Plant cultivator including cultivation plates and plant factory including the same

Abstract

A plant cultivator may include cultivation plates, an air conditioning device for harmonizing the cultivation plates, and a nutrient solution tank. Each of the cultivation plates may include a first plate comprising pots for planting plants, a second plate disposed below the first plate and for providing nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution tank to the plants, and an LED (light emitting diode) plate disposed above the first plate and for providing light to the plants. The second plate may include a housing, a first portion within the housing to which the nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution tank, a second portion within the housing to which the supplied nutrient solution is drained from the second plate to the nutrient solution tank, and partition walls disposed within the housing that define paths connecting the first portion and the second portion and configured to drain the nutrient solution supplied through the first portion to the second portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following descriptions relate to a plant grower comprising cultivation plates and a plant factory comprising the same. Background Technology

[0003] Plants can be cultivated through various methods. For example, various methods for cultivating plants may include hydroponics. In cultivating plants through hydroponics, nutrients, water, and light can be provided to the plants. The nutrients, water, and light provided to the plants may vary depending on the type of plant and the plant's growth stage.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure. The problem to be solved

[0006] According to one embodiment, a plant grower needs to provide nutrients, water, and light differently depending on the type of plant and the growth period. For example, the plant grower may require a method of adjusting at least one of nutrients, water, and light depending on the type of plant and the growth period.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A plant cultivator may include a plurality of cultivation plates. The plant cultivator may include an air conditioning device for coordinating the plurality of cultivation plates. The plant cultivator may include a nutrient solution tank. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a first plate comprising a plurality of holes for planting plants. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a second plate disposed below the first plate and for providing nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution tank to the plants. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include an LED (light emitting diode) plate disposed above the first plate and for providing light to the plants. The second plate may include a housing that defines the exterior of the second plate. The second plate may include a first portion within the housing to which the nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution tank. The second plate may include a second portion within the housing to which the supplied nutrient solution is drained from the second plate to the nutrient solution tank. The second plate may include a plurality of partition walls disposed within the housing, which define a plurality of paths configured to connect the first part and the second part and to drain the nutrient solution supplied through the first part to the second part. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to one embodiment, a plant grower may provide nutrients, water, and light differently depending on the type of plant and the growth stage. For example, the plant grower may adjust at least one of nutrients, water, and light for each growing plate in which plants are planted or for all growing plates within the plant grower. For example, nutrients, water, and light adjusted individually and / or collectively may be provided to plants planted in each of the plurality of growing plates within a single plant grower.

[0012] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a plant factory. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a plant factory including plant cultivators. FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate an example of a plant cultivator comprising a plurality of cultivation plates according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a cultivation plate movably coupled to a plant cultivator according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first plate of a cultivation plate for planting plants according to one embodiment. FIG. 6a illustrates an example of a second plate of a cultivation plate for supplying liquid nutrients according to one embodiment. FIG. 6b illustrates an example of a nutrient solution supply device and a first part of a second plate that supplies nutrient solution according to one embodiment. FIG. 6c illustrates an example of a second part of a second plate for draining nutrient solution and a drain pipe within the second part, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6d illustrates an example of a drain hole and a drain regulator in a second part of a second plate for draining a nutrient solution, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an LED (light emitting diode) plate of a cultivation plate according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of air pipes of a cultivation plate according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the arrangement of a liquid nutrient tank and a liquid nutrient controller of a plant cultivator according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a nutrient solution regulator for a plant growing system according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a liquid nutrient pump of a plant growing system according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of internal partitions of a nutrient solution tank of a plant grower according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or multiple items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0016] According to various embodiments, each component of the described components may include a singular or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration.

[0017] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions of "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B).

[0018] Terms referring to components used in the following description (e.g., plant grower, grow plate, air conditioner, nutrient solution tank, first plate, second plate, LED plate, partition wall, drain pipe, drain hole, drainage regulator, nutrient solution supply pipe, nutrient solution supplyer, pump structure, nutrient solution regulator, rail structure, air piping, layers), terms referring to the shapes of parts (e.g., partition, partition wall, path, hole, port), etc., are provided as examples for the convenience of explanation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. Furthermore, terms such as '...part', '...device', '...object', '...body', etc. used below may refer to at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a plant factory.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a plant factory (100) for producing (or cultivating) plants. For example, the plant factory (100) may be referred to as a factory (or system, farm) that produces plants for sale.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a plant factory (100) may include components for producing plants. For example, the plant factory (100) may include a plant grower (110) for growing plants, a tank (180) for providing water (or nutrient solution) to the plants, and an air conditioning device (190) for providing air suitable for the growth of the plants. In the present disclosure, water may be referred to as a nutrient solution containing nutrients for the growth of plants. For example, the nutrient solution may be produced by adding a substance used as a nutrient to water. For example, the substance used as a nutrient may be referred to as a fertilizer. By example, but not limitingly, the nutrient solution may be determined by electrical conductivity and pH (power of hydrogen). By example, but not limitingly, the substance may include substances for controlling the electrical conductivity. As a non-limiting example, the above material may include materials for adjusting the pH.

[0023] The plant grower (110) of the plant factory (100) may define a plurality of layers (120, 130, 140, 150). The plurality of layers (120, 130, 140, 150) may be referred to as stacks. For example, layer (140) may be placed at the very bottom of the plant grower (110). For example, layer (130) may be placed on top of layer (140) of the plant grower (110). For example, layer (120) may be placed on top of layer (130) of the plant grower (110). Layer (120) may be placed at the very top of the plant grower (110). For example, layer (150) may be placed next to layer (120). At this time, the layer (150) may be placed at the very top of the plant grower (110) in a column different from the column in which the layers (120, 130, 140) are placed. For example, each of the layers (120, 130, 140, 150) may include a cultivation plate. Plants may be planted on the cultivation plate.

[0024] As a non-limiting example, layers (120, 130, 140) may be used to produce plant A, and layer (150) may be used to produce plant B. For example, it is assumed that plant A is different from plant B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, layers (120, 130, 140, 150) may all be used to produce the same plant. Within layers (120, 130, 140), plant A may be in different growth stages. For example, in layer (120), plant A (125) may be in a fully grown growth stage. For example, in layer (130), plant A (135) may be in a less grown growth stage compared to plant A (125) in layer (120). For example, in layer (140), plant A (145) may be in a less grown growth stage (or a growth stage immediately after being planted in the plant grower (110)) compared to plant A (135) in layer (130). In the above example, plant A is illustrated as being in different growth stages within layers (120, 130, 140), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0025] A plant grower (110) can be connected to a tank (180) for supplying to plants. For example, each of the layers (120, 130, 140, 150) of the plant grower (110) can be connected to the tank (180). The tank (180) can supply nutrient solution to each of the layers (120, 130, 140, 150) and obtain nutrient solution drained from each of the layers (120, 130, 140, 150). The tank (180) can obtain a liquid nutrient or nutrient solution (or dirty nutrient solution) drained from each of the layers (120, 130, 140, 150), and then supply a liquid nutrient solution (or clean nutrient solution) back to each of the layers (120, 130, 140, 150) by adding a substance to the obtained liquid nutrient solution. For example, the dirty nutrient solution may represent a liquid nutrient solution in which nutrients contained in the clean nutrient solution have been absorbed by the plants. For example, the clean nutrient solution may represent a liquid nutrient solution in which new nutrients to be provided to the plants have been added.

[0026] Each of the multiple layers (120, 130, 140, 150) of the plant grower (110) may include LEDs for providing light to plants. For example, the layer (120) may include LEDs (121) for providing light to planted plant A.

[0027] An air conditioning unit (190) placed within the plant factory (100) can be used to control the temperature and humidity of the air provided to the plants within the plant grower (110). For example, the air conditioning unit (190) can be placed on the top surface within the plant factory (100). For example, the air conditioning unit (190) can be placed on top of the plant grower (110). By controlling the air conditioning unit (190), the temperature and humidity of the air provided to the plants (e.g., plant A and plant B) within the plant grower (110) can be adjusted.

[0028] Referring to the above description, conditions of nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air supplied to plants for producing (or cultivating) plants may be considered. Additionally, for example, the conditions of nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air may differ depending on the growth stages of the plants and the types of plants. When using a centrally controlled tank (180) and air conditioning unit (190), as in the plant factory (100) of FIG. 1, it may be difficult to supply nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air depending on the growth stages of the plants. Additionally, when using a centrally controlled tank (180) and air conditioning unit (190), as in the plant factory (100) of FIG. 1, it may be difficult to supply nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air depending on the types of plants. The conditions of nutrients, water (or nutrient solution), light, and air required according to the growth stages and types of plants can be referred to as a recipe.

[0029] Recipes according to the growth stages and types of plants can be analyzed in an environment with limited conditions, such as a laboratory (or a growth chamber within the laboratory). However, recipes analyzed in a laboratory may be difficult to adhere to in a plant factory (100) where various types of plants or various growth stages of plants are considered. This may be because, as described above, a centrally controlled tank (180) and an air conditioning unit (190) are used, and there is an influence from surrounding plants.

