KR20210121742A - Plants cultivation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A plant cultivating apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a cabinet forming a growing space; a bed disposed in a cultivating space and provided with a water collecting unit storing water; a pod seated on the bed and having a pod protrusion unit having a water hole through which the water stored in the water collecting unit flows in; and a medium filled in the pod and the pod protrusion unit, absorbing water from the water collecting unit and supplying the same to seeds of plants for cultivation.

Description

Plant cultivation apparatus

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation apparatus.

A general plant cultivation apparatus forms a predetermined cultivation room having an environment suitable for plant growth, and stores the plants in the predetermined cultivation room. The plant cultivation apparatus is provided with a configuration for supplying nutrients and light energy necessary for plant growth, and the plant grows by the supplied nutrients and light energy.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to the prior art is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1240375. In this prior art, multiple trays are arranged inside the cabinet, light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit to the tray, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the tray through the nutrient solution recovery box, and the inside of the cabinet is set at a set temperature by the air conditioner and air circulation fan. A structure capable of cultivating plants by maintaining a structure is disclosed.

In US Patent No. 2018/0359946, which is a plant cultivation device according to another prior art, a plurality of trays for growing plants are provided inside the cabinet, and a light irradiating light and a water supply means are provided above the tray to supply nutrient solution. There is disclosed a structure in which a cooling device and a heating device using a refrigeration cycle are provided to control the temperature inside the cabinet.

However, according to the prior art as described above, the plant cultivation apparatus of the method of circulating the nutrient solution is vulnerable to contamination of the nutrient solution, and the contaminated nutrient solution is supplied to the plant to cause a problem in plant growth, or to periodically replace the contaminated nutrient solution There is a difficulty in maintaining the internal environment of the plant cultivation apparatus hygienically due to inconvenience and the like.

In addition, the internal environment of the plant cultivation device is configured to have a temperature and humidity suitable for plant growth, but since the internal environment above is an environment suitable for mold growth, plants and mold grow together, causing an obstacle to plant growth, There is a problem in that the safety of the plants growing in the plant cultivation apparatus is questioned.

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that prevents contamination of a cultivation space and maintains a sanitary environment.

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of optimizing the amount of water supplied, preventing residual water from being generated in the bed, and thus reducing the occurrence of odors and contamination.

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that maintains a clean and sanitary state in which a pipe and a water tank to which water is supplied by supplying only water to a bed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that prevents pollutants such as mold and algae from being generated in a medium in which seeds of plants are grown.

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that prevents the growth of plants from being reduced.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention includes a pod that is seated on a bed provided with a water collecting unit in which water is stored, and is filled with a medium absorbing the water of the water collecting unit, so as to prevent residual water in the water collecting unit. can

In the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention, a medium for absorbing water is composed of mineral vermiculite, so that the water of the water collecting part rapidly flows into the inside of the pod, and water can be supplied to the seeds.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention can suppress the occurrence of mold in a seed growth environment by constituting a medium with inorganic vermiculite.

In the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention, the nutrient solution material for supplying nutrients to the seeds is included in the medium, so that when the water of the collecting part is absorbed into the medium, the nutrient solution material is dissolved in the water and supplied to the seeds. .

In the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention, a pod protrusion protruding downward and provided with a water-through hole is formed in the pod, so that water stored in the water collecting unit can be absorbed into the interior of the pod while seated on the bed.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention includes a pod cover that covers an open surface of a pod, and can suppress the generation of algae in the medium by controlling the amount of light supplied to the medium.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention has the advantage of preventing contamination of the cultivation space and maintaining a sanitary environment.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention has the advantage of suppressing the occurrence of mold or green algae in the medium in a plant growth environment by configuring the medium with inorganic vermiculite having breathability and water retention properties.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention has an advantage in that residual water is prevented from being generated in a water collecting unit in which water is stored, and thus contaminated water is prevented from being supplied to the pod.

Plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention, by controlling the amount of light supplied to the medium, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of green algae due to moisture and light on the surface of the medium.

1 is a perspective view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is an open perspective view of the door of the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view taken along 4-4' of FIG. 2;
5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the machine room of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower assembly of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front.
8 is an exploded perspective view of the blower assembly viewed from the rear;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of "A" of FIG. 4;
10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded light assembly of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a perspective view of a light case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a cutaway perspective view of a light case according to an embodiment of the present invention;
13 is a perspective view of a water supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14' of FIG. 13;
15 is a rear view of a water supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view in which a part of an outer case of the cabinet is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention;
17 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of a water supply passage of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
18 is an enlarged view of "B" of FIG. 5;
19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bed of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is withdrawn.
20 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a bed and a water supply passage according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a plan view of a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a cutaway perspective view of a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a perspective view of a pod according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
24 is an exploded perspective view of a pod according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
25 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
26 is an enlarged view of “C” of FIG.
27 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
28 is a perspective view of a pod according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
29 is an exploded perspective view of a pod according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
30 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
31 is an exploded perspective view of a pod according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
32 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the spirit of the present invention is presented, and other inventions that are degenerate by addition, change, deletion, etc. of other elements or other embodiments included within the scope of the present invention are easily proposed. can do.

1 is a perspective view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an open perspective view of a door of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plant cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention An exploded perspective view of the apparatus, FIG. 4 is a perspective view taken along 4-4' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings as a whole with respect to the plant cultivation apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a cabinet 100 forming a space in which a plant is grown therein, and a door 130 for opening and closing the cabinet 100 The appearance may be formed by At this time, the cultivated plant is usually edible by the user, such as leaf vegetables and herbs that can be used in wraps or salads, and it is preferable that plants that do not occupy a lot of space are grown, and seeds and nutrients are It may be provided in the form of an included pod 10 .

The cabinet 100 is formed to have an open front surface, and a cultivation space 101 may be provided therein. The cabinet 100 may include an outer case 110 forming an exterior and an inner case 120 forming the cultivation space 101 , and A heat insulating material 102 may be provided between them to insulate the cultivation space and maintain the cultivation space 101 at a set temperature.

The outer case 110 and the inner case 120 may be formed of a metal material, and may be formed by combining a plurality of plate-shaped materials with each other. In particular, the inner case 120 may have both side surfaces, a rear surface, and an upper surface formed in a metal plate shape, and may be coupled to each other.

A plurality of beds 300 may be vertically disposed inside the cabinet 100 . In this embodiment, two upper and lower beds 300a and 300b are provided and may have the same structure. The bed 300 may be referred to as an upper bed 300b and a lower bed 300a, respectively, for convenience of explanation and understanding. Of course, two or more beds 300 may be provided according to the size of the cabinet 100 .

The bed 300 may have a structure in which a plurality of pods 10 containing plant seeds and nutrients necessary for cultivation are seated. The bed 300 may be called a shelf or a tray. In addition, the bed 300 may have a structure in which the pod 10 can be seated and maintained in a seated state. In addition, the bed 300 may have a structure in which the pod 10 can be easily seated, and to facilitate management and harvesting of plants growing in the pod 10 .

In addition, the bed 300 may have a structure in which water supplied from the water tank 700 flows and is delivered to all the pods 10 seated on the bed 300 . In addition, the bed 300 may maintain an appropriate water level so as to constantly supply moisture to the pod 10 .

Meanwhile, a machine room 200 may be provided below the cabinet 100 . The machine room 200 may include a compressor 610 and a condenser 620 constituting a refrigeration cycle for controlling the temperature of the cultivation space 101 .

A grill cover 220 may be provided on the front surface of the machine room 200 , and the grill cover 220 includes a grill suction port 221 through which air is sucked into the machine room 200 , and the machine room 200 . ) A grill outlet 222 through which internal air is discharged may be formed.

Meanwhile, the internal temperature of the cultivation space 101 may be controlled by the refrigeration cycle 600 . In this case, the evaporator 630 may be disposed on the inner rear wall surface of the cultivation space 101 . The evaporator 630 may be provided with a roll bond type heat exchanger, and may be referred to as a heat exchanger. The evaporator 630 may have a plate-shaped structure that is easily attached to the rear wall of the cultivation space 101 . In addition, the evaporator 630 minimizes the loss of the cultivation space 101 due to the plate-like structure and is close to the cultivation space 101 to effectively control the temperature of the cultivation space 101 .

A heater (not shown) may be provided on the rear wall of the cultivation space 101 . Accordingly, heating and cooling may be performed in the rear region of the cultivation space 101 . The inside of the cultivation space 101 by the evaporator 630 and the heater to maintain a temperature suitable for plant growth (eg, 18 ℃ - 28 ℃). Of course, a configuration for heating other than the heater may be provided as needed, and various heating methods such as a heating structure through hot gas or a heating structure through conversion of a refrigeration cycle will be possible. The temperature inside the cultivation space 101 is sensed by the internal temperature sensor 450 , and can be kept constant regardless of the external temperature of the cabinet 100 .

In addition, a blower assembly 500 may be provided in front of the evaporator 630 . The blower assembly 500 may circulate inside the cultivation space 101 to uniformly cool or heat the cultivation space 101 .

The blower assembly 500 may include an upper blower assembly 500b disposed in an upper space divided by the bed 300 and a lower blower assembly 500a disposed in a lower space. The blower assembly 500 disposed up and down has the same structure and shape with only a difference in mounting position from each other. The blower assembly 500 may be provided as many as the number corresponding to the number of the beds 300 , and may blow air from the rear of the bed 300 toward the front. Accordingly, independent air circulation can be achieved in each space inside the cultivation space 101 partitioned by the bed 300 .

The air inside the cultivation space 101 is circulated by the blower assembly 500, and in particular, the circulated air passes through the evaporator 630 so that the entire interior of the cultivation space 101 has a uniform temperature. On the other hand, it is possible to quickly control the temperature. In addition, the air circulated by the blower assembly 500 may flow while passing through the upper surface of the bed 300 and the lower surface of the light assembly 400 .

The air flowing by the blower assembly 500 passes over the upper surface of the bed 300 to make the breathing of the plant grown in the bed 300 more smooth and the plant to shake properly, thereby controlling the stress to grow. It can provide the optimal airflow required for In addition, the air flowing by the blower assembly 500 can prevent overheating of the light assembly 400 while passing through the lower surface of the light assembly 400 .

