Crop Cultivation System Including Apparatus for Mixing Nutrient Solution

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crop cultivation system and comprises: a nutrient solution mixing device that generates a mixture using nutrient solution and water and then discharges it; a cultivation unit formed to provide a space for cultivating crops and to enable the supply and discharge of the mixture; a first storage tank that receives and stores the mixture from the nutrient solution mixing device; a second storage tank that stores the mixture delivered from the first storage tank and the mixture discharged from the cultivation unit, and then delivers the mixture back to the cultivation unit; a sensor unit that measures the cultivation unit, the first storage tank, and the second storage tank; and a control unit formed to control operations including water supply and nutrient solution supply to the nutrient solution mixing device based on a signal delivered from the sensor unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop cultivation system including a nutrient solution mixing device, and more specifically, to a crop cultivation system including a nutrient solution mixing device that minimizes mutual chemical reactions while individual nutrient solutions are mixed and enables the recycling of the used mixed nutrient solution. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, hydroponic cultivation, also known as hydroponics, is a scientific farming technique that cultivates various crops by supplying a nutrient solution containing the nutrients necessary for plant growth. Since this method allows for plant cultivation regardless of soil conditions by supplying a mixture of water and nutrient solution to crops, it is advantageous for preventing pests and diseases and enables the production of pollution-free crops through pesticide-free, clean cultivation, leading to its increasing adoption.

[0003] Key environmental factors required in hydroponic cultivation include nutrient solution concentration and acidity. If the concentration and acidity of the nutrient solution required for the crop deviate from optimal conditions, it hinders crop growth and leads to a sharp decline in yield.

[0004] Recently, systems capable of automatically controlling these optimal conditions are being actively researched. Such hydroponic cultivation systems pre-set the nutrient solution concentration to suit the growth of each crop, and then supply multiple concentrated solutions to mix with water to adjust the set concentration.

[0005] When mixing multiple concentrated nutrient solutions with water, if each concentrated nutrient solution is mixed without being sufficiently diluted in water, unwanted chemical reactions occur. Consequently, even when the concentrated nutrient solutions are supplied according to a preset concentration, it is difficult to produce a mixed solution with a concentration suitable for the growth of cultivated crops.

[0006] Meanwhile, when the mixed solution is supplied to cultivated crops, the waste solution remaining after absorption is often recovered and recycled to prevent environmental pollution and ensure economic efficiency. The waste solution is filtered by a filtration device, collected in a collection tank, mixed with a newly supplied solution, and then supplied back to the crops. During this process, it is required to supply a solution that maintains its nutrient balance so as not to inhibit crop growth. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1176272 Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2078056 The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a crop cultivation system comprising a nutrient solution mixing device that minimizes mutual chemical reactions while individual concentrated nutrient solutions are mixed, through one embodiment.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a crop cultivation system comprising a nutrient solution mixing device that can recycle the used mixed nutrient solution without destroying the nutrient balance, through one embodiment. means of solving the problem

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a nutrient mixing device comprising: a mixing unit having a plurality of chambers that provide a space for mixing a nutrient solution and water; a water supply unit that supplies water to the mixing unit; a nutrient solution supply unit that supplies a nutrient solution to the mixing unit; and a mixed solution discharge unit that discharges the mutually mixed nutrient solution and water from the mixing unit; wherein the mixing unit provides a single flow path formed by connecting in series from the first chamber to the nth chamber of the plurality of chambers (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), and selectively blocks the flow path so that the fluid supplied to each of the chambers moves in a forward direction along the flow path from the first chamber toward the nth chamber and is discharged to the mixed solution discharge unit.

[0011] The above mixing section may be equipped with a mixing valve that selectively blocks the flow path so that the fluid supplied to each of the chambers does not move in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction.

[0012] The above mixing valves can be provided on the downstream side of each of the above chambers to form n valves.

[0013] The above mixing valve can be opened when the forward pressure of the fluid supplied to the chamber is greater than a certain amount.

[0014] The above water supply unit can supply water to the nth chamber before the n-1th chamber.

[0015] The above water supply unit may include: a supply pipe through which water flows; and n connecting pipes spaced apart from each other along the supply pipe, extending from a first connecting pipe communicating with the first chamber to an n connecting pipe communicating with the nth chamber, thereby communicating with each other between the supply pipe and the chamber.

