KR20220169996A - Apparatus for cultivating plants - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a plant cultivation device comprising: a cabinet forming the exterior; a plurality of inner boxes provided in the cabinet and forming a cultivation space therein; a tray which is provided in the cultivation space and in which plants are grown; and a light source module which irradiates light toward plants in the cultivation space. The light source module includes: at least one substrate on which a plurality of lamps are mounted; a camera module provided toward the plants in the cultivation space; and a substrate cover provided in front of the substrate to cover the substrate so that the substrate is not exposed. A lens of the camera module is exposed to the substrate cover. An independent plant cultivation environment can be achieved.

Description

Plant cultivation device {APPARATUS FOR CULTIVATING PLANTS}

The present invention relates to a plant cultivating apparatus, and more specifically, to a plant cultivating apparatus capable of creating an environment capable of controlling the growth of plants.

The plant cultivation device has a cultivation room, which is a space capable of accommodating plants, and creates an environment capable of controlling the growth of plants accommodated in the cultivation room. Nutrients that can affect the growth of plants and a component for providing light.

A plant cultivation apparatus disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0100497 has a cabinet with a cultivation space, a multi-stage tray provided in the cultivation space, a light source module for irradiating light to plants grown on the tray, and a tray. It controls the growth of plants in the cultivation room, including a culture solution module for supplying nutrient solution and an air conditioning module for air conditioning in the cultivation room.

In order to provide a plurality of cultivation spaces, a conventional plant cultivation apparatus divides an inner accommodation space formed by a cabinet with partition walls to create individual plant cultivation environments for a plurality of cultivation spaces.

In this case, the plant cultivation environment created in one cultivation space is likely to affect other adjacent cultivation spaces, and it is difficult to implement an independent plant cultivation environment for each cultivation space.

KR 10-2020-0100497 A1

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of realizing an independent plant cultivation environment for each cultivation space without affecting the cultivation space of another adjacent inner bed with a plant growing environment formed in a cultivation space of one inner bed.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cabinet forming an exterior, a plurality of cabinets provided in the cabinet, and an inner box forming a cultivation space therein, provided in the cultivation space to accommodate a culture medium in which water and nutrient solution are mixed therein. A tray in which plants are grown, a pump for supplying water, a nutrient solution, or a culture solution to the tray, a circulation fan for forming an air flow so that air flows along a duct connected to the inner bed, and the duct A heater for heating the air flowing along the duct, an air conditioner constituting a refrigeration cycle to cool the air flowing along the duct, and an air conditioning environment for each of the plurality of cultivation spaces using the heater or the air conditioner. Provided is a plant cultivation apparatus including a control module for individually controlling or individually controlling the culture medium concentration for each of a plurality of trays using the pump.

According to one embodiment, the pump includes a culture medium pump for supplying water to the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank to the tray, and the plant cultivation apparatus controls the culture medium supplied by the culture medium pump for each of a plurality of the trays. and a plurality of water supply valves for the control module, by using a sensor module for detecting the variety of plants in the cultivation space, to check the variety of plants in the cultivation space, and the culture liquid pump and the water supply according to the variety. Using a valve, the culture medium concentration can be individually controlled for each of the plurality of trays.

According to an embodiment, further comprising a water tank for storing the water, a nutrient solution tank for storing the nutrient solution, and a nutrient solution pump for pressurizing and supplying the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank to the culture solution tank, wherein the water tank, Stacked on the culture medium tank, the water in the water tank may be supplied to the culture medium tank by its own weight.

According to an embodiment, a first valve may be provided between the water tank and the culture medium tank to control the supply of water from the water tank to the culture medium tank according to an opening/closing operation.

According to one embodiment, an electrical conductivity sensor connected between the culture medium tank and the plurality of trays to measure the concentration of the culture medium may be further included.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of culture fluid flow passages through which the culture fluid flows between the culture fluid tank, the culture fluid pump, and the plurality of trays, wherein the electrical conductivity sensor is disposed between the culture fluid tank and the culture fluid pump on the culture fluid passage. can be provided in

According to one embodiment, the electrical conductivity sensor may be connected to the culture fluid flow path in a fitting type.

According to an embodiment, the control module selects one of the culture medium passages corresponding to any one of the trays to be controlled using the plurality of water supply valves, and the culture medium concentration in the tray to be controlled is The water or the nutrient solution may be administered to the culture medium tank so as to follow the target concentration value of the culture medium according to the variety of .

According to an embodiment, the control module injects the water in the water tank or the nutrient solution in the nutrient tank into the culture tank so that the concentration of the culture solution in the culture tank or the tray follows the target concentration value of the culture solution. , The culture medium circulation pump may be driven before measuring the concentration of the culture medium.

According to an embodiment, the pump includes a water pump for supplying water stored in the water tank to the tray, and a nutrient solution pump for supplying water to the tray from the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank. A plurality of water valves for regulating water supplied by the water pump for each of the plurality of trays and a plurality of nutrient solution valves for regulating the nutrient solution supplied by the nutrient solution pump for each of the plurality of trays, the control The module checks the variety of plants in the cultivation space by using a sensor module that detects the variety of plants in the cultivation space, and uses the water pump, the nutrient solution pump, the water valve, and the nutrient solution valve according to the variety. Thus, the culture medium concentration can be individually controlled for each of the plurality of trays.

According to an embodiment, the control module may inject the water in the water tank or the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank into the tray so that the concentration of the culture solution in the tray follows a target concentration value of the culture solution according to the plant variety. there is.

According to an embodiment, the tray may include a first inlet through which water in the water tank is supplied, and a second inlet through which the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank is supplied.

According to one embodiment, the duct includes first and second ducts connected to each of an inlet and an outlet provided in the inner case, and at least one of the first and second ducts is configured to form the two or more unit ducts into the connector. It is made by being connected in series through the damper module, and the airflow flowing along the duct can be interrupted according to the driving of the connector damper module.

According to an embodiment, the control module selects one of the cultivation spaces to be controlled using the plurality of connector damper modules, and uses a sensor module that detects the variety of plants in the cultivation space to The air conditioner or the heater may be operated so that the plant variety in the cultivation space is identified and the temperature of the cultivation space, which is the target of control, follows a target temperature value according to the plant variety.

According to one embodiment, the duct includes first and second ducts connected to an inlet and an outlet provided in the inner case, respectively, and the second duct can open and close the flow of air on the discharge side to the inner case. A discharge damper module may be included.

According to an embodiment, the control module selects one of the cultivation spaces to be controlled using the plurality of discharge damper modules, and uses a sensor module that detects the variety of plants in the cultivation space to The air conditioner or the heater may be operated so that the plant variety in the cultivation space is identified and the temperature of the cultivation space, which is the target of control, follows a target temperature value according to the plant variety.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of inner beds forming a cultivation space are provided in the cabinet, so that a plant growing environment formed on one inner bed does not affect other adjacent inner beds, and each cultivation space can have an independent plant growing environment. can be implemented

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a plant cultivation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing the appearance of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.
Figure 5 is a view showing the rear surface of the plant cultivation device of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a view showing the front of the plant cultivation apparatus of Figure 4.
7 is a view showing an internal wound and a light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing an internal injury according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram showing the system of a culture solution module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a connection diagram between a water tank, a nutrient solution tank, and a culture solution tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11a is a view showing the water supply flow path of the culture medium according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11b is a view showing the circulation flow path of the culture medium according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is an exemplary view of a fastening state of an electrical conductivity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view showing first and second ducts according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a view showing first and second unit duct bodies constituting first and second ducts according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a view showing a connector damper module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is an exploded view of the connector damper module of FIG. 15;
17 is a view showing a portion of a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector damper module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a view showing the discharge side of the second duct according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is an exploded view of a light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a step-by-step flow chart of a method for controlling the concentration of a culture medium for each cultivation space according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21a is a step-by-step flow chart of a specific method for controlling the concentration of the culture medium of the plant cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21b is a step-by-step flow chart of a specific method for controlling the concentration of the culture medium of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a step-by-step flow chart of a method for controlling temperature for each cultivation space of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a step-by-step flowchart of a specific method for controlling the temperature of each cultivation space of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "unit" and "unit" for the constituent elements used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of ease of writing the specification, and do not themselves have a meaning or role distinct from each other. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , it should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.

These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

plant cultivation system

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a plant cultivation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plant cultivation system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plant cultivation device 100, a capsule 200, a user terminal 300 and a server 400. .

In the plant cultivation system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the Internet of Things (IoT) is applied, and the plant cultivation device 100 senses the capsule 200 and based on control data obtained Plant cultivation environment can be controlled automatically.

In addition, the user can monitor the plant cultivation process in real time through the user terminal 300, and at the same time, the cultivation record can be converted into a database and stored in the user terminal 300. The user may remotely control the plant cultivation apparatus 100 through the user terminal 300 to customize the plant cultivation environment.

Figure 2 is a view showing the appearance of the capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case of the plant cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the capsule 200 may be a container in which a seed 150 is packaged. Here, the seed 250 may refer not only to seeds, seeds, seeds, etc., but also to include nursery plants from which the seeds germinate. Depending on the type of seed, the appearance of the capsule 200, such as the shape or color, may be different. The user can select and purchase varieties of the capsule 200 according to his or her taste in the market place.

As shown in FIG. 4, the capsule 200 may be seated on the tray 120 of the plant cultivation device 100, and the seed of the capsule 200 seated on the tray 120 is the plant cultivation device 100. It can be cultured and grown in the cultivation space (S) of

The variety of the capsule 200 can be detected by the sensor module 170 of the plant cultivation device 100 (see FIG. 7, etc.). Various methods may be used to obtain various information such as whether the sensor module 170 is seated on the capsule 200, variety, control data, etc., but according to an embodiment of the present invention, the capsule 200 is QR A smart code such as a quick response code is prepared, and the sensor module 170 including the camera module photographs the QR code of the capsule 200 and analyzes and processes the photographed image, so that the tray ( 120) to identify the capsules 200 arbitrarily placed in a plurality of spots, and to obtain various information such as the number of capsules 200, the type of each identified capsule 200, the placement location of each capsule 200, and the placement time. can be obtained

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module 170 uses a near field communication (NFC) method such as radio frequency identification (RFID) or a long-distance wireless communication method to transmit various types of information from the capsule 200. information can be obtained. In addition to this, of course, various methods such as an optical recognition method, an electromagnetic recognition method, or an information acquisition method using feature points may be used.

