JP7724077B2 - BLOCK STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING BLOCK STORAGE ELEMENTS FROM A BLOCK STORAGE DEVICE - Patent application - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a stackable block storage element used for growing plant biomass or fungal biomass. The present invention further relates to a block storage device including a block storage element receiving space in which at least one block storage element is placed. The present invention further relates to a method for removing the block storage element.

Known block storage elements are used solely for the placement into and removal from storage of objects stored in the block storage system. Apart from the pure storage function, the block storage systems and block storage elements have no other purpose.

A block storage system or block storage device refers to a storage device that includes at least one block storage element receiving space. A plurality of stackable block storage elements can be stored in a storage state and removed from a storage state in the block storage element receiving space. For this purpose, at least one block storage element is stored in a storage state or removed from a storage state in the block storage element receiving space through a loading/unloading space. The loading/unloading space can be arranged above or below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, whereby the direction of storage into a storage state or the direction of removal from a storage state is oriented in the direction of gravity or opposite to the direction of gravity. The direction of storage into a storage state and removal from a storage state is determined by the arrangement of the loading/unloading space. When the loading/unloading space is arranged above the block storage element receiving space, the direction of storage into a storage state is the direction of gravity, and the direction of removal from a storage state is opposite to the direction of gravity. When the loading/unloading space is disposed below the block storage element receiving space in the direction of gravity, the direction of storage to the storage state is directed opposite to the direction of gravity, and the direction of removal from the storage state is directed in the direction of gravity. When multiple block storage elements are stored to the storage state in the block storage element receiving space, a block storage element stack is formed. Other terms for a block storage system are a stacked storage system or a container-stacked storage system. In this exemplary embodiment, the block storage element receiving space is disposed above the loading/unloading space in the direction of gravity.

The object of the present invention is to improve the functionality of block storage elements.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

The block storage element of the type mentioned at the beginning includes a fluid reservoir with an overflow mechanism. Using this configuration, the block storage element can be used for growing or cultivating plant or fungal biomass. Using the fluid reservoir, different stages of plants, such as seeds and seedlings, or even fungi, can receive a fluid supply. The plant or fungus receives a supply of fluid and/or nutrient solution through its placement in the fluid reservoir. The plant can be placed above the fluid reservoir and extend into the fluid reservoir with its roots. This allows the plant to draw fluid out of the fluid reservoir via its roots. For this purpose, the plant or fungus can be placed in a container with a fluid-permeable base. The plant's roots can also become entangled within the base. Furthermore, excess fluid from the fluid reservoir can be drained through the overflow mechanism. In this way, waterlogging, which could damage the plant and/or fungus located in the fluid reservoir, cannot occur. This allows the plants and/or fungi to encounter optimal growing conditions. In addition to reducing waterlogging, the underlying block storage elements can receive fluid and/or nutrient solution through the block storage element's overflow mechanism. Therefore, one block storage element stack requires only one fluid and/or nutrient solution delivery element, which results in lower costs. By using this configuration, the block storage elements can be stored in a storage state in the block storage system and used for biomass growth, improving the functionality of the block storage elements. Furthermore, by using this type of configuration, multiple plants and/or fungi can be grown in a relatively small space.

Preferably, the overflow mechanism interacts with a guiding or distribution device. The guiding or distribution device prevents fluid and/or nutrient solution discharged through the overflow mechanism from directly re-entering the overflow mechanism in the underlying block storage element. This allows the fluid and/or nutrient solution discharged in this manner to be optimally supplied to the underlying block storage element. The block storage element may thus comprise a tray, which may comprise a guiding structure for guiding the fluid and/or nutrient solution. The guiding structure may ensure that the fluid and/or nutrient solution can be uniformly distributed within the tray before passing through the overflow mechanism to enter the next block storage element. The guiding or distribution device may, for example, comprise a groove similar to a rain gutter.

Preferably, the block storage element is equipped with an outlet valve. Using the outlet valve, the fluid and/or nutrient solution can be drained during the process of removal from storage. In this way, the risk of spillage during the process of removal from storage can be prevented, making the block storage element easier to handle. Furthermore, the outlet valve can drain excess fluid and/or nutrient solution introduced into the block storage element during the watering process. The collected fluid and/or nutrient solution can be treated and reused.

