Vertical hydroponic cultivation system

Abstract

A vertical hydroponic cultivation system is disclosed. The vertical hydroponic cultivation system comprises a pipe column; and a plate formed on the outer surface of the pipe column to have a spiral band shape, to which a growth sheet on which plants are planted is attached. The plate comprises a plate body having at least one water flow groove and a belt conveying wire groove formed on its upper surface, and a projection formed on the opposite end from the pipe column that protrudes upward; a belt formed on the upper surface of the plate body that covers the water flow groove and the belt conveying wire groove and is conveyed by a belt conveying wire inserted into the belt conveying wire groove; a plant vegetation zone formed on the upper surface of the belt that moves in accordance with the conveyance of the belt; and an LED light formed on the lower surface of the plate body. The belt conveying wire is rotated by a conveying motor, and the plant vegetation zone moves from the lower surface to the upper surface of the plate, thereby spirally winding the growth sheet on which plants are planted on the pipe column, which has holes formed on its outer surface, to create a growing environment, thereby enabling the hydroponic cultivation of a large quantity of a single variety of plant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical hydroponic cultivation device, and more particularly to a vertical hydroponic cultivation device for cultivating plants in large quantities by applying hydroponics.

Background Art

[0002] The matters described in this background art section are created to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention, and may include matters that are not prior art already known to those having ordinary knowledge in the field to which this technology belongs.

[0003] Hydroponics refers to an agricultural method of growing plants in a culture solution made of water and water-soluble nutrients without using soil. That is, hydroponics is a method in which plants are self-grown and cultivated by inserting plants into a stored hydroponic cultivation tray.

[0004] In particular, since modern people live busy lives in artificial environments such as cities and are cut off from nature, the number of users who try hydroponics as a kind of hobby life to feel the naturalness, freshness, and comfort of nature is increasing.

[0005] In particular, users can not only obtain plants whose growth has been completed through hydroponics, but also obtain an additional effect of preventing indoor drying by utilizing the natural freshness and natural air purification function generated during the growth of plants.

[0006] On the other hand, hydroponics has the advantages that the installation cost and maintenance cost are economical, so it can be started without requiring a large cost, and plants can be cultivated even in an environment where it is difficult to cultivate plants by introducing an indoor hydroponic cultivation machine, so there is no environmental restriction.

[0007] Therefore, in Mongolia, which is currently a desert area, fresh plants have begun to be stably supplied through the hydroponic cultivation method introduced from abroad, and the diet of local people centered on meat is also tending to change to include vegetables. And at the Antarctic base in the polar region, hydroponics has also been successful and fresh plants are self-sufficient.

[0008] In addition, as the price of agricultural products fluctuates wildly due to the continuing heatwaves and cold snaps, hydroponics is attracting attention, with large cafeterias and school lunch facilities introducing cultivation machines to ensure a stable supply of plants. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a vertical hydroponic cultivation system that enables the large-scale hydroponic cultivation of a single variety of plant by spirally winding a growth sheet, on which plants are planted, around a pipe column having pipe holes formed on its outer surface to create a growing environment.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a vertical hydroponic cultivation system that can hydroponically cultivate a large quantity of a single variety of plant by configuring the growing environment with a plate on which a growth sheet is attached to the outer surface of a pipe column in a spiral shape.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a vertical hydroponic cultivation system that allows users to automatically hydroponically cultivate diverse plant varieties through growing environment information without requiring specialized agricultural knowledge, and that can expand the range of cultivable varieties through continuous updates.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a vertical hydroponic cultivation system that not only increases space utilization by allowing plants to be cultivated vertically, but also reduces production costs by significantly lowering labor costs and other expenses, thereby enabling the stable and inexpensive supply of vegetables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pipe column and a growth sheet spirally wrapped around the outer surface of the pipe column and on which plants are planted.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus comprising a pipe column and a plant planting plate formed in a spiral shape on the outer surface of the pipe column.

