WO2020098890A1

WO2020098890A1 - Growth house

Info

Publication number: WO2020098890A1
Application number: PCT/DK2019/050339
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jens Frederik BJERRE RIBER
Original assignee: J. Riber Holding Aps
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2019-11-06
Publication date: 2020-05-22
Also published as: DK179885B1; DK201800872A1

Abstract

A growth house (2) comprising a housing (4) defining an inner space is disclosed. The inner space (18) is provided with a storage structure (20) comprising several vertically displaced storage levels (L₁, L₂, L₃, L₁₀) each being configured to receive one or more tray members (22) with one or more plants (24). The housing (4) comprises an opening (12) and is opaque and configured to prevent sunlight from entering the inner space (18). The growth house (2) comprises a moveably arranged transportation unit (14) configured to horizontally and vertically displace on or more tray members (22) and hereby transport the one or more tray members (22) between a first position (P) outside the housing (4) and a second position (P2) on a storage structure (20) inside the housing (4), wherein a plurality of light sources (32, 32') are arranged to emit light (34) towards the plants (24).

Description

Growth House

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a growth house which significantly enhances the capability of plant growth in a controlled environment. The present invention also relates to a method for growing plants such as vegetables and flowers in a controlled environment.

Prior art

Greenhouses have been used for many years for facilitating a controlled environment for plant growth. A typical prior art greenhouse comprises a framed construction having a roof which will permit some degree of penetration by sun light. In conventional constructions, plants are placed within the greenhouse and are watered and kept at a temperature above freezing.

One problem with conventional greenhouse constructions having a transparent roof is that temperature inside the greenhouse may increase above a desired upper level during the daytime. However, at night, the temperature within the greenhouse may fall below a desired lower level (so that plant freezing, and consequent plant damage may occur inside the greenhouse). In conventional greenhouses it is difficult to control temperature and light. At daytime, temperature control is typically via ventilation by using vents or louvers that are opened to allow the excess heat to escape and cooler outside air to enter. Consequence a lot of water leaves the greenhouse together with the hot humid air. Accordingly, the water consumption of prior art greenhouses is surprisingly high.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an alternative growth house, in which the water consumption can be reduced.

Plant growth is also carried out without sun light in controlled indoor environments. It is known to apply a growing system, in which the plants grow in trays that are manually inserted into trays, in which water, macro- and micronutrients and light is provided. These growing systems require a lot of manual lifting equipment and trained personnel. Furthermore, these growing systems require a lot of water because the trays are constantly surrounded by air that is dryer than the humid air surrounding the plants in the trays.

WO2017024353A1 discloses a high-density horticulture growing system comprising a plurality of containers in which crops are grown and one or more elevator devices to automatically move the containers between vertically spaced levels of one or more modular racks. Each elevator device comprises a carrier to transport the containers between the vertically spaced levels and a ram to push the containers from the carrier onto one or more longitudinal supports at the vertically spaced levels. A first conveying device moves containers at least horizontally from a crop planting area to each rack and a second conveying device moves containers at least horizontally from each rack to a crop storage area.

W02018136007A1 discloses a system and method for indoor farming comprising at least one growth rack, the at least one growth rack comprises a plurality of cells. The system comprises a plurality of farming modules, each farming module configured to be stored in a cell, each farming module configured to grow at least one type of plant. The system comprises a machine arranged to move each of the plurality of farming modules in/from each of the corresponding cell, wherein each of the plurality of farming module comprises one or more self-contained nutrient tray portion specific to the type of plant, and wherein each farming module is independent with respect to other farming modules.

It is a disadvantage of the prior art solutions that replacement of the light sources must be done by skilled personal and that the personal must be vertically displaced in order to reach the high positioned light sources. This introduces the risk for falling down.

Thus, there is a need for a growth house which reduces or even eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object of the invention to provide a growth house and a method, in which the water consumption can be reduced. It is also an object to provide a growth house and a method, in which the requirement of manual lifting equipment and trained personnel can be reduced. It is furthermore an object to provide a growth house and a method, in which the energy consumption can be reduced.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a growth house as defined in claim 1 and by a method as defined in claim 10. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The growth house according to the invention is growth house comprising a housing defining an inner space provided with a storage structure comprising several vertically displaced storage levels each being configured to receive one or more tray members with one or more plants, wherein the growth house comprises a moveably arranged transportation unit configured to horizontally and vertically displace on or more tray members and hereby transport the one or more tray members between a first position outside the housing and a second position on a storage structure inside the housing, wherein a plurality of light sources are arranged to emit light towards the tray members, wherein the storage structure comprises several vertically displaced support structures configured to receive and support a tray member, wherein one or more light sources configured to emit light to a subjacent tray member are integrated in the support structures, wherein the support structures are moveably in a horizontal and a vertical direction.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a growth house, in which the water consumption can be reduced and in which the requirement of manual lifting equipment and trained personnel can be reduced. It is furthermore possible to provide a growth house, in which the light sources can easier be replaced and wherein the energy consumption can be reduced.

