KR102658885B1 - Plant cultivating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation device.
A plant cultivation device according to one aspect includes a body provided with a cultivation chamber therein; a water storage unit disposed inside the body and storing water; a water supply bed disposed on one side of the cultivation room and having a water supply channel for receiving water from the water storage unit; A cultivation pot that is seated on the water supply bed and receives water stored in the water supply channel; a pump that flows water stored in the water storage unit into the water supply passage; And a control unit that controls the operation of the pump according to the amount of water stored in the water supply passage.

Description

Plant cultivation device {PLANT CULTIVATING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation device.

A typical plant cultivation device forms a predetermined cultivation room with an environment suitable for plant growth, and stores the plants inside the predetermined cultivation room. The plant cultivation device is equipped with a configuration to supply nutrients and light energy necessary for plant growth, and the plants grow by the supplied nutrients and light energy. For example, related technology is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1240375, “Plant Cultivation Apparatus.”

According to the prior art, the nutrient solution supplied to the cultivation bed flows out into a recovery pipe having a constant height, and the water level is maintained at a constant level by the recovery pipe. However, since nutrient solution at a certain level is continuously stored in the cultivation bed, hygiene problems occur in the cultivation bed due to the nutrient solution. In other words, when nutrient solution containing nutrients is stored for a long time, a problem occurs in which germs, bacteria, etc. grow in the nutrient solution.

In addition, the internal structure of the plant cultivation device becomes complicated because a supply pipe for supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation bed and a recovery pipe for recovering the nutrient solution supplied to the cultivation bed must be provided. Additionally, if the flow rate supplied to the supply pipe is greater than the flow rate recovered to the return pipe, a problem occurs in which the nutrient solution is excessively supplied to the cultivation bed.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation device that can prevent a water supply bed from being contaminated by nutrient solution remaining in the water supply bed.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation device that can prevent problems that may occur due to hydroponic cultivation methods.

The plant cultivation device according to the present invention is configured to separate the plant cultivation device into a water supply bed that supplies water, and a plurality of cultivation ports that receive water from the water supply bed and are seated on the water supply bed, and have a plurality of cultivation ports. You can grow a variety of plants.

The plant cultivation device according to the present invention consists of a cultivation pot with a medium storing nutrients required for plant growth and a suction member that sucks water from a water supply bed and supplies it to the medium, thereby providing nutrients and water required for plant growth. can be supplied appropriately.

The plant cultivation device according to the present invention can prevent the water supply bed from being contaminated by supplying water from the water supply bed and sucking in the water supplied from the water supply bed to form a nutrient solution inside the cultivation pot.

The plant cultivation device according to the present invention detects the amount of water stored in the water supply bed, and adjusts the amount of water supplied to the water supply bed based on the amount of water stored in the water supply bed to prevent excessive supply of water to the water supply bed. can do.

The plant cultivation device according to the present invention determines the amount of water stored in the water supply bed based on whether a signal from the sensor is transmitted according to the amount of water stored in the water supply bed, and thus determines whether water is supplied quickly according to the changing amount of water. can change.

According to the present invention, nutrients required for plant growth are provided to the cultivation pot, and water supplied to the water supply bed is absorbed into the cultivation pot and supplied to the plants, thereby minimizing contamination due to water remaining in the water supply bed.

According to the present invention, a plurality of cultivation pots can be configured to be separated from the water supply bed to facilitate maintenance of the cultivation pots.

According to the present invention, the water supply pipes formed in a plurality of cultivation pots must be connected to the water supply passages formed in the water supply bed to supply water to the cultivation pots, so the amount of water supplied to the cultivation pots can be adjusted by the amount of water flowing into the water supply passages. You can.

According to the present invention, whether or not a signal is transmitted from the sensor changes depending on the amount of water stored in the water supply bed, so the operation of the pump can quickly respond to changes in water.

According to the present invention, water from the main storage unit is temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage unit so that a set amount of water is supplied to the water supply bed, thereby preventing excessive supply of water to the water supply bed.

1 is a perspective view of a plant cultivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a plant cultivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cultivation pot and water supply bed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a bottom view of a cultivation pot according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cultivation pot according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a water supply bed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a plan view of a water supply bed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a water supply bed of a plant cultivation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a configuration diagram of a plant cultivation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plant cultivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a plant cultivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the plant cultivation device 1 according to the present invention may include a body 10. The body 10 may be formed so that one side is open. An internal space may be formed inside the body 10. A door 15 may be placed on one open side of the body 10. The door 15 can selectively shield one open side of the body 10. The door 15 and the body 10 may be connected by a hinge. The door 15 may be provided with a front glass 16. The internal space of the body 10 may be exposed to the outside by the front glass 16.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include a water supply bed 120. The water supply bed 120 may be placed in the internal space of the body 10. The water supply bed 120 may store water (W) required for plant growth. Without being limited thereto, the water supply bed 120 may store nutrient solution containing nutrients required for plant growth. The water supply bed 120 may be equipped with a cultivation pot 100, which will be described later. Plants are sown in the cultivation pot 100, and the cultivation pot 100 can receive water from the water supply bed 120. For example, the water supply bed 120 may include a bed body formed as a polygon with one side open. The water supply bed 120 may be fixed to the inside of the body 10. Alternatively, the water supply bed 120 may be configured to be movable with respect to the body 10.

