Multistage vertical garden device for purifying air and water including plasma generating module

Abstract

A multi-stage vertical garden device and a control method thereof are provided, which purify the water flowing inside and discharge purified air simultaneously by being equipped with a plasma generation module. The vertical garden device comprises: a water tank module including a supply water tank, a discharge water tank, a plasma generation module, and a water tank flow path unit; one or more plant modules including a plant flow path unit disposed above the water tank module, partially fluid-connected to the water tank flow path unit, and branched to distribute water; and a pump module including a pump flow path unit disposed above the plant module and partially fluid-connected to the plant flow path unit, and a first pump.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical garden device and a method for controlling the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a multi-stage vertical garden device equipped with a plasma generation module that purifies the water flowing inside and simultaneously discharges purified air, and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] A so-called vertical garden or green wall refers to a garden in which plants are grown or arranged vertically on the exterior or interior walls of a building. Wall greening using vertical gardens provides an aesthetic appeal and interior design effect, but it has recently been gaining attention for its benefits such as insulation and air purification.

[0003] Conventionally, wall greening was carried out mainly using climbing plants that grow along the wall, but recently, vertical gardens are being constructed using a wider variety of plants by using so-called vertical garden devices that vertically arrange devices for planting pots. Prior art literature

[0004] KR 20-0477950 Y1 (Patent Document 2) KR 10-2143486 B1 (Patent Document 3) KR 10-2167921 B1 The problem to be solved

[0005] The biggest technical challenge in vertical garden systems is supplying water to the plants. The most commonly used method currently is the one proposed by Patrick Blanc (France). It is a structure that uses gravity to make water flow from top to bottom and brings the roots of vertically arranged plants into contact with the flowing water, and is often referred to as a wet vertical garden.

[0006] However, the problem with the aforementioned wet-water structure is that the soil in the pot is washed away by gravity. The continuous washing away of soil not only hinders plant growth but is also the primary cause of blockage in the water tank, the pump connected to it, and the water channels. To solve this soil erosion problem, specially designed supports are used instead of soil, or hydroponic cultivation methods utilizing nutrient solutions are adopted. However, these improvement methods have limitations in terms of universal applicability.

[0007] Meanwhile, causal relationships between indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde, and various diseases are also being continuously reported. Although some plants are known to perform air purification functions by removing indoor pollutants, such as VOCs, through photosynthesis and transpiration, their variety is limited, and their air purification efficiency is not particularly high.

[0008] Accordingly, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vertical garden device capable of supplying water to plants in a simple and automated manner. At the same time, it is to provide a vertical garden device capable of contributing to the improvement of indoor air quality by purifying and discharging not only the water flowing along its internal channels but also the air.

[0009] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for controlling a vertical garden device.

[0010] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0011] A vertical garden device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a water tank module including a supply water tank, a discharge water tank, a plasma generation module, and a water tank flow unit; one or more plant modules including a plant flow unit disposed above the water tank module, partially fluid-connected to the water tank flow unit, and branched to distribute water; and a pump module including a pump flow unit disposed above the plant module and partially fluid-connected to the plant flow unit, and a first pump.

[0012] The above-mentioned tank flow path unit may include a first tank supply flow path section that supplies liquid in the supply tank to the plant flow path unit by the first pump, a tank discharge flow path section that supplies water supplied by the plant flow path unit to the discharge tank, and a second tank supply flow path section that supplies gas in the supply tank to the plant flow path unit by the first pump.

[0013] Additionally, the plant flow unit may include a first plant supply flow section fluidly connected to the first water tank supply flow section, and a second plant supply flow section fluidly connected to the second water tank supply flow section.

[0014] In addition, the pump flow path unit may include a first pump supply flow path fluidly connected to the first plant supply flow path, and a second pump supply flow path fluidly connected to the second plant supply flow path.

[0015] At this time, the first pump may be fluidly connected to the second pump supply flow path and configured to suck and discharge gas within the supply tank along the second tank supply flow path, the second plant supply flow path, and the second pump supply flow path.

[0016] The above-mentioned tank module may further include at least a first tank connecting channel that provides a path for liquid from the discharge tank to move to the supply tank, and at least a second tank connecting channel that provides a path for gas from the discharge tank to move to the supply tank.

[0017] The above-mentioned water tank flow unit includes a water tank discharge flow section that supplies water supplied by the above-mentioned plant flow unit to the discharge water tank, and the inlet of the above-mentioned plasma generation device can be fluidly connected to the water tank discharge flow section.

[0018] Alternatively, the above-mentioned water tank module may further include a purification channel section that is fluidly connected to the inlet of the plasma generating device and provides a channel for supplying liquid inside the discharge tank to the inlet.

[0019] A vertical garden device according to another embodiment for solving any of the above problems comprises: a water tank module including one or more water tanks in which water is stored; one or more plant modules disposed above the water tank module; and a pump module disposed above the plant module and including a first pump, wherein the plant module may be configured to include at least a partially inclined housing, a plant flow unit fluidly connected to a water tank flow unit of the water tank module and a pump flow unit of the pump module within the housing, and a pin unit fluidly connected to the plant flow unit and including a pin portion extending on the housing, such that the pin portion is inserted into the bottom surface of a flowerpot.

[0020] The above tank may include a supply tank and a discharge tank.

[0021] At this time, the water contained in the supply tank may be configured to be sucked by the first pump along certain flow paths to supply water to the fin unit, and the water supplied to the fin unit may be discharged to the discharge tank along certain flow paths.

[0022] In addition, the water in the discharge tank can be configured to flow into the supply tank.

[0023] The above-mentioned water tank module may include a water tank flow path unit comprising a water tank supply flow path section fluidly connected to the supply water tank and a water tank discharge flow path section fluidly connected to the discharge water tank.

[0024] The above supply tank may be partitioned by a wall and may have a first supply tank space and a second supply tank space that are optionally fluid-connected.

[0025] Additionally, the water tank supply flow path is configured to draw air or water within the first supply water tank space by the first pump, and the water flowing from the discharge tank to the supply tank can be configured to flow into the second supply water tank space.

[0026] The first pump above can be configured to operate at a scheduled time.

[0027] In this case, a second time point for the next operation of the first pump can be determined based on the difference between the amount of water reduced within the first supply tank space and the amount of water flowing into the discharge tank by the first pump operated at a first time point.

[0028] The above-mentioned plant flow unit may include a plant supply flow section functioning as a flow path for drawing water from the supply tank, a plant discharge flow section functioning as a flow path for discharging water to the discharge tank, and a plant distribution flow section connecting the plant supply flow section and the plant discharge flow section.

[0029] The inner diameter of the plant discharge flow path section above may be smaller than the inner diameter of the plant supply flow path section.