The transportation is carried out automatically. Accordingly, now personal are required for lifting and horizontally displacing tray members.

The inner space my have any suitable size and geometry. In one preferred embodiment, the inner space comprises parallel upright walls defining the housing.

The storage structure comprising several vertically displaced storage levels each being configured to receive one or more tray members with one or more plants. The number of storage levels may depend on specific requirements. In one embodiment, the growth house comprises 1-50 storage levels. In one embodiment, the growth house comprises 5-35 storage levels. In one embodiment, the growth house comprises 8-12 storage levels.

In one embodiment, the housing is opaque and configured to prevent sunlight from entering the inner space. In one embodiment, there may be one or more minor transparent structures (e.g. a small window) as long as the majority (more than 90 %) of the walls and rood defining the outer surface of the hosuing is opaque.

The moveably arranged transportation unit may comprise any suitable structures configured to horizontally and vertically displace on or more tray members and hereby transport the one or more tray members between a first position outside the housing and a second position on a storage structure inside the housing, wherein a plurality of light sources are arranged to emit light towards the plants.

The light sources should preferably be configured to generate light appropriate for photosynthesis. The light sources may be light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. The light sources may constitute one or more light assemblies.

It may be an advantage that the growth house comprises a door configured to (preferably sealingly) close the opening.

Hereby, it is possible to provide an enhanced temperature and humidity control and to reduce the energy consumption.

In one embodiment, the growth house comprises a control unit configured to control the transportation unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive one or more instructions from a user or an external device. Hereby, it is possible to minimise the need for personnel to perform lifting task. Furthermore, the use of the control unit enables remote control of the growth house.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the transportation unit in such a manner that a tray member is transported from a first position outside the housing to a second position on a storage structure inside the housing or from a first position on a storage structure inside the housing to a second position outside the housing upon selecting the first position and the second position by means of the control unit.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the transportation unit is configured to automatically bring a tray member:

- from ground level (e.g. on a table or another structure arranged on the ground) to either of a plurality of storage levels of the storage structure and

- from a storage level of the storage structure to ground level (e.g. on a table or another structure arranged on the ground).

The tray member may be arranged on the top of a support structure. In this embodiment, the transportation unit may be configured to automatically bring a tray member arranged on a support structure:

- from ground level (e.g. on a table or another structure arranged on the ground) to either of a plurality of storage levels of the storage structure and - from a storage level of the storage structure to ground level (e.g. on a table or another structure arranged on the ground).

- from a first horizontal position outside the housing to a second horizontal position inside the housing and

- from a first horizontal position inside the housing to a second horizontal position outside the housing.

If the tray member is arranged on the top of a support structure, the transportation unit may preferably be configured to automatically bring a tray member and the support structure that carries the tray member:

By arranging each tray member on a support structure, the support structure can carry the tray member and absorb the load from the tray member and the growth media and plants therein. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises contact portions configured to be brought into contact with the lower side of the tray member, wherein the contact portions are arranged in such a manner that the contact portions support arranged closes to the central portion of the tray member are in a higher vertical position than the contact portions support arranged that are arranged in a longer distance from the central portion of the tray member. Hereby, it is possible to counteract the deflection that gravity will cause in case that the contact portions are arranged in line when the support structure is not loaded.

The storage structure comprises several vertically displaced support structures configured to receive and support a tray member, wherein one or more light sources configured to emit light to a subjacent tray member are integrated in the support structures. Hereby, it is possible to stack the tray members by means of the support structures in order to achieve a large growth area on a limited space.

In one embodiment, each the support structure comprises a number of integrated light-emitting diodes (LED) and an electrical contact switch comprising a first portion and a second portion configured to be brought in to contact and hereby provide an electrical connection so that the LEDs are powered. In a preferred embodiment, a sensor system comprises a first sensor portion and a second sensor portion arranged to be brought into contact upon establishing electric contact between the first portion and a second portion of the electrical contact switch. The sensor system is preferably configured to detect when power has to be turned on. In this manner, it is possible to minimise the voltage transient.

In one embodiment, the one or more light sources are provided at the lower side (back) of the support structures.

Hereby, it is possible to limit the number of items within the growth house. The support structures are used for both supporting the tray members and for integrating light sources.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises walls and/or a roof comprising a portion made in an insulation material. Hereby, it is possible to prevent heat exchange with the surroundings. Accordingly, the temperature inside the inner space of the housing can more easily be controlled.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises walls and/or a roof comprising an insulating foam material comprising polyurethane (PUR) and/or polyisocyan urate (PIR) foam.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises a moveably arranged lift and one or more two towers each comprising a plurality of storage levels, wherein the lift is configured to receive and vertically displace one or more tray members and to horizontally displace the one or more tray members. In a preferred embodiment, the lift is configured to transport a tray member arranged on a support structure and carry on a vertical displacement as well as a horizontal displacement.

