PLANT CULTIVATION APPARATUS

A plant cultivation apparatus is provided. The plant cultivation apparatus may include a cabinet, a bed, and a light emitting portion. A cultivation portion, which is provided inside of the cabinet and in which at least a portion of a plant is embedded, rests on the bed. The light emitting portion is provided inside of the cabinet d emits light toward the cultivation portion. The light emitting portion includes a light emitting body that emits light toward cultivation portion, and a lens located between the light emitting body and the cultivation portion. Light provided from the light emitting body is provided to the cultivation portion by being transmitted through the lens. The lens includes a first lens through which the light from the light emitting body is transmitted so as to have a first radiation angle, and a second lens through which the light from the light emitting body is transmitted so as to have a second radiation angle, which is less than the first radiation angle. The lens is configured such that the light provided from the light emitting body is selectively transmitted through either the first lens or the second lens.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A plant cultivation apparatus, and a plant cultivation apparatus including a light emitting portion that adjusts a radiation angle of light provided to a cultivation portion is disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND ART

A plant cultivation apparatus refers to an apparatus that enables plant cultivation by artificially supplying light energy, moisture, soil, and temperature required for plant growth. A general plant cultivation apparatus forms a predetermined cultivation space having an environment suitable for plant growth, and cultivates and stores plants in the predetermined cultivation space.

The plant cultivation apparatus is provided with a configuration for supplying moisture and nutrients required for plant growth. In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus may be provided with a configuration for artificially supplying light energy, so that plants may be cultivated in the plant cultivation apparatus without being provided with light irradiated by the sun. As a result, the plant cultivated in the plant cultivation apparatus receives nutrients, moisture, and light energy supplied from the plant cultivation apparatus and grows without the user periodically supplying moisture or nutrients during the plant cultivation.

Plants grow by receiving energy through photosynthesis, a chemical process that uses light to store energy in the form of compounds. Therefore, light, that is, light energy is an essential factor for plant growth.

As the plant cultivation apparatus artificially supplies moisture and nutrients, and adjusts the internal temperature according to a growth period of plants to be cultivated therein, it may be difficult for the plants inside to be exposed to the sun. Therefore, the plant cultivation apparatus has an artificial light energy source therein and supplies light energy to the plants inside.

As the light energy supplied to the plants inside is converted from electrical energy supplied to the plant cultivation apparatus, it is advantageous to efficiently supply the light energy inside to a region where the plants are located. In addition, a plurality of pods in which plants are cultivated may be provided in the plant cultivation apparatus, and a plurality of plants may be cultivated in one of the plurality of pods.

As a plurality of plants may have different growth rates individually, there arises a problem in that harvesting times are different even if the plants started to be cultivated at the same time. In addition, as the types of plants cultivated for each of a plurality of pods may be different, even if the cultivation process starts at the same time, when grown under the same amount of light, the harvesting time may be different, causing inconvenience to the user. Therefore, it is an important task in the art to design a plant cultivation apparatus equipped with a light energy source that artificially adjusts a growth rate of plants according to the growth rates of plants or the types of plants.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a plant cultivation apparatus that adjusts an amount of light provided to plants according to a type and growth stage of the plant.

Further, embodiments disclosed herein provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of adjusting the growth rate of plants by adjusting a required amount of light.

Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of determining a harvest time of plants by adjusting the growth rate of plants.

In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of increasing power efficiency by independently adjusting the amount of light for each of a plurality of pods.

Also, embodiments disclosed herein provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of cultivating various plants by independently adjusting the amount of light for each of a plurality of pods.

Technical Solution

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a plant cultivation apparatus including a plurality of lenses having different radiation angles from each other in order to solve the above problems. More specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment includes a cabinet, a bed, and a light emitting portion. The bed is provided inside of the cabinet, and a cultivation portion (area) in which at least a portion of a plant is embedded is seated.

The light emitting portion is provided inside of the cabinet and irradiates light toward the cultivation portion. The light emitting portion includes a light emitting body and a lens portion (lens). More specifically, the light emitting body irradiates light toward the cultivation portion, and the lens portion is disposed between the light emitting body and the cultivation portion so that the light provided from the light emitting body is transmitted and provided to the cultivation portion.

The lens portion includes a first lens and a second lens. More specifically, the first lens is provided to transmit light from the light emitting body to have a first radiation angle, and the second lens transmits light from the light emitting body to have a second radiation angle smaller than the first radiation angle. The lens portion is provided so that the light provided from the light emitting body selectively transmits any one of the first lens or the second lens.

In the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment, the light emitting body may include a first light emitting body and a second light emitting body. The first light emitting body may be disposed to face the first lens to radiate light to the first lens, and the second light emitting body may be disposed to face the second lens to irradiate light to the second lens.