[0030] In addition, the inner diameter of the plant discharge channel may be smaller than the inner diameter of the plant distribution channel.

[0031] The above-mentioned plant flow unit may include a plant distribution flow section extending in a horizontal direction, and a plurality of plant injection flow sections branched from the plant distribution flow section.

[0032] At this time, the distribution channel may include a guide block portion that reduces the inner diameter of the distribution channel portion to guide the flow of fluid flowing along its interior, near the distribution channel portion where the injection channel portion branches off.

[0033] The above pin portion includes a plurality of pinholes, and the pin unit may further include a pin filter disposed to cover the pinholes within the internal space of the pin portion.

[0034] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description. Effects of the invention

[0035] According to embodiments of the present invention, a water flow path is formed for circulating water in a vertical garden device, while minimizing the inclusion of soil from a flowerpot in the flow path.

[0036] In addition, the vertical garden device can be configured in a prefabricated manner, including a water tank module, one or more plant modules, and a pump module.

[0037] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical garden device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the vertical garden device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the water tank module of the vertical garden device of Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the plant module of the vertical garden device of Figure 2. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of the pin unit and the flowerpot of Figure 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the pump module of the vertical garden device of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical garden device of FIG. 1 viewed from one side. Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical garden device of Figure 1 viewed from the other side. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path configuration of the vertical garden device of Figure 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the distribution flow path and injection flow path area of ​​the plant flow unit of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the supply flow section, distribution flow section, and discharge flow section of the plant flow unit of FIG. 9. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the plasma generation module of Figure 9. FIGS. 13 to 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the water circulation in the vertical garden device of FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path configuration of a vertical garden device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin unit of a plant module of a vertical garden device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path configuration of a vertical garden device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0039] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0040] Furthermore, the scope of patent claims is not a matter describing the technical content that constitutes the substance of the invention, but rather a matter indicating what scope is claimed as a right based on the technical configuration disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, it is somewhat inevitable that the scope of patent claims is composed of abstract higher-level concepts that include the technology disclosed in the detailed description of the invention, and if a person skilled in the art can understand the technical configuration, combination, and functional effects belonging to the scope of patent claims through the entire specification, then the scope of patent claims should be considered to be supported by the detailed description of the invention.

[0041] That is, various modifications may be made to the embodiments presented in the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the forms of practice and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions thereof.

[0042] If any term described in this specification is to be used with a specific meaning, such meaning may be defined and used, and it should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0043] In this specification, "and / or" includes each of the mentioned items and all combinations of one or more. Also, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. A numerical range indicated by "to" indicates a numerical range that includes the values ​​listed before and after it as a lower and upper limit, respectively. "Approximately" or "about" means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range listed after it.

[0044] In this specification, ordinal modifiers such as 'first component,' 'second component,' and 'first-1 component' are used merely to distinguish one component from another when referring to components. Accordingly, the first component referred to below may be referred to as the second component within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Furthermore, it goes without saying that what is referred to as the first component in the description of the invention may be referred to as the second component in the claims.

[0045] The size, thickness, width, length, etc., of the components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, so the present invention is not limited to the depicted form.

[0046] Spatially relative terms such as 'above,' 'upper,' 'on,' 'below,' 'beneath,' and 'lower' may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or component and another, as illustrated in the drawings. When used in addition to the directions depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms should be understood as encompassing different orientations of the elements. For example, if an element depicted in a drawing is flipped, an element described as being 'below' or 'beneath' another element may be placed 'above' of that other element. Therefore, the exemplary term 'below' may encompass both the downward and upward directions.

[0047] In this specification, a first direction (X) refers to a direction within a plane, and a second direction (Y) refers to another direction within the plane that intersects or is orthogonal to the first direction (X). Additionally, a third direction (Z) refers to yet another direction that intersects or is orthogonal to the plane.

[0048] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical garden device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vertical garden device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the water tank module of the vertical garden device of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the plant module of the vertical garden device of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of the pin unit and the flowerpot of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the pump module of the vertical garden device of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical garden device of FIG. 1 viewed from one side. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical garden device of FIG. 1 viewed from the other side. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path configuration of the vertical garden device of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the distribution flow path and the spray flow path near the plant flow path unit of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the supply flow section, distribution flow section, and discharge flow section of the plant flow unit of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the plasma generation module of FIG. 9.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment includes a water tank module (100), one or more plant modules (200), and a pump module (300) stacked in the direction of gravity, e.g., a third direction (Z).

[0051] The water tank module (100) is positioned at the bottom and may include one or more water tanks (130) and a water tank flow unit (120).

[0052] The water tank module (100) may include a supply tank (131) (or a first tank) and a discharge tank (132) (or a second tank). The supply tank (131) is a tank that stores water to supply water to a plant (not shown) contained in a flowerpot (P), and the discharge tank (132) may be a tank that receives water discharged after water flows along a flow path described later. The discharge tank (132) may be positioned at least partially above the supply tank (131) in the direction of gravity. For example, the bottom surface of the discharge tank (132) may be located above the bottom surface of the supply tank (131). As described later, water stored in the discharge tank (132) may flow into the supply tank (131). To this end, the discharge tank (132) may be positioned higher.

[0053] Specifically, the supply tank (131) may include a partition wall (131w) that partitions its internal space. By the partition wall (131w), the supply tank (131) may be partitioned into a first supply tank space (131a) and a second supply tank space (131b). The partition wall (131w) may form a height sufficient to separate the water filling the supply tank (131), i.e., the supply water (W1), by gravity.

[0054] The first supply tank space (131a) and the second supply tank space (131b) may be fluidly connected by a supply tank valve (131v) and / or a pump (not shown), etc. For example, water in the first supply tank space (131a) may flow into the second supply tank space (131b) through the supply valve tank (131v), or vice versa. FIG. 9, etc., illustrates a case where the first supply tank space (131a) is located on the right and the second supply tank space (131b) is located on the left.

[0055] The first supply tank space (131a) can be fluidly connected to the first tank supply flow section (121) of the tank flow unit described later. For example, when the first supply tank space (131a) is filled with a predetermined amount of supply water (W1), the supply water (W1) can be introduced into the first tank supply flow section (121). The supply water (W1) can be used to supply moisture to the plant in the flowerpot (P), specifically to the soil containing the roots. As another example, when the first supply tank space (131a) is not filled with a predetermined amount of supply water, air can be introduced into the first tank supply flow section (121). The air can be blown onto the plant in the flowerpot (P), specifically to the soil containing the roots, to ventilate the soil and mitigate the proliferation of mold, etc. The inflow of supply water (W1) or air through the aforementioned first water tank supply flow path (121) can be performed by the first pump (330) (or main pump) of the pump module (300) to be described later. Meanwhile, the liquid in the second supply water tank space (131b) can be configured so that it does not flow directly into the first water tank supply flow path (121) without passing through the first supply water tank space (131a).