Meanwhile, the light assembly 400 may be provided above the bed 300 . The light assembly 400 provides light necessary for plants by irradiating light toward the bed 300 . In this case, the amount of light irradiated by the light assembly 400 may be set similarly to sunlight, and the amount of light and irradiation time optimized for the plant being grown may be set.

The light assembly 400 may include an upper light assembly 400b provided in an upper space partitioned by the bed 300 and a lower light assembly 400a provided in a lower space. The upper light assembly 400b may be mounted on an upper surface of the cultivation space 101 , and the lower light assembly 400a may be mounted on a lower surface of the upper bed 300b.

That is, the upper light assembly 400b and the lower light assembly 400a may be positioned vertically above the bed 300 disposed below, respectively, and on the upper surface of the divided cultivation space 101 , the bed By irradiating light toward the 300, it is possible to control the growth of the cultivated plant.

A water tank 700 may be provided on a bottom surface inside the cabinet 100 . The water tank 700 may store water supplied to the bed 300 . The water tank 700 may be located below the bed 300 located at the lowermost position among the plurality of beds 300 , and the front side may be located at a position corresponding to the front end of the bed 300 . can

The length of the water tank 700 in the horizontal direction may correspond to the width of the inner space of the cabinet 100 . In addition, the vertical length of the water tank 700 may be formed to correspond to a distance between the bottom of the bed 300 and the bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 . That is, the water tank 700 may be formed to fill the entire space under the lower bed 300a located at the lowermost position, and the space behind the water tank 700 is located in the water tank 700 . can be covered by

A pump cover 740 may be provided in a space behind the water tank 700 covered by the water tank 700 . A water pump 720 and a water supply valve 724 to be described below may be provided inside the pump cover 740 . The pump cover 740 and the internal components of the pump cover 740 and the piping connected to the components may be referred to as a water supply unit or a water supply module.

The water tank 700 may be provided inside the cultivation space 101 to be withdrawn in the front-rear direction. To this end, tank rails 730 for guiding the inlet/outlet of the water tank 700 may be provided on both left and right sides of the water tank 700 . In addition, the water tank 700 may have a structure in which additional water supply is possible by being opened in the drawn-out state.

Meanwhile, the display assembly 800 may be provided in the opened first half of the cabinet 100 . The display assembly 800 may output the operating state of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 to the outside. In addition, the display assembly 800 may be provided with a manipulation unit to which a user's manipulation is input to set and input the overall operation of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 . For example, the display assembly 800 may include a touch screen structure, and may include a structure such as a button or a switch.

The door 130 may have a size capable of shielding the opened front surface of the cabinet 100 . In addition, an upper hinge 135 and a lower hinge 136 may be axially coupled to the upper end and lower end of one of the left and right sides of the door 130 . The door 130 may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet 100 by the upper hinge 135 and the lower hinge 136 , and the cultivation space 101 is formed by the rotation of the door 130 . can be opened and closed.

At least a portion of the door 130 may have a see-through structure, and the cultivation space 101 may be checked even when the door 130 is closed.

In detail, the door 130 may include a door frame 131 forming a periphery and having an opening in the center, and door panels 132 and 133 for shielding the opening of the door frame 131 . The door panels 132 and 133 may be formed of glass or a transparent plastic material to have a structure in which an interior can be seen through. In addition, the door panels 132 and 133 may have a color or a colored coating, metal deposition, or film attached thereto so that the cultivation space 101 is selectively visible or invisible.

Meanwhile, a plurality of the door panels 132 and 133 may be disposed in front and rear, and a heat insulating space may be formed between the plurality of door panels 132 and 133 . And, if necessary, the door panels 132 and 133 may include insulating glass. Accordingly, it is possible to insulate the inside and the outside of the cabinet 100 .

And, if necessary, the entire front exterior of the door 130 may be formed by the door panel 132 disposed on the front side of the door 130 .

Hereinafter, the structure of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 having the above structure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings for each configuration.

6 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the machine room of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the machine room 200 is mounted on the lower surface of the cabinet 100 , and forms a space independent of the cultivation space 101 under the cabinet 100 . The machine room 200 may be configured by a bottom plate 211 forming a lower surface, a pair of side plates 212 forming both side surfaces, and a rear plate 213 forming a rear surface.

The bottom plate 211 , the side plate 212 , and the rear plate 213 may be combined in a single module form to be referred to as a machine room frame. The space formed by the machine room frame may be formed so that the upper surface and the front surface are opened. Accordingly, the machine room frame is coupled to the lower surface of the cabinet 100 to form the machine room 200 space under the cabinet 100 .

The internal space of the machine room 200 may be partitioned by a barrier 230 . The barrier 230 may extend rearward from the opened front end of the machine room 200 . A condenser 620 may be provided in a space on the left side partitioned by the barrier 230 , and a compressor 610 may be provided on a space on the right side partitioned by the barrier 230 . In addition, a heat dissipation fan 611 for forcibly flowing air from the left to the right may be provided at the rear end of the barrier 230 .

Meanwhile, a grill cover 220 may be provided on the opened front surface of the machine room 200 . The grill cover 220 shields the open front of the machine room 200, a grill inlet 221 is formed in the front of the left space partitioned by the barrier 230, and a grill outlet ( 222) may be formed respectively.

Therefore, when the heat dissipation fan 611 is driven, external air is sucked and flows into the space on the left side of the machine room 200 through the grill suction port 221 , and the sucked air passes through the condenser 620 , and the condenser (620) is to exchange heat with the refrigerant inside. Then, the air passing through the heat dissipation fan 611 cools the compressor 610 while passing through the compressor 610 . Also, the air passing through the compressor 610 may be discharged forward through the grill outlet 222 .

That is, in the installed state of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 , both the intake of external air and the discharge of the air inside the machine room 200 pass through the grill cover 220 and are performed from the front. Accordingly, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 can be installed even in a space where the left and right sides and the rear are blocked. In particular, even if the plant cultivation apparatus 1 is installed in a furniture such as a sink, cooling and heat exchange of the compressor 610 and the condenser 620 inside the machine room 200 can be effectively performed.

On the other hand, the evaporator 630 constituting the refrigeration cycle 600 is provided inside the cabinet 100 , is vertically disposed on the rear surface of the cultivation space 101 , and includes components and refrigerant pipes in the machine room 200 . can be easily connected by

A condensate receiver 250 is provided in the machine room 200 . In this case, the condensate receiver 250 may be provided below the condenser 620 , and the condensed water flowing down from the condenser 620 may be stored, and water discharged from the cultivation space 101 is stored. could be

On the other hand, the upper side of the machine room 200 may be provided with a control unit 190 for controlling the operation of each component of the plant cultivation apparatus (1). For example, the control unit 190 may be provided between the upper surface of the machine room 200 and the inner bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 , and may be accessible by opening the grill cover 220 . Therefore, even in a state in which the plant cultivation apparatus 1 is installed and in use, the control unit 190 can be easily accessed, and maintenance can be facilitated.

7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower assembly of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the blower assembly seen from the rear, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of "A" of FIG. is an enlarged view.

As shown in the drawing, the evaporator 630 is provided on the rear wall side of the cultivation space 101 , and the blower assembly 500 may be provided in front of the evaporator 630 .

The blower assembly 500 is configured to circulate air above the cultivation space 101 partitioned by the bed 300 . Accordingly, the blower assembly 500 is provided as many as the number corresponding to the number of the beds 300 , and is provided at the lower end of the light assembly 400 and at the upper side adjacent to the bed 300 .

The blower assembly 500 includes a blower fan 520 , a fan guide 510 to which the blower fan 520 is mounted, and a blower cover 530 for shielding the fan guide 510 and the evaporator 630 . It may be composed of

In detail, the blower fan 520 is formed in a box fan shape, and may be provided in the center of the fan guide 510 . In addition, the blower fan 520 may discharge the air introduced from the rear of the blower assembly 500 to the front.

The fan guide 510 provides a space in which the blower fan 520 is mounted, and is configured to guide the discharge of air discharged by the blower fan 520 . The fan guide 510 is injection-molded with a plastic material, and the blower fan 520 may be mounted in the center of the rear surface of the fan guide 510 .

Meanwhile, an air guide part 512 is formed on the front surface of the fan guide 510 to guide air discharged from the blower fan 520 upward. The air guide part 512 may be provided on both left and right sides with respect to the center of the blower fan 520 , and may be configured to become wider toward the upper side. Accordingly, the air discharged by the blower fan 520 flows along the inclined surface, and may become closer to the discharge port formed at the upper end of the fan guide 510 toward the outside.

A discharge guide 513 may be formed on the front upper end of the fan guide 510 . The discharge guide 513 forms a surface that protrudes forward from the lower side to the upper side. That is, the discharge guide 513 forms an inclined surface or a round surface, and guides the air flowing from the lower side to the upper side toward the front. At this time, since the end of the discharge guide 513 is adjacent to the lower surface of the light assembly 400 , the air discharged from the blower assembly 500 is transferred to the light assembly 400 by the discharge guide 513 . ), it is possible to flow from the rear end to the front. The light assembly 400 can be cooled when the light assembly 400 is heated by this air flow.

A connector hole 514 may be formed at one side of the fan guide 510 . The connector hole 514 is formed to be opened at a position corresponding to the connector 124a mounted on the rear wall of the cultivation space 101 . Therefore, when the blower assembly 500 is mounted, the connector 124a is inserted into the connector hole 514 so as not to interfere with each other. In addition, the electric wire connected to the blower fan 520 may be connected to the connector 124a exposed through the connector hole 514 .

Blower brackets 550 that are inserted into and mounted on the blower assembly mounting part 415 may be provided on left and right sides of the upper surface of the fan guide 510 . One end of the blower bracket 550 may be coupled to the upper surface of the fan guide 510 , and the other end may be mounted to the blower assembly mounting part 415 formed at the rear end of the lower surface of the light assembly 400 . Accordingly, the light assembly 400 and the blower assembly 500 may be coupled to each other in a vertically intersecting form. In addition, the blower assembly 500 may discharge air from the rear end of the light assembly 400 toward the front.

In addition, an inflow guide 511 may be formed on a lower surface of the fan guide 510 . The inlet guide 511 is inclined upward toward the rear, and may guide air sucked in from the lower side of the fan guide 510 to smoothly flow to the rear of the fan guide 510 .