The light emitting portion may be provided so that any one of the first light emitting body or the second light emitting body emits light. The light is irradiated from one of the first lens or the second lens to the cultivation portion.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment may include a controller that controls the light emitting portion so that light is irradiated to the cultivation portion through any one of the first lens or the second lens, thereby adjusting an optical density of light provided to the cultivation portion. The light emitting portion may include a light emitting fixing portion and a lens coupling portion. More specifically, the light emitting fixing portion may be provided inside of the cabinet, and thus, the light emitting body may be fixed.

The lens coupling portion may be coupled to the light emitting fixing portion, and may be disposed between the cultivation portion and the light emitting body to provide the first lens and the second lens.

The light emitting portion may include a light emitting extension portion that extends from the lens coupling portion toward the light emitting fixing portion. The light emitting extension portion may be provided such that an inner circumferential surface facing the light emitting body reflects light irradiated from the light emitting body and concentrates the light on the lens portion. Furthermore, the light emitting extension portion may be inserted into the light emitting fixing portion and provided to be movable, and the lens coupling portion may be provided to be movable along the light emitting extension portion, and any one of the first lens or the second lens may be provided to face the light emitting body.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment may include a driving portion (drive) and a rotational portion. More specifically, the driving portion may be provided in the cabinet to provide power to move the light emitting extension portion and the lens coupling portion.

The rotational portion may be provided to move the light emitting extension portion and the lens coupling portion by being coupled with the driving portion and being rotated. In addition, positions of the light emitting extension portion and the lens coupling portion may be changed according to a rotational angle of the rotational portion.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment may include a rotational protrusion, more specifically, the rotational protrusion may protrude from the rotational portion. A plurality of rotational protrusions may be provided, spaced apart along a circumference of the rotational portion, and may be provided to press the light emitting extension portion. The light emitting extension portion may be selectively pressed and moved by the rotational protrusion according to a rotational angle of the rotational portion.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment may include an elastic member provided inside of the cabinet and pressing the light emitting extension portion toward the rotational portion. When the light emitting extension portion is pressed by the rotational protrusion according to the rotational angle of the rotational portion, it can be moved toward the elastic member so that the elastic member may be elastically deformed. When the light emitting extension portion is spaced apart from the rotational protrusion according to the rotational angle of the rotational portion, it may be moved toward the rotational portion by elastic restoration of the elastic member. A plurality of light emitting portions may be provided and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment may include an extension rod connected to the plurality of light emitting portions, extending in the first direction, and coupled to the driving portion to rotate. The rotational portion may be provided in a number corresponding to the light emitting portion, coupled to the extension rod and rotated together. The plurality of rotational portions may include a first rotational portion and a second rotational portion. In addition, the plurality of light emitting extension portions may include a first light emitting extension portion pressed by the first rotational portion and a second light emitting extension portion pressed by the second rotational portion.

The first rotational portion may be provided so that any one of the plurality of rotation protrusions presses the first light emitting extension portion at a first rotational angle. The second rotational portion may be provided such that any one of the plurality of rotation protrusions is spaced apart from the second light emitting extension portion at the first rotational angle.

The first rotational portion and the second rotational portion may be provided so that another one of the plurality of rotation protrusions presses the first light emitting extension portion or the second light emitting extension portion at a second rotational angle, respectively. In addition, the first rotational portion and the second rotational portion may be provided so that the plurality of rotation protrusions is spaced apart from the first light emitting extension portion and the second light emitting extension portion at a third rotation angle.

A plurality of cultivation portions and a plurality of light emitting portions may be provided. The light emitting portions may be disposed at a position facing the cultivation portion, respectively.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment may include a controller provided in the cabinet and provided to control the plurality of light emitting portions. The controller may control a plurality of light emitting portions to provide light through the first lens by the plurality of light emitting portions in a basic mode, to provide light through the first lens by some of the plurality of light emitting portions in a focused mode, and to provide light through the second lens by the rest of the plurality of light emitting portions. In addition, the controller may control the plurality of light emitting portions so that the plurality of light emitting portions provides light through the second lens in an adjustment mode, but an light amount of the plurality of light emitting bodies is respectively adjusted.

The cultivation portion may include a first cultivation portion, and a second cultivation portion provided spaced apart from the first cultivation portion. The light emitting portion may include a first light emitting portion disposed at a position facing the first cultivation portion and a second light emitting portion disposed at a position facing the second cultivation portion.

The controller may control the light emitting portion in a concentration mode so that the first light emitting portion provides light to the first cultivation portion and the second cultivation portion through the first lens, and the second light emitting portion provides light to the second cultivation portion through the second lens, and thus, the amount of light irradiated to the second cultivation portion is increased compared to the first cultivation portion.

Each feature of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination in other embodiments unless inconsistent with or exclusive of the other embodiments.

Advantageous Effect

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a plant cultivation apparatus that adjusts an amount of light provided to a plant according to a type and growth stage of the plant.

Embodiments disclosed herein may further provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of adjusting a growth rate of plants by adjusting a required amount of light.

