Horticultural appliances and modular lighting systems

Abstract

The present application provides a gardening appliance and a modular lighting system. The modular lighting system includes: a first LED board having one or more LED arrays, wherein the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board include one or more ultraviolet LED light sources and one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources; the first LED board further includes one or more constant current LED drivers configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board. A second LED board having one or more LED arrays, wherein the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board include one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources; the second LED board further includes one or more constant current LED drivers configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board. In this way, it is possible to change the first LED board and the second LED board to other LED boards without adjusting the output of the control circuit on the control board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of gardening appliances. For example, it relates to a gardening appliance and a modular lighting system. Background Art

[0002] Traditional gardening appliances include a cabinet that defines a growing chamber having a plurality of trays or racks therein to support seedlings or plants, such as herbaceous plants, vegetables, or other plants grown in an indoor environment. Additionally, such gardening appliances may include a lighting system configured to irradiate the plants to promote photosynthesis.

[0003] The optimal light wavelengths for promoting growth vary depending on the plant. For example, when irradiated with blue light, fungi have the highest growth efficiency, while other plants, such as non-fungi, do not achieve the same growth efficiency as fungi when irradiated with blue light. Traditional lighting systems may include several different types of light sources in order to provide different types of lighting to accommodate different types of plants. However, including several different types of light sources may make the lighting system larger and more complex, which is generally not desirable in a limited space, such as a growing chamber.

[0004] Therefore, an improved gardening appliance would be useful. In particular, a gardening appliance having a lighting system that can be configured to provide different wavelengths as needed to accommodate different plants in the growing chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, or may be different from what is described, or may be learned by practicing the present disclosure.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a horticultural appliance is provided, including: a cabinet; a liner located within the cabinet, the liner defining a chamber; a growth module installed within the liner, the growth module defining pod holes for receiving plant pods, the growth module including a central hub rotatable about a central axis, the growth module further including a plurality of partitions, each of the plurality of partitions extending from the central hub to divide the chamber into a plurality of chambers; one or more doors coupled to the cabinet, the one or more doors movable between an open position and a closed position to allow selective access to the growth module; and a modular lighting system, including: a first LED board including one or more LED arrays, one or more LED arrays of the first LED board including one or more ultraviolet LED light sources and one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources for irradiating a first chamber of the plurality of chambers, the first LED board further including one or more constant current LED drivers configured to output drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board; and

[0007] a second LED board including one or more LED arrays, one or more LED arrays of the second LED board having one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources for irradiating a second chamber of the plurality of chambers, the second LED board further including one or more constant current LED drivers configured to output drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular lighting system is provided, including: a first LED board, the first LED board including one or more LED arrays, one or more LED arrays of the first LED board including one or more ultraviolet LED light sources and one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources, the first LED board further including one or more constant current LED drivers, the one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board being configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board; a second LED board, the second LED board including one or more LED arrays, one or more LED arrays of the second LED board having one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources, the second LED board further including one or more constant current LED drivers, the one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board being configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board; and a control board, the control board including a control circuit, the control circuit being configured to provide one or more control signals to the one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board and the one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board.

[0009] In the gardening appliance and modular lighting system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a control signal is generated by the control circuit, and the constant current LED drivers of the first LED board and the second LED board respectively receive the control signal, and each LED array is driven by its respective constant current LED driver. In this way, the one or more constant current LED drivers on the first LED board and the second LED board allow the first LED board and the second LED board to be replaced with other LED boards having different LED arrays without adjusting the output of the control circuit on the control board. In this manner, the user can replace the LED board to configure the modular lighting system to adapt to different types of plants, fungi, etc., improving the user experience.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are incorporated into and form a part of this specification, showing various embodiments of the present disclosure and explaining the principles of the present disclosure together with the detailed description. Description of the Drawings

[0011] This specification, with reference to the accompanying drawings, fully and implementably discloses the present disclosure in detail for those of ordinary skill in the art, including its best mode.

[0012] Figure 1 A perspective view of a gardening appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention is provided;

[0013] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 1A front view of an exemplary garden appliance with the door open;

[0014] Figure 3 Provides along Figure 2 The line 3-3 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary garden appliance with some partitions removed for clarity;

[0015] Figure 4 Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are provided. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an exemplary gardening appliance of with a top panel of a cabinet removed to reveal a growing module capable of rotating;

[0016] Figure 5 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary gardening appliance;

[0017] Figure 6 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 1 A perspective view of a growing module of an exemplary horticultural appliance;

[0018] Figure 7 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 6 A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary growth module of FIG.

