WO2011081258A1

WO2011081258A1 - Controller for automatically watering plants, and system for automatically watering plants including same

Info

Publication number: WO2011081258A1
Application number: PCT/KR2010/002361
Authority: WO
Inventors: 노형진
Original assignee: Roh Hyungjin
Priority date: 2009-12-28
Filing date: 2010-04-15
Publication date: 2011-07-07
Also published as: CN102740684A

Abstract

Disclosed are a controller for automatically watering plants, and a system for automatically watering plants including the controller. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller for automatically watering plants comprises: a plug electrically connected to an external plug socket for supplying constant power; a controlling unit configured to periodically output the constant power for a predetermined period of time depending on the plant-watering duration and cycle; and a selective plug socket configured to selectively output the constant power in accordance with the control of the controlling unit.

Description

Controller for automatic plant water supply and plant automatic water supply system including the same

The present invention relates to a controller for automatic plant water supply and an automatic plant water supply system including the same, and more particularly, to control a power supply time to a water supply device so as to periodically supply water to plants planted in pots, flower beds, gardens, and the like. The present invention relates to a controller for automatic plant water supply and an automatic plant water supply system including the same.

Various devices have been developed for watering plants in pots and gardens. For example, there is a sprinkler for automatically supplying water to garden plants. A sprinkler is a device that connects a solenoid valve to a water pipe and automatically opens the solenoid valve repeatedly for a certain time and every day to supply water to the garden plants.

However, the sprinkler is designed to be used in a garden over a certain size, so it is impossible to use in a narrow environment such as an apartment or a studio. It is unsuitable in terms of economy and practicality because the sprinkler is bulky, difficult to control water pressure, and complicated to install in an apartment or studio. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, an apparatus for automatically supplying water to a pot has been proposed.

A device for automatically supplying water to a flower pot is a device developed for automatically supplying water to a flower pot in an indoor or small garden such as an apartment or a studio, and enables a successful cultivation of plants without daily management.

The conventional automated powder water supply device is an integral type in which a water tank, a pump and a controller are integrated or an integral type in which a water pipe switch and a controller are integrated. Such automated powder water supply device has a problem in that the position and number of the potted plant, the shape of the space and the interior environment, installation places, etc. are restricted.

The automatic water supply device disclosed in US Patent No. 7,293,583 (hereinafter referred to as Patent 583) is composed of a water tank fixed to a wall, a solenoid valve mounted on the bottom of the water tank, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the solenoid valve.

This 583 patent requires that a heavy tank filled with water be fixed to a wall at a higher position than a pot, and when the water in the tank is exhausted, it is cumbersome to refill the tank installed at a high position, and the tank and solenoid There is a problem in that it is difficult to apply to a variety of environments because the valve, the controller is composed of one set.

The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, by providing a controller capable of efficiently controlling the water supply cycle and water supply duration separately from the water supply source, such as a water supply pump or water pipe opening and closing device for ease of use and use The present invention provides a controller for automatic plant water supply and a plant automatic water supply system including the same, which can improve scalability.

The controller for automatic plant water supply according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem, the plug is electrically coupled with the external power plug socket; A control unit which controls the regular power inputted through the plug to be periodically outputted for a predetermined time according to a water supply duration and a watering cycle of the plant; And an optional plug socket selectively outputting the continuous power input from the outside under the control of the controller.

Preferably, the constant power input terminal for receiving the constant power through the plug; And an optional output terminal for selectively outputting the regular power, wherein the optional output terminal is electrically connected to the optional plug socket, and the controller is configured to supply the constant power input terminal and the optional power according to the water supply duration and the water supply period. It is characterized by connecting and shorting the output terminal.

In addition, the constant power output terminal for always outputting the power input through the constant power input terminal; And a constant power plug socket connected to the constant power output terminal to output always power.

Preferably, the switch includes a first switch for setting a range of a water supply cycle and a water supply duration, a second switch for setting the water supply cycle, and a third switch for setting the water supply duration. The controller connects the continuous power input terminal and the optional output terminal according to the time set by the first, second and third switches.

Preferably, further comprising a housing, the control unit, the constant power input terminal, the optional output terminal is provided in the housing, the plug is connected to the constant power input terminal with a power cable on one side of the housing, The optional plug socket is connected to the optional output terminal by a power cable on the other side of the housing.

In another embodiment, the housing further includes a control unit, the continuous power input terminal, and the optional output terminal inside the housing, and at least one of the plug and the plug socket is integrally formed in the housing.

