Patent ID: 12250912

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms, and these embodiments are to make the disclosure of the present disclosure complete, and are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art, which is to be defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinbelow, an exemplary embodiment of a plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.1to37.

FIG.1is an exploded-perspective view showing the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a perspective view showing the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.3is a perspective view showing the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plant cultivation apparatus in a state in which an opening/closing door thereof is opened.

As shown in the drawings, the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet100, a machine chamber frame200, and a water supply module700.

The water supply module700may be provided in cultivation rooms121and122which are separated from a machine chamber201, and may be exposed when the opening/closing door130is opened, thereby making it easy to replenish water to the water tank710and clean the water tank710, and allowing the plant cultivation apparatus to be installed in a specific space in a built-in manner.

Of course, the water supply module700may be installed inside the machine chamber201or in a separate space separated from the cultivation rooms121and122and the machine chamber201, not in the cultivation rooms121and122.

Hereinbelow, the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described for each configuration.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view showing a pod of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.5is a side section view showing the pot of the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, a pod10will be described with reference toFIGS.4and5.

The pod10may be formed in an upward open container. Bed soil11containing the nutrient solution (not shown) may be filled in the pod10.

The nutrient solution may be a material containing a nutrient that is supplied to a plant to grow better. The nutrient solution may be provided in a water-soluble capsule form that gradually dissolves in water, so that the nutrient solution may be contained in the feed water while gradually dissolving every time when the feed water is supplied.

In addition, a seed paper12may be provided on an upper surface of the bed soil11. The seed paper12may be a part where seeds are planted in a predetermined arrangement, and when the feed water is supplied while the seed paper12is seated on the upper surface of the bed soil11, the seed paper12may completely dissolve and the seeds may remain on the bed soil11.

A brick13may be provided on an upper surface of the seed paper12. The brick13may be configured to control moisture and humidity of soil and to prevent mold growth, and be formed by processing mineral ore such as vermiculite into a powder form and then compresses.

An upper surface of the pod10may be covered with a protection sheet15, thereby protecting the inside thereof. In particular, a packing member14may be provided between an upper surface of the brick13and the protection sheet15, so that the brick13may be protected from the outside environment.

A type of a plant to be cultivated may be printed on a surface of the protection sheet15.

Meanwhile, a protrusion16may be formed downward on a lower surface of the pod10and the protrusion16may be formed in a container body in which a water flow hole16amay be provided at a lower surface thereof. The protrusion16may be formed in a hollow pipe structure that is open vertically and empty inside.

Further, a first absorber member17absorbing the feed water supplied to the bed300may be provided in the protrusion16, and a flat plate shaped second absorber member18may be provided between the first absorber member17and the bed soil.

The second absorber member18may serve to uniformly supply the feed water absorbed by the first absorber member17to the entire portion of the bed soil11.

Next, the cabinet100will be described with reference toFIGS.1to3.

The cabinet100may be a part that forms the exterior of the plant cultivation apparatus.

The cabinet100may be formed in a container body that is open frontward, and include an outer case110providing an outer wall surface thereof and an inner case120providing an inner wall surface.

Herein, the outer case110may be formed in a container body shape that is closed at an upper surface, and a lower surface and a front surface are open.

The inner case120may be positioned in the outer case110while being spaced apart from the outer case110. A foam insulation (not shown) may be filled between the inner case120and the outer case110.

The cultivation room121,122may be provided in the inner case120. The cultivation rooms121,122may be spaces provided for cultivation of plants.

The cultivation room121,122may include an upper cultivation room121and a lower cultivation room122. The two cultivation rooms121and122may be configured to have separate spaces, respectively.

The cabinet100may have an opening/closing door130at a front surface thereof.

The opening/closing door130may be configured to open and close the cultivation room121,122of the cabinet100. That is, as the opening/closing door130is provided in the cabinet100, the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a closed-type cultivation apparatus.

In particular, in the case of the closed-type cultivation apparatus, the plant cultivation apparatus may cultivate the plant while providing a sufficient amount of light and maintaining a predetermined temperature therein by lighting module401,402, a circulation fan assembly500, and a temperature control module600, which will be described below.

Meanwhile, the opening/closing door130may be one of a rotary type opening and closing structure and a sliding type opening and closing structure. Further, the door130may be configured to block the front surface of the cabinet100.

In the present embodiment, the opening/closing door130is configured as the rotary type opening and closing structure.

As an embodiment, the opening/closing door130may include a door frame131having a rectangular frame structure with an empty inside portion and a sight glass132blocking the empty inside portion of the door frame131.

Preferably, the sight glass132may be formed of a transparent material, for example, may be formed of glass.

When the sight glass132is formed of glass, a protecting film (not shown) may be attached on the glass. The protecting film may be a light shading film (partially shading) that minimizes the leakage of light from the cultivation room indoors.

Instead of the protecting film, the sight glass132may have a dark color, so that the leakage of light indoors may be minimized.

In addition, the opening/closing door130may be composed of only a transparent window132without the door frame131.

Next, the machine chamber frame200will be described with reference toFIGS.1and6to9.

The machine chamber frame200may constitute a bottom portion of the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The machine chamber frame200may be extended from a lower portion of the outer case110, as shown inFIG.1. The machine chamber frame200may include a bottom plate211constituting a bottom of the machine chamber frame200, side surface plates212constituting opposite side surfaces thereof, a rear surface plate213constituting a rear surface thereof, and an upper surface plate214constituting an upper surface thereof.

That is, the machine chamber frame200may be formed in a box shaped structure that has an open front surface. In this case, the upper surface plate214may be provided as a bottom of the cultivation rooms121and122in the cabinet100.

The machine chamber frame200may be configured such that an open lower surface of the outer case110is placed thereon and is coupled thereto.

The machine chamber frame200and the inner case120may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other and the side surface plates212and the rear surface plate213of the machine chamber frame200may be respectively configured to be connected to opposite side surfaces and a rear surface of the outer case110.

In addition, the interior space of the machine chamber frame200may be provided as the machine chamber201.

That is, the machine chamber201and the cultivation rooms121and122may be respectively formed to have a space in the inner case120and a space in the machine chamber frame200which are separate from each other, thus providing independent spaces from each other.

A part of components of the temperature control module600, which will be described below, may be provided in the machine chamber201.

Although not shown in the drawings, the inner case120and the machine chamber frame200may be formed in a singly body. In this case, a separate partition for separating two spaces may be provided between the cultivation room121,122and the machine chamber201so that the cultivation room121,122and the machine chamber201may be formed to have spaces which are independent from each other.

Further, an intake and exhaust grill220may be provided on the open front surface of the machine chamber frame200that is the front of the machine chamber201. That is, the intake and exhaust grill220may serve to guide airflow suctioned from the indoor into the machine chamber201or airflow discharged from the machine chamber201to the indoor and to block the open front surface of the machine chamber201.

In addition, the intake and exhaust grill220may have an inlet221and an outlet222. The inlet221and the outlet222may be separated from each other by being arranged at positions separated by a partition230. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet221and the outlet222may be distinguished as the inlet221at the left and the outlet222at the right, when viewed from the front of the plant cultivation apparatus.

This is as shown inFIGS.2and3.

Further, the partition230separating a space inside the machine chamber201into left and right sides may be provided in the machine chamber frame200. That is, flow paths through which air flows into and is discharged from the machine chamber201may be separated by the partition230.

A flow path through which air flows into the machine chamber201may be a space on the side on which the inlet221of the intake and exhaust grill220is positioned, and a flow path through which air is discharged from the machine chamber201may be a space on the side on which the outlet222of the intake and exhaust grill220is positioned.

In addition, the opposite spaces in the machine chamber201which are separated by the partition230may be configured to communicate with each other at a rear portion of the spaces. That is, a rear end portion of the partition230may be spaced apart from a rear wall surface in the machine chamber201, not to be in contact therewith, so that the opposite spaces separated from each other may communicate with each other.

Although not shown in the drawings, an open hole (not shown) may be provided in the rear end portion of the partition230to allow the opposite spaces in the machine chamber201to communicate with each other.

Further, the partition230may be formed in a straight line shape, and may be formed in an inclined structure or a bent structure. In the present embodiment, the partition230is formed in the bent structure. That is, by bending a part of the partition230by bending, portions in which the condenser620and the compressor610that will be described later are installed may be secured to be sufficiently large, compared to other portions.

Further, a condensed water reservoir240may be provided in the machine chamber201of the machine chamber frame200. The condensed water reservoir240that is described above may be positioned at a bottom at the side where air flows into the machine chamber201through the inlet221, and may server to receive condensed water flowing down from the condenser620and to fix the condenser620in the machine chamber.