[0056] Additionally, the first supply tank space (131a) or the supply tank (131) containing it may be fluidly connected to the second tank supply flow section (126) of the tank flow unit to be described later. The second tank supply flow section (126) may be a flow path that transmits air, i.e., gas, rather than liquid such as water. As previously described, the first supply tank space (131a) and the second supply tank space (131b) are partitioned by a partition wall (131w), so that the first supply tank space (131a) and the second supply tank space (131b) can contain liquids separately, but the upper part of the first supply tank space (131a) and the upper part of the second supply tank space (131b) are connected so that gas is not partitioned and can be in communication. At this time, gas inside the supply tank (131) can be introduced into the second tank supply flow section (126). The inflow of gas through the second water tank supply channel (126) can be performed by the first pump (330) described later, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] Water stored in the discharge tank (132) flows into the supply tank (131) through the first tank connection path (135), and the water flowing from the discharge tank (132) into the supply tank (131) can flow into the second supply tank space (131b) of the supply tank (131).

[0058] Meanwhile, a supply water supply port (131h) may be provided at the top of the supply tank (131). Water filled into the supply tank (131) through the supply water supply port (131h) may be configured to flow into the second supply tank space (131b) rather than the first supply tank space (131a). The flow of the first tank connection path (135) may be controlled by a tank connection valve (135v) and / or a pump (not shown), etc.

[0059] Additionally, the gas inside the discharge tank (132), i.e., air, can be supplied to the supply tank (131) through the second tank connecting channel (136). To this end, the second tank connecting channel (136) can be located above the first tank connecting channel (135) by gravity.

[0060] In some embodiments, a filter member (132f) may be placed within the discharge tank (132). The water flowing into the discharge tank (132) may be residual water, i.e., discharge water (W2), after watering the plant in the flowerpot (P). Compared to a conventional vertical garden device having a root-wet structure, the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment can significantly reduce the amount of soil contained in the discharge water (W2), but nevertheless, the discharge water (W2) may be in a state where a certain amount of soil is mixed. At this time, the soil in the discharge water (W2) flowing into the discharge tank (132) is filtered using the filter member (132f), and the discharge water (W2) with a minimized soil concentration is supplied back to the supply tank (131), thereby preventing damage and providing the advantage of being able to reuse water.

[0061] The water tank flow unit (120) (or the first flow unit) includes a first water tank supply flow section (121) (or the first-1 flow section, or the first-1 vertical flow section, or the first liquid (water) supply flow section) and a water tank discharge flow section (122) (or the first-2 flow section, or the first-2 vertical flow section, or the liquid (water) discharge flow section), and may further include a second water tank supply flow section (126) (or the first-3 flow section, or the first-3 vertical flow section, or the first gas (air) supply flow section). The first water tank supply flow section (121), the second water tank supply flow section (126), and the water tank discharge flow section (122) may each have a shape extended in the third direction (Z) or include a portion extended in the third direction (Z).

[0062] The first water tank supply flow path (121), the second water tank supply flow path (126), and the water tank discharge flow path (122) may be separated from each other without being directly fluid-connected. As described above, the first water tank supply flow path (121) may be fluid-connected to the supply tank (131), specifically the first supply tank space (131a), the second water tank supply flow path (126) may be fluid-connected to the supply tank (131), and the water tank discharge flow path (122) may be fluid-connected to the discharge tank (132). The first water tank supply flow path (121) may function as a flow path in which at least liquid, such as water, is sucked into the supply tank (131) by the operation of the first pump (330), and the second water tank supply flow path (126) may function as a flow path in which gas, such as air, specifically only gas, is sucked into the supply tank (131) by the operation of the first pump (330). To this end, the lower end of the second water tank supply channel (126) may be located above the top of the wall (131w) in the direction of gravity. Additionally, the water tank discharge channel (122) may function as a channel through which water remaining in the channels after supplying water to the plants is discharged into the discharge tank (132).

[0063] In some embodiments, the water tank module (100) may further include a second pump (150) (or auxiliary pump). The second pump (150) may be coupled at any location in the water tank discharge channel (122) and configured to draw fluid from the upper side to the lower side in a channel (integrated discharge channel) extending in a third direction (Z) formed by the water tank discharge channel (122), the plant discharge channel (224) described later, and the pump discharge channel (324). Accordingly, the flow velocity of the discharge water (W2) flowing from the upper side to the lower side along the integrated discharge channel can be increased, and the pressure in the integrated discharge channel can be lower than the pressure in the plant distribution channel (222). Specifically, unlike the water tank discharge flow path (122) and the pump discharge flow path (324) described later, the plant discharge flow path (224), which is a part constituting the integrated discharge flow path, can be connected to the plant distribution flow path (222) extended in the horizontal direction to form a T-shaped flow path. In this case, a backflow phenomenon may occur in the T-shaped flow path, that is, the discharge water (W2) flowing from the upper side to the lower side along the water tank discharge flow path (122) flows back into the plant distribution flow path (222). Accordingly, the present invention can use a second pump (150) to form the pressure within the plant discharge flow path (224) lower than the pressure within the plant distribution flow path (222), thereby mitigating or preventing the backflow of discharge water (W2) into the plant distribution flow path (222).

[0064] The aforementioned tanks (130), the first tank connecting channel (135) and the second tank connecting channel (136) connecting them, and the tank channel unit (120) may be disposed within a tank housing (110). The tank housing (110) may have a tank channel hole (110h) formed in the ceiling portion. At least partially, the first tank supply channel section (121), the second tank supply channel section (126), and the tank discharge channel section (122) are inserted into the tank channel hole (110h), and the first tank supply channel section (121), the second tank supply channel section (126), and the tank discharge channel section (122) may be exposed to the upper side of the tank housing (110). More specifically, a first water tank supply channel (121) and a second water tank supply channel (126) may be exposed or arranged in a water tank channel hole (110h) on one side, and only a water tank discharge channel (122) may be exposed or arranged in a water tank channel hole (110h) on the other side. To this end, the sizes of the water tank channel holes (110h) on one side and the other side may differ.

[0065] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, a cover pipe (not shown) that encloses the first water tank supply channel (121) and the second water tank supply channel (126) may be further provided.