Preferably, the block storage element includes an inlet funnel through which fluid and/or nutrient solution channeled by the channeling or distribution device is collected and delivered to the fluid reservoir in a targeted manner, thereby preventing potential flow-related erosion and substrate material runoff. The use of the inlet funnel further allows for targeted distribution of the fluid and/or nutrient solution, thereby optimally delivering the fluid and/or nutrient solution to all plants or fungi located within the block storage element.

Preferably, the inlet funnel and the overflow mechanism are located in different areas of the block storage element. Fluid and/or nutrient solution flowing out through the overflow mechanism is directed by a directing or distributing device to the inlet funnel of the underlying block storage element. Because the inlet funnel and the overflow mechanism are located in different areas of the block storage element, the fluid and/or nutrient solution must travel a certain distance before reaching the overflow mechanism again. This allows the fluid and/or nutrient solution to be supplied to the entire fluid reservoir, ensuring that all plants and/or fungi placed in the fluid reservoir are supplied.

Furthermore, this object is achieved by providing a block storage device, including a block storage element receiving space in which at least one block storage element is arranged, with at least one fluid and/or nutrient supply device. Using this configuration, the block storage element can be supplied with fluid and/or nutrient solution. The fluid and/or nutrient solution supply device performs the supply of plants and/or fungi, so that human intervention is no longer required. As a result, running costs are reduced and a constant supply of fluid and/or nutrients is ensured.

Preferably, the fluid and/or nutrient supply device includes at least one shut-off valve. This shut-off valve can be used to control the supply of fluid and/or nutrient solution to the fluid reservoir of the block storage element. Fluid and/or nutrient solution can be supplied as needed, thus avoiding oversupply or undersupply. Furthermore, optimal conditions can be created for each type of plant and/or fungus so that the plant and/or fungus encounters optimal growth conditions.

Preferably, the fluid and/or nutrient solution supply device comprises an actuator for the outlet valve. The outlet valve on the block storage element is actuated using this actuator, thereby allowing the fluid and/or nutrient solution to be dispensed to flow out. By using this actuator, the outlet valve can be actuated in a purely mechanical manner, and therefore can be kept relatively simple.

Preferably, the fluid and/or nutrient solution supply device includes a storage tank. The storage tank can be arranged upward in the direction of gravity or in an upper region of the block storage element receiving space, so that the fluid and/or nutrient solution can be transferred by gravity into the fluid reservoir arranged below.

Preferably, the fluid and/or nutrient solution supply device comprises a pump. The pump can pump the fluid and/or nutrient solution through the fluid and/or nutrient solution supply device. Thus, there is no reliance on the effects of gravity, and the fluid and/or nutrient solution can also be transported against gravity. For example, when operation begins, the collected fluid and/or nutrient solution can be transferred through the pump into a storage tank.

Preferably, at least two elements of the fluid and/or nutrient solution supply device are in fluid connection. Thus, the actuator can be in fluid connection with, for example, a pump, which can be in fluid connection with a storage tank. As a result, excess fluid and/or nutrient solution can be transferred back into the storage tank. The storage tank can also be in fluid connection with a shut-off valve. Thus, the fluid and/or nutrient solution can be transported via the fluid connection. Simple transfer of the fluid and/or nutrient solution is possible using the fluid connection.

This object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the fluid reservoir of the block storage element, which is filled to the maximum with fluid up to the overflow mechanism, is drained prior to removal. In this way, the block storage element is removed from storage with a relatively empty fluid reservoir, so that the weight of the block storage element is reduced. This allows for easier handling of the block storage element in addition to lowering the risk of sloshing.

Preferably, multiple block storage elements can be sequentially drained and removed. Through sequential draining and removal of multiple block storage elements, the block storage element stack can be drained using only one actuator. This reduces costs, both manufacturing and maintenance. The block storage system has only one actuator per block storage element receiving space. Peripheral equipment, such as storage tanks, processing elements, pumps, etc., can interact with one or more block storage element receiving spaces. This simplifies the design of the block storage system.