Further, a heat exhaust opening202may be formed by penetrating the rear surface plate213of the machine chamber frame200. The heat exhaust opening202may be a hole provided to discharge (or suction) air dissipating heat of the compressor610, which will be described below. That is, the heat exhaust opening202is additionally provided, so that the discharge of air may be smoothly performed.

The bottom plate211of the machine chamber frame200may have a discharge hole203that is provided to discharge the air dissipating heat of the compressor610.

Meanwhile, a rear portion of the upper surface plate214providing the machine chamber frame200may be formed to protrude upward more than other portions thereof, so that the rear portion of the inside of the machine chamber201may have a high space compared to other portions. That is, considering a protruding height of the compressor610provided in the machine chamber201, the rear portion of the machine chamber201may be formed higher than the other portions thereof.

Further, a control module20(seeFIG.6) may be provided in a front space between an upper surface of the upper surface plate214and a lower surface of the inner case120, the lower surface thereof facing the upper surface of the upper surface plate214, the control module20being provided to control operation with respect to each component of the plant cultivation apparatus.

Next, the bed300will be described with reference toFIGS.10to17.

The bed300may be a part provided to place the pod10thereon.

The bed300may be formed in a tray structure having a flat plate shape or a circumference wall, and the bed300may be configured to store feed water on an upper surface thereof.

In the present embodiment, first guide rails101may be respectively provided on opposite wall surfaces (opposite wall surfaces in the inner case) in the cultivation room121,122. The first guide rails101may guide the bed300to be moved back and forth so that the bed300may be taken out from the cultivation room121,122in a drawer manner.

Guide ends301may be provided on opposite wall surfaces of the bed300. The guide ends301may be configured to be supported by the first guide rails101, so that the bed300may be taken out from the cultivation room121,122in the drawer manner.

In other embodiments, through other various other structures, the bed300may be taken out from the cultivation room121,122in the drawer manner.

Further, a water reservoir310may be provided in a rear surface of the bed300. The water reservoir310may be a part receiving the feed water from the outside of the bed300and providing the feed water into the bed300.

The water reservoir310may protrude rearward from either side portion of the rear surface of the bed300. In addition, a bottom surface of the water reservoir310may be depressed downward thereby guiding the feed water to flow into a communicating portion with a feed water flow path330, which will be described below.

In addition, at a center portion in the bed300, a depression320that is depressed from a bottom in the bed300is provided. Thereby, the feed water supplied to the water reservoir310is guided by the feed water flow path330to be supplied to the depression320.

The feed water flow path330is formed in a groove extended from the water reservoir310to the depression320. Although not shown in the drawings, the feed water flow path330may be a separate pipe or hose from the bed300.

In particular, the feed water flow path330may be formed in an inclined or round structure, the structure being gradually inclined downward as the feed water flow path330goes from the water reservoir310to the depression320.

That is, by the above-described inclined or round structure, the supply of the feed water may be performed quickly and the feed water supplied to the depression320may be prevented from flowing back to the water reservoir310.

In addition, bank parts331may be provided at opposite sides of the feed water flow path330, the bank parts331being provided to precisely guide the feed water. That is, by the bank parts331, the feed water supplied along the feed water flow path330may be smoothly supplied to the depression320without deviating from the feed water flow path330.

Further, a dam part340may be formed on a center portion in the depression320, the dam part340protruding upward from a surface of the depression320. The dam part340may be formed in a long protrusion that is long in a left and right direction of the bed300. Based on the dam part340, the depression320may be divided into a front depression321and a rear depression322.

That is, when a plurality of pods10are seated in rows of the front and rear of the bed300, pods10at the front row are arranged to be in contact with the front depression321while the protrusion16of each of the front pods is positioned rearward, and pods10at the rear row are arranged to be in contact with the rear depression322while the protrusion16of each of the rear pods is positioned forward.

In particular, the dam part340may protrude from a bottom in the depression320, thus the feed water does not remain. Further, the dam part340may serve to guide the feed water to be supplied to only a portion where the protrusion16of the pod10is positioned.

Further, a flow guidance groove302may be provided in a portion of the bottom surface in the depression320, the portion communicating with the feed water flow path330.

That is, the feed water flowing along the feed water flow path330may be guided by the flow guidance groove302in the process of flowing into the depression320to flow from one side of the depression320to another side thereof.

In addition, a sensing protrusion323may protrude from the bottom surface in the depression320. An upper surface of the sensing protrusion323may be positioned higher than the bottom surface of the depression320and may be positioned lower than the bottom surface of the bed300.

Meanwhile, a plurality of beds300may be provided. In this case, the beds300may be respectively provided in the cultivation rooms121and122while being vertically spaced apart from each other.

Of course, in other embodiments, the beds300may be installed spaced apart from each other left and right.

A vertical distance between the beds300may be set differently in response to sizes in the cultivation rooms121and122or the type of plant to be cultivated. For example, as the first guide rails101that are provided on the opposite wall surfaces in the cultivation room121,122are configured to be adjusted in vertical position, the vertical distance between the beds300may be adjusted as needed.

A bed cover350may be further provided on the bed300.

The bed cover350may be a part where the pod10is seated at a precise position thereof. An upper surface of the bed cover350has a plurality of seating depressions351and352for the seating of each of the pods10.

Each of the seating depressions351and352may have a width roughly equal to a width of the pod10and be depressed at a depth sufficient to partially receive the pod10therein. The bed cover350may be formed of a metal material, and in particular, it is preferable that the bed cover350is formed of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. The bed300may be formed of acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene (ABS) resin.

In addition, the penetration hole351a,352amay be provided in the seating depressions351,352to allow the protrusion16of the pod10to penetrate the seating groove351,352. That is, a user may place the pod10at the precise position thereof by checking positions of the penetration hole351a,352aand the protrusion12.

In particular, the seating depressions351and352may be divided into a front row seating groove351on which each of the pods10at the front row is seated and a rear row seating depression352on which each of the pods10at the rear row is seated. The penetration hole351aof the front row seating depression351and the penetration hole352aof the rear row seating depression352may be arranged adjacent to each other. That is, when the bed cover350is seated on the bed300, the penetration holes351aand352amay be respectively positioned at the front depression321and the rear depression322of the bed300.

Further, a handle360may be provided in a front surface of the bed300. The user can take out or reinstall the bed300in the drawer manner by using the handle360.

The handle360may be configured such that a front surface thereof is not in contact with an inside surface of the opening/closing door130, thus a gap may be provided between the front surface of the handle360and the opening/closing door130. That is, through the gap, air may flow between a lower cultivation room121and an upper cultivation room122, and air flowing through the lower cultivation room122may be discharged outward of the plant cultivation apparatus through the gap.

Through the flow of air passing through the gap, a surface of the opening/closing door130may be prevented from condensation.

Next, the lighting module401,402will be described with reference toFIGS.18to21.

The lighting module401,402may be a part for emitting light to the pod10seated on the bed300in the cultivation room121,122. That is, as the lighting module401,402is provided in the plant cultivation apparatus, the plant cultivation apparatus may continue to provide light to the plant, in spite of being the closed-type cultivation apparatus.

In the embodiment, the lighting module401,402may be a light emitting diode (LED)421and be configured to emit light.

The lighting module401,402may include a lighting case410constituting an outside appearance of the lighting module401,402, a circuit board420in which the LED421is embedded, and the lighting cover430covering the lighting case410.

The lighting case410may be a part where the circuit board420is provided. In addition, the lighting case410may have a plurality of lighting holes411. The circuit board420may be provided by being fixed to an upper surface of the lighting case410.

The LEDs421embedded in the circuit board420may be arranged to emit light through the lighting holes411of the lighting case410.

The lighting cover430which are exposed to the cultivation rooms121and122may protect the circuit board420from moisture in the cultivation rooms121and122.

It is preferable that the surface of the lighting cover430is coated or surface-processed for the diffusion of light. Thus, light emitted from the LED421may be uniformly dispersed to the entire portion in the cultivation room121,122without being focused on one portion.

Meanwhile, when the cultivation rooms121and122in the inner case120are to be provided as two cultivation spaces up and down, the lighting modules401and402may be provided as a first lighting module401provided on the upper wall surface in the inner case100and a second lighting module402installed to cross between the upper cultivation room121and the lower cultivation room122to emit light to the lower cultivation room122.

That is, since the second lighting module402functions as a partition wall that separates the two cultivation rooms121and122up and down, it may be not necessary to provide a separate partition wall, whereby the size of each cultivation room121and122is maximized.

The second lighting module401may be configured such that, a rear end thereof is fixed by a fan guide520of the circulation fan assembly500, which will be described below.

