PLANT CULTIVATION DEVICE

An apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a cabinet forming a growing space; a bed configured to be disposed in the cultivation space and provided with a water collection portion for storing water; a light assembly configured to be positioned above the bed and configured to irradiate light to the bed; a pod having an accommodating space and provided with a water-through hole for flowing water stored in the water collection portion thereinto; a medium configured to be disposed in the accommodation space and having a seed insertion groove recessed from the top to the bottom to insert the seeds therein; and a pod cover configured to be coupled to the pod to cover the medium and having a cover hole formed above the seed insertion groove.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cultivating plants.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an apparatus for cultivating plants includes a predetermined cultivating chamber having an environment appropriate to grow the plants, and the plants are stored in the predetermined cultivating chamber. The apparatus for cultivating plants has components to supply nutrients and light energy required for plant growth, and the plants are grown by the supplied nutrients and light energy.

An apparatus for cultivating plants according to the related art is disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1240375. In this related art, a structure is disclosed in which a multi-stage tray is disposed inside a cabinet, light is irradiated from a light irradiation unit to the tray, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the tray through the nutrient solution recovery container, and an inner portion of the cabinet is maintained at a set temperature by the air conditioning unit and the air circulation fan to be capable of cultivating plants.

In US Patent No. 2018/0359946 which is an apparatus for cultivating plants according to another related art, a structure is disclosed in which a plurality of trays for cultivating plants are provided in an inner portion of the cabinet, and light means irradiating light and water supply means are provided above the tray to supply nutrient solution, and a cooling device and a heating device using a refrigeration cycle are provided to adjust the temperature in the inner portion of the cabinet.

However, according to the prior art as described above, since the apparatus for cultivating plants of the type of circulating the nutrient solution is vulnerable to contamination of the nutrient solution, and thus there is a problem in plant growth since the contaminated nutrient solution is supplied to the plants, and there is a difficulty in maintaining the internal environment of the apparatus for cultivating plants hygienically due to inconvenience or the like such as the periodical replacement of the contaminated nutrient solution.

In addition, the internal environment of the apparatus for cultivating plants is configured to have a temperature and humidity suitable for plant growth, but there is a problem in which, since the internal environment above is an environment suitable for mold growth, plants and mold grow together, causing obstacles to plant growth and the safety of plants growing in the apparatus for cultivating plants is questioned.

In addition, there is a problem in that the seeds do not germinate when the moisture supplied to the seeds of crops in the apparatus for cultivating plants is excessively supplied, and there is a problem in that the seeds do not germinate even when a small amount of moisture is supplied.

In addition, the seeds of the crops grown in the apparatus for cultivating plants are sown so as to be spaced apart to have a certain interval according to the growth characteristics, but the position of the seeds is changed during the transfer of the bed, so there is a problem in that the growth performance of the seeds is reduced.

In addition, the internal environment of the apparatus for cultivating plants is configured to have a temperature and humidity suitable for plant growth, but there is a problem in that, since the internal environment above is an environment suitable for growth of mold or the like, plants, mold, and the like grow together, obstacles to plant growth occurs, and the aesthetics of the apparatus for cultivating plants is impaired.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that prevents contamination of a cultivation space and maintains a hygienic environment.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants capable of optimizing the amount of water supplied, preventing residual water from being generated in the bed, and thus reducing the generation of odors and contamination.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that maintains a clean and hygienic state of a pipe and a water tank to which water is supplied by supplying water to only a bed.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that prevents contaminants such as mold and green algae from being generated in a medium in which seeds of plants are grown.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that prevents the growth of plants from being reduced.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that prevents contamination of a cultivation space and maintains a hygienic environment.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants capable of quickly suctioning water in a bed and supplying the water to seeds of crops.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that allows the water of the bed to be uniformly supplied to the inside of the pod.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for cultivating plants that prevents the seeds of crops from being changed during the transfer process.

Technical Solution

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a pod which is seated on a bed provided with a water collection portion in which water is stored and which fills a medium absorbing the water of the water collection portion, and thus it is possible to prevent water from remaining in the water collection portion.

In the apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, a medium for absorbing water is composed of inorganic vermiculite, so that water from the water collection portion quickly flows into the inside of the pod, and thus water can be supplied to the seeds.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can suppress the generation of mold in a seed growth environment by constituting a medium with inorganic vermiculite.

In the apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the nutrient solution material for supplying nutrients to the seeds is provided in the medium, so that when the water of the water collection portion is absorbed into the medium, the nutrient solution material is dissolved in the water and supplied to the seeds.

In the apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, a pod protrusion protruding downward and provided with a water-through hole is formed in the pod, so that water stored in the water collection portion can be absorbed into the interior of the pod while seated on the bed.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a pod cover that covers an opened one surface of a pod and can suppress the generation of green algae in the medium by adjusting the irradiation amount of light supplied to the medium.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a lower medium for quickly absorbing water into the inside of a pod and an upper medium for maintaining absorbed water for a long time, and can supply water stored in the water collection portion of the bed to seeds placed inside the pod.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a moisture separation membrane that divides the upper medium and the lower medium and regulates the flow rate of water transferred from the lower medium to the upper medium, so that water can be uniformly supplied to the upper medium.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure may include a pod cover that covers the opened one surface of the pod, thereby minimizing the area in which green algae is generated by light energy in the medium of the pod.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure may include a water absorbing medium for quickly absorbing water into the inside of a pod and a seed medium for maintaining the absorbed water for a long time, and thus may supply water stored in the water collection portion of the bed to seeds positioned inside the seed medium.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure accommodates the seeds inside the seed medium and inserts the seed medium into the medium insertion groove of the water absorbing medium, thereby minimizing movement of the seed medium during the transfer process.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a nutrient solution material for supplying nutrients to one or more of the seed medium and the water absorbing medium, and the nutrient solution material may be melted and uniformly supplied to the seeds while water is evenly spread into the seed medium and the water absorbing medium.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure includes a pod cover that covers an opened one surface of a pod and adjusts an area to which light energy is irradiated, thereby minimizing green algae and mold generated by light energy and moisture.

Advantageous Effect

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure has the advantage of preventing contamination of the cultivation space and maintaining a hygienic environment.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure has the advantage of suppressing the generation of mold or green algae in the medium in a plant growth environment by configuring the medium with inorganic vermiculite having air permeability and water retention properties.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure has an advantage in that residual water is prevented from being generated in a water collection portion in which water is stored, and thus contaminated water is prevented from being supplied to the pod.

Apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can minimize the generation of green algae due to moisture and light on the surface of the medium by adjusting the irradiation amount of light supplied to the medium.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can divide between a medium in which water is absorbed and a medium in which seeds are placed, so that moisture is uniformly dispersed to the seeds through a difference in moisture between the two mediums.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can minimize the generation of mold on the surface of the medium by improving the environment of the medium.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure has the advantage of preventing the supply of contaminated water to the pods by preventing residual water from being generated in the water collection portion in which water is stored.

Apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can prevent excessive supply or excessive shortage of water by quickly suctioning water and uniformly supplying the suctioned water to the seeds.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can prevent deterioration of the growth performance of the seeds by enabling the seeds of crops to be fixed in a state spaced apart at regular intervals.

Apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can suppress the generation of green algae in the medium by the light energy and moisture by limiting the area to which light energy is irradiated.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can uniformly supply nutrients to the seeds of crops through a nutrient solution material that is uniformly dissolved by absorbed water.

The apparatus for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can improve the recycling performance of the water absorbing medium by dividing the seed medium and the water absorbing medium.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present disclosure is presented, and other disclosures that are degenerative by addition, change, deletion, or the like of other components or other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure are easily suggested.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door of the apparatus for cultivating plants according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is opened,FIG.3is an exploded perspective view illustrating an apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.4is a perspective view taken along4-4′ ofFIG.2, andFIG.5is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Looking at the whole with respect to the apparatus for cultivating plants1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, the outer appearance thereof may be formed by a cabinet100forming a space in which a plant is cultivated therein, and a door130for opening and closing the cabinet100. In this case, the cultivated plant is usually edible by the user, such as leaf vegetables and herbs that can be used for wrapping or salads, and is easy to cultivate, and it is preferable that plants that do not occupy a lot of space are cultivated, and may be provided in the form of a pod10which includes seeds and nutrients.

The cabinet100is formed to have an open front surface, and a cultivation space101may be provided therein. The cabinet100may include an outer case110forming an outer appearance and an inner case120forming the cultivation space101, and an insulating material102may be provided between the outer case110and the inner case to insulate the cultivation space and maintain the cultivation space101at a set temperature.

The outer case110and the inner case120may be formed of a metal material and may be formed by combining a plurality of plate-shaped materials with each other. In particular, the inner case120may have both side surfaces, a rear surface, and an upper surface formed in a metal plate shape and may be coupled to each other.

A plurality of beds300may be vertically disposed inside the cabinet100. In this embodiment, two beds300aand300bare vertically provided and may have the same structure. The beds300may be referred to as an upper bed300band a lower bed300a, respectively, for convenience of explanation and understanding. Of course, two or more beds300may be provided according to the size of the cabinet100.

The bed300may have a structure in which a plurality of pods10containing plant seeds and nutrients necessary for cultivation are seated. The bed300may be referred to as a shelf or a tray. In addition, the bed300may have a structure in which the pod10can be seated and maintained in a seated state. In addition, the bed300may have a structure which easily seats the pod10and can introduce/withdraw so that management and harvesting of plants growing in the pod10is facilitated.

In addition, the bed300may have a structure in which water supplied from the water tank700flows and is delivered to all the pods10seated on the bed300. In addition, the bed300may maintain an appropriate water level so as to constantly supply moisture to the pod10.

Meanwhile, a machine room200may be provided below the cabinet100. In the machine room200, a compressor610and a condenser620constituting a refrigeration cycle for adjusting the temperature of the cultivation space101may be disposed.

In addition, a grill cover220may be provided on the front surface of the machine room200, and the grill cover220may include a grill suction port221through which air is suctioned into the machine room200, and a grill discharge port222through which internal air of the machine room200is discharged.

Meanwhile, the internal temperature of the cultivation space101may be adjusted by the refrigeration cycle600. In this case, the evaporator630may be disposed on the inner rear wall surface of the cultivation space101. The evaporator630may be provided with a roll bond type heat exchanger and may be referred to as a heat exchanger. The evaporator630may have a plate-shaped structure that is easily attached to the rear wall surface of the cultivation space101. In addition, the evaporator630minimizes the loss of the cultivation space101due to the plate-like structure and is close to the cultivation space101to effectively adjust the temperature of the cultivation space101.

A heater (not illustrated) may be provided on the rear wall surface of the cultivation space101. Accordingly, heating and cooling may be performed in the rear area of the cultivation space101. The interior of the cultivation space101by the evaporator630and the heater may maintain a temperature suitable for plant growth (eg, 18° C.-28° C.). Of course, if necessary, a configuration for heating other than the heater may be provided, and various heating methods such as a heating structure through hot gas or a heating structure through conversion of a refrigeration cycle will be possible. The temperature inside the cultivation space101is sensed by the internal temperature sensor450, and can be kept constant regardless of the external temperature of the cabinet100.

In addition, a blower assembly500may be provided in front of the evaporator630. The blower assembly500may circulate the interior of the cultivation space101to uniformly cool or heat the cultivation space101.

The blower assembly500may include an upper blower assembly500bdisposed in an upper space divided by the bed300and a lower blower assembly500adisposed in a lower space. The blower assembly500disposed vertically has the same structure and shape, except that there is a difference only in the mounting position. The blower assembly500may be provided by a number corresponding to the number of the beds300and may blow air from the rear toward the front of the bed300. Accordingly, independent air circulation can be achieved in each space of the interior of the cultivation space101partitioned by the bed300.

The air in the interior of the cultivation space101is circulated by the blower assembly500, and in particular, the circulated air passes through the evaporator630so that the entire interior of the cultivation space101has a uniform temperature, while temperature adjustment can be quickly achieved. In addition, the air circulated by the blower assembly500may flow while passing through the upper surface of the bed300and the lower surface of the light assembly400.

The air flowing by the blower assembly500passes through the upper surface of the bed300to make the respiration of the plants grown in the bed300more smooth and to make the plants to be shaken appropriately and thus the air can provide the optimal airflow necessary for growth by controlling stress. In addition, the air flowing by the blower assembly500can prevent overheating of the light assembly400while passing through the lower surface of the light assembly400.

Meanwhile, the light assembly400may be provided above the bed300. The light assembly400provides light necessary for plants by irradiating light toward the bed300. In this case, the amount of light irradiated by the light assembly400may be set to be similar to sunlight, and the amount of light and irradiation time optimized for the cultivated plant may be set.

The light assembly400may include an upper light assembly400bprovided in an upper space partitioned by the bed300and a lower light assembly400aprovided in a lower space. The upper light assembly400bmay be mounted on an upper surface of the cultivation space101, and the lower light assembly400amay be mounted on a lower surface of the upper bed300b.