In addition, recessed spaces are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the fan guide 510 , and a front heat insulating material 541 and a rear heat insulating material 542 may be disposed inside the recessed space, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cold air generated in the evaporator 630 from being transmitted to the front directly through the blower assembly 500 .

Meanwhile, the blower cover 530 may shield the fan guide 510 and components mounted on the fan guide 510 in front of the fan guide 510 . In addition, the blower cover 530 extends to a position adjacent to the upper end of the bed 300 to expose the rear wall surfaces of the evaporator 630 and the inner case 120 in the mounted state of the blower assembly 500 . it can be prevented

And, the blower cover 530 and the bed 300 may be slightly spaced apart, and through the bottom of the blower cover 530 and the upper surface of the bed 300, the back along the bed 300. The air flowing into the air may be sucked toward the blower fan 520 .

At this time, in order to prevent the evaporator 630 from being exposed to the cultivation space 101 through the gap between the blower cover 530 and the bed 300 , a shield is provided in a corresponding area of the evaporator 630 . A plate 560 may be further provided.

The blower cover 530 may form the exterior of the rear wall of the cultivation space 101 .

The blower cover 530 may be formed of the same metal material as the inner case 120 , and may be formed by bending a plate-shaped material. The blower cover 530 may include a front part 531 and a side part 532 .

The front part 531 may be exposed through the cultivation space 101 and may be formed to correspond to a horizontal length of the cultivation space 101 . The upper end of the front part 531 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the fan guide 510 and the upper end of the light assembly 400 , and the air substantially discharged by the blower fan 520 . serves as an outlet to be discharged into the cultivation space 101 . The lower end of the front part 531 may extend further downward than the lower end of the fan guide 510 , and may be positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the bed 300 , and substantially the blower fan 520 . It serves as an inlet through which the air sucked toward the

That is, the rear components are shielded by the blower cover 530 and the rear exterior of the cultivation space 101 is formed, and at the same time, an inlet of air flowing along the bed 300 and the light assembly 400 ) may serve as a discharge port for the air discharged along the , so that air circulates in the cultivation space 101 . In particular, the structure of the blower assembly 500 may allow air flow along the bed 300 and the light assembly 400 , and while flowing along the rear of the fan guide 510 , the evaporator 630 or the air cooled or heated by the heater continuously circulates inside the cultivation space 101 , so that the temperature of the cultivation space 101 can be controlled. Through this continuous circulation of air, the cultivation space 101 maintains a constant temperature as a whole, and the inside of the cultivation space is in an optimal state, such as providing an airflow for plants to grow inside the bed 300. can do.

The side portion 532 may be bent backward at both ends of the front portion 531 , and may be coupled to both side surfaces of the fan guide 510 . The side part 532 may have a coupling structure corresponding to the side surface of the fan guide 510 , and may be coupled to each other by the elasticity of the side part 532 itself without a separate coupling member.

10 is an exploded perspective view of a light assembly of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a light case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a light according to an embodiment of the present invention It is a cutaway perspective view with the case cut out.

As shown in the drawing, the light assembly 400 may have a size corresponding to the upper surface of the cultivation space 101 or the bed 300 . Therefore, light can be evenly irradiated to the entire area of the bed 300 disposed below.

The light assembly 400 includes a light case 410 having an open lower surface and in which the LED module 420 can be accommodated, and a cover plate 460 for shielding the opened upper surface of the light case 410 . can do.

The light case 410 may have a bottom surface 411 formed in a rectangular plate shape, and a case edge 412 extending upward along the circumference. Meanwhile, the front surface 412a of the case edge 412 may be inclined to minimize exposure of the light assembly 400 when the user opens the door 130 .

A module mounting part 413 may be formed in the front part of the light case 410 with respect to the center of the bottom surface 411 of the light case 410 and the rear part toward the rear. The module mounting part 413 is a part on which the LED module 420 is mounted, and may be configured to mount a plurality of LED modules 420 . When the LED module 420 is configured as one, there is a problem that the entire LED module 420 must be replaced when an abnormality occurs in the LED module 420, and when the number of the LED modules 420 is too large, mounting and assembly There is a problem in that the operation is difficult and the arrangement of the wires connected to the LED module 420 is not easy. Accordingly, the LED module 420 is composed of two and arranged in front and rear, and a temperature sensor mounting part 415 for placing a temperature sensor 450 and a residual water detection sensor 440 between the LED modules 420 (415) And it is possible to secure a space in which the residual water detection device mounting unit 414 can be arranged.

On the other hand, the upper light assembly 400b mounted on the upper surface of the cultivation space 101 of the light assembly 400 is not provided with the bed 300, so the residual water detection sensor 440 may not be provided. have. The residual water detection device mounting part 414 may be formed in both the upper light assembly 400b and the lower light assembly 400a, but the residual water detection sensor 440 is provided only in the lower light assembly 400a and thus the upper bed 300b. ) can be detected.

The module mounting part 413 may be defined by a mounting part rim 413a. The mounting part rim 413a protrudes upward along the circumference of the LED module 420 , and thus a space in which the LED module 420 is accommodated by the mounting part rim 413a may be formed. The mounting part rim 413a has a protruding shape when viewed from above, and a recessed shape when viewed from below, so that the light cover 430 to be described below can be mounted thereon.

A light groove 413b may be formed inside the module mounting part 413 . The light groove 413b is formed along the arrangement of the LEDs 422 provided in the LED module 420 , and extends from the left end to the right end inside the module mounting part 413 , and is continuous in the front-rear direction. can be placed as

The light groove 413b may have a protruding shape when viewed from above and a recessed shape when viewed from below. In addition, a plurality of LED holes 413c may be formed along the protruding center of the light groove 413 . The LED hole 413c may be formed at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of LEDs 422 . In addition, both sides of the light groove 413b are formed to be inclined or rounded around the LED hole 413c, so that the light irradiated from the LED 422 is reflected through the light groove 413b and irradiated downward. make it possible In addition, the inner surface of the light groove 413b may be surface-treated or coated to more effectively reflect light. An inner surface of the light groove 413b is defined as one surface facing the cultivation space 101 .

The LED module 420 may be configured such that a plurality of LEDs 422 are mounted on a substrate 421 . The substrate 421 may be formed to have a size corresponding to that of the module mounting part 413 , and thus may be fixed inside the mounting part rim 413a.

In addition, a plurality of the LEDs 422 may be continuously arranged at regular intervals on the substrate 421 . In this case, the LED 422 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the LED hole 413c. The LED 422 may be configured to have a light quantity (wavelength) similar to sunlight, and may be configured to irradiate light of a color capable of promoting photosynthesis of plants.

In addition, a cover sheet 423 may be provided above the LED module 420 . The cover sheet 423 is to prevent moisture penetration or contamination damage into the substrate 421 , and may be formed in a size to completely shield the substrate 421 from above. The cover sheet 423 may be formed of an insulating material, and may be formed of an insulating material to prevent heat from penetrating upward during the operation of the LED 422 .

Meanwhile, a wire guide 417 for guiding wires connected to the LED module 420 may be formed inside the light case 410 . The wire guide 417 is located on one of the left and right both sides of the light case 410 , and may be disposed forward and backward along the space between the module mounting part 413 and the edge 412 . Accordingly, the electric wire connected to the LED module 420 may be guided to the rear end of the light case 410 , and the electric wire may be connected to the connector 124a on the rear surface of the cultivation space 101 .

In addition, blower assembly mounting parts 415 to which the blower assembly 500 can be mounted may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the light case 410 . The blower assembly mounting part 415 may be formed by recessing the lower surface of the light case 410 so that the blower brackets 550 provided on both upper sides of the blower assembly 500 can be inserted.

The cover plate 460 may have a size corresponding to the size of the light case 410 , and is formed in a plate shape to shield the opened upper surface of the light case 410 . Boss holes 462 corresponding to mounting bosses 416 formed at four corners of the light case 410 may be formed in the cover plate 460 . In addition, the screw fastened under the mounting boss 416 may pass through the boss hole 462 to be fastened to the surface on which the light assembly 400 is mounted.

In addition, a sensor hole 461 may be formed in the cover plate 460 at a position corresponding to the residual water detection sensor 440 . Accordingly, the residual water detection device provided with the residual water detection sensor 440 may be exposed upwards of the cover plate 460 and contact the lower surface of the bed 300 disposed above to detect residual water inside the bed 300 . can detect Of course, since the bed 300 is not disposed above the uppermost light assembly 400b among the light assemblies 400 , the residual water detecting device and the sensor hole 461 may be omitted.

A plurality of light assemblies 400 may be provided when the cultivation space 101 is partitioned by the beds 300 in multiple stages. In addition, the uppermost light assembly 400 may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the cultivation space 101 , and the lower light assembly 400 may be located below the bed 300 , on the lower surface of the bed 300 . It can be fixedly mounted adjacent to the In this case, the screw fastened for mounting the light assembly 400 may be fastened through the mounting boss 416 and the boss hole 462 .

Meanwhile, a light cover 430 may be provided on a lower surface of the light case 410 . The light cover 430 is mounted on the light case 410 to form a part of the lower surface of the light case 410 , shields the module mounting part 413 from below, and the LED 422 disposed therein. can be configured to protect

The light cover 430 may be formed of a transparent material to allow light to pass through, and a coating or surface treatment for light diffusion may be added to the light cover 430 .

A cover edge 431 bent upward may be formed around the light cover 430 , and the cover edge 431 may be inserted into a recessed inside of the mounting part edge 413a to be fixedly mounted.

13 is a perspective view of a water supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along 14-14' of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a rear view of the water supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the water supply module is for supplying water to the pod 10 for cultivation of crops, and the water stored in the plant cultivation device 1 can be supplied by an appropriate capacity at an appropriate time. It can be configured to

In particular, in this embodiment, only water may be supplied through the water supply module, and nutrients may be provided through the pod 10 . That is, various nutrients required for a variety of crops may be provided through the pod 10 , and even if heterogeneous pods 10 are provided in one bed 300 , nutrients may be provided from each pod. In addition, water may be supplied from the water supply module, and therefore, other components other than water are not stored or flowed inside the water supply module, so that contamination is prevented and a clean state can be maintained.