Further, a residual water detection sensor440may be provided on the upper surface of the second lighting module402. The residual water detection sensor440may detect residual water remaining in the depression320of the bed300accommodated in an upper cultivation space.

In particular, the residual water detection sensor440may be positioned in a portion where a sensing protrusion323is formed in the bottom of the bed300to detect whether residual water is present on the upper surface of the sensing protrusion323.

The residual water detection sensor440may be configured of a capacitance-type sensor and accurately detect the residual water in the depression320.

The residual water detection sensor440may be configured of other methods not shown in the drawings. For example, the second residual water detection sensor440may be configured as a mechanical sensor such as a floating method or an electronic sensor using two electrodes.

A temperature sensor450may be provided on the upper surface of the second lighting module402. The temperature sensor450may serve to detect the temperature in the cultivation room121,122and allow the air temperature to be controlled by the temperature control module600.

Next, the circulation fan assembly500will be described with reference toFIGS.1,6,7, and22.

The circulation fan assembly500may be provided to circulate air in the cultivation room121,122.

The circulation fan assembly500may be provided in the rear space of the cultivation room121or122of a space inside the cabinet100, and may be configured to discharge air to the upper space of the corresponding cultivation room121or122after air is sucked from the lower space in the cultivation room121or122.

Meanwhile, the circulation fan assembly500may be provided for each of the cultivation rooms121and122, or the single circulation fan assembly500may be configured to control air circulation to all the cultivation rooms121and122.

In the present embodiment, the circulation fan assembly500may be provided for each of the cultivation rooms121and122. That is, the air circulations in the cultivation rooms121and122may be performed equally or separately by the circulation fans assemblies500, respectively.

When the air circulation may be controlled separately for each of the cultivation rooms121and122, plants that require different types of cultivation environments may be simultaneously cultivated in the cultivation rooms121and122.

The circulation fan assembly500may include circulation fans510, the fan guide520, and a partition wall530.

The circulation fans510may be fans driven to blow air. The circulation fans510may be radial flow fans that suction air in a shaft direction thereof and blows the air in a radial direction.

Further, the fan guide520may be a part guiding a flow of air blown by the circulation fans510as the circulation fans510is provided in the cultivation room.

The fan guide520may have an installation hole521formed by penetrating the fan guide520, the installation hole being provided to receive the circulation fans510. The shroud520may have an air guide522at a front surface thereof, the air guide522guiding air suctioned through the circulation fans510from a rear space in the cabinet100to flow into the cultivation room121,122.

The air guide522may be configured to guide air blown in the radial direction of the circulation fans510to flow to the upper space in the cultivation room121,122.

Further, the partition wall530may be a part that is positioned at the front of the fan guide520and blocks the fan guide520from the cultivation room121,122.

That is, the partition wall530may protect the circulation fans510from the inside of the cultivation room121or122.

A lower portion of the partition wall530may be open to the inside of the cultivation room121or122. Thus, air flowing in the cultivation room121or122may flow to the rear surface in the cabinet100through the open lower portion of the partition wall530and be then subjected to heat exchange with an evaporator630. Continuously, the air may repeat the circulation of being supplied to the upper space in the cultivation room121,122by blowing force of the circulation fans510and flow guidance of the fan guide520.

In particular, opposite side surfaces of the partition wall530may be fixed to the opposite wall surfaces or the rear wall surface in the inner case120. The fan guide520may be provided on the partition wall530.

Next, the temperature control module600will be described with reference toFIGS.7to9.

The temperature control module600may be configured to control the temperature of air circulating in the cultivation room121or122of the inner case120.

The temperature control module600may include a refrigeration system including a compressor610, a condenser620, and an evaporator630. That is, the temperature control of the air circulating in the cultivation room121or122may be performed by the refrigeration system.

The compressor610and the condenser620may be provided in the machine chamber201in the machine chamber frame200. The condenser620may be positioned at the air inflow space of the opposite spaces separated by the partition230in the machine chamber frame200. The compressor610may be positioned at a portion through which air passing through the condenser620passes.

In particular, the compressor610may be positioned in one of the two spaces separated by the partition230, to which the air is discharged. The above structure may be configured to allow the air flowing into the machine chamber201of the machine chamber frame200to pass through the condenser620by priority.

That is, considering that the compressor610is configured to generate a great quantity of heat, when the air conditioning module is configured such that air passes through the compressor610and then heat-exchanges with the condenser620, heat exchange efficiency may be reduced. Accordingly, it is preferable that the air conditioning module is configured such that air passes through the condenser620before the compressor610.

The condenser620may be positioned in the front space in the machine chamber201, and the compressor610may be positioned in the rear space in the machine chamber201.

The structure may be configured to maximally separate positions of the compressor610and the condenser620and separate the compressor610from the condenser620, so that the effect of the high temperature heat of the compressor610to the condenser620may be reduced.

Cooling fans611may be provided in the air inflow side of the compressor610that is the rear portion of the partition230, so that air may flow into and be discharged from the machine chamber201and radiate heat of the compressor610.

The cooling fans611may serve to block a space on air inflow side, in which the condenser620is positioned in the rear portion of the partition230, and a space in which the compressor610is positioned. Therefore, effect of high temperature heat of the compressor610on the condenser620may be reduced.

Further, the evaporator630may be arranged in a rear portion of the circulation fan assembly500of each portion in the inner case120. That is, by the operation of the circulation fan assembly500, during the circulated operation in which air is suctioned from the lower space in the cultivation room and the air is discharged to the upper space in the cultivation room121or122, the air may perform heat-exchange while passing through the evaporator630.

The evaporator630may be a plate shaped evaporator. The evaporator630may be stably provided in the rear space in the inner case120and may be configured to improve heat exchange performance in a narrow place.

Meanwhile, the temperature control module600may have an electric heater. That is, when a plant that lives in a higher temperature environment than the normal indoor environment is cultivated, the electric heater may be used to cultivate the plant.

Next, the water supply module700will be described with reference toFIGS.6,7and23to34.

The water supply module700may be provided to supply the feed water to the bed300.

In the present embodiment, the water supply module700that stores the feed water in advance may supply water to the bed300as much as the required amount when the water supply is needed.

That is, in the conventional cultivation apparatus, the method of supplying the feed water of the required amount is not used, but a method of storing enough feed water in a water storage and supplying the stored feed water to soil by using an absorbing member is used. Herein, the feed water is mixed with a nutrient solution, so that a problem with contamination of the feed water may occur.

However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, nutrient components may be contained in the culture ground11of the pod10. The feed water of the required amount may be supplied to the pod to prevent residual water from existing in portions other than a water tank710, so that odor due to contamination of the feed water may be fundamentally prevented.

In particular, in the present embodiment, it is proposed that the water supply module700is provided in the cultivation room121or122(seeFIGS.6and7).

That is, the water supply module700may be provided in the cultivation room121or122separated from the machine chamber201and be exposed when the opening/closing door130is opened.

Accordingly, maintenance of the water supply module700(e.g., taking out the water tank) may be easily performed by simply opening the opening/closing door130according to the needs of a user.

On the other hand, the water supply module700may be disposed between the bottom surface of the inner case120(cultivation room) and the bed300. That is, considering that a gap may be provided between the bottom123of the inner case120and the bed300because the upper surface plate214of the machine chamber frame200partially protrudes upward due to the height of the compressor610in the machine chamber201, the water supply module700may be positioned in the gap so that the cultivation space of the cultivation room121or122may be formed to be large enough.

The water supply module700may include a water tank710and a water pump720as shown in the attachedFIGS.23and24. The water tank710may be a portion where the feed water is stored and a portion which pumps the feed water to supply water to the water pump720.

The water tank710may be formed in a square box-shaped structure with an open top surface (seeFIG.25).

Further, the water tank710may be positioned in the front space in the cabinet100and be provided to be drawable from the cabinet100. That is, considering that the rear portion of the machine chamber201may be formed to be higher than the other portion due to the height of the compressor610, the water tank710may be provided in a front portion of a lower portion in the inner case120provided due to the upward protruding portion of the machine chamber201.

In this case, the second guide rails102(seeFIG.1) for guiding the front and rear movement of the water tank710may be provided on both side walls in the cabinet100, and a guidance guide712(seeFIG.23) which is seated on the second guide rails102to be guided for movement may be provided.

In addition, the water tank710may be configured to be exposed to the indoor when the opening/closing door130is opened. That is, the opening/closing door130may be configured to block not only the cultivation room121,122but also the water tank710, so that the water tank710may be exposed outward when the opening/closing door130is opened. Thereby, the user can easily take out the water tank710to supply the feed water.

In addition, a handle711may be provided on the front surface of the water tank710. Accordingly, the user can take out and reinstall the water tank710by using the handle711in a drawer manner. In this case, the handle711may be formed of a material different from that of the water tank710to be coupled and fixed to the water tank710.