In other words, the upper light assembly400band the lower light assembly400amay be positioned vertically above the bed300disposed below, respectively, and on the upper surface of the partitioned cultivation space101, it is possible to adjust the growth of cultivated plants by irradiating light toward the bed300.

A water tank700may be provided on a bottom surface inside the cabinet100. The water tank700may store water supplied to the bed300. The water tank700may be positioned below the bed300positioned at the lowermost position among the plurality of beds300, and the front surface the water tank may be positioned at a position corresponding to the front end of the bed300.

The length of the water tank700in the horizontal direction may correspond to the width of the internal space of the cabinet100. In addition, the length of the water tank700in the vertical direction may be formed to correspond to a distance between the bed300positioned at the lowermost position and the bottom surface of the cultivation space101. In other words, the water tank700may be formed to fill the entire space below the lower bed300apositioned at the lowermost position, and the space behind the water tank700can be covered by the water tank700.

A pump cover740may be provided in a space behind the water tank700covered by the water tank700. A water pump720and a water supply valve724to be described below may be provided inside the pump cover740. The pump cover740and the internal components of the pump cover740and the pipe connected to the components may be referred to as a water supply unit or a water supply module.

The water tank700may be provided in the interior of the cultivation space101to be capable of being introduced or withdrawn in a front and rear direction. To this end, tank rails730for guiding the introduction/withdrawal of the water tank700may be provided on both sides of the water tank700in the left and right directions. In addition, the water tank700may be opened in a state of being introduced or withdrawn to have a structure in which water can be additionally supplied.

Meanwhile, the display assembly800may be provided in the opened front half portion of the cabinet100. The display assembly800may output the operating state of the apparatus for cultivating plants1to the outside. In addition, the display assembly800may be provided with a manipulation part to which a user's manipulation is input to set and input the overall operation of the apparatus for cultivating plants1. For example, the display assembly800may include a touch screen structure and may include a structure such as a button or a switch.

The door130may have a size capable of shielding the opened front surface of the cabinet100. In addition, an upper hinge135and a lower hinge136may be shaft-coupled to the upper end and lower end of one of the sides of the door130in the left and right direction. The door130may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet100by the upper hinge135and the lower hinge136, and the cultivation space101can be opened and closed by the rotation of the door130.

At least a part of the door130may have a see-through structure, and the cultivation space101may be checked even when the door130is closed.

In detail, the door130may include a door frame131forming a circumference and having an opening in the center, and door panels132and133for shielding the opening of the door frame131. The door panels132and133may be formed of glass or a transparent plastic material to have a structure in which the inside can be seen through. In addition, the door panels132and133may have a color or a colored coating, metal deposition, or film attached thereto so that the cultivation space101is selectively visible or invisible.

Meanwhile, a plurality of the door panels132and133may be disposed in the front and rear direction, and an insulating space may be formed between the plurality of door panels132and133. In addition, if necessary, the door panels132and133may include insulating glass. Accordingly, it is possible to insulate the inside and the outside of the cabinet100.

In addition, if necessary, the entire front outer appearance of the door130may be formed by the door panel132disposed on the front surface of the door130.

Hereinafter, the structure of the apparatus for cultivating plants1having the above structure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings for each configuration.

FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a machine room of the apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the machine room200is mounted on the lower surface of the cabinet100and forms a space independent from the cultivation space101under the cabinet100. The machine room200may be configured by a bottom plate211forming a lower surface, a pair of side plates212forming both side surfaces, and a rear plate213forming a rear surface.

The bottom plate211, the side plate212, and the rear plate213may be coupled in a single module form to be referred to as a machine room frame. The space formed by the machine room frame may be formed so that the upper surface and the front surface are opened. Accordingly, the machine room frame is coupled to the lower surface of the cabinet100to form the machine room200space under the cabinet100.

The internal space of the machine room200may be partitioned by a barrier230. The barrier230may extend backward from the opened front end of the machine room200. A condenser620may be provided in a space on the left side partitioned by the barrier230, and a compressor610may be provided on a space on the right side partitioned by the barrier230. In addition, a heat dissipation fan611for forcibly flowing air from the left to the right may be provided at the rear end of the barrier230.

Meanwhile, a grill cover220may be provided on the opened front surface of the machine room200. The grill cover220shields the open front surface of the machine room200, a grill suction port221is formed in the front surface of the left space partitioned by the barrier230, and a grill discharge port222may be formed in the front surface of the right space, respectively.

Accordingly, when the heat dissipation fan611is driven, external air is suctioned and flows into the left space of the machine room200through the grill suction port221, and the suctioned air exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser620while passing through the condenser620. Then, the air passing through the heat dissipation fan611cools the compressor610while passing through the compressor610. Also, the air passing through the compressor610may be discharged forward through the grill discharge port222.

In other words, in a state where the apparatus for cultivating plants1is installed, both the suction of external air and the discharge of the air inside the machine room200are performed from the front while passing through the grill cover220. Accordingly, the apparatus for cultivating plants1can be installed even in a space where the left and right sides and the rear surface are blocked. In particular, even if the apparatus for cultivating plants1is installed in a piece of furniture such as a sink as a built-in, cooling and heat exchange of the compressor610and the condenser620inside the machine room200can be effectively performed.

Meanwhile, the evaporator630constituting the refrigerating cycle600is provided inside the cabinet100, is vertically disposed on the rear surface of the cultivation space101, and can be easily connected by components and refrigerant pipes in the machine room200.

A condensate receiver250is provided in the machine room200. At this time, the condensate receiver250may be provided below the condenser620, and the condensate flowing down from the condenser620may be stored, and water discharged from the cultivation space101may be stored.

Meanwhile, the upper side of the machine room200may be provided with a controller190for controlling the operation of each component of the apparatus for cultivating plants1. For example, the controller190may be provided between the upper surface of the machine room200and the inner bottom surface of the cultivation space101and may be accessible by opening the grill cover220. Therefore, even when the apparatus for cultivating plants1is installed and in use, the controller190can be easily accessed, and maintenance can be facilitated.

FIG.7is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the blower assembly of the apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front,FIG.8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the blower assembly is viewed from the rear, andFIG.9is an enlarged view illustrating “A” ofFIG.4.

As illustrated in the drawing, the evaporator630may be provided on the rear wall surface of the cultivation space101, and the blower assembly500may be provided in front of the evaporator630.

The blower assembly500is configured to circulate air above the cultivation space101partitioned by the bed300. Accordingly, the blower assembly500is provided in a number corresponding to the number of the beds300and is provided at the lower end of the light assembly400and at an upper portion adjacent to the bed300.

The blower assembly500may include a blower fan520, a fan guide510to which the blower fan520is mounted, and a blower cover530shielding the fan guide510and the evaporator630.

In detail, the blower fan520is formed in the shape of a box fan and may be provided in the center of the fan guide510. In addition, the blower fan520may discharge the air flowing thereinto from the rear to the front of the blower assembly500.

The fan guide510provides a space in which the blower fan520is mounted and is configured to guide the discharge of air discharged by the blower fan520. The fan guide510is injection-molded with a plastic material, and the blower fan520may be mounted in the center of the rear surface of the fan guide510.

Meanwhile, an air guide512is formed on the front surface of the fan guide510to guide air discharged from the blower fan520upward. The air guide512may be provided on both sides in the left and right direction with respect to the center of the blower fan520and may be configured to become wider toward the upper side. Accordingly, the air discharged by the blower fan520flows along the inclined surface and may become closer to the discharge port formed at the upper end of the fan guide510toward the outside.

A discharge guide513may be formed on the front upper end of the fan guide510. The discharge guide513forms a surface that protrudes forward from the lower side to the upper side. In other words, the discharge guide513forms an inclined surface or a round surface, and guides the air flowing from the lower side to the upper side toward the front. At this time, since the end portion of the discharge guide513is adjacent to the lower surface of the light assembly400, the air discharged from the blower assembly500can flow from rear end to the front side of the lower surface of the light assembly400by the discharge guide513. The light assembly400can be cooled when the light assembly400is heated by such an air flow.

A connector hole514may be formed at one side of the fan guide510. The connector hole514is formed to be opened at a position corresponding to the connector124amounted on the rear wall surface of the cultivation space101. Therefore, when the blower assembly500is mounted, the connector124ais inserted into the connector hole514so as not to interfere with each other. In addition, the electric wire connected to the blower fan520may be connected to the connector124aexposed through the connector hole514.

Blower brackets550that are inserted into and mounted on the blower assembly mount415may be provided on both sides of the upper surface of the fan guide510in the left and right direction. One end of the blower bracket550may be coupled to the upper surface of the fan guide510, and the other end thereof may be mounted to a blower assembly mount415formed at the rear end of the lower surface of the light assembly400. Accordingly, the light assembly400and the blower assembly500may be coupled to each other in a vertically intersecting form. In addition, the blower assembly500may discharge air from the rear end of the light assembly400toward the front.

In addition, an inlet guide511may be formed on a lower surface of the fan guide510. The inlet guide511may be inclined upward toward the rear and may guide air suctioned in from the lower side of the fan guide510to smoothly flow to the rear of the fan guide510.

In addition, recessed spaces are formed in the front and rear surfaces of the fan guide510, and a front insulating material541and a rear insulating material542may be disposed inside the recessed space, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cold air generated in the evaporator630from being transmitted to the front directly through the blower assembly500.

Meanwhile, the blower cover530may shield the fan guide510and components mounted on the fan guide510in front of the fan guide510. In addition, the blower cover530is extended to a position adjacent to the upper end of the bed300to be capable of preventing the evaporator630and the rear wall surface of the inner case120from being exposed in a case where the blower assembly500is mounted.

In addition, the blower cover530and the bed300may be slightly spaced apart to each other, and the air flowing into the rear along the bed300through between the lower end of the blower cover530and the upper surface of the bed300may be suctioned to face the blower fan520.

At this time, in order to prevent the evaporator630from being exposed to the cultivation space101through the gap between the blower cover530and the bed300, a shielding plate560can be further provided in a corresponding area of the evaporator630.

The blower cover530may form the outer appearance of the rear wall surface of the cultivation space101.

The blower cover530may be formed of the same metal material as the inner case120and may be formed by bending a plate-shaped material. The blower cover530may include a front portion531and a side portion532.

The front portion531may be exposed through the cultivation space101and may be formed to correspond to a horizontal length of the cultivation space101. In addition, the upper end of the front portion531may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the fan guide510and the upper end of the light assembly400, and serves as an outlet through which the air substantially discharged by the blower fan520is discharged into the cultivation space101. The lower end of the front portion531may extend further downward than the lower end of the fan guide510and may be positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the bed300, and serves as a suction port in which air suctioned substantially toward the blower fan520flows.

In other words, by the blower cover530, the rear components are shielded and the rear outer appearance of the cultivation space101is formed, and at the same time, the blower cover may serve as a suction port for air flowing along the bed300and a discharge port for air discharged along the light assembly400so that air circulates in the cultivation space101. In particular, the structure of the blower assembly500may allow air to flow along the bed300and the light assembly400, and while flowing along the rear of the fan guide510, the evaporator630or the air cooled or heated by the heater continuously circulates inside the cultivation space101, so that the temperature of the cultivation space101can be adjusted. Through this continuous circulation of air, the cultivation space101maintains a constant temperature as a whole, and the inside of the cultivation space can be in an optimal state, such as providing airflow for plants to grow inside the bed300.

The side portion532may be bent backward at both ends of the front portion531and may be coupled to both side surfaces of the fan guide510. The side portion532may have a coupling structure corresponding to the side surface of the fan guide510and may be coupled to each other by the elasticity of the side portion532itself without fastening a separate coupling member.

FIG.10is an exploded perspective view illustrating a light assembly of an apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.11is a perspective view illustrating a light case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.12is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a light case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawing, the light assembly400may have a size corresponding to the upper surface of the cultivation space101or the bed300. Therefore, light can be evenly irradiated to the entire area of the bed300disposed below.

The light assembly400may include a light case410which has an open lower surface and in which the LED module420can be accommodated, and a cover plate460for shielding the opened upper surface of the light case410.

The light case410may include a bottom surface411formed in a rectangular plate shape, and a case edge412extending upward along the circumference. Meanwhile, the front surface412aof the case edge412may be inclined to minimize exposure of the light assembly400when the user opens the door130.

A module mount413may be formed in the front half portion facing forward and the rear half portion facing rearward based on the center of the bottom surface411of the light case410. The module mount413is a part on which the LED module420is mounted and may be configured to mount a plurality of LED modules420. When the LED module420is configured as one, there is a problem that the entire LED module420has to be replaced when an abnormality occurs in the LED module420, and in a case where the number of the LED modules420is too large, there is a problem in that mounting and assembly of the LED modules are difficult and the disposition of electric wires connected to the LED module420is not easy. Accordingly, the LED module420is composed of two and disposed in the front and rear direction, and a space in which a temperature sensor mount415and a residual water detection device mount414for disposing a temperature sensor450and a residual water detection sensor440can be secured between the LED modules420.

