PLANT CULTIVATION APPARATUS

A plant cultivation apparatus is disclosed. A plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a first cultivation unit which is provided inside the cabinet and has plants placed therein; a second cultivation unit which is provided inside the cabinet to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit and has plants placed therein; a nutrient solution supply unit which is connected to a mixing tank in which a nutrient solution is stored and which supplies the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit; a nutrient solution delivery unit which is provided in the first cultivation unit and delivers, to the second cultivation unit, the nutrient solution supplied to the first cultivation unit; and a nutrient solution recovery unit which is provided in the second cultivation unit and recovers, into the mixing tank, the nutrient solution supplied to the second cultivation unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a plant cultivation apparatus, which can provide plants with a nutrient solution mixed with water and nutrients.

BACKGROUND ART

A plant cultivation apparatus refers to a device that enables the cultivation of plants by artificially supplying and controlling the light energy, moisture, soil, temperature, and the like necessary for plant growth. A plant cultivation apparatus includes a cultivation space that creates an environment suitable for plant growth, and plants grow within the cultivation space.

A plant cultivation apparatus may include a component for supplying moisture and nutrients for plant growth, and may also include a component for supplying light energy to the plant. Accordingly, plants may be cultivated in the plant cultivation apparatus even if they are not provided with light from the sun.

The plant cultivation apparatus may include a flow path for supplying a nutrient solution containing moisture and nutrients for plant growth to the plants. The nutrient solution may be stored in a tank provided in the plant cultivation apparatus, and the nutrient solution may flow along a flow path extending from the tank and be supplied to the plants.

In relation to this, in reference EP 03516953 A1, a plant cultivation apparatus including a plurality of cultivation units in which plants are disposed is disclosed. In the plant cultivation apparatus in the reference, a flow path for supplying nutrient solution is provided in each cultivation unit.

In the plant cultivation apparatus in the reference, nutrient solution is supplied to each cultivation unit through a nutrient solution supply flow path provided for each cultivation unit, and as a result, more nutrient solution than the amount of nutrient solution consumed by the plant is supplied to each cultivation unit and thus the amount of nutrient solution provided may be unnecessarily increased.

In addition, the nutrient solution provided to the cultivation unit may be recovered back to the mixing tank, and in this case, the plant cultivation apparatus in the reference requires a recovery flow path for each cultivation unit, making the configuration and design complicated and reducing space utilization inside the cabinet.

Furthermore, a complex structure is required because a plurality of valves are required to determine whether to supply the nutrient solution to each cultivation unit or to determine whether to recover the nutrient solution provided to the cultivation unit.

In other words, it is an important task in this technical field to efficiently provide plants with nutrient solution for plant growth and to develop a simple and effective structure for supply and recovery of nutrient solution from the cultivation unit to grow plants.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that can efficiently supply nutrient solution to plants.

In addition, an object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that has a simple and efficient nutrient solution supply structure by providing an efficient flow path for the nutrient solution.

Additionally, an object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that can effectively supply nutrient solution to plants present in a plurality of cultivation units using an appropriate amount of nutrient solution.

Additionally, an object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus that has a structure capable of effectively recovering the nutrient solution supplied to each cultivation unit.

Additionally, an object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus in which nutrient solution can be efficiently bypassed for each of the plurality of cultivation units.

Technical Solution

Embodiments of the present disclosure have a stepped circulating water supply system and enable efficient use of a nutrient solution with a simple structure in a home plant cultivation apparatus based on hydroponic cultivation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have an interlocked water supply and drainage system for a plurality of cultivation units, rather than an individual water supply and drainage system for each cultivation unit, and the nutrient solution supplied to the upper cultivation unit is drained to the lower cultivation unit at the same time as water supply, thereby water supply to the lower cultivation unit.

Additionally, in embodiments of the present disclosure, when plants are not cultivated in a specific cultivation unit, the nutrient solution may be bypassed in the specific cultivation unit for sanitary management of the nutrient solution and efficiency of cultivation.

In the cultivation unit, an overflow hole is formed at a specific location in the cultivation unit so that the water supply level is always constant for a uniform growth environment for plants, so that the water supply level may be adjusted.

In other words, one embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure that allows sequential water supply to multi-stage cultivation units through one pump and supply flow path, and may be reflected by a drain in the cultivation unit and an overflow hole for maintaining a constant water level.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a first cultivation unit, a second cultivation unit, a nutrient solution supply unit, a nutrient solution transferring unit, and a nutrient solution recovery unit.

The first cultivation unit is provided inside the cabinet and plants are placed therein. The second cultivation unit is provided inside the cabinet to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit, and plants are placed therein.

The nutrient solution supply unit is connected to a mixing tank in which the nutrient solution is stored and supplies the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit, and the nutrient solution transferring unit is provided in the first cultivation unit and transfers the nutrient solution supplied to the first cultivation unit to the second cultivation unit, and a nutrient solution recovery unit is provided in the second cultivation unit to recover the nutrient solution supplied to the second cultivation unit to the mixing tank.

The nutrient solution supply unit includes a supply hole through which the nutrient solution is discharged, and an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first inlet provided in the first cultivation unit and located below the supply hole to receive the nutrient solution falling from the supply hole and supply the nutrient solution to the inside of the first cultivation unit.

The first inlet may be provided to be detachable from the first cultivation unit, and the nutrient solution falling from the supply hole may be bypassed and supplied to the nutrient solution transferring unit when the first inlet is removed from the first cultivation unit.

At least a portion of the nutrient solution transferring unit may be located below the first inlet mounted on the first cultivation unit, so that when the first inlet is removed, the nutrient solution transferring unit receives the nutrient solution which bypasses the first cultivation unit and falls and supplies the nutrient solution to the second cultivation unit.

The first cultivation unit may include a first discharge hole through which the inner nutrient solution is discharged to the outside, and the nutrient solution transferring unit may include a first collection unit. The first collection unit may include a first general collection area located below the first discharge hole so that the nutrient solution falling from the first discharge hole is collected and a first additional collection area located below the first inlet mounted on the first cultivation unit so that the nutrient solution which bypasses the first cultivation unit and falls is collected.