[0019] Figure 8 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 6 A top cross-sectional view of an exemplary growth module of ;

[0020] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a modular lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0021] Figure 10 An arrangement of an LED array on a first LED board of a modular lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0022] Figure 11 Components of a first LED board of a modular lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are provided;

[0023] Figure 12 An arrangement of an LED array on a second LED board of a modular lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0024] Figure 13 Components of a second LED board of a modular lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are provided;

[0025] Figure 14Provided is a modular lighting system having multiple DC power supplies according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The reuse of reference numerals in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be elaborated in detail, with one or more examples of embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings. Each embodiment is for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure and not a limitation thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For example, features described or illustrated as part of one embodiment can be used with other embodiments to yield another embodiment. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0028] As used herein, the term approximate, such as "substantially" or "about", includes values within 10% greater than or less than a set value. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of each component. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative direction with respect to the flow of fluid in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid flows.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular lighting system. The modular lighting system can include a first LED board and a second LED board. The first LED board and the second LED board each include one or more LED arrays. The one or more LED arrays of the first LED board include one or more ultraviolet LED light sources and one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources. The one or more LED arrays of the second LED board include one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources. In addition, the first LED board and the second LED board each include one or more constant-current LED drivers.

[0030] One or more constant-current LED drivers can be configured to receive an input power supply, for example, a DC power signal. For example, the modular lighting system can include one or more DC power suppliers configured to receive alternating current from an AC power source. One or more DC power suppliers can be configured to convert the alternating current into direct current for providing to one or more constant-current LED drivers as an input power supply.

[0031] One or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board can be configured to convert an input power supply into a suitable drive current for powering one or more LED arrays of the first LED board. Similarly, one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board can be configured to convert an input power supply into a suitable drive current for powering one or more LED arrays of the second LED array.

[0032] In some embodiments, the modular lighting system can include a control board having a control circuit for outputting one or more control signals to one or more constant current LED drivers. Additionally, one or more constant current LED drivers can be configured to convert an input power supply into a drive current in accordance with one or more control signals. For example, in some implementations, one or more control signals can include pulse width modulation signals.

[0033] In some implementations, the first LED board and the second LED board respectively include a first LED array and a second LED array. Additionally, the first LED board and the second LED board can respectively include a first constant current LED driver and a second constant current LED driver. The first constant current LED driver can be configured to provide a first drive current to the first LED array. The second constant current LED driver can be configured to provide a second drive current to the second LED array. In this way, the first LED array and the second LED array can be independently controlled.

[0034] In some implementations, the first LED board and the second LED board can include one or more resistors, such as shunt resistors. For example, the first LED board and the second LED board respectively include a first resistor coupled between the first LED array and the first constant current LED driver. In this way, the first constant current LED driver can set the first drive current according to the resistance of the first resistor. Additionally, the first LED board and the second LED board respectively include a second resistor coupled between the second LED array and the second constant current LED driver. In this way, the second constant current LED driver can set the second drive current according to the resistance of the second resistor.

[0035] The modular lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can provide many technical effects and benefits. For example, one or more constant current LED drivers on the first LED board and the second LED board allow the first LED board and the second LED board to be replaced with other LED boards having different LED arrays without the need to adjust the output of the control circuit on the control board, such as one or more control signals. In this way, a user can replace the LED boards to configure the modular lighting system to accommodate different types of plants, fungi, etc. Additionally, when the performance of one or more LED light sources thereon, such as brightness; begins to degrade, the user can replace the LED boards.

[0036] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 8 Depicted is a gardening appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention. According to the exemplary embodiment, the gardening appliance 100 can be a gardening appliance for growing plants. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are only for explaining various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Changes and modifications can be made to the gardening appliance 100 within the scope of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0037] The gardening appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T are each perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0038] The gardening appliance 100 can include a thermal insulation lining 120 that is located within the cabinet 102. The lining 120 can define a growth chamber 122 in which the temperature can be regulated while plants 124 can grow therein. Although the gardening appliance 100 is used herein for growing plants 124, it should be understood that other organisms or living things can be grown or stored in the gardening appliance 100. For example, algae, fungi, such as mushrooms; or other living organisms that can be grown or stored in the gardening appliance 100. The specific applications described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0039] The cabinet 102, or more specifically, the lining 120 can define a substantially enclosed back portion 130. Additionally, the cabinet 102 and the lining 120 can define a front opening, herein referred to as a front display opening 132, through which a user of the gardening appliance 100 can access the growth chamber 122, for example, for harvesting, planting, pruning, or otherwise interacting with the plants 124. According to the exemplary embodiment, the enclosed back portion 130 can be defined as a portion of the lining 120 of the growth chamber 122 that is adjacent to the rear side 114 of the cabinet 102. Additionally, the front display opening 132 can be generally located adjacent to or coincident with the front side 112 of the cabinet 102.

[0040] The gardening appliance 100 can also include one or more doors 134 that are rotatably mounted to the cabinet 102 to selectively provide access to the growth chamber 122. For example, Figure 1 shown are the doors 134 in a closed position such that they can help isolate the growth chamber 122. Conversely, Figure 2The door 134 is shown in the open position for access to the growth chamber 122 and the plants 124 stored therein. The door 134 may also include a transparent window 136 through which a user can observe the plants 124 without opening the door 134.

