Water culture block and water culture device having same

The described technology relates to a water culture block, which can be stacked in multiple stages along a wall surface, and a water culture device having the same. The water culture block can include a block body including side plates each having an opening, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, and at least one overflow tube having a hollow portion and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof. The water culture block can also include a water tray body formed at an upper portion of the block body and having a through hole for providing a fluid to the receiving space, and a pipe in communication with the through hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate.

BACKGROUND

Field

The described technology generally relates to a water culture block, and more particularly, to a water culture block capable of being stacked in multiple stages to be used as an art wall and enabling cultivation of different kinds of plants in each of water culture blocks stacked in multiple stages, and a water culture device having the same.

Description of the Related Technology

Generally, water culturing refers to a cultivation method for growing a plant in a culture solution containing water and water-soluble nutrients without using soil such as dirt.

Since a plant suitable for water culturing is grown in a container in which the culture solution is received, water culturing has the advantage in that it is easy to observe a growth process of the plant and a root condition of the plant and it is possible to cultivate the plant easily and cleanly at home.

Example of prior arts for water culturing may include Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0250160 entitled “Water Culture and Purification Device using Aquarium Fish Tank”.

A water culture and purification device using an aquarium fish tank provides water in the aquarium fish tank to a cultivation tank using a submersible pump to allow a plant to be cultivated in the water and provides the water in the cultivation tank to the aquarium fish tank again through a filter to perform indoor humidification with air purification.

In the water culture and purification device using the aquarium fish tank, sagging of a plant may be prevented by supporting the plant using a plant-support fixture and by extending the plant-support fixture as the plant grow.

However, the above-described water culture and purification device using the aquarium fish tank has a problem in that it is difficult to use this device as an art wall for decorating a living room or a wall surface of a room and it is difficult to stack in layers and independently grow different kinds of plants.

SUMMARY

One aspect is a water culture block capable of being stacked in multiple stages along a wall surface to be used as an art wall and enabling cultivation of different kinds of plants in each of water culture blocks stacked in multiple stages and allow water provided to an uppermost water culture block to flow into a lowermost water culture block to more easily perform water culturing, and a water culture device having the same.

Another aspect is a water culture block including a block body including side plates having an opening, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space; at least one overflow tube having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof; a water tray body formed at an upper portion of the block body and having a through hole formed therein for providing a fluid to the receiving space; and a pipe configured to be in communication with the through hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate, wherein the pipe has a hollow portion formed therein and is in communication with the through hole, and any one of a cut-out portion and a hole, which is in communication with the hollow portion of the pipe, is formed at an end portion of the pipe which is in contact with the bottom plate.

The water tray body may be assembled in or disassembled from the inside of the block body.

The overflow tube may include a plurality of first overflow tubes disposed on the bottom plate in two rows along a first direction; and a plurality of second overflow tubes disposed on the bottom plate in two rows along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Among the overflow tubes, an upper end of the overflow tube disposed in the receiving space may be disposed at a location above a lower end of the opening formed in the side plate, and the overflow tube has a pair of oblique line-shaped or V-shaped cut-out portions formed therein at locations below the lower end of the opening to allow water to flow easily into the overflow tube.

The water tray body may include a water tray bottom plate having the through hole formed therein; and a water tray side plate formed on the water tray bottom plate to form a receiving space on an upper portion of the water tray bottom plate.

A plurality of overflow tubes may be disposed in the form of a matrix at a central portion of the bottom plate and the water tray bottom plate may be formed in the shape of a rectangular band and have an opening through which the overflow tube disposed on the central portion is exposed.

A plurality of overflow tubes may be disposed in the form of a cross on the bottom plate, and the water tray bottom plate may cover the overflow tube and have a plurality of openings formed thereon.

The water tray body may include a water tray bottom plate having a plate shape and disposed to face the bottom plate, and a side surface of the water tray bottom plate may be in contact with an inner surface of the side plate.

The water culture block may further include a plurality of engagement protrusions protruding from an outer surface of the bottom plate.

The water culture block may further include an escape-prevention plate inserted between the overflow tubes and configured to press roots of a plant received in the receiving space to prevent an escape of the plant.

A through hole may be formed at least one side of the opening formed on the side plates.

The water culture block may further include a connection string connecting a pair of through holes formed at both sides of the opening.

The block body may be configured to have any one of a regular hexahedron shape and a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The water culture block may further include an overflow tube plug including a closing portion configured to be inserted into any one of the overflow tubes to block the overflow tube, and a head formed on an upper end of the closing portion.

The overflow tube may include a first overflow unit having the hollow portion formed therein and passing through the bottom plate of the block body; and a second overflow unit assembled to the first overflow unit.

The pipe may include a first pipe coupled to a lower surface of the water tray body corresponding to the through hole; and a second pipe assembled to the first pipe.

Another aspect is a water culture device including a plurality of stacked water culture blocks, each including a block body including side plates each having an opening, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, at least one overflow tube having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof, a water tray body formed at an upper portion of the block body and having a through hole formed therein for providing a fluid to the receiving space, and a pipe configured to be in communication with the through hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate, wherein the pipe has a hollow portion formed therein and is in communication with the through hole, and any one of a cut-out portion and a hole, which is in communication with the hollow portion of the pipe, is formed at an end portion of the pipe which is in contact with the bottom plate; a water reservoir disposed at a lowermost water culture block of the water culture blocks and configured to store the fluid; and a circulation unit including a pump provided for pumping the fluid in the water reservoir and a hose connected to the pump to provide the fluid pumped by the pump to an uppermost water culture block of the water culture blocks.

The water culture device may further include a fish tank disposed between the water culture blocks and having an overflow tube formed on a bottom plate thereof.

Yet another aspect is a water culture block including a block body including side plates each having an opening and at least one catching jaw formed thereon, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space; an overflow tube having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof; and an escape-prevention plate seated on an upper surface of the catching jaw so as not to overlap the overflow tube and configured to press roots of a plant received in the receiving space to prevent an escape of the plant.

The block body may have a plurality of engagement protrusions formed thereon and protruding from an outer surface of the bottom plate.

The plurality of overflow tubes may be disposed in the form of a matrix at a central portion of the bottom plate.

The escape-prevention plate may be formed in a cross shape and located between the overflow tubes disposed in the form of a matrix.

The water culture block may further include a discharge hose coupled to a lower portion of the overflow tube to discharge a fluid which flows out of the block body through the overflow tube to the outside.

The overflow tube may include a first overflow unit having the hollow portion formed therein and passing through the bottom plate of the block body; and a second overflow unit assembled to the first overflow unit.

The water culture block may further include an overflow tube plug including a closing portion coupled to an upper portion of the overflow tube and configured to be inserted into the hollow portion of the overflow tube, and a head formed on an upper end of the closing portion.

At least one pair of through holes may be formed in one side of the side plate, and the block body may further include a connection string connecting the pair of through holes.