The second cultivation unit may be located below the first cultivation unit, and the nutrient solution transferring unit may transfer the nutrient solution from the first cultivation unit to the second cultivation unit using the self-weight of the nutrient solution.

The nutrient solution transferring unit may include a first collection unit located below the first cultivation unit to collect the nutrient solution discharged from the first cultivation unit; and a transferring flow path extending downward from the first collection unit through which the nutrient solution collected in the first collection unit flows toward the second cultivation unit.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second inlet provided in the second cultivation unit and located below the transferring flow path to receive the nutrient solution discharged from the transferring flow path and supply the nutrient solution to the inside of the second cultivation unit.

The second inlet may be provided to be detachable from the second cultivation unit, and the nutrient solution falling from the transferring flow path may be bypassed and supplied to the nutrient solution recovery unit when the second inlet is removed from the second cultivation unit.

The second cultivation unit may include a second discharge hole through which the inner nutrient solution is discharged to the outside, and the nutrient solution recovery unit may include a second collection unit.

The second collection unit may include a second collection area located below the second discharge hole so that the nutrient solution falling from the second discharge hole is collected, and a second additional collection area located below the second inlet mounted on the second cultivation unit so that the nutrient solution that passes and falls is collected.

The first cultivation unit may include a first discharge hole through which the nutrient solution is discharged to the outside of the first cultivation unit, and at least a portion of the nutrient solution transferring unit may be located below the first discharge hole, collect the nutrient solution falling from the first discharge hole, and transfer the nutrient solution to the second cultivation unit.

The first cultivation unit may include a first accommodation space in which the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit is stored, and the first discharge hole may include a first general hole located at the lowest portion of the first accommodation space and a first overflow hole located above the first general hole and configured to discharge a nutrient solution by the standard water level or more of the first accommodation space.

The first cultivation part may be inclined upward as it moves away from the lowest portion and may include an inclined part in which the first general hole and the first overflow hole are provided.

The total amount of the nutrient solution per standard hour discharged through the first general hole of the first discharge hole may be smaller than the total amount of the nutrient solution per standard hour supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit. The diameter of the first general hole may be smaller than the diameter of the first overflow hole.

The first cultivation unit may be provided with a first accommodation space that accommodates the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit and a first peripheral wall extending along the perimeter of the first accommodation space, and at least a portion of the first inlet may extend outward from the first peripheral wall and may be located below the supply hole.

The first inlet may include a shielding unit configured to shield at least a portion of the open upper surface of the first accommodation space. The first accommodation space may include a container space in which a cultivation container containing at least a portion of the plant is seated, and the shielding unit may be disposed to shield the open upper surface of the remaining space in the first accommodation space except for the container space.

A cultivation container of the first cultivation unit containing at least a portion of the plant may be accommodated in the first accommodation space, and the entire open upper surface of the first accommodation space may be shielded by the shielding unit and the cultivation container.

The first inlet may further include a recessed space located below the supply hole of the nutrient solution supply unit on the outside of the first circumferential wall, and an inlet flow path provided below the shielding unit to communicate with the recessed space and the first accommodation space.

The inlet flow path may protrude downward from the shielding unit and extend from the recessed space toward the first accommodation space, and a first flow path groove into which the inlet flow path is inserted from above may be formed in the first peripheral wall.

The first accommodation space may include a container space in which a cultivation container containing at least a portion of the plant is seated, and the inlet flow path may be connected to the remaining spaces in the first accommodation space excluding the container space.

Meanwhile, a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet; a first cultivation unit provided inside the cabinet and in which plants are placed; a second cultivation unit provided in the cabinet to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit, and in which plants are placed; a mixing tank configured to store nutrient solution to be supplied to the plants of the first cultivation unit and the second cultivation unit; and a circulation supply unit connected to the mixing tank and configured to circulate and supply the nutrient solution of the mixing tank to the first cultivation unit, the second cultivation unit, and the mixing tank in that order.

In addition, a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may a cabinet; a first cultivation unit provided inside the cabinet and in which plants are placed; a second cultivation unit provided in the cabinet to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit, and in which plants are placed; a nutrient solution supply unit connected to a mixing tank in which the nutrient solution is stored and configured to supply the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit; and a first inlet provided to be detachable from the first cultivation unit and configured to transfer the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit to the inside of the first cultivation unit, in which the first cultivation unit may be equipped with the first inlet so that the nutrient solution of the nutrient solution supply unit flows into the inside thereof, and the first inlet may be removed so that the nutrient solution of the nutrient solution supply unit is bypassed and transferred to the second cultivation unit.

Advantageous Effect

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a plant cultivation apparatus that can efficiently supply nutrient solution to plants.

Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a plant cultivation apparatus with a simple and efficient nutrient solution supply structure by providing an efficient flow path for the nutrient solution.

Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a plant cultivation apparatus that may effectively supply nutrient solution to plants present in a plurality of cultivation units using an appropriate amount of nutrient solution.

Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a plant cultivation apparatus having a structure capable of effectively recovering the nutrient solution supplied to each cultivation unit.

Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a plant cultivation apparatus in which nutrient solution may be efficiently bypassed for each of the plurality of cultivation units.

BEST MODE

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure.

However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, portions unrelated to the description are omitted, and similar portions are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

In this specification, duplicate descriptions of the same components are omitted.

Also, in this specification, when a component is mentioned as being ‘connected’ or ‘joined’ to another component, it may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but it should be understood that the other components may exist in between. On the other hand, in this specification, when it is mentioned that a component is ‘directly connected’ or ‘directly joined’ to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Additionally, the terms used in this specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, in this specification, terms such as ‘include’ or ‘have’ are only intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Also, in this specification, the term ‘and/or’ includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. In this specification, ‘A or B’ may include ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘both A and B’.

FIG.1illustrates the outer appearance of a plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.1, a plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet10.

The cabinet10may include various configurations for placing plants therein and providing light, water, nutrients, and the like to the plants. A cultivation space for plants to grow may be formed inside the cabinet10.

The cabinet10may have various shapes. AlthoughFIG.1illustrates a cabinet10in the shape of a hexahedron, it is not necessarily limited thereto.

