WO2010109395A1 - Device for enhancing growth of at least one plant as well as such a method - Google Patents

Device for enhancing growth of at least one plant as well as such a method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010109395A1
WO2010109395A1 PCT/IB2010/051218 IB2010051218W WO2010109395A1 WO 2010109395 A1 WO2010109395 A1 WO 2010109395A1 IB 2010051218 W IB2010051218 W IB 2010051218W WO 2010109395 A1 WO2010109395 A1 WO 2010109395A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
support
light guides
plant
guides
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2010/051218
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Cristina Tanase
Rob F. M. Van Elmpt
Marcellinus P. C. M. Krijn
Hugo J. Cornelissen
Gabriel-Eugen Onac
Denis J. C. Van Oers
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2010109395A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010109395A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
    • G02B6/001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/249—Lighting means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
    • G02B6/0006—Coupling light into the fibre
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G02B6/0021—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0023—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed between the light guide and the light source, or around the light source
    • G02B6/0028—Light guide, e.g. taper
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0023—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed between the light guide and the light source, or around the light source
    • G02B6/0031—Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • G02B6/0055—Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081—Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0086—Positioning aspects
    • G02B6/0088—Positioning aspects of the light guide or other optical sheets in the package

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for enhancing growth of at least one plant, the device comprising at least one light source, a number of light guides and at least one light emitting part on each light guide, wherein the light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part.
  • the invention also relates to a method of enhancing growth of at least one plant, using a device comprising at least one light source, a number of light guides and at least one light emitting part on each light guide, wherein the light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part.
  • a light source is positioned in the soil in which the plant is grown.
  • the light guides extend along branches of the plant so that ends of the light guides are positioned close to leaves of the plant.
  • the ends of the light guides form light emitting parts.
  • the plant can be illuminated at desired portions, for example close to specific leaves, vegetables etc.
  • a disadvantage of the known device is that the light guides must be manually bent to the desired positions of the plant. Furthermore, when the plant grows, due to which the branches and leaves obtain another position with respect to the soil and therefore also with respect to the light guides, the light guides must be manually adjusted to provide the plant with light at the desired portions.
  • the device comprises a support to be positioned above the plant, and the light guides are suspended from the support.
  • the light guides will automatically extend in the direction of the plant.
  • the light emitting parts of the light guides can be easily located near any desired portion of the plant.
  • An embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the support is at least vertically adjustable with respect to a surface in which the plant is grown.
  • the position of the light guides with respect to the plant can easily be changed during the growth of the plant.
  • Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are at least vertically adjustable with respect to the support.
  • the light guides can be individually adjusted with respect to the support and therefore with respect to the plant or plants. This is for example useful when a number of plants are being illuminated by the device and some plants grow faster than other plants. Also an optimized position of the light guides with respect to each plant can be obtained. This has particular advantages when using the device in a greenhouse.
  • a further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises means to prevent certain light guides from guiding light to the light emitting parts.
  • light guides which are not needed during a certain period of time can be excluded from transmitting light.
  • Such light guides can be used in a later phase of the growing process, for example because they are then located at a desired position with respect to the plant. It is also possible to use light guides which transmit light of different wavelengths, for example 400-520 nm and 600-700 nm, promoting different processes in the plant. Depending on the desired wavelength, certain light guides can be used or temporarily inactivated.
  • Yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light source is supported by the support, the support being provided with means for transmitting light from the light source to the light guides.
  • the support can thus be used for illuminating the plants from above, whilst at the same time the support is being used for transmitting light to the light guides.
  • a yet further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides have different lengths.
  • the light guide is a flexible light fibre which after being deformed keeps its deformed state until a further deformed state is assumed as a result of being deformed by a user.
  • Such a flexible light guide can easily be positioned between leaves of vegetables or a plant and will not disturb the plant when it grows.
  • An embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the horizontally extending support is plate-shaped, the light guides are being suspended mainly in vertical direction from the support.
  • Such a support is relatively easy to manufacture.