[0030] In the present disclosure, a plant factory utilizing separate plant cultivators according to the growth stages of plants or types of plants is disclosed. For example, a plant factory according to the present disclosure may include a plant cultivator that adjusts conditions of nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air to suit the planted plants.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a plant factory including plant cultivators.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a plant factory (200) including plant growers. For example, the plant factory (200) including plant growers may be referred to as a vertical modular plant factory.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the plant factory (200) may include a grow room (210), a cultivation management device (220), a tray processing device (230), and a storage tank (240). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plant factory (200) may further include a separate air conditioning device for controlling the humidity and temperature of the air inside the plant factory (200) and for performing ventilation. The components of the plant factory (200) shown in FIG. 2 are merely exemplary for convenience of explanation and may include other components.

[0035] For example, the growth room (210) may include a plant grower (211), a plant grower (212), a plant grower (213), a plant grower (214), a plant grower (215), and a plant grower (216). For example, the plant grower (211), the plant grower (212), and the plant grower (213) may be arranged vertically in one row. For example, the plant grower (214), the plant grower (215), and the plant grower (216) may be arranged vertically in one row. For example, each of the plant grower (211), the plant grower (212), the plant grower (213), the plant grower (214), the plant grower (215), and the plant grower (216) may be arranged vertically through a separate device and moved to a grower management device (220) or a tray processing device (230). For example, the device may include an automated storage retrieval system (ASRS). The device may be used to move a plant grower by moving along a path (290) and to place it within a plant factory (200). In the above example, the plant grower itself is described as being moved from the growth room (210), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the device may move cultivation plates (or trays) or nutrient tanks included in the plant grower within the growth room (210) from the growth room (210) to a grower management device (220) or a tray processing device (230).

[0036] Each of the plant growers in the growth room (210) may include components for adjusting the conditions of nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air to suit the planted plant. For example, specific examples of plant growers are illustrated below with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b.

[0037] For example, a grower management device (220) within a plant factory (200) may include a device for managing each plant grower that is moved from a growth room (210). The grower management device (220) may be used to clean a nutrient tank within a plant grower and to supply (or refill) clean water to the nutrient tank. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the grower management device (220) may be connected to a separate water source. For example, the grower management device (220) may be used to insert the nutrient tank, which has been supplied with clean water, into the plant grower.

[0038] For example, a tray processing device (230) within a plant factory (200) may be used to remove cultivation plates contained within a plant grower from the plant grower and to insert them into the plant grower. For example, a tray processing device (230) may be used to plant plants in cultivation plates contained within a plant grower. For example, a tray processing device (230) may be used to harvest plants grown in cultivation plates contained within a plant grower. For example, a tray processing device (230) may be used to package the harvested plants. For example, a tray processing device (230) may be used to move the packaged plants to a storage facility (240). For example, a tray processing device (230) may be used to clean the cultivation plates after harvesting the plants planted in cultivation plates contained within a plant grower. For example, the tray processing device (230) can be used to stack cleaned cultivation plates.

[0039] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the plant factory (200) may further include a space for planting (seed) plants within cleaned cultivation plates. For example, cultivation plates containing plants that have grown to a certain growth stage within said space may be moved into a plant grower and then placed in a growth room (210).

[0040] For example, a storage room (240) within a plant factory (200) can be used to store plants packaged from a tray processing device (230).

[0041] An example of a method for processing cultivation plates of each of the plant cultivators within a plant factory (200) comprising a growth room (210) comprising a plurality of plant cultivators can be illustrated as follows. In the following example, it is assumed that the cultivation plates included in the plant cultivators (211) within the growth room (210) include plants that have grown to a growth stage for sale.

[0042] For example, the device may take out and move a plant grower (211) from among the stacked plant growers (211, 212, 213) from the growth chamber (210). For example, cultivation plates may be taken out from the plant grower (211) that has been moved to the tray processing device (230). For example, the tray processing device (230) may harvest the plants grown in the cultivation plates, package them, and then move them to the storage (240). The packaged plants may be stored in the storage (240). After the cultivation plates from which the plants were harvested are cleaned in the tray processing device (230), new plant seeds may be planted in the cleaned cultivation plates. New cultivation plates in which plants grown to a certain growth stage are planted may be inserted into the plant grower (211). A plant grower (211) into which new growing plates have been inserted can be inserted back into the growth chamber (210) by the device. In the above example, new growing plates are exemplified as being inserted into the plant grower (211), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, after planting seeds of a new plant in the cleaned growing plates, the growing plates in which the seeds of the new plant have been planted may be inserted into the plant grower (211).

[0043] Additionally, for example, the nutrient tank within the plant grower (211) may be moved to the grower management device (220). For example, the nutrient tank may be cleaned within the grower management device (220) and provided with clean water and a substance used as a nutrient. At this time, the substance used as a nutrient may be supplied to the nutrient regulator of the plant grower (211) rather than the nutrient tank. The nutrient tank (or nutrient regulator) may be reinserted into the plant grower (211). The device may insert the plant grower (211), which includes the reinserted nutrient tank as well as new growing plates, into the growth chamber (210).

[0044] Referring to the above description, plant growers (211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216) may be stacked vertically (and horizontally) within a growth chamber (210). Plants planted in each of the plant growers (211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216) may grow by receiving nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air controlled by each of the plant growers (211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216). The plant growers of the present disclosure may provide nutrients and water (or nutrient solution), light, and air under suitable conditions depending on the growth stages of the planted plants and the types of plants. Specific details regarding the plant growers may be referenced below in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

[0046] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate an example of a plant cultivator comprising a plurality of cultivation plates according to one embodiment.

[0047] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of the plant grower (211) of FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the plant grower (211) of FIG. 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the description of FIGS. 3A and 3B may be applied substantially the same way to other plant growers (212, 213, 214, 215, 216) of FIG. 2.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3a, a perspective view of the exterior of a plant grower (211) is shown. For example, the plant grower (211) may include a plurality of rows (310, 320). For example, the plurality of rows (310, 320) may include two rows. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plant grower (211) may include three or more rows.

[0049] For example, the plant grower (211) may include a plurality of layers (311, 312, 313, 314, 315). For example, the plurality of layers (311, 312, 313, 314, 315) may include five layers. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plant grower (211) may include four or fewer layers, or six or more layers. In the present disclosure, a layer may be referred to as a row. For example, the first layer (311) may be placed at the bottom among the plurality of layers (311, 312, 313, 314, 315). For example, the second layer (312) may be placed on top of the first layer (311). For example, the third layer (313) may be placed on top of the second layer (312). For example, the fourth layer (314) may be placed on top of the third layer (313). For example, the fifth layer (315) may be placed on top of the fourth layer (314) and may be placed on top of the plurality of layers (311, 312, 313, 314, 315).

[0050] For example, the plant grower (211) may have a specified size. For example, the specified size may be 3000 x 1500 x 2450. For example, 3000 may represent the length in the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the plant grower (211). For example, 1500 may represent the length in the second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) of the plant grower (211). For example, 2450 may represent the length in the third direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The specified size is merely illustrative for convenience of explanation and is not limited thereto.

[0051] For example, the plant grower (211) may include a cover for each of the layers (311, 312, 313, 314, 315). For example, the fifth layer (315) may include a cover (330). For example, the cover (330) may be a structure for covering the cultivation plates inside the fifth layer (315) from the outside of the plant grower (211). For example, the cover (330) may define a handle (335) used to bring the cultivation plates inside the fifth layer (315) out of the plant grower (211). For example, the handle (335) may be formed in a part of the cover (330). For example, the handle (335) may have a shape that can be grasped by a person's hand or a device (e.g., ASRS).

[0052] For example, the plant grower (211) may include a ventilation structure for each of the layers (312, 313, 314, 315). For example, the fifth layer (315) of the second column (320) may define a ventilation structure (340). For example, the ventilation structure (340) may be formed on a surface other than the surface (e.g., xz plane) where the cover (330) is formed (e.g., xz plane). For example, the ventilation structure (340) may be used to circulate air inside the layer and air outside the layer through a fan. In FIG. 3a, a ventilation structure (340) defined in the fifth layer (315) of the second column (320) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a ventilation structure may also be defined in the fifth layer (315) of the first column (310).

[0053] In the above example, the cover (330) is described as being formed in the xz plane of the plant grower (211), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a housing defining the exterior of the plant grower (211) may define the cover in all planes. In other words, the housing may cover the space inside the plant grower (211) from the outside of the plant grower (211).

[0055] FIG. 3b illustrates a perspective view of the plant grower (211) of FIG. 3a with the cover (330) removed. In FIG. 3b, the cover (330) is shown removed for convenience of explanation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3b, the first layer (311) of the plant grower (211) may include nutrient solution tanks (360) and an air conditioning device (370). For example, the nutrient solution tanks (360) and the air conditioning device (370) may be placed in the first layer (311). The nutrient solution tanks (360) and the air conditioning device (370) may be placed in the first layer (311) in consideration of the weight of the nutrient solution tanks (360) and the air conditioning device (370). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the nutrient solution tanks (360) and the air conditioning device (370) may also be placed in other layers (312, 313, 314, 315).

[0057] For example, the nutrient tanks (360) may include a first nutrient tank (361) placed in a first layer (311) within a first column (310) and a second nutrient tank (362) placed in a first layer (311) within a second column (320). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of nutrient tanks (360) may be one or three or more. For example, the first nutrient tank (361) may be used to supply nutrient solution to cultivation plates placed in the second layer (312) to the fifth layer (315) of the first column (310). For example, the second nutrient tank (362) may be used to supply nutrient solution to cultivation plates placed in the second layer (312) to the fifth layer (315) of the second column (320). By having the nutrient solution tanks (360) located within the plant grower (211), the plant grower (211) can supply nutrient solution to the growing plates in an independent environment.