The cabinet10has an opening formed on one side so that the cultivation space and the outside may communicate. In other words, the cultivation space of the cabinet10may be exposed to the outside through the opening. The opening may be provided in various positions such as the front surface, upper surface, and side, andFIG.1illustrates the opening formed on the front surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Meanwhile, the cabinet10may be provided with a door20for opening and closing the opening exposing the cultivation space to the outside. The door20is coupled to the cabinet10and may selectively open or shield the opening.

The door20is rotatably provided on the cabinet10to open and close the opening of the cabinet10. For example, the door20may be rotated away from the opening to expose the cultivation space of the cabinet10to the outside and may be rotated toward the opening to block the cultivation space from the outside.

FIG.2illustrates the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the door20is opened and the cultivation space is exposed to the outside.

Referring toFIG.2, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a cultivation unit30in which plants are placed in a cultivation space defined inside the cabinet10. The cultivation unit30has a shape such as a panel on which plants are seated, and a plurality of cultivation units may be provided in a multi-stage form.

Specifically, the cultivation unit30may be provided in the shape of a panel parallel to the ground and placed in the cultivation space, and a plurality of cultivation units may be provided and spaced apart in the vertical direction to form the multi-stage structure.

FIG.2illustrates a plant cultivation apparatus1including two cultivation units30according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but the number of cultivation units30may be determined in various ways according to need.

Meanwhile,FIG.3illustrates a cultivation space defined inside the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, each of the plurality of cultivation units30may include a container space32in which a cultivation container35containing at least a portion of a plant is accommodated. The user may directly place plants in the cultivation unit30or insert and install the cultivation container35into the container space32.

In the cultivation unit30, the container space32may be defined through a downwardly recessed groove, and a plurality of container spaces32may be provided and spaced apart from each other. InFIG.3, the container space32is illustrated with the cultivation container35removed from the cultivation unit30located on the upper side, and a state where the cultivation container35is installed in the cultivation unit30located on the lower side is illustrated.

FIG.4illustrates a cross-section illustrating the interior of a plant cultivation space according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be separated from the cultivation space where plants grow, and may include a machine room40including a mixing tank50and a supply pump55, which will be described later.

The location of the machine room40may vary, andFIG.4illustrates a plant cultivation apparatus1in which the machine room40with a large load is disposed below the cabinet10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The machine room40may be equipped with at least a part of a temperature adjustment system or a light amount adjustment system for adjusting the air temperature of the cultivation space, in addition to a part of the circulation supply unit such as the mixing tank50and the supply pump55.

Meanwhile,FIG.5conceptually illustrates each configuration through which the nutrient solution flows and the circulation path of the nutrient solution in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5, one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a circulation supply system or a circulation supply unit in which the nutrient solution flowing from the mixing tank50flows through the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200and returns to the mixing tank50.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution may be supplied from the mixing tank50to the nutrient solution supply unit300, the first cultivation unit100, the nutrient solution transferring unit400, the second cultivation unit200, and the nutrient solution recovery unit500and then be recovered back to the mixing tank50.

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution may flow from the mixing tank50through the supply pump55along the nutrient solution supply unit300and be provided to the first cultivation unit100. The nutrient solution provided to the first cultivation unit100may be transferred to the nutrient solution transferring unit400via the first inlet150, the first accommodation space110, and the first discharge hole130of the first cultivation unit100.

The nutrient solution provided to the nutrient solution transferring unit400may be transferred to the second cultivation unit200via the first collection unit410and the transferring flow path420.

The nutrient solution provided to the second cultivation unit200may be transferred to the nutrient solution recovery unit500via the second inlet250, the second accommodation space210, and the second discharge hole. The nutrient solution from the nutrient solution recovery unit500may be recovered back to the mixing tank50via the second collection unit510and the recovery flow path520.

Meanwhile,FIG.6illustrates the nutrient solution supply unit300, the nutrient solution transferring unit400, and the nutrient solution recovery unit500of the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.7illustrates a cross-sectional view illustrating the nutrient solution supply unit300, the nutrient solution transferring unit400, and the nutrient solution recovery unit500.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a circulation supply unit which includes a nutrient solution supply unit300, a nutrient solution transferring unit400, and a nutrient solution recovery unit500, and which supplies nutrient solution to a first cultivation unit100and a second cultivation unit.

Specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet10, a first cultivation unit100, a second cultivation unit200, a nutrient solution supply unit300, a nutrient solution transferring unit400, and a nutrient solution recovery unit500.

The first cultivation unit100is provided inside the cabinet10, and plants may be placed in the first cultivation unit. The second cultivation unit200is provided inside the cabinet10to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit100, and plants can be placed in the second cultivation unit.

The nutrient solution supply unit300is connected to the mixing tank50in which the nutrient solution is stored and may supply the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit100. The nutrient solution transferring unit400is provided in the first cultivation unit100and may transfer the nutrient solution supplied to the first cultivation unit100to the second cultivation unit200. The nutrient solution recovery unit500is provided in the second cultivation unit200and may recover the nutrient solution supplied to the second cultivation unit200to the mixing tank50.

More specifically, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cultivation units30, and the plurality of cultivation units30may include a first cultivation unit100and a second cultivation unit200.

The first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200are separated and spaced apart from each other so that plants may be placed and grown therein. The first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200may each include a container space32in which plants or cultivation containers35containing plants are located.

The first cultivation unit100may include a first accommodation space110in which the nutrient solution is accommodated, and the second cultivation unit200may include a second accommodation space210in which the nutrient solution is accommodated. The nutrient solution supplied through the nutrient solution supply unit300may be stored in the first accommodation space110of the first cultivation unit100.

The nutrient solution in the first accommodation space110may be stored in the second accommodation space210of the second cultivation unit200through the nutrient solution transferring unit400. The nutrient solution stored in the second accommodation space210of the second cultivation unit200may be recovered back to the mixing tank50through the nutrient solution recovery unit500.

The nutrient solution stored in the mixing tank50may be a mixed solution of water and nutrients. The nutrient solution may be premixed outside the plant cultivation apparatus1and provided to the mixing tank50, or may be mixed inside the mixing tank50.

