KR20220035906A - Smart plant cultivating system - Google Patents

Abstract

A smart plant cultivation system that allows plants to be grown indoors is being launched. The plant is placed and includes a cultivation unit 100 that supplies light and a supply unit 200 that supplies nutrient solution to the plant. And the cultivation unit 100 includes a unit module 110 and a light source facility 120, and the supply unit 200 includes a main tank 210 and a transfer pipe 220.
The unit module 110 includes a housing 111 that seals the interior, a chamber 112 that holds the plants, a nutrient solution container 113 that temporarily stores the nutrient solution, and a fog generator that turns the nutrient solution into nutrient solution fog (wa3). It includes a device 114, an airflow generating fan 115 that generates an airflow, and control and measurement means 116 on the cultivation unit side. The light source equipment 120 includes a light source frame 121 fixed to the ceiling and an LED light lamp.
The main tank 210 includes a tank body 211 that seals the inside and stores the nutrient solution, and a transfer pump ( 212) and supply unit side control and measurement means 213 for detecting and controlling the state of the main tank 210.
The transfer pipe 220 includes a transfer pipe body 221 that transfers the nutrient solution to the nutrient solution tank 113, one end of the transfer pipe 222 located in the main tank 210, and a transfer pipe located in the unit module 110. Includes the other end of the tube (223).
An airflow concentrating portion (113f) is provided by being formed deeper at the bottom center of the nutrient solution container (113), and an airflow pipe (115e) takes the form of a tube and extends vertically downward from the position of the airflow generating fan (115). is provided, and its lower end is disposed close to the deepest center of the airflow concentration portion (113f). The fog generator 114 is disposed around the nozzle at the bottom of the airflow pipe 115e. A mixing fan (115f) is provided, and the mixing fan (115f) is disposed in the airflow concentration portion (113f).

Description

Smart plant cultivation system {SMART PLANT CULTIVATING SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a system capable of growing plants indoors. In addition, it is about a smart system that manages plants with smart devices.

Conventionally, Patent Publication No. 76500 (2013.07.08.) regarding an LED lighting automatic cultivation system capable of wireless control is illustrated in Figure 1. In detail, a housing provided with a shelf therein on which a plant culture tray is placed to cultivate plants by automatically controlling the temperature, humidity, and light amount for plant culture; An LED lamp for emitting light downward from the top of a tray placed on a shelf; a nozzle for spraying moisture into the upper space of the tray; a pump for pumping water contained in the water tank to the nozzle; an exhaust fan for discharging air inside the housing to the outside; a humidity sensor for sensing humidity inside the housing; A temperature sensor for sensing the temperature inside the housing; A lighting control unit that controls the emission of the LED lamp, a humidity control unit that controls the operation of the pump according to the humidity detected by the humidity sensor, and a temperature control unit that controls the operation of the exhaust fan according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. a control unit provided with a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication; Through control means and wireless communication, the luminous state of the LED lamp and the humidity and temperature conditions inside the housing are received and monitored, and a cultivation control signal is provided to control the lighting control unit, humidity control unit, and temperature control unit by user input. A portable terminal that transmits wirelessly as a control means; It is provided to enable wireless control.

Public Utility Model No. 7404 (July 21, 2010) regarding the ceiling-attached plant planting method is illustrated in Figure 2. In detail, water falls from the top of the water line (8) using the spring cooler at the top to the top of the ceiling attachment block, passes through the soil (4) in FIG. 4, and passes through the gravel (5). It accumulates in the lower part of the block through 2), falls to one line (3), and is then drained through the water receiving line (9) and drain line (10). In addition, silicon (6) is used to prevent water from dripping from the planting hole (1), and a lamp (7) is used to transmit light from bottom to top.

Registered Patent No. 1433598 (2014.08.29.) is provided regarding the furniture-embedded plant cultivation device. In detail, it is installed in the space formed at the bottom of the furniture, and includes a water tank; water pump; first water supply pipe; flower pot stand; stopper; second water supply pipe; A control unit that operates the water pump at a preset time; and a blower. The blower is equipped with a suction blower that sucks pollutants in the air into the storage unit and purifies them, and an exhaust blower that discharges the purified air into the room. LED lighting may be configured with a plurality of RGB LED elements that are fastened to one side of the support piece of the flower pot stand and receive power supplied through the control unit to adjust the brightness around the room.

Registered Patent No. 2104459 (April 20, 2020) related to an inverted plant cultivation system installed on the ceiling is illustrated in Figure 3.