The water supply module forms a water tank 700 for storing water for water supply, a water pump 720 for forcibly supplying water from the water tank 700, and a mounting space for the water pump 720, A pump cover 740 that shields components including the water pump 720 may be included. In addition, a water supply valve 724 may be provided on the pump cover 740 , and water supply pipes 780a and 780b for guiding water to the bed 300 may be connected to the water supply valve 724 . In this embodiment, the water supply module may be provided below the lower bed 300a of the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a.

In detail, the water tank 700 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open upper surface so that water supplied to the bed 300 can be accommodated therein. In addition, the water tank 700 may be formed to have a width corresponding to a horizontal length of the cultivation space 101 . The water tank 700 may be located below the bed 300 . A lower side of the bed 300 in which the water tank 700 is located may be defined as a lower side of the lower bed 300a. The water tank 700 may be formed to fill a space between the lower surface of the cultivation space 101 and the lower surface of the bed 300 . A space in which the water tank 700 can be accommodated may be formed between a lower surface of the cultivation space 101 and a lower surface of the bed 300 .

A tank cover 713 may be provided on the opened upper surface of the water tank 700 . The tank cover 713 is for opening and closing the opened upper surface of the water tank 700 , and a rear end thereof may be rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the water tank 700 . Accordingly, the user may fill the inside of the water tank 700 with water after opening the tank cover 713 .

In addition, tank rails 730 may be provided on both left and right side surfaces of the water tank 700 . The tank rail 730 is for drawing in and out of the water tank 700 , and may have a sliding drawing in and out structure. In addition, one end of the tank rail 730 is fixed to the side surface of the water tank 700 , and the other end is fixed to both sides of the inner case 120 to guide the inlet and outlet of the water tank 700 .

Meanwhile, the water tank 700 may be located at a position corresponding to the front surface of the bed 300 in the retracted state. A tank handle 711 may be provided on the front surface of the water tank 700 , and the user may take out the water tank 700 by holding the tank handle 711 and pulling it forward.

The water tank 700 may be withdrawn as much as a distance at which the tank cover 713 can be completely exposed. 700) can be filled with water.

A connection pipe 760 may be formed in the water tank 700 . The connection pipe 760 may be configured such that water from the water tank 700 is supplied to the water pump 720 in a state in which the water tank 700 is introduced. In addition, it may be configured to be selectively connected to the pipe connection part 721 formed on the pump cover 740 according to the inlet/outlet of the water tank 700 .

In detail, the connection pipe 760 may be provided in the tank cover 713 , may be located in the center of the tank cover 713 in the left and right directions, and may be provided at the rear end. Accordingly, even when the tank cover 713 is rotated for opening and closing, the connection pipe 760 may be configured not to interfere with the water tank 700 .

The connecting pipe 760 may include a vertical pipe 761 extending downward from the lower surface of the tank cover 713 and a horizontal pipe 762 extending rearward from the upper end of the vertical pipe 761 . The vertical pipe 761 may extend downward from the tank cover 713 to a position adjacent to the bottom surface of the tank cover 713 . Accordingly, the water stored in the water tank 700 may flow upward along the vertical pipe 761 .

In addition, the horizontal pipe 762 is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipe 761 and may extend rearward. The horizontal pipe 762 may protrude further rearward than the rear surface of the water tank 700 , and may extend rearward at a position corresponding to the pipe connection part 721 . The horizontal pipe 762 may be inserted into the pipe connection part 721 in a state where the water tank 700 is completely drawn in, and the water flowing upward through the vertical pipe 761 is the pipe connection part. It can be guided to be supplied to (721).

The horizontal pipe 762 can be completely separated from the pipe connection part 721 when the water tank 700 is withdrawn, and even if the tank cover 713 is rotated, it does not interfere with the pipe connection part 721 . It can be configured not to. In addition, when the horizontal tube 762 and the rear surface of the tank cover 713 corresponding to the horizontal tube 762 are partially depressed and the horizontal tube 762 is rotated together by the rotation of the tank cover 713, the tank cover 713 ) can be prevented from interfering with the rear surface.

Meanwhile, a pump cover 740 may be provided at the rear of the water tank 700 . Both ends of the pump cover 740 may be coupled to both left and right sides of the cultivation space 101 , and a front surface and an upper surface may be formed to shield the space behind the water tank 700 . The bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 in which the pump cover 740 is provided has a step height in the second half due to the height of the compressor 610 in the machine room 200 , and the pump cover 740 has a step step. It may be disposed in front of the part. In addition, the water tank 700 is located in front of the pump cover 740 . At this time, the upper surface of the water tank 700 , the upper surface of the pump cover 740 , and the bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 above the compressor 610 may have the same height, and are shielded by the bed 300 . can be

In addition, the pump cover 740 may include a pipe connection part 721 , a water pump 720 , and a water supply valve 724 .

In detail, the opened front surface of the pipe connection part 721 connected to the connection pipe 760 may be exposed on one front side of the pump cover 740 . The front surface of the pipe connection part 721 may be formed at a position corresponding to the rear end of the connection pipe 760 . Accordingly, when the water tank 700 is drawn in, the rear end of the connection pipe 760 may be inserted into the pipe connection part 721 .

In addition, a water pump 720 may be provided on the rear surface of the pump cover 740 . The water pump 720 forces the water of the water tank 700 to flow toward the bed 300 , and the inlet of the water pump 720 is connected to the pipe connection part 721 , and the outlet 722 . ) may be connected to a pipe 723 connected to the water supply valve 724 .

The water supply valve 724 is opened when the water pump 720 is driven so that water can be supplied toward the bed 300 . A plurality of water supply valves 724 may be provided according to the number of the beds 300 , and one water supply valve 724 may be branched to supply water to each of the plurality of beds 300 .

In this embodiment, the input side 733 of the water supply valve 724 is connected to the outlet 722 of the water pump 720 and the pipe 723, and the output side of the water supply valve 724 is branched, so that the upper A fitting 724b and a lower fitting 724a may be formed. In addition, an upper water supply pipe 780b and a lower water supply pipe 780a are connected to the upper fitting 724b and the lower fitting 724a, respectively, so that independent water supply to the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a is possible. can have a structure. Accordingly, different water supply environments may be created in the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a, and an appropriate amount of water may be supplied to each of the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a.

Accordingly, the connection pipe 760 and the pipe connection part 721 , the water pump 720 , the water supply valve 724 , and the water supply pipe are sequentially connected, and the water in the water tank 700 by the operation of the water pump 720 . The water may be supplied to the bed 300 through the water pump 720 and the water supply valve 724 .

Meanwhile, a water level sensing device 750 may be provided on the front surface of the pump cover 740 . The water level detecting device 750 is for detecting the water level of the water tank 700 and may include a capacitive sensor. In addition, the water level sensing device 750 may be formed to protrude forward, and may be configured to be in close contact with the rear surface of the water tank 700 in a state in which the water tank 700 is retracted. When the water level of the water tank 700 is lower than the set water level by the water level detecting device 750 , the controller 190 detects that there is no water in the water tank 700 through the display assembly 800 . It can be output so that the user can fill the water tank 700 with water.

A tank switch 741 may be provided on the front surface of the pump cover 740 . The tank switch 741 may protrude toward the water tank 700 , and may be configured to be pressed in contact with the rear surface of the water tank 700 while the water tank 700 is fully retracted.

Accordingly, the tank switch 741 may detect whether the water tank 700 is normally mounted and supply water to the controller 190 . When the installation signal of the water tank 700 is not input by the tank switch 741 , the water pump 720 may not be operated. In addition, information about not mounting the water tank 700 may be displayed on the display assembly 800 so that the user can recognize it. In addition, the water level sensing performance of the water tank 700 through the water level sensing device 750 may be guaranteed by maintaining the water tank 700 in a fully retracted state.

Meanwhile, a residual water detection device 770 may be provided on the upper surface of the pump cover 740 . The residual water detection device 770 is for determining whether water supplied to the lower bed 300a remains, and a lower residual water detection device ( 770) can be called. The upper residual water detecting device and the lower residual water detecting device 770 may have the same structure with only a difference in their mounting positions. The upper residual water detecting device is defined as a residual water detecting device provided with a residual water detecting sensor 440 provided in the lower light assembly 400a.

That is, the residual water detection device 770 may include a residual water detection sensor 440 capable of detecting moisture. For example, the residual water detection sensor 440 may be a capacitive sensor. The residual water detection device 770 may be configured to accurately detect whether water is present in the bed 300 by protruding upward so that the residual water detection sensor 440 approaches the lower surface of the bed 300 . In order to more accurately detect whether the water remains in the bed 300 , a detection unit 323 may be protruded from the bed 300 , and the residual water detection device 770 is in close contact with the detection unit 323 . can have

16 is a perspective view in which a part of the outer case of the cabinet is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a water supply flow path of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. B" is an enlarged view.

As shown in the drawing, the pipe connection part 721 and the inlet of the water pump 720 may be connected to each other inside the pump cover 740 . The outlet of the water pump 720 may be connected to the input side of the water supply valve 724 by the pipe 723 . In addition, a water supply flow path 780 for supplying water to the bed 300 may be connected to the output side of the water supply valve 724 .

When the pump cover 740 is mounted, components for supplying water may be shielded. In addition, a discharge fan 180 may be provided under the pump cover 740 . The discharge fan 180 allows the air in the cultivation space 101 to be discharged to the outside via the machine room 200 . The discharge fan 180 can be shielded by the pump cover 740 to prevent external exposure, and is provided on the lower surface of the cultivation space 101 adjacent to the machine room 200 to allow more exhaust can make it run smoothly.

Meanwhile, the pump cover 740 may shield the lower end of the pipe guide 121a recessed in the side surface of the inner case 120 . The pipe guide portion 121a may be formed on the side plate 121 forming both sides of the cultivation space 101 of the inner case 120 . The pipe guide portion 121a may be formed to be depressed outwardly so that the water supply passage 780 can be accommodated therein. For example, an opening 121b is formed in the side plate 121, and the pipe guide 121a formed in a shape corresponding to the outer side of the opening 121b along the opening 121b is coupled to form. may be The inner case 120 may be formed of a metal material, and the pipe guide part 121a may also be formed of the same material as the inner case 120 . In addition, the outer surface of the pipe guide part 121a may be embedded in the heat insulating material 102 between the outer case 110 and the inner case 120 .