  • the plate-shaped support comprises vertically extending slots in which ends of the light guides are accommodated, which ends comprise a surface extending at an angle of about 45 degrees to the slots.
  • Such a combination of slots and light guides has the advantage that light can be easily guided into the light guide if the end surface is located in the slot, but if the end surface is not located in the slot the light guide will be prevented from guiding light.
  • a light source comprising LEDs of different colors
  • light of different wavelengths can be used for illuminating the plants.
  • Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are at least horizontally adjustable with respect to the support.
  • Uniform illumination of the plants or crops can be obtained with fewer light guides. Furthermore, the plants will be illuminated from different directions by moving the light guides with respect to the plants.
  • Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are rotatable with respect to the support.
  • Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are connected to a rotatable rod, wherein the rod is rotatable about a horizontally extending axis to wind up the light guides on the rod.
  • the light guides can easily be moved in vertical direction.
  • Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the rod is provided with at least two cylindrical parts having different diameters.
  • the light guides will be wound up at different speeds. When the plants are still small, all light guides will be located near the small plants. When the plants grow and the light guides are wind up, the arrangement of the light guides is changed, such that light can be emitted near the bottom as well as near the top of the plants.
  • the invention also relates to a method of growing at least one plant, characterized in that the device comprises a support to be positioned above the plant, and the light guides are suspended from the support and are positioned between parts of the plant.
  • Such a method is especially suitable for growing a large number of plants in a greenhouse, wherein by means of positioning the support above the plants the plants can be illuminated from between the branches and leaves of the plants.
  • An embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the position of the light guides with respect to the plant is changed during the growth of the plant by moving the light guides at least in vertical direction with respect to a surface in which the plant is grown.
  • the plant can be illuminated during each phase of the growth of the plant in the most preferred manner.
  • Yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that during the growth of the plant different light guides are used for transmitting light from the light source to the light emitting parts of the light guides.
  • Such light guides may transmit light of different wavelengths or may have different lengths themselves for optimal illumination of the plants during their growth.
  • a further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the light source is supported by the support, wherein the support transmits light in a downward direction towards the plant, the support also being provided with means for transmitting light from the light source to the light guides which transmit light from between the plants or from between leaves or branches of the plant towards the plant.
  • Fig. IA is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention
  • Fig. IB is an enlarged detail I of the device as shown in fig. IA,
  • Fig.2 is a schematic side view of the device as shown in fig. IA, illuminating plants,
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are a perspective schematic view and a cross section of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention
  • Fig. 4 is a cross section of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention
  • Figs. 5 A and 5B are side views of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention, with the light guides in two different positions,
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • Figs. 7A and 7B are a side view and an enlarged detail of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • Figs. IA, IB and 2 show different views of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention.
  • the device 1 comprises a plate-shaped support 2 of a transparent plastic such as an acrylic material like PMMA.
  • the support 2 is provided with a number of passages 3 in which ends 4 of light guides 5 are located.
  • the light guides 5 are relatively thin, flexible and made of a transparent plastic such as an acrylic material or PMMA.
  • the support 2 extends in a horizontal direction.
  • the light guides 5 are suspended from the support 2.
  • the support 2 is also provided with a number of openings 6.
  • On a surface 8 of the support 2 remote from the light guides 5, light emitting diodes (LEDs) 7 are located above the openings 6.
  • reflective elements 9 are situated reflecting light from the LEDs 7 into the support 2.
  • the light guides 5 are provided with light emitting parts 11 , where light guided by the light guides 5 is coupled out. At these parts 11 a local or continuous phosphor pattern, dots of white paint or a local roughness may be provided.
  • the light emitting parts 11 are located at the ends of the light guides 5 remote from the support 2 and also between these ends and the support 2.
  • the end 4 of each light guide 5 is V-shaped and is provided with two 45 degrees Fresnel surfaces or mirrored edges 12 which deflect light beams 13 emitted by the LED 7 and transmitted by the support 2 into the light guides 5.