[0041] Although the door 134 is shown as rectangular and mounted on the front side 112 of the cabinet 102 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 it should be understood that according to alternative embodiments, the door 134 may have different shapes, mounting positions, etc. For example, the door 134 may be curved, may be formed entirely of glass, etc. Additionally, the door 134 may have integral features for controlling the light entering and / or leaving the growth chamber 122, such as internal louvers, tinting, UV treatment, polarization, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that other possible chamber and door configurations fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] According to the illustrated embodiment, the cabinet 102 also defines a drawer 138 that is located near the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 and is slidably mounted in the cabinet for convenient storage of plant nutrients, system accessories, water filters, etc. Additionally, behind the drawer 138 is a mechanical room 140 for receiving an environmental control system that includes a sealing system for regulating the temperature within the growth chamber 122, as described in detail below.

[0043] The horticultural appliance 100 may include an environmental control system 148 that may be used to regulate the temperature within the growth chamber 122. Specifically, the environmental control system 148 may include a sealing system 150, a duct system 160, or any other suitable components or subsystems for regulating the environment within the growth chamber 122, such as to facilitate the growth of the plants 124 located within the growth chamber. Specifically, Figure 3 The sealing system 150 within the mechanical room 140 is shown. Although an exemplary sealing system is shown and described herein, it should be understood that modifications, changes, and alterations may be made to the sealing system 150 within the scope of the subject matter of the present invention. For example, the sealing system 150 may include additional or alternative components, different duct structures, etc.

[0044] As shown, the sealing system 150 includes a compressor 152, a first heat exchanger or evaporator 154, and a second heat exchanger or condenser 156. As is generally understood, the compressor 152 typically circulates or drives the flow of refrigerant through the sealing system 150, and the sealing system 150 may include various pipes that may be used to cause the refrigerant to flow between the various components of the sealing system 150. Accordingly, the evaporator 154 and the condenser 156 may be in fluid communication with each other and with the compressor 152.

[0045] During operation of the sealed system 150, refrigerant flows from the evaporator 154 and into the compressor 152, which is generally configured to direct compressed refrigerant from the compressor 152 to the condenser 156. For example, the refrigerant may leave the evaporator 154 as a fluid in the form of superheated vapor. Upon leaving the evaporator 154, the refrigerant may enter the compressor 152, which is operable to compress the refrigerant. Accordingly, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant can be increased in the compressor 152 such that the refrigerant vaporizes.

[0046] The condenser 156 is disposed downstream of the compressor 152 and is operable to discharge heat from the refrigerant. For example, the superheated vapor from the compressor 152 may enter the condenser 156 and transfer energy to the air surrounding the condenser 156, for example, to generate a stream of heated air; in this manner, the refrigerant condenses into a saturated liquid and / or a liquid-vapor mixture. A condenser fan (not shown) may be located adjacent to the condenser 156 and may facilitate or drive the stream of heated air through the coils of the condenser 156, for example, from the surrounding atmosphere; to facilitate heat transfer.

[0047] According to the illustrated embodiment, an expansion device or variable electronic expansion valve 158 may be further provided to regulate refrigerant expansion. During use, the variable electronic expansion valve 158 may generally cause the refrigerant to expand, reducing its pressure and temperature. In this regard, the refrigerant may leave the condenser 156 in the form of a high liquid quality / saturated liquid-vapor mixture and travel through the variable electronic expansion valve 158 before flowing through the evaporator 154. The variable electronic expansion valve 158 is generally configured to be adjustable such that the refrigerant flow rate through the variable electronic expansion valve 158, for example, in volume flow rate in milliliters per second; can be selectively changed or adjusted.

[0048] The evaporator 154 is disposed downstream of the variable electronic expansion valve 158 and is operable to heat the refrigerant within the evaporator 154, for example, by absorbing thermal energy from the air surrounding the evaporator 154 to heat the refrigerant within the evaporator 154, for example, to generate a stream of cooled air. For example, the liquid or liquid-vapor mixture refrigerant from the variable electronic expansion valve 158 may enter the evaporator 154. Within the evaporator 154, the refrigerant from the variable electronic expansion valve 158 receives energy from the stream of cooled air and evaporates into a superheated vapor and / or a high-quality vapor mixture. An air conditioner or evaporator fan is located adjacent to the evaporator 154 and may facilitate or drive the stream of cooled air through the evaporator 154 to facilitate heat transfer. The refrigerant may return from the evaporator 154 to the compressor 152 such that the vapor compression cycle can continue.

[0049] As described above, the environmental control system 148 includes a sealing system 150 for providing a heated air flow or a cooled air flow through the growth chamber 122 as needed. To direct this air, the environmental control system 148 includes a duct system 160 for directing a temperature-regulated air flow, simply identified herein as air flow 162. In this regard, for example, when air passes through the evaporator 154, the evaporator fan can generate a cooled air flow, and when air passes through the condenser 156, the condenser fan can generate a heated air flow.

[0050] These air flows 162 pass through the cooling supply duct and / or the heating supply duct, respectively. In this regard, it should be understood that the environmental control system 148 can generally include a plurality of ducts, dampers, diverter assemblies, and / or air regulators to operate in a cooling mode, a heating mode, a heating and cooling mode, or any other mode suitable for regulating the environment within the growth chamber 122. It should be understood that the complexity of the duct system 160 can vary and that the air flow from the sealing system 150 can be adjusted in any suitable arrangement to pass through any suitable portion of the growth chamber 122.