As described above, the variety of the capsule 200 can be identified by the sensor module 170, and accordingly, the control module determines the type and arrangement of the capsule 200 identified by the sensor module 170. Control data for controlling the cultivation device 100 may be generated.

Meanwhile, the capsule 200 may include a capsule frame 210, a capsule cover 220, and a seed 250 (see FIG. 2).

The capsule frame 210 may form a skeleton of the capsule 200 and may be a member for accommodating the seed accommodating portion 240 therein. At this time, the material of the capsule frame 210 may be synthetic resin or the like, and may be manufactured by plastic injection molding or the like.

The upper and lower surfaces of the capsule frame 210 may be open, and an open portion may be formed on at least a portion of the side surface. A mature plant can be exposed to the outside through an open portion of the upper surface of the capsule frame 210, and a seed receiving portion 240 of the plant through an open portion of the lower surface of the capsule frame 210 and a plurality of open portions of the side surface of the capsule frame 210. Air and culture medium necessary for growth can be supplied.

A capsule cover 220 may be provided on the upper surface of the capsule frame 210 to cover the open portion and preserve the seed 250 inside the capsule frame 210 . Accordingly, when the capsule cover 220 is opened, the upper open portion of the capsule frame 210 is exposed to the outside, thereby securing a space for the seed 250 to grow. In addition, the recognition unit 230 provided on the capsule cover 220 may provide various types of information about the capsule 200 .

At least a portion of the capsule cover 220 may be opened and closed in the form of a cap. To this end, the capsule cover 220 may include a remaining portion 221 and a removal portion 222 . Here, the remaining part 221 may be a part that remains when the capsule cover 220 is opened, and the removal part 222 may be a part that is removed when the capsule cover 220 is opened.

The removal portion 222 may be formed to cover the open portion of the upper surface of the capsule frame 210, and to open the capsule cover 220, an opening is required between the removal portion 222 and the remaining portion 221. For ease of use, an easy-cut may be formed in which a part of the perforation line is separated or cut out.

The recognition unit 230 is a part recognized by the sensor module 170 of the plant cultivation device 100, and the recognition unit 230 may have various forms according to the recognition method, and as an example, the QR code (Quick response code) ), an RFID chip, a magnetic material, and a feature point.

When the recognition unit 230 is provided in the form of a smart code such as a QR code (Quick response code), it may be disposed and/or formed integrally with the remaining portion 221 of the capsule cover 220, but the recognition unit 230 The location is not limited thereto.

The seed accommodating part 240 is a part accommodating the seed 250, like soil in a natural state, and the seed accommodating part 240 has breathability through which air can pass, and properties capable of absorbing and retaining moisture. It is preferable to have, for example, the material of the seed receiving portion 240 may be a porous sponge material, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, it is preferable that one seed 250 of a single variety exist in one capsule 200, but it is not limited thereto, and a plurality of seeds 250 of various kinds may exist in one capsule 200.

Plant cultivation device

On the other hand, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened, Figure 5 is a view showing the back of the plant cultivation device of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a view showing the front of the plant cultivation device of FIG.

3 to 6, the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 110, a tray 120, a light source module 160, air conditioners 151 to 153 and control A module (not shown) may be included.

The cabinet 110 forms the exterior of the plant cultivation apparatus 100, but the cabinet 110 includes at least one inner box 130 forming a cultivation space S therein, and a machine room M located below it. can include

The cabinet 110 may be provided with a door 111 that can be opened and closed at the front.

When the door 111 is opened, the cultivation space (S) may be exposed to the outside, and the user may open the door 111 to seat the capsule 200 on the tray 120 or place the capsule 200 on the tray 120 as needed. ), mature plants can be harvested.

Conversely, when the door 111 is closed, the cultivation space (S) can be blocked from the outside, and the user closes the door 111 to isolate the cultivation space (S) from the outside, if necessary, to separate the cultivation environment from the outside. can provide.

At least one window 1111 may be provided on the door 111 , and a user may visually check the cultivation space S inside the cabinet 110 through the window 1111 . Accordingly, the window 1111 may be positioned toward the cultivation space (S).

The illumination in the cultivation space (S) can be brightly set according to the plant cultivation environment by the light source module 160, and in order to prevent glare or damage to the eyes of the user accordingly, the window 1111 has the cultivation space (S). ) means may be provided to block or absorb the light. For example, at least a portion of the window 1111 may be coated with a material for light absorption and/or light reflection.

In addition, the door 111 may be provided with an electronic panel 112 for receiving user input or outputting various information to a screen, and the user visually checks information related to the plant cultivation environment through the electronic panel 112 or , The user can control the plant cultivation environment through a touch input or a press input through the electronic panel 112 .

In addition, a first channel C1 and/or a second channel C2 for exchanging outside air with the cultivation space S may be formed in the door 111 . Outside air may be introduced into the cultivation space (S) through the first channel (C1), and conversely, air in the cultivation space (S) may be discharged to the outside through the second channel (C2).

In addition, the inner surface of the door 111 has a space for holding harvesting tools such as scissors or a tray, so that the user can conveniently harvest mature plants and transport the harvested plants using the mounted tools. there is.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4 , a plurality of inner trays 130 forming a cultivation space S may be provided in the cabinet 110, and the cultivation space S is independently divided by the inner tray 130. It can be (reference numerals Sa to Sc). That is, the inner bed 130 and the cultivation space S correspond one-to-one, so that one inner bed 130 may have one cultivation space S, and among the terms used in this specification, the cultivation space S may refer to the internal wound 130 .

At this time, the plurality of inner boxes 130 in the cabinet 110 may be stacked vertically, but are not limited thereto, and may be arranged in various forms.

At least one of trays 120a to 120c, light source modules 160a to 160c, and sensor modules 170a to 170c may be provided in each of the plurality of cultivation spaces Sa to Sc. A tray 120 may be provided under the cultivation spaces Sa to Sc, and a light source module 160 and a sensor module 170 may be disposed on the ceiling of the cultivation spaces Sa to Sc.

The cabinet 110 may include cabinet frames 101 and 102 forming a skeleton of the cabinet 110 . The cabinet frames 101 and 102 may be formed of a combination of a plurality of vertical frames 101 provided in a vertical direction and a plurality of horizontal frames 102 provided in a horizontal direction (see FIG. 7 and the like).

That is, the plurality of vertical frames 101 and the plurality of horizontal frames 102 are connected in a lattice and may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a long length in an approximately vertical direction. At this time, a plurality of At least some of the horizontal frames 102 may be omitted and opened.

At least one inner case 130 may be coupled to the cabinet frames 101 and 102 , and thus the inner case 130 may be fixedly supported in the cabinet 110 . Specifically, a plurality of inner boxes 130 are coupled at different heights to at least some of the horizontal frames 102 provided on the left and right sides of the cabinet 110, so that the plurality of inner boxes 130 are cabinet frames 101 and 102. can be fixedly supported.

8 is a view showing an internal injury according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8 , as described above, the light source module 160 and the sensor module 170 may be provided on the ceiling of the inner case 130, and the tray 120 may be provided under the inner case 130. At this time, a pair of rails may be provided on the left and right inner walls of the inner box 130 so that the tray 120 can slide forward and backward.

The tray 120 may move forward and backward along a pair of rails provided on the inner case 130 , and may be drawn into the inner case 130 or drawn out from the inner case 130 .

When the tray 120 is inserted into the inner case 130 and mounted therein, it may be connected to the culture medium flow passages fa to fc connected to the culture medium tank 191 .

Specifically, the tray 120 may be provided with an inlet through which the culture medium is supplied to the inner accommodating space, and the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank may flow into the inner accommodating space of the tray 120 through the inlet of the tray 120. . That is, the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank 191 may be supplied to the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 by receiving power from a pump or an actuator at a flow rate controlled by a valve or the like.

According to another embodiment, the tray 120 may be provided with an outlet through which the culture medium stored in the inner accommodation space is discharged, in addition to an inlet through which the culture medium is supplied to the inner accommodation space. Accordingly, the culture medium in the inner accommodating space of the tray 120 may circulate with the culture medium tank through the inlet and outlet provided in the tray 120 . That is, the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank 191 can be circulated through the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 by receiving power from a pump or an actuator at a flow rate controlled by a valve or the like.

As a result, the upper surface of the tray 120 may be provided with a plurality of spots in which a plurality of capsules 200 can be seated in contact with the cultivation space S, and the plants in the capsules 200 seated in the spots are placed on the tray ( 120) can be grown by the culture medium stored in the inner accommodating space.

The control module according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the amount of supply or circulation of the culture medium, but at this time, it is possible to obtain control data by sensing the capsules 200 provided in a plurality of spots of the tray 120, and the capsules 200 Depending on at least one of the number, variety, placement location, and placement time of the, it is possible to control the amount of supply or circulation of the culture medium.

Accordingly, the user may collect mature plants one by one in units of capsules 200, or may acquire mature plants in units of seedlings at once by separating the tray 120 from the inner bed 130. At this time, when the user harvests plants in seedling units, the tray 120 can be stably (maintained horizontally) on the table so that the tray 120 can be moved directly to the dining table and the legs protruding from the bottom surface so that the user can sit on the table. can include

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, on one side (for example, the rear surface) of the inner box 130, an outlet O for discharging air in the cultivation space S to the first duct 142, and 2 An inlet (I) through which air flowing along the duct 143 is introduced into the cultivation space (S) may be provided.

Accordingly, the air in the cultivation space (S) is discharged through the outlet (O), cooled or heated by the air conditioners (151 to 153) in the machine room (M) and then introduced through the inlet (I), (S) My air can be conditioned.

The positions of the inlet (I) and the outlet (O) formed in the inner case 130 are not particularly limited, but according to an embodiment of the present invention, the air whose temperature or humidity is harmonized (or controlled) is supplied to the light source module 160. The inlet (I) is located on the lower side of the rear surface of the inner bed (130) so that it can be provided in the cultivation space (S) without being directly affected by can do.

The machine room (M) is configured to allow air to flow along the first and second ducts (142, 143) connected to the air conditioners (151 to 153) and the inner box (130) for conditioning the air in the cultivation space (S). A circulation fan 141 or the like for forming air flow may be provided.

It is preferable that the machine room M is provided at the rear of the lower part of the cabinet 110 so that only a worker, not a user, can access it, and a part of the rear surface of the cabinet 110 can be opened and closed.