  • Fig.2 shows the device 1 according to the invention, wherein the device 1 is used for illuminating plants 20.
  • Roots of the plants 20 are located in a surface 21, for example comprising soil or another kind of substrate for growing plants 20.
  • Branches 22 and leaves 23 of the plants 20 extending in all directions are located at different heights with respect to the surface 21.
  • the light guides 5 are located between leaves 23 and branches 22 of a single plant 20 but are also located between two plants 20.
  • the light emitted by the LED 7 is transmitted through the support 2 and partly reflected by the reflective elements 10 towards the plants 20 to illuminate the plants 20 from above.
  • the support 2 can be moved in the directions as indicated by the double arrow Pl to adjust the positions of the light guides 5 with respect to the plants 20 during the growth of the plants 20.
  • ends of the support 20 may be located in guiding rails (not shown) and be movable along the guiding rails by means of a motor.
  • Figs. 3 A and 3B show another embodiment of a device 31 according to the invention.
  • the device 31 comprises a support 32 having a number of rectangular slots 33.
  • an end 34 of a rectangular light guide 35 is located in each slot 33.
  • the end 34 has an edge extending at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the slot 33.
  • Each light guide 35 is provided with light emitting parts 36.
  • Each light guide 35 can be individually displaced with respect to the support 31 in the directions as indicated by the double arrow P2 to individually adjust the position of the light guides 5 with respect to the support 31 and therefore with respect to the plants 20. Movement of the light guides 35 can be realized for example by means of a wire connected to the end 34, which wire can be wound on and unwound from a drum (not shown).
  • the device 31 is provided with a light source 37 located at a side of the support 32. Light from the light source 37 is coupled into the support 32 and reflected by the end 34 into the light guide 35. If the end 34 of a light guide 35 is located outside the support 32, a light beam 38 will simply go through the light guide 35 towards another light guide 35.
  • Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a device 41 of the invention, which differs from the device 31 in that the surface 43 of the support 42, directed towards the light guides 35 is not flat but profiled. Due to such a profiled surface 43, the light coming from the support 42 can be directed at a desired angle towards the plants.
  • Figs. 5 A and 5B show a fourth embodiment of a device 51 of the invention, comprising a rod 52 being rotatable about a horizontally extending axis 53 in a direction as indicated by arrow P3.
  • the rod 52 is made of light transmitting material and has a constant diameter along its length.
  • the device 51 is also provided with a number of light guides 54 being able to emit light at least at their ends 55. The light is preferably emitted in the shape of a cone.
  • the light guides 54 are connected with ends 56 remote from ends 55 to the rod 52. Light from a light source is coupled into the rod 52 in a direction as indicated by arrow P4 and guided into the light guides 54.
  • Fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a device 61 of the invention, which differs from the device 51 in that the rod 62 is provided with a number of cylindrical parts 63, 64, 65 having different diameters.
  • the light emitting ends 54 of the light guides 54 are located at the same distance from the floor 58.
  • the rod 62 is rotated and the light guides 54 are wound up on the rod 62. Due to the different diameters, the light guides 54 connected to the cylindrical part 63 having a relatively large diameter will be moved in the vertical direction at a higher speed than the light guides 54 connected to the cylindrical part 64, 65 having smaller diameters.
  • the ends 55 of the different light guides 54 will be moved apart to obtain illumination of the plants at different Figs. 7A and 7B show a sixth embodiment of a device 71 of the invention, comprising a support 72 provided with a number of reflector boxes 73.
  • Each reflector box 73 is provided with a LED 74, a lens 75 and a number of light guides 76a,b,c.
  • the light guides 76a,b,c have different lengths.
  • Light from the LED 74 is coupled via the lens 75 into the light guides 76a,b,c.
  • the ends 77 of the light guides 76a,b,c are formed to emit light downwards in a conical shape.
  • Fig. 8 shows a detail of a seventh embodiment of a device 81 of the invention, which differs from the device 71 in that the light guides 76 are provided with conical hollow ends 82 to emit light in vertical direction. It is also possible to transmit the light from the LED 74 directly to the light guides without using a lens.
