AT526864B1 - Plant column and stacking module for such a - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular plant column (1) and a stacking module (2) for constructing such a modular plant column (1), comprising a stackable column part (3) with a central axis (A) and a hollow space (4) open towards the top (5) and a plant part (6) protruding from the outer circumference of the column part (3) with an opening (7) opening into the hollow space (4) for receiving a plant substrate capsule, wherein the column part (3) has on its underside (9) a base (10) with two or more drip openings (11) distributed at the same radial distance (R) in the circumferential direction (U) around the axis (A) and at least one projection (12) projecting radially into the hollow space (4), which projection is designed to close a drip opening (11) in the base (10) of the column part (3) of a similar stacking module (2) that can be stacked coaxially directly above it.

Description

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a stacking module for constructing a modular plant column and a plant column constructed from such stacking modules, wherein each stacking module comprises a stackable column part with a central axis and a cavity open towards the top and a plant part protruding from the outer circumference of the column part with an opening opening into the cavity for receiving a plant substrate capsule.

[0002] Plant columns of this type are used in indoor gardens, among other things, to grow various plants that do not grow too large, e.g. herbs, lettuces, vegetables, berries, etc. To do this, one or a few plants are usually grown in each plant substrate capsule and thus in the plant part of each module, and thus the plants are grown vertically one above the other in the entire plant column. This type of plant cultivation is therefore also referred to as vertical plant cultivation ("vertical gardening"). The plant substrate capsule generally contains a plant substrate in which the seed or seedling takes root, which then grows further into the generally substrate-free remaining plant part and from there into the hollow space of the column part. Via this hollow space, the plant substrate capsule and then directly the roots of the plants are supplied with a water-nutrient mixture that is supplied from above in the form of drops or mist. The column parts of most conventional stacking modules for plant columns therefore usually have the shape of pipe sections that are open at the ends.

[0003] The main disadvantages are the poorly controllable water-nutrient mixture supply and distribution and the resulting dripping noises inside the plant column, which make the plant columns unsuitable for use in living spaces. Perforated intermediate floors for the stacking modules are therefore also known from the state of the art. However, the known intermediate floors only reduce the disadvantages mentioned slightly.

[0004] The invention aims to create a stacking module and a plant column which allows water and nutrients to be supplied to the plants in each stacking module in a particularly targeted manner and counteracts dripping noises, so that the plant column can also be used in sensitive living spaces.

[0005] In a first aspect, this aim is achieved according to the invention with a stacking module of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that the column part has on its underside a base with two or more drip openings distributed at the same radial distance in the circumferential direction around the axis and at least one projection projecting radially into the cavity, which is designed to close a drip opening in the base of the column part of a similar stacking module that can be stacked coaxially directly above it.

[0006] Each stacking module can thus be assembled (stacked) with one or more similar stacking modules to form a plant column, and also in the usually desired manner that the plant parts of the stacking modules stacked directly on top of one another in the plant column are rotated relative to one another in the axial direction by e.g. 60° or 90° around the axis, so that the plants have sufficient growth space from the plant column even when stacked closely together. According to the invention, two stacking modules of the plant column stacked on top of one another interact with one another in that in the lower of the two stacking modules, drip openings of the upper stacking module that are not used for irrigation and nutrient supply, e.g. those that would guide the water-nutrient mixture past the plant, are selectively closed by the projection(s) of the lower stacking module. The water-nutrient mixture from the upper stacking module is thus fed to the lower stacking module in a targeted manner via the drip opening(s) left open in the upper stacking module. Depending on the design, dripping noises can be minimized or even completely eliminated. The water-nutrient mixture that is not immediately absorbed by a plant in a stacking module is collected at the bottom of the stacking module and fed to it in a targeted manner via the drip opening(s) left open in the next lower stacking module.

[0007] It is particularly advantageous if the column part has a circumferential

The outer diameter of the section below the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow space on the top. The stacking modules can be stacked particularly safely in this way and the plant column constructed with them is particularly stable. Other aids, e.g. securing collars, clamps, screws, adhesives, etc., for securing stacked modules are therefore superfluous.