Embodiments disclosed herein may furthermore provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of determining a harvesting time of plants by controlling the growth rate of plants.

In addition, embodiments disclosed herein may provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of increasing power efficiency by independently adjusting the amount of light for each of a plurality of pods.

Also, embodiments disclosed herein may provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of cultivating various plants by independently adjusting the amount of light for each of a plurality of pods.

Effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly recognized by those skilled in the art from the description hereinafter.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components even in different embodiments, and the description is replaced with the first description. Singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical idea disclosed in this specification by the accompanying drawings.

In addition, terms to be described hereinafter are terms defined in consideration of functions, which may vary according to the intention or custom of a user or operator. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. Terminology used in the description is only for describing the embodiments and should in no way be limiting. In this description, expressions such as “comprising” or “providing” are intended to indicate any characteristic, number, step, operation, element, portion or combination thereof, and it should not be interpreted to exclude the existence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, portions or combinations thereof other than those described.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the corresponding component is not limited by the term.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a door is open in the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an outer appearance of plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment may be formed by a cabinet10forming a cultivation space S1in which plants are cultivated and a door20that opens and closes the cabinet10. Plants, such as leaves and herbs that are capable of being normally used for wraps or salads, may be easily eater and cultivated by the user. Further, plants that do not occupy a large space may be cultivated.

The cabinet10may be formed such that one surface thereof is open, and the cultivation space S1may be formed therein. As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the door20may be formed in a size capable of shielding an open surface of the cabinet10. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a direction in which the open surface faces is described as a frontward direction.

The door20may include a door panel portion23at least partially transparent. The door panel portion23may be formed of glass or a transparent plastic material to have a structure through which a user is capable of seeing through to the inside. According to this structure, the user may check the inside of the cultivation space S1with the naked eye even in a state in which the door20is closed, so that a growth state of a plant may be checked, interior effects may be derived, and if an internal check is unnecessary, a neat outer appearance may be maintained.

In some cases, as the door panel portion23has a color or a colored coating, metal deposition, or film is attached thereto, the cultivation space S1may be selectively visible or invisible.

The door20may include a door frame22forming a circumference and opening a central portion. The door panel portion23may be provided to shield the opening of the door frame22.

The door20may include a door sealing member24provided on one surface of the door frame22facing the cabinet10and disposed along a circumference of the opening of the door frame22. When the door20is closed, the door sealing member24may contact the cabinet10and shield the cultivation space S1. When the door20is closed, the door sealing member24may absorb an impact force applied to the cabinet10by the door20, thereby improving durability and reliability of the plant cultivation apparatus1.

The door sealing member24blocks a flow of air outside of the cultivation space S1and the cabinet10, so that a temperature and humidity of the cultivation space S1may be maintained constant. In addition, the cabinet10may be insulated, and thus, the cultivation space S1may maintain a temperature set by the user.

The door20may be provided with a door coupling portion21provided on one side of the door frame22and coupled with the cabinet10. As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the door20may be provided on one or a first side of both sides of the door frame22in a lateral or leftward and rightward direction.

In addition, in the door coupling portion24, the door20may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet10through the door coupling portion24, the cultivation space S1may be opened and closed by rotation of the door20. In addition, the door20may be provided on the other or a second side of the door frame22and may include a door handle25for rotating the door20.

A lower cabinet19may be disposed under the cabinet10. Although not illustrated in the lower cabinet10, an air adjustment portion (not illustrated) may be provided to introduce outdoor air and supply outdoor air to the cultivation space S1.

A plurality of beds50may be disposed vertically inside of the cabinet10. In this embodiment, two upper and lower beds50are provided, and for convenience of description and understanding, they may be referred to as an upper bed50and a lower bed50, respectively. Of course, two or more beds50may be further provided according to a size of the cabinet10.

As will be described hereinafter, the bed50may be provided with a plurality of cultivation portions (areas)60containing plant seeds and nutrients necessary for cultivation and may be seated on the bed50. The bed50may be referred to as a shelf or a tray.

The cultivation portion60may be provided in a form in which various kinds of seeds and suitable nutrients are suitably combined, and the user may select a product desired for cultivation. In addition, the bed50may have a structure in which the cultivation portion60may be seated and maintained in a seated state.

The bed50may be provided with a discharge flow path portion (not illustrated) through which water supplied from water supply portion40moves. In addition, the bed50may maintain an appropriate water level so as to supply moisture to the cultivation portion60at all times.

The plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment may include a bed50provided inside of the cabinet10, cultivation portion60which is seated on the bed50, and in which a medium (not illustrated) in which at least a portion of the plant is embedded is accommodated, and water supply portion40provided inside of the cabinet to supply water to the bed50. The water supply portion40may include a storage portion that stores nutrient solution of plants, a supply pump portion that pumps the nutrient solution to the cultivation portion60, a flow rate sensor that measures a flow rate of the nutrient solution, and a water supply case that accommodates the storage portion, the supply pump portion, and the flow rate sensor therein. As the water supply case, the storage portion, the supply pump portion, and the flow rate sensor are not exposed to the outside, reliability of the water supply portion40may be improved and an outer appearance thereof may be formed neatly.