[0016] The point where the n-th connecting pipe and the supply pipe are connected may be located further upstream of the supply pipe than the point where the n-1-th connecting pipe and the supply pipe are connected.

[0017] In addition, the present invention comprises: a water supply tank for storing and supplying water; a nutrient solution mixing device for mixing water supplied from the water supply tank with a nutrient solution to produce a mixed solution; a storage tank for storing the mixed solution; and a cultivation unit formed to provide a space for cultivating crops and to supply the mixed solution supplied from the storage tank to the crops; wherein the nutrient solution mixing device comprises: a mixing unit (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) equipped with n chambers providing a space for mixing the nutrient solution and water; a water supply unit for supplying water to the mixing unit; a nutrient solution supply unit for supplying a nutrient solution to the mixing unit; and a mixed solution discharge unit for discharging mutually mixed nutrient solution and water from the mixing unit; wherein the mixing unit comprises a flow path formed by connecting in series from the first chamber to the nth chamber of the n chambers; The above-described problem is solved by providing a crop cultivation system comprising: a check valve provided on the downstream side of each chamber to selectively block the flow path, such that the fluid supplied to each chamber moves only in the forward direction from the first chamber toward the nth chamber along the flow path and is discharged to the mixed liquid discharge section.

[0018] The above storage tank may include a first storage tank that receives and stores a mixture from the nutrient solution mixing device; and a second storage tank that stores the mixture delivered from the first storage tank and the mixture recovered from the cultivation unit, and then delivers the mixture back to the cultivation unit.

[0019] The apparatus further includes: a control unit for controlling the operation of the nutrient solution supply unit and the water supply unit; a first sensor unit provided in the first storage tank, which measures a preset measurement item for the mixed solution and transmits the measurement value to the control unit; and a second sensor unit provided in the second storage tank, which measures a preset measurement item for the mixed solution and transmits the measurement value to the control unit; wherein the control unit can control the operation of one or more of the nutrient solution supply unit and the water supply unit according to the measurement value of one or more of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit. Effects of the invention

[0020] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have the following effects.

[0021] First, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of minimizing mutual chemical reactions while individual concentrated nutrient solutions are mixed with each other is provided.

[0022] Second, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of being able to recycle the used mixed nutrient solution without destroying the nutrient balance is provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a crop cultivation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a nutrient solution mixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a drawing showing the second storage tank illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a pump and a valve based on values ​​measured by a sensor unit. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a nutrient solution mixing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The embodiments described below are presented as examples to aid in understanding the invention, and it should be understood that the invention may be implemented with various modifications different from the embodiments described herein. However, in describing the invention, detailed descriptions and specific illustrations of related known functions or components are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions or specific illustrations might unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Furthermore, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale to aid in understanding the invention, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0025] The first and second terms used in this application may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “comprising,” “consisting of,” or “consisting of” in this application are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a crop cultivation system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the crop cultivation system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water supply tank (20) that stores and supplies water, a nutrient solution mixing device (100) that mixes water supplied from the water supply tank (20) with a nutrient solution to produce a mixed solution, a storage tank that stores the mixed solution, and a cultivation section (60, 70) that provides a space for cultivating crops and is formed so that the mixed solution supplied from the storage tank is supplied to the crops.

[0028] The water supply tank (20) receives water from the water source (10) and stores water so that it can supply water required by the nutrient solution mixing device (100). The water supply tank (20) is equipped with a first pump (30).

[0029] The first pump (30) generates power by receiving electricity or the like from an external source and performs the function of moving water from the water supply tank (20) to the nutrient solution mixing device (100) through the first pipe (P1).

[0030] The nutrient solution mixing device (100) performs the function of mixing the supplied water and concentrated nutrient solution to produce a mixed solution and then discharging it toward the cultivation section (60, 70). To this end, the nutrient solution supply device discharges the mixed solution into a storage tank through the second pipe (P2). A detailed description of the nutrient solution mixing device (100) will be provided later.

[0031] The storage tank performs the function of storing the mixture to supply the mixture to the cultivation unit (60, 70).

[0032] The storage tank receives and stores the mixture through the second pipe (P2) and supplies the mixture to the cultivation unit (60, 70) through the third pipe (P3). The storage tank can recover and store the mixture remaining after use in the cultivation unit (60, 70) through the sixth pipe (P6).

[0033] As described above, such a storage tank may be composed of one tank as an example, and may include a first storage tank (40) and a second storage tank (50) as another example.