  • LEDs are provided which emit light of different wavelengths, or different wavelengths are obtained by using phosphors.
  • the light guides have different lengths so that light emitting parts located at the ends of the light guides will be at different heights with respect to the plants 20.
  • the device may be provided with means for measuring the growth of the plants, and if a certain growth is obtained the light guides may be automatically adjusted to another position.
  • both outer surfaces of the support will be provided with reflective elements to reflect the light towards the light guides.

Abstract

A device (1, 31, 41) for enhancing growth of at least one plant (20) comprises at least one light source (7, 37), a number of light guides (5, 35) and at least one light emitting part (11, 36) on each light guide. The light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part. The device also comprises a support (2, 32, 42) to be positioned above the plant. The light guides are suspended from the support. The invention also relates to a method of enhancing growth of at least one plant.

Description

Device for enhancing growth of at least one plant as well as such a method
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for enhancing growth of at least one plant, the device comprising at least one light source, a number of light guides and at least one light emitting part on each light guide, wherein the light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part.
The invention also relates to a method of enhancing growth of at least one plant, using a device comprising at least one light source, a number of light guides and at least one light emitting part on each light guide, wherein the light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In such a device, which is known from German patent application DE 10 2004 057 419 A1, a light source is positioned in the soil in which the plant is grown. The light guides extend along branches of the plant so that ends of the light guides are positioned close to leaves of the plant. The ends of the light guides form light emitting parts.
Due to the light guides the plant can be illuminated at desired portions, for example close to specific leaves, vegetables etc.
A disadvantage of the known device is that the light guides must be manually bent to the desired positions of the plant. Furthermore, when the plant grows, due to which the branches and leaves obtain another position with respect to the soil and therefore also with respect to the light guides, the light guides must be manually adjusted to provide the plant with light at the desired portions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a device by means of which a plant can easily be illuminated near desired portions of the plant, even when the plant is growing. This object is accomplished with the device according to the invention in that the device comprises a support to be positioned above the plant, and the light guides are suspended from the support. By placing the support above the plant or the plant under the support, the light guides will automatically extend in the direction of the plant. Depending on the distance from the support to the surface in which the plant is grown and/or depending on the length of the light guides, the light emitting parts of the light guides can be easily located near any desired portion of the plant.
An embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the support is at least vertically adjustable with respect to a surface in which the plant is grown.
By moving the support with respect to the surface in which the plant is grown, the position of the light guides with respect to the plant can easily be changed during the growth of the plant.
Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are at least vertically adjustable with respect to the support.
In this manner the light guides can be individually adjusted with respect to the support and therefore with respect to the plant or plants. This is for example useful when a number of plants are being illuminated by the device and some plants grow faster than other plants. Also an optimized position of the light guides with respect to each plant can be obtained. This has particular advantages when using the device in a greenhouse.
A further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises means to prevent certain light guides from guiding light to the light emitting parts.
As a result, light guides which are not needed during a certain period of time, can be excluded from transmitting light. Such light guides can be used in a later phase of the growing process, for example because they are then located at a desired position with respect to the plant. It is also possible to use light guides which transmit light of different wavelengths, for example 400-520 nm and 600-700 nm, promoting different processes in the plant. Depending on the desired wavelength, certain light guides can be used or temporarily inactivated.
Yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light source is supported by the support, the support being provided with means for transmitting light from the light source to the light guides.
The support can thus be used for illuminating the plants from above, whilst at the same time the support is being used for transmitting light to the light guides. A yet further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides have different lengths.
In this manner, ends of the light guides will automatically be positioned at different heights with respect to the plant. Preferably, the light guide is a flexible light fibre which after being deformed keeps its deformed state until a further deformed state is assumed as a result of being deformed by a user.
Such a flexible light guide can easily be positioned between leaves of vegetables or a plant and will not disturb the plant when it grows. An embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the horizontally extending support is plate-shaped, the light guides are being suspended mainly in vertical direction from the support.