The nutrient solution supply unit300is connected to the mixing tank50so that the nutrient solution in the mixing tank50may flow therein. For example, the nutrient solution supply unit300may include a supply flow path310extending from the mixing tank50toward the first cultivation unit100and a supply pump55that flows the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution in the mixing tank50may be provided to the first cultivation unit100through the nutrient solution supply unit300.

The nutrient solution transferring unit400may be connected to the first cultivation unit100. The nutrient solution transferring unit400may be directly connected to the first cultivation unit100or may be indirectly connected through a separate configuration corresponding to a medium.

In addition, the nutrient solution transferring unit400may be a means for transferring the nutrient solution of the first cultivation unit100to the second cultivation unit200on the flow path of the nutrient solution in a state of being spaced apart from the first cultivation unit100. In other words, the nutrient solution transferring unit400may be a means for conceptually connecting the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200based on the flow path of the nutrient solution.

The nutrient solution supplied to the first cultivation unit100through the nutrient solution supply unit300is provided to the plants of the first cultivation unit100, and the nutrient solution from the first cultivation unit100is transferred to the second cultivation unit200through the nutrient solution transferring unit and thus may be provided to the plants of the second cultivation unit200.

When a flow path for supplying the nutrient solution is provided by respectively connecting the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200to the mixing tank50, the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200may be provided with a nutrient solution to fill the first accommodation space110and the second accommodation space210, respectively, and considering the absorption amount of the plant, an unnecessarily large amount of nutrient solution may be provided to each of the first accommodation space110and the second accommodation space210.

Accordingly, the amount of nutrient solution circulated throughout the plant cultivation apparatus1may be increased, and the minimum level of the nutrient solution required in the mixing tank50may be unnecessarily increased, and the minimum level of the nutrient solution required in the mixing tank50may be unnecessarily increased, and the impurities generated while passing through plants or soil materials may increase, and the nutrient solution may deteriorate, increasing the possibility that pH or concentration may deviate from the appropriate range.

However, one embodiment of the present disclosure, by taking the method of supplying the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit100through the nutrient solution supply unit300and transferring the nutrient solution of the first cultivation unit100to the second cultivation unit200through the nutrient solution transferring unit400, may reduce the total amount of nutrient solution used in the mixing tank50to provide the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200, thereby enabling efficient use of the nutrient solution and minimizing deterioration of the nutrient solution.

Meanwhile, the nutrient solution provided to the second cultivation unit200may be recovered into the mixing tank50through the nutrient solution recovery unit500. The nutrient solution recovery unit500may be provided in the second cultivation unit200, but the nutrient solution recovery unit500may be directly connected to the second cultivation unit200or indirectly connected through a separate configuration corresponding to a medium.

In addition, the nutrient solution recovery unit500may be a means of transferring the nutrient solution of the second cultivation unit200to the mixing tank50on the nutrient solution flow path while being spaced apart from the second cultivation unit200. In other words, the nutrient solution recovery unit500may be a means of conceptually connecting the second cultivation unit200and the mixing tank50based on the flow path of the nutrient solution.

One embodiment of the present disclosure supplies the nutrient solution supplied from the mixing tank50only to the first cultivation unit100, and recovers only the nutrient solution discharged from the second cultivation unit200to the mixing tank50, and thus a circulation supply unit with an efficient structure may be formed.

In other words, one embodiment of the present disclosure, by omitting a separate flow path for supplying the nutrient solution to the second cultivation unit200and omitting a separate flow path for recovering the nutrient solution discharged from the first cultivation unit100, is efficient because the flow-related structure of the nutrient solution may be easily improved, and furthermore, it is advantageous because additional components such as valves that occur when adding a flow path or the like may also be omitted.

Meanwhile,FIG.7illustrates a nutrient solution supply unit300including a supply hole320according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.8illustrates the first inlet150of the first cultivation unit100in which the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320is collected.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution supply unit300includes a supply hole320through which the nutrient solution is discharged, and the first inlet150is provided in the first cultivation unit100and located below the supply hole320, so that the first inlet may receive the nutrient solution falling from the supply hole320and supply the nutrient solution to the inside of the first cultivation unit100.

The supply hole320through which the nutrient solution is discharged from the nutrient solution supply unit300may be provided on the supply flow path310, and the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320may be supplied to the first cultivation unit100. The first cultivation unit100may include a first inlet150to receive the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320. The first inlet150is provided in the first cultivation unit100to collect the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320, and may transfer the collected nutrient solution to the first accommodation space110of the first cultivation unit100.

One embodiment of the present disclosure, by taking a method in which the nutrient solution supply unit300discharges the nutrient solution through the supply hole320, may effectively reduce the load on the supply pump55, and, by collecting the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320by the first inlet150, may suppress the scattering of the nutrient solution and effectively implement the falling method of the nutrient solution.

Meanwhile, referring toFIGS.7and8, the first inlet150is provided to be detachable from the first cultivation unit100, and the first cultivation unit100is removed, the nutrient solution falling from the supply hole320may be bypassed and supplied to the nutrient solution transferring unit400.

The first inlet150is provided in a form that is seated or inserted into the first cultivation unit100and may be separated from the first cultivation unit100. When the first inlet150is separated from the first cultivation unit100, the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300may bypass the first cultivation unit100and the nutrient solution may not be transferred.

The plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cultivation units30, and the user may wish to use only some of the plurality of cultivation units30as needed.

For example, the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200are spaced apart vertically, and the user places plants only in the second cultivation unit200without placing plants in the upper first cultivation unit100and thus may use only the second cultivation unit200.

In this case, the user simply and effectively prevents the nutrient solution from being provided to the first cultivation unit100by simply removing the first inlet150removably installed in the first cultivation unit100, and only the second cultivation unit200may be used.

In other words, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution supply unit300can effectively reduce the load on the supply pump55by dropping the nutrient solution through the supply hole320, and the first cultivation unit100has the first inlet150to be detachable, which is located below the supply hole320and collects the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320, so that when the first inlet150is removed, the nutrient solution effectively provided from the nutrient solution supply unit300may bypass the first cultivation unit100and be provided to the second cultivation unit200.

