WO2015104017A1 - Method for measuring and influencing a moisture content and/or mineral content of a substrate contained in a plant pot and a plant pot - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject matter of the present invention relates to a plant pot (1) comprising a capacitive measuring device for measuring a moisture content of a substrate contained in the plant pot (1) and optionally a fluid reservoir (5) from which fluid can be automatically supplied to the plant pot (1) depending on the moisture content measured, wherein a temperature sensor assigned to the plant pot (1) and an electronic calculating unit for evaluating data delivered by the measuring device depending on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor are provided, wherein the supply of the fluid can be further controlled by means of the electronic calculating unit, or a detected state can be displayed via a display means. The invention also relates to a method used for this purpose.

Description

 Method for measuring and influencing a moisture content and / or mineral content of a substrate and plant pot contained in a plant pot

The invention relates firstly to a method for measuring and influencing a moisture content and / or mineral content of a substrate contained in a plant pot, wherein a capacitive measuring device is provided for determining the moisture content and optionally from a liquid reservoir depending on the specific moisture content of the plant pot is automatically supplied liquid ,

The invention further relates to a plant pot with a measuring device for measuring a moisture content of substrate contained in the plant pot and possibly a liquid reservoir from which liquid is automatically fed to the plant pot depending on the measured moisture content.

The invention also relates to a plant pot with a capacitive measuring device for measuring a moisture content of substrate contained in the plant pot and optionally a liquid reservoir, from which liquid is automatically fed to the plant pot depending on the measured moisture content.

For such a method and a plant pot as mentioned, reference is made, for example, to DE 4411653 C2. In the known plant pot, the measuring device, which is also described there as a capacitive measuring device, moved along the plant pot and depending on a moisture content determined thereby the plant pot liquid, usually common water supplied. On the one hand, however, it has been found that such a moisture content does not always reflect a realistic value. On the other hand, no individualization with respect to individual plant species is given or possible.

Proceeding from this, the invention deals with the problem of specifying a method for measuring and influencing a moisture content in a plant pot, which is as reliable as possible. Also, the invention is concerned with the task of specifying a plant pot in this respect, this also with regard to a favorable customizability.

A possible solution of the problem is procedurally given by the fact that the moisture content is determined by means of an electronic computer unit in dependence of a detected the plant pot temperature, in particular an ambient temperature, and optionally then automatically refill of liquid is made, and / or a erf asster State is displayed via a display means.

Another possible solution of the problem is given according to a further inventive concept in a plant pot having an electronic computer unit, for example. In the form of a microprocessor, for the evaluation of data supplied by the measuring device and a controllable depending on a particular plant species supply of liquid the substrate.

Moreover, a possible solution of the problem is given in a plant pot, in which a temperature sensor associated with the plant pot is provided, in particular for detecting an ambient temperature of the Plant pot, and an electronic computer unit for the evaluation of data supplied by the measuring device in dependence on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, wherein further by means of the electronic computer unit, the supply of the liquid controllable or a detected state via a display means can be displayed.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that moisture contents detected by a capacitive measuring device, at least in the case of a substrate which is located in a plant pot, depend on the temperature at which the measurement was carried out. In the case of a plant pot, it is generally to be assumed here that the capacitive measuring device and the substrate in the plant pot have an approximately identical temperature. In the case of a rapid increase in temperature in the environment, however, it is also possible to take into account a possible after-run of the temperature in the substrate during the computational evaluation. It has been found that very reliable values can be determined via the actual moisture content of the substrate.

According to the invention, it has also been recognized that a favorable individualization of a moisture setting of a substrate in a plant pot can be achieved by a computer unit provided in the plant pot, for example a microprocessor, which evaluates detected moisture values of a substrate in the plant pot according to the plant species specifically contained in the plant pot and thereafter controls the moisture content. A plant pot, which is the same as the "hardware", can be individually adjusted to a particular plant species contained in the plant pot. A detected moisture content can be displayed on the one hand only via a display or the like, in the simplest manner, for example, via lighting means, such as lighting electrodes, wherein different colors can be assigned to different states. The display and / or the lighting means are preferably also parts of the plant pot. Thus, a user can be signaled that the substrate has a sufficient moisture content, possibly even too high a moisture content, or that the moisture content is too low, so a refill of liquid is displayed. The display means or the display can also be detached from the plant pot, eg. Only via radio or a cable connected, be provided. In particular, a (radio) coupling of a display, also possibly insofar as display usable smartphones, tablet computers, etc., be given. The display can also be done in addition or alone, possibly independently of a display, via an acoustic signal.

The mentioned temperature can also be displayed. It can also be evaluated by the electronic computer unit at the same time to the effect that for the plant pot, possibly also with regard to a particular recorded in the plant pot plant, too high or too low temperature is marked separately. It is particularly preferred that, depending on the moisture content determined in this way, an automatic refilling of liquid is carried out or can be carried out.