Such a support is relatively easy to manufacture.
Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the plate-shaped support comprises vertically extending slots in which ends of the light guides are accommodated, which ends comprise a surface extending at an angle of about 45 degrees to the slots.
Such a combination of slots and light guides has the advantage that light can be easily guided into the light guide if the end surface is located in the slot, but if the end surface is not located in the slot the light guide will be prevented from guiding light.
If a light source comprising LEDs of different colors is used, light of different wavelengths can be used for illuminating the plants.
Such an object can also be achieved by using remote phosphor as the light emitting parts. Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are at least horizontally adjustable with respect to the support.
Uniform illumination of the plants or crops can be obtained with fewer light guides. Furthermore, the plants will be illuminated from different directions by moving the light guides with respect to the plants. Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are rotatable with respect to the support.
In this way, also uniform illumination from different sides can be obtained. Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guides are connected to a rotatable rod, wherein the rod is rotatable about a horizontally extending axis to wind up the light guides on the rod.
By means of the rotating rod the light guides can easily be moved in vertical direction.
Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the rod is provided with at least two cylindrical parts having different diameters.
Due to the cylindrical parts of different diameters, the light guides will be wound up at different speeds. When the plants are still small, all light guides will be located near the small plants. When the plants grow and the light guides are wind up, the arrangement of the light guides is changed, such that light can be emitted near the bottom as well as near the top of the plants.
The invention also relates to a method of growing at least one plant, characterized in that the device comprises a support to be positioned above the plant, and the light guides are suspended from the support and are positioned between parts of the plant.
Such a method is especially suitable for growing a large number of plants in a greenhouse, wherein by means of positioning the support above the plants the plants can be illuminated from between the branches and leaves of the plants.
An embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the position of the light guides with respect to the plant is changed during the growth of the plant by moving the light guides at least in vertical direction with respect to a surface in which the plant is grown.
As a result, the plant can be illuminated during each phase of the growth of the plant in the most preferred manner. Yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that during the growth of the plant different light guides are used for transmitting light from the light source to the light emitting parts of the light guides.
Such light guides may transmit light of different wavelengths or may have different lengths themselves for optimal illumination of the plants during their growth. A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the light source is supported by the support, wherein the support transmits light in a downward direction towards the plant, the support also being provided with means for transmitting light from the light source to the light guides which transmit light from between the plants or from between leaves or branches of the plant towards the plant. By simultaneously having downward directed lighting emitted by the support itself and lighting between leaves or branches of the plant emitted by the light guides, a uniform light distribution to all portions of the plant is obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, in which:
Fig. IA is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, Fig. IB is an enlarged detail I of the device as shown in fig. IA,
Fig.2 is a schematic side view of the device as shown in fig. IA, illuminating plants,
Figs. 3A and 3B are a perspective schematic view and a cross section of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, Fig. 4 is a cross section of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention,
Figs. 5 A and 5B are side views of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention, with the light guides in two different positions,
Fig. 6 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention,
Figs. 7A and 7B are a side view and an enlarged detail of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention,
Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
In the Figures, like parts are indicated by the same numerals.
Figs. IA, IB and 2 show different views of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 comprises a plate-shaped support 2 of a transparent plastic such as an acrylic material like PMMA. The support 2 is provided with a number of passages 3 in which ends 4 of light guides 5 are located. The light guides 5 are relatively thin, flexible and made of a transparent plastic such as an acrylic material or PMMA. The support 2 extends in a horizontal direction. The light guides 5 are suspended from the support 2. The support 2 is also provided with a number of openings 6. On a surface 8 of the support 2 remote from the light guides 5, light emitting diodes (LEDs) 7 are located above the openings 6. In the openings 6 reflective elements 9 are situated reflecting light from the LEDs 7 into the support 2. Between the passages 3 reflective elements 10 are provided on the surface 8. The light guides 5 are provided with light emitting parts 11 , where light guided by the light guides 5 is coupled out. At these parts 11 a local or continuous phosphor pattern, dots of white paint or a local roughness may be provided. The light emitting parts 11 are located at the ends of the light guides 5 remote from the support 2 and also between these ends and the support 2. The end 4 of each light guide 5 is V-shaped and is provided with two 45 degrees Fresnel surfaces or mirrored edges 12 which deflect light beams 13 emitted by the LED 7 and transmitted by the support 2 into the light guides 5.