Hereby, it is possible to bring a tray member into the inner space of the housing and place the tray member in a storage level either on the first tower or the second tower. Accordingly, large storage/growth capacity can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the lift is configured to receive and vertically displace a tray member arranged on the top of a support structure and to horizontally displace the tray member and the support structure on to which the tray member is arranged.

In one embodiment, the lift is a centrally arranged between two towers each comprising a plurality of storage levels. Hereby, it is possible to optimize the storage space (applying the space on each side of the lift)

In one embodiment, a watering unit is provided at the lift, wherein the watering unit is configured to water the plants in the tray members. In one embodiment, the watering unit is configured to water a single tray member at a time.

Hereby, automatic watering can be provided. Accordingly, the growth house can be automatically controlled with respect to water control. It may be an advantage that one or more humidity sensor, temperature sensors are provided at that the control unit is arranged in such a manner that information from these sensors can be applied to control the temperature inside the housing and/or to control watering of at least some of the plants.

In one embodiment, the watering unit comprises a dispensing structure and an actuator arrangement configured to bring the dispensing structure into a position from which water can be poured into the tray member and/or be sprayed on the tray member or on plants growing in the tray member.

In one embodiment, the watering unit comprises two separate/independent water circuits each being arranged in a closed system. Each system may preferably comprise an electrical actuator connected to a water hose fitted in a cable chain configured to follow the movements of the lift.

It may be preferred that the lift stops when a tray member is positioned in a predefined position and that triggers (preferably by using a software implemented solution applying a Programmable Logic Controller, PLC) activation of one or both actuators, moving a water tap over the tray member. In one embodiment, the water for watering the plants is pumped from a water tank (e.g. arranged at ground level). The excess water from the tray member may be collected at a small tray arranged under a tray member outlet and returns to the water tank.

In one embodiment, each storage level of the storage structure comprises a mechanically activated electrical switching assembly configured to switch on and switch off the power to one or more power consuming components (e.g. LED light sources) of the storage level. Hereby, it is possible to provide a smart and reliable electrical connection of the power consuming components.

It may be beneficial that the growth house comprises a cooling device arranged to cool the of the inner space of the housing.

In one embodiment, the growth house comprises a vent device for ventilating the growth house.

In one embodiment, the storage structure comprises detachably attached support members arranged and configured to support the support bases of the support structures. Hereby, the distance between the light sources and the subjacent tray member can be changed. In one embodiment, light sources (e.g. LED) are detachably attached (removably mounted). Hereby, a fast replacement of the LEDs can be provided. A detachably attachment may be provided by fixing the LEDs to a socket by means of a deformable spring member.

In one embodiment, the lift comprises CO₂ dispensing structures (such as nozzles or hoses). The lift may also comprise water spray nozzles. The CO₂ dispensing structures, and/or the water spray nozzles may be arranged in cable chains and thus be configured to be moved together with the lift.

The method according to the invention is a method for growing plants such as vegetables and flowers in a controlled environment within a housing provided with a storage structure comprising several vertically displaced storage levels each being configured to receive one or more tray members with one or more plants, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- arranging the plants in tray members;

- positioning the tray members in the storage levels of the storage structure;

- irradiating the plants by a plurality of light sources,

wherein the method comprises the step of automatically bringing the tray members between a first position to a second vertically displaced position by providing a horizontal displacement and a vertical displacement of the tray members by using a control unit, wherein the method comprises the step of arranging the tray members on support structures configured to receive and support a tray member, wherein one or more light sources configured to emit light to a subjacent tray member are integrated in the support structures, wherein the support structures are moveably in a horizontal and a vertical direction.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a method, by which the water consumption can be reduced and in which the requirement of manual lifting equipment and trained personnel can be reduced. It is furthermore possible to provide a method, by which the light sources can easier be replaced and wherein the energy consumption can be reduced. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of selecting the first position and the second position by means of the control device.

Hereby, the method enables the user to freely bring tray members between any predefined first position inside the storage structure and a position outside the housing.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of watering the plants in each storage levels of the storage structure by using an automatic watering system integrated in the housing, wherein said system is controlled by the control unit.

Hereby, it is possible to provide automatic watering. Accordingly, manual watering is not required.

In one embodiment, the wherein the housing is opaque and configured to prevent sunlight from entering the inner space.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of, by using the control unit, selecting how many hours the plants in each storage levels of the storage structure have to be irradiated by the light sources. This enables an optimum control of the plant growth in the growth house.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of, opening and/or closing a moveably arranged door configured to open and close the opening of the housing. Hereby, it is possible to save energy and provide an improved temperature control. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the water consumption.