Specifically, a jamming hook715may be formed to protrude from the bottom of an upper end of the handle711, and a jamming groove716is recessed from the upper surface of an extension jaw713on the front side of the water tank710, thereby allowing the jamming hook715and the jamming groove716to be integrated with each other due to hook coupling.

In this case, a fitting groove717may be formed to be recessed from the inner surface of the handle711such that a front end of the extension jaw713is inserted to the fitting groove717, thus preventing undesired breakaway when the handle711is coupled to the water tank710. This is as shown inFIG.27.

In particular, the handle711of the water tank710may be also configured not to be in contact with the door130like the handle360of the open/close bed300. Thus, a gap may be provided between a front surface of the handle711and the opening/closing door130(seeFIG.6).

Further, an open upper surface of the water tank710may be configured to be opened and closed by an opening/closing cover750. That is, the upper surface of the water tank710may be selectively opened and closed by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing cover750, thereby allowing the feed water to be filled through the open upper surface of the water tank710.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.26and28, the opening/closing cover750may be rotatably installed in the water tank710. Accordingly, the user may easily open and close the opening/closing cover750.

In particular, the extension jaw713maybe formed to be bent outward along the periphery of the upper surface of the water tank710, and the edges of the bottom of the opening/closing cover750may be placed on and be in close contact with the expansion jaw713.

In this case, incision grooves714may be formed on both opposite front portions of the extension jaw713, so that the user lifts the bottom of the opening/closing cover750exposed to the bottom through the incision grooves714to easily open the opening/closing cover750.

Further, the opening/closing cover750may be provided with a water supply connection tube760. The water supply connection tube760may be a pipe configured to be connected to the water pump720to transfer the feed water stored in the water tank710to the water pump720.

That is, the water pump720may be configured to be selectively connected to the water tank710by the water supply connection tube760, not configuration of being directly connected to the water tank710. Thus, only the water tank710may be taken out from the cabinet100.

The water supply connection tube760may include an inlet tube761and a connection tube762, the inlet tube761protruding from a lower surface of a rear side of the opening/closing cover750into the water tank710, and the connection tube762being provided to be extended toward a rear surface of an upper end of the inlet tube761and connected to the water pump720.

That is, when the water tank710is reinstalled in the plant cultivation apparatus, as the connection tube762is connected to the water pump720, the feed water in the water tank710may be pumped into the supply hose730by the pumping operation of the water pump720. Further, when the water tank710is taken out from the plant cultivation apparatus, the connection tube762may be configured to be separated from the water pump720.

In particular, it is preferable that the inlet tube761is formed to protrude to the bottom of the water tank710so that the feed water in the water tank710may be pumped as much as possible.

In the present embodiment, the water pump720may be operated by a pump driving part (not shown) such as a motor. The pump driving part may be controlled by a controller21to be described later. Since the pump driving part is a known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.25, the opening/closing cover750may include a cover frame751having a square frame with an open interior and a cover window752covering an upper surface of the cover frame751.

In this case, the cover window752may be preferably formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass or transparent acrylic). That is, a water level inside the water tank710may be easily observed with the user's naked eyes through the cover window752.

In addition, a seating groove754may be recessed from the upper surface of the cover frame751, and the cover window752may be seated on and fixed to the seating groove754.

Further, the inlet tube761may be formed of a tube body that is vertically open. That is, by forming the inlet tube761into a tube body that penetrates up and down of the opening/closing cover750, the inlet tube761may be injection molded together with the opening/closing cover750.

In this case, the open upper surface of the inlet tube761may be configured to be closed by the cover window752, and a pumping force by the water pump720may be provided only to the bottom of the inlet tube761, thereby achieving pumping of the feed water smoothly.

In addition, a surrounding frame753may be formed on the bottom of the opening/closing cover750. The surrounding frame753may be formed to protrude downward along the edges of the bottom surface of the opening/closing cover750and may be configured to be accommodated in the water tank710.

That is, when the opening/closing cover750covers the water tank710, the surrounding frame753is accommodated into the water tank710so that the bottom of the opening/closing cover750and the top of the water tank710may be blocked.

In particular, the surrounding frame753may be formed to gradually increase in protrusion height toward the rear. This structure may guide water droplets (condensation) occurring in the opening/closing cover750to flow into the water tank710when the opening/closing cover750is rotated to open, thus preventing the water droplets from flowing to the cultivation rooms121and122.

The water pump720may be a part pumping the feed water in the water tank710.

The water pump720may be positioned in a space on the rear side of a portion where the water tank710is installed in a lower space of the inner case120(seeFIGS.1,23, and29to31).

In particular, an installation frame740may be provided between the water tank710and the water pump720, and the water pump720may be fixed on a rear surface of the installation frame740.

That is, when the water tank710is taken out, the installation frame740may prevent the water pump720from being exposed outward and allow the water pump720to be fixed in a precise position thereof.

In this case, a coupling hole743is formed to pass through the installation frame740, and a pump connection pipe721connecting the coupling hole743and the water pump720is provided on the rear surface of the installation frame740.

That is, the water pump720may be installed in a free position and direction through the additional provision of the pump connection pipe721, thus allowing the connection with the water supply connection tube760to be made smoothly and accurately.

Further, the installation frame740may be provided with a mounting detection part741for detecting whether or not the water tank710is taken out. In this case, the mounting detection part741may include a contact switch to determine that the water tank710is mounted when the water tank710contacts the corresponding the mounting detection part741to turn on the contact.

Of course, the mounting detection part741may include a proximity sensor, and may be configured variously, such as, to determine that the corresponding water tank710is mounted when the water tank710is adjacent thereto.

In addition, the installation frame740is provided with a water level detection sensor745for detecting a water level of feed water in the water tank710. That is, the water level detection sensor745may allow a user to accurately recognize when to replenish the feed water.

Meanwhile, an upper surface frame744may be formed to be bent backward at the upper end of the installation frame740to cover the upper surface of the water pump720. That is, the upper surface frame744may prevent the water pump720from being damaged by blocking the upper surface of the water pump720from the bottom of the bed300in the cultivation room121or122.

In addition, a residual water detection sensor742may be installed on the upper surface frame744to detect residual water remaining in the depression320of the bed300positioned above the upper surface frame744.

The residual water detection sensor742may be installed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper surface frame744. That is, the residual water detection sensor742may be installed to be as close as possible to the bed300to accurately detect the residual water in the depression320of the bed300.

Here, reference numeral746which is not described indicates a protective cover for the installation and protection of the residual water detection sensor742.

In particular, the residual water detection sensor742may be positioned in a portion where a sensing protrusion323is formed in the bottom of the bed300to detect whether residual water is present on the surface of the sensing protrusion323.

This structure may allow the residual water detection sensor742to be installed as close as possible to the surface of the sensing protrusion323to more accurately determine whether to further replenish feed water based on the presence or absence of residual water on the surface of the sensing protrusion323and the water absorption amount of each pod.

The residual water detection sensor440may be configured of a capacitance-type sensor and accurately detect the residual water in the depression320.

Of course, the residual water detection sensor742may be configured as a mechanical sensor such as a floating method or an electronic sensor using two electrodes.

Next, the supply hose730may be a coupling hose for supplying the feed water pumped by the water pump720to the bed300.

The supply hose730may be provided such that a first end thereof is connected to the water pump720and a second end thereof is positioned directly above the water reservoir310of the bed300.

In particular, a flow path valve731may be connected between the supply hose730and the water pump720. That is, the feed water pumped by the water pump720may be selectively supplied to the water reservoir310of each bed300by the flow path valve731.

The plant cultivation apparatus according to the present embodiment may include a display800.

The display800may be provided to display each condition of the plant cultivation apparatus and to perform various controls.

In this case, an operating state of the plant cultivation apparatus, a temperature in the cultivation room121or122, a cultivation time, a current time, whether the water tank710is mounted, information on a water level of the feed water in the water tank710, and the like may be displayed through the display800.

Further, the display module800may be configured to be operated in a touchable manner, or may be configured to be operated by a button or a switch.

The display module800may be provided in the cabinet100or in the opening/closing door130.

However, when the display800is provided in the opening/closing door130, the connection structure of various signal lines or power lines may be inevitably complicated. The display800may be preferably provided in the cabinet100.

Moreover, considering that the sight glass132constituting the inside portion of the opening/closing door130may be formed of a transparent material such as glass, the display800may be preferably provided in the front of the second lighting module402among the lighting modules401and402.