[0034] The first storage tank (40) performs the function of receiving and storing the mixed liquid delivered from the nutrient solution mixing device (100) through the second pipe (P2).

[0035] The second storage tank (50) is connected to the first storage tank (40) as an example and performs the function of storing the mixed liquid delivered from the first storage tank (40).

[0036] Meanwhile, the second storage tank (50) can store the mixed liquid transferred from the first storage tank (40) and the mixed liquid recovered from the cultivation unit (60, 70) together as another example. The mixed liquid stored together is mixed with each other and then transferred back to the cultivation unit (60, 70).

[0037] As described above, the cultivation section (60, 70) provides a space for cultivating crops and supplies a mixture to the crops. The cultivation section (60, 70) may include a first cultivation section (60) and a second cultivation section (70) as illustrated in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto, and may be a single cultivation section (60, 70) formed integrally or may consist of three or more cultivation sections (60, 70).

[0038] The first cultivation unit (60) includes a plurality of cultivation cells (60a) formed to accommodate crops and a leg that supports the cultivation cells.

[0039] The second cultivation section (70) includes a plurality of cultivation cells (70a) formed to accommodate crops, similar to the first cultivation section (60), and a leg that supports the cultivation cells.

[0040] These first cultivation section (60) and second cultivation section (70) can be stacked vertically, for example, and the first cultivation section (60) can form a first layer and the second cultivation section (70) can form a second layer.

[0041] The first cultivation unit (60) discharges the supplied mixture through the fourth pipe (P4), and the second cultivation unit (70) discharges the supplied mixture through the fifth pipe (P5). The mixture discharged through the fourth pipe (P4) and the fifth pipe (P5) is recovered to the second storage tank (50) through the sixth pipe (P6).

[0042] Hereinafter, a nutrient solution mixing device (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a nutrient solution mixing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the nutrient solution mixing device (100) includes a mixing unit for mixing the nutrient solution and water, a water supply unit for supplying water to the mixing unit, a nutrient solution supply unit for supplying the nutrient solution to the mixing unit, and a mixed solution discharge unit (120) for discharging the nutrient solution and water mixed together from the mixing unit.

[0044] The mixing section includes a chamber (C) and a mixing valve (V) provided in the chamber (C).

[0045] The chamber (C) is formed in multiple numbers, and each chamber (C) is formed to provide a space where the nutrient solution and water are mixed before dilution.

[0046] These multiple chambers (C) may, for example, be n chambers (C) and may be connected in series from the first chamber (C1) to the nth chamber (Cn, not shown). Here, n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. Accordingly, the n chambers (C) provide a single flow path formed extending in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2. For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that n chambers (C) are provided.

[0047] Meanwhile, the mixing valve (V) performs the function of selectively blocking the flow path so that the fluid supplied to each chamber (C) moves in the forward direction along the flow path from the first chamber (C) toward the nth chamber (Cn).

[0048] These mixing valves (V) are provided on the downstream side of each chamber (C), and thus n of them are formed. The mixing valve (V) opens when the forward pressure of the fluid supplied to the chamber (C) exceeds a certain amount. Water is continuously supplied to the chamber (C) until the mixing valve (V) opens, and during this time, the nutrient solution and water are mixed.

[0049] The water supply unit performs the function of supplying water to the mixing unit.

[0050] The water supply section includes, for example, a supply pipe (110) through which water flows, a connecting pipe connecting the supply pipe (110) and the chamber (C), and a first pump (30).

[0051] The connecting pipes are made up of n pipes corresponding to each chamber, and are spaced apart from each other along the supply pipe (110) from the first connecting pipe (111) communicating with the first chamber (C) to the nth connecting pipe (11n, not shown) communicating with the nth chamber (Cn).

[0052] Meanwhile, the water supply section is formed to supply water to the nth chamber (Cn) before the n-1st chamber (C). To this end, the point where the nth connecting pipe and the supply pipe (110) are connected is located further upstream of the supply pipe (110) than the point where the n-1st connecting pipe and the supply pipe (110) are connected.

[0053] The first pump (30) performs the function of introducing water from the water supply tank (20) into each chamber (C) through the supply pipe and the connecting pipe.