[0015] Here, the plant planting plate comprises: a plate body having at least one water flow groove and a belt conveying wire groove formed on its upper surface, with a protruding portion formed at the opposite end from the pipe column; a belt formed on the upper surface of the plate body, covering the water flow groove and the belt conveying wire groove, and conveyed by a belt conveying wire inserted into the belt conveying wire groove; a plant vegetation zone formed on the upper surface of the belt, which moves in accordance with the conveyance of the belt; and an LED light formed on the lower surface of the plate body, the belt conveying wire being rotated by a conveying motor, and the plant vegetation zone moving from the lower surface to the upper surface of the plate.

[0016] Additionally, protruding pins are formed on the top of the plate, allowing for the fixing of growth sheets or the insertion of plant pots.

[0017] Furthermore, the plates are formed in a stepped pattern.

[0018] In addition, multiple pipe holes are formed on the outer surface of the pipe column.

[0019] Furthermore, it is equipped with spiral funnel supports wound around the outer surface of the pipe column at predetermined intervals from the lower end to the upper end of the outer surface.

[0020] Furthermore, the plates are made from a single staircase-shaped module, which is assembled and stacked by interlocking them in a spiral pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, a growing environment can be created by spirally winding a growing sheet on which plants are planted onto a pipe column having pipe holes formed on its outer surface, thereby enabling the hydroponic cultivation of a large quantity of a single variety of plant.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by configuring a growing environment with a plate on which a growth sheet is attached to the outer surface of a pipe column in a spiral shape, it is possible to hydroponically cultivate a large quantity of a single variety of plant.

[0023] Moreover, according to the present invention, users can automatically hydroponically cultivate various varieties of plants through growth environment information without specialized agricultural knowledge, and can expand the cultivable varieties through continuous updates.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, since plants can be cultivated vertically, not only can the space utilization rate be increased, but also labor costs and the like can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing production costs and enabling stable supply of vegetables at low prices.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a vertical hydroponic cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of a vertical hydroponic cultivation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing the pipe column and plate structure of a vertical hydroponic cultivation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a photograph showing that minerals are planted in a vertical hydroponic cultivation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a photograph showing a plate formed in a stepped shape according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a photograph showing that fixing pins for fixing plants are installed in a vertical hydroponic cultivation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] The advantages, features, and methods for achieving them of the present invention will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various different forms. Merely the embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the vertical hydroponic system (1000) may include pipe columns (100) and growth sheets (200).

[0029] The pipe column (100) is cylindrical and hollow, and its length is positioned perpendicular to the surrounding area. The length and width of the pipe column (100) are not particularly limited. Multiple pipe holes (h1) can be formed on the outer surface of the pipe column (100).

[0030] The growth sheet (200) is spirally wrapped around the outer surface of the pipe column (100), and plants are planted on it. Here, the growth sheet (200) can be made of any material that can easily absorb moisture, such as rice straw or nonwoven fabric, and the plants planted on the growth sheet (200) may include stems cut from plants for vegetative propagation and plant seeds.

[0031] The vertical hydroponic system (1000) may further include a funnel-shaped support. The funnel-shaped support is wrapped around the outer surface of the pipe column at predetermined intervals from the lower end to the upper end of the outer surface. The funnel-shaped support has a "V" shape with the column as the center. The funnel-shaped support supports the plant (371) from below, preventing the plant (371) from drooping.

[0032] Plants like Minari (371) tend to droop due to gravity because of their length, so using a funnel-shaped support is useful.

[0033] Through this configuration, if the culture solution is flowed from the upper end of the pipe column (100) through the outer surface of the pipe column (100) or sprayed like a mist, the nutrient solution is supplied to the growth sheet (100) and the plant roots, and the plant absorbs the nutrient solution and grows.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the pipe column and plate structure of a vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a photograph showing Minari planted in a vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a photograph showing a stepped plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a photograph showing fixing pins for securing plants installed in a vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the vertical hydroponic system (or spiral elliptical cultivation system, 1000) may include pipe columns (100) and plant planting plates (plate, 300).