Meanwhile, since the bed300is not provided on the upper light assembly400bof the light assembly400mounted on the upper surface of the cultivation space101, the residual water detection sensor440may not be provided. The residual water detection device mount414may be formed in both the upper light assembly400band the lower light assembly400a, but the residual water detection sensor440is provided only in the lower light assembly400aand thus can be detected whether there is residual water on the upper bed300b.

The module mount413may be defined by a mount edge413a. The mount edge413aprotrudes upward along the circumference of the LED module420, and thus a space in which the LED module420is accommodated by the mount edge413amay be formed. The mount edge413ahas a protruding shape when viewed from above, and has a recessed shape when viewed from below, so that the light cover430to be described below can be mounted thereon.

A light groove413bmay be formed inside the module mount413. The light groove413bis formed along the disposition of the LEDs422provided in the LED module420, extends from the left end to the right end inside the module mount413, and can be disposed continuously in the front and rear direction.

The light groove413bmay have a protruding shape when viewed from above and have a recessed shape when viewed from below. In addition, a plurality of LED holes413cmay be formed along the protruding center of the light groove413. The LED holes413cmay be formed at corresponding positions to the plurality of LEDs422, respectively. In addition, both sides of the light groove413bare inclined or rounded around the LED hole413cso that the light irradiated from the LED422can be reflected through the light groove413band irradiated downward. In addition, the inner surface of the light groove413bmay be surface-treated or coated to more effectively reflect light. An inner surface of the light groove413bis defined as one surface facing the cultivation space101.

The LED module420may be configured such that a plurality of LEDs422are mounted on a substrate421. The substrate421may be formed to have a size corresponding to that of the module mount413, and thus may be fixed inside the mount edge413a.

In addition, a plurality of the LEDs422may be continuously disposed at regular intervals on the substrate421. In this case, the LED422may be disposed at a position corresponding to the LED hole413c. The LED422may be configured to have a light quantity (wavelength) similar to sunlight and may be configured to irradiate light of a color capable of promoting photosynthesis of plants.

In addition, a cover sheet423may be provided above the LED module420. The cover sheet423is to prevent moisture penetration into the substrate421or contamination damage thereof and may be formed in a size capable of completely shielding the substrate421from above. The cover sheet423may be formed of a dielectric material, and may be formed of an insulating material to prevent heat from penetrating upward during the operation of the LED422.

Meanwhile, an electric wire guide417for guiding electric wires connected to the LED module420may be formed inside the light case410. The electric wire guide417is positioned on one of both sides of the light case410in the left and right direction and may be disposed in the front and rear direction along the space between the module mount413and the edge412. Accordingly, the electric wire connected to the LED module420may be guided to the rear end of the light case410and the electric wire may be connected to the connector124aon the rear surface of the cultivation space101.

In addition, blower assembly mounts415in which the blower assembly500can be mounted may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the light case410. The blower assembly mount415may be formed by recessing the lower surface of the light case410so that the blower brackets550provided on both upper sides of the blower assembly500can be inserted.

The cover plate460may have a size corresponding to the size of the light case410and is formed in a plate shape to shield the opened upper surface of the light case410. Boss holes462corresponding to mounting bosses416formed at four corners of the light case410may be formed in the cover plate460. In addition, the screw fastened below the mounting boss416may pass through the boss hole462to be fastened to the surface on which the light assembly400is mounted.

In addition, a sensor hole461may be formed at a position corresponding to the residual water detection sensor440in the cover plate460. Therefore, the residual water detection device provided with the residual water detection sensor440may be exposed upwards of the cover plate460and contact the lower surface of the bed300disposed above to detect residual water inside the bed300. Of course, since the bed300is not disposed above the uppermost light assembly400bamong the light assemblies400, the residual water detection device and the sensor hole461may be omitted.

A plurality of light assemblies400may be provided in a case where the cultivation space101is partitioned by a multi-stage bed300. In addition, the uppermost light assembly400may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the cultivation space101, and the lower light assembly400may be fixedly mounted adjacent to the lower surface of the bed300at the lower side of the bed300. In this case, the screw fastened for mounting the light assembly400may be fastened through the mounting boss416and the boss hole462.

Meanwhile, a light cover430may be provided on a lower surface of the light case410. The light cover430is mounted on the light case410to form a portion of the lower surface of the light case410, shields the module mount413from below, and can be configured to protect the LED422disposed therein.

The light cover430may be formed of a transparent material to allow light to pass through, and a coating or surface treatment for light diffusion may be added to the light cover430.

A cover edge431bent upward may be formed around the light cover430, and the cover edge431may be inserted into the recessed inside of the mount edge413ato be fixedly mounted.

FIG.13is a perspective view illustrating a water supply module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.14is a cross-sectional view taken along line14-14′ ofFIG.13, andFIG.15is a rear view illustrating a water supply module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawing, the water supply module is for supplying water to the pod10for cultivation of crops, and the water stored in the apparatus for cultivating plants1can be configured to be supplied as much as an appropriate amount at an appropriate time.

In particular, in this embodiment, only water may be supplied through the water supply module, and nutrients may be provided through the pod10. In other words, various nutrients required for a variety of crops can be provided through the pod10, and even if different types of pods10are provided in one bed300, nutrients can be provided from each pod. In addition, water may be supplied from the water supply module, and accordingly, constituents other than water are not stored or flow inside the water supply module, so that contamination is prevented and a clean state can be maintained.

The water supply module may include a water tank700for storing water for water supply, a water pump720for forcibly supplying water from the water tank700, and a pump cover740which forms a mounting space for the water pump720and shields the components including the water pump720. In addition, a water supply valve724may be provided on the pump cover740, and water supply pipes780aand780bfor guiding water to the bed300may be connected to the water supply valve724. In this embodiment, the water supply module may be provided below the lower bed300aof the upper bed300band the lower bed300a.

In detail, the water tank700is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open upper surface so that water supplied to the bed300can be accommodated therein. In addition, the water tank700may be formed to have a width corresponding to the length of the cultivation space101in the horizontal direction. The water tank700may be positioned below the bed300. A lower portion of the bed300in which the water tank700is positioned may be defined as a lower portion of the lower bed300a. The water tank700can be formed to fill the space between the bottom surface of the cultivation space101and the bottom surface of the bed300. A space in which the water tank700can be accommodated may be formed between a lower surface of the cultivation space101and a lower surface of the bed300.

A tank cover713may be provided on the opened upper surface of the water tank700. The tank cover713is for opening and closing the opened upper surface of the water tank700, and a rear end thereof may be rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the water tank700. Accordingly, the user may fill the inside of the water tank700with water after opening the tank cover713.

In addition, tank rails730may be provided on both side surfaces of the water tank700in the left and right direction. The tank rail730is for introduction/withdrawal of the water tank700and may have a sliding introduction/withdrawal structure. In addition, one end of the tank rail730is fixed to the side surface of the water tank700, and the other end thereof is fixed to both sides of the inner case120to guide the introduction/withdrawal of the water tank700.

Meanwhile, the water tank700may be positioned at a position corresponding to the front surface of the bed300in the introduction state. In addition, a tank handle711may be provided on the front surface of the water tank700, and the user may withdraw the water tank700by holding the tank handle711and pulling the tank handle711forward.

The water tank700may be withdrawn as much as a distance at which the tank cover713may be completely exposed, and in a state where the water tank700is withdrawn, the tank cover713is opened to be capable of being filled with water in the water tank700.

A connection pipe760may be formed in the water tank700. The connection pipe760may be configured such that water from the water tank700is supplied to the water pump720in a state where the water tank700is introduced. In addition, the connection pipe760may be configured to be selectively connected to the pipe connection portion721formed on the pump cover740according to the introduction/withdrawal of the water tank700.

In detail, the connection pipe760may be provided in the tank cover713, may be positioned in the center of the tank cover713in the left and right direction and may be provided at the rear end. Accordingly, even when the tank cover713is rotated for opening and closing, the connection pipe760may be configured not to interfere with the water tank700.

The connecting pipe760may include a vertical pipe761extending downward from the lower surface of the tank cover713and a horizontal pipe762extending rearward from the upper end of the vertical pipe761. The vertical pipe761may extend downward from the tank cover713, wherein the vertical pipe761may extend to a position adjacent to the bottom surface of the tank cover713. Accordingly, the water stored in the water tank700may flow upward along the vertical pipe761.

In addition, the horizontal pipe762may be connected to the upper end of the vertical pipe761and may extend rearward. The horizontal pipe762may protrude further rearward than the rear surface of the water tank700and may extend rearward at a position corresponding to the pipe connection portion721. The horizontal pipe762may be inserted into the pipe connection portion721in a state where the water tank700is fully introduced, and the water flowing upward through the vertical pipe761can be guided to be supplied to the pipe connection portion721.

The horizontal pipe762can be completely separated from the pipe connection portion721in a case where the water tank700is withdrawn, and even if the tank cover713is rotated, the horizontal pipe762can be configured not to interfere with the pipe connection portion721. In addition, when the rear surface of the tank cover713corresponding to the horizontal tube762is partially recessed and the horizontal tube762is rotated together by the rotation of the tank cover713, the horizontal tube762can be prevented from interfering with the rear surface of the tank cover713.

Meanwhile, a pump cover740may be provided at the rear of the water tank700. Both ends of the pump cover740may be coupled to both sides of the cultivation space101in the left and right direction, and a front surface and an upper surface may be formed to shield the space behind the water tank700. The bottom surface of the cultivation space101in which the pump cover740is provided is formed so that the rear half portion is stepped due to the height of the compressor610, and the pump cover740may be disposed in front of the stepped portion. In addition, the water tank700is positioned in front of the pump cover740. In this case, the upper surface of the water tank700, the upper surface of the pump cover740, and the bottom surface of the cultivation space101above the compressor610may have the same height, and can be shielded by the bed300.

In addition, the pump cover740may include a pipe connection portion721, a water pump720, and a water supply valve724.

In detail, the opened front surface of the pipe connection portion721connected to the connection pipe760may be exposed on one front side of the pump cover740. The front surface of the pipe connection portion721may be formed at a position corresponding to the rear end of the connection pipe760. Accordingly, when the water tank700is introduced, the rear end of the connection pipe760may be inserted into the pipe connection portion721.

In addition, a water pump720may be provided on the rear surface of the pump cover740. The water pump720forces the water of the water tank700to flow toward the bed300, and the inlet of the water pump720is connected to the pipe connection portion721and the outlet722thereof may be connected to a pipe723connected to the water supply valve724.

The water supply valve724is opened when the water pump720is driven so that water can be supplied toward the bed300. A plurality of water supply valves724may be provided according to the number of beds300, and one water supply valve724may be branched to supply water to each of the plurality of beds300.

In this embodiment, the input side733of the water supply valve724is connected to the outlet722of the water pump720by the pipe723, and the output side of the water supply valve724is branched so that the upper fitting724band a lower fitting724amay be formed. In addition, an upper water supply pipe780band a lower water supply pipe780aare connected to the upper fitting724band the lower fitting724a, respectively, so that a structure through which independent water supply to the upper bed300band the lower bed300ais possible may be provided. Accordingly, different water supply environments may be created in the upper bed300band the lower bed300a, and an appropriate amount of water may be supplied to each of the upper bed300band the lower bed300a.

Accordingly, the connection pipe760and the pipe connection portion721, the water pump720, the water supply valve724, and the water supply pipe are sequentially connected, and the water in the water tank700by the operation of the water pump720may be supplied to the bed300through the water pump720and the water supply valve724.

Meanwhile, a water level detection device750may be provided on the front surface of the pump cover740. The water level detection device750is for detecting the water level of the water tank700and may include a capacitance sensor. In addition, the water level detection device750may be formed to protrude forward, and may be configured to be in close contact with the rear surface of the water tank700in a state where the water tank700is introduced. In a case where the water level of the water tank700is equal to or lower than the set water level by the water level detection device750, the controller190may output through the display assembly800that there is no water in the water tank700so that the user can fill the water tank700with water.

A tank switch741may be provided on the front surface of the pump cover740. The tank switch741may protrude toward the water tank700and may be configured to be pressed in contact with the rear surface of the water tank700in a state where the water tank700is fully introduced.

Accordingly, the tank switch741may detect whether a state where the water tank700is normally mounted and water supply is possible, and transmit it to the controller190. When the mounting signal of the water tank700is not input by the tank switch741, the water pump720may not be operated. In addition, the non-mounting information of the water tank700may be displayed on the display assembly800so that the user can recognize it. In addition, by maintaining the water tank700in a fully retracted state, the water level detection performance of the water tank700through the water level detection device750may be guaranteed.

Meanwhile, a residual water detection device770may be provided on the upper surface of the pump cover740. The residual water detection device770is for determining whether water supplied to the lower bed300aremains, and in order to distinguish the residual water detection device from the upper residual water detection device provided in the lower light assembly400a, the residual water detection device770may be referred to as a lower residual water detection device770. The upper residual water detection device and the lower residual water detection device770may have the same structure with only a difference in their mounting positions. The upper residual water detection device is defined as a residual water detection device provided with a residual water detection sensor440provided in the lower light assembly400a.