On the other hand, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, one side (for example, the front) of the machine room M is a water tank 194 for storing water, a nutrient solution tank 192 for storing nutrient solution, water and nutrient solution The culture tank 191 for storing the mixed culture medium and various condensates generated from the machine room (M) or the cultivation space (S) by driving the refrigeration cycle or by the humid atmosphere in the cultivation space (S) A condensate tank 195 may be included.

By arranging the water tank 194 or the nutrient solution tank 192 in the front, it is easy for the user to fill water as needed and to refill the nutrient solution, and it is placed in the front to provide liquid raw water or nutrient solution. Filters for removing foreign substances can be easily replaced.

The nutrient solution tank 192 may be divided into two or more to store different types of nutrient solution therein, and the inside of the nutrient solution tank 192 has distinguishable colors or letters so that the user can visually identify and distinguish them. etc. can be displayed.

The water tank 194 or the nutrient solution tank 192 may include a groove-type or protruding handle provided on the front plate of each tank so that the user can easily withdraw it to the outside.

The culture tank 191 may be located in front of the machine room (M), such as the water tank 194 or the nutrient tank 192, but is not limited thereto, and according to one embodiment, the user for the culture solution mixed in the culture tank may be located inside the machine room (M) without being exposed to the outside to prevent concentration adjustment by arbitrarily introducing nutrient solution or water.

The culture solution provided from the culture tank 191 to the tray 120 may be a liquid in which water in the water tank 194 and nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank 192 are mixed, and the concentration is determined by the mixing ratio of the water and the nutrient solution. can

Specifically, the water and nutrient solution stored in each of the water tank 194 and the nutrient solution tank 192 are mixed at a predetermined ratio at a flow rate controlled by a valve, etc., powered by a pump or an actuator, and mixed in a predetermined ratio. can be stored in Accordingly, as described above, the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank 191 may be supplied to the tray 120 at a flow rate controlled by a valve or the like by receiving power from a pump or an actuator.

According to another embodiment, as described above, the tray 120 may be provided with an inlet and an outlet, and thus, the culture solution of the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 through the inlet and outlet provided in the tray 120. can circulate with the culture medium tank. That is, the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank 191 may be supplied to the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 by receiving power from a pump or an actuator at a flow rate controlled by a valve or the like, or The culture medium may circulate through the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 .

According to another embodiment, the tray 120 includes first inlets 121a to 121c through which water supplied from the water tank 194 flows, and second inlets through which the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution tank 192 flows ( 122a to 122c) are provided separately, and the water stored in the water tank 194 is supplied with power by a pump or an actuator at a flow rate controlled by a valve, etc. ), or the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 192 may flow into the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 through the second inlets 122a to 122c.

The control module according to an embodiment of the present invention can control the concentration of the culture solution according to the mixing ratio of water and nutrient solution, and obtain control data by sensing the capsules 200 provided in a plurality of spots of the tray 120. In addition, at least one of the circulation amount and concentration of the culture medium may be controlled according to at least one of the number of capsules 200, the variety, the placement position, and the placement time.

Here, although not shown in the drawing, the aforementioned nutrient solution tank 192, water tank 194, condensate tank 195, and culture solution tank 191 sense the level of the fluid stored in each tank or flow in and out of each tank. It may include at least one sensor for sensing a flow rate, and at least one valve for opening or closing an inlet/outlet flow path connected to each tank or adjusting a flow rate.

broth system

10 is a diagram showing a system of a culture solution module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a connection diagram between a water tank, a nutrient solution tank, and a culture solution tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 and 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a water tank 194 and at least one nutrient tank 192 are connected to the culture tank 191, and the control module is the culture tank 191 ) By adjusting the amount of water (or raw water) in the water tank 194 and the amount of the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank 192, the concentration of the culture solution in which the water and the nutrient solution are mixed can be controlled.

That is, the control module opens and closes the first valve V1 provided between the water tank 194 and the culture tank 191 and the second valve V2 provided between the nutrient tank 192 and the culture tank 191. By controlling the operation and adjusting the amount of water or nutrient solution supplied to the culture tank 191, the concentration of the culture solution in the culture tank 191 can be adjusted.

At this time, a nutrient solution pump (P1) for pressurizing the nutrient solution may be provided on the flow path between the nutrient solution tank 192 and the culture solution tank 191 to supply the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank 192 to the culture solution tank 191. .

If there are two or more nutrient solution tanks 192 to store different types of nutrient solution, as an example, if the nutrient solution tank 192 includes first and second nutrient solution tanks 263a and 263b, the first and second nutrient solution tanks 263a and 263b are provided. A 3-way second valve V2 is provided between the second nutrient tanks 263a and 263b and the culture medium tank 191, and the second valve V2 has one end, that is, the culture medium tank ( 191) may be connected to the nutrient solution pump (P1), and the first and second nutrient solution tanks (263a, 263b) may be respectively connected to the remaining ends, respectively.

By operating the second valve (V2) according to the control signal generated by the control module, the culture tank 191 and the first and second nutrient tanks 263a and 263b are opened and closed to open and close the passage between at least one of the culture tank ( 191) can select the type of nutrient solution supplied, and also adjust the opening ratio of each of the first and second nutrient solution tanks 263a and 263b (each may be a ratio obtained by distributing the total 100 at a predetermined ratio), Nutrient solutions of different types may be mixed in a predetermined ratio.

However, as shown in FIG. 10, preferably, a separate pump or actuator is not provided on the flow path between the water tank 194 and the culture medium tank 191, and only the first valve V1 may be provided. .

That is, the water tank 194 is arranged to be stacked on top of the culture tank 191, and when the first valve V1 is opened, the water stored in the water tank 194 falls into the culture tank 191 by its own weight. It is desirable to do so.

Specifically, the water tank 194 is provided above the culture medium tank 191, and a conduit may be provided between the water tank 194 and the culture medium tank 191 so as to be substantially vertical. A first valve (V1) is provided on the conduit to adjust the flow rate or open and close the flow path, and the water (or raw water) stored in the upper water tank 194 is released according to the degree of opening or closing of the first valve (V1). It can be introduced by naturally falling into the culture medium tank 191.

On the other hand, Figure 11a is a view showing the water supply flow path of the culture medium according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the culture fluid flow path for supplying the culture fluid in the culture medium tank 191 to the tray 120 provided in each of the plurality of inner beds 130 ( fa~fc).

At this time, in order to supply the culture medium in the culture medium tank 191 to each tray 120a to 120c on the culture fluid passages fa to fc, the rear end of the culture fluid tank 191, that is, the culture fluid tank 191 and the trays 120a to 120c ) A culture medium pump (P2) may be provided between them, and accordingly, the culture medium pump (P2) may pressurize the culture medium in the medium tank 191 to the tray 120.

The control module can adjust the concentration of the culture solution to a target concentration value by mixing water and nutrient solution in the culture tank 191 at a predetermined ratio. ))), the water stored in the water tank 194 or the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 192 is stored in the culture solution tank 191 can be put into

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor for measuring the concentration of the culture medium may be provided inside the culture medium tank 191, but according to another embodiment, the electrical conductivity sensor 180 for measuring the concentration of the culture medium ) is located between the culture tank 191 and the culture pump P2, before measuring the concentration of the culture fluid, drive the culture fluid pump P2 to induce the culture fluid in the culture tank 191 to the electrical conductivity sensor 180 can do.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the culture medium pump (P2) can be driven periodically according to a predetermined cycle during the driving of the plant cultivation device (100). That is, while the plant cultivation device 100 is driven, the culture solution pump P2 is driven periodically to supply the culture solution in the culture solution tank 191 to the tray 120 . However, the cycle may vary depending on at least one of the number of plants, variety, and placement time.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the culture medium pump P2 may be driven according to whether or not the culture medium in the tray 120 is exhausted. That is, as an example, the control module detects the amount (or level) of the culture medium stored in the inner accommodation space of the tray 120 using a sensor, and determines whether or not the culture medium in the tray 120 is exhausted, thereby determining the amount (or level) of the culture medium. If the water level) is less than a predetermined threshold value, the culture medium pump P2 may be driven to supply the culture medium in the culture medium tank 191 to the tray 120.

On the other hand, in order to measure the concentration of the culture solution supplied to the tray 120, the concentration measuring means capable of measuring the concentration of the culture solution is the inside of the culture medium tank 191, the inside of the tray 120, and / or the culture medium flow path (fa ~ fc ) can be provided on the

Depending on the embodiment, the concentration measuring means may be provided inside the culture tank 191 to measure the concentration of the culture solution stored in the culture tank 191, or provided inside each of the plurality of trays 120, the tray 120 ) It is also possible to measure the concentration of the culture solution stored in the medium, and it is provided on the culture fluid flow path (fa ~ fc) through which the culture medium flows between the culture medium tank 191 and the tray 120, and the culture medium flowing through the culture medium flow path (fa ~ fc) concentration can be measured.

Among them, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when there are two or more culture fluid passages (fa to fc), the culture fluid concentration can be measured for each and the entire culture fluid passage (fa to fc) with one culture fluid concentration measuring means. So that the concentration measuring means is provided between the culture medium tank 191 and the culture medium pump P2, which are the rear end of the culture medium tank 191 and the front end of the culture medium pump P2, among the culture medium passages fa to fc. It can be.

Here, the culture medium concentration measuring means according to an embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is for measuring the concentration of the culture medium, but the culture medium concentration measuring means according to an embodiment of the present invention is the electrical conductivity of the culture medium ( It may be an electrical conductivity sensor 180 that measures the concentration of the culture medium using electric conductivity (EC).

That is, the culture medium has an electrical conductivity (EC) because elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, and phosphorus are dissolved in an ionic state, and the higher the concentration, the higher the electrical conductivity. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the culture medium can be measured indirectly by measuring the electrical conductivity of the culture medium.

Therefore, based on the electrical conductivity measured using the electrical conductivity sensor 180, the control module puts the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank 192 into the culture solution tank 191 when the measured concentration of the culture solution is lower than the target concentration value of the culture solution. Conversely, if the measured concentration of the culture medium is higher than the target concentration value of the culture medium, the water in the water tank 194 may be introduced into the culture medium tank 191. Here, the culture medium target concentration value may be any one specified value or a predetermined range including any one specified value.

On the other hand, Figure 12 is an exemplary view of the fastening state of the electrical conductivity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can use the electrical conductivity sensor 180 to measure the concentration of the culture medium, and preferably, the electrical conductivity sensor 180 is connected to the culture medium tank 191 It may be provided between the culture medium pump (P2), but more preferably, the electrical conductivity sensor 180, as shown in Figure 12, is preferably connected to the fitting device (F) in a fitting type.