[0058] For example, the air conditioning unit (370) may be positioned across the first row (310) and the second row (320). For example, the air conditioning unit (370) may be connected to air pipes (not shown) positioned for each of the first row (310) and the second row (320). For example, the air conditioning unit (370) may be used to supply air to cultivation plates positioned in the second layer (312) through the fifth layer (315) of the first row (310) and the second row (320). For example, the air conditioning unit (370) may control the temperature and humidity of the supplied air. Although not shown in FIG. 3b, water produced (or liquefied) by the dehumidification of the air conditioning unit (370) may be supplied to nutrient tanks (360). Accordingly, the rate of consumption of water (or nutrient solution) in the nutrient solution tanks (360) can be reduced.

[0059] For example, a cultivation plate (380) and an LED plate (390) may be placed within the second layer (312) of the first row (310) of the plant cultivator (211). For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on the cultivation plate (380) placed within the second layer (312) of the first row (310), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the following descriptions may be applied substantially equally to all cultivation plates included in the plant cultivator (211).

[0060] For example, plants may be planted in the cultivation plate (380). For example, the cultivation plate (380) may be used to supply nutrient solution to the planted plants. Specific details regarding this may be referenced below in FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6a through 6d. The cultivation plate (380) may be referred to as a tray.

[0061] For example, the cultivation plate (380) may be visually exposed to the outside of the plant cultivator (211) when the handle (335) of the cover (330) is pulled toward the outside of the plant cultivator (211). The cultivation plate (380) may be movably coupled by a rail structure (not shown) when the handle (335) is pulled. For example, the rail structure may be placed on one side of the second layer (312). For example, the side of the second layer (312) on which the rail structure is placed may be opposite to the other side of the second layer (312) on which the LED plate (390) is placed. For example, the side may be the bottom side of the second layer (312), and the other side may be the top side of the second layer (312). For example, specific details regarding the rail structure may be referenced below in FIG. 4.

[0062] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the plant grower (211) may include other components. For example, the plant grower (211) may include at least one processor for controlling operations within the plant grower (211). For example, the at least one processor may include a hardware component for processing communication and / or data based on one or more instructions. The hardware component for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). As an example, the hardware component for processing data may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processing (DSP), a microcontroller (MCU), and / or a neural processing unit (NPU). For example, the above at least one processor may have the structure of a multi-core processor such as a dual core, quad core, or hexa core.

[0063] For example, the plant grower (211) may include a display for providing visualized information related to the plant grower (211). For example, the plant grower (211) may include at least one sensor. As an example without limitation, the at least one sensor may include a sensor for measuring electrical conductivity and pH. As an example without limitation, the at least one sensor may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the plant grower (211) (or inside the cultivation plate (380) or the second layer (312) inside the plant grower (211)). As an example without limitation, the at least one sensor may include a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity inside the plant grower (211) (or inside the cultivation plate (380) or the second layer (312) inside the plant grower (211)). As an example without limitation, the at least one sensor may include a sensor for measuring carbon dioxide inside the plant grower (211) (or inside the growing plate (380) or the second layer (312) inside the plant grower (211). For example, the plant grower (211) may include at least one camera for observing the inside of the plant grower (211). For example, the plant grower (211) may include a communication circuit for connecting to an external electronic device.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a cultivation plate movably coupled to a plant cultivator according to one embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates examples (401, 402) of a cultivation plate (380) movably coupled to the interior of the second layer (312) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b and the plant grower (211). In FIG. 4, the interior of the second layer (312) and the cultivation plate (380) are illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to the interior of other layers (313, 314, 315) of the plant grower (211) and to cultivation plates located in the other layers (313, 314, 315).

[0067] Example (401) illustrates a first state in which the cultivation plate (380) is moved outside the plant grower (211) as the cover (330) is pulled. Example (402) illustrates a second state in which the cultivation plate (380) is moved inside the plant grower (211) as the cover (330) is pushed. In FIG. 4, the first state and the second state are illustrated, but the cultivation plate (380) may be positioned in a third state between the first state and the second state.

[0068] Referring to the example (401) of FIG. 4, the cultivation plate (380) can be moved outside the plant grower (211). For example, the cultivation plate (380) can be movably coupled with the rail structure (415) of the plant grower (211). For example, the rail structure (415) can be placed on one side (410) inside the second layer (312). In the example of FIG. 4, the rail structure (415) is shown as being formed in two pairs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0069] Referring to example (401), within the second layer (312), the plant grower (211) may include air pipes (420). For example, the air pipes (420) may be a path through which air supplied from the air conditioning unit (370) travels. For example, the air pipes (420) may be a path through which air supplied from the air conditioning unit (370) travels. For example, the air pipes (420) may be arranged within the plant grower (211) across from the first layer (311) to the fifth layer (315) of the plant grower (211). For example, the air pipes (420) may include a first air pipe (421) and a second air pipe (422). In FIG. 4, air pipes (420) including two air pipes are illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] Although not illustrated in Example (401), the air pipes (420) may extend into the second layer (412). In the second state of the cultivation plate (380) as in Example (402), the air pipes (420) may extend to the center portion of the cultivation plate (380). Specific examples related thereto may be referenced in FIG. 8 below.

[0071] Referring to example (401), the plant grower (211) within the second layer (312) may include air pipes (430). For example, the air pipes (430) may be paths through which air discharged from each layer travels. For example, among the air pipes (430), air pipe (431) and air pipe (432) may be arranged along the edges of the growing plate (380). As in example (402), in the growing plate (380) of the second state, air pipe (431) may be arranged along one edge of the growing plate (380), and air pipe (432) may be arranged along the other edge opposite to the one edge. For example, air pipes (431, 432) can be used to discharge air supplied from air pipes (420) that extend to the center of the cultivation plate (380). Air drawn in by the air pipes (431, 432) can be transferred to the air conditioning unit (370) through air pipes (433, 434) connected to the air pipes (431, 432). In other words, air pipe (431) can be connected to air pipe (433), and air pipe (432) can be connected to air pipe (434). For example, among the air pipes (430), air pipes (433, 434) can be placed within the plant cultivation unit (211) across from the first layer (311) to the fifth layer (315) of the plant cultivation unit (211). For example, the air pipes (430) may include a first air pipe (431), a second air pipe (432), a third air pipe (433), and a fourth air pipe (434). In FIG. 4, air pipes (430) including four air pipes are illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] In the above example, the air pipes (420) are described as paths through which air supplied from the air conditioning unit (370) to each layer travels, and the air pipes (430) are described as paths through which air inside each layer travels to the air conditioning unit (370), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the air pipes (430) may be paths through which air supplied from the air conditioning unit (370) to each layer travels, and the air pipes (420) may be paths through which air inside each layer travels to the air conditioning unit (370).

[0073] Referring to the example (402) of FIG. 4, the plant grower (211) within the second layer (312) may include a nutrient supply pipe (450) and a nutrient discharge pipe (460). For example, the nutrient supply pipe (450) and the nutrient discharge pipe (460) may be arranged within the plant grower (211) across the first layer (311) to the fifth layer (315) of the plant grower (211). As a non-limiting example, the nutrient supply pipe (450) may be arranged adjacent to an air pipe (434), and the nutrient discharge pipe (460) may be arranged adjacent to an air pipe (433). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the cultivation plate (380) can be exposed outside the plant grower (211) as in example (401) and then removed from the plant grower (211) (or the rail structure (415) of the plant grower (211)) through the side.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first plate of a cultivation plate for planting plants according to one embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first plate (510) included in the cultivation plate (380) of FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the first plate (510) of the cultivation plate (380) of the second layer (312) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to the interior of other layers (313, 314, 315) of the plant grower (211) and to cultivation plates located in other layers (313, 314, 315).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, the cultivation plate (380) may include a first plate (510) and a second plate (520). For example, the first plate (510) may be a plate for planting plants. The first plate (510) may be referred to as an upper plate or an upper tray. For example, the second plate (520) may be a plate for providing nutrient solution to plants planted on the first plate (510). The second plate (520) may be referred to as a lower plate or a lower tray.

[0079] For example, the first plate (510) may include a region (560) containing a plurality of holes, a first side region (570) formed along the edge of the region (560), and a second side region (580) opposite to the first side region (570). For example, the first side region (570) and the second side region (580) may not contain holes. For example, plants may be planted in the plurality of holes of the region (560). For example, the plurality of holes may be referred to as openings.

[0080] For example, the plurality of holes in the area (560) may be defined by a portion (511) of the first plate (510). For example, the portion (511) may define the appearance (or plate shape) of the first plate (510). The portion (511) of the first plate (510) may define a hole (512) in which a plant (590) is planted. For example, the plant (590) that is fixed and planted within a pot (513) that is connected (or contacted) to the hole (512) may include roots (591). For example, the pot (513) may be connected (or contacted) to the hole (512) of the first plate (510), and the plant (590) may be planted (or positioned) within the pot (513). For example, a portion (593) of the root (591) may be located within the nutrient solution (530) present in the second plate (520). For example, a portion (592) of the root (591) may be located outside the nutrient solution (530) present in the second plate (520). For example, the portion (592) may be referred to as an air root. For example, the portion (593) may be referred to as a water root. For example, the portion (593) may be determined according to the height (531) of the nutrient solution (530).