Yet another aspect is a water culture device including a plurality of stacked water culture blocks each including a block body including side plates each having an opening and at least one catching jaw formed thereon, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, an overflow tube having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof, and an escape-prevention plate seated on an upper surface of the catching jaw so as not to overlap the overflow tube and configured to press roots of a plant received in the receiving space to prevent an escape of the plant; a water reservoir disposed at a lowermost water culture block of the water culture blocks and configured to store a fluid; and a circulation unit including a pump provided for pumping the fluid in the water reservoir and a supply hose connected to the pump to provide the fluid pumped by the pump to an uppermost water culture block of the water culture blocks.

According to at least one of the disclosed embodiments, the water culture block and the water culture device are advantageous in that water culturing is more easily and cleanly performed, the water culture block may be stacked in multiple stages, and in particular, may be applied to an art wall used on a wall surface or to a wall of room, or may be embodied with a three-dimensional shape, and it is possible to individually provide a plant to each of water culture blocks stacked in multiple stages.

Further, the water culture block and the water culture device are advantageous in that a water tray for receiving water falling from an upper side and a block body in which a plant and water are received are manufactured to be assemblable so that the water tray and the block body may be easily mass-manufactured, and it is possible to prevent the water tray and the block body from being damaged during a manufacturing process thereof and to selectively replace only damaged part when a part of the water tray and the block body is damaged.

The water culture block and the water culture device include a block body having side plates on which at least one catching jaw is formed, and an escape-prevention plate seated on the catching jaw so that root portion of a plant received in a receiving space may be stably pressed to prevent an escape of the plant.

In addition, the water culture block and the water culture device include a discharge hose coupled to a lower portion of an overflow tube to discharge a fluid flowing out of the block body through the overflow tube to the outside so that, when water culture blocks are stacked in multiple stages, it is possible to provide a fluid discharged from an upper water culture block to a desired water culture block among lower water culture blocks or to connect the water culture device to another adjacent culture device.

Accordingly, in the water culture block and the water culture device according to embodiments, unused culture blocks may be used for other purposes by adjusting a flow of the fluid in a desired direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that, in the following description, only parts necessary for understanding embodiments of the present invention will be described and descriptions of other parts will be omitted so as not to obscure the gist of the present invention.

The terms or words used in the detailed description and claims are not to be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention on the basis of the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the terms or words as the conception of terminology to describe their invention in the best way. Therefore, it should be understood that, since the embodiments described in the detailed description and the configurations shown in the drawings are not intended to represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, there may be various equivalents and variations thereto.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a water culture block according to a first embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 2is a front view in a direction A ofFIG. 1,FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ inFIG. 1, andFIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 4, a water culture block100includes a block body10, an overflow tube20, a water tray part30, and an engagement protrusion40. In addition to the above, the water culture block100may include an escape-prevention plate50(seeFIG. 3) and a connection string60.

The block body10may have a three-dimensional shape having a receiving space formed therein and an open upper face. For example, the block body10may be formed to have an open hexagonal-shaped upper face or to have an open rectangular-shaped upper face. In addition to the above shape, the block body10may be formed to have an open pentagonal-shaped upper face, or may be formed in a truncated cone shape having an open upper face, a semispherical shape having an open upper face, a cylindrical shape having an open upper face, or the like.

The block body10may be formed of a transparent synthetic resin material such that leaves, stems, and roots of a plant growing in the block body10may be observed. Alternatively, the block body10may be formed of a metal material which has no transparency but has high durability and is not easily corroded.

The block body10may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of pre-fabricated pieces, may be manufactured as a single body by an injection process, or may be manufactured by folding and welding a metal plate.

The block body10may be waterproofed so that water or a culture solution received in the block body10is not leaked.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the block body10has a hexahedral shape including a bottom plate9and a plurality of side plates5which each have an open upper portion (seeFIG. 4).

For example, the block body10includes four side plates5and one bottom plate9. The four side plates5and the one bottom plate9of the block body10may be assembled with each other or formed integrally with each other.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an opening1is individually formed in each of the side plates5, and the plant may be provided in the block body10or a part of the plant may be withdrawn to the outside of the block body10through the opening1.

When the opening1is formed in each of the side plates5, different plants may be individually provided in the block body10in different directions of the block body10.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the opening1may be formed in an intermediate portion between an upper and a lower end of the side plate5, and a lower end of the opening1is formed at an appropriate location at which a sufficient amount of water or culture solution is filled in the block body10.

On the other hand, through holes2are formed in both upper side portions of each of the side plate5adjacent to an upper end of the opening1, and the through holes2formed in the side plates5facing each other among the side plates5are formed to face each other.

The through holes2adjacent to both sides of the opening1of the side plate5are provided to allow the block body10to be secured to a wall through nails or the like.

The connection string60is coupled to the through holes2adjacent to both of the sides of the opening1formed in the side plate5.

The connection string60connecting the through holes2to each other is disposed across the opening1, and when the connection string60traverses the opening1and is coupled to the through holes2, the connection string60prevents a plant inserted into the opening1from sagging or escaping from the opening1.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the block body10may improve aesthetics or may be utilized as lighting by replacing the connection string60with an electric wire and installing a light bulb on the electric wire.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the overflow tube20is coupled to the bottom plate9connected to the side plates5of the block body10.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, at least one or a plurality of overflow tubes20may be formed to pass through the bottom plate9of the block body10.

The overflow tube20passing through the bottom plate9has both ends thereof open and has a hollow tube shape.

The plurality of overflow tubes20may be disposed in the form of a matrix on the bottom plate9.

Specifically, the plurality of overflow tubes20may be arranged in the form of a matrix on a central portion of the bottom plate9.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the overflow tube20may include first overflow tubes23formed in two rows along a first direction of the bottom plate9, and second overflow tubes26formed in two rows along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The overflow tube20prevents the water or culture solution supplied to the block body10from overflowing to the outside of the block body10through the opening1formed in the side plate5.

An upper end of the overflow tube20disposed inside the block body10may be disposed at a location above the lower end of the opening1formed in the side plate5, as shown inFIG. 4. When the upper end of the overflow tube20is disposed at a location higher than the lower end of the opening1formed in the side plate5as described above, the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening1.

In order to prevent the above overflow, an oblique line-shaped or V-shaped cut-out portion27is formed on a lateral side of the overflow tube20, and the cut-out portion27is formed at a location below the lower end of the opening1formed in the side plate5of the block body10.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, when a water level of the water or culture solution provided to the block body10is adjusted through an opening formed at the upper end of the overflow tube20, the opening at the upper end of the overflow tube20is easily blocked by surface tension so that the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening1of the side plate5. However, when the cut-out portion27is formed on the lateral side of the overflow tube20, the water or culture may be discharged from the inside of the block body10to the outside through the overflow tube20regardless of clogging of the opening of the upper end of the overflow tube20.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a pair of cut-out portions27may be formed on the overflow tube20at the same height. In contrast with the above, a plurality of cut-out portions27may be formed on the overflow tube20at mutually different heights.