The pipe guide 121a may be formed to a size that can accommodate the water supply passage 780, that is, the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a, and the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe ( 780a) may be disposed along the pipe guide portion 121a and extend to rear ends of the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a, respectively.

Since the pipe guide part 121a is recessed from the inside to the outside of the cultivation space 101 , interference by components disposed inside the cultivation space 101 may be prevented. In particular, it is possible to have an arrangement structure that does not interfere with the beds 300 that are arranged to be withdrawable. In addition, it is possible to prevent the volume of the cultivation space 101 from being reduced.

In detail, the pipe guide portion 121a includes a first vertical portion 121c extending upward from a space shielded by the pump cover 740 and a first horizontal portion guided rearward from the first vertical portion 121c. It may include a portion 121d and a second vertical portion 121e extending upwardly from the rear end of the first horizontal portion 121d.

On the other hand, the lower surface of the cultivation space 101 may be formed by the lower plate 123 of the inner case 120 , and the rear end of the lower plate 123 has a step to prevent interference with the compressor 610 . A portion 123a may be formed. and. The first vertical portion 121c and the first horizontal portion 121d extend along the front and upper surfaces of the stepped portion 123a, and the second vertical portion 121e forms the rear surface of the cultivation space 101. Accordingly, it may be formed to extend upward.

The first vertical portion 121c communicates with the space shielded by the pump cover 740 , and may serve as a passage through which the water supply passage 780 connected to the water supply valve 724 may be introduced. In addition, the first horizontal portion 121d may be located on the side of the lower bed 300a mounted in the cultivation space 101, and may be covered by the lower bed 300a so as not to be exposed to the outside. .

The second vertical portion 121e may extend upward along the rear end of the side plate 121 , and extend slightly higher than the upper end of the upper bed 300b to pass through the water supply passage 780 . It is possible to enable water supply to the bed (300b).

In addition, the second vertical portion 121e may be disposed on the side of the blower assembly 500 and may be configured to be covered by the blower assembly 500 . In addition, the second vertical portion 121e may further include a guide cover formed in a plate shape to shield the second vertical portion 121e. The guide part cover not only shields the second vertical part 121e, but also fixes the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a to maintain a set position.

Hereinafter, the arrangement of the water supply pipe 780 will be described in more detail. The upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a respectively connected to the water supply valve 724 may be disposed along the pipe guide part 121a. The upper water supply pipe 780b may extend above the upper bed 300b, and the lower water supply pipe 780a may extend above the lower bed 300a. The upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a are independently arranged, and water necessary for plant growth can be independently supplied to the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a.

In addition, the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a follow the pipe guide 121a recessed in the sidewall of the cultivation space 101 to the rear wall surface of the cultivation space 101 , that is, the rear plate 124 . ) can be guided to the location of

The upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a are located in the corner regions of the rear surface and the side surface of the cultivation space 101 . Accordingly, the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a may extend upward in a corner region where the rear plate 124 and the side plate 121 are adjacent to each other. That is, the water supply pipes 780a and 780b are guided along the inner side of the cultivation space 101 to facilitate arrangement, and extend upward along the edge area of the cultivation space 101 to minimize interference with internal components. will do

In particular, the water flowing along the water supply pipes 780a and 780b is disposed at a position separated to the side of the evaporator so as not to interfere with the evaporator 630 mounted on the front surface of the rear plate 124 by the cold air of the evaporator. This will prevent freezing or excessive temperature drop. In addition, the evaporator 630 has a structure that prevents interference with the internal components of the cabinet 100 and facilitates arrangement work.

The upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a extend upward to pass through the water supply part 310 of the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a, respectively, and then are bent toward the water supply part 310 again. have a structure that becomes In this case, the positions of the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a may be fixed by the water supply pipe mounting parts formed on the guide part cover 790 , respectively.

That is, the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a are configured to extend inside the cultivation space 101 from above the bed 300 so that they do not interfere at all even when the bed 300 is pulled out and entered. And, in a state in which the bed 300 is completely retracted, the outlets of the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a are positioned in the central part of the water supply part 310, so that the upper bed 300b and the lower bed (300b) are located. Water supply to 300a) can be smoothly performed.

Meanwhile, a portion of the recessed space of the pipe guide 121a may be shielded by the guide cover 790 . In addition, the guide cover 790 , the upper water supply pipe 780b , and the lower water supply pipe 780a exposed to the cultivation space 101 by the blower assembly 500 may be shielded.

That is, the water supply part 310 may be located further back than the front area of the blower assembly 500 , and in particular, the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a protruding into the cultivation space 101 . ) may also be located further rearward. In particular, the protruding portions of the upper water supply pipe 780b and the lower water supply pipe 780a may be located in a space below the fan guide 510 , and are located at the rear of the blower cover 530 to provide the blower assembly 500 . ) can be covered without being interfered by

Due to this structure, when the user opens the door 130 and looks at the cultivation space 101, the end of the upper water supply pipe 780b, which supplies water to the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a, and The end of the lower water supply pipe 780a may not be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the inside of the cultivation space 101 can be seen more clearly, and a cleaner image can be provided.

Hereinafter, the structure of the bed 300 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Even if a plurality of beds 300 are provided, only one bed 300 will be described because they all have the same structure except for different mounting positions.

19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bed of the plant cultivation apparatus is withdrawn according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the arrangement relationship between the bed and the water supply passage according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is this view It is a plan view of a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 22 is a cutaway perspective view of a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the bed 300 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape that partitions the cultivation space 101 , and is mounted on both sides of the cultivation space 101 by the bed rail device 140 . It may be mounted so that it can be drawn in and out.

The bed rail device 140 may include a slidably extending bed rail 142 and a rail bracket 141 capable of fixing the bed rail 142 to both sides of the cultivation space 101 . The bed rail 142 may have a structure extending in multiple stages, and may connect the left and right side surfaces of the bed 300 and the rail bracket 141 .

The bed 300 may be formed in a rectangular shape as a whole to provide a space in which a plurality of pods 10 are disposed, and may form a structure in which water supplied can be stored. In addition, the bed 300 may be formed of a plastic material to form a structure for guiding the flow of supplied water.

A bed flange 301 extending outwardly is formed around the bed 300 . A bed tray 350 to be described below may be seated on the bed flange 301 . And, the inner area of the bed flange 301 becomes an area in which the pod 10 can be arranged.

A depression 302 is formed inside the bed flange 301 , and the bed tray 350 may be seated in the depression 302 . The recessed part 302 may be formed to accommodate the entire plurality of pod seating parts 352 formed in the bed tray 350 . In addition, when the bed tray 350 is mounted, the upper surface of the bed 300 and the lower surface of the bed tray 350 may be in contact with each other and overlapped.

A water supply part 310 may be formed at the rear end of the bed 300 . The water supply part 310 may be located at one end of both left and right sides, and may be formed in a shape protruding backward from the rear end of the bed 300 . That is, the water supply unit 310 may be positioned vertically below the ends of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b protruding from the side surface of the cultivation space 101 .

The water supply part 310 may be formed in a shape in which an upper surface is opened and a lower surface is depressed. The periphery of the water supply unit 310 protrudes to a predetermined height to prevent water supplied from the water supply pipes 780a and 780b from splashing or overflowing.

A water collecting unit 320 in which water supplied through the water supply unit 310 is stored may be formed in the bed 300 . The water collecting part 320 may be further recessed downward from the recessed part 302 to be formed. A water guide part 330 may be recessed between the water supply part 310 and the water collection part 320 . The water guide part 330 may be further recessed downward from the recessed part 302 . That is, the water guide unit 330 may connect the water supply unit 310 and the water collection unit 320 , and the water supplied to the water supply unit 310 follows the water guide unit 330 to the water collection unit. 320 may be supplied.

The water supply unit 310 is positioned higher than the water collection unit 320 , and water from the water supply unit 310 may naturally flow into the water collection unit 320 . In addition, the water guide part 330 may be formed to have an inclination that gradually decreases from the water supply part 310 toward the water collecting part 320 . Accordingly, when water is supplied to the water supply unit 310 , it may be naturally supplied to the water collection unit 320 along the water guide unit 330 .

Meanwhile, guide walls 331 may be further formed on both sides of the water guide part 330 to form the water guide part 330 . The guide wall 331 may extend from the water supply unit 310 to the water collection unit 320 , and a pair may be spaced apart from each other to form both sides of the water guide unit 330 . In addition, the guide wall 331 may be formed at a height corresponding to the height of the bed flange 301 to support the bed tray 350 from below.

The water guided from the water supply unit 310 to the water collecting unit 320 by the water guide unit 330 may be directed toward the water collecting unit 320 without overflowing to the outside. In particular, the bottom surface of the water guide part 330 may be inclined at a height higher than that of the water collecting part 320 by the guide wall 331 extending upward. In addition, even in a situation in which the height difference between the water supply unit 310 and the water collection unit 320 is not large, the water supplied to the water supply unit 310 does not overflow and can be directed to the water collection unit 320, smoothly It is possible to provide a path with sufficient space to be guided. That is, it provides a structure in which the water of the water supply unit 310 can be stably supplied without excessively deepening the depression depth of the water collection unit 320 , thereby increasing the vertical thickness of the bed 300 . This can be prevented, and thereby the bed 300 can have a slim structure.

In addition, the guide wall 331 and the water guide part 330 may extend between a pair of pod seating parts 352 recessed in the bed tray 350 . Accordingly, the guide wall 331 can be prevented from interfering when the bed tray 350 is seated, and a space for water supply can be secured through the space between the adjacent pod seating parts 352 .

Meanwhile, in the central region of the bed 300 , a water collecting unit 320 for storing water supplied to the pod 10 may be recessed. The water collecting part 320 is more depressed than the bottom surface of the recessed part 302 formed around the water collecting part 320, so that the water supplied to the water supply part 310 is stored only in the water collecting part 320 area. to exist as

In detail, the water collecting part 320 is located at the center of the bed 300 and may be formed to extend from the left end to the right end of the bed 300 . In addition, the water collecting part 320 may be formed to have a predetermined width in the front-rear direction so that all of the seating part openings 351a formed in the bed tray 350 can be accommodated.

