation system and artificial light.

2. - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, according to the claim, characterized in that the irrigation pipes (7) are linked to a gear system, manually operated or motorized, for the lifting and lowering of each of said pipes (7) .

3. - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, according to claim 2, characterized in that the gear system comprises cogwheels (8) of pinions and roller chains (9) to which the pipes (7) are fixed, and which are located related to each other by a common axis (10) which, in turn, are linked to a multiplier group (11) located on each side of the structure (2).

4. - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the structure (2) is removable and is formed by bolted pipes and joints, comprising two lateral triangles (3) joined by an upper crossbar (4 ) and a lower rectangle (5), being equipped with four adjustable legs (6) that facilitate leveling.

5. - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the pipes (7) or trays are plastic material (PVC, PE, GRP).

6. - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the pots (13) are filled as a substrate with a mixture of picon and manure.

7. - AGRICULTURAL DEVICE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENT CULTURE, according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the pipes (7) have at their ends T-pieces (21) in which it is connected or a rising pipe (16a) from the pump (17) or downpipes (22) to connect with each other and allow water circulation.