The water supply bed 120 may be provided in multiple numbers. A plurality of water supply beds 120 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction inside the body 10. A bed support 25 may be provided inside the body 10 to support the water supply bed 120. The bed support 25 may be configured to be movable with respect to the body 10. Additionally, the bed support 25 may be fixed to the body 10. When the bed support 25 is configured to be movable with respect to the body 10, the water supply bed 120 can be moved by the bed support 25. When the bed support 25 is fixed to the body 10, the water supply bed 120 can slide on the bed support 25.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include a cultivation pot 100. The cultivation pots 100 may be provided in multiple numbers. The cultivation pot 100 may be mounted on the water supply bed 120. In this embodiment, the water supply bed 120 may be equipped with a plurality of cultivation pots 100. The cultivation pot 100 mounted on the water supply bed 120 may receive water from the water supply bed 120. The cultivation pot 100 may be separated from the water supply bed 120. By separating the cultivation pot 100 from the water supply bed 120, plants can be sown in the cultivation pot 100 or the grown plants can be harvested.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include a light source module 30. The light source module 30 may be placed inside the body 10. The light source module 30 may be placed above the cultivation pot 100. The light source module 30 can supply light energy to plants growing in the cultivation pot 100. The light source module 30 may include a light source for generating light, a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source, and a reflector for reflecting light. The light source module 30 may further include a cooling unit to cool the light source. The cooling unit may improve the lifespan of the light source by cooling the heat generated from the light source.

A cultivation room 11 may be defined between the cultivation pot 100 and the light source module 30. The cultivation room 11 can be understood as a space where plants sown in the cultivation pot 100 can grow.

A ventilation unit 35 may be provided on one side of the cultivation room 11. The ventilation unit 35 may be provided in the body 10. The ventilation unit 35 may supply external air to the interior of the cultivation room 11. The ventilation unit 35 may be provided as a blowing fan. The ventilation unit 35 may selectively communicate with the cultivation room 11 and an external space. The ventilation unit 35 supplies outdoor air to the inside of the cultivation room 11, and can control humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc. inside the cultivation room 11.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include a main storage unit 40. The main storage unit 40 may be placed inside the body 10. Water (W) may be stored in the main storage unit 40. Without being limited thereto, nutrient solution may be stored in the main storage unit 40. The main storage unit 40 may be disposed at the lower part of the body 10. For example, the main storage unit 40 may include a hot water tank and a cold water tank. Each of the water stored in the hot water tank and the cold water tank may be supplied to the water supply bed 120. Water of different temperatures stored in the hot water tank and the cold water tank may be mixed and supplied to the water supply bed 120. For example, the temperature of water present in the water supply bed 120 may be measured, and water at a set temperature may be supplied based on the measured temperature.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include a pump 45. The pump 45 may be placed on one side of the main storage unit 40. The water stored in the main storage unit 40 may be supplied to the auxiliary storage unit 50, which will be described later, by the pump 45. The pump 45, the main storage unit 40, and the auxiliary storage unit 50 may be connected by a pipe. Water stored in the main storage unit 40 may be supplied to the auxiliary storage unit 50 through a pipe.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include an auxiliary storage unit 50. The auxiliary storage unit 50 may store water supplied from the main storage unit 40. The auxiliary storage unit 50 may be located above the main storage unit 40. The auxiliary storage unit 50 can be understood as a configuration for distributing water supplied from the main storage unit 40 to the water supply bed 120. The auxiliary storage unit 50 may be connected to the pump 45 and the main storage unit 40 through a pipe. At this time, the pipe through which the pump 45 and the auxiliary storage unit 50 are connected can be defined as a supply pipe. The pipe connecting the main storage unit 40 and the auxiliary storage unit 50 can be defined as a recovery pipe.

In this embodiment, a preset amount of water may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50. The water that can be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50 can be adjusted according to the amount of water that can be stored in the water supply bed 120. For example, the total amount of water that can be stored in each of the plurality of water supply beds 120 may correspond to the amount of water that can be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50. When more than a preset amount of water is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50, the excess amount of water may be recovered into the main storage unit 40. The recovery pipe may be placed at a water level where a preset amount of water is stored. That is, if more than a preset amount of water is stored, the excess amount of water may pass through the recovery pipe and be recovered into the main storage unit 40. When water is recovered to the main storage unit 40 through the recovery pipe, the operation of the pump 45 may be stopped to limit the supply of water to the auxiliary storage unit 50. When a preset amount of water is stored, the auxiliary storage unit 50 can supply water to a plurality of water supply beds 120. All of the water stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50 can be supplied to the water supply bed 120. In order to supply additional water to the water supply bed 120, the pump 45 can be operated to store water again in the auxiliary storage unit 50 and then additionally supplied to the water supply bed 120.