FIG.35is a block diagram of a plant cultivation apparatus according to the present embodiment,FIG.36is an exemplary view of an input unit and a display of the plant cultivation apparatus,FIG.37is a plan view for describing the flow of air into a machine chamber of the plant cultivation apparatus,FIG.38is a plan view for describing a state of supply of feed water into a bed in the plant cultivation apparatus, andFIG.39is a cross-sectional view for describing the flow of air into a cultivation room in the plant cultivation apparatus.

Referring toFIGS.35to39, the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail for each process.

First, an operation of providing the pod10will be described.

When a new pod10is provided, a bed300positioned in the cultivation rooms121and122is taken out while the opening/closing door130is opened to open the cultivation rooms121and122in the inner case120.

In this case, the bed300is taken out of the cultivation rooms121and122in the inner case120while sliding along the first guide rail101. Of course, the bed300may be taken out only to the extent that an operation of seating the pod10can be easily made without discomfort without being completely taken out.

In this state, after a protective film (not shown) of the pod10provided is removed, the pod10is placed on each of the seating recesses351and352of the bed cover350.

In this case, the pod10is installed such that the protrusions16formed in the bottom surface thereof are positioned to coincide with the penetration holes351aand352aformed in the seating recesses351and352, so that the pod10is seated in a state of being partially accommodated in the seating recesses351and352.

When the pod10in which plant cultivation has been completed exists in the seating recesses351and352of the bed cover350, the corresponding pod10is taken of the bed cover350and a new pod10may be seated on the seating recesses351and352.

Then, when the seating of the pod10is completed, the bed300is pushed such that the bed300is received in the cultivation rooms121and122.

The operation of seating the pod10is performed sequentially or selectively in either or both of the bed300of the upper cultivation room121and the bed300of the lower cultivation room122.

Next, the cultivation operation will be described.

In the state in which the pods10are provided to the beds300in the cultivation rooms121and122as described above, temperatures, the amount of light, and the supply of feed water should be controlled to be suitable for germination of seeds planted in the pods10or cultivation of germinated seeds.

These controls are performed by the controller21of the control module20.

The controller21may receive a user operation from the input unit22. That is, the user may input operations of the plant cultivation apparatus and various commands or information for plant cultivation through the input unit22.

For example, user operations and commands including power on/off of the plant cultivation apparatus, selection of a cultivation mode, selection of a plant type and state, selection of a cultivation location, input of a current time and an on time, on/off of WiFi, and the like may be received.

In one embodiment, the input unit2may be implemented, for example, in the form of a button or a touch pad. In another embodiment, the input unit22may be implemented in the form of a touch screen on the display800. In still another embodiment, the input unit22and the display800may be formed integrally.

The input unit22may include a camera module for photographing an image of a plant in the plant cultivation apparatus or an image of a barcode or a QR code attached to a plant, a pod, a bed, or the like.

The display800may visually and/or audibly output a variety of information for operations of the plant cultivation apparatus and plant cultivation. Accordingly, the user may check information output on the display800to identify information on the plant cultivation apparatus and the cultivated plant.

The display800may include a flat panel display and a speaker to output the information.

In the present embodiment, the display800may be integrally provided with the input unit22and may be provided with a touch panel for receiving a user's touch input.

The display800of the present embodiment may display a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to operations of the plant cultivation apparatus.

Specifically, the display800may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display.

In addition, two or more displays may be present depending on the implementation form of the plant cultivation apparatus. For example, one or more displays may be installed in the front portion of the door in the plant cultivation apparatus, or one or more displays may be installed in the interior space such that a user opens the door and operates the displays.

When a touch sensor that detects a touch operation forms a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure with the display800, the display may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, or a touch pad.

Further, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display800or capacitance occurring in a specific portion of the display into an electrical input signal.

The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the position and area of a touched region, but also a pressure at the time of the touch. When there is a touch input to the touch sensor, a signal corresponding thereto may be sent to a touch controller (not shown).

In this embodiment, the display800may be implemented integrally with the input unit22. The input unit22may be implemented in the form of a plurality of buttons or a touch pad.

The plurality of buttons may include a power button801for selecting on/off of the plant cultivation apparatus, a cultivation mode button802for selecting a cultivation mode for a plant to be cultivated, a cultivation location button803for selecting a location of upper and lower beds as a location of a plant to be cultivated, a time button806for selecting and displaying a current time and an on time (operation time), and an up-down adjustment button807for adjusting the current time and the on time up and down and a Wi-Fi button808for selecting whether to perform Wi-Fi communication.

For a standard mode, a power saving mode, and a smart mode, cultivation conditions such as a watering amount, a water supply time, a light intensity, a light emitting cycle, a ventilation time, and dehumidification control may be set in advance in each mode, and the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus may be controlled according to the set cultivation conditions.

In particular, in the smart mode, the cultivation conditions may be set differently according to a state and a type of a plant. For example, the cultivation conditions may be set differently depending on whether the plants are in a germination state or the plants are herbs or leafy vegetables, and automatic cultivation may be made according to the set cultivation conditions.

When the Wi-Fi communication is turned on, the plant cultivation apparatus may perform wireless communication with the user's smart device. Accordingly, the user may control the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus according to preset cultivation conditions through his or her smart device at a remote location.

Accordingly, the user may check and set the cultivation conditions, including information on the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus and the cultivation status of the plant through his or her smart device.

In addition, the display800may include a time display part807for displaying the current time and the on time, and a water tank information display part808for displaying whether the water tank710is mounted or not and a water level.

In another embodiment, the input unit22may select a function using a wireless signal received from an external device. Such an external device may be a portable smart device.

For example, the user may wirelessly connect his portable smart device (e.g., a smart phone) to the plant cultivation apparatus through Wi-Fi communication.

In addition, the input unit22may further include a microphone for inputting audio such as a user's speech. The input unit22may select a cleaning mode by recognizing a user's speech input through the microphone.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus may transmit state information of the plant cultivation apparatus and information and data about the plant to an external device such as a portable smart device through wired/wireless communication.

As an example, when the user selects a monitoring mode in the plant cultivation apparatus, the user may check the state information of the plant and state information of the plant cultivation apparatus through his or her portable smart device.

On the other hand, the controller21may receive a residual water detection signal from residual water detection sensors440and742. Accordingly, the controller21may perform water supply control using a residual water detection signal detected by the residual water detection sensors440and742.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, the residual water detection sensors440and742may detect whether residual water is present on the surface of a sensing protrusion323formed in the depression320of the bed300.

That is, the residual water detection sensors440and742detect residual water and transmit a residual water detection signal corresponding to the detection of the residual water to the controller21when the residual water is present on the surface of the sensing protrusion323. When the residual water is absent, the residual water detection sensors440and742cannot detect the residual water and transmit a residual water detection signal corresponding to non-detection of the residual water to the controller21.

For example, when the residual water is detected, the residual water detection sensors440and742may transmit a high signal corresponding to the detection of the residual water to the controller21. On the contrary, when the residual water is not detected, the residual water detection sensors440and742may transmit a low signal corresponding to non-detection of the residual water to the controller21.

In this case, the controller21may start water supply by controlling a water supply module700when the residual water detection signal corresponding to non-detection of the residual water is received from the residual water detection sensors440and742.

Specifically, the controller21may operate the water pump720of the water supply module700to supply the feed water stored in the water tank710to each bed300. The water pump720may be operated by a pump driving part (not shown) such as a motor. Accordingly, the controller21may control a pump driving part to operate the water pump720.

The feed water may be pumped to the water pump720through the water supply connection tube760, and may be selectively supplied to a water reservoir310of the bed300through the supply hose730and the flow path valve731.

In addition, the controller21may detect a flow rate of the feed water supplied by the water pump720. To this end, in one embodiment, a flow meter (not shown) may be installed at least one position of the water pump720, the water supply connection tube760, the supply hose730, or the flow path valve731to detect the flow rate of the feed water. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flow rate of the feed water may be detected using a rotation speed of the motor. That is, since the flow rate of the pumped feed water is proportional to the rotation speed of the motor, the flow rate of the pumped feed water may be detected using a proportional correlation.

In addition, the controller21may receive a mounting detection signal and a water level detection signal from the mounting detection part741and a water level detection sensor745. The mounting detection signal may be a signal for detecting whether the water tank710is properly mounted in place, and the water level detection signal may be a signal for detecting a water level of feed water stored in the water tank710.

Accordingly, when the mounting detection signal is received by the controller21by the mounting detection unit741, the controller21may detect that the water tank710is installed in a front portion of a bottom space inside the inner case120provided due to an upward protrusion portion of the machine chamber201.

In addition, when the water level detection signal is received by the water level detection sensor745, the controller21may identify that the feed water is stored a predetermined amount or more in the water tank710.

When it is detected based on the water level detection signal that the water level is below a predetermined threshold level, the controller21may display information on the water level through the display800.