The space needed for plant cultivation indoors is secured by utilizing the empty space on the ceiling. Moisture, nutrients, and light are automatically supplied, each unit can be easily attached, removed, and replaced, and the use of general soil is suppressed. We aim to provide a system that is light, clean, and easy to manage.

It is a plant cultivation smart system that manages plants (pl) with a smart device, and includes a cultivation unit (100) that places plants and supplies light, and a supply unit (200) that supplies nutrient solution to the plants,

The cultivation unit 100 includes a unit module 110 and a light source facility 120, and the supply unit 200 includes a main tank 210 and a transfer pipe 220,

The unit module 110 includes a housing 111 that seals the interior, a chamber 112 disposed on the bottom of the housing 111 and opening in the vertical direction to secure the plant, and a chamber 112 inside the unit module 110. A nutrient solution tank 113 that receives and temporarily stores the nutrient solution stored in the main tank 210 through the transfer pipe 220, a fog generator 114 that turns the nutrient solution into nutrient solution fog (wa3), and generates an air current. An airflow generating fan 115 that contributes to the formation of nutrient solution fog (wa3) and moves the nutrient solution fog (wa3) to the plant roots (pl1), and a cultivation system that detects and monitors the temperature and humidity necessary for plant cultivation and performs function control Includes unit-side control and measurement means 116,

The light source equipment 120 includes a light source frame 121 fixed to the ceiling and an LED lamp installed to supply light to plants, and a unit module 110 is fixed to the light source frame 121,

The main tank 210 includes a tank body 211 that seals the inside and stores the nutrient solution, and a transfer pump ( 212) and supply unit side control and measurement means 213 for detecting and controlling the state of the main tank 210,

The transfer pipe 220 includes a transfer pipe body 221 that transfers the nutrient solution to the nutrient solution tank 113 by the operation of the transfer pump 212, and one end of the transfer pipe into which the stored nutrient solution is introduced, located in the main tank 210. (222) and the other end of the transfer pipe (223), which is located in the unit module 110 and discharges the transferred nutrient solution, and is provided by being fixed to the building wall with a fixing bracket,

The nutrient solution container 113 is formed deeper at the bottom center and is provided with an airflow concentration portion 113f that takes a triangular shape,

An airflow pipe (115e) is provided that extends vertically downward in the form of a pipe from the top where the airflow generating fan (115) is installed, and its lower end is disposed close to the deepest center of the airflow concentration portion (113f),

The fog generator 114 is installed in the airflow concentrator 113f and is arranged to surround the nozzle at the bottom of the airflow pipe 115e,

A mixing fan (115f) is provided to apply collision to the airflow (f2) (f3), and the mixing fan (115f) is located in the deepest part of the airflow concentration section (113f) below the nozzle at the bottom of the airflow pipe (115e), facing upward. It is installed.

The smart plant cultivation system secures space for plant cultivation indoors by utilizing the empty space on the ceiling. Automatically supplies moisture, nutrients, and light. Each unit can be easily attached, removed and exchanged. By suppressing the use of general soil, it is light, clean, and easy to maintain. Lighting used for plant cultivation can be effectively utilized for indoor lighting. The interior design is also eco-friendly.

Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing one implementation of the technology underlying the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing another implementation of the technology underlying the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram showing another implementation of the technology underlying the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram showing the concept of a configuration for implementing the present invention.

The related technologies in FIGS. 1 to 3 can be cited for the necessary parts such as configuration, control, measurement, and control circuits to construct a smart plant cultivation system. Figure 3 Let's look at related technologies. Using smart devices (Smart Terminal), IOT, etc., remote monitoring is possible, and plant cultivation is possible through remote control or automatically. It is configured to provide plants (pl) in an upside-down state, and can be used in offices, residential facilities, and commercial areas. It concerns a system provided as an indoor ceiling installation that can provide comprehensive lighting necessary for daily life in facilities, performance facilities, etc. For this purpose, a cultivation unit 100 in which plants (pl) are placed; And a supply unit 200 that supplies nutrient solution (wa) (moisture and nutrient solution) to the plant (pl).

The cultivation unit 100 is comprised of a plurality of unit modules 110 and a light source facility 120. The unit module 110 supports a plant (pl) hanging from the ceiling so that it can be grown with its roots pointing upwards and its leaves facing downwards, and is provided as a modular cell unit so that it can be installed and exchanged. In the case of plant cultivation, if a specific necessary part has a problem or needs to be replaced, only the unit module 110 part can be separated and replaced, or repair work can be performed quickly and at low cost. The light source equipment 120 promotes plant cultivation by irradiating light to plants (pl) and is provided to provide lighting necessary for daily life at the same time, so that a separate lighting device can be omitted and necessary for daily life. By using lighting, the light energy needed for plant cultivation can be supplied.