Whether or not water is supplied from the auxiliary storage unit 50 to the water supply bed 120 can be controlled by the valve 70. The valve 70 may be provided in a pipe connecting the auxiliary storage unit 50 and the water supply bed 120. By adjusting the opening degree of the valve 70, it is possible to control whether or not water is supplied to the water supply bed 120. In this embodiment, the valve 70 is described as being provided, but the valve 70 may not be provided. If the valve 70 is not provided, the diameter of the pipe supplying water to the plurality of water supply beds 120 may be changed. For example, the diameter of the pipe that supplies water to the water supply bed 120 located above among the plurality of water supply beds 120 is such that water is supplied to the water supply bed 120 located below among the plurality of water supply beds 120. It may be smaller than the diameter of the supply pipe. That is, by adjusting the diameter of the pipe through which water is supplied, the water supplied to the water supply bed 120 located above and the water supply bed 120 located below can be supplied equally. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the main storage unit 40 and the auxiliary storage unit 50 may be referred to as water storage units.

The plant cultivation device 1 may include a control unit for controlling operation. The control unit can control the operation of the light source module 30. The control unit may control the operation of the pump 45. The control unit may control the operation of the pump 45 by signals detected by a plurality of sensors 130 and 131, which will be described later. The control unit can control the operation of the ventilation unit 35. The control unit may control the operation of the valve 70.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cultivation pot and a water supply bed according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a bottom view of a cultivation pot according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the cultivation pot according to , Figure 6 is a perspective view of the water supply bed according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a plan view of the water supply bed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7 , a plurality of cultivation pots 100 may be installed in the water supply bed 120 according to the present invention. The plurality of cultivation pots 100 mounted on the water supply bed 120 may be separated from the water supply bed 120. Various plants may be sown in each of the plurality of cultivation pots 100. The plurality of cultivation pots 100 may be supplied with water by the water supply bed 120.

Hereinafter, the cultivation pot 100 will be described in detail based on the drawings.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cultivation pot 100 according to the present invention may include a pot body 101 forming a body. In this embodiment, the cultivation pot 100 may be formed as a polygon with one side open. The cultivation pot 100 may be formed into a basket shape by having a portion of an open surface recessed. A medium 111 containing nutrients required for plant growth may be placed inside the cultivation pot 100.

The cultivation pot 100 may include a body stand 102. The body support 102 may protrude downward from the bottom of the pot body 101. The body support 102 may be provided in multiple numbers. The body support 102 may be supported on the inner bottom surface of the water supply bed 120 when the cultivation pot 100 is seated on the water supply bed 120. The body support 102 may protrude further downward than the water supply pipe 105, which will be described later. When the body support 102 protrudes further downward than the water supply pipe 105, a gap through which water can pass may be formed between the water supply pipe 105 and the inner bottom surface of the water supply bed 120. Meanwhile, the body support 102 is not provided, and the bottom surface of the cultivation pot 100 may be seated on the water supply bed 120.

The cultivation pot 100 may include a water supply pipe 105. The water supply pipe 105 may protrude downward from the bottom of the pot body 101. The water supply pipe 105 may have a hollow interior. The hollow formed inside the water supply pipe 105 may communicate with the internal space of the cultivation pot 100. The water supply pipe 105 can be understood as a passage through which water stored in the water supply bed 120 is supplied to the medium 111 disposed inside the cultivation pot 100. A portion of the water supply pipe 105 may be in contact with water stored in the water supply bed 120. Water may flow into the hollow of the water supply pipe 105 by the part of the water supply pipe 105 that is in contact with the water. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 105 may be placed at the center of the bottom of the pot body 101. The location of the water supply pipe 105 can be changed in various ways on the bottom of the port body 101.

The water supply pipe 105 may include a depression 106. The depression 106 may be formed by a portion of the water supply pipe 105 being depressed. The depression 106 may be disposed at one end of the water supply pipe 105. The depression 106 may be formed by depression of one end of the water supply pipe 105. For example, the depression 106 may be depressed in a direction from one end of the water supply pipe 105 protruding downward from the pot body 101 toward the bottom of the pot body 101. The depressions 106 may be provided in multiple numbers. The depression 106 can be understood as a passage through which a portion of the water supply pipe 105 is opened and water stored in the water supply bed 120 passes. That is, water stored in the water supply bed 120 can smoothly flow into the hollow of the water supply pipe 105 through the depression 106.

The water supply pipe 105 may include a porous portion 107. The porous portion 107 can filter foreign substances contained in water flowing into the hollow of the water supply pipe 105. Additionally, the porous portion 107 can prevent the suction member 110, which will be described later, from falling off from the water supply pipe 105. The porous portion 107 may be provided at one end of the water supply pipe 105. The porous portion 107 may cover the hollow portion of the water supply pipe 105 at one end of the water supply pipe 105. The porous portion 107 may include multiple pores. Water stored in the water supply bed 120 may pass through the plurality of pores and flow into the hollow of the water supply pipe 105. As the water passes through the plurality of pores, foreign substances may be filtered out by a size exclusion mechanism.

A suction member 110 may be included inside the port body 101. The suction member 110 may be disposed in the hollow of the water supply pipe 105. The suction member 110 can suck water flowing into the hollow of the water supply pipe 105. The suction member 110 can transfer the sucked water to the medium 111, which will be described later. That is, the suction member 110 can perform the function of absorbing water flowing into the hollow of the water supply pipe 105 and delivering it to the medium 111.