Referring toFIG. 3, the escape-prevention plate50is formed in a plate shape, and the escape-prevention plate50may be disposed in association with the overflow tubes20.

The escape-prevention plate50presses roots of a plant provided at the inside of the block body10through the opening1of the side plate5to prevent the plant from escaping through the opening1of the side plate5.

The escape-prevention plate50is formed in a shape suitable for being inserted into spaces between the first overflow tubes23disposed in two rows and between the second overflow tubes26disposed in two rows, as shown inFIG. 3.

For example, the escape-prevention plate50is formed in the form of a plate having a cross shape suitable for insertion between the first overflow tubes23and between the second overflow tubes26.

Although, the escape-prevention plate50having the cross shape suitable for insertion between the first overflow tubes23and between the second overflow tubes26is illustrated and described in the first embodiment of the present invention, the escape-prevention plate50may be alternatively manufactured in various shapes.

In particular, a protrusion part protruding in a direction toward at least one of the first and second overflow tubes23and26may be formed on a part of the escape-prevention plate50, and a through hole coupled with at least one of the first and second overflow tubes23and26may be formed in this protrusion part.

Unlike the above configuration, the escape-prevention plate50may be formed in a square plate shape and may include through holes into which the first and second overflow tubes23and26formed in a central portion of the bottom plate9are inserted.

In order to allow the escape-prevention plate50having the square plate shape to be easily coupled to and separated from the overflow tube20, any one of the through holes formed in the escape-prevention plate50having the square plate shape has a diameter allowing the overflow tube20to be inserted thereinto, and a diameter of the remaining through holes52is somewhat greater than a diameter of the overflow tube20.

By forming the through holes formed in the escape-prevention plate50to have different sizes, it is possible to more easily couple and separate the escape-prevention plate50.

Even though the water culture block100according to the first embodiment of the present invention may use one water culture block, the water culture block has a structure suitable for stacking a plurality of water culture blocks100.

In order to stack the above plurality of the water culture blocks100, a technique capable of firmly connecting the stacked water culture blocks100to each other and a technique for preventing generation of noise when water or a culture solution is provided to the water culture block100disposed at an upper side and then the water or culture solution falls into the water culture block100disposed at a lower side are required.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the generation of noise when the water or culture solution is provided to the water culture block100disposed at the upper side of the stacked water culture blocks100and then the water or culture solution falls into the water culture block100disposed at the lower side, the water culture block100includes the water tray part30, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The water tray part30having a water tray shape is formed on the side plate5and the water tray part30receives water or a culture solution discharged through the overflow tube20and provides the water or culture solution to the inside of the block body10.

The water tray part30is formed in a trench shape and includes a water tray bottom plate32and a water tray side plate34to form the water tray part30.

The water tray bottom plate32is formed in a plate shape, and the water tray bottom plate32covers each of the overflow tubes20.

The water tray side plate34is vertically coupled to the water tray bottom plate32on an upper of the water tray bottom plate32. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the water tray side plates34are disposed on the water tray bottom plate32in the form of a rectangular frame, and a space suitable for insertion of an engagement protrusion, which will be described below, or the overflow tube20is formed between the water tray side plate34and the side plate5.

The space formed by the water tray side plates34and the water tray bottom plate32accommodates a certain volume of water or culture solution, and the water or culture solution provided in the water tray part30including the water tray side plates34and the water tray bottom plate32is provided to the inside of the block body10formed below the water tray part30.

To achieve this function, a through hole33is formed in the water tray bottom plate32and a water pipe35is formed on a lower surface of the water tray bottom plate32corresponding to the through hole33. The water pipe35is formed in a tube shape, and a lower end of the water pipe35is disposed below the lower end of the opening1formed on the side plate5.

Therefore, when the water or culture solution is provided to the water tray part30, the water or culture solution is provided to the water pipe35through the through hole33formed in the water tray bottom plate32and is then provided to the inside of the block body10.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which the plurality of water culture blocks100are stacked, the overflow tube20protruding from an outer surface of the bottom plate9of the water culture block100disposed at a relatively upper side is disposed at a location corresponding to the water tray part32of the water culture block100disposed at a relatively lower side.

Accordingly, when the water or culture solution is provided to the water culture block100disposed at a relatively upper side of the stacked water culture blocks100, since the water or culture solution discharged from the overflow tube20of the water culture block100disposed at the upper side is provided to the water tray part30of the water culture block100disposed at a relatively lower side and is then provided to the inside of the block body10through the water pipe35, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of noise when the water or culture solution falls into the block body.

On the other hand, in order to prevent separation of the water culture block100disposed at a relatively upper side and the water culture block100disposed at a relatively lower side in a state in which the plurality of water culture blocks100are stacked, a plurality of engagement protrusions40are formed on the outer surface of the bottom plate9of the block body10.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of engagement protrusions40may be formed integrally with the bottom plate9of the block body10or may be attached to the bottom plate9of the block body10by an adhesive or the like.

The engagement protrusions40may be formed, for example, in a column shape. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the engagement protrusions40may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Although the cylindrical engagement protrusions40are illustrated and described in the first embodiment of the present invention, the engagement protrusions40may be formed in various shapes such as a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape or the like.

The engagement protrusions40formed on the outer surface of the bottom plate9are formed, for example, at positions corresponding to the water tray part30. For example, the engagement protrusions40may be formed at corners of the outer surface of the bottom plate9or may be intermittently formed along an edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate9.

Meanwhile, when the water culture blocks100according to the first embodiment of the present invention are stacked, the water culture block100may not be disposed below a bottom of the water culture block100disposed at the upper side, in such a case, the water or culture solution falling from the overflow tube20of the water culture block100disposed at the upper side may fall onto the ground and contaminate the ground.

In order to prevent this, the overflow tube20of the water culture block100disposed at the upper side below which no water culture block is disposed may include an overflow tube plug90to block the overflow tube20, as shown inFIG. 4, and the overflow tube plug90includes a rod-shaped closing portion92to be inserted into a hollow portion of the overflow tube20, and a head94for inserting or separating the closing portion92into or from the hollow portion of the overflow tube20.

FIG. 5is a side view illustrating a water culture device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, a water culture device900includes a water culture unit100a, a water reservoir760, and a circulation unit730.

The water culture unit100aaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of stacked water culture blocks100. The water culture block100shown inFIG. 5has a configuration which is substantially the same as that of the water culture block100shown inFIGS. 1 to 4. Therefore, overlapping descriptions for the same configurations will be omitted, and the same terms and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations.

The water culture unit100ais formed by stacking the plurality of water culture blocks100, the overflow tube20of the water culture block100disposed at an upper side of the stacked water culture blocks100is disposed at a location corresponding to the water tray part30of each of the water culture blocks100disposed at a lower side, and the water culture blocks100are coupled with each other by the protrusion40and the overflow tube20protruding downward from the bottom plate9.