[0008] In an embodiment that is particularly easy to manufacture, the column part has a circular cross-section, e.g. circular-cylindrical shape or truncated cone shape. In this way, stacking modules of the plant column that are stacked on top of one another can also be rotated against one another around the axis by different angles, as long as the drip openings and projections allow this.

[0009] Preferably, the number of drip openings is one greater than the number of projections, with the drip openings on the one hand and the members of a group formed by the plant part and the projections on the other hand being distributed regularly in the circumferential direction around the axis. As a result, all but one drip opening of each upper stacking module in the plant tower are closed by the projections of the next lower stacking module and the drip opening that remains open is located in the same radial direction from the axis as the planting part of the lower stacking module, so that the plant in the planting part is supplied in a particularly targeted manner. Furthermore, the noise of the turbulence that forms at the bottom of the column part when water-nutrient mixture flows to several drip openings in different directions is avoided.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous if, viewed in the axial direction, each radial direction from the axis to a member of the group mentioned halves the angle between the radial directions from the axis to two adjacent drip openings. This inevitably leads to stacked modules in the plant tower having plant parts that are rotated relative to one another around the axis.

[0011] In a preferred variant, the base has two diametrical drip openings and the column part has a projection, whereby the projection is diametrically opposite the plant part and the drip openings are arranged at a right angle to it when viewed in the axial direction. In this case, stacked modules in the plant tower have plant parts that are rotated 90° around the axis, which results in a particularly favorable, space-saving division of the growth directions.

[0012] It is advantageous if each projection is formed by a rib on the inside of the column part, parallel to the axis of the column part and completely penetrating the cavity from top to bottom. Such a rib is easy to manufacture and does not require any further process step or rework, e.g. even in a plastic injection molding process.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the opening of the planting part merges into the open top of the column part. The stacking module, which is thus open along its entire top, is easy to manufacture.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stacking module has no undercuts on its inner side in the axial direction when viewed from above and on its outer side in the axial direction when viewed from below. In this way, it can be manufactured simply and inexpensively in a single step in an injection molding process, e.g. a plastic injection molding process.

[0015] It is advantageous if the soil inside the column part slopes down from the plant part to the drip openings. Water-nutrient mixture that drips down from the next stack module up is caught by the sloping part of the soil with particularly little noise. Furthermore, water-nutrient mixture that cannot be immediately absorbed by the plant or its roots is quickly drained to the drip openings and released to the next stack module down via the open drip opening(s).

[0016] In order to keep the roots of the plant and possible other contaminants away and thus prevent blockages, it is advantageous if the soil between each drip opening

The drip opening has a baffle wall that protrudes in the axial direction between the drip opening and the planting part. On the side of each drip opening facing away from the planting part, the ground is free of such a baffle wall in order to prevent the water-nutrient mixture from backing up behind the baffle wall.

[0017] In order to be able to direct the water-nutrient mixture inside the plant column to the topmost stacking module, each stacking module preferably has at least one line shaft that completely penetrates the column part in the axial direction and is separated from the cavity by an intermediate wall. In particular, if it is intended that several stacking modules are stacked on top of one another with different rotations around the axis, several such line shafts can be provided in the column part of each stacking module, so that with different rotations around the axis, a line shaft that runs through the entire plant column is still created.

[0018] It is advantageous if the stacking module also has a plant pot that can be removed and inserted into the opening of the planting part to accommodate the plant substrate capsule. This means that the plant substrate capsules and with them the plants can be removed quickly and easily for plant care, e.g. for regular root pruning or the like, for replacing individual plant substrate capsules and/or the plant or for cleaning the interior of the stacking module.