The supply unit 200 includes a main tank 210 that stores (receives) the nutrient solution (wa) for plant cultivation and a transfer pipe 220 that sends and delivers the stored nutrient solution (wa) (wa1) to the plants (pl). This is done. The main tank 210 can be installed mainly in low areas where maintenance is easy, so a large amount of nutrient solution (wa) can be easily stored in the main tank 210 on a regular basis, and the nutrient solution (wa ) can be supplied through the transfer pipe 220 according to demand.

In more detail, the unit module 110 includes a housing 111; Chamber (112); Nutrient solution container (113); Fog generating device (114); Airflow generating fan (115); and cultivation unit side control and measurement means 116. The housing 111 is sealed inside and has a reflector 111a on the bottom to reflect light downward. In addition, the housing 111 includes a chamber 112 that confines the plant roots (pl1) to supply the nutrient solution (wa) converted to the form of nutrient solution fog (wa3) to the plants (pl). The nutrient solution fog (wa3) can pass through the space relatively unconstrained and be quickly supplied to where it is needed, and can be evenly distributed throughout or locally in areas where nutrient solution (wa) supply is needed. In particular, when plants are grown upside down, there is a high possibility that the nutrient solution will fall indoors in a liquid state, but this can be fundamentally prevented.

The chamber 112 is disposed on the bottom of the housing 111 and has a vertical opening to allow the body of the plant pl to be placed in the vertical direction, and the nutrient solution fog wa3 is opened in the body of the chamber 12. It is provided to pass through and be supplied to the plant roots (pl1). Below the chamber 112, the plant pl2 is seated in an up-and-down state, with the plant stem pl2 passing through the opening below. At this time, a detachable slot is provided in the lower opening to block the lower opening of the chamber 112 to prevent the contents of the housing 111 from falling. The side where the plant root (pl1) is embedded in the chamber 112 may be filled with known materials such as moss, soil processed to prevent powder from flying, and sawdust.

The nutrient solution tank 113 is provided inside the unit module 110, and receives the nutrient solution (wa) (wa1) stored in the main tank 210 through the transfer pipe 220 and then converts it into the nutrient solution fog (wa3) form. Temporarily store it to do so. Therefore, by providing a separate container for generating nutrient solution fog (wa3) and a facility to maintain the nutrient solution (wa) (wa1) stored in the main tank 210, plant cultivation of the unit module 110 is provided. Ensure that only the required amount of nutrient solution (wa) is supplied.

The fog generator 114 uses the ultrasonic vibration of an ultrasonic pendulum to supply the nutrient solution (wa) necessary for the growth of the plants (pl) placed in the unit module 110. The nutrient solution (wa) is temporarily stored in the nutrient solution tank 113. ) (wa2) is a device that generates nutrient solution fog (wa3) (in the form of nutrient solution droplets, steam, fog, etc.). Matters related to ultrasonic pendulums and their power supply may refer to known technologies for generating fog in ultrasonic humidifiers, etc. The fog generator 114 is configured at the bottom of the nutrient solution container 113 and can be operated to create nutrient solution fog (wa3) until the level of the stored nutrient solution (wa) (wa2) is lowered to its lowest level. In addition, if the fog generator 114 and the unit module 110 are configured separately, a transfer pipe dedicated to the nutrient solution fog (wa3) for transporting the nutrient solution (wa) converted to the nutrient solution fog (wa3) form may be added. You can.

The airflow generating fan 115 is provided as a motor fan, etc., and blows external air into the nutrient solution tank 113 to generate airflow (air movement, movement), and the generated nutrient solution fog (wa3) moves along the airflow. Thus, it operates to supply the nutrient solution (wa) to the roots (pl1) of the plant planted upside down. In addition to the fog generator 114, the supply amount of the nutrient solution fog (wa3) can be adjusted by adjusting the strength of the airflow generating fan 115. Things related to the power supply of the airflow generating fan 115, etc. may be cited as known.

The control and measurement means 116 on the cultivation unit side is provided to sense temperature and humidity, monitor it through a wireless network, and perform necessary function control so that plant cultivation arranged in the unit module 110 can be continuously and easily performed.

The light source equipment 120 includes a light source frame 121 and a light source 122. The light source frame 121 takes the form of a grid and is fixed and spaced apart from the bottom of the unit module 110.

The light source 122 is an LED lamp that helps the growth of plants (pl) and at the same time serves as an indoor lighting device.