[0081] In the example of FIG. 5, a separable structure utilizing a port (513) that is connected to (or contacted with) a hole (512) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the port (513) may be implemented integrally with the hole (512). In other words, the first plate (510) may include a hole (512) and a port (513). In this case, the port (513) may extend from the hole (512) rather than being formed as a separate component from the hole (512). For example, a plant (590) may be planted in a medium (e.g., soil, sponge) within the port (513). In this case, the roots (591) of the planted plant (590) may be in at least partial contact with the nutrient solution (530).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the first plate (510) may be placed on the second plate (520). For example, a nutrient solution (530) may be present (or flow) within the second plate (520) placed below the first plate (510). Specific details regarding the second plate (520) in which the nutrient solution (530) is present (or flows) may be referenced below in FIG. 6a to 6d.

[0084] FIG. 6a illustrates an example of a second plate of a cultivation plate for supplying liquid nutrients according to one embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 6a illustrates an example of the second plate (520) of FIG. 5. In FIG. 6a, the second plate (520) of the cultivation plate (380) of the second layer (312) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to the interior of other layers (313, 314, 315) of the plant grower (211) and to cultivation plates located in other layers (313, 314, 315).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 6a, the second plate (520) can be used to supply a nutrient solution (e.g., the nutrient solution (530) of FIG. 5) to plants planted on the first plate (510). For example, the second plate (520) may include a housing (600) that defines the exterior of the second plate (520). For example, the housing (600) may include a wall located at the outermost edge of the second plate (520) and a bottom surface of the second plate (520).

[0087] For example, the second plate (520) may include a first portion (601-1) into which nutrient solution is supplied from a nutrient solution tank (e.g., the first nutrient solution tank (361) of FIG. 3B), and a second portion (601-2) into which the supplied nutrient solution is drained from the second plate (520) to the nutrient solution tank. For example, the first portion (601-1) may be located in a first side area (601) within the housing (600), and the second portion (601-1) may be located in a first side area (601) within the housing (600). For example, the second plate (520) may include a third portion (602) located in a second side area opposite to the first side area (601). For example, the first side area (601) of the second plate (520) may correspond to the first side area (570) of the first plate (510). For example, the second side area of ​​the second plate (520) may correspond to the second side area (580) of the first plate (510). For example, the second plate (520) may include an area (603) between the first side area (601) and the second side area. For example, the area (603) of the second plate (520) may correspond to the area (560) of the first plate (510). The region (603) may include a first region (603-1) extending from the first region (601-1) to the third region (602) and a second region (603-2) extending from the third region (602) to the second region (601-2).

[0088] For example, the second plate (520) may include a plurality of partition walls that define a plurality of paths (e.g., d1, d2) configured to connect the first part (601-1) and the second part (601-2) and to drain the nutrient solution supplied through the first part (601-1) to the second part (601-2). For example, the plurality of partition walls may be placed within the housing (600). For example, the first path (d1) may be defined by a part of the housing (600) and the first partition wall among the plurality of partition walls. For example, the second path (d2) may be defined by the first partition wall and the second partition wall among the plurality of partition walls. For example, the first path (d1) may correspond to the first holes among the plurality of holes of the first plate (510). For example, the second path (d2) may correspond to second holes that are different from the first holes among the plurality of holes of the first plate (510). In the above example, the fact that the path corresponds to the holes of the first plate (510) may indicate that the nutrient solution flowing through the path is positioned (or defined) to be supplied to the corresponding holes.

[0089] For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the first partition wall may include a partition wall portion (612) within a first portion (601-1). For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the first partition wall may include a partition wall portion (632) within a first portion area (603-1) extending from the first portion (601-1) to the third portion (602). For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the first partition wall may include a partition wall portion (622) within the third portion (602). For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the first partition wall may include a partition wall portion (635) within a second portion area (603-2) extending from the third portion (602) to the second portion (601-2).

[0090] For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the second partition wall may include a partition wall portion (613) within the first portion (601-1). For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the second partition wall may include a partition wall portion (633) within a first portion area (603-1) extending from the first portion (601-1) to the third portion (602). For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the second partition wall may include a partition wall portion (623) within the third portion (602). For example, among the plurality of partition walls, the second partition wall may include a partition wall portion (636) within a second portion area (603-2) extending from the third portion (602) to the second portion (601-2).

[0091] Referring to the above description, the first path (d1) may be defined by a part (611) of the housing (600) and a partition wall part (612) of the first partition wall within the first part (601-1). Additionally, the first path (d1) may be defined by a part (631) of the housing (600) and a partition wall part (632) of the first partition wall within the first part area (603-1) extending from the first part (601-1) to the third part (602). Additionally, the first path (d1) may be defined by a part (621) of the housing (600) and a partition wall part (622) of the first partition wall within the third part (602). Additionally, the first path (d1) may be defined by a part (634) of the housing (600) and a part (635) of the first partition wall within a second part area (603-2) extending from the third part (602) to the second part (601-2).

[0092] Referring to the above description, the second path (d2) may be defined within the first part (601-1) by the partition wall portion (612) of the first partition wall and the partition wall portion (613) of the second partition wall. Additionally, the second path (d2) may be defined within the first part area (603-1) extending from the first part (601-1) to the third part (602) by the partition wall portion (632) of the first partition wall and the partition wall portion (633) of the second partition wall. Additionally, the second path (d2) may be defined within the third part (602) by the partition wall portion (622) of the first partition wall and the partition wall portion (623) of the second partition wall. Additionally, the second path (d2) may be defined by the partition wall portion (635) of the first partition wall and the partition wall portion (636) of the second partition wall within the second part area (603-2) extending from the third part (602) to the second part (601-2).

[0093] For example, the nutrient solution can be supplied to the first part (601-1) within the second plate (520). For example, specific details regarding the nutrient solution supply device for supplying the nutrient solution to the first part (601-1) may be referenced below in FIG. 6b.

[0094] In the example of FIG. 6a, the nutrient solution supplied to the first part (601-1) within the second plate (520) can be moved to the second part (601-2) through the third part (602) along a plurality of paths (e.g., d1, d2). The widths of the paths (e.g., d1, d2) can be defined so that the nutrient solution supplied to the first part (601-1) flows uniformly through the plurality of paths (e.g., d1, d2). Within the first part (601-1), the width (w1) of the first path (d1) may differ from the width (w2) of the second path (d1). By example, without limitation, the width (w1) of the first path (d1) may be wider than the width (w2) of the second path (d1). In the first partial area (603-1), the width (w3) of the first path (d1) may be the same as the width (w3) of the second path (d1). In the third part (602), the width (w4) of the first path (d1) may be the same as the width (w4) of the second path (d1). In the second partial area (603-2), the width (w3) of the first path (d1) may be the same as the width (w3) of the second path (d1). At this time, the width (w3) of the first path (d1) in the second partial area (603-2) may be the same as the width (w3) of the first path (d1) in the first partial area (603-1). As described above, by forming the widths of the paths (e.g., d1, d2) differently within the first part (601-1), the paths (e.g., d1, d2) can be configured so that substantially the same amount of nutrient solution flows to each of the paths (e.g., d1, d2), even if the lengths of the paths (e.g., d1, d2) within the first part (601-1) differ from each other (or even if the amount of nutrient solution supplied to the paths differs from each other).

[0095] In the above example, the width of the first path (d1) can be determined according to the gap between a part of the housing (600) and the first partition wall. Also, in the above example, the width of the second path (d2) can be determined according to the gap between the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6a, the third path (d3) may be defined by adjacent partition wall sections. Additionally, the fourth path (d4) may be defined by adjacent partition wall sections. For example, the partition wall sections defining the third path (d3) and the partition wall sections defining the fourth path (d4) may overlap at least partially. In other words, the partition wall between the third path (d3) and the fourth path (d4) may define the third path (d3) and the fourth path (d4). The nutrient solution flowing through the third path (d3) and the fourth path (d4) may be drained through the paths (d3, d4) of the second part area (603-2). For example, the nutrient solution flowing through the third path (d3) may be moved to the second part (601-2) through the paths (d3, d4) of the second part area (603-2). Additionally, for example, the nutrient solution flowing through the fourth path (d4) can also be moved to the second part (601-2) through the paths (d3, d4) of the second part area (603-2). As a non-limiting example, the width (w3) of the third path (d3), the fourth path (d4), and each of the paths (d3, d4) may be the same as each other.

[0097] As a non-limiting example, the heights of the housing (600) corresponding to the first part (601-1), the third part (602), and the second part (601-2) may differ from each other so that the nutrient solution flows along the paths (e.g., d1, d2). In the example where the second plate (520) of FIG. 6a is viewed from direction A, the third part (602) may be inclined downward with respect to the first part (601-1). For example, the height (y) of the housing (600) corresponding to the third part (602) may be lower than the height (x) of the housing (600) corresponding to the first part (601-1). In the example where the second plate (520) of FIG. 6a is viewed from direction B, the second part (601-2) may be inclined downward with respect to the third part (602). For example, the height (z) of the housing (600) corresponding to the second part (601-2) may be lower than the height (y) of the housing (600) corresponding to the third part (602).