[0019] The plant pot particularly preferably has a perforated plant pot wall and/or a perforated plant pot base, wherein the distance of the plant pot base from the axis in its position inserted into the opening is less than the radial distance of the drip openings. In this case, stacking modules stacked on top of one another can be aligned in such a way that water-nutrient mixture drips through the drip opening(s) of a stacking module onto the plant pot - or the plant pot wall and/or the plant pot base - or the plant substrate capsules contained therein of the next lower similar stacking module, which on the one hand leads to a particularly direct and on the other hand to a particularly quiet watering and nutrient supply of the plant in the lower stacking module.

[0020] In a second aspect, the invention provides a plant column which is characterized by at least two stacking modules of the aforementioned type, which form an upper and a lower stacking module in that their column parts are stacked directly coaxially on top of each other, wherein the upper and the lower stacking module are rotated relative to each other about the central axis, so that at least one of the drip openings of the upper stacking module lies in the same radial direction from the central axis as the planting part of the lower stacking module and every other drip opening of the upper stacking module is closed by a projection of the lower stacking module.

[0021] Regarding the advantages and further embodiments of the plant column, reference is made to the above statements on the stacking module.

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a plant column constructed from three stacking modules according to the invention with plant pots stacked on top of each other in a perspective view obliquely from above;

[0024] Fig. 2 one of the stacking modules of Fig. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above;

[0025] Fig. 3 shows the stacking module of Fig. 2 without plant pot in a perspective view obliquely from below;

[0026] Fig. 4 shows the stacking module of Fig. 3 in a perspective view from above;

[0027] Fig. 5 shows the plant column of Fig. 1 constructed from two stacked modules in plan view; and

[0028] Fig. 6 the plant column of Fig. 5 in an axial longitudinal section along a section line B-B (Fig. 5).

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a modular plant column 1, which consists of several stacked

ten similar stacking modules 2. Each stacking module 2 has a stackable column part 3 with a central axis A, so that the column parts 3 of the stacking modules 3 can be stacked coaxially on top of one another. The column part 3 of each stacking module 2 has a hollow space 4 in its interior, which is open towards the top 5 of the column part 3. Each stacking module 2 also has a planting part 6 protruding from the outer circumference of the column part 3, which has an opening 7 directed e.g. upwards (or here: diagonally upwards), which opens into the hollow space 4 of the column part 3 and in which a planting substrate capsule (not shown) for a plant or with a plant can be accommodated. Optionally, each stacking module 2 contains a plant pot 8 for such a planting substrate capsule, which can be removably inserted into the opening 7 of the planting part 6. Alternatively, a plant substrate capsule could also be inserted directly, i.e. without a plant pot 8, into the opening 7 of the planting part 6.

[0030] Plant columns 1 of this type are used - e.g. in indoor gardens - to grow plants, especially plants that do not grow too large, such as herbs, lettuces, berries, vegetables or the like, in a small space in the plant parts 6 of the stacked modules 2 and thus vertically one above the other. In this sense, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper side", "lower side" etc. refer here to the usual arrangement of the individual stack modules 2 or plant columns 1 with the axis A aligned vertically. The plants or their roots accommodated in the plant parts 6 of the stack modules 2 of a plant column 1 are supplied with a water-nutrient mixture via the hollow spaces 4 in the column parts 3 of the stack modules 2, which is usually supplied from above in the form of drops or mist. Pumps, hoses, valves, atomizers, covers, controls etc. can be used on or near the plant column 1 for this purpose. In addition, lights, e.g. LED lights, can be provided for the plants.