It may be an advantage that method comprises the step of watering the tray members by means of a moveably arranged watering unit. The watering unit may comprise a water hose and an actuator configured to position the water hose in a predefined position, preferably a position in which the water hose can be used to water a predefined portion of a tray member.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of watering the tray members by means of a watering unit connected to the lift.

In one embodiment, the growth house comprises a loading system configured to push and drag tray members into the housing from outside and out of the housing from inside the housing. The loading system is preferably configured to bring tray members to a position on the top of support structures and/or to remove tray members that are arranged on the top of support structures (machine trays).

In one embodiment, the loading system comprises a conveyor arranged outside the housing, wherein said conveyer is configured to bring new tray members into the housing.

In one embodiment, the growth housie comprises a mechanical system comprising a top pipe track and with integrated parallel synchronized tooth bars configured to connect or divide two integrated systems to connect or divide the top pipe track. When the two top pipes are connected, the tray member can roll on the pipe track using rollers fitted at the bottom of the tray member. Accordingly, the tray member is capable of rolling into or out of the housing.

In one embodiment, the mechanical system is configured in such a manner that:

a) when the tray member is arranged outside the housing, te tray member is capable of rolling inside and be lowered down on a support structure (machine tray) and

b) when the tray member is arranged inside the housing, the tray member is capable of rolling outside and be lowered down on wheels of the conveyor.

In one embodiment, the loading system is equipped with a belt extraction system configured to move a tray member as well as a machine tray into or out of the machine when the top pipe track is connected.

In one embodiment, the support structure (machine tray) comprises a self activating double return valve CO₂ dosing system arranged on the lift (bridge extraction) and being configured to be activated when the tray member is pushed into the desired position.

In one embodiment, the lift comprises a plurality of wheels (e.g. four wheels) arranged and configured to prevent the lift from twisting and tilting, hereby ensuring that the tray member carried by the lift is maintained in a horizontal orientation when the lift moves vertically and/or moves in or out of tray supports. In one embodiment, the growth house comprises a human machine interface (HMI) and one or more sensors arranged and configured to detect the presence of tray members and/or support structures (machine trays).

In one embodiment, the HMI is configured to detect the number and position of occupied and empty structures in the housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the growth housing comprises a control unit configured to turn on the light sources when a tray member is arranged on a subjacent support structure (machine tray) and the turn off the light sources when the tray member no longer is arranged on a subjacent support structure (machine tray).

The control system is preferably configured to make sure that parameters (such as light, temperature) are as required and set by the user (by using the control unit). Thus, the control unit may control a number of actuators, valves and electric components. In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate an alert if one or more parameters cannot be maintained within a predefined range (e.g. if the temperature measured by one or more temperature sensors exceeds a predefined upper temperature and the ventilation can not reduce the temperature sufficiently). The lift may be driven by an alternating current (AC) motor comprising an encoder and a breaking unit. In one embodiment, the lift is configured to be vertically displaced along a treaded rod engaging with gears arranged on the lift.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a perspective top view of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. IB shows a top view of the growth house shown in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows a top view of a support member according to the invention;

Fig. 2C shows a top view of another support member according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional front view of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 4A shows a schematic view of two vertically displaced storage levels of a storage structure according to the invention;

Fig. 4B shows a schematic front view of a single storage level of a storage structure according to the invention;

Fig. 4C shows a schematic front view of a tray member being vertically displaced by a lift according to the invention;

Fig. 5A shows a schematic side view of a lift of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 5B shows a top view of the lift portion of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a lift according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 9 shows a prior art growing system, in which the plants grow in trays that are manually inserted into trays;

Fig. 10A shows a side view of a belt according to the invention in a first configuration;

Fig. 10B shows a side view of the belt shown in Fig. 10A in a second configuration;

Fig. IOC shows a side view of the belt shown in Fig. 10B in a third configuration;

Fig. 10D shows a schematic view of a tower of a growth house according to the invention;

Fig. 10E shows a schematic view of a tray member being watered by means of a watering unit according to the invention; Fig. 11 shows a top view of a growth house according to the invention and

Fig. 12 shows a side view of the growth house shown in Fig. 11.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a growth house 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1A is a perspective top view of a growth house 2 according to the invention in a configuration in which there is access to the interior of the growth house 2 through the opening 12 of the growth house 2. The growth house 2 comprises a housing 4 that consists of four upright walls, 8, 8' and a roof 10. The growth house 2 is placed on a surface 6. The housing 4 of the growth house 2 is configured to be permanently placed outside. In one embodiment, the housing 4 comprises walls 8, 8' and/or a roof 10 comprising an insulating foam material comprising polyurethane (PUR) and/or polyisocyan urate (PIR) foam. The walls 8, 8' and/or a roof 10 may, however, comprise a metallic outer structure that prevent the insulating foam material from being damaged due to impact.