Each of both sides of the three-way fitting device (F) is connected to each flow path of the culture medium tank 191 and the culture medium pump P2, and the other side is fitted to the electrical conductivity sensor 180. Can be coupled.

That is, by attaching or detaching the electrical conductivity sensor 180 in a fitting type on the culture fluid passages fa to fc, the electrical conductivity sensor 180 for measuring the concentration of the culture fluid flowing on the culture fluid passages fa to fc replacement can be facilitated.

On the other hand, when there are two or more trays 120 in the cultivation space S, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11a, the culture medium flow paths fa to fc may be two or more corresponding to the number of the trays 120. there is.

That is, the culture fluid passages fa to fc may include first to third culture fluid passages fa to fc for supplying the culture fluid from the culture fluid pump P2 to the first to third trays 120a to 120c, respectively. . Accordingly, two branch points may be provided on the flow path from the culture medium tank 191 to the first to third trays 120a to 120c.

At this time, first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c may be provided at the front end of each of the plurality of trays 120, and the first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c are selectively opened and closed by the control module. By operating, the culture medium in the culture medium tank 191 can be selectively supplied to the first to third trays 120a to 120c.

The control module adjusts the concentration in the plurality of trays 120a to 120c by selectively opening at least one of the first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c and closing the others according to the control signal generated by the control module. At least one or at least one culture medium passage (fa to fc) corresponding thereto may be selected as a target to be controlled.

Eventually, the control module selects at least one of the plurality of trays 120a to 120c, and injects water or nutrient solution into the culture medium tank 191 so that the concentration of the culture medium in the selected tray 120a to 120c follows the target culture medium concentration value. And the process of circulating the culture solution whose concentration is adjusted can be repeated by changing the control object.

Here, the culture solution target concentration value can be set by user input, but the control module can obtain control data by sensing the capsules 100 randomly arranged in a plurality of spots of the tray 120, and the capsule 100 ) Depending on at least one of the number, variety, placement location, and placement time, a target concentration value of the culture medium may be set. In addition, the control module may control the driving of the culture medium pump P2 based on the control data to adjust the supply amount of the culture medium supplied to the selected trays 120a to 120c.

As described above, even when a plurality of culture fluid passages fa to fc are provided, the electrical conductivity sensor 180 as a means for measuring the culture fluid concentration is provided between the culture fluid tank 191 and the culture fluid pump P2, that is, at the front end of the branch point. With only one, by selectively opening at least one of the first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c and closing the others, the concentration of each of the plurality of trays 120 is measured and the concentration is adjusted to follow the culture medium target concentration value. can be adjusted

On the other hand, in the previous embodiment, the culture fluid passages (fa to fc) are connected to the inlet of each tray 120 through water supply valves 181a to 181c, and the water and nutrient solution in the culture tank 191 are mixed to adjust the concentration. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11B, each tray 120 is supplied with water from the water tank 194. It may have a first inlet (121a ~ 121c) and a second inlet (122a ~ 122c) through which the nutrient solution of the nutrient solution tank 192 is introduced, and the culture solution in the inner receiving space where the culture solution mixed with water and nutrient solution is accommodated. It may further include a culture medium concentration measuring means for measuring the concentration of.

The first to third water valves 182a to 182c are connected to the front end of the first inlets 121a to 121c, respectively, so that at least one of the first to third water valves 182a to 182c is selectively opened and the others are By being closed, the water stored in the water tank 194 is pressurized by the water pump P3 and can be selectively supplied to at least one of the first to third trays 120a to 120c. That is, each of the first to third water valves 182a to 182c may control water supplied to the corresponding tray 120 .

In addition, the first to third nutrient valves 183a to 183c are connected to the front end of the second inlets 122a to 122c, so that at least one of the first to third nutrient valves 183a to 183c is selectively opened. As the rest are closed, the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 192 is pressurized by the nutrient solution pump P4 and can be selectively supplied to at least one of the first to third trays 120a to 120c. That is, each of the first to third nutrient solution valves 183a to 183c may control the nutrient solution supplied to the corresponding tray 120 .

Eventually, the control module selects a control target to adjust the concentration among the plurality of trays 120a to 120c, and the concentration of the culture medium stored in at least one tray 120a to 120c as the control target follows the culture medium target concentration value. When water or nutrient solution is to be injected so that the water tank 194 is filled by selectively opening at least one of the first to third water valves 182a to 182c provided at the front end of the corresponding first inlets 121a to 121c. Nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank 192 may be supplied by supplying water or by selectively opening at least one of the first to third nutrient solution valves 183a to 183c provided at the front end of the second inlets 122a to 122c.

air conditioning system

On the other hand, the air conditioners 151 to 153 are means for air conditioning in the cultivation space S, and can control the air conditioning environment in the cultivation space S (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc.).

Here, the air conditioners 151 to 153 may include a compressor 151, a condenser 152, an evaporator 153, and a flow control valve (not shown) constituting a refrigeration cycle to cool air.

Accordingly, the refrigerant may circulate through the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the evaporator 153, and a flow control valve (not shown), and is drawn out of the cultivation space S and returned to the cultivation space S. The supplied circulating air passes through the condenser 152 and the evaporator 153, which are heat exchangers, so that heat exchange is performed, so that the temperature of the air can be adjusted.

Meanwhile, as described above, outside air may be introduced into the cultivation space (S) through the first channel (C1), and conversely, air in the cultivation space (S) may be discharged to the outside through the second channel (C2). Yes (see Figs. 3 and 4). The first channel (C1) may be referred to as an inflow channel in terms of introducing outdoor air into the cultivation space (S), and the second channel (C2) is a discharge channel in terms of discharging air from the cultivation space (S) to the outside. can be called as

At this time, the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) by passing through the machine room (M), particularly the air conditioners (151 to 153) or the first and second ducts (142, 143) connected thereto, grow with the outside. The space (S) can be connected to be able to communicate with each other. Specifically, outside air may be mixed with the air of the first channel C1 and the air conditioners 151 to 153 and/or the first and second ducts 142 and 143 and introduced into the cultivation space S, and The air in the cultivation space S may be mixed with the air of the air conditioners 151 to 153 and/or the first and second ducts 142 and 143 and discharged to the outside.

That is, in the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outside and the cultivation space S are not directly connected, but the air conditioners 151 to 153 and/or the first and second ducts 142 and 143 ), the outdoor air and the air in the cultivation space (S) can be effectively introduced into the cultivation space (S) or discharged to the outside by using the power of the air conditioning system (see FIG. 5).

Of course, the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention introduces outside air into the cultivation space (S) without operating the air conditioners (151 to 153) when necessary, or transfers the air in the cultivation space (S) to the outside. By discharging, it is also possible to control the air conditioning environment in the cultivation space (S).

The circulation fan 141 in the machine room M may generate a driving force for forming an air flow of the air in the cultivation space S along the first and second ducts 142 and 143. That is, the pressure in the first duct 142 and the second duct 143 may be formed by the circulation fan 141, and for this purpose, the circulation fan 141 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan, a blower fan, etc. It is not limited to this, and the type is not particularly limited as long as it is for generating power to flow air.

By driving the circulation fan 141, the first duct 142 forms a negative pressure (including a vacuum state), so that the first duct 142 can suck air in the communicated space, and on the contrary, the second duct 143 ) is a positive pressure is formed by the circulation fan 141, the second duct 143 can discharge the air to the communicated space.

The air conditioners 151 to 153 may induce heat exchange between the air of the first and second ducts 142 and 143 and the refrigerant through the heat exchangers 152 and 153, and accordingly, the air in the cultivation space S It can be circulated to adjust temperature and/or humidity.

The first duct 142 is provided with at least one first terminal T11 to T13 having one terminal connected to the circulation fan 141 and the other terminal connected to the outlet O of the cultivation space S. can In addition, one terminal of the second duct 143 is connected to the circulation fan 141 and may be located on the opposite side of the one terminal of the first duct 142 . In addition, at least one second terminal (T21 to T23) connected to the inlet (I) of the cultivation space (S) may be provided at the other terminal of the second duct (143). Here, reference numerals Oa to Oc and Ia to Ic refer to outlets and inlets provided in each of the plurality of cultivation spaces Sa to Sc (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

Eventually, by driving the circulation fan 141, the air in the cultivation space S can be discharged to the first duct 142 through the outlet O by the negative pressure of the first duct 142, and the heat exchanger 152 , 154) to exchange heat with the refrigerant of the air conditioners 151 to 153, and then flow back into the cultivation space S through the inlet port I by the positive pressure of the second duct 143.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second ducts 142 and 143 may be integrally formed as one, but according to another embodiment, a plurality of unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 ~ 1433) may be connected in multiple stages in series.

A detailed description of this will be described later.

Next, a process in which outside air flows along the first and second ducts 142 and 143 and is mixed with the air of the first and second ducts 142 and 143 and introduced into the cultivation space S will be examined in detail. do.

Paths through which outdoor air flows into the cultivation space (S) through the first and second ducts 142 and 143 may vary, but according to an embodiment of the present invention, the other terminal of the first duct 142 has a first A third terminal (not shown) connected to the channel C1 may be provided.

When the third terminal is provided at the other terminal of the first duct 142, outside air is introduced into the first duct 142 by the negative pressure of the first duct 142 formed by the driving force of the circulation fan 141, It can be mixed with the air of the first duct 142. Then, the air mixed in the first duct 142 may be introduced into the cultivation space S through the inlet port I by the positive pressure of the second duct 143 via the heat exchangers 152 and 153. That is, outside air may flow into the cultivation space S through the first channel C1, the first duct 142, and the second duct 143.

Conversely, a process in which the air in the cultivation space S is mixed with the air in the air passage 241 through the air passage 241 and discharged to the outside will be described.

The path for discharging the air in the cultivation space (S) to the outside may vary, but according to an embodiment of the present invention, the other terminal of the second duct 143 has a fourth terminal connected to the second channel (C2) ( T4) may be provided.

When the fourth terminal (T4) is provided at the other terminal of the second duct (143), the air in the cultivation space (S) passes through the outlet (O) by the negative pressure of the first duct (142) to the first duct (142). It is introduced into and can be mixed with the air of the first duct 142. Then, the air mixed in the first duct 142 may pass through the heat exchangers 152 and 153 and be discharged to the outside through the second channel C2 by the positive pressure of the second duct 143 . That is, the air in the cultivation space (S) may be discharged to the outside through the second channel (C2) through the first duct (142) and the second duct (143).