The electronic computer unit can be realized, for example, concretely by a microprocessor. It is also preferred that the electronic computer unit is arranged in the plant pot itself. Further features of the invention are described below, also in the figure description and the drawing, often in their preferred assignment to the concepts already explained above or illustrated. However, they can also be of importance in an association with only one or more individual features which are described or illustrated in the drawing, or independently or in a different overall concept.

Thus, it is preferred that the plant pot has a plant pot bottom and that the capacitive measuring device is arranged in the plant pot bottom. The measurement is therefore directed vertically in the usual setting up the plant pot. In this way, in particular the ground-level regions of the substrate in the plant pot can be measured with regard to the moisture content. However, provision may also be made for the capacitive sensor to be able to be focused and / or moved in order to be able to measure different areas in the plant pot, in particular in the case of the customary set-up, different areas in the vertical direction in the substrate.

In a further detail, the sensitivity of the sensor may be changeable, preferably also automatically changeable, also provided, for example, for detecting different regions of the plant pot or, in particular, of the substrate which differ in height relative to a vertical orientation of the measurement. For this purpose, a different power / voltage supply or admission of the sensor can be used. Not least with regard to such an adjustability of the sensor, possibly also for adaptation to different plants contained in the plant pot, a potentiometer, as it is preferably provided in the plant pot, be used. This change in sensitivity can in particular also by hand, for example. by adjustment on a potentiometer, on the other hand, but also by automatic calibration, be made. For example, in terms of production recommended settings for a particular plant located in the plant pot.

It is further preferred that the plant pot has an independent power supply. For this purpose, a battery or an accumulator may be provided in the plant pot. For a further preferred independent embodiment of the plant pot as a whole, the plant pot can also have means for generating electrical energy, in particular in the form of solar cells, which are attached directly to the plant pot. On the other hand, separate solar cells, such as cables, connected to the plant pot, may also be used by the plant pot. For example, to be able to use better light conditions than the place of installation of the plant pot as such.

The electronic computer unit is preferably adjustable with regard to a specific plant contained in the plant pot with regard to the evaluation of measurement results. For example, by a provided on the plant pot setting part, such as a thumbwheel or a shifter, a button, a switch or the like. Additionally or alternatively, a remote operability is provided in this regard. This means, in particular, that data can be read from the electronic computer unit wirelessly or can be entered. Alternatively or additionally, a USB interface can also be provided on the plant pot for connecting the plant pot to a computer, such as a stationary computer, laptop or tablet computer, for example. The wireless remote control can be done via radio and this via standard wireless interfaces, such as wireless or Bluetooth. It is further preferred that the electronic computer unit can be supplied with data relating to the type and optionally number of plants contained in the plant pot. This can be predetermined, for example, once in the case of plant-based design of such a self-sufficient plant pot with substrate and plant located therein. The data can also be provided changeable. Thus it can be considered which moisture content of the substrate is advantageous for the specific plant and / or which frequency of a supply of liquid to the substrate is advantageous.

The supply of a plant pot with liquid may vary depending on a data assigned plant. In spite of achieving a certain degree of drying of the substrate, it may be essential for a particular plant that (still) no (further) supply of liquid takes place, but in this case the plant has to cope with this comparatively dry substrate for a longer time and also because of its nature gets along. The "evaluation" of a measured value of the moisture sensor can also be non-linear with respect to a particular plant, for example, a different correction factor can be applied to an x-th measurement of a measurement series of the same plant than to a y-th measurement Correction factors can be empirically created and stored or stored as prescribed by the formula.

However, the supply of moisture can also be provided by hand to adapt to a specific plant located in the plant pot. For example, with the aid of the potentiometer explained below. Furthermore, it is also preferred that a mineral content of the substrate can be determined. This can be done via a PH value determination. For this purpose, a separate sensor can be provided. However, it can also be provided that an evaluation is carried out via the capacitive sensor mentioned, optionally a sequence of sensor data determined in this way, which allows conclusions to be drawn regarding a mineral content.

Usually, measurements for determining the moisture content of the substrate are carried out repeatedly in a specific time sequence. For example, 1 to 60 times a minute or 1 to 60 times an hour or 1 to 24 times a day. Resulting series of measurements show, after an addition of liquid to the substrate, a falling curve, for example corresponding to a hyperbola or more specifically an exponential curve with negative exponent. They aspire asymptotically to a limit. The next time moisture is applied, the same curve will appear over time. However, it can be observed that the limits are different. For example, you can lose weight with a certain degree of regularity or regularity. However, if it now turns out that the limit value does not change over two or more, up to about ten, twenty or a hundred series of measurements, this can be taken as a measure of the fact that the substrate requires a mineral feed.