In other words, the residual water detection device770may include a residual water detection sensor440capable of detecting moisture. For example, the residual water detection sensor440may use a capacitive sensor. The residual water detection device770may be configured to accurately detect whether water is present in the bed300by protruding upward to bring the residual water detection sensor440close to the lower surface of the bed300. In order to more accurately detect whether the water remains in the bed300, a detection portion323may protrude from the bed300, and the residual water detection device770may have a structure in close contact with the detection portion323.

FIG.16is a perspective view illustrating a state where a portion of an outer case of the cabinet is removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating a disposition of a water supply flow path of an apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.18is an enlarged view illustrating “B” ofFIG.5.

As illustrated in the drawing, the pipe connection portion721and the inlet of the water pump720may be connected to each other inside the pump cover740. An outlet of the water pump720may be connected to an input side of the water supply valve724by the pipe723. In addition, a water supply flow path780for supplying water to the bed300may be connected to the output side of the water supply valve724.

When the pump cover740is mounted, components for supplying water may be shielded. In addition, a discharge fan180may be provided under the pump cover740. The discharge fan180allows the air in the cultivation space101to be discharged to the outside via the machine room200. The discharge fan180can be shielded by the pump cover740to prevent external exposure and may be provided on the lower surface of the cultivation space101adjacent to the machine room200so that exhaust can be made more smoothly.

Meanwhile, the pump cover740may shield the lower end of the pipe guide121arecessed in the side surface of the inner case120. The pipe guide121amay be formed on the side plate121forming both side surfaces of the cultivation space101of the inner case120. The pipe guide121amay be formed to be recessed outwardly so that the water supply flow path780can be accommodated therein. For example, an opening121bis formed in the side plate121, and the pipe guide121aformed in a shape corresponding to the outside of the opening121balong the opening121bmay be coupled to each other. The inner case120may be formed of a metal material, and the pipe guide121amay also be formed of the same material as the inner case120. In addition, the outer surface of the pipe guide121amay be embedded in the insulating material102between the outer case110and the inner case120.

The pipe guide121amay be formed in a size that can accommodate the water supply flow path780, that is, the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780a, and the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780amay be disposed along the pipe guide121aand extend to rear ends of the upper bed300band the lower bed300a, respectively.

Since the pipe guide121ais recessed from the inside to the outside of the cultivation space101, interference by components disposed inside the cultivation space101may be prevented. In particular, it is possible to have a disposition structure that does not interfere with the beds300that are disposed to be capable of being introduced or withdrawn. In addition, it is possible to prevent the volume of the cultivation space101from being reduced.

In detail, the pipe guide portion121amay include a first vertical portion121cextending upward from the space shielded by the pump cover740, a first horizontal portion121dguided rearward from the first vertical portion121c, and a second vertical portion121eextending upward from the rear end of the first horizontal portion121d.

Meanwhile, the lower surface of the cultivation space101may be formed by the lower surface plate123of the inner case120, and the rear end of the lower surface plate123may have a stepped portion123ato prevent interference with the compressor610. In addition, the first vertical portion121cand the first horizontal portion121dmay extend along the front surface and the upper surface of the stepped portion123a, and the second vertical portion121emay be formed to extend upward along the rear surface of the cultivation space101.

The first vertical portion121ccommunicates with the space shielded by the pump cover740and may serve as a passage in which the water supply flow path780connected to the water supply valve724may be introduced. In addition, the first horizontal portion121dmay be positioned on the side of the lower bed300amounted in the cultivation space101and may be covered by the lower bed300aso as not to be exposed to the outside.

The second vertical portion121emay extend upward along the rear end of the side plate121and extend somewhat higher than the upper end of the upper bed300bto be capable of supplying water to the upper bed300bthrough the water supply flow path780.

In addition, the second vertical portion121emay be disposed on the side of the blower assembly500and may be configured to be covered by the blower assembly500. In addition, the second vertical portion121emay further include a guide cover formed in a plate shape to shield the second vertical portion121e. The guide cover may not only shield the second vertical part121e, but also fix the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780ato maintain a set position.

Hereinafter, the disposition of the water supply pipe780will be described in more detail. The upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780arespectively connected to the water supply valve724may be disposed along the pipe guide121a. The upper water supply pipe780bmay extend above the upper bed300b, and the lower water supply pipe780amay extend above the lower bed300a. The upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780aare independently disposed, and water necessary for plant growth can be independently supplied to the upper bed300band the lower bed300a.

In addition, the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780acan be guided to the position of the rear wall surface of the cultivation space101, that is, the rear plate124along the pipe guide121arecessed in the side wall of the cultivation space101.

The upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780aare positioned in the corner regions of the rear surface and the side surface of the cultivation space101. Accordingly, the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780amay extend upward in a corner region where the rear plate124and the side plate121are adjacent to each other. In other words, the water supply pipes780aand780bare guided along the inner side of the cultivation space101to facilitate disposition and extend upward along the corner region of the cultivation space101to minimize interference with internal components.

In particular, the water supply pipes are disposed at a position separated to the side of the evaporator so as not to interfere with the evaporator630mounted on the front surface of the rear plate124and prevent water flowing along the water supply pipes780aand780bfrom freezing by the cold air of the evaporator or the temperature of the water from being excessively lowered. In addition, the water supply pipes have a structure that prevents interference with the internal components of the cabinet100such as the evaporator630and facilitates disposition work.

The upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780ahave a structure of extending upward to pass through the water supply portions310of the upper bed300band the lower bed300a, respectively, and then being bent toward the water supply portion310again. In this case, the positions of the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780amay be fixed by water supply pipe mount formed on the guide cover790, respectively.

In other words, the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780aare configured to extend from above the bed300to the inside of the cultivation space101so that the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780ado not interfere at all even when the bed300is introduced or withdrawn. In addition, in a state where the bed300is fully introduced, the outlets of the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780aare positioned in the central portion of the water supply portion310, so that water supply to the upper bed300band the lower bed300acan be smoothly performed.

Meanwhile, a portion of the recessed space of the pipe guide121amay be shielded by the guide cover790. In addition, the guide cover790, the upper water supply pipe780b, and the lower water supply pipe780aexposed to the cultivation space101may be shielded by the blower assembly500.

In other words, the water supply portion310may be positioned further rearward than the front area of the blower assembly500, and in particular, a portion of the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780aprotruding into the cultivation space101may also be positioned further rearward than the front area of the blower assembly500. In particular, the protruding portions of the upper water supply pipe780band the lower water supply pipe780amay be positioned in a space below the fan guide510and are positioned behind the blower cover530and thus can be covered without being interfered by the blower assembly500.

Due to this structure, when the user opens the door130and looks at the cultivation space101, the end portion of the upper water supply pipe780band the end portion of the lower water supply pipe780a, which supply water to the upper bed300band the lower bed300amay not be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the inside of the cultivation space101can be seen more clearly, and a cleaner image can be provided.

Hereinafter, the structure of the bed300will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Even if a plurality of the beds300are provided, only one bed300will be described because a plurality of the beds300all have the same structure except for a different mounting position.

FIG.19is a perspective view illustrating a state where the bed of the apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is withdrawn,FIG.20is a perspective view illustrating a disposition relationship between a bed and a water supply flow path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.21is a plan view illustrating a bed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.22is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a bed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawings, the bed300may be formed in a rectangular plate shape that partitions the cultivation space101, and can be mounted to be introduced into/withdrawn from the cultivation space by the bed rail device140mounted on both sides of the cultivation space101.

The bed rail device140may include a slidably extending bed rail142and a rail bracket141capable of fixing the bed rail142to both sides of the cultivation space101. The bed rail142may have a structure extending in multiple stages and may connect between both side surfaces of the bed300in the left and right direction and the rail bracket141.

The bed300may form a structure which is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole to provide a space in which a plurality of pods10are disposed and in which water supplied can be stored. In addition, the bed300may be formed of a plastic material to form a structure for guiding the flow of supplied water.

A bed flange301extending outwardly is formed around the bed300. A bed tray350to be described below may be seated on the bed flange301. In addition, the inner area of the bed flange301becomes an area in which the pod10can be disposed.

A recessed portion302is formed inside the bed flange301, and the bed tray350may be seated in the recessed portion302. The recessed portion302may be formed to accommodate the entire plurality of pod seating portions352formed in the bed tray350. In addition, when the bed tray350is mounted, the upper surface of the bed300and the lower surface of the bed tray350may be in contact with each other and overlapped.

A water supply portion310may be formed at the rear end of the bed300. The water supply portion310may be positioned at one end of both sides in the left and right direction and may be formed to protrude rearward from the rear end of the bed300. In other words, the water supply portion310may be positioned vertically below the end portions of the water supply pipes780aand780bprotruding from the side surface of the cultivation space101.

The water supply portion310may be formed in a shape in which an upper surface is opened and a lower surface is recessed. The circumference of the water supply portion310protrudes to a predetermined height to prevent water supplied from the water supply pipes780aand780bfrom splashing or overflowing.

A water collection portion320in which water supplied through the water supply portion310is stored may be formed in the bed300. The water collection portion320may be further recessed downward from the recessed portion302. In addition, a water guide330may be recessed between the water supply portion310and the water collection portion320. The water guide portion330may be further recessed downward from the recessed portion302. In other words, the water guide330may connect the water supply portion310and the water collection portion320, and the water supplied to the water supply portion310may be supplied to the water collection portion320along the water guide330.

The water supply portion310is positioned higher than the water collection portion320, and water from the water supply portion310may naturally flow into the water collection portion320. In addition, the water guide330may be formed to have an inclination that gradually decreases from the water supply portion310toward the water collection portion320. Accordingly, when water is supplied to the water supply portion310, water may be naturally supplied to the water collection portion320along the water guide330.

Meanwhile, guide walls331may be further formed on both sides of the water guide330to form the water guide330. The guide wall331may extend from the water supply portion310to the water collection portion320, and a pair of the guide wall may be spaced apart from each other to form both side surfaces of the water guide330. In addition, the guide wall331may be formed to have a height corresponding to the height of the bed flange301to support the bed tray350from below.

The water guided from the water supply portion310to the water collection portion320by the water guide330may be directed toward the water collection portion320without overflowing to the outside. In particular, the bottom surface of the water guide330may be inclined at a height higher than that of the water collection portion320by the guide wall331extending upward. In addition, even in a situation where the height difference between the water supply portion310and the water collection portion320is not large, the water supplied to the water supply portion310does not overflow and can be directed to the water collection portion320, and can provide a path with sufficient space to be guided smoothly. In other words, it provides a structure in which the water of the water supply portion310can be stably supplied without excessively deepening the recessed depth of the water collection portion320, thereby increase in the thickness of the bed300in the upper and lower direction can be prevented, and thereby the bed300can have a slim structure.

In addition, the guide wall331and the water guide330may extend between a pair of pod seating portions352recessed in the bed tray350. Accordingly, the guide wall331can be prevented from interfering when the bed tray350is seated, and a space for water supply can be secured through the space between the adjacent pod seating portions352.

Meanwhile, in the central area of the bed300, a water collection portion320for storing water supplied to the pod10may be recessed. The water collection portion320is more recessed than the bottom surface of the recessed portion302formed around the water collection portion320so that water supplied to the water supply portion310is existed only in the water collection portion320area in a state of being stored.

In detail, the water collection portion320is positioned in the center of the bed300and may extend from the left end to the right end of the bed300. In addition, the water collection portion320may be formed to have a predetermined width in the front and rear direction so that all of the seating portion openings351aformed in the bed tray350can be accommodated.

In addition, a bed protrusion340protruding upward may be formed in the central portion of the bed300. A height of the bed protrusion340may be the same as or higher than that of the recessed portion302. The bed protrusion340may be positioned in the center of the water collection portion320. Accordingly, the water collection portion320may have a closed loop shape, and water flowing thereinto through the water guide330may flow along the inside of the closed loop shape of water collection portion320. In addition, in the area of the water collection portion320, a portion positioned in front of the bed protrusion340may be referred to as a front water collection portion321, and a portion positioned at the rear of the bed protrusion340may be referred to as a rear side a water collection portion322.

In addition, a distance between the outer end of the water collection portion320and the bed protrusion340may be greater than the width of the seating portion opening351ain the front and rear direction. Accordingly, when the bed tray350is seated, the seating portion opening351amay be disposed along the water collection portion320.

The widths of a front-side water collection portion321and a rear-side water collection portion322in the front and rear direction in which the seating portion opening351ais positioned may be the same as or slightly larger than the width of the pod seating portion352in the front and rear direction and there is a structure in which an appropriate amount of water required for water supply to the pod10can be effectively supplied to the pod10. In addition, unnecessary water is prevented from remaining in the water collection portion320for a long time to prevent contamination of the bed300and to always maintain the bed in a clean state.