As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the first inlet150is located at least partially protruding outside the first cultivation unit100, and the supply hole320of the nutrient solution supply unit300is located above the first inlet150on the outside of the first cultivation unit100, so that the nutrient solution can fall into the first inlet150.

In the above structure, when the first inlet150is removed from the first cultivation unit100, the nutrient solution falling from the nutrient solution supply unit300can easily bypass the first cultivation unit100, and thus, whether to use the first cultivation unit100can be conveniently determined according to the user's convenience.

Meanwhile,FIG.7illustrates a first collection unit410, at least part of which is located below the supply hole320of the nutrient solution supply unit300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.15, which will be described later, illustrates a nutrient solution transferring unit400including a first collection unit410is illustrated.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution transferring unit400is at least partially located below the first inlet150mounted on the first cultivation unit100, and thus when the first inlet150is removed, the nutrient solution transferring unit400receives the nutrient solution which bypasses the first cultivation unit100and falls and may supply the nutrient solution to the second cultivation unit200.

At least a portion of the nutrient solution transferring unit400may be located below the first inlet150. In other words, when the first inlet150is removed, at least a portion of the nutrient solution transferring unit400, for example, a portion of the first collection part410, which will be described later, is located below and thus may be directly faced to the supply hole320.

One embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed in the vertical direction in the order of the supply hole320, the first inlet150, and the nutrient solution transferring unit400, and in a state where the first inlet150is seated on the first cultivation unit100, the nutrient solution falling from the nutrient solution supply unit300is provided to the first inlet150, so the nutrient solution transferring unit400does not directly receive the nutrient solution.

However, when the first inlet150is removed, the nutrient solution falling from the nutrient solution supply unit300is directly transferred to the nutrient solution transferring unit400located below the supply hole320, so the bypass function of the first cultivation part100may be effectively implemented and the nutrient solution may be effectively provided to the second cultivation unit200at the same time.

In other words, one embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure in which the nutrient solution supply unit300supplies the nutrient solution through a falling method, and the first cultivation unit100receives the nutrient solution through the first inlet150, and thus, whether to bypass the first cultivation unit100may be determined simply by installing and separating the first inlet150. Convenience of use thereof may be improved.

Meanwhile,FIG.8illustrates the first discharge hole130provided in the first cultivation unit100, and inFIG.11, which will be described later, the first discharge hole130of the first cultivation unit100is enlarged. It is illustrated. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cultivation unit100may include a first discharge hole130through which the inner nutrient solution is discharged to the outside.

The first discharge hole130may discharge the nutrient solution provided in the first accommodation space110to the outside of the first cultivation unit100. In other words, the first discharge hole130may penetrate the first distribution unit100to communicate with the first accommodation space110and the outside of the first distribution unit100, and the nutrient solution of the first accommodation space110may be discharged to the outside of the first cultivation unit100through the first discharge hole130.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cultivation unit100discharges the nutrient solution in a falling manner using the own weight thereof through the first discharge hole130, and thus even if it is not directly connected to the supply pump55, the flow of nutrient solution may be effectively formed.

Meanwhile,FIG.7illustrates the first collection unit410of the nutrient solution transferring unit400, andFIG.15conceptually illustrates the first general collection area412and the second additional collection area514of the first collection.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution transferring unit400may include a first collection unit410, and the first collection unit410thus may include the first general collection area412which is located below the fist discharge hole130and where the nutrient solution falling from the first discharge hole130is collected and a first additional collection area414which is located below the first inlet150mounted on the first cultivation unit100and where the nutrient solution that falls by bypassing the first cultivation unit100is collected.

As described above, the nutrient solution from the first cultivation unit100is transferred to the second cultivation unit200through the nutrient solution transferring unit400, and the first cultivation unit100discharges the nutrient solution through a first discharge hole130, the first collection part410of the nutrient solution transferring unit400includes a first general collection area412where the nutrient solution discharged from the first discharge hole130is collected. The first general collection area412is located below the first discharge hole130and may collect the nutrient solution discharged from the first discharge hole130.

Meanwhile, the first collection unit410may directly collect the nutrient solution discharged from the nutrient solution supply unit300when the first inlet150is removed from the first cultivation unit100. Accordingly, the first collection unit410may further include a first additional collection area414which is located below the nutrient solution supply unit300in addition to the first general collection area412and is for collecting the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320.

The first collection unit410may have the shape of a box with an internal space opening upward, or may be provided as a panel type with a recessed shape centered around an opening through which the collected nutrient solution is discharged.

The first collection unit410may be designed to be structurally divided into a first general collection area412and a first additional collection area414, but may be divided locationally, conceptually, and functionally such as the portion located below the first discharge hole130and the portion located below the supply hole320.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first collection unit410, where the nutrient solution is collected from the nutrient solution transferring unit400, includes a first general collection area412and a first additional collection area414, and thus, in addition to the nutrient solution discharged from the first cultivation unit100, the nutrient solution that bypasses the first cultivation unit100and falls directly from the supply hole320can also be effectively collected and transferred to the second cultivation unit200.

The second collection unit510of the nutrient solution recovery unit500, which will be described later, may include a second general collection area512and a second additional collection area514, similar to the first collection unit410, and the characteristics related to the second general collection area512and the second additional collection area514may be the same as the first general collection area412and the first additional collection area414described above.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cultivation unit200is located below the first cultivation unit100, and the nutrient solution transferring unit400uses the self-weight of the nutrient solution to transfer the nutrient solution from the first cultivation unit100to the second cultivation unit200.

In other words, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the supply pump55is only involved in transferring the nutrient solution in the mixing tank50onto the first cultivation unit100, and transferring of the nutrient solution from the first cultivation unit100to the second cultivation unit200or transferring of the nutrient solution from the second cultivation unit200to the mixing tank50may use a falling method using the self-weight of the nutrient solution.