[0051] The horticultural appliance 100 can include a control panel 170. The control panel 170 includes one or more input selectors 172, such as knobs, buttons, push buttons, touch screen interfaces, etc. Additionally, the input selectors 172 can be used to specify or set various settings of the horticultural appliance 100, such as settings associated with the operation of the sealing system 150. The input selectors 172 can communicate with a processing device or controller 174. Control signals in or generated by the controller 174 operate the horticultural appliance 100 in response to the input selectors 172. Additionally, the control panel 170 can include a display 176, such as an indicator light or a screen. The display 176 is communicatively coupled to the controller 174 and can display information in response to signals from the controller 174. Further, as will be described herein, the controller 174 can be communicatively coupled to other components of the horticultural appliance 100, such as one or more sensors, motors, or other components.

[0052] As used herein, a "processing device" or "controller" can refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and need not be limited to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate the horticultural appliance 100. The processing device can include or be associated with one or more memory elements, such as a non-transitory storage medium. In some embodiments, the memory element includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory element can store information that can enter the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by the processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any collection of instructions and / or data, and the processing device performs operations according to the instructions.

[0053] The horticultural appliance 100 generally includes a rotatable disc conveyor belt, herein referred to as the growth module 200, which is mounted within the liner 120 such that, for example, it is located within the growth chamber 122. As shown, the growth module 200 includes a central hub 202 that extends along a central axis 204 and is rotatable about the central axis 204. Specifically, according to the above-described embodiment, the central axis 204 is parallel to the vertical direction V. However, it should be understood that the central axis 204 may alternatively extend in any suitable direction, such as the horizontal direction. In this regard, the growth module 200 generally defines an axial direction that is parallel to the central axis 204; a radial direction R that extends perpendicular to the central axis 204; and a circumferential direction C that extends about the central axis 204, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 204.

[0054] The growth module 200 may also include a plurality of partitions 206 that extend from the central hub 202 along the radial direction R. In this way, the growth module 200 defines a plurality of chambers, herein denoted by the reference numeral 210, by dividing or partitioning the growth chamber 122. Specifically referring to Figures 1 to 8 the first embodiment of the growth module 200 shown, the growth module 200 includes three partitions 206 to define a first chamber 212, a second chamber 214, and a third chamber 216 that are circumferentially spaced from each other. Generally, when the growth module 200 rotates within the growth chamber 122, the plurality of chambers 210 define essentially independent and distinct growth environments, for example, for growing plants 124 with different growth requirements.

[0055] More specifically, the partitions 206 may extend from the central hub 202 to a position adjacent to the liner 120. Although the partitions 206 are described as extending radially, it should be understood that the partitions 206 need not extend completely radially. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of each partition is connected to an adjacent partition using an arcuate wall 218 that is generally used to support the plant 124.

[0056] It is noted that, according to an exemplary embodiment, a sufficient seal is formed between the partition 206 and the liner 120. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, the growth module 200 may define a growth module diameter 220, for example, defined by the circular coverage area it forms in the horizontal plane. Similarly, the enclosed back portion 130 of the liner 120 may be cylindrical and may define a liner diameter 222. To prevent a large amount of air from escaping between the partition 206 and the liner 120, the liner diameter 222 may be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the growth module diameter 220.

[0057] The gardening appliance 100 may also include an electric motor 230 or another suitable drive element or device for selectively rotating the growth module 200 during operation of the gardening appliance 100. In this regard, according to the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 230 is located below the growth module 200, such as within the mechanical chamber 140, and is operatively connected to the growth module 200 to rotate the growth module 200 along the central axis 204.

[0058] As used herein, "electric motor" may refer to any suitable drive motor and / or transmission assembly for rotating the growth module 200. For example, the electric motor 230 may be a brushless DC motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, the electric motor 230 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor. Additionally, the electric motor 230 may include any suitable transmission assembly, clutch mechanism, or other components.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 230 may be operatively coupled to a controller 174 that is programmed to rotate the growth module 200 based on user input, e.g., via an input selector 172, etc., in accordance with a predetermined operating cycle. Additionally, the controller 174 is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors located within the respective chambers 210, such as temperature or humidity sensors, to measure the temperature and / or humidity, respectively. The controller 174 may then operate the electric motor 230 to maintain the desired environmental conditions within the chambers 210. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the gardening appliance 100 includes features for providing light, temperature control, appropriate moisture, nutrients, and other plant growth requirements at certain locations of the gardening appliance 100. The electric motor 230 may be used to position a particular chamber 210 where such growth requirements are to be received.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, for example, in the case where three partitions 206 form three chambers 212 to 216, the controller 174 may operate the electric motor 230 to sequentially guide the growth module 200 through a plurality of preselected positions. More specifically, the electric motor 230 may rotate the growth module 200 in a counterclockwise direction, e.g., as viewed from the top of the growth module 200, in 120° increments to move the chamber 210 between a sealed position and a display position. As used herein, the chamber 210 is considered to be in a "sealed position" when the chamber 210 is substantially sealed between the growth module 200, i.e., the central hub 202, and adjacent to the partition 206, and the inner liner 120. Conversely, the chamber 210 is considered to be in a "display position" when the chamber 210 is at least partially exposed to the front display opening 132 such that the user can access the plant 124 located within the chamber 210.