[0066] In some embodiments, the water tank module (100) may further include a first sealing member (142) positioned near the top of the first water tank supply channel (121), the second water tank supply channel (126), and the water tank discharge channel (122) exposed to the upper side of the water tank housing (110). As described below, the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment may be assembled with the water tank module (100), the plant module (200), and the pump module (300). That is, the water tank channel unit (120) of the water tank module (100), the plant channel unit (220) of the plant module (200), and the pump channel unit (320) of the pump module (300) may be fluidly connected to each other in a third direction (Z). At this time, sealing members may be positioned to prevent leakage at the connection points between each channel unit. The above sealing members may be O-rings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the water tank module (100) may further include a plasma generation module (500) (or an ionization device, or a plasma generator). Alternatively, the plasma generation module (500) may be understood as a separate configuration from the water tank module (100). FIG. 9 and others illustrate a case where the plasma generation module (500) is positioned above the filter member (132f) inside the discharge tank (132), but in other embodiments, the plasma generation module (500) may be positioned below the filter member (132f) inside the discharge tank (132), or may be positioned inside the water tank housing (110) outside the discharge tank (132).

[0068] The plasma generation module (500) may include a plasma housing (510) and mutually opposing first electrode (531) and second electrode (532) disposed therein. Plasma may be generated or ions may be formed by underwater discharge at the first electrode (531) and the second electrode (532). The plasma generation module (500) is introduced through a water tank discharge channel (122) to draw in discharge water (W2) accumulated in the discharge tank (132) into an inlet, and the discharge water (W2) may pass through the plasma generation space between the first electrode (531) and the second electrode (532) and be converted into active radicals (or ions). For example, when passing through the plasma generation space, at least some of it remains as water (H2O), and at least some of it may be generated as hydrogen, oxygen radicals (O), ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The discharge water (W2) may be at least partially purified by the generated active radicals and discharged through the outlet of the plasma generation module (500). Also, at least some of it may be converted into a gaseous state and discharged through the outlet of the plasma generation module (500).

[0069] To this end, a first purification channel (137) (or a first circulation channel), a third pump (170), and a second purification channel (138) (or a second circulation channel) may be provided. The first purification channel (137) and the second purification channel (138) may be positioned at least partially within the discharge tank (132) to function as a path for the circulation of liquid inside the discharge tank (132).

[0070] The first purification flow path (137) is fluidly connected to the inlet of the plasma generation module (500) and can supply the discharge water (W2) collected at the bottom of the discharge tank (132) to the plasma generation module (500). Additionally, the third pump (170) is connected to the outlet of the plasma generation module (500) and can contribute to the suction of the discharge water (W2). The second purification flow path (138) is fluidly connected to the outlet of the plasma generation module (500) and can discharge purified water or purified air containing radicals back into the internal space of the discharge tank (132).

[0071] And the discharge water (W2) before purification, or the discharge water (W2) purified by passing through the plasma generation module (500) at least once, moves to the supply tank (131) side through the first tank connection path (135), and the radicals or air containing them discharged by passing through the plasma generation module (500) can move to the supply tank (131) side through the second tank connection path (136).

[0072] In this embodiment, a plasma generation module (500) of the underwater discharge type was used to generate radicals or ions, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be configured to generate radicals or ions using oxygen in the air or water passing through using known technology.

[0073] The plant module (200) may be placed above the third direction (Z) of the water tank module (100). The plant module (200) may be provided in multiple numbers. Fig. 1 illustrates a case where three plant modules (200) are stacked. As previously described, the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment is provided in a modular fashion, comprising one water tank module (100), one pump module (300), and one or more plant modules (200), and the number of plant modules (200) can be selected according to the height of the space where the vertical garden device (10) is to be placed. Below, the description will be based on one plant module (200).

[0074] The plant module (200) may include a plant housing (210), a plant Euro unit (220) disposed therein, and a pin unit (230).

[0075] The plant housing (210) may include a bottom portion (211), a ceiling portion (212), a side wall portion (214), and an inclined portion (213) that connects the bottom portion (211) and the ceiling portion (212) and forms an inclined surface. The ceiling portion (212) may have an upper plant flow hole (212h), and the bottom portion (211) may have a lower plant flow hole (211h). The upper plant flow hole (212h) and the lower plant flow hole (211h) are spaced apart and facing each other in the third direction (Z). The first plant supply flow section (221), the second plant supply flow section (226), and the plant discharge flow section (224), which will be described later, are inserted into the upper plant flow hole (212h) and the lower plant flow hole (211h), so that the first plant supply flow section (221), the second plant supply flow section (226), and the plant discharge flow section (224) can be exposed to the upper and lower sides of the plant housing (210). Through this, fluid connection can be made with other plant modules (200) stacked in the third direction (Z), water tank modules (100), and / or pump modules (300).

[0076] In some embodiments, the plant module (200) may include a second upper sealing member (242) positioned near the upper portion of a first plant supply channel (221), a second plant supply channel (226), and a plant discharge channel (224) exposed to the upper portion of the plant housing (210), and a second lower sealing member (241) positioned near the lower portion of a first plant supply channel (221) and a plant discharge channel (224) exposed to the lower portion. As the sealing members have been described above, a redundant description is omitted.

[0077] The plant flow unit (220) (or the second flow unit) may include a first plant supply flow section (221) (or the second-1 flow section, or the second-1 vertical flow section, or the second liquid (water) supply flow section) and a plant discharge flow section (224) (or the second-4 flow section, or the second-4 vertical flow section), a plant distribution flow section (222) (or the second-2 flow section, or the second horizontal flow section) connecting the first plant supply flow section (221) and the plant discharge flow section (224), and a plurality of plant injection flow sections (223) (or the second-3 flow section, or the nozzle flow section) branched from the plant distribution flow section (222). Additionally, the plant flow unit (220) may further include a second plant supply flow section (226) (or the second-6 flow section, or the second-6 vertical flow section, or the second gas (air) supply flow section).

[0078] The first plant supply flow path (221), the second plant supply flow path (226), and the plant discharge flow path (224) may each have a shape that extends in a third direction (Z), e.g., the direction of gravity, or may include a portion that extends in the direction of gravity. Additionally, the plant distribution flow path (222) may extend in a horizontal direction, e.g., the first direction (X), to fluidly connect the first plant supply flow path (221) and the plant discharge flow path (224). That is, the first plant supply flow path (221) and the plant discharge flow path (224) are fluidly connected by the plant distribution flow path (222), whereas the second plant supply flow path (226) may not be fluidly connected to the first plant supply flow path (221). For example, a liquid such as water may pass through the first plant supply flow path (221), and only a gas such as air may pass through the second plant supply flow path (226).

[0079] Additionally, the plant injection flow path (223) may include a portion extended in the horizontal direction and a portion extended in the vertical direction (not shown), thereby fluidly connecting the plant distribution flow path (222) to the internal space of the pin unit (230) to be described later. Multiple plant injection flow paths (223) may be provided spaced apart in the first direction (X). FIG. 4 illustrates a case where seven plant injection flow paths (223) are arranged per plant module (200) or per plant distribution flow path (222).