Here, the plurality of first terminals T11 to T13 provided at the other terminal of the first duct 142 may be provided in a branched form, and a plurality of second terminals provided at the other terminal of the second duct 143 ( T21 to T23) may also be provided in a branched form. At this time, the first duct 142 may have a branched form of a third terminal (not shown) in addition to the first terminals T11 to T13, and the second duct 143 may have a branched form of the second terminals T21 to T23. In addition, the fourth terminal T4 may have a branched form.

On the other hand, the control module (not shown) can form an air conditioning environment in the cultivation space (S) of the inner bed 130. To this end, the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) control module (not shown) ) The opening and closing operation can be controlled by the control command generated by.

Plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, according to the air conditioning environment (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc.) of the cultivation space (S), the control module determines whether or not outside air is introduced and the air in the cultivation space (S) can decide whether or not to release In addition, the control module may control the air discharge or discharge rate of the cultivation space (S) to adjust the humidity of the cultivation space (S).

To this end, the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature/humidity device (not shown) and a carbon dioxide concentration meter (not shown) to sense the air conditioning environment of the cultivation space (S). It may be provided inside or outside (eg, a duct) of (S).

In addition, the control module according to an embodiment of the present invention may acquire control data by sensing the capsules 200 randomly disposed in a plurality of spots of the tray 120, Depending on at least one of the placement location and placement time, whether or not outside air is introduced into the cultivation space (S), whether or not the air in the cultivation space (S) is discharged to the outside, and the cultivation space (S) through air conditioners (151 to 154) or heaters ) can control the temperature, humidity, supply amount, supply cycle, and supply speed of the air supplied.

Specifically, the control module determines the air conditioning environment (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc.) of the cultivation space S based on the data on the air conditioning environment of the cultivation space S and the data on the external air conditioning environment. In order to maintain, the first channel (C1) is opened to introduce outdoor air into the cultivation space (S), the second channel (C2) is opened to discharge the air in the cultivation space (S) to the outside, or the first By opening both the channel C1 and the second channel C2, outside air is introduced into the cultivation space (S), and at the same time, the air in the cultivation space (S) can be discharged to the outside. Here, the appropriate air-conditioning environment of the cultivation space S may be determined by control data received from the sensor module 170 (number of capsules, variety, placement location, placement time, etc.).

In other words, the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an appropriate air conditioning environment of the cultivation space S according to the number and variety of capsules 200 randomly arranged in a plurality of spots of the tray 120. This may be pre-set, and based on this, depending on the current air conditioning environment of the cultivation space (S), outside air is selectively introduced into the cultivation space (S), the air in the cultivation space (S) is selectively discharged to the outside, By introducing cooled or heated air into the cultivation space (S) or by introducing dehumidified or humidified air into the cultivation space (S), the air conditioning environment of the cultivation space (S) can be adjusted or maintained as an appropriate air conditioning environment.

On the other hand, the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide cooled air in the cultivation space (S) using the air conditioners (151 to 154), but in addition to this, the cultivation space (S ) As a means for providing heated air within, a heater (not shown) may be included to heat the air flowing along the duct.

Here, the type of heater is not particularly limited, but is preferably an electric heater, and the heater is preferably a second duct 143 on a duct, preferably a second duct 143 through which air introduced into the inner case 130 flows, more preferably The second duct 143 is provided inside the conduit of the second connection end 141b connected to the circulation fan 141, and operates according to a control signal from the control module to heat the flowing air.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention sprays water to separately humidify the cultivation space (S) in order to control the humidity of the cultivation space (S), or the culture medium in the tray (120) A method such as evaporating the culture medium in the tray 120 by supplying air to the stored inner accommodation space may be used, but the present invention is not particularly limited to a method for humidifying or dehumidifying the cultivation space S.

Air Conditioning System - unit duct body

On the other hand, as described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, ducts 142 and 143, which are passages through which air can flow, may be connected to the inlet (I) and the outlet (O) provided in the inner case 130, At this time, the ducts 142 and 143 may be formed as one according to one embodiment, but according to another embodiment, a plurality of unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 may be connected in multiple stages in series.

13 is a view showing first and second ducts according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a view showing first and second unit duct bodies constituting the first and second ducts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a view showing a connector damper module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first and/or second ducts 142 and 143 according to an embodiment of the present invention include two or more unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433, and at least one connecting them. It may include one connector damper module (D11 to D22). That is, two or more unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 are vertically connected in series through the connector damper modules D11 to D22 to form the first and second ducts 142 and 143.

Specifically, the unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 include substantially tubular duct bodies 144 and 146 for providing air flow therein, and duct extensions 145 and 147 branched and extended to communicate therewith. can do. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, at least a part of the duct extensions 145 and 147 may be opened toward the front to provide terminals T11 to T13 and T21 to T23.

Accordingly, the air flow formed by the driving of the circulation fan 141 flows along the duct bodies 144 and 146, and at least a part of them flows through the duct extension bodies 145 and 147 disposed crossing the duct bodies 144 and 146. It is branched through, and can be connected to communicate with the cultivation space (S) of the inner box 130 through the terminals T11 to T13 and T21 to T23.

At this time, the duct bodies 144 and 146 and the duct extensions 145 and 147 may be formed in an approximate 'TT' shape by coupling.

14(a) is a view showing first unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 for introducing air into the cultivation space S through the inlet I of the inner box 130, and the circulation fan 141 is driven. The positive pressure airflow formed by flows along the first duct body 144, at least a part of which flows through the first duct extension 145 branched therefrom and the first terminals T11 to T13 thereof, and the internal wound 130 ) can flow into the inlet (I).

In addition, FIG. 14 (b) is a view showing second unit duct bodies 1431 to 1433 for discharging air from the cultivation space S through the outlet O of the inner case 130, and the circulation fan 141 The negative pressure air flow formed by the driving of the air in the cultivation space (S) is discharged through the outlet (O) of the inner box (130), and the second terminal (T21 to T23) and the second duct extension (147) It can flow along the duct body 146.

Meanwhile, the first and second ducts 142 connected to the first connection end 141a through which air is introduced into the circulation fan 141 and the second connection end 141b through which air is discharged from the circulation fan 141, respectively; 143) is formed in multiple stages, and each may be formed by connecting two or more first and second unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 in series in the vertical direction, as described above.

At this time, in order to connect the first and second unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 in series, at least one of the end portions 144a and 144b of the first and second duct bodies 144 and 146 has a connector Damper modules (D11 to D22) may be coupled.

The connector damper module (D11 to D22) is a connecting body for connecting the first and second unit duct bodies (1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433) in series, and the connector damper module (D11 to D22) according to an embodiment of the present invention D22) may open and close the airflow flowing along the first and second ducts 142 and 143 according to driving.

Specifically, at least one of the end portions 144a and 144b of the first and second duct bodies 144 and 146 of the first and second unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 is a connector damper module D11. ~ D22) may be fitted into openings formed at the upper and lower ends of the housing 410 so as to communicate with each other. At this time, the connection portion between the first and second duct bodies 144 and 146 of the first and second unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 and the housing 410 of the connector damper modules D11 to D22. A sealing member (not shown) may be provided to have airtightness.

Here, the connector damper modules (D11, D12) coupled to the first duct body 144 and the connector damper modules (D21, D22) coupled to the second duct body 146 are implemented in the same form, and are one type of It is preferable to apply the connector damper modules D11 to D22 to both the first and second duct bodies 144 and 146.

Accordingly, the upper or lower ends of the first and second duct bodies 144 and 146 may be connected to either the upper or lower ends of the housing 410 of the connector damper modules D11 to D22, but shown in FIG. 13 As shown, it is preferable that the installation directions of the connector damper modules D11 to D22 of the first duct 142 and the installation directions of the connector damper modules D11 to D22 of the second duct 143 are opposite to each other. .

As described above, according to one embodiment, the inlet (I) formed in the inner case 130 may be located on the lower side of the rear surface of the inner case 130, and correspondingly, the outlet (O) is formed at the rear of the inner case 130. It may be located on the upper side of the side.

Accordingly, the first unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 of the first duct 142 communicatively connected to the inlet I of the inner case 130 have an approximate 'TT' shape, the first duct extension body 145 ) may be provided horizontally at the upper end of the first duct body 144. In addition, the second unit duct bodies 1431 to 1433 of the second duct 143 that are connected to the outlet O of the inner case 130 so as to be able to communicate with each other have a substantially 'ㅗ' shape, and the second duct extension body 147 may be provided horizontally at the lower end of the second duct body 146.

Accordingly, the first and second connector damper modules D11 to D22 connecting the first and second unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 in the first and second ducts 142 and 143, respectively, The first and second connector damper modules (D11 to D22) of the same height may be installed at the same height as each other. there is.

In other words, a pair of first and second connector damper modules (D11 to D22) are located at a height below the inlet (I) of any one of the plurality of stacked internal wounds (130) and installed at the same height. According to the passage opening and closing operation of the first and second connector damper modules D11 to D22, the air introduced and/or discharged into the cultivation space S of the inner box 130 located at the height of the corresponding, that is, directly upper part, can be opened and closed.

However, when the pair of first and second connector damper modules (D11 to D22) operate to close the passage, not only the inner case 130 located directly above them, but also the other inner case 130 stacked on top of them. can also be closed.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , when three internal cases 130a, 130b, and 130c are stacked in the cabinet 110, a pair of connector damper modules are provided on the lower part of the upper inner case 130a. (D11, D21), respectively, the outlet (Oa) and the inlet (Ia) of the upper inner case (130a) can be opened and closed according to the opening and closing operation, and similarly, a pair of connector dampers provided on the lower part of the rear surface of the middle inner case (130b). Each of the modules (D12, D22) can open and close the outlet (Ob) and inlet (Ib) of the middle inner case (130b) according to the opening and closing operation, but when the pair of connector damper modules (D12, D22) are closed, the middle The outlet Oa and the inlet Ia of the upper inner case 130a as well as the inner case 130b may be closed.

Here, in order to control the opening and closing operations of the outlet Oc and the inlet Ic of the lower internal case 130c, a pair of connector damper modules (not shown) of the lower internal case 130c may be provided, but the lower internal case ( Closing the outlets (Oc) and inlets (Ic) of 130c) closes the outlets (Oa-Oc) and inlets (Ia-Ic) of the entire inner bed (130a-130c), so that the plant cultivation device 100 does not operate. Since it is the same as not, it is preferable not to have a pair of connector damper modules corresponding to the lower inner case 130c.