Additionally or alternatively, a sensor in this regard, in particular in the form of an ion-sensitive field effect transistor or other methods for determining a pH, may be provided.

With regard to the above-mentioned display means with respect to moisture and / or temperature, indicating means can also be used on the plant pot or assigned to the plant pot (for example by radio transmission). on a smartphone or the like), which indicate the mineral content of the substrate and / or indicate too high or too low a mineral content, in particular with respect to a specific plant contained in the plant pot.

A plant pot designed in this way can more preferably also have sensors which detect states outside the plant pot, in particular in the surroundings of the plant pot. This can be a motion sensor and / or a glass breakage sensor. This can also be a sensor which detects the properties of the ambient air of the plant pot, for example with regard to harmful or toxic components, and optionally displays accordingly or triggers an alarm. In addition, alternatively or additionally, other sensors come into consideration, which can capture and / or collect essential data, in particular with regard to a human user, which are then displayed, used to trigger an alarm or merely kept for occasional evaluation.

Further, with regard to the plant pot itself, preferably a double-walled structure is provided. The intermediate space is used on the one hand as a water reservoir and on the other hand to accommodate the said sensors and electronics.

The water reservoir is provided in particular in the upstanding wall area, while the electronic components are preferably provided in the bottom area. In this context, it is also preferably provided that a bottom part is removable, for example. Unscrewable or detent release, is formed. Alternatively or additionally, if necessary with the abandonment of detachability, an adhesive bond is also possible. The bottom part is preferably the part on which the said sensors and / or electronic components are arranged. So they can be easily replaced or maintained. A locking connection, in particular a screw connection, allows a favorable tight connection between the bottom part and the upstanding plant pot part. This in particular also by the fact that a seal can be interposed, for example in the form of an O-ring which may be subjected to a defined sealing force during the latching, but in particular also during the screwing.

With regard to the liquid or water reservoir, it is preferable for the liquid to be deliverable by gravity, then controlled by a regulating part, such as a controllable valve, and / or by pumping into a bottom-side basin accessible to the substrate for supplying the plant pot or the substrate contained therein with moisture from below.

In this case, moreover, it is preferred that a labyrinth be provided with regard to roots which develop into this reservoir from the plant, so that the roots can not penetrate as far as the regulating part, for example the switchable valve or the pump , These aggregates are seen from the substrate side, arranged behind labyrinth walls and thus practically unreachable for the roots. Nevertheless, a supply of liquid is ensured through the labyrinth walls. In particular, the double-walled construction and / or the boltability of the bottom part and / or the determination of the mineral content and / or the independent energy supply, the equipment with a motion and / or glass breakage sensor or a sensor for testing the ambient air or the formation of the capacitive sensor, if necessary Also by suitable electronic evaluation, as a mineral content sensor of the substrate can also be independently of importance. In such a context, it is also not necessary that a moisture measurement is performed capacitively and / or the moisture measurement is performed in combination with a temperature measurement. A temperature measurement in the usual way and / or a moisture measurement as such may also have significance in such a context.

A plant pot, as described here, can still stand in a planter. In this case, a planter adapted to the plant pot is preferably provided, which in particular has transparent and / or punch-through openings in order, for example, adapted to the solar cells to allow light to be incident on the solar cells of the plant pot and / or to control elements on the plant pot to remain accessible to a user and / or to keep display means, such as in the form of said display and / or bulbs for the user visible.

The numerical bandwidths or ratio ranges given above and below also include all intermediate values as disclosed, in particular with regard to a single or multiple narrowing of the specified range limits, that is to say, for example, from 1 to 60 times per minute. also use 2 to 60 times, 1 to 59 times, 2 to 59 times, etc., as well as to reveal a singular value, here a full value value like 17 times or 25 times, from one area ,

The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, represents only one embodiment. Hereby shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plant pot;

Fig. 2 is a modified cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of the

 Plant pot; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a bottom portion of the plant pot with a schematic representation of a labyrinth formation.

Shown and described is, in a schematic cross-sectional view in Figure 1, a plant pot 1, in which a substrate 2, so for example, conventional potting soil, but possibly also peat, clay granules or the like, is included. In the plant pot 1, a plant 3 is used which has roots 4. The plant pot is obviously double-walled (at least) formed. In its upstanding area, above a floor area B, it thereby forms a liquid reservoir 5, in which usually ordinary water is contained. The liquid reservoir 5 is refillable via an opening 6, which is designed here as a flap.

On the outside of the plant pot in the exemplary embodiment and preferably one or more solar cells 7 are mounted, with which current can be generated. A solar cell can also be integrated in the plant pot, about the edge installed, be provided. In particular, one or more solar cells 7 may also be provided circumferentially on the plant pot. One or more solar cells can also be provided on the front side of the plant pot, for example in the form of a circular ring.