[0061] For example, asFigure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , both the first chamber 212 and the second chamber 214 are in the sealed position, while the third chamber 216 is in the display position. When the motor 230 rotates the growth module 200 counterclockwise by 120 degrees, the second chamber 214 will enter the display position, while the first chamber 212 and the third chamber 216 will be in the sealed position. The motor 230 can continue to rotate the growth module 200 in such increments to cycle the chambers 210 between these sealed and display positions.

[0062] Combined with Figures 4 to 8 , the growth module 200 will be described in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown, the growth module 200 defines a plurality of apertures 240 that are generally configured to receive a plant pod 242 into an internal root chamber 244. The plant pod 242 typically contains a seedling or other material for growing a plant, which is located within a mesh or other support structure through which the roots of the plant 124 can grow within the growth module 200. A user can insert a portion of the plant pod 242 having the desired seeds, e.g., the seed end or root end 246, through one of the plurality of apertures 240 into the internal root chamber 244. The plant end 248 of the plant pod 242 can be retained within the chamber 210 such that the plants 124 can grow from the growth module 200 and be accessible to the user. In this regard, the growth module 200 defines an internal root chamber 244, e.g., within at least one of the central hub 202 and the plurality of partitions 206. As will be explained below, water and other nutrients can be supplied to the root end 246 of the plant pod 242 within the internal root chamber 244. It is noted that the apertures 240 can be covered by flat baffle seals to prevent water from escaping the internal root chamber 244 when no plant pod 242 is installed.

[0063] Combined with Figure 5 and Figure 7, the growth module 200 may further include an internal divider 250 that is located within the internal root chamber 244 to divide the internal root chamber 244 into a plurality of root chambers, and each of the plurality of root chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of chambers 210 through a plurality of orifices 240. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the internal divider 250 may divide the internal root chamber 244 into a first root chamber 252, a second root chamber 254, and a third root chamber 256. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first root chamber 252 may supply water and nutrients to the plant 124 located in the first chamber 212, the second root chamber 254 may supply water and nutrients to the plant 124 located in the second chamber 214, and the third root chamber 256 may supply water and nutrients to the plant 124 located in the third chamber 216. In this way, the environmental control system 148 may control the temperature and / or humidity of each of the plurality of chambers 212 to 216 and the plurality of root chambers 252 to 256 independently of one another.

[0064] It is noted that the environmental control system 148 described above is generally configured to regulate the temperature and humidity within one or all of the plurality of chambers 210 and / or root chambers 252 to 256 independently of one another, e.g., or some other suitable water level quantity or measurement. In this way, a diverse and desirable growth environment can be obtained for each chamber 210.

[0065] In some implementations, the horticultural appliance 100 may include a first lighting assembly 280 and a second lighting assembly 282 that are generally configured to provide light into a selected chamber 210 to facilitate photosynthesis and growth of the plant 124. As shown, the first lighting assembly 280 and the second lighting assembly 282 may each include a plurality of light sources 284 that are stacked in an array, e.g., extending along a vertical direction V; For example, the light sources 284 may be mounted directly to the inner lining 120 within the growth chamber 122, or the light sources 284 may be positioned behind the inner lining 120 such that light is projected into the growth chamber 122 through a transparent window or a light pipe. The location, configuration, and type of the light sources 284 described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter in any way.

[0066] The light source 284 can be provided as an electrical light source of any suitable quantity, type, location, and configuration, using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the light source 284 includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can each illuminate in a single color, such as a white LED, or can each illuminate in multiple colors, such as multiple-color or RGB LEDs, in accordance with a control signal from the controller 174. However, it should be understood that according to alternative embodiments, the light source 284 can include any other suitable conventional light bulb or light source, such as a halogen bulb, a fluorescent bulb, an incandescent bulb, a glow stick, an optical fiber light source, etc.

[0067] As described above, the light generated by the first lighting assembly 280 and the second lighting assembly 282 may cause light pollution in the room where the gardening appliance 100 is located. Accordingly, aspects of the subject matter of the present invention relate to features for reducing light pollution, or to blocking light from the light source 284 through the front display opening 132. Specifically, as shown, the first lighting assembly 280 and the second lighting assembly 282 are only positioned within the enclosed back portion 130 of the inner lining 120 such that only the chamber 210 in the sealed position exposes light from the light source 284. Specifically, the growth module 200 acts as a physical separator between the first lighting assembly 280, the second lighting assembly 282, and the front display opening 132. In this way, as Figure 5 shown, no light can pass through the growth module 200 from the first chamber 212 or the second chamber 214 and exit through the front display opening 132. When the growth module 200 rotates, two of the three chambers 210 will simultaneously receive light from the first lighting assembly 280 and the second lighting assembly 282.