A medium 111 may be included inside the port body 101. The medium 111 may be accommodated inside the port body 101. The medium 111 may contain nutrients required for plant growth. For example, the medium 111 may be provided as top soil, soil, etc. The medium 111 may receive water from the suction member 110. Nutrients included in the medium 111 may be mixed with water delivered from the suction member 110. Nutrients mixed with water can be supplied to the roots of plants.

A seed layer 112 may be included inside the pot body 101. The seed layer 112 may be accommodated inside the pot body 101. The seed layer 112 may be placed on top of the medium 111. Plant seeds may be placed on the seed layer 112. The seed layer 112 may receive water mixed with nutrients from the medium 111. The seed layer 112 may support plant seeds. The seed layer 112 can be penetrated by plant roots. The roots of the plant that penetrate the seed layer 112 may grow in a direction toward the medium 111. The seed layer 112 may prevent plants growing on the seed layer 112 from contacting the medium 111. In other words, the seed layer 112 can allow plants to grow cleanly. In addition, the seed layer 112 receives water from the medium 111, thereby creating an environment suitable for plant growth, thereby promoting plant growth.

The cultivation pot 100 according to the present invention can receive water from the water supply bed 120 by the suction member 110. At this time, plants sown in the cultivation pot 100 may receive water intermittently from the water supply bed 120. Since water is intermittently supplied from the water supply bed 120, excessive supply of water to the cultivation pot 100 can be prevented. Water from the water supply bed 120 may be supplied to the cultivation pot 100 by the suction member 110. If the water content in the suction member 110, the medium 111, and the seed layer 112 increases, the amount of water sucked from the water supply bed 120 by the suction member 110 may decrease. .

The port body 101 may further include a cover 113. The cover 113 may cover one open surface of the port body 101. The cover 113 can be optionally separated from the port body 101. The cover 113 can cover the open surface of the pot body 101 to protect the plant growing in the seed layer 112.

Hereinafter, the water supply bed 120 will be described in detail based on the drawings.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the water supply bed 120 according to the present invention may include a bed body 121 forming a body. The bed body 121 may be formed as a polygon with one side open. The bed body 121 may be formed into a basket shape by having a portion of its open surface recessed. A plurality of cultivation pots 100 may be seated inside the bed body 121. A space in which the plurality of cultivation pots 100 can be seated may be formed inside the bed body 121.

The bed body 121 may include an inlet 122. The inlet 122 may be formed on one side of the bed body 121. The inlet 122 can be understood as a place where water supplied from the auxiliary storage unit 50 flows. In this embodiment, the inlet 122 may be formed to protrude outward from one side of the bed body 121. A space through which water can flow may be formed inside the inlet 122. The inlet 122 may be connected to a water supply passage 125, which will be described later. Water flowing into the inlet 122 may flow along the water supply passage 125 formed by a water channel 123, which will be described later.

The bed body 121 may include a water channel 123. The water conduit 123 may form a space where water can flow or be stored inside the bed body 121. The waterway 123 may be formed to protrude upward from the inner bottom surface of the bed body 121. The water conduit 123 may include a first wall 123a and a second wall 123b. Each of the first wall 123a and the second wall 123b may protrude upward from the inner bottom surface of the bed body 121. The first wall 123a and the second wall 123b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. A water supply passage 125 through which water flows may be formed between the first wall 123a and the second wall 123b. The water supply passage 125 may allow water flowing into the inlet 122 to flow. In this embodiment, one end of the first wall 123a and one end of the second wall 123b may be connected to the inner side of the bed body 121. Also, the other end of the second wall 123b and the other end of the second wall 123b may be connected to each other. The first wall 123a and the second wall 123b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The water supply passage 125 may be located between the first wall 123a and the second wall 123b.

The water supply flow path 125 may include a plurality of flow paths 126, 127, and 128. A portion of the water supply flow path 125 may be branched into a first flow path 126, a second flow path 127, and a third flow path 128. The first passage 126, the second passage 127, and the third passage 128 may be formed by the water passage 123 together with the water supply passage 125. The first flow path 126, the second flow path 127, and the third flow path 128 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first flow path 126, the second flow path 127, and the third flow path 128 may extend from one inner surface of the bed body 121 toward the other inner surface. In this embodiment, the first flow path 126 may be disposed closer to the inlet 122 than the second flow path 127. The second flow passage 127 may be disposed closer to the inlet 122 than the third flow passage 128. When water is supplied to the water supply passage 125 from the inlet 122, water flows from the water supply passage 125 into the first passage 126, the second passage 127, and the third passage 128. ) Water can be supplied in this order. The first flow path 126, the second flow path 127, and the third flow path 128 allow water introduced into the water supply flow path 125 by the inlet 122 to be connected to a plurality of cultivation ports 100. It can be defined as a euro for supply.

The water conduit 122 may include a water supply pipe arrangement portion 124. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be formed in the first flow path 126, the second flow path 127, and the third flow path 128. The water supply pipe arrangement unit 124 may be defined as a space where the water supply pipe 105 of the cultivation pot 100 is disposed. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be formed by the water conduit 123. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be formed by deforming a portion of the water conduit 123 into a shape corresponding to the water supply pipe 105. For example, in the water supply pipe arrangement part 124, the first wall 123a is transformed into a shape corresponding to one side of the water supply pipe 105, and the second wall 123b is formed on the other side of the water supply pipe 105. It can be formed by being transformed into a shape corresponding to . The water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be formed by bending the first wall 123a and the second wall 123b.