The water reservoir760is disposed at a lowermost end of the water culture unit100a, and the water reservoir760serves to store a fluid such as water or a culture solution to be provided to the water culture block100of the water culture unit100a.

The circulation unit730includes a pump740and a hose750.

The pump740may be disposed inside the water reservoir760or outside the water reservoir760, and the pump740pumps the water or culture solution in the water reservoir760.

The water or culture solution pumped from the inside of the water reservoir760is provided to the uppermost water culture block100of the water culture blocks100constituting the water culture unit100athrough the hose750connected to the pump740and is then sequentially supplied from the uppermost water culture block100to the water culture blocks disposed at a lower side.

As described above in detail, the water culture block is advantageous in that water culturing is more easily and cleanly performed, the water blocks may be stacked in multiple stages, and, in particular, may be applied to an art wall used on a wall surface or to a wall of room, or may be embodied with a three-dimensional shape, and it is possible to individually provide a plant to each of the water culture blocks stacked in multiple stages.

Hereinafter, a water culture block according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the water culture block according to the second embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 7is a longitudinal sectional view ofFIG. 6, andFIG. 8is a plan view of the water culture block inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIGS. 6 to 8, a water culture block500includes a block body200, an overflow tube300, and a prefabricated water tray400.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the block body200and the prefabricated water tray400are configured to be assembled and disassembled with each other.

The block body200may be formed to have a three-dimensional shape having a receiving space formed therein and an open upper face.

For example, the block body200may be formed in a regular hexahedron shape having an open upper face or a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an open upper face. In addition to the above shape, the block body200may be formed to have an open pentagonal-shaped upper face, or may be formed in a truncated cone shape having an open upper face, a semispherical shape having an open upper face, a cylindrical shape having an open upper face, or the like.

An aquatic plant growing in water or a culture solution may be provided in the receiving space formed in the block body200, and the block body200may be formed of a transparent material to allow a user to observe leaves, stems, and roots of the aquatic plant growing in the block body200.

Alternatively, the block body200may be formed of a metal material which has no transparency but has high durability and is not easily corroded.

The block body200may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of pre-fabricated pieces, may be manufacture as a single body by an injection process, or may be manufactured by folding and welding a metal plate.

The block body200may be waterproofed to prevent leakage of water or culture solution received therein.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the block body200may be formed in a hexahedral shape including a bottom plate209and a plurality of side plates205which each have an open upper portion.

For example, the block body200includes four side plates205and one bottom plate209. The four side plates205and the one bottom plate209of the block body200may be assembled with each other or formed integrally with each other.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, openings201are formed in the side plates205, an aquatic plant may be provided in the block body200or a part of the plant may be withdrawn to the outside of the block body200through the opening201.

When the opening201is formed in each of the side plates205, different plants may be individually provided in the block body200in different directions of the block body200.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the opening201may be formed in an intermediate portion between an upper and a lower end of the side plate205, and a lower end of the opening201is formed at an appropriate location at which a sufficient amount of water or culture solution is filled in the block body200.

On the other hand, through holes202are formed in both upper side portions of each of the side plates205adjacent to an upper end of the opening201, and the through holes202formed in the side plates205facing each other among the side plates205are formed to face each other.

The through holes202adjacent to both sides of the opening201of the side plate205are provided to allow the block body200to be secured to a wall through nails or the like.

A connection string208may be coupled to the through holes202adjacent to both sides of the opening201formed in the side plate205.

The connection string208connecting the through holes202to each other is disposed across the opening201, and when the connection string208traverses the opening201and is coupled to the through holes202disposed at both sides of the opening201, the connection string208prevents an aquatic plant inserted into the opening201from sagging or escaping from the opening201. In addition, the connection string208may firmly connect the plurality of block bodies200to each other.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, by replacing the connection string208with an electric wire and installing a light bulb on the electric wire, it is possible to provide illuminating light to a part of or all of the block body200to improve aesthetics or to allow the block body200to be utilized as lighting.

The bottom plate209may be coupled to lower ends of the side plates205of the block body200, and a receiving space may be formed in the block body200by the side plates205and the bottom plate209.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of engagement protrusions220may be formed on and protrude from an outer surface of the bottom plate209of the block body200.

The plurality of engagement protrusions220may be intermittently formed along an edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate209. Alternatively, the engagement protrusions220may be formed at edges of the outer surface of the bottom plate209and at a center of the bottom plate209.

The engagement protrusions220serve to prevent separation of the lower water culture block500and the upper water culture block500when the water culture blocks500according to the second embodiment of the present invention are stacked.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the block body200may be manufactured by an injection process using a synthetic resin material so that mass production of the block body200can be achieved.

The overflow tube300is formed to pass through the bottom plate209of the block body200.

At least one or a plurality of overflow tubes300may be formed to pass through the bottom plate209of the block body200.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the overflow tube300may be coupled to the bottom plate209by an adhesive or the like or may be assemblably and detachably coupled to the bottom plate209.

The overflow tube300passing through the bottom plate209has both ends thereof open and is formed in a hollow tube shape, and, for example, a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe may employed as the overflow tube300.

The plurality of overflow tubes300may be arranged in the form of a matrix on the bottom plate209. Specifically, the plurality of overflow tubes300may be arranged in the form of a matrix at a central portion of the bottom plate209.

One end portion of the overflow tube300is disposed in the block body200, and the other end portion opposite the one end portion of the overflow tube300is disposed outside the block body200.

The overflow tube300prevents the water or culture solution from overflowing to the outside of the block body200through the opening201formed in the side plate205when the water or culture solution is provided in the block body200.

The one end portion of the overflow tube300disposed in the block body200may be disposed at a location above the lower end of the opening201formed in the side plate205, as shown inFIG. 2.

When the one end portion of the overflow tube300is disposed at a location higher than the lower end of the opening201formed in the side plate205, as described above, the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening201.

In order to prevent the above overflow, an oblique line-shaped or V-shaped cut-out portion310is formed on a lateral side of the overflow tube300, and the cut-out portion310is formed at a location below the lower end of the opening201formed in the side plate205of the block body200.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, when a water level of the water or culture solution provided in the block body200is adjusted through an opening formed at the one end portion of the overflow tube300, the opening at the one end portion of the overflow tube300is frequently blocked by surface tension so that the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening201of the side plate205, however, when the cut-out portion310is formed on the lateral side of the overflow tube300, the water or culture solution may be discharged from the inside of the block body200to the outside through the overflow tube300regardless of clogging of the opening of the one end portion of the overflow tube300.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, at least two cut-out portions310may be formed on the overflow tube300. For example, the pair of the cut-out portions310may be formed on the overflow tube at the same height, or a plurality of cut-out portions310may be formed on the overflow tube300at different heights.

On the other hand, since a part of an aquatic plant is disposed in the block body200and a part of the aquatic plant is disposed outside the block body200, the aquatic plant inserted through the opening201formed in the side plate205may frequently escape from the block body200.