[0098] For example, the second part (601-2) of the second plate (520) may be configured to drain the nutrient solution flowing along paths (e.g., d1, d2) to the outside of the second plate (520) (or to a nutrient solution tank). For example, the second part (601-2) may include a drain pipe (640) configured to regulate the height of the nutrient solution present inside the second plate (520). Specific details regarding the drain pipe (640) may be referenced below in FIG. 6c. For example, the second part (601-2) may include a drain regulator (650) positioned on a drain hole (not shown) connected to a nutrient solution tank to drain the nutrient solution present inside the second plate (520) to the nutrient solution tank. Specific details regarding the drain regulator (650) may be referenced below in FIG. 6d.

[0099] The structure of the second plate (520) illustrated in FIG. 6a is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of paths and partition walls formed inside the second plate (520) may be changed. For example, the width of the paths inside the second plate (520) may be changed. For example, the location of the first part (601-1), the second part (601-2), and the third part (602) may be changed.

[0101] FIG. 6b illustrates an example of a nutrient solution supply device and a first part of a second plate that supplies nutrient solution according to one embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 6b illustrates an example of a first part (601-1) of the second plate (520) of FIG. 6a and a nutrient supply device (660) that supplies nutrient solution to the first part (601-1).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6b, the nutrient solution supply unit (660) may be placed on the first part (601-1). For example, the nutrient solution supply unit (660) may be placed on the first part (601-1) spaced apart from the second plate (520).

[0104] For example, the nutrient supply device (660) may be connected to a nutrient supply pipe (661). For example, the nutrient supply pipe (661) may be an example of the nutrient supply pipe (450) of FIG. 4. For example, the nutrient supply device (660) may include a housing that extends from the nutrient supply pipe (661) and defines the exterior of the nutrient supply device (660).

[0105] For example, the nutrient solution supply device (660) may include a plurality of nutrient solution supply holes (662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667). For example, the plurality of nutrient solution supply holes (662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667) may correspond to a plurality of paths (e.g., d1, d2) of the second plate (520). For example, the nutrient solution supply hole (667) may correspond to the first path (d1) of FIG. 6A. For example, the nutrient solution supply hole (666) may correspond to the second path (d2) of FIG. 6A. For example, the fact that the nutrient solution supply hole corresponds to a path may indicate that the nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution supply hole is supplied (or provided) to the corresponding path. For example, a plurality of nutrient supply holes (662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667) may be used to supply nutrient solution provided (or transferred) from a nutrient tank (e.g., the first nutrient tank (361) of FIG. 3b) through a nutrient supply pipe (661) to a second plate (520) (or a first part (601-1) of the second plate (520)). The number of the plurality of nutrient supply holes (662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667) of FIG. 6b is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the nutrient supply device (660) may include a larger number of nutrient supply holes or a smaller number of nutrient supply holes.

[0107] FIG. 6c illustrates an example of a second part of a second plate for draining nutrient solution and a drain pipe within the second part, according to one embodiment.

[0108] FIG. 6c illustrates examples (671, 672) of a second part (601-2) of the second plate (520) of FIG. 6a, a drain pipe (640) for draining nutrient solution to the second part (601-2), and a drain regulator (650) disposed in the drain hole. Example (671) illustrates an example where the height at which the drain pipe (640) protrudes from one side of the housing (600) corresponding to the second part (601-2) of the second plate (520) is a first height (h1). Example (672) illustrates an example where the height at which the drain pipe (640) protrudes from the said side of the housing (600) corresponding to the second part (601-2) of the second plate (520) is a second height (h2) which is higher than the first height (h1). Although not shown in FIG. 6c, the drain pipe (640) can be connected to a nutrient tank (e.g., the first nutrient tank (361) in FIG. 3b).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 6c, the second portion (601-2) of the second plate (520) may include a drain pipe (640). For example, the drain pipe (640) may be configured to control the height of the nutrient solution present inside the second plate (520). Referring to Example (671), the height of the nutrient solution may correspond to a first height (h1), which is the height at which the drain pipe (640) protrudes from the surface of the housing (600) corresponding to the second portion (601-2) of the second plate (520). Alternatively, referring to Example (672), the height of the nutrient solution may correspond to a second height (h2), which is the height at which the drain pipe (640) protrudes from the surface of the housing (600) corresponding to the second portion (601-2) of the second plate (520). As described above, since the second height (h2) is higher than the first height (h1), the height of the nutrient solution inside the second plate (520) of example (672) may be higher than the height of the nutrient solution inside the second plate (520) of example (671).

[0110] Referring to the above description, the height (or water level) of the liquid inside the second plate (520) can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the drain pipe (640) of the second plate (520).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6c, the second portion (601-2) of the second plate (520) may include a drain regulator (650). For example, the drain regulator (650) may be placed on a drain hole defined in the housing (600) (or one side of the housing (600)) corresponding to the second portion (601-2). For example, the drain regulator (650) may be spaced apart from the drain pipe (640). Specific details regarding the drain regulator (650) may be referenced below in FIG. 6d.

[0113] FIG. 6d illustrates an example of a drainage hole and a drainage regulator in a second part of a second plate for draining nutrient solution, according to one embodiment.

[0114] FIG. 6d illustrates examples (681, 682, 683) of a drain hole (521) and a drain regulator (650) within the second part (601-2) of the second plate (520) of FIG. 6a.

[0115] Referring to the example (681) of FIG. 6d, a drainage regulator (650) is illustrated. The drainage regulator (650) may be placed on a drainage hole (521) defined (or formed) in the second part (601-2) of the second plate (520). For example, the drainage hole (521) may be connected to a nutrient tank to drain the nutrient solution present inside the second plate (520) into the nutrient tank (e.g., the first nutrient tank (361) of FIG. 3b). As an example without limitation, the drainage hole (521) may be connected to the nutrient tank through a nutrient drain pipe (e.g., the nutrient drain pipe (460) of FIG. 4). By means of a magnetic force formed between the drainage regulator (650) and the magnetic member (690) that contacts (or is connected to) one side (e.g., bottom side) of the housing (600) of the second plate (520), the drainage regulator (650) and the magnetic member (690) may be connected (or attached) to the housing (600) of the second plate (520). For example, the magnetic member (690) may be formed of a magnetic material. Although not shown in FIG. 6d, the housing (600) may be disposed (or positioned) between the drainage regulator (650) and the magnetic member (690).

[0116] Referring to example (682), the drainage regulator (650) may include a drainage regulating member (653) disposed on one side (e.g., top side) of the housing (600) of the second plate (520) in which the drainage hole (521) is defined, an elastic member (652) disposed within an opening formed in the drainage regulating member (653), and a drainage cover (651) connected to the elastic member (652) and configured to control the opening and closing of the drainage hole (521). For example, the drainage cover (651) may be coupled to the drainage hole (521) while connected to the elastic member (652). For example, the drainage regulating member (653) (and / or the elastic member (652)) may be formed of a magnetic material.

[0117] Referring to example (683), the drain hole (521) may penetrate a portion of the second part (601-2) of the second plate (520). For example, the drain hole (521) may be formed by penetrating a portion of the housing (600) corresponding to the second part (601-1) of the second plate (520). For example, the drain hole (521) formed by penetration may be configured to drain all the liquid present inside the second plate (520). For example, a magnetic member (690) may be attached to a portion (599) of the drain hole (521). For example, a portion (599) of the drain hole (521) may be formed on one side (e.g., the bottom side) of the housing (600) of the second plate (520). For example, a magnetic member (690) may be in contact (or fastened) to a portion (599) of the drain hole (521), and a drain regulator (650) may be placed on one side (e.g., top side) of the housing (600) where the drain hole (521) is formed. For example, as the drain regulator (650) is placed on one side (e.g., top side) of the housing (600) and the magnetic member (690) is placed below one side (e.g., bottom side) of the housing (600), the drain regulator (650) and the magnetic member (690) may be connected (or attached) to the second plate (520).

[0118] Referring to the above description, the drain hole (521) and the drain regulator (650) can be used to drain all the nutrient solution present inside the second plate (520), unlike the drain pipe (640) of FIG. 6c. In other words, the drain pipe (640) can be used to control the height (or amount) of the nutrient solution present inside the second plate (520). For example, the drain hole (521) and the drain regulator (650) can be used for the collective drainage of the nutrient solution when replacement and cleaning of the nutrient solution or movement of the plant grower (211) (or the grower plate (380)) is required.

[0120] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an LED (light emitting diode) plate of a cultivation plate according to one embodiment.