The water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be provided in multiple numbers. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be provided in each of the first flow path 126, the second flow path 127, and the third flow path 128. Different water supply pipe arrangement parts 124 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe arrangement portion 124 may be disposed on one side and the other of the first flow path 126, the second flow path 127, and the third flow path 128, respectively.

The water supply bed 120 may include a plurality of sensors 130 and 131. The sensors 130 and 131 can detect the amount of water supplied to the water supply passage 125. In this embodiment, the sensors 130 and 131 may include a first sensor 130 and a second sensor 131. The first sensor 130 outputs an electrical signal, and the second sensor 131 can receive the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130. Electrical signals input or output from the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131 may be transmitted by water supplied to the water supply passage 125. That is, the amount of water supplied to the water supply passage 125 can be detected depending on whether the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131 are energized by water.

The first sensor 130 may be placed in the inlet 122. The second sensor 131 may be disposed at one end of one of the plurality of flow paths 126, 127, and 128 that is located furthest from the inlet 122. In this embodiment, the first sensor 130 may be placed in the inlet 122, and the second sensor 131 may be placed at one end of the third flow passage 128. Water supplied to the water supply passage 125 through the inlet 122 may flow in the first passage 126, the second passage 127, and the third passage 128 in that order. If the second sensor 131 is placed in the flow path furthest from the inlet 122, the problem of non-supply of water can be minimized. When the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131 are connected to each other by water, it can be detected that the water supplied to the inlet 122 has reached the third flow path 128. When water is supplied to the third flow path 128, it can be recognized that water is also supplied to the first flow path 126 and the second flow path 127. This is because the first flow path 126 and the second flow path 127 are disposed closer to the inlet 122 than the third flow path 128.

When the cultivation pot 100 is seated on the water supply bed 120 according to the present invention, the water supply pipe 105 of the cultivation pot 100 can be placed in the water supply pipe placement portion 124 of the water supply bed 120. there is. When the water supply pipe 105 is disposed in the water supply pipe arrangement part 124, water supplied by the water supply passage 125 may flow into the water supply pipe 105. In addition, the water supplied through the water supply passage 125 may be supplied to the water supply pipes 105 of the plurality of cultivation pots 100, respectively. Water flowing into the water supply pipe 105 may be absorbed by the suction member 110 and delivered to the medium 111.

According to this configuration, water remaining in the water supply bed 120 can be minimized when water is supplied to the cultivation pot 100. Since the amount of water supplied to the water supply bed 120 can be adjusted by the auxiliary storage unit 50, excessive supply of water to the water supply bed 120 can be minimized.

Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the plant cultivation device 1 according to the present invention supplies water to the water supply bed 120 based on the electrical signal detected by the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131. You can control whether or not.

The control unit of the plant cultivation device 1 detects whether or not water is stored in the water supply bed 120 depending on whether the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is input to the second sensor 131. You can do it (S1). The electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 may be transmitted to the second sensor 131 depending on whether water exists in the water supply bed 120. When the water level in the water supply bed 120 is low, the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 may not be input to the second sensor 131. On the other hand, when the water level in the water supply bed 120 exceeds a preset water level, the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 may be transmitted to the second sensor 131. That is, the level of water stored in the water supply bed 120 can be detected by the second sensor 131 depending on whether the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is input.

Depending on whether the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is transmitted to the second sensor 131, the control unit can determine whether water is supplied to the water supply bed 120 (S2). When the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is input to the second sensor 131 by the water stored in the water supply bed 120, the control unit detects that a set amount of water is supplied to the water supply bed 120. You can find out what is stored. When it is determined that a set amount of water is stored in the water supply bed 120, the control unit may determine that water supply to the water supply bed 120 is not necessary. If water supply to the water supply bed 120 is not required, the operation of the pump 45 may be stopped (S5). When the pump 45 is not operating, the pump 45 may remain in a non-operating state.

If the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is not input to the second sensor 131, the control unit may determine that water needs to be supplied to the water supply bed 120. When water is needed to be supplied to the water supply bed 120, the pump 45 can be started to operate (S3). When the pump 45 operates, water may be supplied to the water supply bed 120.

The control unit may control the operation of the pump 45. The control unit may control the operation of the pump 45 based on the water discharge flow rate information of the pump 45. The control unit may ensure that a set amount of water is supplied based on the water discharge flow rate information of the pump 45. The control unit may control the operation of the pump 45 to supply water to the water supply bed 120.

For example, the control unit may operate the pump 45 to allow water stored in the main storage unit 40 to flow into the auxiliary storage unit 50. Water supplied to the auxiliary storage unit 50 may be supplied to the water supply bed 120. Since a preset amount of water is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50, the controller can operate the pump 45 to store a preset amount of water in the auxiliary storage unit 50. The control unit may adjust the valve 70 depending on whether a set amount of water is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50. If the set amount of water is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50, the control unit may close the valve 70 to prevent water from being supplied to the water supply bed 120. When a set amount of water is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50, the controller may open the valve 70 to supply water to the water supply bed 120.