Fig.2 shows the device 1 according to the invention, wherein the device 1 is used for illuminating plants 20. Roots of the plants 20 are located in a surface 21, for example comprising soil or another kind of substrate for growing plants 20. Branches 22 and leaves 23 of the plants 20 extending in all directions are located at different heights with respect to the surface 21. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the light guides 5 are located between leaves 23 and branches 22 of a single plant 20 but are also located between two plants 20. The light emitted by the LED 7 is transmitted through the support 2 and partly reflected by the reflective elements 10 towards the plants 20 to illuminate the plants 20 from above. Light not reflected by the reflective elements 10 towards the plants 20 is transmitted towards the ends 4 of the light guides 5 and is guided by the light guides 5 towards the light emitting parts 11. At the location of the light emitting parts 11 the light is coupled out and sent towards nearby leaves. Preferably the support 2 can be moved in the directions as indicated by the double arrow Pl to adjust the positions of the light guides 5 with respect to the plants 20 during the growth of the plants 20. For this purpose, ends of the support 20 may be located in guiding rails (not shown) and be movable along the guiding rails by means of a motor.
Figs. 3 A and 3B show another embodiment of a device 31 according to the invention. The device 31 comprises a support 32 having a number of rectangular slots 33. In each slot 33 an end 34 of a rectangular light guide 35 is located. The end 34 has an edge extending at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the slot 33. Each light guide 35 is provided with light emitting parts 36. Each light guide 35 can be individually displaced with respect to the support 31 in the directions as indicated by the double arrow P2 to individually adjust the position of the light guides 5 with respect to the support 31 and therefore with respect to the plants 20. Movement of the light guides 35 can be realized for example by means of a wire connected to the end 34, which wire can be wound on and unwound from a drum (not shown). The device 31 is provided with a light source 37 located at a side of the support 32. Light from the light source 37 is coupled into the support 32 and reflected by the end 34 into the light guide 35. If the end 34 of a light guide 35 is located outside the support 32, a light beam 38 will simply go through the light guide 35 towards another light guide 35. Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a device 41 of the invention, which differs from the device 31 in that the surface 43 of the support 42, directed towards the light guides 35 is not flat but profiled. Due to such a profiled surface 43, the light coming from the support 42 can be directed at a desired angle towards the plants.
Figs. 5 A and 5B show a fourth embodiment of a device 51 of the invention, comprising a rod 52 being rotatable about a horizontally extending axis 53 in a direction as indicated by arrow P3. The rod 52 is made of light transmitting material and has a constant diameter along its length. The device 51 is also provided with a number of light guides 54 being able to emit light at least at their ends 55. The light is preferably emitted in the shape of a cone. The light guides 54 are connected with ends 56 remote from ends 55 to the rod 52. Light from a light source is coupled into the rod 52 in a direction as indicated by arrow P4 and guided into the light guides 54. If the plants 57 are small, as shown in Fig 5 A, the light emitting ends 55 of the light guides 54 are located relatively close to the floor 58 near the tops of the plants 57. When the plants 57 grow, the rod 52 is rotated and the light guides 54 are wound up on the rod 52 so that the ends 55 of the light guides 54 are still located near the tops of the plants 57. Due to the conical shape of the emitted light, the whole plant 57 will be illuminated. Fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a device 61 of the invention, which differs from the device 51 in that the rod 62 is provided with a number of cylindrical parts 63, 64, 65 having different diameters. If the plants 57 are small, the light emitting ends 54 of the light guides 54 are located at the same distance from the floor 58. When the plants 57 grow, the rod 62 is rotated and the light guides 54 are wound up on the rod 62. Due to the different diameters, the light guides 54 connected to the cylindrical part 63 having a relatively large diameter will be moved in the vertical direction at a higher speed than the light guides 54 connected to the cylindrical part 64, 65 having smaller diameters. The ends 55 of the different light guides 54 will be moved apart to obtain illumination of the plants at different Figs. 7A and 7B show a sixth embodiment of a device 71 of the invention, comprising a support 72 provided with a number of reflector boxes 73. Each reflector box 73 is provided with a LED 74, a lens 75 and a number of light guides 76a,b,c. The light guides 76a,b,c have different lengths. Light from the LED 74 is coupled via the lens 75 into the light guides 76a,b,c. The ends 77 of the light guides 76a,b,c are formed to emit light downwards in a conical shape.