For example, the nutrient solution supply unit300discharges the nutrient solution through the supply hole320, and the first cultivation unit100receives nutrient solution through the first inlet150located below the supply hole320, the nutrient solution transferring unit400is located below the first discharge hole130and the supply hole320of the first collection unit410of the first cultivation unit100to receive the nutrient solution that fall. Receives the liquid, and the second cultivation unit200is located below the nutrient solution transferring unit400and receives the nutrient solution flowing by own weight thereof from the nutrient solution transferring unit400, and the nutrient solution recovery unit500is located below the second cultivation unit200and receives the nutrient solution discharged from the second cultivation unit200, and the mixing tank50is located below the nutrient solution recovery unit500and receives the nutrient solution flowing by own weight thereof from the liquid recovery unit500.

Meanwhile,FIG.15illustrates the nutrient solution transferring unit400of the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.15, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution transferring unit400may include a first collection unit410and a transferring flow path420.

The first collection unit410is located below the first cultivation unit100and may collect the nutrient solution discharged from the first cultivation unit100, and the transferring flow path420extends downward from the first collection unit410and thus the nutrient solution collected in the first collection unit410may flow toward the second cultivation unit200.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nutrient solution of the first cultivation unit100may be transferred to the second cultivation unit200through flow using own weight thereof. For this purpose, the first collection unit410of the nutrient solution transferring unit400is located below the first cultivation unit100to collect the nutrient solution falling from the first discharge hole130of the first cultivation unit100.

The second cultivation unit200may be located lower than the first collection unit410. The transferring flow path420extends downward from the first collection unit410toward the second cultivation unit200so that the nutrient solution collected in the first collection unit410may flow downward through own weight thereof.

Meanwhile, inFIGS.6and8described above, the second inlet250of the second cultivation unit200is illustrated. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second inlet250is provided in the second cultivation unit200and is located below the transferring flow path420and thus receives the nutrient solution discharged from the transferring flow path420to supply the nutrient solution to the inside of the second cultivation unit200.

The second inlet250may be installed separably on the second cultivation unit200in the same or similar manner as the first inlet150. The second inlet250may have a shape that protrudes outward from the second cultivation unit200and is located below the transferring flow path420so that the nutrient solution discharged from the transferring flow path420can be collected.

The second inlet250is provided to be detachable from the second cultivation unit200, and when the second inlet250is removed from the second cultivation unit200, the nutrient solution falling from the transferring flow path420may be bypassed and supplied to the nutrient solution recovery unit500.

The bypass-related characteristics of the second cultivation unit200by the second inlet250are generally the same as the characteristics of the first inlet150described above. In other words, the second inlet250is installed to be separable in the second cultivation unit200, and in a state where the second inlet250is installed, the second cultivation unit200may receive the nutrient solution discharged through the transferring flow path420via the second inlet250, and in a state where the second inlet250is separated, the second cultivation unit200may bypass the nutrient solution discharged from the transferring flow path420to direct transfer to the nutrient solution recovery unit500.

The second cultivation unit200includes a second discharge hole through which the inner nutrient solution is discharged to the outside, and the nutrient solution recovery unit500may include a second collection part510.

The second collection unit510may include a second collection area which is located below the second discharge hole and where the nutrient solution falling from the second discharge hole is collected and a second additional collection area514which is located below the second inlet250mounted on the second cultivation unit200and where the nutrient solution that falls by bypassing the second cultivation unit200is collected.

In other words, the nutrient solution recovery unit500collects the nutrient solution discharged from the second cultivation unit200in the second general collection area512of the second collection unit510and collects the nutrient solution bypassing the second cultivation unit200in the second additional collection area514and may recover the nutrient solution to the mixing tank50. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second collection unit510may include the same features as the first collection unit410described above, unless otherwise specified.

Meanwhile,FIG.16illustrates a nutrient solution recovery unit500according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The nutrient solution recovery unit500may include a second collection unit510and a recovery flow path520. The second collection unit510may include a second general collection area512where the nutrient solution discharged from the second discharge hole of the second cultivation unit200is collected and a second additional collection area514where the nutrient solution discharged from the nutrient solution transferring unit400and bypassing the second cultivation unit200is collected.

The second collection unit510may be connected to the recovery flow path520. The recovery flow path520is connected to the bottom surface of the second collection unit510, so that the nutrient solution collected in the second collection unit510may flow along the recovery flow path520through own weight thereof.

Referring toFIG.6, the recovery flow path520of the nutrient solution recovery unit500may extend from the second collection unit510toward the mixing tank50. In other words, the recovery flow path520may connect the second collection unit510and the mixing tank50. The recovery flow path520may indirectly or directly connect the second collection unit510and the mixing tank50.

Meanwhile,FIG.11illustrates a first discharge hole130formed in the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The characteristics of the first discharge hole130are the same as those of the second discharge hole provided in the second cultivation unit200, unless otherwise specified.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, the first cultivation unit100includes a first discharge hole130through which the nutrient solution is discharged to the outside of the first cultivation unit100, and at least a portion of the nutrient solution transferring unit400is located below the first discharge hole130and may collect the nutrient solution falling from the first discharge hole130and transfer the nutrient solution to the second cultivation unit200.

The first cultivation unit100may include a first accommodation space110in which the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300is stored, and the first discharge hole130may include a first general hole132which is located at the lowest portion of the first accommodation space110and a first overflow hole134which is located above the first general hole132and discharges nutrient solution above the standard water level of the first accommodation space110.

Referring toFIG.11, the first general hole132is in communication with the first accommodation space110and is provided in plural numbers so that the nutrient solution stored in the first accommodation space110may be discharged. The first general hole132may be located at the lowest portion of the first accommodation space110so that all of the nutrient solution in the first accommodation space110may be discharged.

The lowest portion refers to a portion located at the lowest level in the first accommodation space110, and inFIG.11, the first general hole132located at the bottom surface of the first accommodation space110in the first cultivation unit100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

The first overflow hole134may be located above the first general hole132and may serve as a means for setting the allowable water level or standard water level of the first accommodation space110.

In other words, the first overflow hole134is located to have a height corresponding to the standard water level based on the lowest portion of the first accommodation space110, and the nutrient solution which is provided to the first accommodation space110at the standard water level or more may be discharged to the outside of the first cultivation unit100through the first overflow hole134and collected by the first collection unit410.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cultivation unit100is inclined upward as it moves away from the lowest portion and may include an inclined part120on which the first general hole132and the first overflow hole134are provided.