[0068] The gardening appliance 100 and the growth module 200 have been described above to explain exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. However, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, the gardening appliance 100 can be simplified to a two-chamber embodiment having a square inner lining 120 and a growth module 200 having two partitions 206 extending from opposite sides of the central hub 202 to define a first growth chamber and a second growth chamber. According to such an embodiment, by rotating the growth module 200 180 degrees about the central axis 204, the first chamber can alternate between a sealed position, such as facing the rear side 114 of the cabinet 102, and a display position, such as facing the front side 112 of the cabinet 102. Conversely, the same rotation will move the second chamber from the display position to the sealed position.

[0069] In combination Figure 9 with Figures 1 to 8Schematic diagram of the modular lighting system 300 of the horticultural appliance 100 under discussion. As shown, the modular lighting system 300 may include a first LED board 310 and a second LED board 320. It should be understood that the first LED board 310 may replace the first lighting assembly 280 discussed above with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 . It should also be understood that the second LED board may replace the second lighting assembly 282 discussed above with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Details of the first LED board 310 and the second LED board 320 will now be discussed.

[0070] The first LED board 310 may include one or more LED arrays 330. One or more LED arrays 330 may include one or more ultraviolet LED light sources 331 configured to irradiate the second chamber 214 of the growth module 200 with ultraviolet light. One or more LED arrays 330 may also include one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 332 configured to irradiate the second chamber 214 of the growth module 200 with non-ultraviolet light. As shown, the second LED board 320 may include one or more LED arrays 340. One or more LED arrays 340 may include one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 342 configured to irradiate the third chamber 216 of the growth module 200 with non-ultraviolet light.

[0071] The first LED board 310 and the second LED board 320 may each include one or more constant-current LED drivers 350. One or more constant-current LED drivers 350 may be configured to receive an input power supply 362, for example, a DC power signal. For example, the modular lighting system 300 may include one or more DC power supplies 360 configured to receive alternating current from an AC power supply. One or more DC power supplies 360 may be configured to convert the alternating current into a DC power supply provided to one or more constant-current LED drivers 350 as the input power supply 362.

[0072] One or more constant-current LED drivers 350 may be configured to convert the input power supply 362 into appropriate drive currents 352, 354 for powering one or more LED arrays 330, 340 of the first LED board 310 and the second LED board 320, respectively. One or more constant-current LED drivers 350 may include various components, such as switching element transistors, which are controlled to provide appropriate drive currents 352, 354.

[0073] In some implementations, the modular lighting system 300 can include a control board 370 having control circuitry 372 configured to output one or more control signals 374 to one or more constant current LED drivers 350. Additionally, one or more constant current LED drivers 350 can be configured to convert an input power supply 362 into drive currents 352, 354 in accordance with one or more control signals 374. For example, in some implementations, one or more control signals 374 can include pulse width modulation signals.

[0074] It should be understood that having one or more constant current LED drivers 350 on the first LED board 310 and the second LED board 320 can allow the first LED board 310 and the second LED board 320 to be replaced with other LED boards having different LED arrays without the need to adjust the output of the control circuitry 372 on the control board 370, e.g., one or more control signals 374. In this manner, a user can replace the LED boards to configure the modular lighting system 300 to accommodate different types of plants, fungi, etc. For example, since fungi grow most efficiently in blue light, if a user wishes to grow fungi, the user can install an LED board having an LED array configured to emit blue light. Additionally, if the user later decides to grow a plant that does not grow efficiently in blue light, the user can replace the LED board with a different LED board having an LED array configured to emit light having wavelengths that promote plant growth.

[0075] Now referring Figure 10 and Figure 11 , one or more LED arrays 330 of the first LED board 310 can include, for example, a first LED array 333 and a second LED array 334. As shown, the first LED array 333 and the second LED array 334 can be spaced apart from each other on the first LED board 310. For example, in some implementations, the first LED board 310 places the first LED array 333 and the second LED array 334 spaced apart from each other along the central axis 204 of the growth module 200.

[0076] In some implementations, the first LED array 333 and the second LED array 334 may each include an ultraviolet light source 338 configured to irradiate the second chamber 214 of the growth module 200 with ultraviolet light. It should be understood that the ultraviolet light ranges from 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. Additionally, the first LED array 333 and the second LED array 334 may include a first non-ultraviolet LED light source 336 and a second non-ultraviolet LED light source 337. In some implementations, the first non-ultraviolet LED light source 336 and the second non-ultraviolet LED light source 337 may be configured to irradiate the second chamber 214 of the growth module 200 with non-ultraviolet light having a wavelength greater than 400 nanometers. For example, in some implementations, the wavelength may be in the range of 405 nanometers to 790 nanometers.

[0077] In some implementations, one or more constant current LED drivers 350 of the first LED board 310 may include a first constant current LED driver 356 and a second constant current LED driver 357. The first constant current LED driver 356 may be configured to provide a first drive current 358 to the first LED array 333. The second constant current LED driver 357 may be configured to provide a second drive current 359 to the second LED array 334. In this way, the first LED array 333 and the second LED array 334 can be independently controlled by the first constant current LED driver 356 and the second constant current LED driver 357, respectively.