The cultivation portion60may be seated on the bed50so that the cultivation portion60may be separated from the bed50, and thus, the user may accommodate the medium (not illustrated) containing the seeds of the plant from outside of the plant cultivation apparatus1in the cultivation portion60, and may seat the cultivation portion60on the bed50at one side where the cabinet10is open.

A plurality of cultivation portions60may be provided on an upper portion of the bed50. For this reason, the plurality of cultivation portions60may include different types of plants, so that different types of plants may be cultivated in the cultivation space S1. In other words, the cultivation portion60may be provided in a form in which various kinds of seeds and suitable nutrients are suitably combined, and the user may select a product desired for cultivation.

When growth of the plant is completed and harvest time comes, the cultivation portion60is separated from the bed50to easily harvest the plant in the cultivation portion60from the outside of the plant cultivation apparatus1, so the user's convenience may be increased. In addition, the cultivation portion60may be formed in a shape extending from one side to the other, and a direction in which the cultivation portion60extends may be in a direction toward the door20. As illustrated, a plurality of cultivation portions60may be provided, spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, and seated on the bed50side by side.

In the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment, a controller (not illustrated) may be provided at a rear surface of the cabinet10. The controller (not illustrated) may be located not only on the rear surface of the cabinet10, but also in an empty space inside of the cabinet to control an entire operation of the plant cultivation apparatus1according to a user's input. In addition, the controller (not illustrated) may control to display a state of the plant cultivation apparatus1, for example, on a display portion (not illustrated) and send the user a message about the plant cultivation apparatus1using wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a light emitting portion is provided in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment. The plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment includes a light emitting portion70provided inside of the cabinet10and that irradiates light toward the cultivation portion60. The light emitting portion70may be located above the bed50. The light emitting portion70irradiates light toward the cultivation portion60seated on the bed50to provide light necessary for plants. An amount of light irradiated by the light emitting portion70may be set to be similar to sunlight, and the amount of light and irradiation time optimized for the plant to be cultivated may be set.

The light emitting portion70may have a disposition structure that minimizes loss of the cultivation space S1and has high space utilization. As illustrated inFIG.3, the bed50may include upper bed50and lower bed50.

In addition, the light emitting portion70may be disposed at a position adjacent to an upper surface of the cultivation space S1and a lower surface of the upper bed50disposed thereon. Both the light emitting portion60disposed above and the light emitting portion60disposed below may have a same mounting structure.

The light emitting portion70may be mounted on an inner surface of the cabinet10by a light emitting support cabinet17coupled to the cabinet10. In other words, the light emitting support cabinet17located above the upper bed50and the light emitting support cabinet17located below the upper bed50may be formed in a same structure, and using the same light emitting support cabinet17, it is possible to mount the light emitting portion70having the same structure in various positions inside of the cultivation space S1.

The light emitting portion70may include a light emitting body72that irradiates light toward the cultivation portion60and a lens portion (lens)73which is disposed between the light emitting body72and the cultivation portion60, through which light provided from the light emitting body72is transmitted to be provided to the cultivation portion60. The light emitting body72may be provided in various configurations capable of irradiating a light amount similar to that of sunlight and may be provided at a position corresponding to the plurality of cultivation portions60.

In addition, the light emitting portion70may include a light emitting fixing portion71provided inside of the cabinet and coupled to the light emitting supporting cabinet17. The light emitting body72is coupled to the light emitting fixing portion71and may be stably coupled to the cabinet10.

The light emitting portion70may include a lens coupling portion74coupled to the light emitting fixing portion71and disposed between the cultivation portion60and the light emitting body72to include the lens portion73. A plurality of lens coupling portions74may be provided, and may be provided to face the light emitting fixing portion71and the light emitting body72at a position corresponding to the light emitting body72.

FIGS.4A-4Cillustrate perspective views and a bottom view, respectively, illustrating a light emitting portion in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.4Ais a perspective view illustrating light emitting fixing portion71and lens coupling portion74.FIG.4Bis a bottom view of the light emitting portion70illustrating a state in which the light emitting portion70is viewed from the cultivation portion60.FIG.4Cis a perspective view illustrating a state of the light emitting fixing portion71and the light emitting support cabinet17.

The cultivation portion60may be formed in a shape extending from one or a first side to the other or a second side. The direction in which the cultivation portion60extends may be a direction from the inside of the cabinet10toward the door20.

A plurality of cultivation portions60may be provided, spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, and seated on the bed50side by side. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a direction in which the cultivation portion60extends is defined as a second direction d1, and a direction in which the cultivation portion60is disposed side by side perpendicular to the second direction d1is defined as a first direction d2.