As described above, the controller21may perform water supply control in a state in which the mounting detection signal and the water level detection signal are normally received.

In addition, the controller21may receive a temperature detection value resulting from detection of a temperature in the cultivation rooms121and122from the temperature sensor450, and the controller21may adjust an air temperature in the cultivation rooms121and122by controlling a temperature control module600based on the temperature detection value received by the temperature sensor450.

In addition, the controller21may control at least one or more of the lighting modules401and402, the circulation fan assembly500, the temperature control module600, and the water supply module700. A control process will be described in detail below.

Meanwhile, the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus and the control according to plant cultivation by the control module20may be performed by a predetermined program or may be selected and specified by a user by manual.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is assumed that control is automatically performed according to a program that is basically set. Of course, the program may be changed depending on a type or cultivation method of each plant.

Then, the control process may be performed by the controller21according to information input by operation of the display800formed integrally with the input unit22.

That is, when the user selects a cultivation condition by operating the display800in a state in which the bed300with the pod10installed in the cultivation rooms121and122is provided, the controller21may cultivate a corresponding plant automatically by controlling the temperature control module600, the circulation fan assembly500, the lighting modules401and402and the water supply module700.

Here, when the operation of the temperature control module600is controlled, the refrigeration system including the compressor610, the condenser620, and the evaporator630and the heat dissipation fan611are operated to perform a refrigeration operation.

In particular, when the refrigeration operation is performed, indoor air is sucked into the machine chamber through the inlet221of the intake and exhaust grill220installed on the open front surface of the machine chamber201, and air passing through the machine chamber through the outlet222of the intake and exhaust grill220is discharged. In this case, the indoor air sucked through the inlet221is subjected to heat exchange and heat transfer by passing through the condenser620, the heat sink fan611and the compressor610, and is then discharged to the room through the outlet222. Details will be described below with reference toFIG.37.

In addition, the circulation fan510constituting the circulation fan assembly500is operated during the refrigeration operation.

Accordingly, air present in the rear space in the inner case120is supplied into the cultivation rooms121and122by passing through the circulation fan510and at the same time, flows into the cultivation rooms121and122, and then flows into the rear space in the inner case120through the lower open portion of the partition wall530located at the rear side of the cultivation rooms121and122.

The temperature in the cultivation rooms121and122may be controlled while repeatedly performing the circulation supplied to the cultivation rooms121and122by blowing of the circulation fan510after being subjected to heat exchange with the evaporator630located in the corresponding space.

In particular, while air circulation in the cultivation rooms121and122is repeatedly performed by the operation of the circulation fan510, air flowing along the rear spaces of the cultivation rooms121and122is supplied to the upper spaces in the cultivation rooms121and122respectively through the circulation fan assemblies500after being subjected to heat exchange by passing through the evaporator630located in the corresponding space.

Therefore, the air introduced into the cultivation rooms121and122is maintained at a constant temperature while flowing through the cultivation rooms121and122, whereby the cultivated plant may be cultivated under an optimal temperature condition.

On the other hand, a part of air circulating through the upper cultivation room121flows into the lower cultivation room122while passing through a gap between the front of the upper bed300and the opening/closing door130, and a part of the air circulating through the lower cultivation room121passes through the gap between the front of the lower bed300and the opening/closing door130.

Accordingly, moisture is prevented from being generated on the surface of the opening/closing door130by the flow of air passing through the gap. Details will be described below with reference toFIG.38.

Then, when the cultivation operation is performed, the lighting modules401and402are operated.

Light source is provided to the plants in the cultivation rooms121and122in such a way that the LED421is periodically turned on/off (or continuously turned on/off) by controlling the operation of the lighting modules401and402.

Of course, even when the LED421emits light by the control of the lighting modules401and402, a protective film (not shown) of a transparent window132(or a dark-colored transparent window) forming the opening/closing door130transmits light of the cultivation rooms121and122through the room to minimize reflection, thereby minimizing inconvenience to the user in the room.

In addition, when the above-described cultivation operation is performed, the water supply module700is operated periodically (or, if necessary).

That is, the controller21operates the water pump720for each watering cycle when a cultivated plant is determined and a watering cycle is determined. In this case, the controller21does not operate the water pump720when it is identified through the detection of the mounting detection part741that the water tank710does not exist.

On the other hand, when the existence of the water tank710is identified through a mounting detection signal received by the mounting detection part741, the controller21may operate the water pump720to supply the feed water stored in the water tank710to each bed300.

In this case, the feed water is pumped to the water pump720through the water supply connection tube760, and is selectively supplied to the water reservoir310of each bed300through the supply hose730and the flow path valve731.

Then, the feed water supplied to the water reservoir310is provided to the depression320in the bed300by being guided by the water supply flow path330connected to the water reservoir310.

In this case, since dike portions33are formed to protrude from both sides of the water supply flow path330, the feed water may smoothly flow into the depression320along the water supply flow path330.

In addition, a flow guide groove302is formed in a communication portion between the water supply flow path330and the depression320, and when considering that the depression320has a track-type structure, the feed water which is guided to the water supply flow path330to flow to any one portion of the depression320is guided by the flow guide groove302and flows from the any one portion of the depression320toward the other portion, thus filling the front depression321and the rear depressions322sequentially. This is as shown in the attachedFIG.36.

The feed water filled in the depression320is absorbed by the culture ground11of the corresponding pod10through the protrusion16of each pod10installed to contact the feed water in the depression320to be supplied to the plant.

In the course of the water supply, the residual water detection sensor440or742may detect whether the residual water is remaining in the depression320, and in particular, in the present embodiment, specifically, the residual water detection sensor440or742may detect whether or not residual water of the feed water is present on the surface of the sensing protrusion323of the depression320.

When the controller21receives a residual water detection signal according to detection of the residual water detection or non-detection of residual water by the residual water detection sensors440and742and determines that the residual water of the feed water is present on the surface of the sensing protrusion323of the depression320, the controller21may stop the operation of the water pump720to allow the feed water not to be supplied.

The water supply control method using the residual water detection sensors440and742may be to prevent residual water from remaining in the bed300. That is, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of residual water due to excessive water supply and occurrence of contamination of residual water by allowing the water of required amount to be supplied.

In particular, when considering that it is needed that the feed water gradually increases as the plant grows, the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may supply the more water as the more water is absorbed by corresponding plants, thus achieving proper watering always even when the amount of water to be needed varies when the plants grow.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to control water supply by identifying the residual water detection signal by the residual water detection sensor and the number of times of water supply. Details will be described again below.

Meanwhile, the water level detection sensor745may sense a level of the feed water in the water tank710and inform the level to the control module20. In this process, when the level of the feed water is lower than a set water level, the controller21may stop the operation of the water pump720and display the fact that the water level is insufficient on the display800.

As described above, when replenishment of feed water in the water tank710is required, the user may open the opening/closing door130to expose the water tank710to the room, and then take out the water tank710to replenish the feed water.

The water tank710is taken out by a sliding method. That is, by holding the handle711of the water tank710and pulling it toward the room, the water tank710may be taken out toward the room by being guided by the second guide rail102and moved forward.

In this case, the connection pipe762of the water supply connection tube760may break away from the coupling hole743of the installation frame740while being separated from the pump connection pipe721, so that the water supply connection tube760is disconnected from the water pump720. This is as shown inFIGS.32and33attached.

The water tank710, which is taken out as described above, may open the opening/closing cover750to allow the upper surface thereof to be opened and then replenish the feed water through the opened upper surface.

In this case, when considering that the opening/closing cover750is rotatably installed in the water tank710, the opening/closing cover750may be easily opened by lifting bottom surfaces at both sides of a front end of the opening/closing cover750(a portion exposed through an incision groove formed in an expansion jaw of the water tank).

Then, when replenishment of the feed water is completed, the water tank710is accommodated between the bottom in the cultivation room121or122and the bottom of the bed300.

In this case, the water tank710is accommodated while slidably moving through the guidance of the second guide rail102. In this accommodation process, the connection pipe762of the water supply connection tube760may be connected to the pump connection pipe721by passing through the coupling hole743of the installation frame740. This is as shown inFIGS.30and31attached.

When the accommodation of the water tank710is completed, the control module20which has identified the accommodation, may allow the water pump720to operate at a predetermined cycle, or allow the water pump720to operate based on whether residual water is present in each bed300, which is detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742.

In this case, whether or not the water tank710is accommodated may be determined based on whether the contact is in an on state according to the contact of the mounting detection part741. Of course, when the mounting detection part741is a non-contact sensor, it may be identified whether the water tank is adjacent to the installation frame.

In particular, the installation frame740may allow the water tank710to be accommodated only up to a correct position, thus preventing excessive accommodation.