The surfaces 8, 8' extend parallel to the vertical axis Z and to either of the horizontal axis X, Y. The growth house 2 comprises a control unit 16 arranged in front of the housing 4. The control unit 16 is electrically connected to electrical components inside the housing 4.

A security grate 26 covers a transportation device 14 configured to horizontally displace a tray member that is either inserted into a predefined position within the housing 4 or removed from housing 4.

A user 36 is operating the control unit 16 by means of an external device 38 which may be a smartphone, a tablet or another electrical device configured to communicate wirelessly with the control unit. It can be seen that the external device 38 sends wireless signals 40 to the control unit 16 and hereby sends instruction to the control unit 16.

When the housing is loaded with plants or when plants are removed from the housing 4, there is access to the inner space of the housing 4 through the opening 12. The opening 12 can, however, be sealingly closed in order to isolate the housing from the surroundings. Before closing the door (not shown), the transportation device 14 are moved into the inner space of the housing 4. In one embodiment, the transportation device 14 as well as the security grate 26 is configured to be displaced along the Y axis and thus be moved into the inner space of the housing 4.

Fig. IB illustrates a top view of the growth house 2 shown in Fig. 1A. It can be seen that the housing 4 is placed on a rectangular surface. This surface 6 may be a cast concrete surface by way of example. The roof 10 of the housing comprises five plate structures evenly distributed along the width of the roof 10. A motor 54 is arranged to move one or more transportation structures of the transportation device 14. In one embodiment, the transportation device 14 comprises a conveyer belt driven by the motor 54.

The control unit 16 is provided in a distance in front of the front surface of the housing 4 in front of the security grate 26.

Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a growth house 2 according to the invention. The growth house 2 comprises a housing 4 arranged on a surface 6. The housing 4 comprises a rear wall 8" and a front wall 8 and a roof 10 extending therebetween. The height Fh of the front wall 8 is larger than the height Hi of the rear wall 8". Accordingly, the roof 10 is inclined and is configured to drain away rain water in an effectively manner.

It can be seen that the roof 1 and the walls 8, 8" comprise an insulation layer 52 covered by a protective layer. The protective layer may be made in metal, wood, fibre-reinforced plastic or another suitable material.

A tray member 22 comprising plants 24 is placed on the transportation device 14 in front of the housing 4. The transportation device 14 is configured to horizontally displace the tray member 22 and hereby moved it into the inner space 18 of the housing 4. Accordingly, the tray member 22 can be moved into the central portion of the housing 4. In the central portion of the housing 4 a lift 44 is moveably arranged between a first tower 46 and a second tower 48. The towers 46, 48 constitute the storage structure 20 of the growth housing 2. The two towers 46, 48 each comprises ten storage levels U, L ₂, l_₃, U, L_i0. Each storage levels U, L ₂, l_₃, U, Lio comprises a support structure 42, 42' configured to receive a tray member 22 with plants 24. A security grate 26 is arranged to prevent access (for humans) to the transportation device 14. A vertically displaceable door 30 is arranged to close the opening of the growth house 2. In one embodiment, the security grate 26 may be omitted. The lift 44 is configured to be vertically (along the Z-axis) displaced along the length of a toothed rack 92 by means of a toothed wheel (see Fig. 6) that is brought into engagement with the toothed rack 92. The toothed wheel may be driven by an electric motor (not shown).

Fig. 2B illustrates a top view of a support member 42 according to the invention. The support member 42 comprises two long side structures connected by six cross members 62 that define five receiving portions each being configured to receive and contain a box. The support member 42 comprises two end portions 56, 56' provided in the ends of the support member 42.

Fig. 2C illustrates a top view of another support member 42 according to the invention. The support member 42 basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 2B. The support member 42, however, comprises a central portion 63 that extend partly perpendicular to the length of the support member 42.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of a growth house 2 according to the invention. The growth house 2 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 2A. It can be seen that the growth house 2 comprises a housing 4 comprising walls 8, 8"' that extend paralleled to the vertical Z-axis and that the walls 8, 8"' as well as the roof 10 comprises an insulation layer 52 covered by a protective layer. A plurality of storage levels L ₂, l_₃, Uo are provided in the towers arranged inside the inner space of the housing 4.

Each storage levels l_₃ comprises a support structure 42' configured to receive and support a tray member with plants to be grown in the growth house. The control unit 16 is accessible from outside the housing 4 even when the door (not shown) for closing the opening in the housing 4 is closed. The control unit 16 is arranged in a control box that rests on the surface 6.

Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic view of two vertically displaced storage levels Li, l_2 of a storage structure 20 according to the invention. In each storage level Li, l_₂ a tray member 22, 22' is arranged on a support structure 42, 42' arranged and configured to support the tray member 22, 22'. Each support structure 42, 42' comprises a plurality of light sources 32, 32' distributed to emit light 34 towards the subjacent tray member 22.