Preferably, the lowest block storage element removed from the stack of block storage elements is drained and removed each time. Gravity is used to remove the fluid and/or nutrient solution as the lowest block storage element is removed, thereby allowing for a pure flow of fluid and no longer requiring pumping.

Preferably, the shutoff valve and the outflow valve interact to allow fluid to be discharged. The shutoff valve and the outflow valve interact to prevent new fluid and/or nutrient solution from being resupplied during the fluid discharge process. This reduces the time required for the fluid discharge process, thereby similarly reducing the time required for removal.

The present invention will now be described based on preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block storage device. FIG. 2 shows a block storage element. FIG. 3 shows a side view of a block storage element. FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the outlet valve and actuator in an unactuated state. FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the outlet valve and actuator in an actuated state. FIG. 6 shows a fluid flow schematic of the block reservoir.

The block storage device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has at least one block storage element receiving space 2. A loading/unloading space (not shown) is arranged below the block storage element receiving space 2. At least one block storage element 3 is arranged within the block storage receiving space 2. The block storage element 3 can be transported within the block storage system through a storage/retrieval station 4.

Figure 2 shows a diagram of a block storage element 3. An outlet valve 5 is located on the front of the block storage element 3. An inlet funnel 6 is located on the top side of the block storage element 3. The bottom side of the block storage element 3 is equipped with a flow guide or distribution device 7.

Figure 3 is a side view of the block storage element 3. A fluid reservoir 8 is located in the base of the block storage element 3. An overflow mechanism 9 that interacts with the flow directing or dispensing device 7 is also located in the base.

Figures 4 and 5 show cross sections of the actuator 10 and the outlet valve 5. Thus, Figure 4 shows the inactive state, in which the actuator 10 and the outlet valve 5 are separated. Furthermore, in the inactive state, the actuator 10 is positioned outside the container receiving space 2. The outlet valve 5 is actuated by the actuator 10.

Figure 5 shows the actuation state in which the actuator 10 actuates the outlet valve 5. The outlet valve 5 is fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir 8. The actuator 10 is moved from the inactive state to the active state and vice versa by a moving mechanism (not shown).

6 shows a fluid flow schematic diagram for a block storage device 1 including multiple block storage elements 3 arranged within a single block storage element receiving space 2. The arrows in the schematic diagram indicate the flow of fluid and/or nutrient solution. This exemplary diagram also shows a storage tank 11, which may be located at the topmost point of the fluid and/or nutrient supply device in the direction of gravity. The storage tank 11 is fluidly connected to a shut-off valve 12. In this example, multiple planting containers are arranged within the fluid reservoir 8, and plants are also arranged within the planting containers. The planting containers have fluid-permeable bases within which the plant roots can intertwine. The plants are stabilized by their roots and the base of the planting container. The plants may also be grown on a substrate or the like. The block storage element 3 includes an overflow mechanism 9 that interacts with a flow-directing or distributing device 7. The overflow mechanism 9 is located at a first end of the flow-directing or distributing device 7, and the inlet funnel 6 is located at a second end of the flow-directing or distributing device 7. The fluid reservoir 8 further includes a guiding structure that guides the fluid and/or nutrient solution from the inlet funnel 6 to the overflow mechanism 9. The guiding structure thereby ensures that the fluid and/or nutrient solution reaches most of the fluid reservoir 8 before reaching the overflow mechanism 9. The block storage elements 3 further include an outlet valve 5. Starting from the lowest block storage element 3, the fluid and/or nutrient solution is transferred to a processing device or storage tank 11 (not shown), for example, by a pump (not shown).

An exemplary process is described below, beginning with placing the block storage element 3 into storage, continuing through the growth stages of a plant placed in a planting container within the fluid reservoir 8, and continuing until the block storage element 3 is removed from storage together with the plant placed in the planting container.

The block storage elements 3 are filled with seeds, seedlings, or plants and transferred to the storage and unloading station 4. The storage and unloading station 4 forms an entrance to and an exit from the block storage device 1. The storage and unloading station 4 can thereby be connected to the loading and unloading space by a port device (not shown). The block storage elements 3 are transported into the block storage element receiving space 2 via the loading and unloading space.