Meanwhile, a detection portion323may be formed in an inner area of the water collection portion320. The detection portion323may be formed at a position corresponding to the residual water detection device440,770positioned below. Accordingly, in a state where the bed300is fully introduced, the residual water detection device440,770may have a structure capable of being in close contact with the detection portion323.

In this case, the detection portion323may have a shape that protrudes when viewed from above and is recessed when viewed from below. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the residual water detection device440,770from interfering with the detection portion323in the process of introducing and withdrawing the bed300, thereby preventing the generation of an obstacle in introducing and withdrawing the bed300. The detection portion323may be positioned on the same line as the bottom surface of the water collection portion320.

In addition, due to the structure of the protruding detection portion323, water supplied to the detection portion323does not accumulate, and it is possible to accurately determine whether additional water supply is needed to the water collection portion320.

A bed handle361may be formed on the front surface of the bed300. The bed handle361may have a structure in which a lower surface is recessed so that a user can hold the bed handle at the time of introduction and withdrawal of the bed300. In addition, the front surface of the bed handle361may be formed of the same material as the tank handle711or may be formed of a material of the same texture to have a sense of unity.

Meanwhile, the bed tray350is seated on the upper surface of the bed300and may form an outer appearance of an upper surface of the bed300. The bed tray350may be formed of a metal material such as stainless to keep the outer appearance neat and hygienically managed.

The bed tray350is formed in a size capable of shielding the upper surface of the bed300and may be formed in a plate shape. Accordingly, in a state where the bed tray350is mounted on the bed300, the upper surface of the bed300is formed.

In addition, a plurality of pod seating portions352on which the pods10are seated may be formed in the bed tray350. The pod seating portion352is recessed in a shape corresponding to the pod10so that the pod10can be seated, and a plurality of pod seating portions352may be sequentially disposed. Accordingly, a plurality of the pods10may be disposed on the bed tray350.

A plurality of the pod seating portions352may be disposed in the front half portion and the rear half portion based on the center and may be formed in the same size. In addition, a seating portion opening351amay be formed in the pod seating portion352. The seating portion opening351aallows the pod protrusion16protruding from the lower surface of the pod10to pass through, and allows the pod protrusion16to be in contact with the water inside the water collection portion320.

The seating portion opening351amay be formed for each of the pod seating portions352. In addition, the seating portion openings351arespectively formed in the plurality of pod seating portions352may be disposed along an area corresponding to the water collection portion320.

In detail, when the bed tray350is seated on the bed300, the seating portion opening351ais positioned on the water collection portion320so that water stored in the water collection portion320can be supplied to the pod10through the seating portion opening351a.

In this embodiment, the water collection portion320is disposed in the horizontal direction in the center of the bed300, so that the seating portion openings351amay be also formed in a position close to the center side of the bed tray350to be positioned on the upper side corresponding to the inside of the water collection portion320. In more detail, all of the seating portion openings351aformed in the pod seating portion352disposed in front of the bed300are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the pod seating portion352, and all the seating portion openings351aformed in the pod seating portion352disposed at the rear of the bed300may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the pod seating portion352. In other words, the seating portion openings351amay be continuously disposed along the inner area of the water collection portion320.

Hereinafter, the structure of the pod10and the structure in which the water of the water collection portion320is supplied to the pod10will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.23is a perspective view illustrating a pod according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.24is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.25is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.26is an enlarged view illustrating “C” ofFIG.4.

As illustrated, the pod10according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured by types of plants that can be cultivated with the apparatus for cultivating plants1. Of course, each of the pods10composed of several types of plants may all have the same size and may have a size set to be accommodated in the pod seating portion352. Accordingly, the user can select a pod10of a plant desired to be cultivated and seat the pod at a desired position on the bed300to start cultivation.

In detail, the pod10may have an outer shape formed by a container opened upward. The pod10may be formed in a shape that can be placed on the pod seating portion352. For example, the pod10may be formed in a polygonal shape with an open top surface. A bottom surface of the pod10may be supported by the pod seating portion352. The side surface of the pod10may be formed to extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the pod10. A space in which the medium11can be accommodated may be formed by the side and bottom surfaces of the pod10. At the end portion of the pod10, a bent portion bent from top to bottom is formed to perform a handle function. The bent portion may be referred to as a flange portion. The flange portion may be first bent from the upper side to the side and then secondarily bent from the side to the lower side. The first bent flange portion may be defined as the upper surface of the pod10. When the pod10is seated on the pod seating portion352, the flange portion of the pod10may minimize the area where the water collection portion320of the bed300is exposed to the outside. The flange portion may improve the durability of the end portion of the pod10.

The medium11may be filled in the pod10. The medium11may be provided as an inorganic material. In the present disclosure, it is described that the medium11is provided with inorganic vermiculite (hereinafter, the medium is referred to as vermiculite). The vermiculite11is made of a kind of brick by pressing after processing an inorganic ore into a powder state. When the medium11is provided as top soil containing organic material, or the like, there is a problem in that a larger amount of mold is generated in the medium11by the bacteria contained in the top soil or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the medium11is composed of an inorganic material, so that mold that may be generated in the medium11can be minimized.

Since the vermiculite11has fine pores capable of embracing moisture therein, the vermiculite has excellent water retention properties for maintaining moisture for a long time. Due to the shape of the vermiculite11expanded during the manufacturing process, a gap is formed between the different vermiculites11, and air can pass through the gap, so that air permeability is excellent. Since the vermiculite11is heated to a high temperature during the manufacturing process and expanded, the vermiculite may be provided in an aseptic state.

In other words, since the vermiculite11has air permeability and water retention properties, it is possible to prevent mold or green algae from being generated in the pod10. In addition, since the seeds are grown on the vermiculite11provided in an aseptic state, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold or green algae that may be generated in the pod10.

The vermiculite11may contain a nutrient solution material (not illustrated). The nutrient solution material is a material containing nutrients that are supplied so that plants can grow better. The nutrient solution material is dissolved in water, and the water in which the nutrient solution material is dissolved may be defined as a nutrient solution. For example, the nutrient solution material may be provided in the form of a water-soluble capsule that is gradually soluble in water, and may be configured to be contained in the supply water while gradually dissolving when the supply water is supplied. The nutrient solution material may be disposed on one or more of the upper portion, the middle portion, and the lower portion of the vermiculite11filled in the pod10. The nutrient solution material may be supplied to the plant while gradually dissolving in the supply water while the supply water flows from the lower portion to the upper portion of the vermiculite11.

For example, when the nutrient solution material is positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the vermiculite11, the nutrient solution material may be uniformly dissolved in the supply water and supplied to the plant. When the nutrient solution material is positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the vermiculite11, it can be relatively slowly dissolved in the supply water than the nutrient solution material adjacent to the lower portion of the vermiculite11and supplied to the plant. The disposition position of the nutrient solution material may be changed according to the characteristics and functions of the nutrient solution material.

A plurality of seeds S may be disposed in the vermiculite11to have a predetermined arrangement. The seed S may be positioned inside the vermiculite11. The seed S may be grown by the supply water supplied from the bed300and the nutrient solution material dissolved in the supply water. A seed fixing guide for preventing the plurality of seeds S from moving inside the vermiculite11may be further disposed inside the vermiculite11. The seed S may be positioned inside the vermiculite11, but may be placed on the upper surface of the vermiculite11.

The upper surface of the pod10is covered with a protective paper15to protect the inside thereof. In particular, a packing member14is further provided between the upper surface of the vermiculite11and the protective paper15to protect the vermiculite11from the external environment. In addition, the type of plant to be cultivated may be printed on one surface of the protective paper15to provide information about the pod10to the user. The packing member14is seated on the upper surface of the vermiculite11and is in close contact with the side surface of the pod10to prevent movement of the vermiculite11. At least one of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be provided to the pod10. For example, when the protective paper15is not provided, the type of plant may be printed on the upper surface of the packing member14. In addition, when the packing member14is not provided, the protective paper15may be provided on the upper surface of the vermiculite11.

Meanwhile, a protrusion16protruding downward is formed on the bottom surface of the pod10, and a water-through hole16amay be formed on the bottom surface of the protrusion16. The protrusion16may be formed in a pipe structure with an empty inside while being opened up and down. The water-through hole16amay be formed to have at least one opening.

The vermiculite11is positioned within the protrusion16, and water supplied to the beds300aand300bmay be absorbed by the vermiculite11. The supply water absorbed by the vermiculite11disposed in the protrusion16may be uniformly supplied to the entire area of the vermiculite11disposed in the pod10. In order to prevent the vermiculite11from falling off into the beds300aand300bthrough the water-through hole16a, the water-through hole16amay be configured as a porous portion formed as an opening having a size smaller than that of the vermiculite11.

In the present embodiment, it is described that the vermiculite11is positioned in the protrusion16, but a water absorbing member may be further included in the protrusion16. The vermiculite11may be in contact with the upper surface of the water absorbing member. The water absorbing member may absorb the water supplied to the beds300aand300band deliver the water to the vermiculite11. When the water absorbing member is positioned within the protrusion16, the water absorbing member prevents the vermiculite11from falling into the beds300aand300b, thereby increasing the size of the water-through hole16a.

Hereinafter, a structure in which the water of the water collection portion320is supplied to the pod10will be described.

When the pod10is seated on the pod seating portion352, the pod protrusion16may protrude downward through the seating portion opening351a. At this time, the pod protrusion16is positioned inside the water collection portion320, that is, the front water collection portion321.

When water is supplied to the inside of the water collection portion320in this state, the pod protrusion16can come into contact with the water inside the water collection portion320. In addition, the water of the water collection portion320may flow in through the water-through hole16a, and the water can be absorbed into the inside of the pod10along the vermiculite11positioned inside the pod protrusion16.

Water flowing into the pod10through the pod protrusion16may be evenly spread by the vermiculite11filled in the pod10. The supply water evenly spread to the vermiculite11contains a nutrient solution material, and plants can grow by the supply water and the nutrient solution material.

Hereinafter, an operation of the apparatus for cultivating plants1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having the above structure will be described.

The user selects a plant to be cultivated, removes the protective paper15of the corresponding pod10, and then seats the plant on the bed300. When the pod10is seated on the bed300, a predetermined amount of water stored in the water tank700is supplied to the bed300.

At this time, the amount of water supplied is a set amount and may be slightly less than the amount to be sufficiently supplied to the pod10. Accordingly, the supplied water may be absorbed from the water collection portion320to the pod10, and when a predetermined time elapses, the supplied water is completely absorbed so that no water remains in the water collection portion320.

When the residual water detection device440,770detects that there is no water in the water collection portion320, the residual water detection device742supplies again the predetermined amount of water and again detects that there is no water left in the water collection portion320, the controller90detects the time at this time and thus determines whether the set time has elapsed.

While repeating this process, the predetermined amount of water is continuously supplied and the time taken to be absorbed by the pod10is measured. If the time for which no water remains in the water collection portion320after water supply has elapsed for a set time, it is determined that sufficient water has been supplied and the water supply is stopped for a certain period of time. In addition, when the conditions for supplying water again are satisfied, water-supply is started again.

Accordingly, the water collection portion320does not maintain a state of being accommodated for a long time, and the amount of water required for plant growth can be supplied in a timely manner. In addition, nutrients necessary for plant growth are supplied in the form of a nutrient solution contained in the pod10so that the plants inside the pod10can grow effectively.

Light is irradiated toward the plant growing in the bed300by the operation of the light assembly400. The light assembly400may be turned on and off at an appropriate time period according to the growth state and environment of the plant. In particular, by turning the light assembly400on and off according to the actual amount of sunlight according to the season, it is possible to provide an environment similar to that in which plants inside the apparatus for cultivating plants1grow in an external natural environment.

Plants in the bed300perform photosynthesis by the light provided by the light assembly400, and carbon dioxide necessary for this process may be supplied through the air flowing into the cultivation space. The carbon dioxide may be supplied by external air flowing into the cultivation space101when the door13is opened. In addition, a separate flow path for supplying external air containing carbon dioxide to the cultivation space101may be formed in the cabinet100. Carbon dioxide may be supplied to the cultivation space101by including a flow path through which a portion of the air suctioned into the grill suction port221flows into the cultivation space101. For example, a flow path for supplying the carbon dioxide may be formed below the evaporator630. In addition, a carbon dioxide generator for supplying carbon dioxide to the cultivation space101may be provided inside the cabinet100. However, in order to prevent airborne bacteria contained in the outside air from flowing into the cultivation space101, a sterilizing device for sterilizing the outside air or a filter member for filtering the airborne bacteria may be further included.

In a case where the temperature inside the cultivation space101is too low, the heater is driven, and in a case where the temperature inside the cultivation space101is too high, the refrigeration cycle is driven and the evaporator630performs a cooling action.

Air heated or cooled by the heater or evaporator630is discharged forward through the blower assembly500. At this time, air flows from the rear end of the light assembly400to the front, and the lower surface of the light assembly400is cooled during the air flow process.