In order to prevent this, an escape-prevention plate320which presses a root of the aquatic plant to prevent the aquatic plant from escaping to the outside of the block body200is disposed in the block body200.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the escape-prevention plate320is coupled to the overflow tube300and presses the root of the aquatic plant to prevent the aquatic plant from escaping.

The escape-prevention plate320is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and through holes325into which the overflow tubes300are inserted are formed on the escape-prevention plate320.

The through holes325are formed at a location corresponding to locations of the overflow tubes300. In the second embodiment of the present invention, any one of the through holes325is formed to have a size such that the through hole is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the overflow tube300when the overflow tube300is inserted into the escape-prevention plate320, and the remaining through holes325are formed to have a size greater than that of the overflow tube300.

By forming the through holes325of the escape-prevention plate320to have the above-described size, the overflow tubes300are more easily inserted into the through holes325formed on the escape-prevention plate320and the overflow tube300inserted into the escape-prevention plate320is not easily separated from the escape-prevention plate320.

Meanwhile, when the water culture blocks500according to the second embodiment of the present invention are stacked, the water culture block500may not be disposed below a bottom of the water culture block500disposed at the upper side. In this case, the water or culture solution falling from the overflow tube300of the water culture block500disposed at the upper side may fall onto the ground.

In order to prevent this, when no water culture block is disposed at the lower side, the overflow tube300of the water culture block500disposed at the upper side may include an overflow tube plug350to block the overflow tube300, as shown inFIG. 6, and the overflow tube plug350includes a rod-shaped closing portion352to be inserted into a hollow portion of the overflow tube300, and a head354for inserting or separating the closing portion352into or from the hollow portion of overflow tube300.

On the other hand, the prefabricated water tray400is inserted into the block body200or separated from the block body200. That is, the prefabricated water tray400may be assembled to or disassembled from the block body200.

Referring back toFIG. 6, the prefabricated water tray400includes a water tray body410and a pipe420. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray400may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The water tray body410serves to store the water or culture solution falling into the block body200from a location above the block body200, and the water tray body410includes a water tray bottom plate411and water tray side plates413and414.

The water tray bottom plate411is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular band having an opening formed therein, and the water tray bottom plate411has through holes412formed at four corners thereof.

The water tray side plates413and414are disposed along an outer surface and an inner surface of the water tray bottom plate411in a direction perpendicular to the water tray bottom plate411, respectively. A space for receiving the water or culture solution is formed in the water tray body by the water tray bottom plate411and the water tray side plates413and414.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the water tray bottom plate411and the water tray side plates413and414may be assembled with each other or may be formed integrally with each other.

The pipe420is disposed on a lower surface of the water tray bottom plate411of the water tray body410, and the pipe420has a pipe shape having a hollow portion which is in communication with the through hole412.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the pipe420prevents noise from being generated by falling water when water received in the water tray body410is provided to the inside of the block body200, and prevents the water fallen into the block body200from splashing outside the block body200and contaminating the outside of the block body200.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, one end of the pipe420is coupled to the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate411, and the other end opposite the one end of the pipe420is in contact with an upper surface of the bottom plate209of the block body200.

The pipe420serves to provide the water or culture solution provided inside the water tray body410to the inside of the block body200and to stably support the water tray body410in the block body200.

The one end of the pipe420in contact with the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate411is formed in a flat shape to increase a contact area with respect to the water tray bottom plate411, a cut-out portion422cut out in a diagonal direction is formed on a portion of the pipe420in contact with the bottom plate209of the block body200. The cut-out portion422allows the water or culture provided to the pipe420to be smoothly provided to the inside of the block body200.

Although one embodiment of the present invention shows and describes the cut-out portion422formed by a portion of the pipe420facing the bottom plate209being cut-out in the diagonal direction, unlike the above configuration, the portion of the pipe420facing the bottom plate209may be formed in parallel with the bottom plate209and a through hole422amay be formed in a part of the pipe420, as shown inFIG. 6.

In the water tray side plates413and the414of the water tray body410, the water tray side plate413in contact with an inner side surface of the side plate205of the block body200may have a height smaller than that of the side plate414disposed at an inner side thereof or may not be formed on the water tray body410, this is because the side plate205of the block body200may serve as the water tray side plate413. Meanwhile, when the water tray side plate413is not formed, the water tray bottom plate411is formed to allow an outer side surface thereof to be in contact with the inner side surface of the side plate205of the block body200, and this is to prevent the water or culture solution received in the water tray body410from being leaked to the inside of the block body200.

FIG. 9is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the prefabricated water tray inFIG. 6, andFIG. 10is an exploded sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the overflow tube inFIG. 6. Except a coupling structure of a pipeline of the prefabricated water tray and the overflow tube, the water culture block in the second embodiment is substantially the same as that shown inFIGS. 6 to 8. Therefore, overlapping descriptions for the same configurations will be omitted, and the same terms and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations.

Referring toFIG. 9, the prefabricated water tray400includes the water tray body410and the pipe420. In another embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray400may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The pipe420includes a first pipe425and a second pipe427.

The first pipe425is formed in a pipe shape to be coupled with the through hole412formed in the water tray body410.

The second pipe427is formed in a pipe shape having a diameter to be fitted to an outer circumferential surface of the first pipe425, and an end portion of the second pipe427is in contact with the bottom plate209of the block body200.

In another embodiment of the present invention, by forming the first pipe425connected to the water tray body410and the second pipe427coupled to the first pipe425as the pipe420, it is possible to greatly shorten a time required for coupling the pipe420to the water tray body410and to selectively separate and assemble only a damaged part when a part of the water tray body410or the pipe420is damaged.

Referring toFIG. 10, the overflow tube300coupled to the block body200includes a first overflow unit302and a second overflow unit305. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first overflow unit302and the second overflow unit305may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The first overflow unit302is formed to pass through the bottom plate209of the block body200, and the first overflow unit302is formed in a pipe shape. A part of the first overflow unit302protrudes from a lower surface of the bottom plate209, and a part of the first overflow unit302protrudes from the upper surface of the bottom plate209.

The second overflow unit305is disposed at an inner side of the block body200, and the second overflow unit305is formed in a pipe shape which is coupled to the first overflow unit302protruding from the upper surface of the bottom plate209.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first overflow unit302and the second overflow unit305may be coupled to each other in an interference fitting manner, but the first and second overflow units302and305may also be coupled to each other in a screw-coupling manner.

In another embodiment of the present invention, by forming the first and second overflow units302and305to be mutually disassemblable and assemblable, even when any one of the first and second overflow units302and305is broken, it is possible to exchange only the broken part.

On the other hand,FIG. 11is an exploded perspective view illustrating a water culture block a third embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 12is a plan view ofFIG. 11. A block body of the water culture block shown inFIGS. 12 and 13has a configuration which is substantially the same as that of the water culture block shown inFIGS. 6 to 8and described in the above description. Therefore, overlapping descriptions for the same configurations will be omitted, and the same terms and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the water culture block500includes the block body200, an overflow tube351, and a prefabricated water tray450.