[0078] In some implementations, the first constant current LED driver 356 and the second constant current LED driver 357 may have different rated powers. For example, the first constant current LED driver 356 may have a first rated power, while the second constant current LED driver 357 may have a second rated power different from (e.g., higher or lower than) the first rated power.

[0079] In some implementations, the first LED board 310 may include a first resistor 380 and a second resistor 382. The first resistor 380 may be coupled between the first constant current LED driver 356 and the first LED array 333. In this way, the first constant current LED driver 356 can set the first drive current 358 according to the resistance of the first resistor 380. The second resistor 382 may be coupled between the second constant current LED driver 357 and the second LED array 334. In this way, the second constant current LED driver 357 can set the second drive current 359 according to the second resistor 382.

[0080] Now refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13, one or more LED arrays of the second LED board 320 may include, for example, a first LED array 343 and a second LED array 344. As shown, the first LED array 343 and the second LED array 344 may be spaced apart from each other on the second LED board 320. For example, in some implementations, the first LED board 310 may place the first LED array 343 and the second LED array 344 spaced apart from each other along the central axis 204 of the growth module 200.

[0081] As shown, the first LED array 343 and the second LED array 344 may each include a first non-UV LED light source 346 and a second non-UV LED light source 348. In some implementations, the first non-UV LED light source 346 and the second non-UV LED light source 348 may be configured to irradiate the third chamber 216 of the growth module 200 with non-UV light having a wavelength greater than 400 nanometers. For example, in some implementations, the wavelength may be in the range of 405 nanometers to 790 nanometers.

[0082] In some implementations, one or more constant current LED drivers 350 of the second LED board 320 may include a first constant current LED driver 390 and a second constant current LED driver 392. The first constant current LED driver 390 may be configured to provide a first drive current 394 to the first LED array 343. The second constant current LED driver 392 may be configured to provide a second drive current 396 to the second LED array 344. In this way, the first LED array 343 and the second LED array 344 can be independently controlled by the first constant current LED driver 390 and the second constant current LED driver 392, respectively.

[0083] In some implementations, the first constant current LED driver 390 and the second constant current LED driver 392 may have different rated powers. For example, the first constant current LED driver 390 may have a first rated power, while the second constant current LED driver 392 may have a second rated power different from, for example, higher or lower than; the first rated power.

[0084] In some implementations, the second LED board 320 may include a first resistor 384 and a second resistor 386. The first resistor 384 may be coupled between the first constant current LED driver 390 and the first LED array 343. In this way, the first constant current LED driver 390 can set the first drive current 394 according to the resistance of the first resistor 384. The second resistor 386 may be coupled between the second constant current LED driver 392 and the second LED array 344. In this way, the second constant current LED driver 392 can set the second drive current 396 according to the second resistor 386.

[0085] Now refer to Figure 14 In some implementations, the modular lighting system 300 can include multiple DC power supplies 360. For example, the modular lighting system 300 can include a first DC power supply 364 coupled to an AC power supply. The first DC power supply 364 can be configured to provide direct current power for powering one or more ultraviolet LED light sources 331 of the first LED board 310.

[0086] In some implementations, the modular lighting system 300 can include one or more switching devices 400 coupled between the first DC power supply 364 and the AC power supply. The one or more switching devices 400 can be configured to selectively couple the first DC power supply 364 to the AC power supply based on the position of the door 134 of the gardening appliance 100. For example, the one or more switching devices 400 can be configured to couple the first DC power supply 364 to the AC power supply when the door 134 of the gardening appliance 100 is in the closed position. Conversely, the one or more switching devices 400 can be configured to decouple the first DC power supply 364 from the AC power supply when the door 134 of the gardening appliance 100 is in the open position. In this way, one or more ultraviolet LED light sources 331 can be deactivated, for example, turned off; so that the user is not exposed to ultraviolet light when the door 134 of the gardening appliance 100 is in the open position.

[0087] In some implementations, the modular lighting system 300 can include a second DC power supply 366 coupled to an AC power supply. The second DC power supply 366 can be configured to provide direct current power for powering one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 332 of the first LED board 310. The modular lighting system 300 can also include a third DC power supply 368 coupled to the AC power supply. The third DC power supply 368 can be configured to provide direct current power for powering one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 342 of the second LED board 320.

[0088] In some implementations, the modular lighting system 300 can include a fourth DC power supply 369 coupled to the AC power supply. The fourth DC power supply 369 can be configured to provide

[0089] Direct current power for one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 332, 342 of a first LED board 310 and a second LED board 320, respectively. For example, in some implementations, a fourth DC power supply 369 may be configured to divide the direct current into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the direct current may be provided to one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 332 of the first LED board 310, while the second portion of the direct current may be provided to one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources 342 of the second LED board 320. In some implementations, the first portion of the direct current may be different from the second portion of the direct current, for example, smaller or larger.