[0031] According to Figures 2 to 5, each column part 3 has a base 10 on its underside 9, on which two or more drip openings 11 are provided, which are distributed around the axis A at the same radial distance R from the axis A in the circumferential direction U (Figure 5). Furthermore, the column part 3 has at least one projection 12 which projects radially into the cavity 4 of the column part 3, i.e. protrudes inwards from the inside of the column part 3. The projection 12 can have any shape; in the present example, the projection 12 is formed by a rib on the inside of the column part 3, which is parallel to the axis A of the column part 3 and completely penetrates the cavity 4 of the column part 3 from top to bottom.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the present example the base 10 of the column part 3 of each of the two similar stacking modules 2 has two diametrical drip openings 11 and the column part 3 has a single (here: rib-shaped) projection 12. The projection 12 is diametrically opposite the plant part 6 of the stacking module 2 and the drip openings 11 in the base 10 are arranged at right angles to it when viewed in the axial direction (Figure 5). In the plant column 1 of this example, the column parts 3 of the upper and lower stacking modules 2 are stacked directly coaxially on top of each other. The upper and lower stacking modules 2 are rotated relative to each other about the central axis A (here: by 90°). As a result, the remaining left-hand drip opening 11 of the upper stacking module 2, which is left open, lies in the same radial direction as the plant part 6 of the lower stacking module 2 from the central axis A, whereas the (here: only) other right-hand drip opening 11 of the upper stacking module 2 is closed by the (here: only) projection 12 of the lower stacking module 2. As a result, all of the water-nutrient mixture not directly absorbed by the plant in the upper stacking module 6 drips through this (here: only) left-hand drip opening 11 of the upper stacking module 2 into the lower stacking module 2, i.e. onto the plant part 6 or the optional plant pot 8.

[0033] In the plant tower 1, successive stack modules 2 can be rotated around the axis A alternately by the exemplary +90° and -90° (or, with a different number and/or distribution of the drip openings 11 or projections 12 around the axis A, by a correspondingly different angle), which is particularly useful for plant towers 1 supplied with light from one side. Alternatively, the plant parts 1 of successive stack modules 2 can wind around the plant tower 1 in a spiral shape by always rotating around the axis A in the same way, i.e. always +90° or always -90°, for example; any mixed form is also possible.

[0034] It is understood that each stacking module 2 does not necessarily have to have only two drip openings 11, but alternatively more than two drip openings 11; similarly, each stacking module 2 can have several projections or ribs 12 protruding into the cavity 4 instead of a single one, which are then distributed in the circumferential direction U around the axis A. In particular, the number of drip openings 11 can be one greater than the number of projections 12; if more than one drip opening 11 is always to be left open, the number of projections 12 can be correspondingly none. In any case, each of the said projections 12 is designed to close a drip opening 11 in the base 10 of the column part 3 of a similar stacking module 2 stacked coaxially directly above it when the column parts 3 are stacked appropriately. However, when stacking the column parts 3 of the stacking modules 2, a drip opening 11 of each upper stacking module 2 should not be closed by the projections 12 of the respective lower stacking module 2, i.e. generally more drip openings 11 than projections 12 should be provided or, alternatively, drip openings 11 and projections 12 should be distributed differently from one another in the circumferential direction U around the axis A, so that not every projection 12 also closes a drip opening 11 in every stacking position.

[0035] In a generalized embodiment of the variant shown, on the one hand the drip openings 11 are regularly distributed in the circumferential direction U around the axis A and on the other hand all members of a group which is formed from the projections 12 and additionally from the plant part 6 of the stacking module 2 are also regularly distributed in the circumferential direction U around the axis A. Thus, all drip openings in the base 10 of the column part 3 of an upper stacking module 2 are closed except for one of the projections 12 in the cavity 4 of the column part 3 of the lower stacking module 2 and the remaining, open drip opening 11 of the column part 3 of the upper stacking module 2 comes to lie above the plant part 6 and thus as close as possible to the plant of the lower stacking module 2.

[0036] Since, as in the example in Fig. 5, an arrangement of the planting parts 6 of stacked modules 2 that is rotated relative to one another around the axis A is often desired, drip openings 11 and projections 12 of each stacking module 2 are optionally arranged in such a way that, viewed in the direction of the axis A, each radial direction re from the axis A to a member of the aforementioned group of the planting part 6 and the projections 12 halves an angle a between the radial directions rt from the axis A to two adjacent drip openings 11. Viewed in the radial direction, the members of the aforementioned group are thus distributed alternately with the drip openings 11 in a zigzag manner over the circumference of the column part 3 of each stacking module 2, regardless of whether, as shown, two drip openings 11 and one projection 11 or more drip openings 11 and a correspondingly smaller number of projections 12 are provided.