Another automatic plant water supply system of the present invention, the controller for automatic plant water supply; And a water supply device which is provided separately from the controller for automatic plant water supply and is connected to an optional plug socket of the plant automatic water supply controller to supply water by periodically operating for a predetermined time when the constant power is supplied. Preferably, a first feed pipe connected to the water supply device, a second feed pipe for directly supplying water transferred through the first feed pipe to the plant, and a multi-tube pipe connecting the first feed pipe and the second feed pipe. It includes more.

According to the present invention, the water supply cycle and the water supply duration can be efficiently controlled, the water supply cycle and the water supply duration can be efficiently controlled, and the water supply controller is provided separately from a water supply source such as a water supply pump or a water pipe opening and closing device. As a result, ease of use and extensibility can be improved.

1 is a block diagram of an automatic plant water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the internal configuration of the automatic plant water supply controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an automatic plant water supply controller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an external view of a plant automatic water supply controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is an external view of a plant automatic water supply controller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is an external view of an automatic plant water supply controller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is an external view of a plant automatic water supply controller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is an external view of an automatic plant water supply controller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a view showing the configuration of a water pipe opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals or corresponding reference numerals are used for the same components. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

식물 자동 급수시스템의 전체 구성도Overall Configuration of Plant Automatic Water Supply System

Referring to FIG. 1, the plant automatic water supply system 100 includes a controller 200 for automatic plant water supply and a water supply device. The water supply device may be a water pipe opening / closing device 300 or a water supply pump 400.

The plant automatic water supply controller 200 is electrically coupled to the water supply device serves to control to supply water periodically within a predetermined time. The controller 200 includes a board on which various chips or terminals are installed, a housing protecting the board, a plug coupled to an external power source, and a plug socket serving as a connector for periodically supplying power to a water supply device for a predetermined time. do. The controller may be configured in various forms, which will be described later.

The water pipe opening and closing device 300, which is one of the water supply devices, serves to open and close the water pipe so as to periodically supply tap water to the plant for a predetermined time through the controller and the water pipe. That is, the water pipe opening and closing device 300 is electrically coupled to the plug socket of the controller 200 to periodically open and close the water pipe under the control of the controller 200. The structure of the water pipe opening and closing device will also be described later.

Another example of the water supply device, the water supply pump 400 is also connected to the controller 200 serves to periodically supply for a predetermined time when supplying water in the water tank 430 and the like to the plant. Therefore, the feed water pump 400 is provided with a plug that can be coupled to the plug socket of the controller 200.

식물 자동 급수 제어기의 구성Configuration of Plant Automatic Water Supply Controller

Hereinafter, the internal structure of the automatic plant water supply controller will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an automatic plant water supply controller according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an automatic plant supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3, the automatic plant water supply controller includes an input terminal 210, a constant power output terminal 220, an optional output terminal 221, a switch 230, and a controller 240. The controller illustrated in FIG. 3 includes an input terminal 310, a constant power output terminal 320, an optional output terminal 321, a switch 330, and a controller 340 in the same manner as the controller illustrated in FIG. 2. The constant power output terminal 320 is not directly connected to the constant power input terminal 310, but is connected through the controller 340.

The constant

power input terminals

210 and 310 receive power continuously from an external constant power source (commercial AC power), and the constant

power output terminals

220 and 320 are electrically connected to the constant

power input terminals

210 and 310. Connected to, outputs external power at all times.

In the case of FIG. 2, since the constant power input terminal 210 and the constant power output terminal 220 are directly connected, the constant power input without being controlled by the controller 240 is always output to the constant power output terminal 220. .

On the other hand, in FIG. 3, since the constant power input terminal 310 and the constant power output terminal 320 transmit and receive electrical signals through the control unit 340, the constant power is controlled under the control of the control unit 340. It is output through 321.

The

selective output terminals

221 and 321 transmit and receive electrical signals with the constant

power input terminals

210 and 310 under the medium of the

controllers

240 and 340. Accordingly, the

selective output terminals

221 and 321 are electrically connected to or short-circuited with the constant

power input terminals

210 and 310 under the control of the

controllers

240 and 340 to selectively supply power to the outside. That is, under the control of the

controllers

240 and 340, when the constant

power input terminals

210 and 310 and the

optional output terminals

221 and 321 are electrically connected, the constant power is output through the

optional output terminals

221 and 321. When the constant

power input terminals

210 and 310 and the

optional output terminals

221 and 321 are electrically shorted, the constant power is not output at all through the

selective output terminals

221 and 321.