Support bars 82, 82', 84, 84' are provided on the top surface of each support structure 42, 42'. These support bars 82, 82', 84, 84' will abut the bottom side of the tray member 22, 22' supported by the support structure 42, 42'.

Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic front view of a single storage level U of a storage structure according to the invention. A tray member 22 corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 4A is arranged in the storage level Li. The light sources 32 are shut off and thus the do not emit any light.

Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic front view of a tray member 22 being vertically displaced by a lift 44 according to the invention. The tray member 22 is arranged on a support structure 42 corresponding to the one explained with reference to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. A first engagement structure 74 and a second engagement structure 76 are, however, arranged to engage with corresponding cylindrical contact elements 78 provided at the distal ends of two rod members 72, 72' of the lift 44.

The lift 44 comprises a frame 70 and the rod members 72, 72' are moveably arranged with respect to the frame 70. The lift 44 comprises a transport platform 68 configured to support the tray member 22. By means of the cylindrical contact elements 78 of the rod members 72, 72', it is possible to vertically displace the tray member 22 and hereby bring it in engagement with a conveyer belt 86 that is configured to horizontally displace the tray member 22. In Fig. 4C, the lift 44 has vertically displaced the tray member 22. On the surface 6 two support plates 80, 80' are arranged to receive the lowermost end of the rod memes 72, 72'.

Fig. 5A illustrates a schematic side view of the lift 44 shown in Fig. 4C in a configuration, in which the lift 44 is arranged in its lowermost position. Accordingly, the tray member 22 is brought into contact with the conveyer belt 86. Thus, the tray member 22 can be horizontally displaced by means of the conveyer belt 86 in order to bring the tray member 22 into a desired position e.g. outside the housing of the growth house.

Fig. 5B illustrates a top view of the lift portion of a growth house according to the invention. It can be seen that the transportation device comprises a support structure 42 comprising four support bars 82, 82', 84, 84' extending between two parallel elongated members.

Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic side view of a lift 44 according to the invention. The lift 44 comprises a frame and two rod members 72, 72' slidably attached to the frame. The frame is configured to be vertically displaced along the length of a toothed rack 92 by means of a toothed wheel 94 that is brought into engagement with the toothed rack 92. Accordingly, an actuator (e.g. an electric motor) can provide the rotation of the toothed wheel 94 required to move the toothed wheel 94 and thus the frame vertically. Support plates 80, 80' are provided on the surface. The support plates 80, 80' are configured to receive and support the rod embers 72, 72'.

Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a growth house 2 according to the invention. The growth house 2 comprises a housing 4 comprising a roof 10 and upright walls 8, 8". A first tower 46 is provided in the rear end of the inner space 18 of the housing 4. A second tower 48 is provide in the front end of the inner space 18 of the housing 4. A lift 44 is provided in the space between the first tower 46 and the second tower 48.

A tray member 22 is arranged on a structure provided in front of the housing 4. The tray member 22 can be horizontally displace into the inner space 18 of the housing through an opening provided in the front wall 8 of the hosuing 4. The growth house 2 comprises a transportation device comprising a conveyer belt 88 arranged and configured to mainly horizontally displace the tray member 22 and thus bring the tray member from a first position outside the hosing 4 to a second position inside the inner space 18 of the hosuing 4. The conveyer belt 88 is rotatably attached to a fixation structure in its rear end. Accordingly, the conveyer belt 88 is configured to tilt like illustrated on Fig. 7.

The lift 44 corresponds to the one explained with reference to Fig. 4C, Fig. 5A and Fig. 6. The tray member 22 can be displaced along the Y-axis by means of the conveyer belt 88 and can be vertically displace by using the lift 44.

When the tray member 22' and the support structure 42' carrying it have been brought into the desired vertical position/level, the tray member 22' and the support structure 42' carrying it can be horizontally displaced into the desired horizontal position in either the rear tower 46 or the front tower 48. This is done by means of the transportation device. The horizontal displacement is explained with reference to Fig. 10A, Fig. 10B and Fig. IOC.

The towers 46, 48 are configured to receive and contain a plurality of tray members 22, 22', 22", 22'" that can be irradiated by light source provided on the bottom surface of the support structure 42' of the tray member 22.

Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a growth house 2 according to the invention. The growth house 2 contains the same structures as the growth house shown in Fig. 7. Accordingly, the tray members 22 can be transported into and out of the housing of the growth house 4 in the same manner as explained with reference to Fig. 7. Plants arranged in the tray members arranged on support structures of the towers 46, 48 receive light 34 from above-arranged support structure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a prior art growing system comprising a storage structure 120 comprising a plurality of plant trays arranged in a large shelving unit. The plants grow in the trays that are manually inserted into the storage structure 120. A user 36 applies a lift 100 to reach the required height for watering or otherwise taking care of the plants. This prior art growing system requires a lot of manual lifting equipment and trained personnel. Furthermore, the growing system requires a lot of water because the trays are constantly surrounded by air that is dryer than the humid air surrounding the plants in the trays.