[0037] The column parts 3 of the stacking modules 2 can either be placed directly coaxially on top of one another or fixed to one another with retaining sleeves, clamps, clamps or in some other way, e.g. screwed, glued, clamped or the like. In the example shown, however, the column part 3 of each stacking module 2 has an outer shoulder 13 running around the circumference U in the area of its base 10. The outer diameter DA (Fig. 3) of its section 14 located below the outer shoulder 13 is smaller than the inner diameter D of its cavity 4 on the top 5. In this way, the column parts 3 of several stacking modules 2 are inserted into one another when stacked on top of one another, until the edge 15 on the top of the column part 3 of a lower stacking module 2 comes to rest on the outer shoulder 13 of the column part 3 of an upper stacking module 2.

[0038] In the example shown, the column part 3 has a circular cross-section, i.e. the column part 3 is essentially circular-cylindrical or frustoconical. Alternatively, the column part 3 of each stacking module 2 could have, for example, a polygonal - in particular a regular polygonal - cross-section, possibly with rounded corners. However, the column part 3 of each stacking module 2 could also have a different, in particular irregular, cross-section. The same applies to the planting part 6, which in the example shown has the shape of an inverted pyramid, but can alternatively also have another conical or non-conical shape, e.g. conical, generally cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical, etc.

[0039] According to Fig. 4, in the example shown, the opening 7 of the planting part 6 optionally merges into the open top 5 of the column part 3 of the stacking module 2, so that the entire stacking module 2 is open at the top. If desired, the stacking module 2 can in this case have a pot holder 16 (Figs. 2 and 5), which covers the transition from the opening 7 of the planting part 6 to the upwardly open top 5 of the column part 3 and holds the plant pot 8 (or the plant substrate capsule) in position. Support webs 17 can also be provided in the planting part 6 for the pot holder 16. The stacking module 2 of the example shown also has no undercuts on its inside in the axial direction when viewed from above (Fig. 5) and on its outside in the axial direction when viewed from below, i.e. it has no undercuts. In this way, it can be manufactured in one step in a (plastic) injection mold, which is opened in the direction of the axis A after the material has been injected and hardened. To make it easier to open such an injection mold and remove the stacking module 2, the column part 3 is optionally slightly conical, i.e. tapering downwards.

[0040] In a further optional embodiment of the stacking module 2, the base 10 inside the column part 3 slopes down from the planting part 6 to the drip openings 11. Alternatively or additionally, the base 10 can optionally have a baffle wall 18 projecting upwards in the axial direction between each drip opening 11 and the planting part 6. On the side of the drip opening 11 facing away from the planting part 6, the base 10 in this case remains without a baffle wall. In the example shown, each stacking module 2 also has at least one (here: two) line shaft 19 that completely penetrates the column part 3 in the axial direction and is separated from the cavity 4 by an intermediate wall 20. When the column parts 3 of several stacking modules 2 are stacked on top of each other, a cable shaft 19 is formed that runs continuously through the entire plant tower 1 in order to guide, for example, a hose for the water-nutrient mixture and/or an electrical line for supplying a pump, light, etc. through the cable shaft 19 to the top of the plant tower 1.

[0041] According to Figs. 5 and 6, the plant pot 8 optionally has either a perforated plant pot wall 21 or a perforated plant pot base 22 or both. In the example shown, the plant pot wall and base 21, 22 are cage-shaped. The distance X of the plant pot base 22 from the axis A in its position shown in Figs. 5 and 6 inserted into the opening 7 of the plant part 6 is optionally smaller than the radial distance R of the drip openings 11 from the axis A. In this way, the water-nutrient mixture drips through the only open drip opening 11 in the base 10 of the column part 3 of the upper stacking module 2 in Fig. 6 onto the plant pot 8 inserted into the opening 7 of the plant part 6 of the lower stacking module 2 and immediately wets a plant substrate capsule received in it. The plant substrate capsule itself can contain or even consist of plant soil or another suitable substrate, e.g. coconut fibers, rock wool, etc.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the column part 3 optionally has one or more axial notches 23 on its upper edge 15, into which a corresponding lower shoulder 24 of the next upper column part 3 engages when the column parts 3 of two stacking modules 2 are stacked on top of each other, in order to additionally stabilize the fit of the two stacking modules 2 against each other and to determine their mutual rotation about the central axis A.