It is also possible to transmit the light from the LED 74 directly to one of the light guides without using a lens 75, wherein the LED 74 is moved in horizontal direction above the relatively long light guide 76a when the plants are small and via the light guide of intermediate length 76b above the relatively short light guide 76c when the plants have grown.
Fig. 8 shows a detail of a seventh embodiment of a device 81 of the invention, which differs from the device 71 in that the light guides 76 are provided with conical hollow ends 82 to emit light in vertical direction. It is also possible to transmit the light from the LED 74 directly to the light guides without using a lens.
It is also possible to move the light guides in a horizontal direction or to rotate the light guides about a vertical axis for example to further improve the uniform distribution of light. Preferably LEDs are provided which emit light of different wavelengths, or different wavelengths are obtained by using phosphors.
Preferably, the light guides have different lengths so that light emitting parts located at the ends of the light guides will be at different heights with respect to the plants 20.
If desired, the device may be provided with means for measuring the growth of the plants, and if a certain growth is obtained the light guides may be automatically adjusted to another position.
It is also possible to reciprocate the support and/or the light guides during growth so that light is constantly coming from different positions.
It is also possible to illuminate the plants only by means of the light guides and not by means of the support itself. In such a case both outer surfaces of the support will be provided with reflective elements to reflect the light towards the light guides.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A device ( 1 , 31 , 41 ) for enhancing growth of at least one plant, the device comprising at least one light source (7, 37), a number of light guides (5, 35) and at least one light emitting part (11, 36) on each light guide, wherein the light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part, characterized in that the device comprises a support (2, 32, 42) to be positioned above the plant (20), and the light guides are suspended from the support.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is at least vertically adjustable with respect to a surface in which the plant is grown.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light guides are at least vertically adjustable with respect to the support.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises means to prevent certain light guides from guiding light to the light emitting parts.
5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source is supported by the support, the support being provided with means for transmitting light from the light source to the light guides.
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guides have different lengths.
7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontally extending support is plate-shaped, and the light guides are suspended mainly in vertical direction from the support.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that the plate-shaped support comprises vertically extending slots in which ends of the light guides are accommodated, which ends comprise a surface extending at an angle of about 45 degrees to the slots.
9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source comprises LEDs of different colors.
10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light emitting part comprises a remote phosphor.
11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guides are at least horizontally adjustable with respect to the support.
12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guides are rotatable with respect to the support.
13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guides are connected to a rotatable rod, wherein the rod is rotatable about a horizontally extending axis to wind up the light guides on the rod.
14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the rod is provided with at least two cylindrical parts having different diameters.
15. A method of enhancing growth of at least one plant, using a device comprising at least one light source, a number of light guides and at least one light emitting part on each light guide, wherein the light guide is provided for guiding light from the light source to the light emitting part, characterized in that the device comprises a support to be positioned above the plant, the light guides are suspended from the support and are positioned between parts of the plant.
PCT/IB2010/051218 2009-03-27 2010-03-22 Device for enhancing growth of at least one plant as well as such a method WO2010109395A1 (en)

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WO2022221069A1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2022-10-20 Current Lighting Solutions, Llc Top lighting and interlighting luminaire assembly with movable light source
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