The block storage elements 3 are transported into the block storage system 1 through the storage and storage removal station 4 and are also removed again from the block storage system 1. In this embodiment, the storage and storage removal station 4 is connected to the loading and unloading space by a port (not shown). The port is then connected to the loading and unloading space, which is arranged below at least one block storage element receiving space 2. A mobile unloading vehicle is arranged in the unloading space, and the unloading vehicle transfers multiple block storage elements 3 from the port into the container receiving space 2. To do so, the unloading vehicle picks up the block storage elements 3 from the port by lifting the block storage elements 3 from below in the direction of gravity, so that the block storage elements 3 are placed on the unloading vehicle. Next, the unloading vehicle moves together with the block storage elements 3 to the block storage element receiving space 2 where the block storage elements 3 are to be stored. Upon arriving at the block storage element receiving space 2, the unloading vehicle lifts the block storage element 3 upward against the direction of gravity . If one or more block storage elements 3 are already positioned in the block storage element receiving space 2 to be filled, the unloading vehicle lifts the block storage element 3 to be stored together with the block storage elements 3 positioned above it, thereby forming a block storage element stack. Once the block storage element stack has been lifted above a certain height by the unloading vehicle, the holding element (not shown) that holds the block storage element stack moves, allowing the unloading vehicle to descend again without the block storage elements 3. The unloading vehicle is then free to store or remove further block storage elements 3. During the unloading process, only the lowest block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack positioned in the block storage element receiving space 2 can be removed each time. For this purpose, the unloading vehicle is positioned below the block storage element 3 being removed and lifts the block storage element 3 or block storage element stack so that the holding element moves to the release position. The unloading vehicle then lowers the block storage element stack. Once the block storage element stack has been lowered a certain distance, the holding element moves back to the holding position and holds the remaining block storage element stack in the block storage element receiving space 2. The bottom block storage element 3 of the block storage element stack is then placed on the unloading vehicle, which transports the block storage system 3 to a port device (port). From the port device (port), the block storage element 3 can be further transported, inspected, repaired, put back into storage, etc. The procedure of putting the block storage elements 3 into storage is repeated until the desired number of block storage elements 3 has been placed in the block storage element receiving space 2.

Once the desired number of block storage elements 3 have been placed in the block storage element receiving space 2, a fluid and/or nutrient supply device can supply the block storage elements 3 with fluid and/or nutrient solution (hereinafter referred to as fluid). For this purpose, the fluid is transferred from the storage tank 11 via a shut-off valve 12 into the fluid reservoir 8 of the first block storage element 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the first block storage element 3 is the top block storage element 3 in the block storage element stack. The fluid level in the fluid reservoir 8 rises until the fluid flows over the overflow mechanism 9. From the overflow mechanism 9, the fluid flows via a diversion or distribution device 7 into the inlet funnel 6 of the second block storage element 3 located below the diversion or distribution device 7. The diversion or distribution device 7 can therefore comprise a channel, hose, pipe, or the like. This procedure is then repeated until all fluid reservoirs 8 of the multiple block storage elements 3 in the block storage element receiving space 2 have received an adequate supply of fluid. The overflow mechanism 9 and the inlet funnel 6 are positioned at a distance from each other to allow fluid to flow through the fluid reservoir 8. Thus, the fluid fills the entire fluid reservoir 8 before flowing out through the overflow mechanism 9. Preferably, the overflow mechanism 9 and the inlet funnel 6 are positioned at different ends of the fluid reservoir 8.

Because no other block storage elements 3 are positioned below the lowest block storage element 3, the flow guide or distribution device 7 no longer functions properly. Therefore, the outlet valve 5 of the lowest block storage element 3 interacts, at least temporarily, with the actuator 10. In this case, fluid is prevented from flowing out through the overflow mechanism 9 of the lowest block storage element 3.