[0090] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ in substance from the literal language of the claims, then these other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A horticultural electrical appliance, characterized in that, Comprising: Cabinet; Inner lining, the inner lining is located within the cabinet, and the inner lining is defined with a chamber; Growth module, the growth module is installed within the inner lining, the growth module is defined with pod holes for receiving plant pods, the growth module includes a central hub capable of rotating about a central axis, and the growth module further includes a plurality of partitions, each of the plurality of partitions extends from the central hub to divide the chamber into a plurality of chambers; One or more doors, the one or more doors are coupled to the cabinet, and the one or more doors are movable between an open position and a closed position to allow selective access to the growth module; And Modular lighting system, comprising: A first LED board, the first LED board includes one or more LED arrays, one or more LED arrays of the first LED board include one or more ultraviolet LED light sources and one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources for irradiating a first chamber among the plurality of chambers, the first LED board further includes one or more constant current LED drivers, and the one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board are configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board; And A second LED board, the second LED board includes one or more LED arrays, one or more LED arrays of the second LED board have one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources for irradiating a second chamber among the plurality of chambers, the second LED board further includes one or more constant current LED drivers, and the one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board are configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board.

2. The horticultural electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that The horticultural appliance further includes: A control board, the control board includes a control circuit, and the control circuit is configured to provide one or more control signals to the one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board and the one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board.

3. The horticultural appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board are configured to adjust the drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board according to the one or more control signals; The one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board are configured to adjust the drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board according to the one or more control signals.

4. The horticultural appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The one or more control signals include pulse width modulation signals.

5. The horticultural appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more LED arrays of the first LED board include: A first LED array and a second LED array, the first LED array and the second LED array are spaced apart from each other on the first LED board.

6. The horticultural appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board include: A first constant current LED driver, the first constant current LED driver is configured to output a first drive current for the first LED array; and A second constant-current LED driver configured to output a second driver current for the second LED array.

7. The horticultural electrical appliance according to claim 6, wherein, The first LED board further includes: A first resistor coupled between the first constant-current LED driver and the first LED array; and A second resistor coupled between the second constant-current LED driver and the second LED array.

8. The horticultural electrical appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first constant-current LED driver has a first rated power; and The second constant-current LED driver has a second rated power different from the first rated power.

9. The horticultural appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, One or more LED arrays of the second LED board include: A third LED array and a fourth LED array spaced apart from each other on the second LED board.

10. The horticultural electrical appliance according to claim 9, wherein, One or more constant-current LED drivers of the second LED board include: A third constant-current LED driver configured to output a third driver current for the third LED array; and A fourth constant-current LED driver configured to output a fourth driver current for the fourth LED array.

11. The horticultural electrical appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second LED board further includes: A first resistor coupled between the third constant-current LED driver and the third LED array; and A second resistor coupled between the fourth constant-current LED driver and the fourth LED array.

12. The horticultural appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modular lighting system includes: A first DC power supply coupled to an AC power source and configured to provide direct current for powering one or more ultraviolet LED light sources of the first LED board; A second DC power supply coupled to the AC power source and configured to provide direct current for powering one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources of the first LED board; and A third DC power supply coupled to the AC power source and configured to provide direct current for powering one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources of the second LED board.

13. The horticultural appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The modular lighting system further includes: One or more switching devices coupled between the first DC power supply and the AC power source and configured to selectively couple the first DC power supply to the AC power source according to the positions of one or more doors of the gardening appliance.

14. The horticultural electrical appliance according to claim 13, wherein, Selectively coupling the first DC power supply to the AC power source according to the positions of one or more doors of the gardening appliance includes: In the case where the one or more doors are in the open position, decoupling the first DC power supply from the AC power source; and With the one or more doors in the closed position, the first DC power supply is coupled to the AC power supply.

15. A modular lighting system, characterized in that, Comprising: A first LED board, the first LED board including one or more LED arrays, the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board including one or more ultraviolet LED light sources and one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources, the first LED board further including one or more constant current LED drivers, the one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board being configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the first LED board; A second LED board, the second LED board including one or more LED arrays, the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board having one or more non-ultraviolet LED light sources, the second LED board further including one or more constant current LED drivers, the one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board being configured to output a drive current for the one or more LED arrays of the second LED board; And A control board, the control board including a control circuit, the control circuit being configured to provide one or more control signals to the one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board and the one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board.

16. The modular lighting system according to claim 15, wherein The one or more control signals include pulse width modulation signals.

17. The modular lighting system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more LED arrays of the first LED board include: A first LED array and a second LED array, the first LED array and the second LED array being spaced apart from each other on the first LED board.

18. The modular lighting system according to claim 17, wherein The one or more constant current LED drivers of the first LED board include: A first constant current LED driver, the first constant current LED driver being configured to output a first drive current for the first LED array; and A second constant current LED driver, the second constant current LED driver being configured to output a second drive current for the second LED array.

19. The modular lighting system according to claim 18, wherein, The one or more LED arrays of the second LED board include: A third LED array and a fourth LED array, the third LED array and the fourth LED array being spaced apart from each other on the second LED board.

20. The modular lighting system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The one or more constant current LED drivers of the second LED board include: A third constant current LED driver, the third constant current LED driver being configured to output a third drive current for the third LED array; and A fourth constant current LED driver, the fourth constant current LED driver being configured to output a fourth drive current for the fourth LED array.

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