[0121] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an LED plate (390) placed on one side (710) inside the second layer (312) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. In FIG. 7, the LED plate (390) inside the second layer (312) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to the interior of other layers (313, 314, 315) of the plant grower (211) and to the growing plates located in the other layers (313, 314, 315).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, an LED plate (390) may be placed on one side (710) inside the second layer (312). For example, the one side (710) may be placed facing the one side (410) inside the second layer (312) of FIG. 4 and may represent a side spaced apart from the one side (410). In other words, an LED plate (390) and a cultivation plate (380) may be positioned between the one side (710) and the one side (410).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 7, the LED plate (390) can be moved outside the plant grower (211). For example, the LED plate (390) can be movably coupled to the rail structure (715) of the plant grower (211). For example, the rail structure (715) can be placed on one side (710) inside the second layer (312). In the example of FIG. 7, the rail structure (715) is shown as being formed in two pairs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the rail structure (715) can be placed spaced apart from the air pipes (420). For example, the LED plate (390) can be moved outside the plant grower (211) when the handle (e.g., handle (335)) of the cover (e.g., cover (330)) of the third layer (313) above the second layer (312) is pulled.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 7, the LED plate (390) may include a plurality of LED lines (701, 702, 703). For example, the LED lines (701, 702, 703) may include six LED lines. For example, the first LED line (701) may be placed at one edge of the LED plate (390). For example, the second LED line (702) may be placed spaced apart from the first LED line (701). For example, the third LED line (703) may be placed at the other edge of the LED plate (390). In other words, the first LED line (701) and the third LED line (703) may be placed spaced apart as far as possible. In the example of FIG. 7, an LED plate (390) including six LED lines is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the LED plate (390) may include five or fewer LED lines or seven or more LED lines. Each LED line may include one or more LEDs (or light-emitting elements). In the example of FIG. 7, the LED lines within the LED plate (390) are shown to be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the spacing between the first LED line (701) and the second LED line (702) within the LED plate (390) may differ from the spacing between the second LED line (702) and the LED line immediately adjacent to the second LED line (702). As a non-limiting example, the spacing between the first LED line (701) and the second LED line (702) within the LED plate (390) may be shorter than the spacing between the second LED line (702) and the LED line immediately adjacent to the second LED line (702). This is because the light emitted from each LED line can overlap more in the central part of the LED plate (390).

[0125] For example, the LED lines (701, 702, 703) of the LED plate (390) may be configured to supply (or provide) light to plants located inside the second layer (312).

[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of air pipes of a cultivation plate according to one embodiment.

[0128] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of air pipes (810, 820, 431, 432) located inside the second layer (312) of FIG. 3a and 3b. In FIG. 8, air pipes (810, 820, 431, 432) inside the second layer (312) are illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to the interior of other layers (313, 314, 315) of the plant grower (211) and to the cultivation plates located in the other layers (313, 314, 315).

[0129] For example, a cultivation plate (380) may be positioned inside the second layer (312). For example, an air pipe (431) may be positioned along one edge of the cultivation plate (380). For example, the one edge of the cultivation plate (380) may be the left edge. For example, an air pipe (432) may be positioned along the other edge of the cultivation plate (380). For example, the other edge of the cultivation plate (380) may be the right edge. For example, the air pipe (431) and the air pipe (432) may be paths for discharging air supplied (or introduced) inside the second layer (312). Although not shown in FIG. 8, air pipes (431) and (432) are arranged from the first layer (311) to the fifth layer (315) inside the plant grower (211) and can be connected to air pipes (433, 434) connected to the air conditioning unit (370).

[0130] For example, air pipes (810, 820) may be located inside the second layer (312). For example, the air pipes (810, 820) may be located over the central part of the cultivation plate (380). For example, LED lines (701, 702, 703) of the LED plate (390) may be positioned next to (or above) the air pipes (810, 820) toward the inside of the second layer (312). For example, the air pipes (810, 820) may be a path for supplying air provided from the air conditioning unit (370) into the inside of the second layer (312). Although not shown in FIG. 8, the air pipe (810) and the air pipe (820) are arranged from the first layer (311) to the fifth layer (315) inside the plant grower (211) and can be connected to the air pipes (421, 422) connected to the air conditioning unit (370).

[0131] For example, air provided from the air conditioning unit (370) can be moved to air pipes (810, 820) through air pipes (421, 422). For example, air supplied into the second layer (312) through air pipes (810, 820) can be moved along paths (831, 832). For example, path (831) may be a path through which air supplied into the second layer (312) through air pipes (810, 820) is discharged to air pipe (431). For example, path (832) may be a path through which air supplied into the second layer (312) through air pipes (810, 820) is discharged to air pipe (432).

[0132] Referring to the above description, the air pipes (810, 820, 431, 432) inside the second layer (312) of the plant grower (211) may be configured to supply and discharge air for plants growing inside the second layer (312). At this time, not only the humidity and temperature of the air supplied to the plants (or, maintenance, management) but also the air current of the air may be controlled. For example, by controlling the air current of the air supplied to the plants, uniform growth of the plants may be caused and wind damage to the plants may be prevented.

[0134] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the arrangement of a liquid nutrient tank and a liquid nutrient controller of a plant growing system according to one embodiment.

[0135] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the first nutrient tank (361) of FIG. 3b. In FIG. 9, the first nutrient tank (361) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be applied substantially the same way to the second nutrient tank (362) of the plant grower (211).

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9, the first nutrient tank (361) may include a housing (900) that defines the exterior of the first nutrient tank (361). For example, the housing (900) may contain a nutrient solution. Referring to the above description, the nutrient solution contained within the housing (900) of the first nutrient tank (361) may represent a liquid in which nutrients have been added to water.

[0137] For example, the substance used as the nutrient may be provided from a nutrient regulator (950). For example, the nutrient regulator (950) may be placed over a first side area of ​​the housing (900). For example, the output port (951) of the nutrient regulator (950) may be placed over the first side area of ​​the housing (900) and spaced apart from the housing (900). For example, the housing (900) may define a hole (901) through which the substance used as the nutrient is supplied via the output port (951). For example, the hole (901) may be spaced apart from the output port (951) by a height (h3). Specific details regarding the nutrient regulator (950) may be referenced below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0138] For example, the housing (900) may define a hole (902) for obtaining nutrient solution drained from inside a cultivation plate (e.g., cultivation plate (380)) of a second layer (312) to a fifth layer (315) placed on top of a first nutrient solution tank (361). For example, a nutrient solution drain pipe (460) for draining nutrient solution from inside a cultivation plate (e.g., cultivation plate (380)) of a second layer (312) to a fifth layer (315) may be placed on the first side area of ​​the housing (900). For example, one end of the nutrient solution drain pipe (460) may be placed on the first side area of ​​the housing (900) spaced apart from the housing (900). For example, the hole (902) may be spaced apart by a height (h3) from the one end of the nutrient solution drain pipe (460). For example, the hole (902) may be spaced apart from the hole (901). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hole (901) and the hole (902) may be implemented as a single hole. In other words, the housing (900) may define a single hole used as the hole (901) and the hole (902). Since the hole (901) and the hole (902) of the housing (900) are spaced apart from the nutrient solution drain pipe (460) and the nutrient solution regulator (950), the nutrient solution tank (e.g., the first nutrient solution tank (361) or the second nutrient solution tank (362)) can be easily removed from the plant grower (211) to the outside of the plant grower (211).

[0139] For example, the nutrient solution inside the housing (900) of the first nutrient solution tank (361) can be supplied into the cultivation plates (e.g., cultivation plates (380)) of the second layer (312) to the fifth layer (315) through the nutrient solution pump (930). Although not shown in FIG. 9, the nutrient solution pump (930) may be connected to the nutrient solution supply pipe (450). As an example without limitation, the nutrient solution pump (930) may be directly connected to a part of the nutrient solution supply pipe (450) or indirectly connected to a part of the nutrient solution supply pipe (450) through a hose. Specific details regarding the nutrient solution pump (930) configured to supply the nutrient solution inside the housing (900) to the cultivation plates (e.g., cultivation plates (380)) of the second layer (312) to the fifth layer (315) may be referenced below in FIG. 11.

[0140] Referring to the above description, water (or nutrient solution) may be present inside the housing (900) of the first nutrient solution tank (361). A substance provided (or supplied) from the nutrient solution regulator (950) may be added to the water (or nutrient solution) inside the housing (900). Partitions may be defined inside the housing (900) for a chemical reaction between the water (or nutrient solution) inside the housing (900) and the substance provided from the nutrient solution regulator (950). For example, the chemical reaction may include the dissolution of the substance provided from the nutrient solution regulator (950) into the water (or nutrient solution). Specific details regarding the partitions defined inside the housing (900) may be referenced below in FIG. 12.

[0142] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a nutrient solution regulator for a plant growing system according to one embodiment.

[0143] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the nutrient solution regulator (950) of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 illustrates a nutrient solution regulator (950) that provides a substance used as a nutrient to the first nutrient solution tank (361), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to a nutrient solution regulator that provides a substance to the second nutrient solution tank (362) of the plant grower (211).

[0144] Referring to FIG. 10, the nutrient solution regulator (950) may include a housing (1010) defining at least part of the exterior of the nutrient solution regulator (950), input ports (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004), and an output port (951).

[0145] For example, the housing (1010) may include motors (1021, 1022, 1023, 1024) inside the nutrient solution regulator (950). For example, the housing (1010) may include a first housing part (1011) and a second housing part (1012).

[0146] For example, input ports (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) may be disposed on one side of the first housing part (1011). For example, the input ports (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) may be connected to fertilizer tanks outside the nutrient solution regulator (950). For example, the first input port (1001) may be connected to a first fertilizer tank that stores a substance used to increase electrical conductivity. For example, the second input port (1002) may be connected to a second fertilizer tank that stores a substance used to increase electrical conductivity. As an example, without limitation, the substance stored in the first fertilizer tank and the substance stored in the second fertilizer tank may be used together to increase electrical conductivity. For example, the third input port (1003) may be connected to a third fertilizer tank that stores a substance used to increase the pH. For example, the fourth input port (1004) may be connected to a fourth fertilizer tank that stores a substance used to decrease the pH.