[0054] The nutrient supply unit consists of n units to supply nutrient solution before dilution to each chamber (C). The nutrient supply unit consists of n units, ranging from a primary nutrient supply unit that supplies nutrient solution to the primary chamber (C) to an nth nutrient supply unit that supplies nutrient solution to the nth chamber (Cn). Each nutrient supply unit is equipped with a supply valve that controls the amount of nutrient solution discharged into the chamber (C), and consists of n units.

[0055] The mixed liquid discharge section (120) is connected to the nth chamber (Cn) through the nth mixing valve (V) and provides a space where the mixed liquid is discharged from the nth chamber (Cn). The mixed liquid discharge section is connected to the aforementioned second pipe (P2).

[0056] An embodiment of such a nutrient solution mixing device (100) is illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the mixing section includes three chambers and three mixing valves (V) (n=3).

[0057] The chamber includes a primary chamber (C1), a secondary chamber (C2), and a tertiary chamber (C3), and the mixing valve (V) includes a primary mixing valve (V1) provided downstream of the primary chamber (C1), a secondary mixing valve (V2) provided downstream of the secondary chamber (C2), and a tertiary mixing valve (V3) provided downstream of the tertiary chamber (C3).

[0058] This mixing valve (V) may be, for example, a check valve, but is not limited thereto, and may be used as a mixing valve (V) if it allows only the aforementioned forward flow and has the function of opening when a certain pressure is exceeded.

[0059] The connecting pipe includes a primary connecting pipe (111) communicating with a primary chamber (C1), a secondary connecting pipe (112) communicating with a secondary chamber (C2), and a tertiary connecting pipe (113) communicating with a tertiary chamber (C3).

[0060] Each connecting pipe is connected to the supply pipe (110), and the point where the third connecting pipe (113) is connected to the supply pipe (110) is located further upstream of the supply pipe (110) than the point where the second connecting pipe (112) is connected to the supply pipe (110), and the point where the second connecting pipe (112) is connected to the supply pipe (110) is located further upstream of the supply pipe (110) than the point where the first connecting pipe (111) is connected to the supply pipe (110).

[0061] Accordingly, a third connecting pipe (113) is provided at the uppermost point of the supply pipe (110), and a first connecting pipe (111) is provided at the lowermost point of the supply pipe (110).

[0062] The nutrient supply unit includes a primary nutrient supply unit (130) that supplies nutrient solution to a primary chamber (C1), a secondary nutrient supply unit (140) that supplies nutrient solution to a secondary chamber (C2), and a tertiary nutrient supply unit (150) that supplies nutrient solution to a tertiary chamber (C3).

[0063] The first nutrient supply unit (130) is equipped with a first supply valve (S1) to regulate the amount of nutrient solution discharged, the second nutrient supply unit (140) is equipped with a second supply valve (S2) to regulate the amount of nutrient solution discharged, and the third nutrient supply unit (150) is equipped with a third supply valve (S3) to regulate the amount of nutrient solution discharged.

[0064] The mixed liquid discharge section (120) is connected to the third chamber (C3) through the third mixing valve (V3) and provides a space where the mixed liquid is discharged from the third chamber (C3). As shown in FIG. 2, the mixed liquid discharge section (120) may be a single discharge pipe (120).

[0065] Hereinafter, the second storage tank (50) will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the second storage tank (50) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the second storage tank (50) provides a space for storing a mixture and includes a mixture inlet section (52) connected to the second pipe (P2), a mixture supply section (51) connected to the third pipe (P3), and a mixture recovery section (53) connected to the sixth pipe (P6).

[0067] The mixed liquid transferred from the nutrient solution mixing device (100) is introduced through the mixed liquid inlet (52). The mixed liquid remaining after use in the cultivation section (60, 70) is introduced through the mixed liquid recovery section (53). The mixed liquid created by mixing the mixed liquid introduced through the mixed liquid inlet (52) and the mixed liquid introduced through the mixed liquid recovery section (53) is discharged through the mixed liquid supply section (51).

[0068] The second storage tank (50) is equipped with a circulation pipe (54) and a second pump (60) that moves the mixture inside the circulation pipe (54) to facilitate smooth mixing between the mixture introduced through the mixture inlet section (52) and the mixture introduced through the mixture recovery section (53).

[0069] The circulation pipe (54) has both ends connected to the second storage tank (50) at spaced-apart points. When the second pump (60) is driven, the circulation pipe (54) introduces the mixed liquid from the second storage tank (50) through one end and discharges the introduced mixed liquid to the second storage tank (50) through the other end. Accordingly, a flow of mixed liquid occurs inside the second storage tank (50).