Then, the air moved forward is moved downward and then flows from the front end of the bed300to the rear end of the bed300. Stems and leaves of plants grown in the bed300are shaken by the flow of air flowing from the upper surface of the bed300, so that the state of the cultivated plants can be remarkably improved.

The air flowing into the rear end of the bed300passes through again the space in which the evaporator630and the heater are disposed and may be discharged toward the light assembly400by the blower fan520.

The air flowing by the operation of the blower fan520circulates inside the cultivation space101, and continuously air-cools the light assembly400during the circulation process and facilitates the growth of food in the bed300.

In addition, by continuously and uniformly heating and cooling the inside of the cultivation space101through a repeated air circulation process, the entire cultivation space101may maintain a set temperature.

The user can check the state inside the cultivation space101through the door130, and when the plants in the cultivation space101reach a harvestable state, the plants are harvested. In addition, if plant management is necessary before harvest, an appropriate operation is performed, and unnecessary crops may be discarded or the harvested pod10may be separated from the bed300and be removed.

This harvesting and management operation may be performed by a user along the guidance through the display assembly800, or information may be transmitted to a device carried by the user to guide the user's harvesting and management operation.

Hereinafter, the pod10according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG.27is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pod10according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a portion of the pod10according to the first embodiment is deformed. Therefore, the description of the pod10according to the second embodiment may refer to a portion of the description of the pod10according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod10according to the second embodiment partially modified from the pod10according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

As illustrated, the media11and12may be filled inside the pod10according to the second embodiment. The media11and12may be provided with inorganic vermiculite. A seed paper13may be further provided inside the media11and12. The media11and12may include a lower medium11positioned below the seed paper13and an upper medium12positioned above the seed paper13. The lower medium11may be referred to as lower vermiculite, and the upper medium12may be referred to as upper vermiculite.

The seed paper13may be composed of a sheet in which the seeds S are disposed to have a predetermined arrangement. For example, the seed paper13may be provided as a sheet having a starch ingredient. When supply water is supplied in a state where the seed paper13is seated on the upper surface of the lower medium11, the seed paper13melts and disappears, and the seeds S remain in the lower medium11. The upper medium12seated on the upper surface of the seed paper13may perform a function for adjusting moisture and humidity of the soil and preventing mold or green algae generation. Without being limited to this idea, the seed paper13may be placed on the upper surface of the upper medium12.

Meanwhile, the seed paper13does not melt and disappear by the supply water and may perform the function of a support layer for supporting the seeds S between the lower medium11and the upper medium12. In this case, the seed paper13may be provided as a fabric having water retention properties for maintaining moisture supplied by the lower medium11and air permeability for allowing air to pass through.

A first height at which the lower medium11is provided in the pod10may be greater than a second height at which the upper medium12is provided. The first height may be understood as a length from the bottom surface of the pod10to the top surface of the lower medium11. The second height may be understood as a length from the top surface of the seed paper13to the top surface of the upper medium12. The lower medium11may be provided more than the upper medium12in order to maintain the moisture required while the seeds (S) grow for a long time. The upper medium12may be provided less than the lower medium11to adjust moisture and humidity of the seed paper13.

The pod10may further be provided with one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be positioned above the upper medium12.

Meanwhile, one or more of the upper medium12and the lower medium11may contain a nutrient solution material. In this embodiment, it will be described that the nutrient solution material is provided in the lower medium11. When the nutrient solution material is provided in the lower medium11, the nutrient solution material may be included in the supply water while the supply water suctioned into the protrusion16is evenly spread to the lower medium11. The supply water containing the nutrient solution material may be supplied to the seed paper13and the upper medium12.

According to the present disclosure, since the seed paper13for supporting the seeds S is provided between the upper medium12and the lower medium11, in the process of transferring the pods10, it is possible to prevent the disposition position of the seeds S from being changed.

FIG.28is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.29is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.30is a view illustrating a state where water is supplied to the inside of the pod according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, in the pod10according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, plants that can be cultivated by the apparatus for cultivating plants1may be configured by type. Of course, each of the pods10composed of several types of plants all may have the same size and may have a size set to be accommodated in the pod seating portion352. Accordingly, the user can select the pod10of the plant desired to be cultivated and seated at a desired position on the bed300to start cultivation.

In detail, the pod10may have an outer shape formed by a container opened to the top. The pod10may be formed in a shape that can be placed on the pod seating portion352. For example, the pod10may be formed in a polygonal shape with an opened top surface. A bottom surface of the pod10may be supported by the pod seating portion352. The side surface of the pod10may be formed to extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the pod10. A space in which the media11and12can be accommodated may be formed by the side and bottom surfaces of the pod10. At the end portion of the pod10, a bent portion bent from top to bottom is formed to perform a handle function. The bent portion may be referred to as a flange portion. The flange portion may be first bent from the upper side to the side and then secondarily bent from the side to the lower side. The first bent flange portion may be defined as the upper surface of the pod10. When the pod10is seated on the pod seating portion352, the flange portion of the pod10may minimize the area where the water collection portion320of the bed300is exposed to the outside. The flange portion may improve the durability of the end portion of the pod10.

Media11and12may be filled in the pod10. The media11and12may include a first medium11and a second medium12. The first medium11and the second medium12may be disposed in a vertical direction, and the second medium12may be positioned above the first medium11. The first medium11may receive water from the water collection portion320and deliver water to the second medium12. A seed S may be disposed in the second medium12.

The first medium11may be referred to as a lower medium since the first medium is positioned in the lower space within the pod10. The second medium12may be referred to as an upper medium since the second medium is positioned in the upper space within the pod10. Alternatively, the lower medium11may be referred to as a high-humidity medium since the lower medium holds more moisture than the upper medium12, and the upper medium12may be referred to as a low-humidity medium. Alternatively, the lower medium11may be referred to as a moisture absorbing member for absorbing water, and the upper medium12may be referred to as a moisture retention member for maintaining water for a long time.

The lower medium11may be composed of a material having better absorbency than the upper medium12. The upper medium12may receive water from the lower medium11and deliver the supplied water to the seeds S. For example, the lower medium11may be provided as an inorganic and porous absorbent material or a porous suction member such as vermiculite and a sponge. The upper medium12may be composed of a material with excellent water retention properties that can hold moisture supplied from the lower medium11for a long time to create an environment for germination of the seeds S. For example, the upper medium12may be provided with a water-retention material such as a sponge or floral foam (oasis foam). The upper medium12may be made of a material having more air permeability together with water retention properties in order to prevent the seeds S from spoiling due to retained moisture.

One or more of the upper medium12and the lower medium11may include a nutrient solution material (not illustrated). The nutrient solution material is a material containing nutrients that are supplied so that plants can grow better. For example, the nutrient solution material may be provided in the form of a water-soluble capsule that is gradually soluble in water and may be configured to be contained in the supply water while gradually dissolving when the supply water is supplied. The nutrient solution material may be supplied to the plant while gradually dissolving in the supply water while the supply water flows from the lower medium11toward the upper medium12.

For example, when the nutrient solution material is positioned in the lower medium11, the nutrient solution material may be uniformly dissolved in the supply water and supplied to the plants. When the nutrient solution material is positioned in the upper medium12, the nutrient solution material can be supplied to the plant by dissolving the nutrient solution material in the supply water relatively slowly. The disposition position of the nutrient solution material may be changed according to the characteristics and functions of the nutrient solution material.

A plurality of seeds S may be disposed in the upper medium12to have a predetermined arrangement. The seed S may be positioned inside the upper medium12. A seed groove placed on the seed S may be formed in the upper medium12. The seed groove may be formed by recessing the upper surface of the upper medium12downward. The seed S may be grown by the supply water supplied from the bed300and the nutrient solution material dissolved in the supply water. The seed S may be positioned inside the upper medium12but may also be placed on the upper surface of the upper medium12.

A moisture separation membrane13may be included between the upper medium12and the lower medium11. The moisture separation membrane13may be divided by separating the upper medium12and the lower medium11. The moisture separation membrane13may have a moisture-passage hole13athrough which the supply water passes. The moisture-passage hole13acommunicates the upper medium12from the lower medium11with each other to allow the supply water to flow. The moisture-passage hole13amay have a plurality of openings arranged at regular intervals. The moisture separation membrane13may be composed of a sheet of a waterproof material to divide moisture in the upper medium12and moisture in the lower medium11. The supply water supplied to the lower medium11may be supplied to the upper medium12through the moisture-passage hole13a. When the moisture separation membrane13is provided between the upper medium12and the lower medium11, the flow rate of the supply water transferred from the lower medium11to the upper medium12can be maintained uniformly.

In detail, since the moisture separation membrane13adjusts the flow rate of the supply water so that the supply water supplied to the lower medium11is evenly spread throughout the lower medium11and then supplied to the upper medium12, it is possible to relatively uniformly supply the supply water to the upper medium12.

The upper surface of the pod10may be covered with a protective paper15to protect the inside thereof. In particular, a packing member14is further provided between the upper surface of the upper medium12and the protective paper15to protect the upper medium12from the external environment. In addition, the type of plant to be cultivated may be printed on one surface of the protective paper15to provide the user with information about the pod10. The packing member14is seated on the upper surface of the upper medium12and is in close contact with the side of the pod10to prevent movement of the upper medium12. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be provided on the pod10. For example, when the protective paper15is not provided, the type of plant may be printed on the upper surface of the packing member14. In addition, when the packing member14is not provided, the protective paper15may be provided on the upper surface of the upper medium12.

Meanwhile, a protrusion16protruding downward is formed on the bottom surface of the pod10, and a water-through hole16amay be formed on the bottom surface of the protrusion16. The protrusion16may be formed in a pipe structure with a hollow inside while being opened up and down. The water-through hole16amay be formed to have one or more openings.

A portion of the lower medium11is positioned within the protrusion16, and water supplied to the beds300aand300bmay be absorbed by a portion of the lower medium11. The supply water absorbed by a portion of the lower medium11disposed in the protrusion16may be uniformly supplied to the entire portion of the lower medium11disposed in the pod10. In order to prevent the lower medium11from falling off to the beds300aand300bthrough the water-through hole16a, the water-through hole16amay consist of a porous portion formed as an opening having a size smaller than that of the lower medium11. The size and number of the water-through holes16amay be variously modified.

In the present embodiment, it is described that a portion of the lower medium11is positioned in the protrusion16, but a water absorbing member may be further provided in the protrusion16. The lower medium11may be in contact with the upper surface of the water absorbing member. The water absorbing member may absorb the water supplied to the beds300aand300band deliver the water to the lower medium11. When the water absorbing member is positioned within the protrusion16, the lower medium11is prevented from falling off into the beds300aand300bby the water absorbing member, thereby increasing the size of the water-through hole16a.

FIG.31is a graph illustrating the absorption amount and time of water absorbed into the medium according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.31(a)is a graph illustrating the absorption amount and time of water absorbed into the medium of the pod which is not provided with the moisture separation membrane13, andFIG.31(b)is a graph illustrating the absorption amount and time of water absorbed into the medium of the pod which is provided with the moisture separation membrane13.

#1 to #3 may be define the first to third pods positioned in the front side water collection portion321, and #4 to #6 may be defined as fourth to sixth pods positioned in the rear side water collection portion322. The first to third pods may be disposed from the left to the right of the front side water collection portion321, and the fourth to sixth pods may be disposed from the left to the right of the rear side water collection portion322.

Referring toFIG.31(a), the amount of water absorbed into the medium of the pod increases as time increases. The absorption amount absorbed by the pods may be different for each of the first to sixth pods. The absorption amount absorbed into the pod may be different according to the state and type of the medium filled in the pod and the time when water starts to be absorbed from the water collection portion320into the medium of the different pods. Since the absorption amount per hour absorbed by the first to sixth pods is different, there is a difference in the amount of water supplied to the different pods. In other words, there is a problem that water is not uniformly supplied to the first to sixth pods.

Referring toFIG.31(B), in the pod10according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a moisture separation membrane13is disposed between the upper medium12and the lower medium11. The lower medium11has excellent absorbency to quickly absorb water from the water collection portion320, and the upper medium12has excellent water retention properties to maintain water supplied from the lower medium11for a long time. Water of the lower medium11may be supplied to the upper medium12through the moisture-passage hole13aof the moisture separation membrane13. Since water can flow only through the moisture-passage hole13a, the water in the lower medium11can be uniformly supplied to the upper medium12.

According to the present disclosure, since water can be uniformly supplied to the medium by the moisture separation membrane13to the first to sixth pods, the difference in the amount of water supplied to different pods can be minimized.

FIG.32is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pod10according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a portion of the pod10according to the third embodiment is deformed. Therefore, the description of the pod10according to the third embodiment may refer to a portion of the description of the pod10according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod10according to the fourth embodiment partially modified from the pod10according to the third embodiment will be described in detail.