[0080] A first water tank supply channel (121) is positioned at the bottom of the first plant supply channel (221), and supply water (W1) that is sucked upward along the first water tank supply channel (121) can flow into the first plant supply channel (221).

[0081] Additionally, a second water tank supply channel (126) is positioned at the lower part of the second plant supply channel (226), and gas that is sucked upward along the second water tank supply channel (126) can be introduced into the second plant supply channel (226).

[0082] Additionally, a water tank discharge channel (122) is positioned at the bottom of the plant discharge channel (224), and water moving downward along the first plant supply channel (221) can flow into the water tank discharge channel (122).

[0083] That is, the first plant supply flow path (221) functions as a flow path into which water in the supply tank (131) is sucked by the operation of the first pump (330), and the second plant supply flow path (226) functions as a flow path into which air in the supply tank (131) is sucked by the operation of the first pump (330). In addition, the plant discharge flow path (224) functions as a flow path into which water remaining in the flow paths after supplying water to the plants is discharged to the discharge tank (132).

[0084] Additionally, the supply water (W1) moving upward along the first plant supply channel (221) moves horizontally along the plant distribution channel (222) branched from the first plant supply channel (221), and the supply water (W1) moving horizontally along the plant distribution channel (222) can flow into a plurality of plant injection channels (223) branched from the plant distribution channel (222).

[0085] At this time, water that does not flow from the plant distribution channel (222) to the plant injection channel (223), or water that flows back from the flowerpot (P) and flows back to the plant distribution channel (222) through the plant injection channel (223), flows along the plant distribution channel (222) and can be recovered downward through the plant discharge channel (224).

[0086] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the plant module (200) may further include a plant flow valve (250) positioned near the end of the plant distribution flow section (222), such as the end adjacent to the plant discharge flow section (224). The plant flow valve (250) is configured to regulate the amount of fluid flowing along the plant distribution flow section (222) and may be provided as a valve that restricts the direction of fluid flow to one side, such as a check valve. That is, the plant flow valve (250) can be configured to allow water to flow only from the first plant supply flow section (221) to the plant discharge flow section (224) (only from right to left according to FIG. 9).

[0087] A pin unit (230) may be placed on an inclined portion (213) of a plant housing (210). The pin unit (230) may include a pin plate (231) and a pin portion (232) placed on the pin plate (231). The pin portion (232) may have an empty internal space and may be open at its end, forming a tip. As previously described, the supply water (W1) provided through the first plant supply channel (221) is fluidly connected to the internal space of the pin portion (232) and may supply moisture to the soil in the flowerpot (P) through the opening at the end of the pin portion (232).

[0088] As previously explained, most conventional vertical garden devices have a structure in which soil is washed away by water, or, if not, utilize a dedicated pot support designed for connecting the pot and the device. Consequently, there was a problem in that the desired pot could not be selected. However, according to the present embodiment, unlike conventional wet-type vertical gardens, a pin part (232) is inserted into the inside of a pot (P) containing plant roots, and water is supplied to the soil through the end opening of the pin part (232). Therefore, the possibility of soil being washed away from the pot (P) and flowing into the water flow path is significantly reduced. Furthermore, since the pin part (232) can be inserted using a drainage hole (H) on the bottom or lower surface of a universally used pot (P), it has the advantage of being immediately applicable to various pots.

[0089] Although not shown in the drawing, a cover pipe (not shown) surrounding the first plant supply flow path (221) and the second plant supply flow path (226) may also be provided.

[0090] The pump module (300) can be positioned above the third direction (Z) of the plant module (200). If multiple plant modules (200) are provided, the pump module (300) can be positioned on the uppermost plant module (200). That is, the pump module (300) can be positioned at the top.

[0091] The pump module (300) may include one or more first pumps (330) and pump flow path units (320).

[0092] The pump flow unit (320) (or third flow unit) includes a first pump supply flow section (321) (or third-1 flow section, or third-1 vertical flow section, or third liquid (water) supply flow section) and a pump discharge flow section (324) (or third-4 flow section, or third-4 vertical flow section), and may further include a pump connection flow section (322) (or third-2 flow section, or third horizontal flow section) connecting the first pump supply flow section (321) and the pump discharge flow section (324). Additionally, the pump flow unit (320) may further include a second pump supply flow section (326) (or third-3 flow section, or third-3 vertical flow section, or third gas (air) supply flow section). The first pump supply flow path (321), the second pump supply flow path (326), and the pump discharge flow path (324) may each have a shape that extends in the third direction (Z) or may include a portion that extends in the third direction (Z). Additionally, the pump connection flow path (322) may extend in a horizontal direction, for example, in the first direction (X), to fluidly connect the first pump supply flow path (321) and the pump discharge flow path (324). That is, fluid flowing in along the first pump supply flow path (321) may flow into the pump discharge flow path (324) through the pump connection flow path (322).

[0093] A first plant supply channel (221) is positioned at the lower part of the first pump supply channel (321), and supply water (W1) that moves upward by suction along the first plant supply channel (221) can flow into the first pump supply channel (321).

[0094] Additionally, a second plant supply channel (226) is positioned at the lower part of the second pump supply channel (326), and gas that is sucked and moved upward along the second plant supply channel (226) can be introduced into the second pump supply channel (326).

[0095] Additionally, a plant discharge channel (224) is positioned at the bottom of the pump discharge channel (324), and water discharged downward along the pump discharge channel (324) can flow into the plant discharge channel (224).

[0096] That is, the first pump supply flow path (321) functions as a flow path through which water in the supply tank (131) is sucked in by the operation of the first pump (330), and the second pump supply flow path (326) can function as a flow path through which air in the supply tank (131) is sucked in by the operation of the first pump (330). In addition, the pump discharge flow path (324) can function as a flow path through which water moved upward against gravity by the first pump (330) is discharged into the discharge tank (132).

[0097] Fig. 9, etc., has one pump (e.g., pump 1-1) fluidly connected to the first pump supply channel (321) and another pump (e.g., pump 1-2) fluidly connected to the second pump supply channel (326), so that pump 1-1 and pump 1-2 are together referred to as pump 1 (330).

[0098] The first pump (330) (e.g., the first-1 pump) may be connected at any location in the pump connection flow path (322) and configured to draw fluid from the lower side to the upper side in a flow path (integrated liquid supply flow path) extending in a third direction (Z) formed by the flow path from the supply tank (131) to the first pump (330), such as the first tank supply flow path (121), the first plant supply flow path (221), and the first pump supply flow path (321).

[0099] That is, when the first pump (330) draws the supply water (W1) along the integrated liquid supply path from the first supply tank space (131a) of the supply tank (131), the supply water (W1) moves upward against gravity and flows into the plant distribution path (222) branched from the first plant supply path (221), and can finally be fluidly connected to the inside of the pin section (232).