The inclined part120may be provided in the first cultivation unit100as well as the second cultivation unit200. The first discharge hole130of the first cultivation unit100may be located in the inclined part120. The inclined part120may be formed on the first peripheral wall105that extends along the perimeter of the first cultivation unit100and surrounds the first accommodation space110.

The inclined part120may be inclined to face upward as the distance from the first accommodation space110increases. In other words, the inclined part120may be inclined to be located upward as it approaches the outside of the first cultivation portion100.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, inclined parts120are formed in the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200, respectively, thereby forming a first discharge hole130and a second discharge hole that may include a plurality of openings with minimal bending or bending.

Meanwhile, in the first discharge hole130, the total amount of the nutrient solution per standard hour discharged through the first general hole132may be smaller than the total amount per standard hour of the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300.

In other words, the first cultivation unit100increases the nutrient solution stored in the first accommodation space110in a situation where the nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300, and when the supply of the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution supply unit300is stopped, the nutrient solution in the first accommodation space110may be discharged through the first general hole132as much as the total discharge amount per standard time.

In a method such as hydroponic cultivation in which a nutrient solution is provided to plants by providing a cultivation container35or the like in the first accommodation space110where the nutrient solution is stored, the nutrient solution needs to be provided for a certain period of time so that the nutrient solution is sufficiently added to soil materials such as plants or media.

In addition, the nutrient solution in the first accommodation space110needs to be discharged from the first accommodation space110after a predetermined period of time to prevent plants from being submerged in the nutrient solution for an excessively long period of time and thereby hindering their growth.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first general holes132may be provided as needed, and the total amount of nutrient solution discharged per unit time may be determined by design by adjusting the diameter. When a plurality of first general holes132are provided, the total amount refers to the amount of nutrient solution discharged through all of the plurality of first general holes132.

One embodiment of the present disclosure may set the time required for complete discharge of the nutrient solution provided in the first accommodation space110through a design determination of the first general hole132, and through this, even without a separate valve which determines the discharge amount of the nutrient solution, the nutrient solution may be efficiently provided within the first accommodation space110for the required amount of time.

In addition, one embodiment of the present disclosure makes the supply amount of nutrient solution per unit time from the nutrient solution supply unit300, which is determined through operation control of the supply pump55, higher than the discharge amount per unit time from the first general hole132, and thus even if there is a first general hole132that is always open, it is possible to effectively provide a nutrient solution equal to the standard water level to the first accommodation space110.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first general hole132may be designed to have a small diameter so that the nutrient solution may exist in the first accommodation space110for a predetermined period of time.

For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first general hole132may be smaller than the diameter of the first overflow hole134. In other words, the first overflow hole134may have a relatively large diameter to quickly resolve the storage of nutrient solution by the standard water level or more in the first accommodation space110, and the first general hole132may have a small diameter so that the nutrient solution may exist in the first accommodation space110for a experimentally or statistically determined time.

Meanwhile,FIG.12illustrates a first inlet150coupled to the first cultivation unit100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.12, the first cultivation unit100has a first accommodation space110where the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300is accommodated and a first peripheral wall105extending along the perimeter of the first accommodation space110, and at least a portion of the first inlet150extends outward from the first peripheral wall105and may be located below the supply hole320.

The first accommodation space110may be defined by the bottom surface of the first cultivation unit100and the first peripheral wall105. The above-described first general hole132may be located on the bottom surface. At least a portion of the first inlet150may be located outside the first cultivation unit100rather than the first peripheral wall105.

In other words, the supply hole320of the nutrient solution supply unit300is located outside the first peripheral wall105of the first cultivation unit100, so that, even if the first inlet150is removed, it is possible to prevent the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320flowing into the interior of the first cultivation unit100.

Meanwhile, as described above, the second cultivation unit200may include the same features as the first cultivation unit100unless otherwise specified. In other words, the second cultivation unit200may be defined within the second accommodation space210in the same way as the first distribution unit100. The second accommodation space210may be defined by the bottom surface of the second cultivation unit200and the second peripheral wall205.

The second inlet250of the second cultivation unit200may be provided to collect the nutrient solution falling from the nutrient solution transferring unit400, may be formed to protrude outward from the second cultivation unit200, and may be seated on the second peripheral wall205. The second inlet250may include the same characteristics as the first inlet150unless otherwise specified.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG.12, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inlet150may include a shielding unit154that shields at least a portion of the open upper surface of the first accommodation space110.

As described above, the first inlet150may be provided to protrude outward from the first cultivation unit100beyond the first peripheral wall105, and a portion of the first inlet150may be seated on the first peripheral wall105. Furthermore, the first inlet150may include a shielding unit154located on the upper surface of a portion of the first accommodation space110defined inside the first peripheral wall105.

The shielding unit154may be provided to shield a portion of the open upper surface of the first accommodation space110. Accordingly, the portion of the first accommodation space110that is covered by the shielding unit154may be blocked from entering light from the outside by the shielding unit154, and it may be suppressed that light is provided to the nutrient solution accommodated inside the first receiving space110and thus the green algae or the like may be generated.

Meanwhile,FIG.13illustrates a state where a cultivation container35is disposed in the container space32of the first accommodation space110, andFIG.14illustrates a cross-section of the first cultivation unit100ofFIG.13viewed from the side.

Referring toFIGS.13and14, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first accommodation space110includes a container space32in which a cultivation container35containing at least a portion of the plant is seated, and the shielding unit154may be disposed to shield the open upper surface of the remaining space in the first accommodation space110except for the container space32.

As described above, the first accommodation space110may be defined by the bottom surface of the first cultivation unit100and the first peripheral wall105, and a container space32in which a cultivation container35is seated may be defined in a portion of the first accommodation space110.

The cultivation container35is equipped with at least a portion of the plant such as seeds, a medium corresponding to the soil material, and the like, and the cultivation container35is provided in the first accommodation space110and thus a nutrient solution in the first accommodation space110may be provided to the plants inside the cultivation container35.