As illustrated, the media11and12may be filled inside the pod10. The media11and12may include a first medium11and a second medium12. A moisture separation membrane13may be provided between the first medium11and the second medium12. The medium positioned above the moisture separation membrane13is referred to as an upper medium and may be defined as a region in which the seeds S are positioned. The medium positioned below the moisture separation membrane13is referred to as a lower medium and may be defined as a region for absorbing water. The upper medium12may be referred to as a moisture retention portion since the upper medium has a function for maintaining the moisture of the seeds S. The lower medium11may also be referred to as a moisture absorption portion since the lower medium functions to supply moisture to the upper medium12.

A seed paper19may be further provided inside the upper medium12. A portion of the upper medium12may be positioned below the seed paper19, and another portion of the upper medium12may be positioned above the seed paper19.

The seed paper19may be composed of a sheet in which the seeds S are disposed to have a predetermined arrangement. For example, the seed paper19may be provided as a sheet having a starch ingredient. When supply water is supplied from the lower medium11to the upper medium12, the seed paper19melts and disappears and the seeds S remain in the upper medium12. The other portion of the upper medium12positioned above the seed paper19may perform a function for adjusting moisture and humidity and preventing mold or green algae generation. Without being limited to this idea, the seed paper19may be placed on the upper surface of the upper medium12.

Meanwhile, the seed paper19does not melt and disappears by the supply water and may perform the function of a support layer for supporting the seeds S in the interior of the upper medium12. In this case, the seed paper19may be provided as a fabric having water retention properties for maintaining moisture in the upper medium12and air permeability through which air can pass.

The pod10may further be provided with one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be positioned above the upper medium12. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may indicate the type of plant and may prevent the medium11from being separated to the outside through the cover hole17a.

Meanwhile, one or more of the upper medium12and the lower medium11may contain a nutrient solution material. In this embodiment, it will be described that the nutrient solution material is provided in the lower medium11. When the nutrient solution material is provided to the lower medium11, the nutrient solution material may be provided in the supply water while the supply water suctioned into the protrusion16is evenly spread to the lower medium11. After the supply water containing the nutrient solution passes through the moisture-passage hole13aof the moisture separation membrane13, the supply water may be supplied to the seed paper19and the upper medium12.

According to the present disclosure, since the seed paper19for supporting the seed S is provided inside the upper medium12, the disposition position of the seed S in the process of transferring the pod10can be prevented from being changed. In addition, since the supply water supplied from the lower medium11is uniformly supplied to the upper medium12by the moisture separation membrane13, sufficient moisture and nutrient solution material can be supplied to the seeds S.

FIG.33is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.34is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.35is a view illustrating a state where water is supplied to the inside of the pod according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, in the pod10according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, plants that can be cultivated by the apparatus for cultivating plants1may be configured by type. Of course, each of the pods10composed of several types of plants may all have the same size and may have a size set to be accommodated in the pod seating portion352. Accordingly, the user can select the pod10of the plant desired to be cultivated and seated at a desired position on the bed300to start cultivation.

In detail, the pod10may have an outer shape formed by a container opened to the top. The pod10may be formed in a shape that can be placed on the pod seating portion352. For example, the pod10may be formed in a polygonal shape with an opened top surface. A bottom surface of the pod10may be supported by the pod seating portion352. The side surface of the pod10may be formed to extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the pod10. A space in which the medium11can be accommodated may be formed by the side and bottom surfaces of the pod10. At the end portion of the pod10, a bent portion bent from top to bottom is formed to perform a handle function. The bent portion may be referred to as a flange portion. The flange portion may be first bent from the upper side to the side and then secondarily bent from the side to the lower side. The first bent flange portion may be defined as the upper surface of the pod10. When the pod10is seated on the pod seating portion352, the flange portion of the pod10may minimize the area where the water collection portion320of the bed300is exposed to the outside. The flange portion may improve the durability of the end portion of the pod10.

The medium11may be filled in the pod10. The medium11may be provided as an inorganic material. The medium11is configured for absorbing water and may be referred to as a water absorbing medium. In the present disclosure, it is described that the medium11is provided with inorganic vermiculite (hereinafter, the medium is referred to as vermiculite). The vermiculite11is made of a kind of brick by pressing after processing an inorganic ore into a powder state. When the medium11is provided as top soil containing organic material or the like, there is a problem in that a larger amount of mold is generated in the medium11due to the bacteria contained in the top soil or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the medium11is composed of an inorganic material, so that mold that may be generated in the medium11can be minimized.

Since the vermiculite11has fine pores capable of embracing moisture therein, it has excellent water retention properties for maintaining moisture for a long time. Due to the shape of the vermiculite11expanded during the manufacturing process, a gap is formed between the different vermiculites11, and air can pass through the gap, so that air permeability is excellent. Since the vermiculite11is heated to a high temperature during the manufacturing process and expanded, the vermiculite may be provided in an aseptic state.

In other words, since the vermiculite11has air permeability and water retention properties, it is possible to prevent mold or green algae from being generated in the pod10. In addition, since the seeds are grown on the vermiculite11provided in an aseptic state, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold or green algae that may be generated in the pod10.

The vermiculite11may further be provided with a seed medium12. The seed medium12may be arranged at regular intervals on the vermiculite11. The vermiculite11may be referred to as a first medium, and the seed medium12may be referred to as a second medium. A medium insertion groove11ainto which the seed medium12is inserted may be formed in the vermiculite11. The medium insertion groove11amay be formed at a position corresponding to the seed medium12. The medium insertion groove11amay be formed by recessing the upper surface of the vermiculite11downward. The medium insertion groove11amay be formed to correspond to the seed medium12. The seed S may be accommodated in the seed medium12. In this embodiment, the medium insertion groove11ais described as being formed on the upper surface of the vermiculite11, but when the seed medium12is positioned in the vermiculite11, the medium insertion groove11amay be positioned inside the vermiculite11. In addition, the opened upper surface of the medium insertion groove11amay be covered by a portion of the vermiculite11.

The seed medium12may be formed with a seed insertion groove12ainto which the seed S is inserted. The seed insertion groove12amay be formed by being recessed downward from the top surface of the seed medium12. The seed insertion groove12ais a groove for inserting the seed S and may be blocked after inserting the seed S into the seed medium12. In this embodiment, the seed insertion groove12ais described as being recessed downward from the top surface of the seed medium12, but may be formed so as to be recessed toward the center of the seed medium12from the side and bottom of the seed medium12.

The seed medium12may be composed of a material having excellent water retention properties that can hold moisture for a long time to create an environment for germination of the seeds S. For example, the seed medium12may be provided with a water retention material such as a porous water absorbing member such as a sponge, a floral foam (oasis foam), or the like. The seed medium12may receive moisture from the vermiculite11and maintain the supplied moisture for a long time. The seed medium12may be referred to as a moisture retention portion for maintaining the moisture supplied from the vermiculite11for a long time. In this case, the vermiculite11may be referred to as a moisture absorption portion for supplying moisture to the seed medium12.

Meanwhile, it may further include a medium housing that can accommodate the seed medium12therein. The medium housing may be positioned between the seed medium12and the vermiculite11. A plurality of openings may be formed in the medium housing to supply moisture from the vermiculite11to the seed medium12. In a state where the seed medium12is accommodated in the medium housing, the medium housing may have the medium insertion groove11ainserted thereinto. The medium housing may be formed in the form of a container having an opened upper surface. The plurality of openings may be formed on a side surface and a bottom surface of the medium housing. When the medium housing may be further provided, it may be easy to separate the seed medium12from the vermiculite11. In addition, the vermiculite11can be reused by replacing the seed medium12.

One or more of the vermiculite11and the seed medium12may include a nutrient solution material (not illustrated). The nutrient solution material is a material containing nutrients that are supplied so that plants can grow better. For example, the nutrient solution material may be provided in the form of a water-soluble capsule that is gradually soluble in water and may be configured to be contained in the supply water while gradually dissolving when the supply water is supplied. The nutrient solution material may be supplied to the plant while being dissolved little by little in the supply water flowing from the vermiculite11toward the seed medium12.

For example, when the nutrient solution material is positioned in the vermiculite11, the nutrient solution material may be uniformly dissolved in the supply water and supplied to the seed medium12. When the nutrient solution material is positioned in the seed medium12, the nutrient solution material may be dissolved in the supply water supplied from the vermiculite11to the seed medium12and directly supplied to the plants. The disposition position of the nutrient solution material may be changed according to the characteristics and functions of the nutrient solution material.

The upper surface of the pod10may be covered with a protective paper15to protect the inside thereof. In particular, a packing member14is further provided between the top surface of the vermiculite11and the seed medium12and the protective paper15to protect the vermiculite11and the seed medium12from the external environment. In addition, the type of plant to be cultivated may be printed on one surface of the protective paper15to provide the user with information about the pod10. The packing member14is seated on the upper surface of the vermiculite11and the seed medium12and can be in close contact with the side of the pod10to prevent movement of the vermiculite11and the seed medium12. When the protective paper15is not provided, the type of plant may be printed on the upper surface of the packing member14. In addition, when the packing member14is not provided, the protective paper15may be provided on the upper surfaces of the vermiculite11and the seed medium12.

Meanwhile, a protrusion16protruding downward is formed on the bottom surface of the pod10, and a water-through hole16amay be formed on the bottom surface of the protrusion16. The protrusion16may be formed in a pipe structure with a hollow inside while being opened up and down. The water-through hole16amay be formed to have at least one opening.

The vermiculite11is positioned within the protrusion16, and water supplied to the beds300aand300bmay be absorbed by the vermiculite11. The supply water absorbed by the vermiculite11disposed in the protrusion16may be uniformly supplied to the entire area of the vermiculite11disposed in the pod10. The supply water evenly supplied to all portions of the vermiculite11may be supplied to the seed medium12. In order to prevent the vermiculite11from falling off into the beds300aand300bthrough the water-through hole16a, the water-through hole16acan be composed of a porous portion formed as an opening having a size smaller than that of the vermiculite11.

In the present embodiment, it is described that the vermiculite11is positioned in the protrusion16, but a water absorbing member may be further included in the protrusion16. The vermiculite11may be in contact with the upper surface of the water absorbing member. The water absorbing member may absorb the water supplied to the beds300aand300band deliver to the vermiculite11. When the water absorbing member is positioned within the protrusion16, the water absorbing member prevents the vermiculite11from falling into the beds300aand300b, thereby increasing the size of the water-through hole16a.

FIG.36is a perspective view illustrating a pod according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.37is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.38is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pod10according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a portion of the pod10according to one or more of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are modified. Therefore, the description of the pod10according to the sixth embodiment may refer to a portion of the description of the pod10according to one or more of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod10according to the sixth embodiment partially modified from the pod10according to one or more of the first and second embodiments will be described in detail.

As illustrated, the medium11may be filled in the pod10. The medium11may be provided as vermiculite composed of an inorganic material. The seeds S may be uniformly arranged in the medium11. Seed paper for supporting the seed S may be further included in the medium11. The medium11contains a nutrient solution material, and the nutrient solution material may be supplied to the seeds S by supply water.

A pod cover17may be coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may be configured to cover the top surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. For example, the pod cover17may be fitted to the upper surface of the pod10while covering the flange portion of the pod10. The pod cover17may include a flange coupling portion coupled to the flange portion. The flange coupling portion may be formed to correspond to the flange portion of the pod10and coupled to the flange portion.

A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction from the top surface of the pod10toward the top surface of the medium11. A portion of the pod cover17may be positioned at a center side of the pod cover17. A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium11to be in contact with the upper surface of the medium11. The edge side of the part cover17may be configured to be coupled to the pod10. The center side and the edge side of the pod cover17may be formed to be stepped. Alternatively, a portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium11, and a space may be formed between a portion of the pod cover17and the upper surface of the medium11.

In other words, the recessed length at which a portion of the pod cover17is recessed is adjusted so that the upper surfaces of the pod cover17and the medium11are in contact with or separated from each other.

When a portion of the pod cover17is formed to be in contact with the upper surface of the medium11, it is possible to prevent the medium11from moving during the transfer process. The pod cover17may block a portion of the light irradiated to the medium11to suppress mold or green algae generated in the medium11. In addition, since a portion of the medium11is shielded by the pod cover17, exposure to the user can be minimized even if mold or green algae is generated in the medium11.

Meanwhile, the pod cover17may be provided in the form of a sheet provided on the upper surface of the medium11. In this case, the pod cover17may be fixed to the upper surface or the inner surface of the pod10.

A cover hole17amay be formed in the pod cover17. The cover hole17amay be formed by opening a portion of the pod cover17. The cover hole17amay allow light to be irradiated in a direction toward the seed S positioned in the medium11. The cover hole17amay allow the plant grown in the medium11to be exposed to the outside. The cover hole17amay allow air to flow into the pod10and the pod cover17coupled to each other. The cover hole17ais positioned above the seeds S positioned in the medium11, and when a plurality of seeds S are spaced apart in the medium11, the cover hole17amay be formed at a position corresponding to a plurality of seeds S spaced apart.