[0147] For example, an output port (951) may be disposed on one side of the second housing part (1012). For example, the output port (951) may discharge materials supplied through the input ports (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) to the outside by the operation of motors (1021, 1022, 1023, 1024) inside the housing (1010). For example, the output port (951) may be used to supply materials supplied through the input ports (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) to the first nutrient tank (361) through the hole (901) of the housing (900) of the first nutrient tank (361). For example, the first motor (1021) may be used to supply material through the first input port (1001). For example, the second motor (1022) may be used to supply material through the second input port (1002). For example, the third motor (1023) may be used to supply material through the third input port (1003). For example, the fourth motor (1024) may be used to supply material through the fourth input port (1004).

[0148] For example, the first nutrient tank (361) can measure the electrical conductivity and pH of the nutrient solution in the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)). As an example, without limitation, the first nutrient tank (361) can acquire sensing data indicating the electrical conductivity and pH of the nutrient solution in the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)) using at least one sensor. For example, the first nutrient tank (361) can generate a feedback signal for the operation of the motors (1021, 1022, 1023, 1024) of the nutrient regulator (950) based on the sensing data. For example, the first nutrient tank (361) can transmit the feedback signal to the nutrient regulator (950). For example, the nutrient solution regulator (950) can control the operation of the motors (1021, 1022, 1023, 1024) of the nutrient solution regulator (950) upon receiving the feedback signal. In one example, if the nutrient solution in the first nutrient solution tank (361) (or housing (900)) has a pH lower than the required pH, the feedback signal can control the third motor (1023) to supply a substance to increase the pH. Referring to the foregoing description, the first nutrient solution tank (361) may include the at least one sensor and at least one processor for generating and processing the feedback signal. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plant grower (211) may include the at least one sensor and the at least one processor. The at least one processor of the plant grower (211) can acquire sensing data indicating electrical conductivity and pH through the at least one sensor located in the first nutrient tank (361). For example, the at least one processor of the plant grower (211) can generate the feedback signal using the acquired sensing data.For example, the at least one processor of the plant grower (211) can control the operation of the motors (1021, 1022, 1023, 1024) of the nutrient solution regulator (950) by transmitting the generated feedback signal to the nutrient solution regulator (950).

[0150] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a liquid nutrient pump of a plant growing system according to one embodiment.

[0151] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the nutrient solution pump (930) of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 illustrates a nutrient solution pump (930) for supplying nutrient solution inside a first nutrient solution tank (361) (or a housing (900) of the first nutrient solution tank (361)) to a cultivation plate, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be substantially applicable to a nutrient solution pump for supplying nutrient solution inside a second nutrient solution tank (362) of a plant grower (211) to a cultivation plate.

[0152] FIG. 11 illustrates an example (1100) of a hose (1190) connecting a nutrient pump (930) and a nutrient supply pipe (not shown) (e.g., the nutrient supply pipe (450) of FIG. 4). FIG. 11 also illustrates an example (1101) of a first state of the nutrient pump (930) and an example (1102) of a second state of the nutrient pump (930).

[0153] Referring to example (1100), the nutrient pump (930) may be used to supply the nutrient solution from the first nutrient tank (361) to the nutrient supply pipe (450). For example, the nutrient pump (930) may be referred to as a pump structure. Although not shown in FIG. 11, at least a portion of the nutrient pump (930) may be located inside the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)). For example, the at least portion of the nutrient pump (930) may be contained in the nutrient solution to move the nutrient solution inside the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)) to the nutrient supply pipe (450). As a non-limiting example, the nutrient pump (930) can move the nutrient inside the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)) to the nutrient supply pipe (450) by driving the motor of the nutrient pump (930).

[0154] Referring to Example (1100), the nutrient solution pump (930) may be connected to one end of the nutrient solution supply pipe (450). In Example (1100), the nutrient solution pump (930) may be connected to the one end of the nutrient solution supply pipe (450) via a hose (1190). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the nutrient solution pump (930) may be directly connected to the one end of the nutrient solution supply pipe (450).

[0155] Referring to the above description, the nutrient pump (930) may be located inside the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in order to remove the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)) from the plant grower (211), at least a portion of the nutrient pump (930) may be moved (or rotated) to be located outside the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)).

[0156] Referring to Example (1101), in the first state of the nutrient pump (930), the nozzle (1110) of the nutrient pump (930) for drawing in the nutrient may be directed downward. Although not shown in Example (1101), at least a portion of the nozzle (1110) may be located inside the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)).

[0157] For example, in order to remove the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)) from the plant grower (211), the state of the nutrient pump (930) may be switched (or changed) from the first state to the second state. As an example, without limitation, when the cover of the plant grower (211) is opened or when an input to the plant grower (211) is obtained, the state of the nutrient pump (930) may be switched (or changed) from the first state to the second state.

[0158] Referring to Example (1102), in the first state of the nutrient solution pump (930), the nutrient solution pump (930) can be rotated. Compared to Example (1101), in Example (1102), the nozzle (1110) of the nutrient solution pump (930) is angled ( It can be rotated by ). As an example without limitation, the angle ( The angle may be less than 90°. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in order to more easily remove the first nutrient solution tank (361) (or housing (900)) from the plant grower (211), the angle ( ) may be greater than 90°.

[0159] For example, the plant grower (211) may include the at least one sensor and the at least one processor. As described above, the at least one processor of the plant grower (211) may switch the state of the nutrient solution pump (930) between the first state and the second state when the cover of the plant grower (211) is opened or when input to the plant grower (211) is obtained. As an example without limitation, the at least one sensor for measuring the state of the nutrient solution in the first nutrient solution tank (361) (or housing (900)) may be configured to be rotatable, such as the nutrient solution pump (930). For example, at least a portion of the at least one sensor may be located inside the first nutrient solution tank (361) (or housing (900)) and may be moved (or rotated) outside the first nutrient solution tank (361) (or housing (900)).

[0161] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of internal partitions of a nutrient solution tank of a plant grower according to one embodiment.

[0162] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the interior of the first nutrient tank (361) (or housing (900)) of FIG. 9. In FIG. 12, the first nutrient tank (361) (or the housing (900) of the first nutrient tank (361)) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The following descriptions may be applied substantially the same way to the second nutrient tank (362) of the plant grower (211).

[0163] FIG. 12 illustrates an example (1201) of partitions contained within a housing (900) and an example (1202) of a path (1280) passing through the partitions of the example (1201). The path (1280) is a path through which a nutrient solution flows and may be referred to as a nutrient solution path. The number of partitions and the path (1280) illustrated in the examples (1201) and (1202) of FIG. 12 are merely exemplary for convenience of explanation and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0164] Referring to Example (1201), the housing (900) may include a plurality of partitions. In Example (1201), the housing (900) may include 16 partitions. For example, the partitions may include a partition (1210) through which a substance used as a nutrient is supplied from a nutrient regulator (950) (or an output port (951) of the nutrient regulator (950)) and a partition (1260) through which the nutrient solution is moved outside the housing (900) via a nutrient solution pump (930). In other words, an output port (951) and a hole (901) may be located on the partition (1210), and a nutrient solution pump (930) may be located on the partition (1270).

[0165] Additionally, the partitions may include partitions (1220, 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260). For example, partition (1220) may be the partition following partition (1210) among the partitions, along the path (1280) through which the nutrient solution flows inside the housing (900). For example, partition (1230) may be the partition following partition (1220) among the partitions, along the path (1280) through which the nutrient solution flows inside the housing (900). For example, partition (1240) may be the partition following partition (1230) among the partitions, along the path (1280) through which the nutrient solution flows inside the housing (900). For example, partition (1250) may be the partition following partition (1240) among the partitions, along the path (1280) through which the nutrient solution flows inside the housing (900). For example, partition (1260) may be the partition following partition (1250) among the partitions, along the path (1280) through which the nutrient solution flows inside the housing (900).

[0166] For example, a hole (1215) may be defined between partition (1210) and partition (1220). For example, the hole (1215) may be formed in the lower part of the wall located between partition (1210) and partition (1220). Additionally, for example, a hole (1225) may be defined between partition (1220) and partition (1230). For example, the hole (1225) may be formed in the lower part of the wall located between partition (1220) and partition (1230). For example, the size of the hole (1215) may differ from the size of the hole (1225). For example, the size of the hole (1215) may be larger than the size of the hole (1225).

[0167] For example, a hole may be defined between partition (1230) and partition (1240). Also, for example, a hole (1245) may be defined between partition (1240) and partition (1250). Also, for example, a hole may be defined between partition (1250) and partition (1260). However, a hole may not be defined between partition (1230) and partition (1260). This may be to allow the nutrient solution (or substance) to move along the path (1280).

[0168] Referring to the above description, by forming the size of the hole (1215) and the size of the hole (1225) differently from each other, a pressure difference is created between the partitions so that the nutrient solution (or substance) can move along the path (1280). As the nutrient solution (or substance) moves along the path (1280), the substance can be dissolved more easily in the nutrient solution. To prevent the nutrient solution (or substance) from overflowing when it moves along the path (1280), the partitions may be defined by walls. For example, each of the walls placed inside the housing (900) may be placed inside the housing (900) along a first direction (or row) or a second direction (or column).