[0036] The pipe column (100) is cylindrical and hollow, and its length is positioned perpendicular to the surrounding area. The length and width of the pipe column (100) are not particularly limited. Multiple pipe holes (h1) can be formed on the outer surface of the pipe column (100).

[0037] The plant planting plate (300) is configured in a spiral shape (see Figure 3) or a stepped shape (see Figure 5). The stepped plant planting plate (300) has a water weir (350) at the front to collect water, allowing plants to grow for a certain period of time even without nutrient solution supply. This enables more stable plant cultivation (371) and also saves energy by reducing pump operating time.

[0038] Furthermore, by installing a rotating device consisting of a bearing and a motor at the bottom of the pipe column (100) and controlling the motor from a control panel to rotate the pipe column (100), the plants (371) planted on the growth sheet or planting plate (300) can receive sunlight evenly. This cultivation method is applicable to all plants (371) that can be grown hydroponically, such as Minari and Alocasia. Figure 4 shows a photograph of Minari planted.

[0039] The plant planting plate (300) is formed in a spiral band shape on the outer surface of the pipe column (100).

[0040] Furthermore, the planting plate (300) may have protruding pins (360) that protrude from the top of the planting plate (300) to fix a growth sheet or to insert a plant pot (370) (Figure 4). In addition, fixing pins may be installed on the planting plate (300) to fix a plant (371) (see Figure 5).

[0041] Furthermore, the plant planting plate (300) can be formed in a stepped shape. That is, steps are formed in the plant planting plate (300) so that the growth sheets are positioned at different heights (see Figure 5). Because the plant planting plate (300) has a spiral shape, it tilts, so the growth sheets are placed on a horizontal surface, and a water weir (350) is created so that water accumulates on the front surface of the stepped plant planting plate (300).

[0042] The stepped surface of the plant planting plate (300) forms a small water reservoir, allowing plants (371) to grow for a certain period of time even without nutrient solution supply. This prevents delayed plant growth and death due to temporary interruptions in water supply, enabling more stable cultivation of plants (371).

[0043] To conserve energy by shortening pump operating time, the plant planting plate (300) needs to be formed in a stepped shape (see Figures 6 and 7). The stepped plant planting plate (300) is composed of stepped modules (400) that divide one 360° rotation into n equal parts. Since these stepped modules (400) can be assembled by sequentially fitting them together like Lego blocks (Figure 6), they can be manufactured without size constraints and offer many advantages for transport and installation. The plant planting plate (300) can be equipped with a plate body (310), a belt (320), a plant vegetation zone (330), an LED light (340), a water weir (350), and a protruding pin (360). The plate body (310) has at least one water flow groove (g1) and a belt conveying wire groove (g2) formed on its upper surface, and the opposite end from the pipe column (100) has a protruding part (p) that protrudes upward.

[0044] It is preferable that multiple water flow grooves (g1) are formed so that water flows evenly, and for this reason, the spacing between the multiple water flow grooves (g1) should be the same.

[0045] Since the protruding portion (p) is formed to protrude upward from the outer casing of the plate body (310), it is possible to prevent water from flowing outside the plant planting plate (300).

[0046] The belt (320) is formed on the upper surface of the plate body (310), covers the water flow groove (g1) and the belt conveying wire groove (g2), and is conveyed by the belt conveying wire inserted into the belt conveying wire groove (g2). The belt conveying wire can be replaced with a chain.

[0047] The plant vegetation zone (330) is formed on the upper surface of the belt (320) and moves in accordance with the transport of the belt (320). Here, since the plant vegetation zone (330) is placed on the upper surface of the belt (320), it moves in accordance with the movement of the belt (320).

[0048] The LED light (340) is formed on the underside of the plate body (310) and provides illumination to the plants (371) on the growth sheet below. The LED light (340) can be installed anywhere, such as on a pipe column (100). In this regard, the plants (371) can grow not only in the direction of the outer surface of the pipe column (100) but also in the direction of the inner surface of the pipe column (100). When growing in the direction of the inner surface of the pipe column (100), the plants (371) can properly manage their temperature with less energy due to the light emitted from the LED light (340), which has the advantage of promoting the growth of the plants (371).