The light emitting fixing portion71may be provided in a rectangular plate shape, coupled with a plurality of lens coupling portions74, and may extend in the first direction d2and the second direction d1. The light emitting fixing portion71may extend while forming a predetermined length11based on the second direction d1.

The light emitting support cabinet17may be combined or coupled with the light emitting fixing portion71, and a rotational portion accommodation space171providing a space in which a rotational portion78, a driving portion (drive)77, an elastic portion76, and an extension rod772described hereinafter are accommodated may be formed. The lens coupling portion74extends in the second direction d1and a plurality of lens coupling portions74may be disposed side by side in the first direction d2. The lens coupling portion74may extend while forming a predetermined length11in the second direction d1.

In addition, the lens coupling portion74may extend while forming a predetermined length13in the first direction d2. The plurality of lens coupling portions74may be separated by a predetermined separation distance12and may be disposed side by side in the first direction d2. The extension length11of the lens coupling portion74in the second direction d1and the distance12spaced apart from each other may be designed appropriately according to an extension length of the cultivation portion60and a size of the cabinet10, for example.

The lens portion73may include a first lens731provided to transmit light irradiated from the light emitting body72to the lens portion73to have a first radiation angle81. In addition, the lens portion73may include a second lens732through which the light of the light emitting body72is transmitted to have a second radiation angle82smaller than the first radiation angle81.

In addition to the first lens731and the second lens732, the lens portion73may include a third lens and a fourth lens provided to have a gradually smaller radiation angle, but hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first lens731and the second lens732are mainly described.

At least a portion of the first lens731and the second lens732may be inserted into the lens coupling portion74and coupled to the lens coupling portion74, and, in some cases, may be provided by being fixed to one side of the lens coupling portion74. The first lens731and the second lens732may extend in the second direction d1in which the lens coupling portion74extends and be provided to form a predetermined extension length11.

As illustrated inFIG.4B, the first lens731and the second lens732may be provided in contact with each other, but as illustrated inFIG.5described hereinafter, the first lens731and the second lens732may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. This is because interference and influence between the first lens731and the second lens732may be minimized, when the first lens731and the second lens732are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and light passes through the first lens731and the second lens732.

The light emitting body72may include a first light emitting body721disposed to face the first lens731and that irradiates light to the first lens731, and the light emitting body72may include a second light emitting body722disposed to face the second lens732and that irradiates light to the second lens732.

A plurality of first light emitting bodies721may be provided and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance14in the second direction d1in which the first lens731extends. In addition, a plurality of the second light emitting bodies722may be provided and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance14in the second direction d1in which the second lens732extends.

The first light emitting body721and the second light emitting body722may be disposed to face each other in the first direction d2. Positions of the first light emitting body721and the second light emitting body722may be appropriately designed according to a position at which the plant is placed in the cultivation portion60.

FIGS.5A-5Bare side views illustrating a light emitting body and a lens portion in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, repetitive description of like components has been omitted.

FIG.5Ais a view illustrating a state in which light is irradiated from first light emitting body721to first lens731and the light is transmitted with a first radiation angle81.FIG.5Bis a view illustrating a state in which light is irradiated from second light emitting body722to second lens732and a light is transmitted with the second radiation angle82.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the light emitting portion70may include a light emitting extension portion75that extends from the lens coupling portion74toward the light emitting fixing portion71. The light emitting extension portion75enables the lens coupling portion74to be disposed between the cultivation portion60and the light emitting body72, and the lens coupling portion74may be moved as will be described hereinafter. In addition, the light emitting extension portion75may be provided such that an inner circumferential surface facing the light emitting body72reflects the light emitted from the light emitting body72and concentrates the light on the lens portion73.

In other words, light emitted from the light emitting body72may be reflected along the light emitting extension portion75and concentrated on the lens portion73. An inner circumferential surface of the light emitting extension portion75toward the light emitting body72may be further subjected to surface treatment, painting, or film attachment to improve reflection performance.

In the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment, the controller90may be provided to control the light emitting portion70. The controller90may control the light emitting portion70to irradiate light to the cultivation portion60through either the first lens731or the second lens732.

As the first radiation angle81of light passing through the first lens731is greater than the second radiation angle82of light passing through the second lens, an optical density of light passing through the first lens731is smaller than an optical density of light passing through the second lens based on the unit area of the cultivation portion60. Therefore, as, in the light provided to the cultivation portion60, the light passing through the second lens732has a higher optical density than the light passing through the first lens731, it is possible to concentrate the amount of light provided to the plants provided in the cultivation portion60.

The controller90may control one of the first light emitting body721or the second light emitting body722to selectively emit light, and through this, the lens portion73may be provided so that light provided from the light emitting body is selectively transmitted through one of the first lens731or the second lens732. Through this, the amount of light per unit region of the plant of the cultivation portion60may be adjusted without adjusting the amount of light irradiated by the first light emitting body721and the second light emitting body722.

FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a rotational portion and a light emitting portion is combined or coupled in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.7is a bottom view illustrating a rotational portion and light emitting portion in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.8illustrates a side view illustrating a rotational portion and a light emitting portion in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, repetitive description of like components has been omitted.

As the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment is provided in the cabinet10, the plant cultivation apparatus1may include the driving portion77for providing power to move the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74. In addition, as the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment is coupled to the driving portion77and rotated, the plant cultivation apparatus1may include rotational portion78for moving the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74.

A plurality of light emitting portions70may be provided and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction d2. In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment may include extension rod772which connects the plurality of light emitting portions70, extends in the first direction d2, and is coupled to the driving portion77to rotate.

The driving portion77, the rotational portion78, and the extension rod772are provided inside of the light emitting support cabinet17and may be prevented from being exposed to the cultivation space S1. The number of rotational portions78corresponds to those of the light emitting portions70and may be coupled to the extension rod772to rotate together.

The light emitting extension portion75is inserted into the light emitting fixing portion71and provided to be movable, and the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment may include a plurality of rotational protrusions79that protrude from the rotational portion78. The plurality of rotational protrusions79may be spaced apart along a circumference of the rotational portion78and may be provided to press the light emitting extension portion75.

The light emitting extension portion75may be selectively pressed and moved by the rotational protrusion79according to a rotational angle P of the rotational portion78. Due to this, positions of the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74may be changed according to the rotational angle P of the rotational portion78.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG.7, the rotational portion78may include a first rotational portion781, a second rotational portion782, and a third rotational portion783, and the rotational protrusion79may include a first rotational protrusion791that protrudes from the first rotational portion781, a second rotational protrusion792that protrudes from the second rotational portion782, and the third rotational portion783that protrudes from the third rotational portion793.

A plurality of light emitting bodies72may not be provided in the light emitting fixing portion71; however, embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto.

The first rotational protrusion791that protrudes from the first rotational portion781may be provided to press the light emitting extension75, and in this case, a position of the second lens732may be set to face the light emitting body72. When the light emitting extension portion75is positioned between the plurality of second rotational protrusions792, the position of the first lens731may be set to face the light emitting body72.

In addition, the third rotational protrusion793may be provided to press the light emitting extension portion75, and in this case, the position of the second lens732may be set to face the light emitting body72. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG.8, the first rotational protrusion791may be provided to press the light emitting extension portion75, and the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74may be moved in the third direction d3, and accordingly, the position of the second lens732may be set to face the light emitting body72.

When the light emitting extension portion75is positioned between the plurality of second rotational protrusions792, the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74move in the fourth direction d4, and thus, the position of the first lens731may be set to face the light emitting body72.

The third rotational protrusion793may be provided to press the light emitting extension portion75, and the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74move in the third direction d3, and thus, the position of the second lens732may be set to face the light emitting body72.

The third direction d3may be a direction in which the rotational protrusion79protrudes, and the third direction d3and the fourth direction d4may be opposite to each other. In addition, the third direction d3and the first direction d2may be parallel to each other.

FIGS.9A-9Billustrate a side view and an enlarged view illustrating a rotational portion and a light emitting portion in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.FIGS.10A-10Care views illustrating a relationship between a light emitting body and a lens portion according to a rotational angle of a rotational portion in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, repetitive description of like components has been omitted.FIG.9Ais a side view illustrating rotational portion78and light emitting portion70,FIG.9Bis an enlarged view illustrating a state in which light emitting extension portion75is spaced apart from the plurality of first rotational protrusions791, andFIG.9Cis an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the light emitting extension portion75is pressed by the first rotational protrusion791.

The plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment may include an elastic portion76provided inside of the cabinet10and including an elastic member761that presses the light emitting extension portion75toward the rotational portion78. The elastic portion76may be provided in the rotational portion accommodation space171inside of the light emitting support cabinet17. The elastic portion76may include an elastic support portion762that protrudes from one surface inside of the light emitting support cabinet17and an elastic member761combined or coupled with the elastic support portion762to press the light emitting extension portion75toward the rotational portion78.

An extension direction of the elastic member761, that is, a direction of elastic force may be parallel to the third direction d3and the fourth direction d4and may be provided parallel to the extension direction of the extension rod772.

The light emitting extension portion75may extend toward the light emitting fixing portion71so that at least a portion thereof passes through the light emitting fixing portion71and may be exposed to the rotational portion accommodation space171. In addition, the light emitting extension portion75may be inserted into the light emitting fixing portion71to be movable. Accordingly, the lens coupling portion74may be provided to be movable along the light emitting extension portion75, so that either one of the first lens731and the second lens732may be provided to face the light emitting body72.

