Plant cultivating apparatus

Abstract

A plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content includes a main body, a shelf, a cultivation bed, and a cultivation container. A shelf is formed in a cultivation space formed inside the main body, a cultivation bed is placed on the shelf, and a cultivation container is placed inside the cultivation bed. The cultivation bed includes a water supply section that holds a certain amount of water. Additionally, the shelf is located vertically below the water supply section and includes a water level sensor that measures the amount of water contained within the water supply section.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The disclosed content relates to a plant cultivation device, and more specifically, to a plant cultivation device that detects the amount of water stored in a water supply unit and controls whether or not to supply water. Background Technology

[0002] As cities developed and buildings became densely packed, it became difficult to find arable land for growing plants within the city.

[0003] Apartment-style housing culture has taken root, and households with yards or vegetable gardens have become few in number.

[0004] On the other hand, interest in the direct cultivation of food ingredients is also increasing due to issues such as fine dust and environmental pollution.

[0005] Therefore, even households without yards or vegetable gardens are increasingly equipping themselves with flowerpots or devices that allow them to grow plants inside their living spaces.

[0006] Pots are not suitable for growing crops that are sensitive to temperature or humidity.

[0007] Specially configured plant cultivation devices create the environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, required for specific crops. Therefore, it becomes possible to germinate and cultivate desired crops indoors.

[0008] As a technology related to plant cultivation devices, Korean Published Patent No. 10-2019-0132790 (hereinafter referred to as the "related technology") discloses a "plant cultivation device." The related technology forms an internal space for cultivating plants and supplies water and nutrients necessary for the growth of the cultivated crops. However, crops grow well only when appropriate temperature and humidity are maintained. The amount of water supplied must also be appropriate at the right time. However, the related technology does not include a configuration for separately measuring or controlling the amount of water supplied to the crops.

[0009] Regulating the supply of an appropriate amount of water for crop cultivation is of great help to the growth of the crops. Therefore, improvements in such technology were necessary.

[0010] The aforementioned related technologies are technical information that the inventor possessed for the disclosed content or acquired during the process of deriving the disclosed content, and cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the disclosure. The problem to be solved

[0011] One objective of the disclosed content is to solve the problem of the prior art, in which it was difficult to accurately measure the amount of water supplied to a plant cultivation device.

[0012] Another objective of the disclosed content is to solve the problem of the prior art, in which water was supplied intermittently for plant cultivation, resulting in either insufficient or excessive water supply.

[0013] Another objective of the disclosed content is to solve the problems of the prior art, which had a complex structure and was difficult to design, by using a contact sensor to measure the amount of supplied water.

[0014] The tasks of the disclosed content are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned tasks or objectives may be understood from the following description. means of solving the problem

[0015] A plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content includes a main body, a shelf, a cultivation bed, and a cultivation container. A shelf is formed in a cultivation space formed inside the main body, a cultivation bed is placed on the shelf, and a cultivation container is placed inside the cultivation bed.

[0016] The cultivation bed includes a water supply section that holds a certain amount of water. Additionally, the shelf is located vertically below the water supply section and includes a water level sensor that measures the amount of water contained within the water supply section.

[0017] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the bottom surface of the water supply unit and the water level sensor are separated by a predetermined distance.

[0018] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, a water level sensor is supported by an elastic member on a shelf, and when the bottom surface of the water supply part comes into contact with the water level sensor, the water level sensor descends toward the shelf.

[0019] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the bottom surface of the water supply section is formed to be inclined in one direction.

[0020] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the water supply portion includes a pressure projection protruding downward from the bottom surface.

[0021] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, a water level sensor measures the amount of water contained within the water supply unit by measuring the capacitance of the water supply unit.

[0022] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the cultivation bed is formed on one side at a position higher than the water supply section and includes an inlet, which is an inlet for water to flow in, and a water supply channel, which is a channel connecting the inlet and the water supply section.

[0023] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the cultivation container includes an opening with a bottom surface that is open to allow water accumulated in the water supply section to flow in.

[0024] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the cultivation container is positioned such that its lower end is adjacent to an opening and its upper end is positioned to face upward within the cultivation container, and includes a wick made of a porous material that absorbs water.