In addition, a bed protrusion 340 protruding upward may be formed in the central portion of the bed 300 . The height of the bed protrusion 340 may be the same as or higher than that of the depression 302 . The bed protrusion 340 may be located in the center of the water collecting part 320 . Accordingly, the water collecting unit 320 may have a closed loop shape, and water introduced through the water guide unit 330 may flow along the inside of the closed loop water collecting unit 320 . In addition, a portion of the area of the water collecting unit 320 located in front of the bed protrusion 340 may be referred to as a front water collecting unit 321 , and a portion located at the rear of the bed protrusion 340 may be referred to as a rear side. It may also be referred to as a water collecting unit 322 .

In addition, a distance between the outer end of the water collecting part 320 and the bed protrusion 340 may be greater than a front-rear width of the seating part opening 351a. Accordingly, when the bed tray 350 is seated, the seating part opening 351a may be disposed along the water collecting part 320 .

The front and rear widths of the front water collecting part 321 and the rear collecting part 322 in which the seating part opening 351a is located may be the same as or slightly larger than the front and rear width of the pod seating part 352. , has a structure in which an appropriate amount of water required for water supply to the pod 10 can be effectively supplied to the pod 10 . In addition, by preventing unnecessary water from remaining in the water collecting unit 320 for a long time, contamination of the bed 300 is prevented and a clean state can be maintained at all times.

Meanwhile, a sensing unit 323 may be formed in an inner region of the water collecting unit 320 . The sensing unit 323 may be formed at a position corresponding to the residual water sensing devices 440 and 770 located below. Accordingly, in a state in which the bed 300 is fully retracted, the residual water detection devices 440 and 770 may have a structure in which they can be in close contact with the detection unit 323 .

In this case, the sensing unit 323 may have a shape that protrudes when viewed from above and is recessed when viewed from below. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the residual water detecting device 440 , 770 from interfering with the detecting unit 323 in the process of withdrawing and inserting the bed 300 , thereby preventing an obstacle in withdrawing and entering the bed 300 . The sensing unit 323 may be located on the same line as the bottom surface of the water collecting unit 320 .

In addition, due to the structure of the protruding sensing unit 323 , the water supplied to the sensing unit 323 does not accumulate, and it is possible to accurately determine whether additional water is needed to the water collecting unit 320 .

A bed handle 361 may be formed on the front surface of the bed 300 . The bed handle 361 may have a structure in which a lower surface is recessed so that a user can hold the bed 300 when withdrawing it. In addition, the front surface of the bed handle 361 may be formed of the same material as the tank handle 711 or may be formed of a material of the same texture to have a sense of unity.

Meanwhile, the bed tray 350 is seated on the upper surface of the bed 300 , and may form an upper surface appearance of the bed 300 . The bed tray 350 may be formed of a metal material such as stainless to keep the appearance neat and hygienically managed.

The bed tray 350 is formed in a size capable of shielding the upper surface of the bed 300 and may be formed in a plate shape. Accordingly, in a state in which the bed tray 350 is mounted on the bed 300 , the upper surface of the bed 300 is formed.

In addition, a plurality of pod seating portions 352 on which the pods 10 are mounted may be formed in the bed tray 350 . The pod seating part 352 is recessed in a shape corresponding to the pod 10 so that the pod 10 can be seated, and a plurality of pod seating parts 352 may be sequentially disposed. Accordingly, a plurality of the pods 10 may be disposed on the bed tray 350 .

A plurality of the pod seating parts 352 may be respectively disposed in the first half and the second half with respect to the center, and may be respectively formed in the same size. In addition, a seating part opening 351a may be formed in the pod seating part 352 . The seating part opening 351a allows the pod protrusion 16 protruding from the lower surface of the pod 10 to pass through, and the pod protrusion 16 to come into contact with the water inside the water collecting part 320 . .

The seating part opening 351a may be formed for each of the pod seating parts 352 . In addition, the seating part openings 351a respectively formed in the plurality of pod seating parts 352 may be disposed along an area corresponding to the water collecting part 320 .

In detail, when the bed tray 350 is seated on the bed 300 , the seating part opening 351a is located on the water collecting part 320 so that water stored in the water collecting part 320 is stored in the seating part opening. It can be supplied to the pod 10 through (351a).

In this embodiment, the water collecting part 320 is arranged in the horizontal direction at the center of the bed 300 , so that the seating part openings 351a are also located above the inside of the water collecting part 320 and corresponding to the upper side. It may be formed at a position close to the center side of the bed tray 350 . In more detail, all of the seating part openings 351a formed in the pod seating part 352 disposed in front of the bed 300 are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the pod seating part 352, and the bed ( All of the seating part openings 351a formed in the pod seating part 352 disposed at the rear of 300 may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the pod seating part 352 . That is, the seating part openings 351a may be continuously disposed along the inner region of the water collecting part 320 .

Hereinafter, the structure of the pod 10 and the structure in which the water of the water collecting unit 320 is supplied to the pod 10 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

23 is a perspective view of the pod according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the pod according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the pod according to the first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of “C” of FIG. 4 .

As shown, in the pod 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, plants that can be cultivated by the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may be configured by type. Of course, each of the pods 10 composed of several types of plants may all have the same size, and may have a size set to be accommodated in the pod seat 352 . Accordingly, the user may select the pod 10 of the plant desired to be cultivated, and may be seated at a desired position on the bed 300 to start cultivation.

In detail, the pod 10 may have an outer shape formed by a container opened to the top. The pod 10 may be formed in a shape that can be placed on the pod seating part 352 . For example, the pod 10 may be formed in a polygonal shape with an open top surface. A bottom surface of the pod 10 may be supported by the pod seating part 352 . The side surface of the pod 10 may be formed to extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the pod 10 . A space in which the medium 11 can be accommodated may be formed by the side and bottom surfaces of the pod 10 . At the end of the pod 10, a bent portion bent from the top to the bottom is formed to perform a handle function. The bent portion may be referred to as a flange portion. The flange portion may be first bent from the upper side to the side and then secondarily bent from the side to the lower side. The first bent flange portion may be defined as the upper surface of the pod 10 . When the pod 10 is seated on the pod seating part 352 , the flange part of the pod 10 may minimize the area where the water collecting part 320 of the bed 300 is exposed to the outside. The flange portion may improve the durability of the end of the pod (10).

The medium 11 may be filled in the pod 10 . The medium 11 may be provided as an inorganic material. In the present invention, it is described that the medium 11 is provided with inorganic vermiculite (hereinafter, the medium is referred to as vermiculite). The vermiculite 11 is made of a kind of brick by pressing after processing an inorganic ore such as vermiculite into a powder state. The vermiculite 11 may be referred to as vermiculite. When the medium 11 is provided with top soil containing organic matter, etc., there is a problem in that a larger amount of mold is generated in the medium 11 due to the bacteria contained in the top soil or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the medium 11 is composed of an inorganic material, so that mold that may be generated in the medium 11 can be minimized.

Since the vermiculite 11 has fine pores that can hold moisture therein, it has excellent water retention properties for maintaining moisture for a long time. Due to the shape of the vermiculite 11 expanded during the manufacturing process, a gap is formed between the different vermiculite 11, and air can pass through the gap, so that air permeability is excellent. Since the vermiculite 11 is heated to a high temperature during the manufacturing process and expanded, it may be provided in an aseptic state.

That is, since the vermiculite 11 has breathability and water retention properties, it is possible to prevent mold or green algae that may be generated in the pod 10 . In addition, since the seeds are grown in the vermiculite 11 provided in an aseptic state, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold or algae that may be generated in the pod 10 .

The vermiculite 11 may contain a nutrient solution material (not shown). The nutrient solution material is a material containing nutrients that are supplied so that plants can grow better. The nutrient solution material is dissolved in water, and the water in which the nutrient solution material is dissolved may be defined as a nutrient solution. For example, the nutrient solution material may be provided in the form of a water-soluble capsule that is gradually soluble in water, and may be configured to be contained in the feed water while gradually dissolving when the feed water is supplied. The nutrient solution material may be disposed on one or more of the upper part, the middle part, and the lower part of the vermiculite 11 filled in the pod 10 . The nutrient solution material may be supplied to the plant while gradually dissolving in the feed water while the feed water flows from the lower part to the upper part of the vermiculite 11 .

For example, when the nutrient solution material is located adjacent to the lower portion of the vermiculite 11 , the nutrient solution material may be uniformly dissolved in the feed water and supplied to the plant. When the nutrient solution material is located adjacent to the upper portion of the vermiculite 11 , it may be relatively slowly dissolved in the feed water and supplied to the plant than the nutrient solution material adjacent to the lower portion of the vermiculite 11 . The arrangement position of the nutrient solution material may be changed according to the characteristics and functions of the nutrient solution material.

A plurality of seeds S may be arranged in the vermiculite 11 to have a predetermined arrangement. The seed S may be located inside the vermiculite 11 . The seed (S) may be grown by the feed water supplied from the bed 300 and the nutrient solution material dissolved in the feed water. A seed fixing guide for preventing the plurality of seeds S from moving inside the vermiculite 11 may be further disposed inside the vermiculite 11 . The seed S may be located inside the vermiculite 11 or may be placed on the upper surface of the vermiculite 11 .

The upper surface of the pod 10 may be covered with a protective paper 15 to protect the inside thereof. In particular, a packing member 14 is further provided between the upper surface of the vermiculite 11 and the protective paper 15 to protect the vermiculite 11 from the external environment. In addition, the type of plant to be cultivated may be printed on one surface of the protective paper 15 to provide information about the pod 10 to the user. The packing member 14 is seated on the upper surface of the vermiculite 11 and is in close contact with the side surface of the pod 10 to prevent movement of the vermiculite 11 . At least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 may be provided on the pod 10 . For example, when the protective paper 15 is not provided, the type of plant may be printed on the upper surface of the packing member 14 . In addition, when the packing member 14 is not provided, the protective paper 15 may be provided on the upper surface of the vermiculite 11 .

On the other hand, a protrusion 16 protruding downward is formed on the bottom surface of the pod 10 , and a water-through hole 16a may be formed on the bottom surface of the protrusion 16 . The protrusion 16 may be formed in a pipe structure with a hollow inside while being opened up and down. The water-through hole 16a may be formed to have at least one opening.