The control unit can determine whether water supply to the water supply bed 120 has been completed depending on whether the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is input to the second sensor 131 (S4). The electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 may be input to the second sensor 131 by the water stored in the water supply bed 120. Electrical signals may be transmitted between the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131 by the water stored in the water supply bed 120. When the electrical signal output from the first sensor 130 is input to the second sensor 131, the control unit can determine that a set amount of water is stored in the water supply bed 120. When it is determined that a set amount of water is stored in the water supply bed 120, the control unit may stop the operation of the pump 45 (S5).

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the auxiliary storage unit 50 according to the present invention may include a storage body 51 that forms a body. The storage body 51 may have a space inside which water is stored. In detail, inside the storage body 51, there is a first space 511 where water supplied to the water supply bed 120 is stored, and a second space where water recovered to the main storage unit 40 is stored. (512) may be included. The first space 511 and the second space 512 may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall 52 . The partition wall 52 may divide the internal space of the auxiliary storage unit 50 into the first space 511 and the second space 512. The partition wall 52 may be formed by protruding a portion of the inner surface of the storage body 51.

The storage body 51 may include an inclined surface. The inclined surface may include a first inclined surface 514 and a second inclined surface 515. The first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515 may be disposed inside the storage body 51. The first inclined surface 514 may form the bottom of the first space 511. The second inclined surface 515 may form the bottom of the second space 512. The first inclined surface 514 and the second inclined surface 515 may be formed to be inclined downward. The first inclined surface 514 may be connected to a discharge pipe 58, which will be described later. The second inclined surface 515 may be connected to a recovery pipe 57, which will be described later. The first slope 514 can prevent residual water from remaining in the first space 511 when the water stored in the first space 511 is supplied to the water supply bed 120. The second slope 515 can prevent residual water from remaining in the second space 512 when the water stored in the second space 512 is returned to the main storage unit 40.

The partition wall 52 may include a flow hole 521. The flow holes 521 may be provided in multiple numbers. The flow hole 521 may be formed by opening a portion of the partition wall 52. The flow hole 521 may communicate with the first space 511 and the second space 512. The flow hole 521 may allow water stored in the first space 511 to flow into the second space 512. When the water flowing into the first space 511 exceeds a set amount, the flow hole 521 can cause the excess water to flow into the second space 512. The flow hole 521 can be understood as an opening that allows water overflowing from the first space 511 to flow into the second space 512. The flow hole 521 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the bottom of the first space 511 at a certain height. The flow hole 521 may be disposed at a position spaced upward from the bottom of the first space 511 so that a set amount of water can be stored in the first space 511. When the water in the first space 511 flows into the second space 512 through the flow hole 521, it can be understood that a set amount of water is stored in the first space 511.

The storage body 51 may include a plurality of pipes. In this embodiment, the plurality of pipes may include a supply pipe 56, a return pipe 57, and a discharge pipe 58. The plurality of pipes may be formed to protrude from the storage body 51. Alternatively, the plurality of pipes may be connected to the storage body 51.

The supply pipe 56 allows water supplied from the main storage unit 40 to the auxiliary storage unit 50 to pass. The recovery pipe 57 allows water recovered from the auxiliary storage unit 50 to the main storage unit 40 to pass. The discharge pipe 58 can be understood as a passage through which water stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50 flows to the water supply bed 120. The supply pipe 56 may communicate with the first space 511. Water from the main storage unit 40 may be supplied to the first space 511 through the supply pipe 56. The recovery pipe 57 may be in communication with the second space 512. Water stored in the second space 512 can be recovered to the main storage unit 40 through the recovery pipe 57. The discharge pipe 58 may communicate with the first space 511. Water stored in the first space 511 may be supplied to the water supply bed 120 through the discharge pipe 58. In this embodiment, the supply pipe 56 may be located above the discharge pipe 58. The discharge pipe 58 and the recovery pipe 57 may be provided on the lower side of the storage body 51. The discharge pipe 58 may be connected to the first inclined surface 514, and the recovery pipe 57 may be connected to the second inclined surface 515.

In this embodiment, the supply pipe 56 may be disposed on the side of the storage body 51. A pipe penetration hole 53 through which the supply pipe 56 is inserted may be provided on the side of the storage body 51. For example, the pipe through hole 53 can be understood as an opening into which the supply pipe 56 is inserted. A portion of the supply pipe 56 may be disposed inside the first space 511 after passing through the pipe through-hole 53. The pipe through hole 53 and the supply pipe 56 may be sealed to each other.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a water supply bed of a plant cultivation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The water supply bed 220 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a specific part of the water supply bed according to the first embodiment is deformed. Accordingly, some configurations of the water supply bed 220 according to the second embodiment may be the same as those of the water supply bed 220 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, parts omitted from the description of the plant cultivation device according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment, and the same description can be cited. Hereinafter, specific parts of the water supply bed 220 according to the second embodiment, which is modified from the water supply bed according to the first embodiment, will be described.

Referring to FIG. 10, the water supply bed 220 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a bed body 221 forming a body. In this embodiment, the bed body 221 may be formed as a polygon with one side open. The bed body 221 may be formed into a basket shape by having a portion of its open surface recessed. A plurality of cultivation pots may be seated inside the bed body 221.