Fig. 10A illustrates a side view of a belt 88 according to the invention in a first configuration. The belt 88 comprises two pulleys 112, 112' driving an endless loop of a carrying medium constituting the conveyor belt. A plurality of engagement structure 98 protrudes from the carrying medium. In Fig. 10 A, one engagement structure 98 engages a corresponding engagement portion 100 provided in a tray member 22 arranged on the belt 88. Accordingly, the engagement structure 98 is received by the engagement portion 100 provided in a tray member 22. Hereby, the belt can pull the tray member 22 into a position, in which the tray member 22 like shown in Fig. 10B is resting on the belt 88.

Fig. 10B illustrates a side view of the belt 88 shown in Fig. 10A in a second configuration, in which the tray member 22 is resting on the belt 88. Accordingly, the belt 88 will move the tray member 22 to the right upon rotating the pulleys clockwise.

Fig. IOC illustrates a side view of the belt 88 shown in Fig. 10B in a third configuration, in which the tray member 22 no long is resting on the belt 88. In this situation, however, the engagement structure 98 being in contact with the rear end of the tray member 22 will push the tray member 22 further to the right.

Fig. 10D illustrates a schematic view of a tower 46 of a growth house according to the invention. The tower 46 comprises a plurality of rows each comprising a support structure 42, 42' provided with LED light sources 32 configured to emit light towards a subjacent tray member 22. The support structure 42, 42' are supported by support members 66, carrying support bases protruding from the side portions of the support structures 42, 42'. A switch structure 106 configured to receive a corresponding switch member are arranged in the side portions of the support members 42, 42'. Accordingly, the support members 42, 42' are configured to be powered by means of electric connection established by using these switch structures 106 and corresponding switch members being brought into contact with each other. The switch structures 106 and corresponding switch members constitute switch assemblies.

Fig. 10E illustrates a schematic view of a tray member 22 being watered by means of a watering unit 102 according to the invention. The watering unit 102 comprises a hose 116 arranged to pour or spray (e.g. by means of a nozzle that may be arranged at the distal end of the hose 116) water into the tray member 22 or to the plants 24 in the tray member 22. When water 104 is filled into the bottom portion of the tray member 22, the soil or other growing medium that the plants are planted in will absorb water 104. The exceed water 104 is drained through holes in the bottom portion of the tray member 22. The exceed water 104 is preferably guided in to a collection tank (not shown). It can be seen that the support member 42 that carries the tray member 22 comprises switch structures 106 as explained with reference to Fig. 10D.

Fig. 11 illustrates a top view of a growth house 2 according to the invention. The growth house 2 comprises a housing 4 and a belt 88 extending in extension of the housing 4. The belt is operated as explained with reference to Fig. 10A, Fig. 10B and Fig. IOC. Accordingly, the belt 88 can horizontally displace tray members between a position inside the housing 4 to a position outside the housing 4 (e.g. at the transportation device arranged outside the housing 4). The centrally arranged lift 44 comprises an actuator 114 arranged to move the hose 116 of the watering unit 102. Hereby, the hose 116 of the watering unit 102 can be brought into position, in which the watering unit 102 can be used to water the tray members in the housing 4.

Fig. 12 illustrate a side view of the growth house shown in Fig. 11. The growth house comprises a front tower 48 and a rear tower 46 and a moveably lift 44 arranged there between. A plurality of horizontal support members 66 are arranged to receive corresponding support bases 64, 64' of support structures 42 shown in Fig. 4A and 4B each being configured to carry a tray member. Two separate water pipes 110, 110' are arranged to receive exceed water from the tray members being watered and/or for delivering water to a watering unit arranged at the lift 44. A belt 88 is arranged to horizontally displace tray members between a position inside the housing and a position outside the housing 4.

List of reference numerals

2 Growth house

4 Housing

6 Surface

8, 8', 8" 8"' Wall

10 Roof

12 Opening

14 Transportation device

16 Control unit

18 Inner space

20 Storage structure

22, 22', 22", 22 Tray member

24 Plant

26 Security grate 28 Guiding element

30 Door

32, 32' Light source

34 Light

36 User

38 External device

40 Signal

42, 42', 42", 42 Support structure 44 Lift

46, 48 Tower

50 Watering unit

52 Insulation

54 Motor

56 End portion

58 Central portion 60,

Receiving portion

62 Cross member 63 Central portion

64, 64' Support base 66, 66' Support member (tray support)