[0100] The first water tank supply channel (121), the first plant supply channel (221), and the first pump supply channel (321) described above may be referred to as an integrated liquid supply channel, but they can function as channels for not only liquid but also gas, particularly purified air, which is performed in the step of FIG. 15 described later.

[0101] And water passing through the pump discharge flow path (324) located at the rear end of the first pump (330) in the fluid path, and water flowing into the plant discharge flow path (224) through the discharge side end (left end in Fig. 9) of the plant distribution flow path (222), can be recovered by flowing into the discharge tank (132) through the water tank discharge flow path (122).

[0102] Additionally, the discharge water (W2) flowing into the discharge tank (132) can form a circulation in which soil, etc. are filtered by the filter member (132f), and the discharge water (W2) from which coarse particles have been removed flows into the second supply tank space (131b) of the supply tank (131) through the first tank connection path (135).

[0103] At the same time, as previously described, the discharge water (W2) flowing into the discharge tank (132) passes through the plasma generation module (500) at least once through the first purification channel (137), etc., and active radicals are generated to purify the water and / or air.

[0104] Additionally, the first pump (330) (e.g., the first-second pump) may be connected to the second pump supply flow path (326) and configured to draw gas from the lower side to the upper side within the flow path extending in the third direction (Z) formed by the supply tank (131) to the first pump (330), such as the second tank supply flow path (126), the second plant supply flow path (226), and the second pump supply flow path (326).

[0105] That is, when the first pump (330) draws air from the supply tank (131) along the integrated gas supply path, the air can move upward against gravity. And the purified air that has passed through the first pump (330) (i.e., the first-second pump) can be discharged into the internal space of the pump housing (310).

[0106] The previously described second tank supply flow path (126), second plant supply flow path (226), and second pump supply flow path (326) are referred to as integrated gas supply flow paths, and they do not function as liquid flow paths, but only as gas flow paths, such as air flow paths, and in particular, can function as purification air flow paths performed in the step of FIG. 15 to be described later.

[0107] The aforementioned first pump (330) and pump flow unit (320) may be disposed within a pump housing (310). The pump housing (310) may have a pump flow hole (not shown) formed in the bottom portion. At least partially, a first pump supply flow section (321), a second pump supply flow section (326), and a pump discharge flow section (324) are inserted into the pump flow hole, and the first pump supply flow section (321), the second pump supply flow section (326), and the pump discharge flow section (324) may be exposed to the lower side of the pump housing (310).

[0108] In some embodiments, the pump module (300) may further include a third sealing member (341) positioned near the bottom of the first pump supply passage (321) and the pump discharge passage (324) exposed to the lower side of the pump housing (310). Since the sealing member has been described above, a redundant description is omitted.

[0109] The pump housing (310) may have an air outlet (310p) formed on the front side. As previously described, the purified air sucked in and discharged by the first and second pumps is discharged to the outside of the vertical garden device (10) through the air outlet (310p) and can contribute to improving indoor air quality.

[0110] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, a cover pipe (not shown) surrounding the first pump supply flow path (321) and the second pump supply flow path (326) may be further provided.

[0111] As previously explained, the biggest technical challenge in the field of vertical garden devices is forming an automated water supply structure. The vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment forms a water circulation structure, and provides a circulation structure that reduces the degree to which soil is washed out from the flowerpot (P).

[0112] Furthermore, as a result of the inventor's research of the present invention, it was confirmed that even if only one pump (330) of the upper pump module (300) is operated, water flowing upward through the first plant supply flow section (221) of the plant flow unit (220) within the plant module (200) flows into the plant distribution flow section (222) which is branched from the first plant supply flow section (221) and extended horizontally, and water flowing along the horizontally extended plant distribution flow section (222) flows into a plurality of plant injection flow sections (223) branched from the plant distribution flow section (222), thereby completing the present invention.

[0113] Additionally, since a plurality of plant injection flow sections (223) of a plant flow unit (220) of one plant module (200) are spaced apart in a first direction (X), and one side (e.g., right side in FIG. 9) of the plant injection flow section (223) is adjacent to the first plant supply flow section (221), while the other side (e.g., left side in FIG. 9) of the plant injection flow section (223) is adjacent to the plant discharge flow section (224), it may be important to provide a flow rate approximately uniformly to them.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the plant distribution channel section (222) may further include a guide block section (225) disposed on its inner wall. The guide block section (225) is configured to change the inner diameter of the plant distribution channel section (222), and may be disposed to decrease the inner diameter of the plant distribution channel section (222) as it moves in the direction of fluid flow (i.e., from right to left in the drawing).

[0115] Additionally, the placement location of the guide block section (225) may be at least partially positioned near the T-shaped channel formed by branching the plant injection channel section (223), and it may be preferable for the guide block section (225) to be positioned beyond the area where the plant injection channel section (223) is placed.

[0116] The guide block section (225) can facilitate the inflow of water flowing along the plant distribution flow section (222) toward the plant injection flow section (223). Furthermore, when multiple plant injection flow sections (223) are provided, multiple guide block sections (225) are arranged corresponding to each plant injection flow section (223), and the sizes of the guide block sections (225) can be configured differently within the plant distribution flow section (222) of any one plant module (200). For example, the size of the guide block section (225) can be configured to gradually increase as it moves in the direction of fluid flow (i.e., from right to left in the drawing). Through this, the amount of water flowing into multiple plant injection flow sections (223) spaced apart in the first direction (X) can be controlled.

[0117] Additionally, as previously described, at least some of the water flowing along the plant distribution channel (222) may flow into the plant injection channel (223) to contribute to plant water supply, and some may not flow into the plant injection channel (223) but may proceed along the plant distribution channel (222) to join the plant discharge channel (224). Alternatively, excess water within the flowerpot (P) may flow into the internal space of the pin section (232), and this excess water may flow back through the plant injection channel (223) to join the plant distribution channel (222) and the plant discharge channel (224).

[0118] At this time, since the integrated discharge path (i.e., pump discharge path section (324), plant discharge path section (224) and water tank discharge path section (122)) and the plant distribution path section (222) are fluidly connected, water flowing from the upper side to the lower side along the integrated discharge path, specifically the plant discharge path section (224), may enter the plant distribution path section (222) and flow in reverse, which may cause a result different from the intended flow from the right side to the left side in the plant distribution path section (222) based on the drawing, and this may hinder uniform water injection through a plurality of plant injection path sections (223) spaced apart in the first direction (X).

[0119] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention adopted a configuration in which the pressure within the plant discharge flow path (224) is set relatively low and the pressure within the plant distribution flow path (222) is set relatively high using the second pump (150) as described above. This allows for the control of fluid flow.