The overflow tube351is coupled to the bottom plate209connected to the side plate205of the block body200.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, at least one or a plurality of overflow tubes351may be formed to pass through the bottom plate209of the block body200.

The overflow tube351may include first overflow tubes360formed in two rows along a first direction of the bottom plate209, and second overflow tubes370formed in two rows along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The first overflow tubes360pass through the central portion of the bottom plate209along the first direction, and the second overflow tubes370pass through the central portion of the bottom plate209along the second direction.

The first and second overflow tubes360and370intersect at the central portion of the bottom plate209, and the first and second overflow tubes360and370are arranged in a cross shape when viewed in a plan view.

Referring toFIG. 12, an escape-prevention plate390shown by a dotted line is formed in a plate shape, the escape-prevention plate390may be disposed in association with the overflow tubes351.

The escape-prevention plate390is formed to have a size and shape suitable to be inserted into a space between the first overflow tubes360disposed in the two rows and the second overflow tubes370disposed in the two rows, as shown inFIG. 12.

For example, the escape-prevention plate390may be a plate having a cross shape suitable for insertion between the first overflow tubes360and the second overflow tubes370.

Although the escape-prevention plate390has been shown and described as being a cross-shaped plate suitable for insertion between the first and second overflow tubes360and370in the third embodiment of the present invention, the escape-prevention plate390may be manufactured in various shapes.

The prefabricated water tray450includes a water tray bottom plate460, water tray side plates470and480, and a pipe490. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray450may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The water tray bottom plate460is formed, for example, in a plate shape, the water tray bottom plate460is disposed to face the bottom plate209of the block body200, and the water tray bottom plate460has a shape and a size for insertion into the block body200in a precisely fitting manner.

Through holes462to be connected to the pipes490are formed on four corners of the water tray bottom plate460, and a plurality of openings464are formed on a central portion of the water tray bottom plate460.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of openings464may be arranged in a matrix form, and the water tray bottom plate460is formed to cover the overflow tube351.

The water tray side plates470and480are coupled to an upper surface of the water tray bottom plate460to form a receiving space on the water tray bottom plate460.

The water tray side plate470disposed at an outer side is formed along an outer surface of the water tray bottom plate460and the other water tray side plate480is formed along a periphery of the opening464formed at the central portion of the water tray bottom plate460to form the receiving space on the water tray bottom plate460.

The pipe490is disposed on a lower surface of the water tray bottom plate460of the prefabricated water tray450, and the pipe490has a pipe shape having a hollow portion which is in communication with the through hole462.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, one end of the pipe490is coupled to the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate460, and the other end opposite the one end of the pipe490is in contact with the upper surface of the bottom plate209of the block body200.

The pipe490serves to provide water or a culture solution, which is provided to the prefabricated water tray450, to the inside of the block body200and to stably support the prefabricated water tray450in the block body200.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the pipe490is divided into at least two pipes, any one of the separated pipes is connected to the water tray bottom plate460, and the other one may be coupled to the pipe connected to the water tray bottom plate460.

FIG. 13is an exploded perspective view illustrating a water culture block according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Except the prefabricated water tray shown inFIG. 13, the water culture block shown inFIG. 13is substantially the same as that shown inFIGS. 6 to 8. Therefore, overlapping descriptions for the same configurations will be omitted, and the same terms and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 13, the water culture block500includes the block body200(seeFIG. 6), the overflow tube300(seeFIG. 6), and the prefabricated water tray491.

The prefabricated water tray491includes a water tray bottom plate492having through hole493, a water tray side plate494, and a pipe496. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray491may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The water tray bottom plate492has a plate shape in which only a through hole293is formed, and the water tray side plate494is formed perpendicular to the water tray bottom plate492along an edge of the water tray bottom plate492.

The pipe496is disposed at a location on a lower surface of the water tray bottom plate492corresponding to a through hole493, and the pipe496is firmly coupled to the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate492.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the pipe496is divided into at least two pipes, any one of the pipes496is coupled to the water tray bottom plate492and the other pipe may be coupled to the pipe496coupled to the water tray bottom plate492in a fitting manner or the like.

FIG. 15is an exploded perspective view illustrating a water culture block according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 16is a longitudinal sectional view of the water culture block according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 17is a view showing a lower surface of the water culture block according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 15 to 17, a water culture block1500according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a block body1200, an escape-prevention plate1320, and an overflow tube1300.

The block body1200may be formed to have a three-dimensional shape having a receiving space formed therein and an open upper face.

For example, the block body1200may be formed in a regular hexahedron shape having an open upper face or a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an open upper face. In addition to the above shape, the block body1200may be formed to have an open and pentagon-shaped upper face, or may be formed in a truncated cone shape having an open upper face, a semispherical shape having an open upper face, a cylindrical shape having an open upper face, or the like.

An aquatic plants growing in water or a culture solution may be provided in the receiving space formed in the block body1200, and the block body1200may be formed of a transparent material to allow a user to observe leaves, stems, and roots of the aquatic plant growing in the block body1200.

Alternatively, the block body1200may be formed of various materials, such as a metal material which has no transparency but has high durability and is not easily corroded.

The block body1200may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of pre-fabricated pieces, may be manufactured as a single body by an injection process, or may be manufactured by folding and welding a metal plate.

The block body1200may be waterproofed to prevent leakage of water or a culture solution received therein.

The above-described block body1200may be manufactured in a hexahedral shape including a bottom plate1209and a plurality of side plates1205which each have an open upper portion.

For example, the block body1200includes four side plates1205and one bottom plate1209. The four side plates1205and the one bottom plate1209of the block body1200may be assembled with each other or may be formed integrally with each other.

Openings1201are formed in each of the side plates1205, and an aquatic plant may be provided in the block body1200or a part of the plant may be withdrawn outside the block body1200through the openings1201.

When the opening1201is formed in each of the side plates1205, different plants may be individually provided in the block body1200in different directions of the block body1200.

The opening1201may be formed in an intermediate portion between an upper and a lower end of the side plate1205, and a lower end of the opening1201is formed at an appropriate location at which a sufficient amount of water or culture solution is filled in the block body1200.

On the other hand, through holes1202are formed in both upper side portions of each of the side plates1205adjacent to an upper end of the opening1201, and the through holes202formed in the side plates1205facing each other among the side plates1205are formed to face each other.

In addition, the through holes202adjacent to both sides of the opening201of the side plate205are provided to allow the block body1200to be secured to a wall through nails or the like.

A connection string1208may be coupled to the through holes1202adjacent to both sides of the opening1201formed on the side plate205.

The connection string1208connecting the through holes1202to each other is disposed across the opening201, and when the connection string1208traverses the opening1201and is coupled to the through holes1202disposed at both sides of the opening1201, the connection string1208prevents an aquatic plant inserted into the opening1201from sagging or escaping from the opening1201. In addition, the connection string1208may firmly connect a plurality of block bodies1200to each other.