As a result, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure may be easily managed in taking out the water tank710or replenishing water according to the user's needs because the water tank710constituting the water supply module is provided in the cultivation rooms121and122.

On the other hand, in one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the plant cultivation apparatus may set a watering amount and the number of times of water supply for the feed water supplied to the bed300in the cultivation room121or122. In a case where water supply is requested in the plant cultivation apparatus, the water supply may be set to proceed at once, or the number of times of water supply may be set such that water supply is performed several times.

In addition, in the plant cultivation apparatus, a total watering amount and a single watering amount may be set during water supply. That is, the total watering amount and the single watering amount may be set in advance with respect to the feed water supplied when water supply is performed at a set time or at a set cycle.

For example, it may be set that a total of 500 ml of feed water is supplied per a day and the feed water of 50 ml is supplied one time. In this case, the total watering amount of water supplied per a day may be 500 ml, and the single watering amount of water supplied one time may be set to 50 ml. When the total watering amount and the single watering amount may be set, the number of times of water supply may be automatically set. In this case, the number of times of water supply may be ten times.

The total watering amount and the single watering amount may be changed as well. For example, it is possible to change the characteristics of the plant cultivation apparatus, that is, a size of the bed300, a plant to be cultivated, culture ground provided to a pod, and the like.

In this case, the water supply control according to the present embodiment may be performed by the controller21based on the detection signal of the residual water detection sensor742.

Specifically, the controller21may receive and store the total watering amount and the single watering amount from a user. That is, the user may input a user operation for the total watering amount and the single watering amount through the input unit22. Of course, in another embodiment, default information may also be set in the plant cultivation apparatus. In addition, the user may change preset information.

In order to supply water to the bed300, the residual water detection sensor440or742may detect whether residual water is present in the bed300, and transmit a residual water detection signal corresponding to the detection or non-detection of residual water to the controller21.

The controller21may determine whether to supply water according to the residual water detection signal and control necessary components such that water is supplied when water supply is required.

First, when water supply is started, only a predetermined single watering amount is supplied, and then the water supply is temporarily stopped. In this case, when the residual water in the bed300is detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742according to the water supply, waiting may be performed until a plant may absorb the water and the residual water is then not detected in the bed300. On the contrary, when the residual water in the bed300is not detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742despite the water supply, the water supply is stopped after the water of the single watering amount is supplied once or more.

When the residual water is not detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742after only the water of the single watering amount is supplied and water supply is stopped, the water of the single watering amount is supplied once again. After waiting for a certain period of time when the residual water is detected, the water of the single watering amount is supplied once again when the residual water is not detected.

This process is repeatedly performed until water is supplied by a preset total watering amount.

On the other hand, in another embodiment, when detection of the residual water is continuously maintained by the residual water detection sensor440or742while a process of supplying the single watering amount and stopping water supply is repeatedly performed, the water supply may not be performed any more. This is to prevent water supply because the residual water is continuously present in the bed even when the feed water is not supplied as much as the total watering amount.

Thus, the water supply may be repeatedly performed and stopped according to the detection signal for the presence or absence of residual water. That is, when the residual water is detected (detection of residual water), the water supply may be stopped, and when the residual water is not detected (non-detection of residual water), the water supply may be performed. This process may be repeatedly performed until the feed water is supplied as much as the preset total watering amount.

FIG.40is a time chart for describing the start and stop of water supply according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawings, in the plant cultivation apparatus of this embodiment, water supply to the bed300is performed as much as the single watering amount in a state in which the total watering amount and the single watering amount are set in advance.

Here, the start time of the water supply may be determined by various methods. For example, when a set cycle is reached, the water supply may be started, or the water supply may be started at a set time. Alternatively, when the residual water is not detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742or a time during which the residual water is not detected has elapsed over a set time, water supply may be stated. The start time of the water supply may be changed by the user.

When the first water supply is started as described above, the controller21may determine whether the residual water is detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742. When the residual water is not detected, the second water supply may be started in the single watering amount. When the residual water is detected due to the first water supply and waiting is performed until the plant or the culture ground absorbs the water and the residual water is not detected, and when the residual water is not detected, the second water supply may be started.

That is, when the residual water is detected, the detection is continuously performed until the residual water is not detected, and when the residual water is not detected because water is absorbed by the plant or the culture ground, the second water supply is started.

After starting the second water supply as described above, it may be identified whether the residual water is detected, and when the residual water is not detected, a third water supply may be performed again as much as a single watering amount. When the residual water is detected, waiting is performed until the residual water is not detected and then when the residual water is not detected, the third water supply is started.

This process is repeatedly performed until water is supplied as much as a preset total watering amount.

As described above, in the present embodiment, water is supplied each time as much as a preset single watering amount. When the residual water is not detected in the case of detecting the residual water after the water supply is started, the next water supply is started or when the residual water is detected, waiting is performed until the residual water is not detected and when the residual water is not detected, the next water supply is started.

This process may be repeatedly performed until the amount of feed water supplied reaches the total watering amount.

FIG.40shows an example in which residual water is detected only after water supply has been performed four times, each time the water of the single watering amount being supplied. The residual water may be detected after the fourth water supply, and when the residual water is not detected again after a certain time has elapsed, the fifth water supply may be performed in the single watering amount. Then, the residual water is detected again, and when the residual water is not detected after waiting is performed a certain period of time, the sixth water supply may be performed again.

In this case, as shown, a water supply interval may increase as the water supply is repeatedly performed. That is, the relationship of t1<t2<t3may be accomplished. Because the plant and the culture ground absorb water due to the water supply, the rate of water absorption gradually slows down and a residual water remaining time in the bed becomes longer as water supply is repeatedly performed.

Therefore, as the water supply is repeatedly performed, a residual water detection time for which the residual water is detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742may gradually increase. That is, relationship of S1<S2may be achieved.

In particular, since the residual water detection sensor440or742detects the residual water for the first time, the water supply interval and the residual water detection time may increase. That is, until the residual water detection sensor440or742detects residual water for the first time, the feed water supplied to the bed is immediately absorbed by the plants and the culture ground, so that the residual water is rarely detected. Thereafter, when the plants and the culture ground have sufficiently absorbed water, residual water may remain, and the residual water detection sensor440or742may detect the residual water for the first time. After that, the rate of water absorption may rapidly decrease, and the residual water remaining time may increase. This is because the water supply interval becomes longer.

On the other hand, in another embodiment, when the feed water supplied to the bed300continuously remains and the residual water detection sensor440or742continuously detects the residual water in the bed300, the water supply is stopped even though water is not supplied as much as the preset total watering amount.

That is, the above-described water supply process is repeatedly performed until water is supplied as much as the total watering amount. When water is not detected after the water supply is started, water is supplied as much as the single watering amount each time. However, when the feed water is sufficiently supplied and detection of the residual water is continuously maintained, the water supply may not proceed. This means that even though the total watering amount is not supplied, water supply may be stopped.

Of course, as the time passes, the plants need to be watered again and the bed needs to be supplied with water. However, when a time period for setting the total watering amount is short, the water supply may not be performed since the feed water may be supplied sufficiently even when the total watering amount is not supplied.

FIG.41is a flowchart for describing a method of controlling water supply in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.42is a flowchart for describing a method of controlling water supply in a plant cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.43is a flowchart for describing a method for controlling water supply in a plant cultivation apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.41, while the plant cultivation apparatus is operating (S101), the controller21may receive a residual water detection signal from the residual water detection sensor440or742for detecting the residual water for each of the plurality of beds300. Accordingly, the controller21may check the residual water in each bed300based on the residual water detection signal (S103).

The controller21may identify whether there is a bed where residual water is not detected and select a water supply location by identifying a position of the bed where residual water is not detected (S105). That is, this water supply location may be the position of the bed where the residual water is not detected.

Subsequently, the controller21may perform water supply to the corresponding bed according to the selected bed location (S107). To this end, the controller21may control the operation of the water supply module700to supply water to the bed where the residual water is not detected.

Subsequently, the controller21may determine whether water supply is completed for all beds in which water supply is needed (S109), and when water supply is not completed for all beds, proceed to step S103to check the residual water for each bed.

When it is determined that water supply is completed for all beds, the water supply is completed (S111).

FIG.42shows a water supply control method according to another embodiment. Since the water supply control method is equally applied to all beds, the water supply control method for a single bend will be described with reference toFIG.41. Of course, the water supply control method may be applied to water supply control for each of a plurality of beds.

Referring to the drawings, while the plant cultivation apparatus is in operation, the controller21may check residual water based on a residual water detection signal received from the residual water detection sensor440or742that detects the residual water in the bed300(S201).