On the other hand, the connector damper modules (D11 to D22) according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 15, the first and second duct bodies (144, 146) along the air current flowing along the substantially tubular to pass through. It may include a housing 410 of the housing 410 and a damper plate 420 provided in the housing 410 to open and close the passage.

Like the duct bodies 144 and 146, the housing 410 has a substantially tubular shape capable of providing air flow therein, and may be a combination of first and second housing covers 411 and 412 disposed to face each other. .

The substantially tubular housing 410 is coupled to each of the upper and lower ends so that unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 can communicate, so that two or more unit duct bodies 1421 to 1423 and 1431 to 1433 can be connected in series. there is.

At this time, the approximately plate-shaped damper plate 420 is provided to be rotatable within the housing 410, and air flow formed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 410 can be opened and closed according to the rotation of the damper plate 420.

As shown in FIG. 16, the substantially plate-shaped damper plate 420 may have a rotation shaft 421 provided horizontally at one end.

In order to provide the damper plate 420 inside the housing 410, the housing 410 has a damper plate coupling groove 413 in which the rotary shaft 421 of the damper plate 420 is rotatably seated. can

That is, the rotary shaft 421 of the damper plate 420 seated in the damper plate coupling groove 413 provided to cross the housing 410 is shaft-coupled to the driving shaft 431 of the damper driving device 430, By rotating by driving the drive device 430, the damper plate 420 can open or close the passages in the housing 410 of the connector damper modules D11 to D22. Here, the damper driving device 430 may be driven according to a control signal from the control module to rotate the damper plate 420 around the rotation shaft 421 .

To this end, according to an embodiment, the damper driving device 430 is provided on one side of the housing 410, and the drive shaft of the damper driving device 430 is directly or indirectly connected to the rotational shaft 421 of the damper plate 420 can be combined

On the other hand, the housing 410 includes a rotational damper plate accommodating portion 414 to provide a rotational space to the damper plate 420 when the damper plate 420 rotates to open and close the passage in the housing 410 can do. At this time, when the damper plate 420 rotates inside the pivoting damper plate accommodating part 414, the free end of the damper plate 420 may rotate while being in contact with the inner surface of the pivoting damper plate accommodating part 414. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 17, at least a part of the inner surface of the pivoting damper plate accommodating portion 414 according to an embodiment of the present invention may come into contact with the free end when the damper plate 420 rotates. That is, in a predetermined range of rotation angles of the damper plate 420, since the damper plate 420 rotates while maintaining airtightness in a state in contact with the inner surface of the rotation damper plate accommodating portion 414, the damper plate ( 420) may have a rotation range capable of closing the flow path in the housing 410 by rotation.

Therefore, even if the damper plate 420 rotates only by an angle within the rotation range without fully rotating to block the flow path within the housing 410, the damper plate 420 can close the flow path formed by the housing 410. .

In addition, one end of the inner surface of the rotation damper plate accommodating portion 414 may be provided with a protruding protrusion 216 to prevent additional rotation of the damper plate 420 .

When the locking jaw 216 protrudes from the inner surface of the housing 410, the damper plate 420 is rotated by approximately 90°, which is a rotational angle capable of closing the passage in the housing 410, the damper plate 420 Additional rotation of the damper plate 420 may be physically prevented so that the damper plate 420 is not bent beyond that angle.

That is, when the damper driving device 430 rotates the damper plate 420, when the control module transmits a control command for rotating the damper plate 420 to the rotation damper plate accommodating portion 414, the corresponding control command Even if the rotation of the damper plate 420 exceeds the rotation range capable of closing the passage in the housing 410, the passage in the housing 410 is opened by rotating the damper plate 420 only as much as the position of the locking jaw 216 It can be made to remain closed.

Meanwhile, the housing 410 may have a sensor installation hole 415 for inserting and mounting a sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature or humidity of the air flowing inside the housing 410 .

The sensor installation hole 415 is a hole formed through one side of the housing 410, and a sensor capable of measuring the temperature or humidity of the air is installed in the sensor installation hole 415, so that the control module operates through the sensor installation hole 415. ), the temperature or humidity in the inner case 130 may be checked using the measured value by the sensor installed in the inner case 130 .

That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor for measuring temperature or humidity may be directly provided in the cultivation space (S) of the inner case 130, but according to another embodiment of the present invention, the inner case 130 Even if a sensor for measuring temperature or humidity is not directly provided in the cultivation space (S), the first and second ducts (142, 143) connected to the outlet (O) and inlet (I) of any one inner box (130) flow path By providing sensors in the first and second connector damper modules (D11 to D22) that control the opening and closing operations, the sensors are not exposed to the inner case 130 through the outlet (O) and inlet (I) of the inner case 130. By measuring the temperature or humidity of the flowing air, the temperature or humidity of the air in the cultivation space S of the corresponding inner bed 130 can be measured indirectly.

Here, it is preferable that the sensor mounting hole 415 provided in the housing 410 is located on one side of the rotation axis 421 of the damper plate 420 as a center.

Because, as described above, when the installation direction of the connector damper modules D11 to D22 of the first duct 142 and the installation direction of the connector damper modules D11 to D22 of the second duct 143 are opposite to each other. , The pair of connector damper modules (D11 to D22) installed at the same height can control the temperature and humidity of the air in the cultivation space (S) of the inner box (130) above it based on the installation position, as well as the inner box (130) below it. This is because the temperature or humidity of the air in the cultivation space (S) of ) can be measured.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , when three internal cases 130a, 130b, and 130c are stacked in the cabinet 110, a pair of connector damper modules are provided on the lower part of the upper inner case 130a. Among (D11, D21), when the first connector damper module (D11) is closed, since the sensor installation hole 415 of the first connector damper module (D11) is located in the downward direction, the first connector damper module ( The temperature or humidity of the air flowing through the outlets Ob and Oc of the middle inner case 130b and/or the lower inner case 130c located below D11) may be measured. Likewise, when the first connector damper module (D12) of the pair of connector damper modules (D12, D22) provided on the lower side of the rear surface of the middle internal injury (130b) performs a closing operation, the sensor installation of the first connector damper module (D12) Since the sphere 415 is also located in the downward direction, the temperature or humidity of air flowing through the outlet Oc of the lower internal casing 130c located under the first connector damper module D12 can be measured.

Of course, when another second connector damper module (D21) of the pair of connector damper modules (D11, D21) provided on the lower side of the rear surface of the upper inner case (130a) performs a closing operation, the second connector damper module (D21) Since the sensor installation port 415 is located in the upper direction, the temperature or humidity of the air shared with the inlet Ia of the upper inner case 130a located above the second connector damper module D21 can be measured. Similarly, when another second connector damper module (D22) of a pair of connector damper modules (D12, D22) provided on the lower side of the rear surface of the middle internal injury (130b) performs a closing operation, the second connector damper module (D22) Since the sensor installation hole 415 is located in the upper direction, air shared with the inlets Ia and Ib of the upper inner case 130a and/or the middle inner case 130b located above the second connector damper module D22 It can measure temperature or humidity.

Since the sensor installation holes 415 of the second connector damper modules D21 and D22 are close to the inlet I of the inner case 130 located thereon, the cultivation space ( By measuring the temperature or humidity of the air flowing into the cultivation space (S), it is possible to determine whether the temperature or humidity of the air flowing into the cultivation space (S) is within an appropriate range according to the command of the control module, and control is performed using the result of the determination. The module may determine whether the air conditioners 151 to 154 and/or heaters (not shown) are operating normally.

Here, each pair of the first and second connector damper modules D11 to D22 may perform an opening/closing operation by interlocking each other, or may perform an opening/closing operation independently of each other, and furthermore, two or more internal wounds 130 In order to measure each temperature or humidity, the first and second connector damper modules D11 to D22 may temporarily open and close regardless of the air inflow and air out of the inner case 130 .

Air Conditioning System - discharge damper

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the ducts 142 and 143 providing a passage through which air flows between the circulation fan 141 and the inner case 130 are flowed along the ducts 142 and 143. It may include a damper module that opens or blocks air, and in particular, as shown in FIG. 18, air whose temperature or humidity is controlled by air conditioners 151 to 154 and/or heaters (not shown) A discharge damper module 148 capable of opening and closing the flow of air may be included on the side discharged to the inner case 130 .

Specifically, the discharge damper module 148 may be provided at each of the second terminals T21 to T23 of the second duct 143 connected to the inlet I of the inner case 130 to communicate, and the discharge damper module ( 148) may open and close the passage by driving a driving device (not shown).

Here, the discharge damper module 148 that opens and closes the passage by driving the driving device does not specifically limit the specific method of opening and closing the passage. As a specific example, the passage can be opened and closed using a plate-shaped plate that rotates around the driving shaft by the driving force of the driving device, and the passage is opened and closed by rotating a spherical ball having a through hole formed therethrough to provide the passage. In addition, the flow path can be opened and closed by the disk opening and closing the through hole formed in one direction to provide the flow path.

The discharge damper module 148 includes an air discharge fan 149 for blowing air to the inlet I of the inner case 130 at the front and rear ends of the means for opening and closing the passage (for example, a plate, ball, or disk). can include more.

The air discharge fan 149 provided separately from the circulation fan 141 blows the air flowing along the second duct 143 by driving to be discharged to the inner box 130 provided in the corresponding second terminals T21 to T23. can do.

That is, the air flowing in the second duct 143 whose temperature or humidity is controlled by the air conditioners 151 to 154 and/or a heater (not shown) or the outside air is driven by the air discharge fan 149. It can be actively provided to the inlet (I) of the inner case (130).

light source module

Meanwhile, the light source module 160 in the inner bed 130 may emit light to the cultivation space S to form a lighting environment for plant cultivation. The light source module 160 may determine the illuminance of the cultivation space S by providing light to the cultivation space S.

The plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of light source modules 160a to 160c, and in this case, the number of light source modules 160 is the number of the inner bed 130 or the cultivation space S can be equal to the number of That is, the plurality of light source modules 160a to 160c and the plurality of cultivation spaces Sa to Sc are in one-to-one correspondence, so that one light source module 160 may be disposed in one cultivation space S.

As described above, the light source module 160 is disposed on the ceiling (or upper part) of the cultivation space S so that light emitted from the light source module 160 can be incident on a plurality of spots of the tray 120. can

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source module 160 may be located inside the inner case 130, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be located outside the inner case 130.

19 is an exploded view of a light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the light source module 160 may include at least one substrate 162 on which a plurality of lamps are mounted. Here, the substrate 162 may be a printed circuit board (PCB), and the plurality of lamps may be a light emitting diode array (LED).