[0070] Hereinafter, the configuration for controlling the nutrient solution mixing device (100) will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.

[0071] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a pump and a valve based on values ​​measured by a sensor unit.

[0072] The configuration for controlling the nutrient solution mixing device (100) includes a control unit (80), a first sensor unit (91), a second sensor unit (92), a third sensor unit (93), a first pump (30), a second pump (60), a supply valve (S), and a mixing valve (V).

[0073] The control unit (80) generates a control signal capable of controlling the first pump (30), the second pump (60), the supply valve (S), and the mixing valve (V) based on the measurement values ​​received from the first sensor unit (91), the second sensor unit (92), and the third sensor unit (93), and transmits it to each.

[0074] The first sensor unit (91) includes a TDS sensor, a pH sensor, an EC sensor, etc., and is provided in the first storage tank (40) to measure the TDS, pH, EC, etc. of the mixed liquid stored in the first storage tank (40).

[0075] Here, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the total amount of solid substances dissolved in water. Soluble solids include minerals, salts, metals, cations, and anions. Generally, the higher the TDS value, the more dissolved solids are in the water, and the less clean the water is.

[0076] TDS is based on the electrical conductivity value of water. Pure water actually has a conductivity value of 0. Depending on the degree, TDS is calculated by multiplying the EC (Electrical Conductivity) value by a constant (e.g., 0.5). Generally, the higher the EC value, the larger the value of the conversion constant used to determine TDS.

[0077] Based on the principle of electrochemical measurement, the pH sensor generates an electromotive force proportional to the pH value of the solution to be measured, and its overall structure resembles a type of battery.

[0078] The first sensor unit (91) measures the suitability of the mixed liquid discharged to the nutrient solution mixing device (100) and transmits the measured value to the control unit (80).

[0079] The second sensor unit (92) also includes a TDS sensor, a pH sensor, an EC sensor, etc., and is equipped in the second storage tank (50) to measure the TDS, pH, EC, etc. of the mixed liquid stored in the second storage tank (50) and transmit the measured values ​​to the control unit (80). Information regarding the mixed liquid transmitted from each of the redistribution units (60, 70) can be collected through the second sensor unit (92).

[0080] The third sensor unit (93) includes a temperature and humidity sensor, a photosensor, a water level sensor, etc., and is provided in the cultivation unit (60, 70) to transmit measurement values ​​regarding the environment of the cultivation unit (60, 70) to the control unit (80). Information regarding the environment of the cultivation unit (60, 70) can be collected through the third sensor unit (93).

[0081] The control unit (80) drives the first pump (30) based on one or more of the measurement values ​​received from the first sensor unit (91), the second sensor unit (92), and the third sensor unit (93) to supply water to the nutrient solution mixing device (100), and drives the supply valve (S) to supply the nutrient solution to the chamber. Furthermore, if the mixing valve (V) is configured as a solenoid valve rather than a check valve, the flow path is selectively blocked to discharge the mixed solution by driving the solenoid valve.

[0082] Additionally, the control unit (80) drives the second pump (60) based on one or more of the measurement values ​​received from the first sensor unit (91), the second sensor unit (92), and the third sensor unit (93) to ensure smooth mixing occurs inside the second storage tank (50).

[0083] Hereinafter, the operation method of the crop cultivation system (1) is explained with reference to the drawings.

[0084] First, when a crop to be cultivated in the cultivation unit (60, 70) is determined, the determined crop is input through the control unit (80).

[0085] The control unit (80) has different data entered in advance for each type of crop, such as the type of nutrient solution and the concentration of the nutrient solution, and controls the nutrient solution supply unit and the water supply unit according to the data that matches the entered value among the data entered in advance.

[0086] The nutrient solution to be supplied by the first nutrient solution supply unit (130), the second nutrient solution supply unit (140), and the third nutrient solution supply unit (150) is determined in advance according to the characteristics of the nutrient solution.

[0087] The control unit (80) controls the first to third supply valve (S3) before or simultaneously with the supply of water so that the nutrient solution is positioned in the first to third chamber (C3).

[0088] When the first pump (30) is activated and the water supply unit operates, water moves through the supply pipe (110).

[0089] Water moving through the supply pipe (110) flows into the third chamber (C3) through the third connecting pipe (113) connected to the uppermost point.