The

switches

230 and 330 are for setting the time for which the constant power is output through the

selective output terminals

221 and 321. The constant power is periodically output for the predetermined time set by the

switches

230 and 330. It is output through 221 and 321. Therefore, the water supply device supplied with power from the

selective output terminals

221 and 321 periodically operates for a predetermined time set by the switch 230. Such a switch 230 may be a digital or analog switch.

The switch 230 is preferably an analog switch composed of two rotary switches and a dip switch. The first rotary switch may set a water supply duration, and the second rotary switch may set a water supply period during the water supply duration.

The dip switch is for setting a water supply duration and a water supply cycle range of the rotary switch, and can be operated on or off in two states. Various modes can be indicated according to the combination of the dip switches. In the present invention, four modes are sufficient, and therefore, it is preferable that the dip switches are composed of two dip switches.

When the switch is composed of two rotary switches and two dip switches, four combinations are possible as shown in Table 1 below. Referring to Table 1, the water supply cycle and the water supply duration are described.

Table 1

Mode (M)	Dip switch		1st rotary switch	2nd rotary switch
Mode (M)	One	2	1st rotary switch	2nd rotary switch
One	OFF	OFF	12 hours per compartment	20 seconds per space
2	ON	OFF	12 hours per space	4 seconds per space
3	OFF	ON	30 minutes per compartment	20 seconds per space
4	ON	ON		30 minutes per compartment	4 seconds per space

For example, if you want to supply water to the plant for two days with a water supply cycle and for 20 seconds at one time of watering, the dip switch is set to the first mode (OFF / OFF state). The square and the second rotary switch need only be rotated one square from the reference point. Rotary switches and dipswitches can be used to easily control feedwater duration and feedwater cycles.

The

controllers

240 and 340 may be microcomputers and control other components to perform their own functions. In particular, the

controllers

240 and 340 control the electrical connection and / or short-circuit time between the constant

power input terminals

210 and 310 and the

optional output terminals

221 and 321 according to the time set in the

switches

230 and 330.

Using the switch illustrated in Table 1 as an example, the dip switch is set to the first mode state (OFF / OFF state), the first rotary switch is rotated 4 spaces from the reference point, and the second rotary switch is rotated 1 space from the reference point. In this case, the controller controls the continuous power input terminal and the optional output terminal to be electrically connected for two days and periodically connected for 20 seconds. Therefore, the water supply device connected to the

controllers

240 and 340 can supply water periodically for 20 seconds for two days.

Hereinafter, a form of the automatic plant water supply controller having the internal components as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 4. 4 is a plant automatic water supply controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the plant automatic water supply controller 200 includes a housing 201 that protects a substrate on which the internal components are mounted, a plug 203 and a housing 201 connected to one side of the housing 201 by a power cable. It includes a plug socket 205 connected to the other side of the power cable. The housing is preferably formed of a waterproof material.

The plug 203 is an intermediary means for electrically connecting a constant power input terminal provided in the housing 201 to an external power source, and the plug socket 205 is a constant power output terminal and a selective output provided in the housing. It is an intermediary means for transmitting the electrical signal output through the terminal to the external device.

The plug socket 205 includes one or more optional power plug sockets that periodically supply power for a time set by the switch, and a constant power plug socket that always supplies external power (always power). At this time, the plug socket 205 must include an optional power plug socket.

The optional power plug socket is electrically coupled with the water supply device to supply power periodically for a predetermined time, so that the water supply device operates periodically for a predetermined time to supply water. The constant power plug socket may be electrically coupled with a household electric device requiring an constant power supply.

Furthermore, the controller according to the present invention may be coupled to the constant power plug socket, and an optional power plug socket may extend a socket for selectively outputting power by connecting a power strip.

On the other hand, the automatic plant water supply controller may be configured in various ways according to the combination of the housing, plug and plug socket, at least two or more of the housing, plug and plug socket may be integrally formed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing 501 and the plug socket 505 of the controller 500 for automatic plant water supply are integrally formed, and the plug 503 is connected to one side of the housing by a power cable, or illustrated in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 601 and the plug 603 of the controller 600 for plant automatic water supply and the plug 603 are integrally formed and the plug socket 605 is connected to one side of the housing 601. The plug 703 and the plug socket 705 of the controller 700 for automatic plant water supply may be integrally formed, and the controller 701 may be connected to the power cable. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the housing 801, the plug 803, and the plug socket 805 of the controller 800 may automatically be integrally formed.

급수장치의 구성Composition of water supply

Hereinafter, a water supply device which is electrically connected to the selective output terminal of the automatic plant water supply controller and operates by periodically receiving power for a predetermined time, will periodically supply water to the plant for a predetermined time.