In addition, a catching jaw1203may be formed on an inner surface of the side plate1205. The escape-prevention plate1320, which will be described later, may be seated on an upper surface of the catching jaw1203.

The catching jaw1203may be formed on the inner surface of the side plate1205in a state in which the catching jaw1203is spaced downward from the opening1201by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the escape-prevention plate1320seated on the upper surface of the catching jaw1203can be fixed in the side plate1205without moving out of the side plate1205.

The catching jaw1203may be formed on each of the side plates1205so that escape-prevention plates1320may be seated at different locations depending on a shape of the escape-prevention plate1320.

In this embodiment, although the catching jaw1203is formed in a concave-convex shape having a groove for placing the escape-prevention plate1320at a central portion thereof, the shape is not limited thereto and the catching jaw may be formed in various shapes such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a sphere, a cylinder, a triangular prism, and the like.

By replacing the connection string1208with an electric wire and installing a light bulb on the electric wire, it is possible to provide illuminating light to a part of or all of the block body1200to improve aesthetics thereof or to allow the block body1200to be utilized as lighting.

The bottom plate1209may be coupled to lower ends of the side plates1205of the block body1200, and a receiving space may be formed in the block body1200by the side plates1205and the bottom plate1209.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of engagement protrusions1220may be formed on and protrude from an outer surface of the bottom plate1209of the block body1200.

The plurality of engagement protrusions1220may be intermittently formed along an edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate1209. Alternatively, the engagement protrusions1220may be formed at edges of the outer surface of the bottom plate209and at a center of the bottom plate1209.

The engagement protrusions1220serve to prevent separation of a water culture block placed at a lower side and a water culture block placed at an upper side when water culture blocks1500according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are stacked to form a water culture device, which will be described later.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the block body1200may be manufactured by an injection process using a synthetic resin material so that mass production of the block body1200can be achieved.

The overflow tube1300is formed to pass through the bottom plate1209of the block body1200.

At least one or a plurality of overflow tubes1300may be formed to pass through the bottom plate1209of the block body1200.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the overflow tube1300may be coupled to the bottom plate1209by an adhesive or the like, or may be assemblably and detachably coupled to the bottom plate1209. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the overflow tube1300may be formed integrally with the block body1200by an injection process or the like.

The overflow tube1300passing through the bottom plate1209has both ends thereof open and is formed in a hollow tube shape, and, for example, a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe may be employed as the overflow tube1300.

The plurality of overflow tubes1300may be arranged in the form of a matrix on the bottom plate1209. Specifically, the plurality of overflow tubes1300may be arranged in the form of a matrix at a central portion of the bottom plate1209.

One end portion of the overflow tube1300is disposed in the block body1200, and the other end portion opposite the one end portion of the overflow tube1300is disposed outside the block body1200.

In this embodiment, the overflow tubes1300may be arranged in the form of a rectangle at the central portion of the bottom plate1209. Accordingly, the disposed overflow tubes1300act as the engagement protrusion1220so that, when the water culture blocks1500are installed in a plane on a wall surface or are stacked in a three-dimensional structure, the overflow tubes1300may serve to prevent separation of a water culture block located at a lower side and a water culture block located at an upper side. That is, a corner of the block body1200of the water culture block located at the lower side is placed between and engaged with the overflow tubes1300of water culture blocks located at the upper side so that the water culture block located at the lower side may be fixed.

The overflow tube1300prevents water or a culture solution from overflowing to the outside of the block body1200through the opening1201formed in the side plate1205when the water or culture solution is provided in the block body1200.

Although the overflow tube1300is formed to be higher in height than the lower end of the opening1201formed in the side plate1205in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the overflow tube may be formed to be lower or equal in height than the lower end of the opening1201.

The one end portion of the overflow tube1300disposed in the block body1200may be disposed at a location above the lower end of the opening1201formed in the side plate1205, as shown inFIG. 16.

When the one end portion of the overflow tube1300is disposed at the location higher than the lower end of the opening1201formed in the side plate1205as described above, the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening1201.

In order to prevent the above overflow, an oblique line-shaped or V-shaped cut-out portion1310is formed on a lateral side of the overflow tube1300, and the cut-out portion1310is formed at a location below the lower end of the opening1201formed in the side plate1205of the block body1200.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when a water level of the water or culture solution provided in the block body1200is adjusted through an opening formed at the one end portion of the overflow tube1300, the opening at the one end portion of the overflow tube1300is frequently blocked by surface tension so that the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening1201of the side plate1205, however, when the cut-out portion1310is formed on the lateral side of the overflow tube1300, the water or culture may be discharged from the inside of the block body1200to the outside through the overflow tube1300regardless of clogging of the opening of the one end portion of the overflow tube1300. The cut-out portion1310of the overflow tube1300makes it possible for the culture solution to uniformly disperse and flow into other water culture blocks1500disposed at a lower side through the overflow tube1300.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, at least sixteen cut-out portions1310may be formed on the overflow tube1300. For example, a pair of cut-out portions1310may be formed on the overflow tube at the same height, or a plurality of cut-out portions1310may be formed on the overflow tube1300at different heights.

Meanwhile, the escape-prevention plate1320is seated on an upper surface of the catching jaw1203formed on the side plate1205and presses roots of an aquatic plant to prevent the aquatic plant from escaping.

The escape-prevention plate1320is formed in a plate shape, may be disposed in association with the overflow tube1300, and is formed to have a size and shape suitable for insertion into a space between the overflow tubes1300.

For example, the escape-prevention plate1320may be a plate having a cross shape suitable for insertion between the overflow tubes1300. Here, a length of two bars constituting a cross of the cross-shaped escape-prevention plate1320may be greater than a distance between the catching jaws1203formed on the facing side plates1205. Accordingly, the escape-prevention plate1320may be inserted between the overflow tubes1300and seated on the catching jaws1203.

Although the escape-prevention plate1320is shown and described as being the cross-shaped plate suitable for insertion between the overflow tubes1300in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, unlike the above configuration, it is possible to manufacture the escape-prevention plate1320in various shapes.

Accordingly, the water culture block1500according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may press roots of a plant received in the receiving space stably using the escape-prevention plate1320to prevent the plant from escaping.

Meanwhile, when the water culture blocks1500according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are stacked, the water culture block1500may not be disposed below a bottom of the water culture block1500disposed at an upper side. In this case, water or a culture solution falling from the overflow tube1300of the water culture block1500disposed at the upper side may fall onto the ground.

In order to prevent this, when no water culture block is disposed at a lower side, the overflow tube1300of the water culture block1500disposed at the upper side may further include an overflow tube plug1350to block the overflow tube1300, as shown inFIG. 15.

The overflow tube plug1350may include a rod-shaped closing portion1352to be inserted into a hollow portion of the overflow tube1300, and a head1354for inserting or separating the closing portion1352into or from the hollow portion of the overflow tube1300.