The vermiculite 11 is positioned in the protrusion 16 , and water supplied to the beds 300a and 300b may be absorbed by the vermiculite 11 . The supply water absorbed by the vermiculite 11 disposed in the protrusion 16 may be uniformly supplied to the entire area of the vermiculite 11 disposed in the pod 10 . In order to prevent the vermiculite 11 from falling off into the beds 300a and 300b through the water-through hole 16a, the water-through hole 16a is a perforated portion formed with an opening having a smaller size than that of the vermiculite 11. can be composed of

In the present embodiment, it is described that the vermiculite 11 is located in the protrusion 16 , but an absorption member may be further included in the protrusion 16 . The vermiculite 11 may be in contact with the upper surface of the absorbent member. The absorption member may absorb the water supplied to the beds 300a and 300b and deliver it to the vermiculite 11 . When the absorbing member is located within the protrusion 16, the absorbing member prevents the vermiculite 11 from falling into the beds 300a and 300b, thereby increasing the size of the water passage 16a. can

Hereinafter, a structure in which the water of the water collecting unit 320 is supplied to the pod 10 will be described.

When the pod 10 is seated on the pod seating part 352 , the pod protrusion 16 may protrude downward through the seating part opening 351a. At this time, the pod protrusion 16 is positioned inside the water collecting unit 320 , that is, the front water collecting unit 321 .

When water is supplied to the inside of the water collecting unit 320 in this state, the pod protrusion 16 can come into contact with the water inside the water collecting unit 320 . In addition, the water of the water collecting part 320 may flow in through the water hole 16a, and the water flows into the inside of the pod 10 along the vermiculite 11 located inside the pod protrusion 16. can be absorbed.

Water flowing into the pod 10 through the pod protrusion 16 may be evenly spread by the vermiculite 11 filled in the pod 10 . The feed water evenly spread to the vermiculite 11 contains a nutrient solution material, and plants can grow by the feed water and the nutrient solution material.

Hereinafter, the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above structure will be described.

The user selects a plant to be cultivated, removes the protective paper 15 of the corresponding pod 10, and then places it on the bed 300 . When the pod 10 is seated on the bed 300 , a predetermined amount of water stored in the water tank 700 is supplied to the bed 300 .

In this case, the amount of water supplied is a set amount, and may be slightly less than the amount to be sufficiently supplied to the pod 10 . Accordingly, the supplied water may be absorbed from the water collecting unit 320 to the pod 10 , and when a predetermined time elapses, the supplied water is completely absorbed, so that no water remains in the water collecting unit 320 .

When it is detected that there is no water in the water collecting unit 320, the residual water detecting device 440, 770 detects that there is no water left in the water collecting unit 320 and re-supplying the fixed amount again. By detecting the time at this time, it is determined whether the set time has elapsed.

While repeating this process, a quantity of water is continuously supplied and the time taken to be absorbed by the pod 10 is measured. If the time for which no water remains in the water collecting unit 320 after water supply has elapsed for a set time, it is determined that sufficient water has been supplied and the water supply is stopped for a certain period of time. Then, when the conditions for re-watering are satisfied, water-supply is started again.

Accordingly, the water collection unit 320 does not maintain a state of being accommodated for a long time, and water in an amount necessary for plant growth can be supplied in a timely manner. In addition, the nutrients required for plant growth are supplied in the form of a nutrient solution contained in the pod 10 so that the plant inside the pod 10 can grow effectively.

The light is irradiated toward the plant growing in the bed 300 by the operation of the light assembly 400 . The light assembly 400 may be turned on and off at an appropriate time period according to the growth state and environment of the plant. In particular, by turning the light assembly 400 on and off according to the actual amount of sunlight according to the season, it is possible to provide an environment similar to that of the plants inside the plant cultivation apparatus 1 growing in an external natural environment.

The plants in the bed 300 perform photosynthesis by the light provided by the light assembly 400 , and in this process, carbon dioxide necessary for this process may be supplied through the air introduced into the cultivation space 101 . The carbon dioxide may be supplied by external air flowing into the cultivation space 101 when the door 13 is opened. In addition, a separate flow path for supplying external air containing carbon dioxide to the cultivation space 101 may be formed in the cabinet 100 . Carbon dioxide may be supplied to the cultivation space 101 by including a flow path through which a portion of the air sucked into the grill suction port 221 flows into the cultivation space 101 . For example, a flow path for supplying the carbon dioxide may be formed below the evaporator 630 . Also, a carbon dioxide generator for supplying carbon dioxide to the cultivation space 101 may be provided inside the cabinet 100 . However, in order to prevent airborne bacteria contained in the outside air from flowing into the cultivation space 101, a sterilizing device for sterilizing the outside air or a filter member for filtering the airborne bacteria may be further included.

When the temperature inside the cultivation space 101 is too low, the heater is driven, and when the temperature inside the cultivation space 101 is too high, the refrigeration cycle is driven and the evaporator 630 performs a cooling action.

Air heated or cooled by the heater or evaporator 630 is discharged forward through the blower assembly 500 . At this time, air flows from the rear end of the light assembly 400 to the front, and the lower surface of the light assembly 400 is cooled during the air flow process.

Then, the air moved forward flows downward from the front end of the bed 300 to the rear end of the bed 300 . Stems and leaves of plants grown in the bed 300 are shaken by the flow of air flowing on the upper surface of the bed 300, so that the appearance of the cultivated plants can be remarkably improved.

The air introduced into the rear end of the bed 300 passes through the space in which the evaporator 630 and the heater are disposed again, and may be discharged toward the light assembly 400 by the blower fan 520 .

The air flowing by the operation of the blower fan 520 circulates inside the cultivation space 101 , and continuously air-cools the light assembly 400 during the circulation process and prevents the growth of food in the bed 300 . to facilitate it.

In addition, by continuously and uniformly heating and cooling the inside of the cultivation space 101 through a repeated air circulation process, the entire cultivation space 101 may maintain a set temperature.

The user can check the state inside the cultivation space 101 through the door 130 , and when the plants in the cultivation space 101 reach a harvestable state, the plants are harvested. In addition, if plant management is necessary before harvest, an appropriate operation is performed, and unnecessary crops may be discarded or the harvested pod 10 may be separated and removed from the bed 300 .

This harvesting and management operation may be performed by a user through guidance through the display assembly 800 , or information may be transmitted to a device carried by the user to guide the user's harvesting and management operation.

Hereinafter, the pod 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described.

27 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The pod 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a part of the pod 10 according to the first embodiment is deformed. Therefore, the description of the pod 10 according to the second embodiment may refer to a part of the description of the pod 10 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod 10 according to the second embodiment partially modified from the pod 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

As shown, the media 11 and 12 may be filled inside the pod 10 according to the second embodiment. The media 11 and 12 may be provided with inorganic vermiculite. A seed paper 13 may be further provided inside the media 11 and 12 . The medium 11 and 12 may include a lower medium 11 positioned below the seed paper 13 and an upper medium 12 positioned above the seed paper 13 . The lower medium 11 may be referred to as lower vermiculite, and the upper medium 12 may be referred to as upper vermiculite.

The seed paper 13 may be composed of a sheet in which the seeds (S) are arranged to have a predetermined arrangement. For example, the seed paper 13 may be provided as a sheet having a starch glottis. When feed water is supplied in a state in which the seed paper 13 is seated on the upper surface of the lower medium 11 , the seed paper 13 melts and disappears, and the seeds S remain in the lower medium 11 . The upper medium 12 seated on the upper surface of the seed paper 13 may perform a function for controlling moisture and humidity of the soil and preventing the formation of mold or algae. Without being limited to this idea, the seed paper 13 may be placed on the upper surface of the upper medium 12 .

On the other hand, the seed paper 13 does not melt and disappear by the supply water, and may perform the function of a support layer for supporting the seeds S between the lower medium 11 and the upper medium 12 . In this case, the seed paper 13 may be provided as a fabric having water retention properties for maintaining moisture supplied by the lower medium 11 and breathability through which air can pass.

A first height at which the lower medium 11 is provided in the pod 10 may be greater than a second height at which the upper medium 12 is provided. The first height may be understood as a length from the bottom surface of the pod 10 to the top surface of the lower medium 11 . The second height may be understood as a length from the top surface of the seed paper 13 to the top surface of the upper medium 12 . The lower medium 11 may be provided more than the upper medium 12 in order to maintain the moisture required while the seeds (S) grow for a long time. The upper medium 12 may be provided less than the lower medium 11 to control the moisture and humidity of the seed paper 13 .

The pod 10 may further be provided with one or more of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 . At least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 may be located above the upper medium 12 .

On the other hand, at least one of the upper medium 12 and the lower medium 11 may contain a nutrient solution material. In this embodiment, it will be described that the nutrient solution material is provided in the lower medium 11 . When the nutrient solution material is provided in the lower medium 11 , the nutrient solution material may be included in the feed water while the feed water sucked into the protrusion 16 is evenly spread to the lower medium 11 . The feed water containing the nutrient solution material may be supplied to the seed paper 13 and the upper medium 12 .

According to the present invention, since the seed paper 13 for supporting the seeds S is provided between the upper medium 12 and the lower medium 11, the seeds in the process of transferring the pods 10 It is possible to prevent the arrangement position of (S) from being changed.

28 is a perspective view of a pod according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a pod according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a third embodiment of the present invention am.

The pod 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a part of the pod 10 according to at least one of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is modified. Therefore, the description of the pod 10 according to the third embodiment may refer to a part of the description of the pod 10 according to one or more of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod 10 according to the third embodiment partially modified from the pod 10 according to at least one of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described in detail.

As shown, the medium 11 may be filled in the pod 10 . The medium 11 may be provided with vermiculite composed of an inorganic material. The seeds (S) may be uniformly arranged in the medium (11). Seed paper for supporting the seeds (S) may be further included in the medium (11). The medium 11 contains a nutrient solution material, and the nutrient solution material may be supplied to the seeds S by supply water.

A pod cover 17 may be coupled to the upper surface of the pod 10 . The pod cover 17 may be configured to cover the top surface of the pod 10 . The pod cover 17 may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the pod 10 . For example, the pod cover 17 may be fitted to the upper surface of the pod 10 while covering the flange portion of the pod 10 . The pod cover 17 may include a flange coupling portion coupled to the flange portion. The flange coupling portion may be formed to correspond to the flange portion of the pod 10 and coupled to the flange portion.