[0120] Furthermore, the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment can make it easier to control the fluid pressure within the above-mentioned flow path by utilizing the inner diameters of the components of the plant flow path unit (220).

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth inner diameter (W224) of the plant discharge flow path (224) may be smaller than the second inner diameter (W222) of the plant distribution flow path (222). By configuring the fourth inner diameter (W224) of the plant discharge flow path (224) to be relatively small, the flow velocity of the fluid flowing along the plant discharge flow path (224) can be increased, and consequently, the pressure inside the plant discharge flow path (224) can be relatively lowered compared to the pressure inside the adjacent plant distribution flow path (222).

[0122] Additionally, the fourth inner diameter (W224) of the plant discharge flow path (224) may be smaller than the first inner diameter (W221) of the first plant supply flow path (221). Although the plant discharge flow path (224) and the first plant supply flow path (221) do not form a flow path directly connected to each other, the first inner diameter (W221) of the first plant supply flow path (221), which provides a suction path to the first pump (330), may be configured to be relatively large to help reduce the pressure inside the plant discharge flow path (224) which provides a discharge path to the first pump (330).

[0123] Although not shown in the drawing, the inner diameters of the first water tank supply channel (121), the first plant supply channel (221), and the first pump supply channel (321) are substantially the same as each other, and the inner diameters of the water tank discharge channel (122), the plant discharge channel (224), and the pump discharge channel (324) may be substantially the same as each other. In addition, the inner diameters of the second water tank supply channel (126), the second plant supply channel (226), and the second pump supply channel (326) may be substantially the same as each other.

[0124] Hereinafter, the operation of the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0125] FIGS. 13 to 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the water circulation in the vertical garden device of FIG. 1.

[0126] First, referring further to FIG. 13, supply water (W1) is filled into the second supply tank space (131b) through the supply water supply port (131h) of the supply tank (131).

[0127] Next, referring further to FIG. 14, the supply water (W1) from the second supply water tank space (131b) is introduced into the first supply water tank space (131a) using the supply water tank valve (131v). Then, the first pump (330) is operated to draw in the supply water along the integrated liquid supply path (i.e., the first water tank supply path section (121), the first plant supply path section (221), and the first pump supply path section (321)), and water is sprayed into the soil inside the flowerpot (P) through the internal space of the plant distribution path section (222), the plant injection path section (223) fluidly connected to the plant distribution path section (222), and the pin section (232) fluidly connected to the plant injection path section (223). Meanwhile, air can be drawn in along the above-mentioned integrated gas supply path (i.e., the second tank supply path (126), the second plant supply path (226), and the second pump supply path (326)).

[0128] Referring further to FIG. 15, the discharge water (W2) is discharged along the aforementioned integrated discharge path (i.e., pump discharge path section (324), plant discharge path section (224), and water tank discharge path section (122)). As previously described, the discharge water (W2) flows into the discharge tank (132), and soil, etc., can be filtered by the filter member (132f). In this state, the discharge water (W2) may be contained within the discharge tank (132). The filter member (132f) contaminated with soil, etc., may be configured to be easily replaceable.

[0129] And the discharge water (W2) that has passed through the filter member (132f), for example, the discharge water (W2) collected at the bottom of the discharge tank (132), is circulated within the discharge tank (132) by the first purification flow path (137) and passes through the plasma generation module (500) at least once, and at least a portion of the fluid that has passed through the plasma generation module (500), for example, purified water, is discharged back into the discharge tank (132) through the second purification flow path (138). Also, the radicals generated after passing through the plasma generation module (500) are mixed with the air inside the discharge tank (132).

[0130] Meanwhile, the first supply tank space (131a) within the supply tank (131) may be in a state where there is no supply water and it is filled with air. In this state, the first pump (330) is operated to draw air along the integrated liquid supply path, and air is injected into the soil inside the flowerpot (P) through the internal space of the plant distribution path (222), the plant injection path (223) fluidly connected to the plant distribution path (222), and the pin section (232) fluidly connected to the plant injection path (223) to ventilate the soil. Supplying air into the soil can prevent mold, etc. inside the flowerpot.

[0131] It goes without saying that the air flow using the operation of the first pump (330) can be performed immediately after the supply of the supply water (W1) or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0132] In some embodiments, as described below, before the water tank connection valve (135v) is opened to establish a liquid fluid connection between the discharge tank (132) and the supply tank (131), a gas fluid connection between the discharge tank (132) and the supply tank (131) may be established through the second water tank connection path (136). Accordingly, purified air containing radicals is introduced from the discharge tank (132) into the supply tank (131) through the second tank connection path (136), and at least a portion of the purified air provided to the supply tank (131) is supplied into the flowerpot (P) through the aforementioned integrated liquid supply path (i.e., the first tank supply path (121), the first plant supply path (221), and the first pump supply path (321)), and at least a portion of the purified air is supplied along the integrated gas supply path (i.e., the second tank supply path (126), the second plant supply path (226), and the second pump supply path (326)) and sprayed into the air outlet (310p) of the pump housing (310) to contribute to improving indoor air quality.

[0133] Next, referring further to FIG. 16, the water tank connection valve (135v) is opened to allow the discharge water (W2) in the discharge tank (132) to flow into the supply tank (131), specifically into the second supply tank space (131b).

[0134] The control method of the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment can measure the amount of water sucked by the first pump (330), that is, the difference in the amount of water in the first supply tank space (131a) at the point in time before and after operating the first pump (330), using a water quantity measuring sensor placed inside the supply tank (131) described above, in other words, the amount of water reduced in the first supply tank space (131a) (first measurement data), using a water quantity measuring sensor placed inside the supply tank (131).

[0135] Additionally, in the steps of FIGS. 15 and 16, the amount of water flowing into the discharge tank (132), that is, the amount of water that is filled or recovered into the discharge tank (132) which was empty before the first pump (330) is operated, can be measured using a water quantity measuring sensor placed inside the discharge tank (132).

[0136] The above water quantity measuring sensor may be indirectly estimated by using a contact level sensor or a light sensor capable of measuring the water level inside the tanks (130), or by using a load cell capable of measuring the weight of each tank (130).

[0137] The operation of the first pump (330) that causes water circulation in the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment may be configured to operate at a predetermined time or according to a predetermined standard. After the first pump (330) is operated at a first time, it may be put into a resting period because there is no longer a need to supply water to the plants, and then the first pump (330) may be operated again at a second time in the future.

[0138] At this time, a second point in time can be determined based on the difference between the amount of water reduced in the first supply tank space (131a) measured earlier (first measurement data) and the amount of water flowing into the discharge tank (132) (second measurement data). The amount of water reduced in the first supply tank space (131a) may be the total amount of water used for circulation after being sucked in by the first pump (330). And the amount of water flowing into the discharge tank (132) may be the amount of water recovered through circulation, excluding the amount used for watering plants or moistening the soil.