The main tank 210 includes a tank body 211; Transfer pump (212); and supply unit side control and measurement means 213. The tank body 211 seals its interior and stores the nutrient solution (wa). The transfer pump 212 is a power source that sends the nutrient solution (wa) (wa1) stored in the tank body 211 to the transfer pipe 220. The supply unit side control and measurement means 213 controls the functional state of the main tank 210.

The transfer pipe 220 includes a transfer pipe body 221 that takes the form of a pipe to transfer the nutrient solution (wa) to the nutrient solution tank 113 by the operation of the transfer pump 212; One end of the transfer pipe 222 is located in the main tank 210 in the form of a pipe and serves as an inlet through which the stored nutrient solution (wa) (wa1) is introduced when the transfer pump 212 operates; And the other end of the pipe-shaped transfer pipe 223 is located in the unit module 110 and discharges the nutrient solution. The transfer pipe 220 can be installed on a separate fixing frame or fixed to the building wall with a fixing bracket.

In relation to the cultivation unit side control and measurement means 116 and the supply unit side control and measurement means 213, a temperature and humidity sensor installed in each plant cultivation unit 100, a client transmitter that transmits the sensed temperature and humidity information to a wireless network, It may include a server that exchanges temperature and humidity information for each unit transferred from the transmitter and a device that monitors the temperature and humidity for each cultivation unit (100). That is, a monitoring device through a wireless network that senses temperature and humidity, a temperature and humidity sensor installed in the plant cultivation unit 100, a client transmitter that transmits the sensed temperature and humidity information to the wireless network, and temperature and humidity information for each unit transferred from the transmitter. It includes a device that monitors the exchange server and the temperature and humidity of each unit.

A sensor that senses the temperature and humidity of the chamber 112, a wireless communication module that is connected to the sensor and transmits the temperature and humidity value to the wireless network server, a valve that can block or open the nutrient solution fog (wa3), and a valve depending on the sensor value. It can be configured to control the processor, sensors and modules, microprocessors, and devices that supply power to the valve. The valve may be provided as an electric valve including a solenoid valve that can open and close the pipe supplying the nutrient solution fog (wa3). In addition, when the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank is insufficient, it may include a configuration that transmits an alarm signal to the monitoring terminal by devices such as a nutrient solution level detection sensor, a microprocessor, and a wireless module. Wireless communication is provided through well-known WiFi, Bluetooth, MQQT, Lora, etc., and clients and servers can be connected through a wireless network.

The server can have the same hardware configuration as a known web server, web application server, or WAP server. In addition, in terms of software, it is implemented in several known languages such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, PHP, .Net, Python, and Ruby, and may include program modules that perform various functions, including temperature and humidity of each unit, valve opening and closing, etc. It may include devices that receive and record status values.

Monitoring terminals may include devices that check system abnormalities or current status through a web or application program, such as a PC or mobile phone, that connects to a server through a network.

The microprocessor is a device responsible for transferring sensor values to a wireless network server and opening and closing valves according to the received values, and may include microcontrollers such as Arduino, ESP8266, and Atmel AVR.

In the case of the above-described technology of FIG. 3, improvement was needed to increase the generation and supply of nutrient solution fog (wa3) or to operate it more efficiently. To this end, we would like to provide a method to improve the shape of the nutrient solution container 113 and increase the operating efficiency of the fog generator 114. The present invention in this regard will be described in detail with reference to the drawings attached to FIG. 4.

The nutrient solution tank 113 can be made into a horn shape with the bottom of the bottom having an (inverted) triangle shape and a tilt angle (a0) in the center. More specifically, the bottom center of the nutrient solution tank 113, where the air current f1 generated by the air current generating fan 115 moves downward and reaches the air flow concentration portion 113f, extends further downward than other parts. is provided, where the descending airflow (f2) is collected in the airflow concentration section (113f), and the nutrient solution (wa2) supplied from the transfer pipe 220 is collected (concentrated) in the airflow concentration section (113f) in the middle here to provide nutrient solution. It is placed in a good position to be converted to fog (wa3), collides with the descending airflow (f2), and mixes with the airflow (f3) spreading in the left and right sides by the pressure (force), causing the operation of the fog generating device (114). Together, they contribute to the conversion of nutrient solution (wa2) into nutrient solution fog (wa3) more effectively. The fog generator 114 is installed in the airflow concentrator 113f. In particular, it may be located around the bottom exit (nozzle) of the airflow pipe 115e and fixed to the airflow concentrator 113f.

At this time, an airflow pipe (115e) is provided so that the airflow (f1) (f2) can be concentrated directly toward the airflow concentration part (113f) without leaking elsewhere. The airflow generating fan 115 is installed at the top of the airflow pipe 115e, and the bottom nozzle (outlet) of the airflow pipe 115e is located at the deepest part 113f1 of the airflow concentration portion 113f.