The shielding unit154of the first inlet150may serve as a means of covering the open upper portion of the first accommodation space110from the outside, and thus the shielding unit154of the first inlet150may be provided to shield the upper surface open to the first accommodation space110excluding the container space32.

Meanwhile, in the first cultivation unit100, a cultivation container35in which at least a portion of the plant is stored is accommodated in the first accommodation space110, and the first accommodation space110has the entire open upper surface which may be shielded by the shielding unit154and the cultivation container35.

The first peripheral wall105may include a protruding wall for defining the container space32in the first accommodation space110. For example, the first peripheral wall105has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cultivation container35and may be provided on the first cultivation unit100. Accordingly, the user can conveniently insert the cultivation container35into the first accommodation space110by considering the shape of the first peripheral wall105.

The open upper surface of the first accommodation space110may be entirely shielded from the outside by the cultivation container35and the shielding unit154. The nutrient solution inside the first accommodation space110is blocked from transferring light from the outside by the cultivation container35and the shielding unit154, so that the occurrence of green algae or the like due to the provision of light may be effectively prevented.

FIG.13illustrates the first cultivation unit100, the upper surface of which is completely shielded by the first inlet150and the cultivation container35according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.14illustrates the nutrient solution existing in the first receiving space110in a state where the entire upper surface ofFIG.13is shielded.

The first accommodation space110is provided with a deeper depth than the cultivation container35so that the nutrient solution may be present inside, and the bottom surface may be formed inclined toward the above-described inclined part120or the first general hole132to facilitate discharge of the nutrient solution.

Meanwhile,FIG.9illustrates a top view of the first inlet150, andFIG.10illustrates a bottom view of the first inlet150. Referring toFIGS.9and10, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inlet150may further include a recessed space152located below the supply hole320of the nutrient solution supply part300on the outside of the first peripheral wall105and an inlet flow path156provided on the lower side of the shielding unit154to communicate with the recessed space152and the first accommodation space110.

The recessed space152may be formed by recessing the upper surface of the first inlet150downward. The recessed space152may be located outside the first cultivation unit100. The recessed space152is located below the supply hole320of the nutrient solution supply unit300, so that the nutrient solution discharged from the supply hole320may be collected in the recessed space152.

In other words, a portion of the first inlet150where the recessed space152is formed is located on the outside of the first cultivation unit100, and the nutrient solution collected in the recessed space152is transferred to the inside of the first cultivation unit100, that is, the first accommodation space110.

The inlet flow path156may be located below the shielding unit154. The inlet flow path156may be formed to protrude downward from the shielding unit154. In other words, the inlet flow path156may be covered from the outside by the shielding unit154. The inlet flow path156may extend from the recessed space152toward the first accommodation space110.

The first inlet150allows the nutrient solution present in the recessed space152to be transferred to the first accommodation space110through the inlet flow path156. In other words, the nutrient solution provided in the recessed space152may flow through the inlet flow path156and be transferred into the first accommodation space110.

The inlet flow path156may be located spaced apart from the first discharge hole130or the inclined part120. Additionally, the inlet flow path156may discharge the nutrient solution at a location spaced apart from the first discharge hole130or the inclined part120.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the first inlet150transfers the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300through the inlet flow path156located below the shielding unit154into the first accommodation space110, the nutrient solution collected in the first inlet150may be provided inside the first accommodation space110without being exposed to the outside, and the first inlet150shields the open upper surface of the first accommodation space110through the shielding unit154and at the same time, the nutrient solution in the recessed space152may be completely transferred to the inside of the first accommodation space110. InFIG.12, the inlet flow path156of the first inlet150coupled to the first cultivation unit100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated with a dotted line.

Meanwhile, the inlet flow path156protrudes downward from the shielding unit154and extends from the recessed space152toward the first accommodation space110, and a first flow path groove140into which the inlet flow path156is inserted from above may be formed on the first peripheral wall105.

FIG.11illustrates a first flow path groove140formed in the first peripheral wall105. Referring toFIG.11, the first flow path groove140may extend from the outside of the first cultivation unit100toward the inside. The first flow path groove140has a shape corresponding to the inlet flow path156, and the inlet flow path156may be inserted and coupled from above.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a shielding unit154as the first flow groove140into which the inlet flow path156is inserted is formed in the first peripheral wall105of the first cultivation unit100, and the first inlet150where the inlet flow path156is formed may be effectively coupled, and further, the first inlet150may be structurally and stably coupled.

Meanwhile, the first accommodation space110includes a container space32in which a cultivation container35containing at least a portion of the plant is seated, and the inlet flow path156may be connected to the remaining spaces excluding the container space32from the first accommodation space110.

The first accommodation space110further includes a space excluding the container space32to secure an appropriate amount of nutrient solution, and the inlet flow path156is connected to the remaining spaces excluding the container space32from the first accommodation space110, and thus even when the first cultivation unit100is equipped with the cultivation container35, the inlet flow path may efficiently provide the nutrient solution in the first accommodation space110.

Meanwhile, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet10, a first cultivation unit100, and the second cultivation unit200and may include the mixing tank50in which the nutrient solution to be provided to the plants in the first cultivation unit100and the second cultivation unit200and a circulation supply unit that is connected to the mixing tank50and circulates and supplies the nutrient solution of the mixing tank50to the first cultivation unit100, the second cultivation unit200, and the mixing tank50in that order.

Meanwhile, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet10, a first cultivation unit100provided in the cabinet10and in which plants are placed, a second cultivation unit200provided to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit100in the cabinet10and in which plants are placed, a nutrient solution supply unit300connected to the mixing tank50in which the nutrient solution is stored to supply the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit100, and a first inlet150provided to be detachable from the first cultivation unit100and transferring the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit300into the first cultivation unit100, in which the first cultivation unit100is equipped with the first inlet150so that the nutrient solution of the nutrient solution supply unit300flows into the inside thereof and the first inlet150is removed so that the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution supply unit300is bypassed and thus may be transferred to the second cultivation unit200.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in relation to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be improved and changed in various ways, without departing from the technical spirit of the disclosure as provided by the following claims.