[0043] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes all variants, modifications and combinations thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

Patent claims 1. Stacking module for constructing a modular plant column (1), comprising a stackable column part (3) with a central axis (A) and a cavity (4) open towards the top (5) and a plant part (6) protruding from the outer circumference of the column part (3) with an opening (7) opening into the cavity (4) for receiving a plant substrate capsule, characterized in that the column part (3) has on its underside (9) a base (10) with two or more drip openings (11) distributed at the same radial distance (R) in the circumferential direction (U) around the axis (A) and at least one projection (12) projecting radially into the cavity (4), which is designed to close a drip opening (11) in the base (10) of the column part (3) of a similar stacking module (2) that can be stacked coaxially directly above it. 2. Stacking module according to claim 1, characterized in that the column part (3) has in the region of its base (10) an outer shoulder (13) running in the circumferential direction (U), the outer diameter (D 3. Stacking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the column part (3) has a circular cross-section. 4. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the number of drip openings (11) is one greater than the number of projections (12), wherein on the one hand the drip openings (11) and on the other hand the members of a group formed from the planting part (6) and the projections (12) are each regularly distributed in the circumferential direction (U) around the axis (A). 5. Stacking module according to claim 4, characterized in that, viewed in the axial direction, each radial direction (re) from the axis (A) to a member of said group halves the angle (a) between the radial directions (rt) from the axis (A) to two adjacent drip openings (11). 6. Stacking module according to claim 5, characterized in that the base (10) has two diametrical drip openings (11) and the column part (3) has a projection (12), wherein the projection (12) is diametrically opposite the planting part (6) and the drip openings (11) are arranged at right angles thereto when viewed in the axial direction. 7. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each projection (12) is formed by a rib on the inside of the column part (3) which is parallel to the axis (A) of the column part (3) and completely penetrates the cavity (4) from top to bottom. 8. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the opening (7) of the planting part (6) merges into the open upper side (5) of the column part (3). 9. Stacking module according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the stacking module (2) is without undercut on its inner side in the axial direction viewed from above and on its outer side in the axial direction viewed from below. 10. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base (10) in the interior of the column part (3) slopes down from the planting part (6) to the drip openings (11). 11. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base (10) has a baffle wall (18) projecting upwards in the axial direction between each drip opening (11) and the planting part (6). 12. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by at least one line shaft (19) which completely penetrates the column part (3) in the axial direction and is separated from the cavity (4) by an intermediate wall (20). 13. Stacking module according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a plant pot (8) which can be removably inserted into the opening (7) of the planting part (6) for receiving the plant substrate capsule. 14. Stacking module according to claim 13 in conjunction with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the plant pot (8) has a perforated plant pot wall (21) and/or a perforated plant pot base (22), wherein the distance (X) of the plant pot base (22) from the axis (A) in its position inserted into the opening (7) is smaller than the radial distance (R) of the drip openings (11). 15. Plant column, characterized by at least two stacking modules (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, which form an upper and a lower stacking module (2) in that their column parts (3) are stacked directly coaxially one above the other, wherein the upper and the lower stacking module (2) are rotated relative to each other about the central axis (A) so that at least one of the drip openings (11) of the upper stacking module (2) lies in the same radial direction from the central axis (A) as the planting part (6) of the lower stacking module (2) and every other drip opening (11) of the upper stacking module (2) is closed by a projection (12) of the lower stacking module (2). 4 sheets of drawings