[0139] Therefore, if the difference between the first measurement data and the second measurement data is large, it can be understood that a large amount of water is absorbed into the soil in the flowerpot (P) and the remainder is recovered into the discharge tank (132), and that the air is dry or that a sufficient amount of water is needed for plant growth. On the other hand, if the difference between the first measurement data and the second measurement data is not large, it can be understood that the amount of water needed for plant growth is relatively small due to reasons such as the air being humid.

[0140] In the case of a standard flowerpot, plants sometimes die due to excessive moisture. However, when the plant in the flowerpot (P) of the vertical garden device (10) according to the present embodiment becomes excessively wet, the moisture can be recovered through the plant spray flow path (223), thereby preventing the plant from dying due to excessive moisture. In addition, based on the difference between the first sensing data and the second sensing data mentioned above, the time of the second point in time to perform water supply in the future can be adjusted, so the most suitable time for water supply for the current growth condition of the plant can be automatically determined.

[0141] It can be understood that the control method of the vertical garden device (10), such as the control of the first pump (330) and the collection of sensing data, is performed by a processor (or control unit). The processor may perform operations and / or functions related to the method according to the present invention based on instructions according to a program or software configured to perform the control method according to the present invention. Since known processors and memory, etc., may be used, a detailed description is omitted.

[0142] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or extremely similar to the aforementioned embodiments are omitted, as this will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings.

[0143] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path configuration of a vertical garden device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 17, the vertical garden device (11) according to the present embodiment differs from the vertical garden device according to the above embodiment in that the filter member (135f) is located not only in the discharge tank (132) but also on the first tank connection path (135).

[0145] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin unit of a plant module of a vertical garden device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring further to FIG. 18, the vertical garden device (12) according to the present embodiment differs from the vertical garden device according to the previously described embodiments in that it further includes a pin filter (235) in which a pin unit is disposed in the internal space of the pin section (232).

[0147] The pin portion (232) may have an end opening formed at its end, as well as a plurality of pin holes (232h) formed on its side wall. Excess moisture contained in the soil can be recovered through the pin holes (232h) of the pin portion (232) to mitigate the necrosis of the plant caused by excessive moisture.

[0148] A pin filter (235) may be placed on the inner wall of the pin section (232). The pin filter (235) may be placed to cover the pin holes (232h). The pin filter (235) may prevent soil from entering the inside of the pin section (232).

[0149] The vertical garden device according to the various embodiments described above may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a gas sensor capable of measuring oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), etc. The vertical garden device provides an interior function through wall greening and has thermal insulation and air purification effects, as well as being able to collect climate data using various sensors. The collected climate data can be utilized for environmental change or climate change issues.

[0150] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path configuration of a vertical garden device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 19, the vertical garden device (13) according to the present embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment in that the plasma generation module (500) is not circulated to generate radicals by circulating the discharge water collected in the discharge tank (132), but is positioned on the path of an integrated discharge path, such as a water tank discharge path section (122).

[0152] That is, after supplying water to the flowerpot (P), the remaining discharge water moving from the upper side to the lower side through the pump discharge flow path (324) and the plant discharge flow path (224) passes through the plasma generation module (500) in the path, for example, at the water tank discharge flow path (122), and at least some of it is converted into a radical form and at least some of it may remain in the form of water. Then, the radicals and water may flow together into the discharge tank (132).

[0153] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the invention.

[0154] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the technical concept exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with modifications. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0155] 10: Vertical garden device 100: Aquarium Module 200: Plant Module 300: Pump Module

Claims

Claim 1 A vertical garden device comprising: a water tank module including a supply tank, a discharge tank, a plasma generation module, and a water tank flow unit; one or more plant modules including a plant flow unit disposed above the water tank module, partially fluid-connected to the water tank flow unit, and branched to distribute water; and a pump module including a pump flow unit and a first pump disposed above the plant module and partially fluid-connected to the plant flow unit, wherein the plant flow unit includes one or more guide block portions disposed at least partially inside near a branched T-shaped flow unit, and the guide block portions are arranged along the direction of fluid flow and have a larger size as they extend in the direction of flow. Claim 2 A vertical garden device according to claim 1, wherein the supply tank has a first supply tank space and a second supply tank space that are at least partially partitioned by a wall, and the first supply tank space and the second supply tank space are optionally fluid-connected by a valve arranged to penetrate the wall, and the tank flow unit comprises a first tank supply flow section that supplies liquid in the first supply tank space to the plant flow unit by the first pump, a tank discharge flow section that supplies liquid supplied by the plant flow unit to the discharge tank, and a second tank supply flow section that supplies gas in the first supply tank space to the plant flow unit by the first pump. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the plant flow unit further comprises a first plant supply flow section fluidly connected to the first water tank supply flow section, a second plant supply flow section fluidly connected to the second water tank supply flow section, a plant discharge flow section fluidly connected to the water tank discharge flow section, a plant distribution flow section connecting the first plant supply flow section and the plant discharge flow section, and a plant injection flow section branched from the plant distribution flow section, wherein the inner diameter of the plant discharge flow section is formed to be smaller than the inner diameters of the plant supply flow section and the plant distribution flow section, a vertical garden device. Claim 4 A vertical garden device according to paragraph 3, wherein the tank module further comprises a second pump fluidly connected to the tank discharge flow path, at least a first tank connecting flow path providing a path for the liquid of the discharge tank to move to the supply tank, and at least a second tank connecting flow path providing a path for the gas of the discharge tank to move to the supply tank, wherein the second pump is configured to increase the flow velocity by sucking in the liquid falling along the plant discharge flow path to the tank discharge flow path. Claim 5 A vertical garden device according to claim 1, wherein the plant module further comprises a pin unit including a pin plate and a pin portion disposed on the pin plate, wherein the pin portion has an open end forming a hollow internal space and a tip, and is inserted into the inside of a pot containing plant roots by penetrating a drain hole on the bottom surface or base surface of the pot, and is at least partially fluidly connected to the plant flow unit. Claim 6 A vertical garden device according to claim 1, wherein the supply tank and the discharge tank include a water quantity measuring sensor, and the water quantity measuring sensor obtains first measurement data by measuring the amount of liquid in the supply tank and the amount of liquid in the discharge tank before operating the first pump, obtains second measurement data by measuring the amount of liquid in the supply tank and the amount of liquid in the discharge tank after operating the first pump, calculates a difference value between the first measurement data and the second measurement data, and derives a stop time of the first pump from the difference value, and restarts the first pump after the stop time.

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