[0169] In the above example, for convenience of explanation, it is described that one hole (1215) is defined between partition (1210) and partition (1220) and one hole (1225) is defined between partition (1220) and partition (1230), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of holes may be defined between partitions and adjacent partitions.

[0170] Referring to example (1202), the material supplied to the location (1281) of partition (1210) and the nutrient solution containing said material can move along path (1280) to the location (1282) of partition (1270). As described above, the material supplied to the location (1281) of partition (1210) and the nutrient solution containing said material can move through holes between partitions. As the shape of the holes between partitions contained within the housing (900) is formed differently, the speed at which the nutrient solution flows can be changed in each of the partitions. Accordingly, the nutrient solution and said material supplied to the location (1281) of partition (1210) can be dissolved more easily (or quickly). Additionally, by configuring partitions in the housing (900), the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank (e.g., the first nutrient solution tank (361) or the second nutrient solution tank (372)) may be prevented from accumulating in a specific location (or direction).

[0172] As described above, the plant cultivator may include a plurality of cultivation plates. The plant cultivator may include an air conditioning device for coordinating the plurality of cultivation plates. The plant cultivator may include a nutrient solution tank. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a first plate having a plurality of holes for planting plants. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a second plate disposed below the first plate and for providing nutrient solution supplied from the nutrient solution tank to the plants. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include an LED (light emitting diode) plate disposed above the first plate and for providing light to the plants. The second plate may include a housing that defines the exterior of the second plate. The second plate may include a first portion within the housing to which the nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution tank. The second plate may include a second portion within the housing to which the supplied nutrient solution is drained from the second plate to the nutrient solution tank. The second plate may include a plurality of partition walls disposed within the housing, which define a plurality of paths configured to connect the first part and the second part and to drain the nutrient solution supplied through the first part to the second part.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the plurality of paths of the second plate may include a first path arranged to correspond to the first holes among the plurality of holes of the first plate and a second path arranged to correspond to the second holes among the plurality of holes of the first plate. Within the first portion of the second plate, the width of the first path may be different from the width of the second path.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion of the second plate may be located in a first side area of ​​the second plate. The second plate may include a third portion located in a second side area of ​​the second plate opposite to the first side area. Each of the first path and the second path may be formed to extend from the first portion to the third portion and from the third portion to the second portion.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the width of the first path between the first part of the second plate and the third part of the second plate may be the same as the width of the second path between the first part of the second plate and the third part of the second plate.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the width of the first path within the third portion of the second plate may be narrower than the width of the first path between the first portion of the second plate and the third portion of the second plate. The width of the first path between the third portion of the second plate and the second portion of the second plate may be the same as the width of the first path between the first portion of the second plate and the third portion of the second plate.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the third portion of the second plate may be inclined downward with respect to the first portion of the second plate. The second portion of the second plate may be inclined downward with respect to the third portion of the second plate.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the plurality of partition walls may include a first partition wall that defines the first path together with a part of the housing. The plurality of partition walls may include a second partition wall that defines the second path together with the first partition wall. The gap between the part of the housing and the first partition wall may define the width of the first path. The gap between the first partition wall and the second partition wall may define the width of the second path.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the second plate may include a drain pipe supplied from the nutrient tank and configured to adjust the height of the nutrient solution present inside the second plate. The height of the nutrient solution may be adjusted according to the height at which the drain pipe protrudes from one side of the housing corresponding to the second portion of the second plate.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the second plate may include a drain hole connected to the nutrient tank to drain the nutrient solution present inside the second plate into the nutrient tank. The drain hole may be spaced apart from the drain pipe and defined on one surface of the housing corresponding to the second portion of the second plate. The second plate may include a drain regulator disposed on the drain hole. The drain regulator may include an elastic member disposed on the one surface of the housing where the drain hole is defined. The drain regulator may include a drain cover connected to the elastic member and for controlling the opening and closing of the drain hole.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the plant cultivator may include a nutrient solution supply pipe for supplying the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank to each of the plurality of cultivation plates. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a nutrient solution supply device connected to the nutrient solution supply pipe and configured to supply the nutrient solution provided from the nutrient solution tank through the nutrient solution supply pipe to the first portion of the second plate. The nutrient solution supply device may include a plurality of nutrient solution supply holes located above the first portion of the second plate and corresponding to the plurality of paths.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the plant grower may include a pump structure for moving nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank to the nutrient solution supply pipe, which is positioned above the nutrient solution tank by being connected to one end of the nutrient solution supply pipe. In a first state of the pump structure, at least a portion of the pump structure may be located within the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank. In a second state different from the first state of the pump structure, the at least portion of the pump structure may be configured so that it is located outside the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the pump structure may be configured such that at least a portion of the pump structure rotates when switched between the first state and the second state.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the plant cultivator may include a nutrient solution regulator disposed above the nutrient solution tank. The nutrient solution regulator may include first input ports for supplying substances for controlling the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution regulator may include second input ports for supplying substances for controlling the pH (power of hydrogen) of the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution regulator may include output ports corresponding to the first input ports and the second input ports. The nutrient solution tank may include a hole for receiving substances from the nutrient solution regulator, which is spaced apart from the output port of the nutrient solution regulator and located below the output port of the nutrient solution regulator.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the nutrient solution tank may include a plurality of partitions. Among the plurality of partitions, the first partition may be a partition in which the hole of the nutrient solution tank is located and which receives the substance from the nutrient solution regulator. Among the plurality of partitions, the second partition may be a partition in which a pump structure for moving the nutrient solution within the nutrient solution tank from the nutrient solution tank to each of the cultivation plates is located and the nutrient solution is moved outside the nutrient solution tank.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the plurality of partitions may be arranged along a nutrient solution path extending from the first partition of the plurality of partitions to the second partition of the plurality of partitions. Between the first partition and the third partition located after the first partition along the nutrient solution path, a first hole having a first size may be defined. Between the third partition and the fourth partition located after the third partition along the nutrient solution path, a second hole having a second size different from the first size may be defined.

[0187] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a rail structure configured to allow the first plate, the second plate, and the LED plate to move. The first plate, the second plate, and the LED plate may be moved outside the plant cultivator or inside the plant cultivator by moving along the rail structure.

[0188] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a first air pipe disposed on the first plate and configured to provide air provided from the air conditioning device to the plants. Each of the plurality of cultivation plates may include a second air pipe disposed along the edge of the first plate and configured to discharge the air provided from the air conditioning device to each of the plurality of cultivation plates through the first air pipe from each of the plurality of cultivation plates.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the first air pipe may be positioned above the first plate at a central portion of the first plate. The second air pipe may be configured to discharge the air supplied through the first air pipe above the central portion of the first plate to the edge of the first plate.

[0190] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of cultivation plates may further include a third air pipe arranged along another edge opposite to the edge of the first plate and configured to discharge the air supplied to each of the plurality of cultivation plates through the first air pipe from the air conditioning device from each of the plurality of cultivation plates. The third air pipe may be configured to discharge the air supplied through the first air pipe over the central portion of the first plate to the other edge of the first plate.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the plant cultivator may define a plurality of layers. The nutrient solution tank and the air conditioning device may be included within the first layer, which is the lowest layer among the plurality of layers. Each of the cultivation plates may be disposed within each of the second layers, which are disposed above the first layer among the plurality of layers.

[0193] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims below are also within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 In a plant cultivator, a plurality of cultivation plates; an air conditioning device for harmonizing the plurality of cultivation plates; a nutrient solution tank; and includes a nutrient solution regulator disposed above the nutrient solution tank, wherein the nutrient solution regulator comprises: first input ports for supplying substances for controlling the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution, second input ports for supplying substances for controlling the pH (power of hydrogen) of the nutrient solution, and output ports corresponding to the first input ports and the second input ports, and the nutrient solution tank comprises: a hole for receiving substances from the nutrient solution regulator, positioned below the output port of the nutrient solution regulator and spaced apart from the output port of the nutrient solution regulator, and a plurality of partitions, wherein the first partition among the plurality of partitions is a partition in which the hole of the nutrient solution tank is located and receives the substances from the nutrient solution regulator, and the second partition among the plurality of partitions is a partition in which a pump structure for moving the nutrient solution within the nutrient solution tank from the nutrient solution tank to each of the plurality of cultivation plates is located and the nutrient solution is moved outside the nutrient solution tank, and extending from the first partition of the plurality of partitions to the second partition of the plurality of partitions A plant cultivator in which a plurality of partitions are arranged along a nutrient solution path, a first hole having a first size is defined between a third partition located after the first partition along the nutrient solution path and the first partition, and a second hole having a second size different from the first size is defined between a fourth partition located after the third partition along the nutrient solution path and the third partition. Claim 2 A plant cultivator according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cultivation plates comprises: a first plate having a plurality of holes for planting plants; a second plate disposed below the first plate and for providing a nutrient solution provided from the nutrient solution tank to the plants; and an LED (light emitting diode) plate disposed above the first plate and for providing light to the plants, wherein the second plate comprises: a housing defining the exterior of the second plate; a first portion within the housing to which the nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution tank; a second portion within the housing to which the supplied nutrient solution is drained from the second plate to the nutrient solution tank; and a plurality of partition walls disposed within the housing, defining a plurality of paths that connect the first portion and the second portion and are configured to drain the nutrient solution supplied through the first portion to the second portion.

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