When the upper surface of the pod10is covered with the pod cover17, the area of the medium11exposed to the external space is reduced, so that mold or green algae that may be generated in the medium11can be reduced. In addition, since the pod cover17is coupled to the upper surface of the pod10, the medium11positioned in the pod10can be stably stored.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the seed S is described as being positioned in the medium11, and a seed paper is further provided in the inside of the medium11on which the seed S is placed.

In addition, one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be further provided on the pod cover17. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be positioned on the upper surface of the pod cover17. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15indicates the type of plant stored in the seed medium12and can prevent the medium11from being separated to the outside through the cover hole17a.

FIG.39is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.40is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pod10according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a portion of the pod10according to one or more of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment are modified. Therefore, the description of the pod10according to the seventh embodiment may refer to a portion of the description of the pod10according to one or more of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod10according to the seventh embodiment partially modified from the pod10according to one or more of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.

As illustrated, the media11and12may be filled in the pod10. The media11and12may include a lower medium11and an upper medium12. The seeds S may be constantly arranged in the upper medium12. Seed paper for supporting the seeds S may be further included in the upper medium12. One or more of the upper medium12and the lower medium11contain a nutrient solution material, and the nutrient solution material may be supplied to the seeds S by supply water. A moisture separation membrane13having a plurality of moisture-passage holes13amay be disposed between the upper medium12and the lower medium11.

The moisture separation membrane13may adjust the flow rate of water supplied from the lower medium11to the upper medium12. The moisture separation membrane13may have waterproof properties. The moisture in the lower medium11and the moisture in the upper medium12may be adjusted differently by the moisture separation membrane13. The lower medium11may have a relatively higher humidity than the upper medium12. Moisture in the lower medium11may be supplied to the upper medium12through the moisture-passage hole13a. After water is evenly spread in the lower medium11by the moisture separation membrane13, water may be uniformly supplied to the upper medium12.

A pod cover17may be coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may be configured to cover the top surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. For example, the pod cover17may be fitted to the upper surface of the pod10while covering the flange portion of the pod10. The pod cover17may include a flange coupling portion coupled to the flange portion. The flange coupling portion may be formed to correspond to the flange portion of the pod10to be coupled to the flange portion.

A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction from the top surface of the pod10toward the top surface of the upper medium12. A portion of the pod cover17may be positioned at a center side of the pod cover17. A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the upper medium12to be in contact with the upper surface of the upper medium12. The edge side of the pod cover17may be configured to be coupled to the pod10. The center side and the edge side of the pod cover17may be formed to be stepped. In addition, a portion of the pod cover17is recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the upper medium12, and a space may be formed between a portion of the pod cover17and the upper surface of the upper medium12.

In other words, the recessed length at which a portion of the pod cover17is recessed is adjusted so that the upper surfaces of the pod cover17and the medium11are in contact with or separated from each other.

When a portion of the pod cover17is formed to be in contact with the upper surface of the upper medium12, it is possible to prevent the media11and12from moving during the transfer of the pod10. The pod cover17may block a portion of the light irradiated to the upper medium12to suppress the generation of mold or green algae generated in the upper medium12. Since a portion of the upper medium12is shielded by the pod cover17, exposure to the user can be minimized even if mold or green algae is generated in the upper medium12.

Meanwhile, the pod cover17may be provided in the form of a sheet provided on the upper surface of the upper medium12. In this case, the pod cover17may be fixed to the upper surface or the inner surface of the pod10.

A cover hole17amay be formed in the pod cover17. The cover hole17amay be formed by opening a portion of the pod cover17. The cover hole17amay allow light to be irradiated in a direction toward the seed S positioned in the upper medium12. The cover hole17amay allow the plant grown in the upper medium12to be exposed to the outside.

The cover hole17amay allow air to flow into the pod10and the pod cover17coupled to each other. The cover hole17ais positioned above the seeds S positioned in the upper medium12, when a plurality of seeds S are disposed spaced apart in the upper medium12, the cover hole17amay be formed at a position corresponding to a plurality of seeds S spaced apart.

When the upper surface of the pod10is covered with the pod cover17, the area of the upper medium12exposed to the external space is reduced, so that mold or green algae that may be generated in the upper medium12can be reduced. In addition, since the pod cover17is coupled to the upper surface of the pod10, the media11and12positioned in the pod10can be stably stored.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the seed S is described as being positioned in the upper medium12, the seed paper on which the seed S is placed in the upper medium11may be further included.

In addition, one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be further provided on the pod cover17. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be positioned on the upper surface of the pod cover17.

According to the present disclosure, since the pod cover17is coupled to the upper surface of the pod10, exposure of the upper medium12to the external space may be limited. Since the upper medium12is not exposed to the external space, moisture may be sufficiently maintained in the upper medium12. In addition, it is possible to minimize the generation of mold or green algae by minimizing the area of the upper medium12exposed to the external space.

FIG.41is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.42is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pod10according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a portion of the pod10according to the fifth embodiment is deformed. Therefore, the description of the pod10according to the eighth embodiment may refer to a portion of the description of the pod10according to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, the pod10according to the eighth embodiment partially modified from the pod10according to the fifth embodiment will be described in detail.

As illustrated, the medium11may be filled in the pod10. The medium11may be provided as vermiculite composed of an inorganic material. The medium11may absorb water so that the water of the water collection portion320flows into the pod10.

The medium11may further be provided with a seed medium12. A portion of the seed medium12may be fixed inside the medium11. The seed medium12may be provided as one of a sponge with excellent water retention properties and a floral foam (oasis foam). A medium insertion groove11ainto which the seed medium12is inserted may be formed in the medium11. The seed medium12and the medium insertion groove11amay be formed by recessing a portion of the medium11. The seed medium12and the medium insertion groove11amay be arranged at regular intervals in the medium11.

The seed S may be accommodated in the seed medium12. A seed insertion groove12afor inserting the seed S into the seed medium12may be provided. The seed insertion groove12amay be formed by recessing or opening a portion of the seed medium12. In a state where the seed S is inserted into the seed medium12, the seed insertion groove12amay be shielded.

One or more of the medium11and the seed medium12may contain a nutrient solution. The nutrient solution material may be dissolved by the supply water supplied to the medium11and the seed medium12and supplied to the seeds S.

A pod cover17may be coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may be configured to cover the top surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. For example, the pod cover17may be fitted to the upper surface of the pod10while covering the flange portion of the pod10. The pod cover17may include a flange coupling portion coupled to the flange portion. The flange coupling portion may be formed to correspond to the flange portion of the pod10and coupled to the flange portion.

A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium11. A portion of the pod cover17may be positioned at a center side of the pod cover17. A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium11to be in contact with the upper surface of the medium11. The edge side of the pod cover17may be configured to be coupled to the pod10. The center side and the edge side of the pod cover17may be formed to be stepped. Alternatively, a portion of the pod cover17may be recessed in a direction toward the upper surface of the medium11, and a space may be formed between a portion of the pod cover17and the upper surface of the medium11.

In other words, the recessed length at which a portion of the pod cover17is recessed is adjusted so that the upper surfaces of the pod cover17and the medium11are in contact with or separated from each other.

When a portion of the pod cover17is formed to be in contact with the upper surface of the medium11, it is possible to prevent the medium11from moving during the transfer process. The pod cover17may block a portion of the light irradiated to the medium11to suppress the generation of mold or green algae generated in the medium11.

When a portion of the pod cover17is positioned to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the medium11, air may pass between the medium11and the pod cover17. Since a portion of the medium11can be shielded by the pod cover17, exposure to the user can be minimized even if mold or green algae is generated in the medium11.

Meanwhile, the pod cover17may be provided in the form of a sheet provided on the upper surface of the medium11. In this case, the pod cover17may be fixed to the upper surface or the inner surface of the pod10.

A cover hole17amay be formed in the pod cover17. The cover hole17amay be formed by opening a portion of the pod cover17. The cover hole17amay allow light to be irradiated toward the seeds S positioned in the seed medium12. The cover hole17amay be positioned above the seed medium12. The cover hole17amay allow the plant grown in the seed medium12to be exposed to the outside.

Air may flow into the pod10and the pod cover17coupled to each other through the cover hole17a. The cover hole17amay be formed at a position corresponding to the seed medium12.

When the upper surface of the pod10is covered with the pod cover17, the area of the medium11and the seed medium12exposed to the external space is reduced, so that mold or green algae that can be generated in the medium11and the seed medium12can be reduced. In addition, since the pod cover17is coupled to the upper surface of the pod10, the medium11and the seed medium12positioned in the pod10can be stably stored.

In addition, one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be further provided on the upper surface of the pod cover17. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15indicates the type of plant stored in the seed medium12, and it is possible to prevent one or more the medium11and the seed medium12from being separated to the outside through the cover hole17a.

FIG.43is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pod according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.44is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pod according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pod10according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a portion of the pod10according to one or more of the first to eighth embodiments are modified. Therefore, the description of the pod10according to the ninth embodiment may refer to a portion of the description of the pod10according to one or more of the first to eighth embodiments. Hereinafter, the pod10according to the ninth embodiment partially modified from the pod10according to one or more of the first to eighth embodiments will be described in detail.

As illustrated, the pod10may be formed in the shape of a container in which the upper surface is opened. A space may be formed in the pod10. A pod protrusion16may be formed on the bottom surface of the pod10. Water may flow into the pod10through the pod protrusion16. A medium may be filled in the pod10. The medium filled in the pod10may be referred to as a first medium11. The first medium11may be provided as vermiculite. A nutrient solution material may be included in the first medium11.

The opened upper surface of the pod10may be covered by a pod cover17. The pod cover17may be detachably coupled to the upper surface of the pod10. The pod cover17may have a center side recessed downward, and an edge side may be coupled to the pod10. The center side and the edge side of the pod cover17may be formed to be stepped.

A recessed portion18may be included at the center side of the pod cover17. A portion of the pod cover17may be recessed downward to form the recessed portion18, and an opening may be formed in a portion of the pod cover17. An opening formed in the pod cover17may be defined as an upper surface of the recessed portion18. The recessed portion18may be formed to be inclined from the upper side to the lower side.

The recessed portion18may be formed to have a side surface and a bottom surface by being recessed downward from the pod cover17. The recessed portion18may be formed to be stepped with the pod cover17. A medium may be filled in the recessed portion18. The medium filled in the recessed portion18may be referred to as a second medium12. The second medium12may contain a nutrient solution material. In other words, the nutrient solution material for plant growth may be provided in one or more of the first medium11and the second medium12.

The second medium12may be made of a material having better water retention properties than the first medium11. For example, the second medium12may be provided as one of a sponge and a floral foam (oasis foam). The second medium12is positioned in the recessed portion18and is supplied with water from the first medium11, so that the second medium12is composed of a material superior in water retention properties than the first medium11to provide sufficient water supply to seeds S. The second medium12may allow moisture to be maintained in the recessed portion18for a long time.

The recessed portion18may include a water absorbing hole18a. The water absorbing hole18amay be positioned on one or more of a bottom surface and a side surface of the recessed portion18. The water absorbing hole18amay allow the first medium11and the second medium12to communicate with each other. In other words, the supply water supplied through the first medium11may be supplied to the second medium12after passing through the water absorbing hole18a. The water absorbing hole18amay be filled with at least one of the first medium11and the second medium12so that the first medium11and the second medium12are in contact with each other. The water absorbing hole18amay be formed in the same manner as the water-through hole16a.

Meanwhile, a recessed portion insertion groove11ainto which the recessed portion18is inserted may be formed in the first medium11. The recessed portion insertion groove11amay be formed to have a size corresponding to the recessed portion18. The recessed portion insertion groove11amay be formed by recessing the upper surface of the first medium11downward. When the pod cover17is coupled to the upper surface of the pod10, the recessed portion insertion groove11amay be formed in the first medium11by the recessed portion18.

A seed groove12ainserted into the seed S may be formed in the second medium12. The seed groove12amay be formed by recessing one surface of the second medium12. For example, the seed groove12amay be formed by recessing the upper surface of the second medium12downward. The seed groove12amay be positioned in the center of the second medium12. The seed groove12amay be shielded when the seed S is positioned in the second medium12.

When the seed S germinates in the seed groove12a, the root of the seed S may grow into the second medium12. In addition, the root of the seed may be further grown into the first medium11after passing through the absorption hole18a. When the seed S germinates in the seed groove12aand the root thereof grows into the second medium12, the user can separate the second medium12and the plant together to be capable of use the second medium and the plant as a seeding planting in soil or the like.

Meanwhile, one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be further provided on the pod cover17. One or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15may be positioned on the upper surface of the pod cover17. Since one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15covers the upper surface of the pod cover17, it is possible to prevent the second medium12from leaking into the external space during the transfer process. In addition, information indicating the type of the seed S may be displayed on one or more of the packing member14and the protective paper15.

According to the present disclosure, since the pod cover17is coupled to the upper surface of the pod10, exposure of the first medium11to the external space may be limited. Since the first medium11is not exposed to the external space, sufficient moisture may be maintained in the first medium11. In addition, it is possible to minimize the generation of mold or green algae by minimizing the area of the first medium11and the second medium12exposed to the external space.