Through the interaction of the outlet valve 5 and the actuator 10, the fluid level is lowered sufficiently early before the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8 of the lowest block storage element 3 overflows. The collected fluid is sent to a processing device (not shown) and transferred from the processing device back to the storage tank 11 or other components. The fluid is transported by a pump (not shown) starting from the actuator 10. However, the pump can also be located at a different position, for example downstream of the processing device or in the region of the storage tank 11. As soon as the fluid level in all fluid reservoirs 8 of the multiple block storage elements 3 has risen sufficiently, the shut-off valve 12 is closed again. As a result, no additional fluid can reach either the block storage elements 3 or the fluid reservoir 8. To restore the fluid level consumed by the plant or fungus, the shut-off valve 12 can be reopened at chronologically ordered time intervals. If the fluid has reached a certain height in the fluid reservoir 8, the outlet valve 5 can also be opened by the actuator 10. This prevents unintended spillage through the overflow mechanism 9. Continuous and consistent circulation of fluid and/or nutrient delivery devices is also possible, but not always necessary.

To remove a block storage element 3 from storage with plants ready for harvest, the fluid is completely or partially emptied into the corresponding lowest block storage element 3 by the interaction of the outlet valve 5 and the actuator 10. As a result, the block storage element 3 is lighter in weight and easier to handle due to a reduced risk of fluid spillage. The block storage element 3 can be removed from storage in a drained state. For this purpose, the block storage element 3 is removed downwards and sent through the port to the storage and storage removal station 4, as described above. From the storage and storage removal station 4, the block storage element 3 can be further processed or transported. Furthermore, once removed from storage, the block storage element 3 can be inspected by replacing or changing the outlet valve 5.

Depending on whether the plant is to be harvested, transplanted, or transported, a certain level of fluid may remain in the fluid reservoir 8. This allows the plant to maintain contact with the fluid during transport, resulting in the plant lasting longer.

1 Block storage device 2 Block storage element receiving space 3 Block storage element 4 Storage and storage removal station 5 Outlet valve 6 Inlet funnel 7 Diversion or distribution device 8 Fluid reservoir 9 Overflow mechanism 10 Actuator 11 Storage tank 12 Shut-off valve

Claims (12)

A block storage device (1), comprising:
a block storage element receiving space (2);
At least one block storage element (3) is arranged in the block storage element receiving space (2), the block storage element (3) being stackable and used for growing plant biomass or fungal biomass;
said block storage device (1) comprises at least one fluid and/or nutrient supply device,
The block storage element (3) comprises a fluid reservoir (8) with an overflow mechanism (9),
The block storage element (3) is provided with an outlet valve (5),
A block storage device (1), wherein the fluid and/or nutrient supply device comprises an actuator (10) for the outlet valve (5),
The block storage device (1) has a loading and unloading space arranged below the block storage element receiving space (2),
The block storage device (1) is characterized in that, when one or more of the block storage elements (3) are already placed in the block storage element receiving space (2) to be filled, the block storage elements (3) are configured to form a block storage element stack by lifting the block storage elements (3) upward against the direction of gravity. 2. Block storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the overflow mechanism (9) interacts with a diversion or distribution device (7). 3. Block storage device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the block storage element (3) comprises an inlet funnel (6). 4. The block storage device (1) according to claim 3 , characterized in that the inlet funnel (6) and the overflow mechanism (9) are arranged in different areas of the block storage element (3). Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the fluid and/or nutrient supply device comprises at least one shut-off valve (12). Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the fluid and/or nutrient supply device comprises a pump. Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the fluid and/or nutrient supply device comprises a storage tank (11). Block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that at least two elements of the fluid and/or nutrient supply device are at least fluidly connected. 9. A method for removing a block storage element ( 3) from a block storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , characterized in that the fluid reservoir (8) of the block storage element (3), which is maximally filled with fluid up to the overflow mechanism (9), is drained of fluid before removal. 10. A method according to claim 9 , characterized in that a plurality of said block storage elements (3) are drained and removed sequentially. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the lowest one of the block storage elements (3) to be removed from the stack is drained and removed each time a block storage element ( 3 ) is removed . 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the shut-off valve (12) and the outlet valve (5) interact for fluid discharge in order to remove the block storage element (3) from the block storage device (1) according to claim 5 .