The bed body 221 may include an inlet 222. The inlet 222 may be disposed inside the bed body 221. The inlet 222 can be understood as a place where water supplied from the auxiliary storage unit 50 flows. In this embodiment, the inlet 222 may be formed by opening one side of the bed body 221. The inlet 222 may form a space through which water supplied from the auxiliary storage unit 50 flows. The inlet 222 may be connected to a water supply passage 225, which will be described later. Water flowing into the inlet 222 may flow along the water supply passage 225.

The bed body 221 may include a water channel 223. In this embodiment, the water conduit 223 may be formed on the inner bottom of the bed body 221. The waterway 223 may be formed by the bottom of the bed body 221 being depressed downward. The water supply passage 225 may be formed by the water conduit 223. That is, the water supply passage 225 may be defined as a space formed by the bottom of the bed body 221 being depressed downward.

The water supply flow path 225 may include multiple flow paths. The plurality of flow paths may be formed by branches of a portion of the water supply flow path 225. The plurality of flow paths may be branched into a first flow path 226, a second flow path 227, and a third flow path 228. The first flow path 226, the second flow path 227, and the third flow path 228 may be spaced apart from each other. Water supplied to the water supply passage 225 may flow into the first passage 226, the second passage 227, and the third passage 228.

The water conduit 223 may include a water supply pipe arrangement portion 224. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 224 may be formed in the first flow path 226, the second flow path 227, and the third flow path 228. The water supply pipe arrangement unit 224 may be defined as a space where the water supply pipe 105 of the cultivation pot 100 is placed. The water supply pipe 105 may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the cultivation pot 100. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 224 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the water supply pipe 105. The water supply pipe arrangement portion 224 may be formed by recessing a portion of the water conduit 223 to correspond to the water supply pipe 105. For example, a portion of the waterway 223 may be further depressed in a direction from the waterway 223 toward both sides of the bed body 221. The water supply pipe 105 can receive water supplied to the water supply passage 225 while placed in the water supply pipe arrangement unit 224.

The water supply bed 220 may include multiple sensors. The plurality of sensors can detect the amount of water supplied to the water supply passage 225 of the water supply bed 220. The plurality of sensors may include a first sensor 230, a second sensor 231, and a third sensor 232.

The first sensor 230 is disposed adjacent to the inlet 222, and the first sensor 230 can output an electrical signal. The second sensor 231 may be provided in one or more of the plurality of flow paths and disposed at one end of the provided flow path. The second sensor 231 may receive an electrical signal output from the first sensor 230. The third sensor 232 may be provided in one or more of the plurality of flow paths and may be disposed between the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 231. The third sensor 232 can receive an electrical signal output from the first sensor 230. That is, when water is supplied to the water supply passage 225, the supplied water may contact the first sensor 230, the third sensor 232, and the second sensor 231 in that order. When the water comes into contact with a plurality of sensors, the electrical signal output from the first sensor 230 by the water may be transmitted to one or more of the second sensor 231 and the third sensor 232. .

For example, when the electrical signal output from the first sensor 230 is input to the third sensor 232, the water supplied to the water supply passage 225 is directed to the location where the third sensor 232 is located. You can recognize that you have reached the euro. It is possible to recognize that water has reached the passage where the third sensor 232 is located, and to supply additional water so that the water reaches one end of the passage where the second sensor 231 is located.

That is, the electric signal output from the first sensor 230 is detected as being input to the second sensor 231 and the third sensor 232, and the amount of water supplied to the water supply passage 225 is determined. You can. The supply of water to the water supply bed 220 can be adjusted using the amount of water detected through a plurality of sensors.

Figure 11 is a configuration diagram of a plant cultivation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The plant cultivation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a specific part of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment is modified. Accordingly, some configurations of the plant cultivation device according to the third embodiment may be the same as those of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment. Therefore, parts omitted from the description of the plant cultivation device according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment, and the same description can be cited. Hereinafter, specific parts of the plant cultivation device according to the third embodiment, which are modified from the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment, will be described.

Referring to FIG. 11, the plant cultivation device 3 may include a cultivation port 300, a water supply bed 320, a water storage unit 40, a pump 45, and a control unit. The plant cultivation device 3 according to this embodiment may further include a timer 370 that detects the operating time of the pump 45.

The timer 370 may detect the operating time of the pump 45 and transmit time information about the operating time of the pump 45 to the control unit. In this embodiment, the control unit may control the operation of the pump 45 based on the water discharge flow rate information of the pump 45 and time information transmitted from the timer 370. Since the control unit adjusts the amount of water supplied to the water supply bed 320 based on the water discharge flow rate information of the pump 45 and the time information of the timer 370, an auxiliary storage unit may not be provided. That is, the control unit can supply water stored in the water storage unit 40 to the water supply bed 320.

The control unit may supply a set amount of water to the water supply bed 320. The control unit may adjust the amount of water supplied to the water supply bed 320 based on the water discharge flow rate information of the pump 45 and the time information of the timer 370. The control unit can detect the amount of water supplied by the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131 provided in the water supply bed 320. When the control unit determines that the supply of water to the water supply bed 320 is completed by the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 131, water is supplied from the pump 45 to the water supply bed 320. Supply may be limited.