 Further, in the plant pot 1, preferably in the bottom region B, an accumulator 8 is arranged, which can be supplied by the solar cell 7. Optionally, however, an additional interface for direct charging of the accumulator 8 via the electrical network is also provided.

Next electronic parts 9 are arranged in the bottom area, which can represent an electronic computer unit, such as a microprocessor, a potentiometer, a switch, an electronic memory, a button, etc.

At the transition of the reservoir for the liquid 5 in the bottom region, a switchable valve 10 or also, which is not shown in detail, a pump arranged.

A bottom part 11, in particular FIG. 2, is preferably screw-connectable to a bottom area 12 located above it. For schematic illustration, a screw 13 and a thread 14 is shown here. The thread 14 is located in the bottom area 12 accordingly.

Liquid exiting from the liquid reservoir 5, for instance via the valve 10, passes through a labyrinth, which is indicated schematically in FIG. 3 by the walls 15, 16 arranged offset to one another in the radial direction. The walls 15, 16 are arranged offset from one another in such a way that flow openings gene 17 are radially hidden. This makes it very difficult or impossible for any penetrating into this area roots 4 of the plant 3, to completely interrupt the supply of liquid.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The subclaims characterize in their optionally sibling version independent inventive developments of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 plant pot B soil area

2 substrate

 3 plant

 4 root

 5 liquid reservoir

 6 floor

 7 solar cell

 8 accumulator

 9 electronic part

 10 valve

 11 bottom part

 12 floor area

 13 screw

 14 threads

 15 wall

 16 wall

 17 flow opening

Claims

1. Plant pot (1) with a capacitive measuring device for measuring a moisture content of in the plant pot (1) contained substrate and optionally a liquid reservoir (5), from which automatically depending on the measured moisture content of the plant pot (1) liquid can be supplied, characterized by a temperature sensor associated with the plant pot (1), in particular for detecting an ambient temperature of the plant pot, and an electronic computer unit for evaluating data supplied by the measuring device as a function of a temperature detected by the temperature sensor, wherein the supply of the liquid can be further controlled by means of the electronic computer unit a detected state can be displayed via a display means. 2. Plant pot (1) with a measuring device for measuring a moisture content of in the plant pot (1) contained substrate and optionally a liquid reservoir (5), from the automatically depending on the measured moisture content of the plant pot (1) liquid can be supplied, characterized by a electronic computer unit for the evaluation of data supplied by the measuring device and a controllable in dependence of a particular plant species supply of liquid to the substrate. 3. Plant pot according to claim 1 or 2 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the plant pot (1) has a plant pot bottom (6) and that the capacitive measuring device in the plant pot bottom (6) is arranged and / or that in the plant pot (1) for energy supply, an accumulator (8) is arranged and / or that the plant pot (1) for supplying energy to a solar cell (7). 4. Plant pot according to one or more of the preceding claims o- in particular according thereto, characterized in that the microprocessor is remotely operable and / or that the microprocessor can be supplied with data concerning the type and optionally number of plants contained in the plant pot. 5. Plant pot according to one or more of the preceding claims o- in particular according thereto, characterized in that the plant pot (1) is preferably at least the bottom side double-walled and / or, an outer wall is screw-connected to an inner wall and / or that the electronic computer is arranged inside the plant pot (1). 6. Plant pot according to one or more of the preceding claims o- in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the plant pot (1) a liquid reservoir (5) is formed, wherein, preferably, in the liquid reservoir (5) a level sensor is arranged. 7. Plant pot according to one or more of the preceding claims o- in particular according thereto, characterized in that the filling level sensor is a capacitive sensor. 8. Plant pot according to one or more of the preceding claims o- in particular according thereto, characterized in that for feeding of liquid in the plant pot (1) a pump and / or a controllable valve is arranged. 9. A method for influencing a moisture content and / or mineral content of a substrate contained in a plant pot (1), wherein a capacitive measuring device is provided for determining the moisture content and optionally from a liquid reservoir (5) depending on the specific moisture content of the plant pot (1) automatically Liquid is supplied, characterized in that the moisture content is determined by means of an electronic computer unit in dependence of an associated with the plant pot (1) detected temperature, in particular an ambient temperature, and optionally thereafter automatically replenishment of liquid is made and / or a erfasster State is displayed via a display means. 10. A method according to the features of the preamble of claim 9 or claim 9, characterized in that for determining the moisture content a series of measurements is taken, which includes at regular intervals at least two, to, for example, one hundred, a thousand or more measurements and that the measurement series is evaluated with regard to the curve obtained in this case with respect to the moisture of the substrate to the extent that mineral substance is to be supplied to the substrate.