The light emitted from the lamp may have a wavelength band of any one of a white wavelength band, a red wavelength band, and a blue wavelength band, or a combination thereof. Preferably, in order to implement the wavelength band of natural light, among the plurality of lamps, the ratio of the lamps in the white wavelength band is the highest, the lamps in the red wavelength band are the next highest, and the lamps in the blue wavelength band are the next highest. may have the lowest percentage.

The control module according to an embodiment of the present invention may obtain control data by sensing the capsules 200 randomly placed in a plurality of spots of the tray 120, and may obtain control data, such as the number, type, and arrangement of the capsules 200. Depending on at least one of the position and the arrangement time, zoning control for each area, light amount control, wavelength band control, etc. may be performed using a plurality of lamps of the light source module 160 .

The light source module 160 may be provided with two substrates 162 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the two substrates 162 are located on the left and right sides respectively with the sensor module 170 located in the center. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to the number or arrangement of the substrate 162 .

In addition, the light source module 160 is provided in front of a substrate base 163 coupled to the substrate 162 to support the substrate 162 and a substrate 162 mounted with a lamp facing downward. ) may include a substrate cover 161 covering the substrate 162 so that it is not exposed to moisture in the cultivation space (S).

The substrate cover 161 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a material through which the light generated by the lamp can pass, and the substrate cover 161 is coupled with the substrate base 163, the substrate 162, The light source module 160 including the substrate cover 161 and the substrate base 163 may be modularized. The modularized light source module 160 may be mounted on or detached from the upper portion of the inner case 130 in units of modules.

The substrate cover 161 may have a through-hole 161a formed at a position corresponding to the sensor module 170, and when the substrate cover 161 is coupled with the substrate base 163, the sensor module 170 forms the through-hole. By being inserted into (161a), the sensor module 170 can be exposed toward the cultivation space (S).

Accordingly, the substrate cover 161 does not cover the front of the sensor module 170, and the sensor module 170 is exposed toward the cultivation space S through the through hole 161a, so that the lamp by the substrate cover 161 It is desirable to prevent the sensor module 170 from being affected by light reflection or light refraction.

However, the outer circumferential surface of the sensor module 170 and the through hole 161a prevent moisture in the cultivation space S from flowing into the substrate 162 through the gap formed between the through hole 161a and the sensor module 170 inserted therein. ) It is preferable that a sealing member (not shown) is interposed between the light source module 160 to keep the inside of the light source module 160 airtight or watertight.

As described above, the substrate base 163 is a means for supporting the substrate 162 and/or sensor module 170 to which the substrate 162 and/or sensor module 170 are mounted, and the substrate base 163 is It is preferable that a plurality of heat dissipation ports 163a are perforated.

Since the substrate 162 provided with a plurality of lamps generates a lot of heat when the lamps are driven, the high-temperature air heated by the heat is discharged through the heat dissipation opening 163a of the substrate base 163 located on the rear surface of the substrate 162. , it is desirable to prevent failure of the substrate 162 due to overheating.

The sensor module 170 of the light source module 160 may be a module generating control data by sensing (recognizing) the capsules 200 randomly disposed in a plurality of spots of the tray 120 . Here, the control data may include information about the number of capsules 200 randomly placed in a plurality of spots of the tray 120, a variety, a placement position, and a placement time.

The plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light source module 160, a circulation fan 141, By controlling the air conditioners 151 to 153, the heater, and the circulation amount and concentration of the culture solution, an optimal cultivation environment can be provided even if the user selects and arranges the capsules 200.

At this time, the sensor module 170 can be turned on/off according to the user's selection. That is, the user completes setting the capsules 200 in a plurality of spots of the tray 200 and then turns on the sensor module 170, thereby setting the capsules at the time when the sensor module 170 starts operating ( 200), the environment of the cultivation space (S) can be automatically controlled according to the acquired control data.

As a means for recognizing the capsule 200, the sensor module 170 may include, for example, a camera module, and the recognition unit 230 of the capsule 200 may use a QR code (Quick response code). In the case of including a smart code, the sensor module 170 may recognize the capsule 200 by analyzing and processing an image obtained by taking a QR code.

However, it is not limited thereto, and for example, when a near field communication (NFC) method such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and a long-distance wireless communication method are used as a recognition method of the capsule 200, the sensor The module 170 may be provided in the form of a reader and receiver for wireless communication with the recognition unit 230 of the capsule 200.

In addition, as another example, when a unique magnetic field generated in the recognizing unit of the capsule 200 is used as a recognizing method of the capsule 200, the sensor module 170 may be provided in the form of a hall sensor. there is. Also, as another example, when light of a specific wavelength band emitted from a recognition unit of the capsule 200 is used as a recognition method of the capsule 200, the sensor module 170 may be provided in the form of a light detection sensor.

In addition to this, various methods may be used as a method for recognizing the capsule 200, and in this case, various sensors matching the method for recognizing the capsule 200 may be used as the sensor module 170.

The control module according to an embodiment of the present invention not only recognizes the capsule 200 by using the sensor module 170, but also obtains an image of the plant to determine the area occupied by the leaves of the plant or the area ratio. In order to measure the growth rate of plants, the sensor module 170, as described above, may include a camera module.

Control method of plant cultivation device

Meanwhile, FIG. 20 is a step-by-step flowchart of a method for controlling the concentration of a culture medium for each cultivation space according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 20, the control module for controlling the overall operation of the plant cultivation apparatus controls the plant cultivation environment for each cultivation space (S) formed by each of the plurality of inner beds 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to implement independently, first, the capsules 200 provided on the tray 120 are identified using the camera module 170 provided for each inner case 130, and the number of capsules 200 or the number of capsules 200 It is possible to obtain various kinds of information about the variety or the arrangement time of the capsule 200 (S1).

Thereafter, the control module may administer the culture solution to the tray 120 of the inner box 130 to follow the culture solution target concentration value corresponding to the breed of each cultivation space S (S2).

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c are provided at the front end of each tray 120, and the first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c are provided. to third water supply valves (181a to 181c), when each of the culture medium tank 191 and the culture medium pump P2 and a plurality of culture medium passages fa to fc are formed, as shown in FIG. 21A, first, electricity The conductivity sensor 180 is used to measure the culture medium concentration of the culture medium tank 191 or the culture medium flow path (fa to fc) (S10), compare the measured culture medium concentration with the target culture medium concentration value (S11), and then If the measured culture medium concentration is appropriate within a predetermined range including the culture medium target concentration value, if necessary, at least one of the first to third water supply valves 181a to 181c corresponding to the amount of the culture medium accommodated in the tray 120 to be controlled. is selectively opened (S13), and the culture medium pump (P2) can be operated.

That is, the control module may supply the culture solution in the culture tank 191 to the tray 120 by driving the culture fluid pump P2 at regular intervals or according to user input, but is not limited thereto, and the tray 120 using a sensor ) By detecting the amount (or level) of the culture medium stored in the internal accommodation space and determining whether the culture medium in the tray 120 is exhausted, if the amount (or level) of the culture medium is less than a predetermined threshold value, the culture medium pump (P2) By driving, the culture solution in the culture tank 191 can be supplied to the tray 120.

If the amount of the culture solution accommodated in the tray 120 to be controlled exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the culture solution pump P2 is not operated and the concentration of the culture solution in the tray 120 to be controlled is set at predetermined cycles or according to user input. Measurements may be repeated serially for each of the internal wounds 130a to 130c.

Meanwhile, the control module may supply the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 192 to the culture solution tank 191 when the measured culture solution concentration is lower than the culture solution target concentration value. If it is higher than the concentration value, the water stored in the water tank 194 is supplied to the culture medium tank 191 so that the culture medium concentration of the culture medium tank 191 or the culture medium passages fa to fc follows the target culture medium concentration value. .

On the other hand, in the plant cultivation apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11B, each tray 120 is a first inlet through which the water of the water tank 194 flows. (121a to 121c) and second inlets (122a to 122c) through which the nutrient solution of the nutrient solution tank 192 flows, respectively, and when the culture solution concentration measuring means is included in the space where the culture solution is accommodated, FIG. As shown in 22b, first, the culture medium concentration of the tray 120 provided for each cultivation space (S) is measured (S20) using the culture medium concentration measuring means for each cultivation space (S), and the After comparing the culture medium concentration of the tray 120 with the culture medium target concentration value (S21), if the measured culture medium concentration falls within a predetermined range including the culture medium target concentration value and the culture medium concentration in the tray 120 is appropriate, the control target The concentration of the culture solution in the tray 120 may be repeatedly measured in series for each of the plurality of internal wounds 130a to 130c at predetermined intervals or according to a user input.

However, if the concentration of the culture solution in the tray 120 of the corresponding cultivation space S is higher than the target concentration value of the culture solution, the water pump P3 is operated (S22a) and the corresponding control among the first to third trays 120a to 120c is performed. At least one of the first to third water valves 182a to 182c corresponding to the target tray 120 is selectively opened (S23a) to discharge the water stored in the water tank 194 to the first to third trays 120a. ~ 120c), by selectively supplying the corresponding tray 120, the concentration of the culture medium can be lowered to follow the culture medium target concentration value, and unlike the culture medium concentration of the tray 120 of the corresponding cultivation space (S) If it is lower than the culture solution target concentration value, the nutrient solution pump (P4) is operated (S22b) and the first to third nutrient solution valves corresponding to the tray 120 to be controlled among the first to third trays 120a to 120c ( 183a to 183c) is selectively opened (S23a) to selectively supply the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 192 to the corresponding tray 120 among the first to third trays 120a to 120c, The concentration of the culture medium may be increased to follow the target concentration value of the culture medium.

Similarly in this case, the control module may supply the culture solution in the culture tank 191 to the tray 120 by driving the culture fluid pump P2 at regular intervals or according to user input, but is not limited thereto, but by using a sensor Detect the amount (or level) of the culture medium stored in the inner accommodation space of the tray 120, and if the amount (or level) of the culture medium is above a predetermined threshold value, do not additionally supply nutrient solution or water to the tray 120 to be controlled. To do this, the first to third nutrient solution valves 183a to 183c or the first to third water valves 182a to 182c provided at the front end of the corresponding tray 120 may be closed.