As illustrated inFIG.9B, when the light emitting extension portion75is positioned between the plurality of first rotational protrusions791according to the rotation of the rotational portion78, while the elastic member761is elastically restored, the elastic member761presses the light emitting extension portion75toward the rotational portion78, and the light emitting extension portion75and the lens coupling portion74move in the fourth direction d4. Thus, the position of the first lens731may be set to face the light emitting body72.

As illustrated inFIG.9C, when the first rotational protrusion791presses the first light emitting extension751toward the elastic member761according to the rotation of the rotational portion78, the elastic member761is elastically deformed, the light emitting extension portion75moves toward the elastic support portion762, and the first light emitting extension portion751and the lens coupling portion74may move toward the third direction d3. Thus, the position of the second lens732may be set to face the light emitting body72.

FIG.10Aillustrates a state in which the rotational portion78and the light emitting portion70are viewed from one end of the extension rod772.FIG.10Billustrates side surfaces of the rotational portion78and the light emitting portion70.FIG.10Cis a table illustrating a lens facing the light emitting body72in the first light emitting portion70and the second light emitting portion70according to the rotational angle of the rotational portion78.

As illustrated inFIGS.10A and10B, the light emitting portion70may include first light emitting portion70provided to be in contact with the first rotational protrusion791, and second light emitting portion70provided to be in contact with the second rotational protrusion792, and third light emitting portion70provided to be in contact with the third rotational protrusion793. At the first rotational angle P1of the rotational portion78, the first rotational protrusion791presses the first light emitting extension portion751toward the elastic member761so that the light emitting body72of the first light emitting portion70may be provided to face the second lens732as the first light emitting extension portion751is moved. In addition, when the second light emitting extension portion752is spaced apart from the second rotation protrusion792at the first rotational angle P1of the rotational portion78, the second light emitting portion70of the light emitting body72may be provided to face the first lens as the second light emitting extension portion752is moved by the elastic restoration of the elastic member761.

At the second rotation angle P2of the rotational portion78, the first rotational protrusion791may press the first light emitting extension portion751, and the second rotational protrusion792may press the second light emitting extension portion752so that both the light emitting bodies72of the first light emitting portion70and the second light emitting portion70may be provided to face the second lens732. At the third rotational angle P3of the rotational portion78, the first light emitting extension portion751is spaced apart from the first rotational protrusion791, and the second light emitting extension portion752is spaced apart from the second rotational protrusion792so that both the light emitting bodies72of the first light emitting portion70and the second light emitting portion70may be provided to face the first lens731.

In this way, according to the rotational angle of the rotational portion78, an operation in which the light emitting bodies72of the first light emitting portion70and the second light emitting portion70selectively face the first lens731or the second lens732may be independently or individually controlled. As the first light emitting portion70and the second light emitting portion70provide light toward different cultivation portions60in the cultivation space S1, optical densities of light provided to the different cultivation portions60may be adjusted.

FIG.11is a view illustrating various embodiments of a light emitting portion and a lens portion controlled by a controller in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, it is described in a state where expressions overlapping with the above structure will be omitted.

The plurality of cultivation portions60may include first cultivation portion61facing any one of the plurality of light emitting portions70, second cultivation portion62facing the other one of the plurality of light emitting portions70, and third cultivation portion63facing the other one of the plurality of light emitting portions70. As illustrated inFIG.11A, the controller90may control the light emitting portion70or the driving portion77so that all of the first cultivation portion61, the second cultivation portion62, and the third cultivation portion63receive the light irradiated from the light emitting body72through the first lens731. This control mode may be defined as a basic mode S500below.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.11B, the controller90may control the light emitting portion70or the driving portion77so that the first cultivation portion61and the third cultivation portion63may receive the light irradiated from the light emitting body72through the first lens731and the second cultivation portion62may receive the light irradiated from the light emitting body72through the second lens732. This control mode may be defined as a concentration mode S400described hereinafter.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.11C, the controller90may control the light emitting portion70or the driving portion77so that all of first cultivation portion61, second cultivation portion62, and third cultivation portion63receive the light irradiated from the light emitting body72through the second lens732, and may individually adjust the light of the light emitting body72. This control mode may be defined as an adjustment mode S300described hereinafter.

The developmental ecology of the plant, and the type of plant, for example, may be photographed and transmitted to the controller90through a photographing portion (not illustrated) provided inside of the cultivation space S1. Accordingly, the controller90may determine the above control mode according to a user's input, an image transmitted by the photographing portion (not illustrated), or a growth period of the plant stored in a memory (not illustrated).

FIGS.12A-12Bare views illustrating a concentration mode in which the amount of light is controlled to be adjusted according to overlapping of light irradiated by a plurality of light emitting body in the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment.