68 Transport platform

70 Frame

72, 72' Rod member

74 Engagement member

76 Engagement structure

78 Contact element

80, 80' Support plate

82, 82', 84, 84' Support bar

86 Band/conveyer belt

88 Conveyer belt

90 Outside portion

92 Toothed rack

94 Toothed wheel

96 Bottom portion

98 Engagement structure

100 Engagement portion

102 Watering unit

104 Water

106 Switch structure

108 Water tank

110, 110' Water pipe

112, 112' Pulleys

114 Actuator

116 Hose

Li, L2, L₃, U, L1₀ Storage level

Hi, H₂ Height

PI, P₂ Position

100 Lift

120 Storage structure

X, Y, Z Axis

Claims

1. A growth house (2) comprising a housing (4) defining an inner space (18) provided with a storage structure (20) comprising several vertically displaced storage levels (U, L ₂, l_₃, U₀) each being configured to receive one or more tray members (22) with one or more plants (24), wherein the growth house (2) comprises a moveably arranged transportation unit (14) configured to horizontally and vertically displace one or more tray members (22) and hereby transport the one or more tray members (22) between a first position (Pi) outside the housing (4) and a second position (P₂) on a storage structure (20) inside the housing (4), wherein a plurality of light sources (32, 32') are arranged to emit light (34) towards the tray members (22), characterised in that the storage structure (20) comprises several vertically displaced support structures (42, 42') configured to receive and support a tray member (22), wherein one or more light sources (32, 32') configured to emit light (34) to a subjacent tray member (22) are integrated in the support structures (42, 42'), wherein the support structures (42, 42') are moveably in a horizontal and a vertical direction.

2. A growth house (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the growth house (2) comprises a door (30) configured to preferably sealingly close an opening (12).

3. A growth house (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the growth house (2) comprises a control unit (16) configured to control the transportation unit (14), wherein the control unit (16) is configured to receive one or more instructions from a user (36) or an external device (38).

4. A growth house (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the one or more light sources (32, 32') are provided at the lower side of the support structures (42, 42', 42", 42'").

5. A growth house (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (4) comprises walls (8, 8') and/or a roof (10) comprising a portion made in an insulation material (52).

6. A growth house (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the growth house (2) comprises a moveably arranged lift (44) and one or more towers (46, 48) each comprising a plurality of storage levels (U, L ₂, l_₃, Uo), wherein the lift (44) is configured to receive and vertically displace one or more tray members (22) and to horizontally displace the one or more tray members (22).

7. A growth house (2) according to claim 6, characterised in that the lift (44) is a centrally arranged between two towers (46, 48) each comprising a plurality of storage levels (U, L ₂, l_₃, Uo).

8. A growth house (2) according to one of the preceding claims 6-7, characterised in that a watering unit (50) is provided at the lift (44), wherein the watering unit (50) is configured to water the plants (24) in the tray members (22) in all storage levels (U, l_₂, l_₃, Uo).

9. A growth house (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each storage level (U, l_₂, l_₃, Uo) of the storage structure (20) comprises a mechanically activated electrical switching assembly (106) configured to switch on and switch off the power to one or more power consuming components (32, 32') of the storage level (U, l_₂, l_₃, Uo)·

10. A method for growing plants (24) such as vegetables and flowers in a controlled environment within a housing (4) provided with a storage structure (20) comprising several vertically displaced storage levels (U, l_₂, l_₃, Uo) each being configured to receive one or more tray members (22) with one or more plants (24), wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- arranging the plants (24) in tray members (22);

- positioning the tray members (22) in the storage levels (U, l_₂, l_₃, Uo) of the storage structure (20); - irradiating the plants (24) by a plurality of light sources (32, 32'), wherein the method comprises the step of automatically bringing the tray members (22) between a first position (Pi) to a second vertically displaced position (P₂) by providing a horizontal displacement and a vertical displacement of the tray members (22) by using a control unit (16) characterised in that the method comprises the step of arranging the tray members (22) on support structures (42, 42') configured to receive and support a tray member (22), wherein one or more light sources (32, 32') configured to emit light (34) to a subjacent tray member (22) are integrated in the support structures (42, 42'), wherein the support structures (42, 42') are moveably in a horizontal and a vertical direction.

11. A method according to claim 10, characterised in that the method comprises the step of selecting the first position (Pi) and the second position (P₂) by means of the control device (16).

12. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-11, characterised in that the method comprises the step of watering the plants in each storage levels (U, l_₂, l_₃, U₀) of the storage structure (20) by using an automatic watering system integrated in the housing (4), wherein said system is controlled by the control unit (16)

13. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-12, characterised in that the method comprises the step of, by using the control unit (16), selecting how many hours the plants (24) in each storage levels (U, l_₂, l_₃, U₀) of the storage structure (20) have to be irradiated by the light sources (32, 32').

14. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-14, characterised in that the method comprises the step of watering the tray members (22) by means of a moveably arranged watering unit (50).