A portion of the pod cover 17 may be recessed in a direction from the top surface of the pod 10 toward the top surface of the medium 11 . A portion of the pod cover 17 may be located at a center side of the pod cover 17 . A portion of the pod cover 17 may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium 11 to be in contact with the upper surface of the medium 11 . The edge side of the part cover 17 may be configured to be coupled to the pod 10 . The center side and the edge side of the pod cover 17 may be formed to be stepped. Alternatively, a portion of the pod cover 17 may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium 11 , and a space may be formed between a portion of the pod cover 17 and the upper surface of the medium 11 . have.

That is, the dent length at which a part of the pod cover 17 is depressed is adjusted so that the pod cover 17 and the upper surface of the medium 11 are in contact with or separated from each other.

When a part of the pod cover 17 is formed to be in contact with the upper surface of the medium 11, it is possible to prevent the medium 11 from moving during the transfer process. The pod cover 17 may block a part of the light irradiated to the medium 11 to suppress the occurrence of mold or algae generated in the medium 11 . In addition, since a part of the medium 11 is shielded by the pod cover 17 , exposure to the user can be minimized even if mold or algae is generated in the medium 11 .

Meanwhile, the pod cover 17 may be provided in the form of a sheet provided on the upper surface of the medium 11 . In this case, the pod cover 17 may be fixed to the upper surface or the inner surface of the pod 10 .

A cover hole 17a may be formed in the pod cover 17 . The cover hole 17a may be formed by opening a part of the pod cover 17 . The cover hole 17a may allow light to be irradiated in a direction toward the seed S located in the medium 11 . The cover hole 17a may allow the plant grown in the medium 11 to be exposed to the outside. The cover hole 17a may allow air to flow into the pod 10 and the pod cover 17 coupled to each other. The cover hole (17a) is located above the seeds (S) located in the medium (11), and when a plurality of seeds (S) are spaced apart in the medium (11), a plurality of seeds ( It may be formed at a position corresponding to S).

When the upper surface of the pod 10 is covered with the pod cover 17, the area of the medium 11 exposed to the external space is reduced, so that mold or algae that may be generated in the medium 11 is reduced. can In addition, since the pod cover 17 is coupled to the upper surface of the pod 10 , the medium 11 located in the pod 10 can be stably stored.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the seed (S) is described as being located in the medium 11, the inside of the medium 11 on which the seed (S) is placed may further include a seed paper.

In addition, at least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 may be further provided on the pod cover 17 . At least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 may be located on the upper surface of the pod cover 17 . At least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 indicates the type of plant stored in the seed medium 12, and prevents the medium 11 from being separated to the outside through the cover hole 17a. can be prevented

31 is an exploded perspective view of a pod according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a pod according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The pod 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a part of the pod 10 according to at least one of the first to third embodiments is modified. Therefore, the description of the pod 10 according to the fourth embodiment may refer to a part of the description of the pod 10 according to one or more of the first to third embodiments. Hereinafter, the pod 10 according to the fourth embodiment partially modified from the pod 10 according to one or more of the first to third embodiments will be described in detail.

As shown, the pod 10 may be formed in the shape of a container in which the upper surface is opened. A space may be formed in the pod 10 . A pod protrusion 16 may be formed on the bottom surface of the pod 10 . Water may be introduced into the interior of the pod 10 through the pod protrusion 16 . A medium may be filled in the pod 10 . The medium filled in the pod 10 may be referred to as a first medium 11 . The first medium 11 may be provided with vermiculite. A nutrient solution material may be included in the first medium 11 .

The opened upper surface of the pod 10 may be covered by a pod cover 17 . The pod cover 17 may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the pod 10 . The pod cover 17 may include a depression 18 . Since a portion of the pod cover 17 is depressed downward to form the depression 18 , an opening may be formed in a portion of the pod cover 17 . An opening formed in a portion of the pod cover 17 may be defined as an upper surface of the recessed portion 18 . The depression 18 may be formed to be inclined from the upper side to the lower side.

The recessed portion 18 may be formed by recessing a portion of the pod cover 17 downward. The depression 18 may be formed to have a side surface and a bottom surface by being depressed downward from the pod cover 17 . A medium may be filled in the depression 18 . The medium filled in the depression 18 may be referred to as a second medium 12 . The second medium 12 may contain a nutrient solution. A nutrient solution material for plant growth may be provided in at least one of the first medium 11 and the second medium 12 . The second medium 12 may be provided with vermiculite. Alternatively, the second medium 12 may be made of a material having better water retention than the first medium 11 . The second medium 12 is arranged in a small amount in the recessed portion 18, and is supplied with water from the first medium 11, so that it is composed of a material having superior water retention than the first medium 11. Make sure that the seed (S) is supplied with sufficient water. For example, the second medium 12 may be composed of an oasis foam (floral foam), a sponge, or the like.

The depression 18 may include an absorption hole 18a. The absorption hole 18a may be located on at least one of a bottom surface and a side surface of the recessed portion 18 . The absorption hole 18a may allow the first medium 11 and the second medium 12 to communicate with each other. That is, the supply water supplied through the first medium 11 may be supplied to the second medium 12 after passing through the absorption port 18a. The absorption hole 18a may be filled with at least one of the first medium 11 and the second medium 12 so that the first medium 11 and the second medium 12 are connected to each other. . The absorption hole 18a may be formed similarly to the water-through hole 16a.

Meanwhile, a depression insertion groove 11a into which the depression 18 is inserted may be formed in the first medium 11 . The recessed part insertion groove 11a may be formed to have a size corresponding to the recessed part 18 . The recessed part insertion groove 11a may be formed by recessing the upper surface of the first medium 11 downward. When the pod cover 17 is coupled to the upper surface of the pod 10 , the recessed part insertion groove 11a may be formed in the first medium 11 .

A seed groove 12a inserted into the seed S may be formed in the second medium 12 . The seed groove 12a may be formed by recessing the upper surface of the second medium 12 downward. The seed groove 12a may be located in the center of the second medium 12 .

When the seed S germinates in the seed groove 12a, the seed S may grow roots in the second medium 12 . And, it may be further grown into the first medium 11 after passing through the absorption hole 18a. On the other hand, when the seed (S) germinates in the seed groove (12a) and the root grows into the second medium (12), the user separates the second medium (12) and the plant together to plant them in soil, etc. It can be used as a possible seedling.

Meanwhile, at least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 may be further provided on the pod cover 17 . At least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 may be located on the upper surface of the pod cover 17 . Since at least one of the packing member 14 and the protective paper 15 covers the upper surface of the pod cover 17, it is possible to prevent the second medium 12 from leaking into the external space during the transfer process.

According to the present invention, since the pod cover 17 is coupled to the upper surface of the pod 10, exposure of the first medium 11 to the external space may be restricted. Since the first medium 11 is not exposed to the external space, sufficient moisture may be maintained in the first medium 11 . In addition, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of mold or algae by minimizing the area of the first medium 11 and the second medium 12 exposed to the external space.

1: plant growing device 10: pod
100: cabinet 130: door
200: machine room 300: bed
400: light assembly 500: blower assembly
600: refrigeration cycle 700: water tank

Claims (18)

cabinets forming a growing space;
a bed disposed in the cultivation space and provided with a water collecting unit for storing water;
a light assembly positioned above the bed and irradiating light to the bed;
a pod that is seated on the bed and has a pod protrusion having a water hole through which the water stored in the water collecting unit flows; and
and a medium filled in the pod and the pod protrusion, the medium absorbing water from the water collecting part and supplying it as seeds of a plant for cultivation. The method of claim 1,
The medium is composed of an inorganic vermiculite medium,
The medium filled in the pod and the medium filled in the pod protrusion are connected to each other. 3. The method of claim 2,
The medium includes a nutrient solution material that dissolves in the water and supplies nutrients to the seeds. 3. The method of claim 2,
The plant cultivation device in which the pod protrusion is further filled with an absorbent member. The method of claim 1,
The pod protrusion is a plant cultivation device extending downward from the bottom surface of the bed. 6. The method of claim 5,
The water-through hole is a plant cultivation device formed on the bottom surface of the pod protrusion. The method of claim 1,
In the pod,
Plant cultivation apparatus further comprising at least one of a packing member disposed on the upper surface of the medium and a protective paper disposed on the upper surface of the pod. 3. The method of claim 2,
In the pod,
The plant cultivation apparatus further comprising a pod cover for covering the opened upper surface of the pod. 9. The method of claim 8,
In the pod cover,
A plant cultivation apparatus having a cover hole that is opened and formed at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the seed. 10. The method of claim 9,
A plant cultivation device further comprising at least one of a packing member and a protective paper on the upper surface of the pod cover. 9. The method of claim 8,
In the pod cover,
A plant cultivation apparatus comprising a recessed portion provided with an absorption port, wherein a portion of the pod cover is recessed in a direction toward the medium. 12. The method of claim 11,
The recessed portion is further filled with a medium,
The medium filled in the depression and the medium filled in the pod are connected to each other. 13. The method of claim 12,
The seed is a plant cultivation device located in the medium filled in the depression. 14. The method of claim 13,
A plant cultivation device further comprising at least one of a packing member and a protective paper on the upper surface of the pod cover. cabinets forming a growing space;
a water tank provided in the cabinet and storing water;
a bed provided in the cultivation space to which water from the water tank is supplied;
a light assembly positioned above the bed and irradiating light to the bed;
a pod that absorbs the water of the bed and is filled with a vermiculite medium equipped with crop seeds and nutrient solution material; and
and a pod cover that covers the opened surface of the pod and has a cover hole for opening an upper side of the medium in which the seeds of the crop are located. 16. The method of claim 15,
The pod cover is formed by being depressed downward, and a plant cultivation apparatus including a depression having an absorption port. 17. The method of claim 16,
The inside of the depression is further filled with vermiculite medium,
The seed of the crop is a plant cultivation device located inside the depression. 18. The method of claim 17,
The nutrient solution material is provided in any one of a vermiculite medium filled inside the depression and a vermiculite medium filled inside the pod.

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