The plant cultivation device 3 may further include a hydraulic system 360. The hydraulic pressure gauge 360 can detect the hydraulic pressure of water supplied from the pump 45 to the water supply bed 320. The hydraulic pressure gauge 360 may be provided in a pipe connecting the pump 45 and the water supply bed 320. The hydraulic system 360 can detect the hydraulic pressure of water supplied from the pump 45 to the water supply bed 320 and transmit hydraulic pressure information to the control unit. The control unit may control the operation of the pump 45 based on hydraulic information sensed by the hydraulic gauge 360, water discharge flow rate information of the pump 45, and time information of the timer 370. .

The plant cultivation device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can control the amount of water supplied from the pump 45 to the water supply bed 320, so that a set amount of water can be supplied to the cultivation port 300. You can.

1: plant cultivation device 10: body
25: bed support 30: light source module
35: ventilation unit 40: main storage unit
45: pump 50: auxiliary reservoir
100: cultivation pot 120: watering bed

Claims (19)

A body equipped with a cultivation room inside;
a water storage unit disposed inside the body and storing water;
a water supply bed disposed on one side of the cultivation room and having a water supply channel for receiving water from the water storage unit;
A cultivation pot that is seated on the water supply bed and receives water stored in the water supply channel;
a pump that flows water stored in the water storage unit into the water supply passage; and
A control unit that controls the operation of the pump according to the amount of water stored in the water supply passage,
The water storage unit,
a main storage unit where the water is stored; and
An auxiliary storage unit that stores water supplied from the main storage unit and supplies a preset amount of water to the water supply bed,
The auxiliary storage unit,
a storage unit body provided with a first space in which water supplied to the water supply bed is stored and a second space in which water recovered to the main storage unit is stored; and
It includes a partition wall dividing the first space and the second space,
The auxiliary storage unit is configured to move excess supplied water to the second space when water flowing into the first space through the partition wall exceeds a preset amount. According to claim 1,
The water supply bed is,
A plant cultivation device connected to one side of the water supply passage and including an inlet through which water supplied from the water storage unit flows. According to claim 2,
The water supply passage includes a plurality of sensors,
In the plurality of sensors,
A first sensor disposed on one side of the inlet and outputting a signal; and
A plant cultivation device that is disposed on one side of the water supply passage away from the inlet and includes a second sensor that receives a signal output from the first sensor. According to claim 3,
When the first sensor and the second sensor are contacted by water supplied to the inlet and the water supply passage, a signal from the first sensor is input to the second sensor. According to claim 4,
The control unit stops operating the pump when a signal from the first sensor is input to the second sensor,
A plant cultivation device that maintains operation of the pump when a signal from the first sensor is not input to the second sensor. According to claim 3,
The plurality of sensors further include a third sensor disposed between the first sensor and the second sensor,
The third sensor is a plant cultivation device, characterized in that the signal output from the first sensor is input before the second sensor. According to claim 1,
The cultivation pot is a plant cultivation device including a water supply pipe extending downward from the bottom of the cultivation pot and having a hollow interior. According to claim 7,
The water supply pipe is
One or more depressions disposed at one end of the water supply pipe and opening a portion of the water supply pipe; and
A plant cultivation device comprising a porous portion disposed at one end of the water supply pipe and covering a hollow portion of the water supply pipe. According to claim 7,
The plant cultivation device includes a plurality of supports in which the cultivation pot extends downward from the bottom of the cultivation pot and extends further downward than the water supply pipe. According to claim 7,
In the cultivation pot,
a suction member disposed inside the water supply pipe and sucking water stored in the water supply passage;
a medium disposed above the suction member, receiving water from the suction member, and storing nutrients required for plant growth; and
A plant cultivation device disposed above the medium and including a seed layer on which plants are placed. According to claim 7,
The water supply bed is a plant cultivation device including a water channel that protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the water supply bed or is recessed downward from the inner bottom surface of the water supply bed to form the water supply passage. According to claim 11,
A plant cultivation device including a water supply pipe arrangement part into which a part of the water supply pipe is inserted into the water pipe. delete According to claim 1,
The auxiliary storage unit,
The plant cultivation device further includes a flow hole formed in the partition wall and allowing water in the first space to flow into the second space. According to claim 14,
The auxiliary storage unit,
a supply pipe allowing water stored in the main storage unit to flow into the first space;
a recovery pipe that recovers water existing in the second space to the main storage unit; and
A plant cultivation device including a discharge pipe that supplies water existing in the first space to the water supply bed. According to claim 15,
The discharge pipe is provided with a plurality of valves,
The control unit is a plant cultivation device that adjusts the opening degree of the valve according to the amount of water stored in the water supply passage. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a timer for measuring the operation time of the pump,
The control unit is a plant cultivation device that adjusts the operating time of the pump based on time information measured by the timer. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a hydraulic gauge that measures the pressure of water flowing from the water storage unit to the water supply bed,
The control unit is a plant cultivation device that adjusts the operating time of the pump based on hydraulic information measured by the hydraulic system. According to claim 14,
The flow hole is a plant disposed in a position spaced upward from the bottom of the first space to flow the excess water into the second space when the water flowing into the first space exceeds a preset amount. Cultivation device.

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