Apart from the concentration control method below S20, the control module selectively opens (S23a) at least one of the first to third water valves 182a to 182c at regular intervals or according to a user input, and the water pump ( P3) is operated at a predetermined duty ratio (S22a), or at least one of the first to third nutrient solution valves 183a to 183c is selectively opened (23b) and the nutrient solution pump P4 is operated at a predetermined duty ratio. In operation 22b, a culture solution of a predetermined concentration can be supplied to the tray 120, which is a control target. However, the amount (or level) of the culture medium is determined by detecting the amount (or level) of the culture medium stored in the internal receiving space of the tray 120 using a sensor and determining whether the medium in the tray 120 is exhausted. If it is less than this predetermined threshold value, the culture solution pump P2 may be driven to supply the culture solution in the culture solution tank 191 to the tray 120.

On the other hand, Figure 22 is a step-by-step flow chart for a method for controlling the temperature of each cultivation space of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 22, in order to independently implement a plant cultivation environment for each cultivation space (S) formed by each of the plurality of inner beds 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control module, first, each The capsules 200 provided on the tray 120 are identified using the camera module 170 provided for each inner box 130 of the box, and the number of capsules 200, the type of the capsules 200, or the arrangement of the capsules 200 It is possible to obtain various types of information about time and the like (S1).

Thereafter, the control module may inject temperature-adjusted air to the corresponding inner box 130 so as to follow the corresponding target temperature value according to the breed of each cultivation space S (S3).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 18, the discharge side of the second duct 143 communicatively connected to the inlet I of each inner case 130 has a discharge capable of opening and closing the flow of air. In the case of including the damper module 148, as shown in FIG. 23, first, the inner case 130 is measured using temperature sensors provided in various positions such as the inside of the inner case 130 or the inside of the ducts 142 and 143. After measuring the temperature (S30), comparing the measured temperature with the target temperature value (S31), and then operating the air conditioners (151 to 154) and/or the heater to enter the cultivation space (S) of the inner bed (130). Cooled and/or heated air may be introduced.

Specifically, if the measured temperature is higher than the target temperature value, the air conditioners 151 to 154 constituting the refrigeration cycle are operated (S32a), and the discharge damper module 148 corresponding to the inner case 130 to be controlled ) is opened to supply low-temperature air to the inner case 130 to be controlled through the second duct 143, thereby lowering the internal temperature of the inner case 130. At this time, the air discharge fan 149 provided at the front or rear end of the discharge damper module 148 may be operated to actively introduce air having a temperature lower than the internal temperature of the inner case 130 into the inner case 130 .

On the other hand, if the measured temperature is lower than the target temperature value, a heater (not shown) is operated (S32b), and the discharge damper module 148 corresponding to the inner case 130 to be controlled is opened to achieve high temperature. The temperature inside the inner case 130 may be increased by supplying air through the second duct 143 to the inner case 130 , which is a control object. At this time, the air discharge fan 149 provided at the front or rear end of the discharge damper module 148 may be operated to actively inject air having a temperature higher than the internal temperature of the inner case 130 into the inner case 130 .

In addition, unlike this, if the measured temperature is within the range of the target temperature value and is suitable, the discharge damper module 148 corresponding to the inner case 130 to be controlled is not opened and the air discharge fan 149 is not operated. Alternatively, the temperature of the inner case 130 to be controlled may be continuously and repeatedly measured for each of the plurality of inner cases 130a to 130c at predetermined intervals or according to a user input.

On the other hand, although not shown in the drawing, the control module controls the amount of light or the amount of light for the lamps of the substrate in the light source module 160 according to the variety seeded for each cultivation space (S) of the inner box 130 or according to the seeding time of the variety. By controlling the wavelength band differently to form optimal growth conditions for plants, it is possible to adjust cultivation time, increase quality such as texture or nutritional content, or save energy.

That is, the control module according to an embodiment of the present invention does not equally control the output of lamps for the cultivation spaces (Sa to Sc) of all the inner beds (130a to 130c), but each cultivation of the inner beds (130a to 130c). By controlling the output of the lamp differently according to the sowing variety or sowing time of plants for each space (Sa to Sc), an independent plant cultivation environment can be implemented for each cultivation space (S) provided by the inner bed (130).

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the above detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning, scope and equivalent concept of the claims are included in the scope of the present invention. should be interpreted

1000: plant cultivation system 200: capsule
100: plant cultivation device 300: user terminal
400: server 210: capsule frame
220: cover 221: remainder
222: removal unit 230: recognition unit
240: seed receiving unit 250: seed
110: cabinet 101: vertical frame
102: horizontal frame 111: door
1111: window 112: electronic panel
120: trays 121a to 121c: first inlet
122a ~ 122c: second inlet 130: inner box
131: internal heat conduction plate 141: circulation fan
142: first duct 143: second duct
T11~T13: 1st terminal T21~T23: 2nd terminal
1421 to 1423: first unit duct body 1431 to 1433: second unit duct body
148: discharge damper module 149: air discharge fan
151: compressor 152: condenser
153: evaporator 154: heat dissipation fan
151 to 154: air conditioner 160: light source module
161: substrate cover 161a: through hole
162: substrate 163: substrate base
163a: heat sink 170: sensor module
180: electrical conductivity sensors 181a to 181c: first to third water supply valves
182a to 182c: first to third water valves
183a to 183c: first to third nutrient solution valves
190: water supply pipe 191: culture medium tank
192: nutrient solution tank 194: water tank
195: condensate tank C1: first channel
C2: second channel O: outlet
I: inlet fa~fc: culture fluid flow

Claims (16)

cabinets forming the exterior;
A plurality of inner boxes provided in the cabinet, forming a cultivation space therein;
a tray in which plants are grown, provided in the cultivation space, and having an internal receiving space accommodating a culture solution in which water and a nutrient solution are mixed therein;
a pump for supplying water, nutrient solution or culture solution to the tray;
a circulation fan for forming an air flow so that air flows along the duct connected to the inner chamber;
a heater for heating air flowing along the duct;
In order to cool the air flowing along the duct, an air conditioner constituting a refrigeration cycle; and
a control module for individually controlling an air-conditioning environment for each of a plurality of cultivation spaces using the heater or the air conditioner, or individually controlling a culture solution concentration for each of a plurality of trays using the pump;
Plant cultivation device comprising a. According to claim 1,
The pump includes a culture medium pump for supplying water to the culture medium stored in the culture medium tank to the tray,
The plant cultivation device includes a plurality of water supply valves for controlling the culture medium supplied by the culture medium pump for each of the plurality of trays,
The control module checks the variety of plants in the cultivation space by using a sensor module that detects the variety of plants in the cultivation space, and uses the culture liquid pump and the water supply valve according to the variety to provide a plurality of the trays. Plant cultivation apparatus, characterized in that for individually controlling the culture medium concentration for each. According to claim 2,
a water tank for storing the water;
a nutrient solution tank for storing the nutrient solution; and
a nutrient solution pump for pressurizing the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank and supplying it to the culture solution tank;
Including more,
The water tank is stacked on the culture medium tank, and the water in the water tank is supplied to the culture medium tank by its own weight. According to claim 3,
a first valve provided between the water tank and the culture medium tank to control the supply of water from the water tank to the culture medium tank according to an opening/closing operation;
Plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that it further comprises. According to claim 3,
an electrical conductivity sensor connected between the culture medium tank and the plurality of trays to measure the concentration of the culture medium;
Plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that it further comprises. According to claim 5,
It includes a plurality of culture fluid flow passages through which the culture fluid flows between the culture fluid tank, the culture fluid pump, and the plurality of trays, wherein the electrical conductivity sensor is provided between the culture fluid tank and the culture fluid pump on the culture fluid passage plant cultivation device. According to claim 6,
The electrical conductivity sensor is a plant cultivation device, characterized in that connected to the culture fluid flow path in a fitting type. According to claim 6,
The control module,
Using the plurality of water supply valves, selecting any one of the culture medium passages corresponding to any one of the trays to be controlled,
The plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that the water or the nutrient solution is administered to the culture medium tank so that the culture medium concentration in the tray to be controlled follows the culture medium target concentration value according to the plant variety. According to claim 8,
The control module,
In order for the concentration of the culture solution in the culture tank or the tray to follow the target concentration value of the culture solution, the water in the water tank or the nutrient solution in the nutrient tank is injected into the culture tank, and the culture solution circulation pump is used before measuring the concentration of the culture solution. Plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that for driving. According to claim 1,
The pump includes a water pump for supplying water stored in the water tank to the tray, and a nutrient solution pump for supplying water to the tray from the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank.
The plant cultivation apparatus includes a plurality of water valves for regulating the water supplied by the water pump for each of a plurality of the trays, and a plurality of nutrient solution valves for regulating the nutrient solution supplied by the nutrient solution pump for each of the plurality of trays. Including,
The control module checks the variety of plants in the cultivation space by using a sensor module for detecting the variety of plants in the cultivation space, and the water pump, the nutrient solution pump, the water valve, and the nutrient solution valve according to the variety. Plant cultivation apparatus, characterized in that for individually controlling the concentration of the culture solution for each of the plurality of trays by using. According to claim 10,
The control module,
The plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that the water in the water tank or the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank is injected into the tray so that the concentration of the culture solution in the tray follows the target concentration value of the culture solution according to the variety of the plant. According to claim 11,
the tray,
A plant cultivation apparatus comprising a first inlet through which water is supplied from the water tank and a second inlet through which the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank is supplied. According to claim 1,
The duct includes first and second ducts connected to each of the inlet and outlet provided in the inner chamber,
At least one of the first and second ducts is made by connecting the two or more unit duct bodies in series via the connector damper module, and the airflow flowing along the duct is intermittent according to the driving of the connector damper module. Plant cultivation apparatus, characterized in that being. According to claim 13,
The control module,
Using the plurality of connector damper modules, selecting one of the cultivation spaces to be controlled,
The plant variety in the cultivation space is identified using a sensor module that detects the plant variety in the cultivation space, and the temperature of the cultivation space, which is the target of control, follows the target temperature value according to the plant variety. A plant cultivation device characterized in that for operating the device or the heater. According to claim 1,
The duct includes first and second ducts connected to each of the inlet and outlet provided in the inner chamber,
The second duct, plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that it comprises a discharge damper module capable of opening and closing the flow of air on the discharge side to the inner chamber. According to claim 15,
The control module,
Using the plurality of discharge damper modules, select one of the cultivation spaces to be controlled,
By using a sensor module that detects the plant variety in the cultivation space, the plant variety in the cultivation space is identified, and the temperature of the cultivation space, which is the control target, follows the target temperature value according to the plant variety. A plant cultivation device characterized in that for operating the device or the heater.

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