The residual water detection signal may include a residual water detection signal corresponding to detection of the residual water and a residual water detection signal corresponding to non-detection of the residual water.

As a result of checking the residual water of the bed, when the residual water is not detected (S203), the controller21may start water supply to a corresponding bed (S205). To this end, the controller21may control the operation of the water supply module700to supply water to the bed where the residual water is not detected. Specifically, the controller21may drive the water pump720to pump feed water stored in the water tank710and supply the feed water to the bed300.

Thereafter, the controller21may determine whether a first set time has elapsed since the start of the water supply (S207). To this end, the control module20may include a timer (not shown) for counting time, and the controller21may control the operation of the timer and receive an elapsed time from the timer after a specific time has elapsed.

The controller21may continuously supply water until the first set time has elapsed after the start of water supply, and may terminate water supply when the first set time has elapsed (S209). In the present embodiment, for example, the first set time may be set to 20 to 40 seconds, preferably 30 seconds. Of course, the figures are merely examples and may be changed according to the type and condition of plants.

Subsequently, the controller21may count the number of times of water supply when the water supply is terminated as described above (S211). That is, the number of times of water supply may be counted every time water supply is started and terminated.

Then, the controller21may determine whether detection of the residual water is maintained continuously for a second set time (S213). Specifically, when water supply is started by the control of the controller21, the feed water may be supplied to the depression320, and the residual water detection sensor440or742may determine whether the feed water remains in the depression320of the bed300.

In the present embodiment, the second set time may be determined within a range of 10 minutes to 1 hour, and may be preferably 30 minutes. Of course, the figures are merely examples and may be changed depending on the type and condition of the plant or the condition of the soil contained in the culture ground.

In this way, it is determined whether detection of the residual water is continuously maintained for the second set time after the water supply to the bed is started and the residual water detection sensor440or742detects that the residual water is present.

On the other hand, as described above, when the water supply is started, there may be a case in which the residual water detection sensor440or742detects residual water, but detection of the residual water is not continuously maintained. For example, when water supply is started, feed water may be supplied to the depression320of the bed300. The feed water supplied to the depression320may be absorbed into the culture ground11of the pod10and supplied to plants.

In this case, when the culture ground11has little water and the culture ground11absorbs a lot of water, the amount of the residual water remaining in the depression320may be rapidly reduced. As described above, when the amount of feed water remaining in the depression320decreases or disappears, the residual water detection sensor440or742may not detect the residual water on the surface of the sensing protrusion323of the depression320, and thus transmit a residual water detection signal indicating non-detection of residual water to the controller21.

That is, even though the residual water detection sensor440or742detects the residual water once, detection of the residual water may not be continuously maintained for a predetermined time (second set time).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not to supply water by identifying whether detection of the residual water is continuously maintained for the predetermined time.

The fact that the residual water is continuously detected for the second set time may mean that the feed water required for plant cultivation is sufficiently supplied, and conversely, the fact that detection of the residual water is not continuously maintained for the second set time may mean that water supply is further needed.

Accordingly, the controller21may determine that the feed water is sufficiently supplied when detection of the residual water is maintained for the second set time in step S213to complete the water supply (S217).

When detection of the residual water is not maintained for the second set time (S213), it may be determined whether the counted number of times of water supply has reached a reference number of times (S215). When the number of times of water supply has reached the reference number of times, the water supply is completed (S217), or when the number of times of water supply has not reached the reference number of times, the process proceeds to step S205to restart water supply.

This is to limit the number of times of water supply because the water supply cannot be restarted indefinitely while detection of the residual water is not maintained for the second set time.

That is, even though detection of the residual water is not continuously maintained for the second set time, the water supply may be completed when the water supply has been performed the reference number of times.

Through the water supply control, feed water required for plant cultivation may be supplied.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a water supply cycle is set in advance, and the controller21may perform water supply according to the set water supply cycle. Therefore, the controller21is capable of providing feed water to the plants through the above-described water supply control at water supply cycles.

FIG.43shows a water supply control method according to still another embodiment.

As described above, since the water supply control method according to the present embodiment is equally applied to all beds, the water supply control method for a single bend will be described with reference toFIG.43. Of course, the water supply control method may be applied to water supply control for each of a plurality of beds.

In the present embodiment, a total watering amount and a single watering amount according to the water supply can be set in the plant cultivation apparatus (S301). Specifically, the total watering amount of feed water to be supplied at every set time or a set cycle, that is, the total watering amount, and the amount of the feed water in the case of water supply one time, that is, the single watering amount may be set in advance.

As an example, when it is set to supply a total of 500 ml of feed water per day and to supply 50 ml of water at single water supply, the total amount of feed water supplied per day is 100 ml, and the single watering amount is set to 50 ml. Naturally, the total watering amount and the single watering amount may be changed.

As in the above example, when it is set that the water of total 500 ml is supplied in one day, but the water of 50 ml is supplied at one time, water supply may be performed a total of ten times.

When the request to start water supply is input (S303), the controller21may start water supply according to the input request to start water supply (S305).

The request to start water supply may be made in various ways as described above. For example, water supply may be requested at a set time, water supply may be requested at every set period, or when the residual water is not detected or the time for which the residual water is not detected continues for a predetermined time or more, water supply may be requested.

In addition, the start of the water supply may mean that the supply of the feed water to the bed300is started, and the supply of the feed water may be made by the operation of the water pump720under the control of the controller21as described above.

When water supply is started, feed water is supplied until the set single watering amount is reached. Accordingly, the controller21may determine whether the amount of feed water supplied has reached the single watering amount after the start of water supply (S307).

When it is determined that the amount of feed water supplied has reached the single watering amount, the water supply is stopped (S309).

Then, the controller21may determine whether the residual water is detected by the residual water detection sensor4400or742(S311). When the residual water is detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742, the residual water is continuously detected until the residual water is not detected, or when the residual water is not detected, it is determined whether the amount of feed water supplied due to water supply until now has reached the set total watering amount (S313).

When the residual water is first detected by the residual water detection sensor440or742, water is absorbed by the plants and the culture ground, and when some time elapses after the residual water is detected, the residual water is not detected.

When water is supplied as much as the total watering amount in S313, the water supply is completed (S315), or when water is not supplied as much as the total watering amount, the process proceeds to step S305again to start water supply.

This process is repeatedly performed until water has been supplied as much as the total water amount.

In this way, in the present disclosure, the total watering amount of feed water to be supplied for a set period and the single watering amount may be set. The water may be supplied as much as the single watering amount each time, and when the total watering amount is reached, water supply may be completed. Every single water supply may be performed according to whether residual water is detected in the bed.

As described above, the plant cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may cultivate a plant in the room, and for this purpose, perform control suitable for various cultivation conditions to enable plant cultivation.

To this end, the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the water tank710constituting the water supply module700is configured as the forward drawable manner, and thus easily maintain the water tank710when being installed in a specific narrow space such as a built-in method.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure is operated to supply the feed water while the water supply module700is operated in cooperation with the residual water detection sensor440or742for each bed300, so that only the proper amount of moisture supplied to plants may be always supplied, thus preventing the occurrence of residual water.

Further, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured as the non-circulating structure in which the feed water is normally stored in the separate water tank710, which is blocked from the outside environment, and is supplied to the bed only when necessary. Thus, contamination of the feed water in the water tank710may be prevented.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured such that the water tank710in which the feed water is stored is easily drawable, thereby improving user convenience.

In addition, in the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure, the water tank710and the water pump720may be always seated at correct positions by the installation frame740.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure, the water supply module700is provided between the bottom of the cultivation room121or122and the bed300in the cultivation room121or122, thus securing the maximum cultivation space for the cultivation room121or122.

In addition, since the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure is configured to open and close the open top of the water tank710with the opening/closing cover750, it is possible to prevent contamination of feed water in the water tank710.

In addition, in the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure, the opening/closing cover750is rotatably installed in the water tank710, making it easy to open and close the water tank710.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure may maximize the water storage amount of the water tank710because the water supply connection tube760is provided in the opening/closing cover750.

In addition, in the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure, the opening/closing cover750may include the cover window752, thus allowing a user to accurately recognize a water level of the feed water in the water tank710even with the user's naked eyes.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure may prevent contamination of the feed water inside the water tank because the surrounding frame753is formed on the opening/closing cover750.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure may accurately detect whether or not the water tank is mounted because the mounting detection unit is provided on the installation frame.

In addition, according to the plant cultivation apparatus of the present disclosure, the upper surface frame is provided at the upper end of the installation frame, and the upper surface frame is equipped with the residual water detection sensor that detects whether the feed water supplied to the bed remains, thus accurately detecting whether the residual water is present in the bed.

The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and may be manufactured in various different forms, and it is understood that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.