[0049] The belt conveyor wire is rotated by the conveyor motor, allowing the plant vegetation zone (330) to move from the bottom surface to the top surface of the plant planting plate (300).

[0050] Through this configuration, by flowing the nutrient solution from the upper end of the pipe column (100) through the outer surface of the pipe column (100) or the surface of the plant planting plate (300), or by spraying it like a mist, the nutrient solution is supplied to the growth sheet and the roots of the plants (371), and the plants (371) absorb the nutrient solution and grow. There are many known technologies related to nutrient solution supply, and the nutrient solution, mixed with the appropriate nutrients, is supplied according to a set time or set schedule by controlling the pump from the control panel.

[0051] In addition, by raising fish such as eels and loaches inside the pipe columns (100) and using nets to grow plants (371), it is possible to cultivate plants (371) through hydroponics using a natural farming method that does not require fertilizers or nutrient solutions.

[0052] To explain this in detail, a water receiving platform and a water level sensor are installed at the bottom of the spiral tower-type cultivation machine. When the water level sensor detects water, the water pump activates and pumps water through the water pump and a hose installed in an "n" shape inside the pipe column (100) down to the bottom of the pipe column (100) where the fish are located. The water then overflows from the pipe column (100) and flows through the plant planting plate (300), where the plants (371) with their roots hanging down absorb nutrients from the flowing water and grow.

[0053] In addition to a method that naturally pushes water into the pipe column (100), the system can also operate by pumping the water inside the pipe column (100) through a second pump and supplying it to the top of the plant planting plate (300).

[0054] Furthermore, by placing anaerobic bacteria or other microorganisms inside the pipe column (100) instead of fish, and supplying livestock wastewater, food residues, wastewater, and other sewage and contaminated water from the outside, the water can be purified primarily through the anaerobic bacteria or microorganisms, and then absorbed by plant roots to grow plants (371), thereby enabling a naturally compatible purification function.

[0055] In this case, since plants (371) must be harvested once they have grown to a certain extent, green algae are cultivated to absorb nutrients from the water and promote growth, and this can be used as an automated, environmentally friendly purification system by filtering it through a filter at the bottom.

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention described above have been explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings for the purpose of aiding understanding, but these are merely illustrative examples, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Pipe columns; and A growth sheet, spirally wrapped around the outer surface of the aforementioned pipe column and on which plants are planted; A vertical hydroponic cultivation system characterized by comprising the following features.

2. Pipe columns; and A planting plate formed in a spiral shape on the outer surface of the aforementioned pipe column; A vertical hydroponic cultivation system characterized by comprising the following features.

3. The aforementioned planting plate is, A plate body having at least one water flow groove and a belt conveying wire groove formed on its upper surface, and a protruding portion formed at the end opposite the pipe column that extends upward; A belt formed on the upper surface of the plate body, covering the water flow groove and the belt conveying wire groove, and conveyed by a belt conveying wire inserted into the belt conveying wire groove; A plant vegetation zone formed on the upper surface of the belt and moving in accordance with the conveyance of the belt; and An LED light fixture formed on the lower surface of the plate body; Equipped with, The vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the belt conveying wire is rotated by a conveying motor so that the plant vegetation zone moves from the lower surface to the upper surface of the plant planting plate.

4. The vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a protruding pin is formed on the upper part of the plant planting plate, which can be used to fix a growth sheet or to insert a plant pot.

5. The vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the plant planting plate is formed in a stepped shape.

6. The vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of holes are formed on the outer surface of the pipe column.

7. The vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising spiral funnel support bases wound at predetermined intervals from the lower end to the upper end of the outer surface of the pipe column.

8. The vertical hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the plant planting plates are made of a single staircase-shaped module, which is assembled and stacked by fitting them together in a spiral pattern.

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