[0090] The water introduced into the third chamber (C3) begins to dilute the pre-positioned nutrient solution to form a mixture, and subsequently fills the third chamber (C3).

[0091] When water fills the third chamber (C3) and the internal pressure of the third chamber (C3) reaches a certain value, the third mixing valve (V3) is opened, and the mixed liquid is discharged to the mixed liquid discharge section (120) along the aforementioned flow path.

[0092] Water can then be continuously introduced into the third chamber (C3) for a certain period of time.

[0093] The water moving through the supply pipe (110) passes through the point where the third connecting pipe (113) and the supply pipe (110) are connected, and arrives at the point where the second connecting pipe (112) and the supply pipe (110) are connected.

[0094] Afterwards, water flows into the secondary chamber (C2) through the secondary connecting pipe (112).

[0095] Therefore, the water flowing through the supply pipe (110) begins to flow into the second chamber (C2) through the second connecting pipe (112) a little later than when it begins to flow into the third chamber (C3).

[0096] The water introduced into the second chamber (C2) starts to dilute the pre-positioned nutrient solution to create a mixture, and then fills the second chamber (C2).

[0097] When water flows into the secondary chamber (C2) and the internal pressure of the secondary chamber (C2) reaches a constant value, the secondary mixing valve (V2) is opened and the mixed liquid is discharged to the tertiary chamber (C3) along the flow path.

[0098] At this time, the nutrient solution supplied to the third chamber (C3) is already diluted and in a mixed state. If the mixed solution has already started to be discharged from the third chamber (C3), the mixed solution in the third chamber (C3) will be significantly diluted due to the continuous inflow of water, and the concentration of the nutrient solution will be in a very low state.

[0099] Therefore, even if the diluted mixture from the second chamber (C2) is introduced into the third chamber (C3), unwanted chemical reactions between the nutrient solutions in the third chamber (C3) are minimized.

[0100] After being introduced into the third chamber (C3), the mixture is discharged along the flow path to the mixture discharge section (120).

[0101] Meanwhile, the water moving through the supply pipe (110) sequentially passes through the point where the third connecting pipe (113) and the supply pipe (110) are connected and the point where the second connecting pipe (112) and the supply pipe (110) are connected, and arrives at the point where the first connecting pipe (111) and the supply pipe (110) are connected.

[0102] Afterwards, water begins to flow into the primary chamber (C1) through the primary connecting pipe (111).

[0103] Therefore, the water flowing through the supply pipe (110) begins to flow into the first chamber (C1) through the first connecting pipe (111) a little later than when it begins to flow into the second chamber (C2).

[0104] The water introduced into the first chamber (C1) is mixed with the pre-positioned nutrient solution to begin diluting the nutrient solution, and subsequently fills the first chamber (C1).

[0105] When water fills the first chamber (C1) and the internal pressure of the first chamber (C1) reaches a certain value, the first mixing valve (V1) is opened, and the mixture in the first chamber (C1) is discharged to the second chamber (C2) through the mixture discharge section (120).

[0106] At this time, the nutrient solution supplied to the secondary chamber (C2) is already diluted and in a mixed state. If the mixed solution has already started to be discharged from the secondary chamber (C2), the mixed solution in the secondary chamber (C2) becomes heavily diluted due to the continuous inflow of water, and the concentration of the nutrient solution becomes very low.

[0107] Therefore, even if the diluted mixture from the first chamber (C1) is introduced into the second chamber (C2), unwanted chemical reactions between the nutrient solutions in the second chamber (C2) are minimized.

[0108] After flowing into the second chamber (C2), the mixture flows into the third chamber (C3) along the flow path. At this time, the chemical reaction is minimized because the concentration of the nutrient solution in the mixture in the third chamber (C3) is very low.

[0109] Afterwards, the mixture is discharged along the flow path to the mixture discharge section (120).

[0110] The water supply unit continues to supply water, and accordingly, the concentration of the mixed liquid stored in the first storage tank (40) gradually decreases, and the amount gradually increases.

[0111] When the measurement value measured by the first sensor unit (91) reaches a preset reference value, the mixed liquid is transferred to the second storage tank (50).

[0112] The second storage tank (50) drives the second pump (60) to mix the recovered mixture with the mixture introduced from the first storage tank (40).