Meanwhile, the water culture block1500according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may further include a discharge hose1330for discharging a fluid flowing out of the overflow tube1300to the outside.

That is, when the water culture blocks1500according to the present embodiment are stacked, the discharge hose1330may delivery a fluid flowing out of the water culture block1500disposed at an upper side to the water culture block1500disposed at a lower side.

In addition, in this embodiment, the discharge hose1330is coupled to the overflow tube1300in a state in which the discharge hose wraps around a lower portion of the overflow tube1300. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the discharge hose may be inserted into and coupled to the hollow portion of the overflow tube1300.

The above discharge hose1330may be in the form of a tube formed of a flexible material such as vinyl, rubber, or the like. When the water culture blocks1500are stacked, the discharge hose may deliver a fluid to a water culture block1500which is in contact with a lower end thereof, or, when desired, a length of this discharge hose may be extended to deliver the fluid to one of the desired water culture blocks1500disposed at a lower side.

FIG. 18is a longitudinal sectional view of a water culture block according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. A water culture block1400according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the water culture block1500according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 15 to 17except a coupling structure of the overflow tube1300. Therefore, overlapping descriptions for the same configurations will be omitted, and the same terms and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations.

Referring toFIG. 18, the overflow tube1300coupled to the block body1200includes a first overflow unit1302and a second overflow unit1305. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the first overflow unit1302and the second overflow unit1305may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The first overflow unit1302is formed to pass through the bottom plate1209of the block body1200, and the first overflow unit1302is formed in a pipe shape. A part of the first overflow unit1302protrudes from a lower surface of the bottom plate1209, and a part of the first overflow unit1302protrudes from an upper surface of the bottom plate1209.

The second overflow unit1305is disposed at an inner side of the block body1200, and the second overflow unit1305is formed in a pipe shape which is coupled to the first overflow unit1302protruding from the upper surface of the bottom plate1209.

The first overflow unit1302and the second overflow unit1305may be coupled to each other in an interference fitting manner, but the first and second overflow units1302and1305may also be coupled to each other in a screw-coupling manner. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first and second overflow units1305and1305may be formed integrally with each other according to a process unit price. The block body1200and the first and second overflow units1302and1305may be formed integrally with each other.

By forming the first and second overflow units1302and1305to be mutually disassemblable and assemblable, it is possible to exchange only broken part even when any one of the first and second overflow units1302and1305is broken.

FIG. 19is a side view illustrating a water culture device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 19, a water culture device1800includes the water culture block1500, a water reservoir1600, and a circulation unit1700.

The plurality of water culture blocks1500are stacked, and the water culture blocks1500may be stacked in a wide variety of forms.

The water culture blocks1500may be stacked in the form of a wall, may be stacked to form an empty space at a central portion, or may be stacked in the form of wall having an empty space formed at a central portion thereof. In addition, the plurality of water culture blocks1500may be stacked such that a part thereof overlaps so that it is possible to stack the water culture blocks in various forms such as a three-dimensional shape or the like.

In addition, the water culture blocks1500are coupled to each other by the engagement protrusions1220and the overflow tubes1300.

Here, the water culture blocks1500disposed at a relatively lower side may receive a fluid from the water culture blocks1500disposed at a relatively upper side through the discharge hose1330.

Here, the water culture block1500disposed at the lower side may be supplied with the fluid from any one of the water culture blocks1500disposed at the upper side through adjusting a length of the discharge hose1330even when the water culture block1500which is disposed at the upper side and is in contact therewith does not provide the fluid.

The water reservoir1600is disposed below a lowermost water culture block among the stacked water culture blocks1500, and the water reservoir1600serves to store the fluid such water or a culture solution to be provided to the water culture blocks1500.

The circulation unit1700includes a pump1710and a supply hose1720.

The pump1710may be disposed inside the water reservoir1600or outside the water reservoir160, and the pump1710pumps the water or culture solution in the water reservoir1600.

The water or culture solution pumped from the inside of the water reservoir1600through the supply hose1720is provided to the uppermost water culture block1500of the stacked water culture blocks1500, and is then sequentially supplied to the culture blocks1500disposed at a lower side through the overflow tube1300and the discharge hose of the uppermost water culture block1500.

Meanwhile, the water culture device1800may further include a fish tank which is disposed in the middle of the water culture blocks1500, has an overflow tube and a side plate with a small opening or no opening, and is enables fish to be raised in place of an aquatic plant.

That is, at least one of the water culture blocks1500may act as a fish tank, and excrement of fish living in the fish tank is delivered to the water culture blocks500located at a lower side through the discharge hose1330so that the excrement can serve as fertilizer in addition to allowing oxygen to be supplied to water or a culture fluid which is being circulated to help water-quality improvement.

Accordingly, the water culture device1800according to the present embodiment allows a plant and fish to coexist and can be maintained without a purification device for water quality improvement.

The water culture device1800according to the third embodiment of the present invention allows water culturing to be performed more easily and cleanly, allows water culture blocks to be stacked in multiple stages, may be applied to an art wall used on a wall or to a room wall or may be embodied with a three-dimensional shape, and may individually provide a plant into to each of the blocks stacked in multiple stages.

The water culture device1800according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the discharge hose1330connected to a lower portion of the overflow tube1300to discharge a fluid flowing out of the block body1200through the overflow tube1300to the outside so that, when the water culture blocks are stacked in multiple stage, it is possible to provide the fluid flowing out of the upper water culture block1500to the desired water culture block1500of the water culture blocks1500located at a lower side.

Accordingly, it is possible to adjust a fluid flow in a desired direction in the water culture device1500so that the unused water culture block1500may be used for other purposes.

A water culture device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

Meanwhile,FIG. 20is a side view illustrating the water culture device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Except a circulation unit1910, a water culture device1900according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration which is substantially the same as that of the water culture device1800according to the third embodiment described above. Therefore, overlapping descriptions for the same configurations will be omitted, and the same terms and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations.

Referring toFIG. 20, the water culture device1900according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes the water culture block1500, the water reservoir1600, and the circulation unit1910.

Here, the water culture device1900according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be formed so that the plurality of water culture blocks1500are cross-arranged in the form of a matrix. At this time, the circulation unit1910enables provision of water or a culture solution pumped through the supply hose1920from inside the water reservoir1600to each of the plurality of uppermost water culture blocks1500of the stacked water culture blocks1500.

In other words, the supply hose1920may divided in the form in which the hose is branched to correspond to the number of the plurality of water culture blocks1500disposed at the uppermost stage to supply the water or culture solution to each of the plurality of the uppermost water culture blocks1500.

In addition, the water culture device1900according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be connected to another water culture device1930adjacent thereto via the discharge hose1330to allow the plurality of water culture devices1900and1930to be employed via one circulation unit1910.

In the water culture device1900according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as described above, and the plurality of water culture devices1900and1930may be arranged in a desired form through the one circulation unit1910and the discharge hoses1330.

Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are merely specific examples presented to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other modifications based on the technical spirit of the present invention may be implemented.