In the plant cultivation apparatus1according to an embodiment, the controller90may controls the light emitting portion70or the driving portion77so that the first cultivation portion61and the third cultivation portion63may receive the light irradiated from the light emitting body72through the first lens731and the second cultivation portion62may receive the light irradiated from the light emitting body72through the second lens732. In addition, the cultivation portion60may include the first cultivation portion61, the second cultivation portion62provided to be spaced apart from the first cultivation portion, and the third cultivation portion63provided to be spaced apart from the first cultivation portion61and the second cultivation portion62. In addition, the light emitting portion70may include first light emitting portion72adisposed at a position facing the first cultivation portion61, second light emitting portion72adisposed at a position facing the second cultivation portion62, and third light emitting portion72cdisposed at a position facing the third cultivation portion63.

As illustrated inFIG.12A, the controller90may control to increase the amount of light irradiated to the second cultivation portion60, when a growth size of the second plant G2cultivated in the second cultivation portion60is smaller than growth sizes of the first plant G1cultivated in the first cultivation portion61and the third plant G3cultivated in the second cultivation portion60in the concentration mode S400.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.12B, the controller90may control to increase the amount of light irradiated to the second plant G2to promote the growth of fruit F when the fruit F, for example, is grown in the second plant G2cultivated in the second cultivation portion60in the concentration mode.

As described above, the lens portion73may include first lens731provided to transmit light irradiated from the light emitting body72to the lens portion73to have first radiation angle81, and second lens732provided to transmit while having second radiation angle82smaller than the first radiation angle81. In other words, unlike the concentration mode illustrated inFIGS.11A-C, the light transmitting the first lens731may be provided so as to provide light to other cultivation portions, rather than to one of the plurality of cultivation portions located closest to each other.

For example, unlike illustrated inFIGS.11A-C, the controller90may control the first light emitting portion72aso that the first light emitting portion72aprovides light to the first cultivation portion61and the second cultivation portion62through the first lens731and may control the second light emitting portion72bso that the second light emitting portion72bprovides light to the second cultivation portion62through the second lens732. In addition, the controller may control the third light emitting portion72cso that the third light emitting portion72cprovides light to the second cultivation portion62and the third cultivation portion63through the first lens731.

More specifically, first region A1of the second cultivation portion62may overlap the light irradiated from the first light emitting portion72aand the second light emitting portion72b, and second region A2of the second cultivation portion62may overlap the light irradiated from the first light emitting portion72a, the second light emitting portion72b, and the third light emitting portion72c. In other words, the second region A2of the second cultivation portion62may be a region where the second plant G2, which is a target for concentrating the amount of light, is disposed.

As a result, the second cultivation portion62may be provided with a higher optical density than the first cultivation portion61and the third cultivation portion63, and the controller90may execute the concentration mode that concentrates the amount of light of a second cultivation portion60.

In other words, unlike an embodiment of the concentration mode S400illustrated inFIGS.11A-11C, the controller90may be provided to control the light emitting portion to adjust the amount of light according to the overlapping of the light irradiated by the plurality of light emitting bodies.

As illustrated inFIGS.12A-12B, the controller90is illustrated as concentrating light only on the second cultivation portion62, which is any one of the plurality of cultivation portions60, in the concentration mode S400, but may control so that the light is concentrated on the plurality of cultivation portions60according to the number of the cultivation portion60and light emitting portions70.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating various control operations performed and determined by a controller in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, repetitive description of like components has been omitted.

As illustrated, the controller90may perform a heterogeneous plant determination step or operation (S100) which determines whether the types of plant cultivated in the plurality of cultivation portions60are heterogeneous plants, according to the image transmitted by the photographing portion (not illustrated). In addition, when the controller90determines that the types of plant are different for each of the plurality of cultivation portions60in the heterogeneous plant determination step (S100), the controller90may perform adjustment mode (S300).

In adjustment mode performance step or operation (S300), it is possible to adjust the amount of light appropriate for each type of plant, thereby increasing power efficiency.

If the controller90determines that all types of plants cultivated in the plurality of cultivation portions60are the same in the heterogeneous plant determination step (S100), the controller90may perform a growth promotion determination step or operation (S200) which determines a degree of growth of the plants cultivated in the plurality of cultivation portions60. In the growth promotion determination step (S200), an appropriate developmental state may be determined for each plant growth period using a photographing portion (not illustrated) or a sensor (not illustrated) inside of the cabinet10to determine whether or not the growth of the plant is promoted.

In addition, in the growth promotion determination step (S200), when the development of plants in any one cultivation portion60is slow, the concentration mode (S400) may be performed. In addition, the concentration mode (S400) may be performed not only when the development is slow, but also when the plant is ready to bear fruit.

In the growth promotion determination step (S200), if all the developmental states of the plants cultivated in the plurality of cultivation portions60are equal to or greater than the reference value, basic mode performance step or operation (S500) may be performed.

In this way, the controller90may perform the adjustment mode, the concentration mode, and the basic mode. Accordingly, various crops may be cultivated in one plant cultivation apparatus1.

Although various embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art may make various modifications to the various embodiments described above without departing from the scope. The scope should not be limited to the various embodiments described and should not be defined thereto, and should be defined by the claims to be described herein and those equivalent to the claims.