[0113] When the value measured by the second sensor unit (92) reaches a preset reference value, the mixture moves to the redistribution unit (60, 70) through the third pipe (P3).

[0114] The mixture transferred to the cultivation section (60, 70) is supplied to the crop, and the remaining mixture is then transferred to the 6th pipe (P6) through the 4th pipe (P4) and the 5th pipe (P5), and then recovered back into the 2nd storage tank (50).

[0115] Hereinafter, a nutrient solution mixing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a nutrient solution mixing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Components identical to those in the previously described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, a nutrient solution mixing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a mixing valve (V) comprising one or more of a check valve and a solenoid valve.

[0117] The third mixing valve (V3) among the mixing valves (V) is, for example, made of a solenoid valve and can close the flow path for a certain period of time according to some characteristics, including the dissolving characteristics of the nutrient solution supplied to each chamber. Accordingly, even a nutrient solution that takes a relatively long time to dissolve in water can be sufficiently diluted. However, it is not limited to this, and as another example, the entire mixing valve (V) may be made of a solenoid valve.

[0118] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0119] 1: Crop cultivation system 10: Suwon 20: Water supply tank 30: Pump No. 1 40: First storage tank 50: Second storage tank 80: Control unit 91: First sensor unit 92: Second sensor unit 93: Third sensor unit 100, 200: Nutrient solution mixing device

Claims

Claim 1 A nutrient solution mixing device that generates a mixture using nutrient solution and water and then discharges it; a cultivation unit formed to provide a space for cultivating crops and to enable the supply and discharge of the mixture; a first storage tank that receives and stores the mixture from the nutrient solution mixing device; a second storage tank that stores the mixture delivered from the first storage tank and the mixture discharged from the cultivation unit, and then delivers the mixture back to the cultivation unit; a sensor unit that measures the cultivation unit, the first storage tank, and the second storage tank; and a control unit formed to control operations including water supply and nutrient solution supply to the nutrient solution mixing device based on a signal delivered from the sensor unit; wherein the nutrient solution mixing device comprises: a mixing unit equipped with n chambers that provide a space for mixing the nutrient solution and water (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2); a water supply unit that supplies water to the mixing unit; and a nutrient solution supply unit that supplies nutrient solution to the mixing unit. and a mixed liquid discharge unit for discharging mutually mixed nutrient solution and water from the mixing unit; wherein the mixing unit comprises: a flow path formed by being connected in series from the first chamber to the nth chamber of the n chambers; and a check valve provided on the downstream side of each chamber to selectively block the flow path so that the fluid supplied to each chamber moves only in the forward direction from the first chamber toward the nth chamber along the flow path and is discharged to the mixed liquid discharge unit; and wherein the nutrient solution supply unit is capable of supplying nutrient solution to each chamber.A crop cultivation system comprising: n units extending from a primary nutrient supply unit supplying a nutrient solution to a primary chamber to an nth nutrient supply unit supplying a nutrient solution to an nth chamber, wherein the water supply unit is a supply pipe through which water flows; and n connecting pipes spaced apart from each other along the supply pipe, extending from a primary connecting pipe communicating with the primary chamber to an nth connecting pipe communicating with the nth chamber, wherein the connecting pipes are configured such that water is supplied to the nth chamber before the n-1st chamber, the point where the nth connecting pipe and the supply pipe are connected is located further upstream of the supply pipe than the point where the n-1st connecting pipe and the supply pipe are connected, and when a mixing valve provided in the n-1st chamber is opened due to the forward pressure of the fluid supplied to the n-1st chamber being greater than a certain magnitude, the fluid of the n-1st chamber flows into the nth chamber. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A crop cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a first sensor unit provided in the first storage tank and measuring a preset measurement item for the mixed liquid; and a second sensor unit provided in the second storage tank and measuring a preset measurement item for the mixed liquid; and wherein the control unit controls the supply of water and nutrient solution to the nutrient solution mixing device based on signals transmitted from one or more of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit. Claim 5 A crop cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a first sensor unit provided in the first storage tank and measuring a preset measurement item for the mixed liquid; a second sensor unit provided in the second storage tank and measuring a preset measurement item for the mixed liquid; and a third sensor unit provided in the cultivation unit and measuring environmental values ​​including temperature and humidity of the cultivation unit; and wherein the control unit controls the supply of water and nutrient solution to the nutrient solution mixing device based on signals transmitted from one or more of the first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit.

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