As an example of the water supply device, a water pipe opening and closing device may be mentioned, which will be described with reference to FIG. 9. 9 is a view showing the configuration of a water pipe opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the water pipe opening and closing device 300 includes a main body 310 including a hydraulic regulator 313 and a solenoid valve 315 provided inside the housing 311, a main body 310, and a power cable. It is connected to the 321 and includes a plug 320 provided separately from the housing 311 of the main body. In this case, the plug may be integrally provided in the housing of the main body.

The pressure regulator 313 is connected to the water pipe directly to the tap water to control the water supply rate or the amount of water supplied to the plant by adjusting the water pressure, the solenoid valve 313 is connected to the water pressure regulator 313 It opens and closes the water pipe or water supply to which water having a predetermined water pressure is supplied.

The solenoid valve 315 is electrically connected to the plug 320, the plug 320 is electrically coupled to the optional power plug socket of the controller for automatic plant water supply. Accordingly, when the plug 320 of the water pipe opening and closing device is coupled to the selective plug socket of the controller for automatic plant water supply, the water pipe opening and closing device periodically opens and closes the water pipe for a time set by the switch to supply water to the plant.

Fastening means may be provided to tightly connect the hydraulic regulator 313 and the water pipe and / or the solenoid valve 315 and the transfer pipe.

Another example of a water supply device is a water supply pump. Referring to FIG. 1, the water supply pump includes a main body part and a plug connected to the main body part by a power cable. The feed water pump main body is installed in the water tank 430 filled with water.

The plug of the feed pump is electrically coupled with the optional plug socket of the controller 200 for automatic plant water supply. Therefore, when the plug of the water pipe feed pump is coupled to the optional plug socket of the controller for automatic plant water supply, the feed pump 400 periodically operates for a time set by the switch to supply water to the plant.

On the other hand, the water pipe opening and closing device 300 and the water supply pump 400 is connected to the transfer pipe (10, 20) for supplying water to the plant. The

transfer pipes

10 and 20 may be connected to the multi-branch pipe 30 such as a T-shaped, cross-shaped (+ -shaped), etc. in order to distribute water efficiently. The multi-dose pipe 30 can be used to efficiently supply water to a plurality of pots using a single water pipe opening and closing device 300 or the water supply pump 400.

The water pipe opening and closing device and the water pump described above are one embodiment of the water supply device, and any water supply device that is electrically connected to the automatic plant water supply controller while being separated from the automatic plant water supply controller of the present invention is applicable regardless of its form or name. It is possible.

Claims

A plug electrically coupled with an external power plug socket;

A control unit which controls the regular power inputted through the plug to be periodically outputted for a predetermined time according to a water supply duration and a watering cycle of the plant; And

And an optional plug socket for selectively outputting the continuous power input from the outside under the control of the controller.
The method of claim 1,

A constant power input terminal receiving constant power through the plug;

Further comprising a selective output terminal for selectively outputting the regular power,

The optional output terminal is electrically connected to the optional plug socket,

The controller is a controller for automatic plant water supply, characterized in that for connecting and short-circuit the constant power input terminal and the optional output terminal in accordance with the water supply duration and water supply cycle.
The method of claim 2,

A constant power output terminal for always outputting power input through the constant power input terminal; And

And a constant power plug socket connected to the constant power output terminal to output always power.
The method of claim 3, wherein

The switch includes a first switch for setting a range of a water supply cycle and a water supply duration, a second switch for setting the water supply cycle, and a third switch for setting the water supply duration,

The controller is a controller for automatic plant water supply, characterized in that for connecting the constant power input terminal and the optional output terminal according to the time set by the first, second and third switch.
The method of claim 2,

Further comprising a housing,

The control unit, the constant power input terminal and the optional output terminal are provided in the housing, and the plug is connected to the constant power input terminal with a power cable at one side of the housing, and the optional plug socket is connected to the other side of the housing. Controller for automatic plant water supply, characterized in that connected to the optional output terminal by a power cable.
The method of claim 2,

Further comprising a housing,

The control unit, the constant power input terminal, the optional output terminal is provided in the housing,

At least one of the plug and the plug socket is integrally formed in the housing.
A plant for automatic water supply of claim 1; And

It is provided separately from the controller for automatic plant water supply, and is connected to the optional plug socket of the plant for automatic water supply plant automatic water supply comprising a water supply for supplying water by periodically operating for a predetermined time to receive the power supply system.
The method of claim 7, wherein

A first transfer pipe connected to the water supply device, a second transfer pipe for directly supplying water transferred through the first transfer pipe to the plant, and a multi-tube pipe connecting the first transfer pipe and the second transfer pipe Plant automatic water supply system including.