In addition, the air bubbles caused by the descending air current (f2) are broken very finely into fine droplets, and the air current (f2) is actively mixed with the nutrient solution (wa2) to ensure better mixing with the nutrient solution (wa2), making it very efficient. A mixing fan (115f) may be provided in the airflow concentrator (113f) to increase . The mixing fan (115f) is composed of a submersible motor fan, etc., and is disposed at the deepest part of the airflow concentrating portion (113f) toward the nozzle at the bottom of the airflow pipe (115e). The mixing fan (115f) is installed facing upward, and operates so that the underwater motor fan of the mixing fan (115f) applies a direct collision to the airflow (f2) exiting the bottom of the airflow concentrator (113f). Thereafter, the nutrient solution fog wa3 is generated more easily and quickly by the fog generator 114 installed in plurality around the mixing pan 115f. Installation (configuration, power, control, etc.) of the mixing fan 115f can be provided as a commercial product such as the airflow generating fan 115.

The operation according to the above-described configuration is that the airflow (f1) generated by the airflow generating fan (115) descends along the airflow pipe (115e), and the airflow (f2) that reaches the bottom of the airflow pipe (115e) is blown out through the nozzle. As it comes out, it is collected into the airflow concentration area (113f), and as it collides with the mixing fan (115f), it is broken into small pieces, and some of the airflow (f3) mixes with the nutrient solution (wa2), forming some foam-shaped nutrient solution fog (wa3). In addition, the nutrient solution fog (wa3) is completely formed by the fog generator 114, and the nutrient solution fog (wa3) is planted in the chamber 112 of the unit module 110 along the continuously moving air current (f5) ( pl) is supplied.

Airflow concentration unit (113f); Airflow generating fan (115); Air flow pipe (115e); mixing pan (115f); Cultivation unit (100); Unit module (110); Light source equipment (120); Supply unit (200); Main tank (210); Transfer pipe (220);

Claims (1)

It includes a cultivation unit 100 where plants are placed and supply light, and a supply unit 200 which supplies nutrient solution to the plants,
The cultivation unit 100 includes a unit module 110 and a light source facility 120, and the supply unit 200 includes a main tank 210 and a transfer pipe 220,
The unit module 110 includes a housing 111 that seals the interior, a chamber 112 disposed on the bottom of the housing 111 and opening in the vertical direction to secure the plant, and a chamber 112 inside the unit module 110. A nutrient solution tank 113 that receives and temporarily stores the nutrient solution stored in the main tank 210 through the transfer pipe 220, a fog generator 114 that turns the nutrient solution into nutrient solution fog (wa3), and generates an air current. An airflow generating fan 115 that contributes to the formation of nutrient solution fog (wa3) and moves the nutrient solution fog (wa3) to the plant roots (pl1), and a cultivation system that detects and monitors the temperature and humidity necessary for plant cultivation and performs function control Includes unit-side control and measurement means 116,
The light source equipment 120 includes a light source frame 121 fixed to the ceiling and an LED lamp installed to supply light to plants, and a unit module 110 is fixed to the light source frame 121,
The main tank 210 includes a tank body 211 that seals the inside and stores the nutrient solution, and a transfer pump ( 212) and supply unit side control and measurement means 213 for detecting and controlling the state of the main tank 210,
The transfer pipe 220 includes a transfer pipe body 221 that transfers the nutrient solution to the nutrient solution tank 113 by the operation of the transfer pump 212, and one end of the transfer pipe into which the stored nutrient solution is introduced, located in the main tank 210. A plant cultivation smart system that includes (222) and the other end of the transfer pipe (223), which is located in the unit module (110) and discharges the transferred nutrient solution, and is provided by being fixed to the building wall with a fixing bracket,
The nutrient solution container 113 is provided with an airflow concentrating portion 113f that is formed deeper at the bottom middle,
An airflow pipe (115e) is provided that extends vertically downward from the top where the airflow generating fan (115) is installed, and its lower end is disposed close to the deepest part of the airflow concentration portion (113f),
The fog generator 114 is installed in the airflow concentrator 113f and is arranged to surround the nozzle at the bottom of the airflow pipe 115e,
A mixing fan (115f) is provided, and the mixing fan (115f) is installed in the deepest part of the airflow concentration section (113f) below the nozzle at the bottom of the airflow pipe (115e),
A smart plant cultivation system characterized in that the mixing fan (115f) is provided as an underwater motor fan.