[0025] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, the main body includes a control module that controls at least one of the temperature, humidity, and light intensity of the cultivation space.

[0026] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, a cultivation bed and a shelf are joined through a rail so that the cultivation bed slides in one direction on the shelf.

[0027] A plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content comprises a main body, a shelf, a cultivation bed, and a cultivation container. The main body forms a cultivation space inside, and the cultivation space is opened or closed through a door coupled to at least one side. The shelf is positioned horizontally within the cultivation space and is equipped with a water level sensor. The cultivation bed is placed on the shelf and is a container with an open top surface that forms a receiving space inside, and a water supply section is formed on the bottom surface for water to collect and store. The cultivation container is positioned above the water supply section of the cultivation bed.

[0028] In addition, the water level sensor measures the amount of water stored in the water supply unit, and if the amount of water stored in the water supply unit measured by the water level sensor is less than a predetermined amount, water is supplied to the water supply unit.

[0029] In a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, a water level sensor is operated when the cultivation bed is placed on a shelf. Effects of the invention

[0030] According to the disclosed content, there is an effect of being able to accurately measure the amount of water supplied to plants in real time.

[0031] According to the disclosed content, water for plant growth is supplied in real time based on the measured amount of water, thereby having the effect of continuously supplying an appropriate amount of water necessary for the plants.

[0032] According to the disclosed content, by providing a non-contact sensor to measure the amount of supplied water, the internal configuration of the plant cultivation device is simplified and the design becomes easier.

[0033] According to the disclosed content, there is an advantage in that reliable measurement is achieved by maintaining a constant distance between the non-contact sensor and the space where water is stored.

[0034] The effects of the disclosed content are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cultivation bed in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cultivation bed and a sensor in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship between a water supply unit and a sensor in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the gap between the water supply unit and the sensor in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pressure protrusion is formed on the bottom surface of a water supply part in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a cultivation bed is withdrawn from a shelf in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which a cultivation bed is slidably seated on a shelf in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of residual water detection and water supply in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed contents for the purpose of explanation will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the detailed description, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content.

[0038] A plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content as illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a main body (10), a shelf (200), and a cultivation bed (100).

[0039] The cultivation bed (100) includes a cultivation container (110) and a tray (130).

[0040] A cultivation container (110) is provided with a growing medium in which plant seeds are planted and the plant takes root. The growing medium may be soil containing nutrients indispensable for the growth and development of crops. Or it may be a material having properties similar to soil.

[0041] The main body (10) is provided with a predetermined space inside. The predetermined space is a cultivation space (14) that accommodates crops and creates an environment where crops can grow. The main body (10) may have various sizes and shapes.

[0042] In one embodiment of the disclosed content, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body (10) may be formed as a rectangular prism, and a cultivation space (14) may be provided inside, and at least one side forming the cultivation space (14) may be open. A door (12) may be attached to one side of the open cultivation space (14) so ​​that the door (12) can open or close the cultivation space (14).

[0043] The door (12) may be made of at least a portion of a transparent material. And, the user can observe the cultivation space (14) from the outside through the transparent part of the door (12).

[0044] A locking device may be provided on the door (12). The locking device of the door (12) may be set to open when the condition of the cultivation space (14) meets a predetermined condition. This is to prevent a situation where the door (12) is opened due to user negligence during the germination period, which is a critical time for crop growth, and thus the seeds cannot germinate. This is exemplary, and according to the embodiment to which the disclosed content applies, the main body (10) and the door (12) may be implemented in various shapes, forms, and materials.

[0045] The main body (10) may be equipped with a ventilation unit for ventilation inside. Ventilation is achieved by exhausting air from the cultivation space (14) to the outside or by introducing outside air into the cultivation space (14).

[0046] A shelf (200) is placed in the cultivation space (14). Multiple shelves (200) may be formed in the cultivation space (14). The shelf (200) is a structure that crosses the cultivation space (14) horizontally. A cultivation bed (100) is placed on the shelf (200). The shelf (200) supports the load of the cultivation bed (100).

[0047] A number of shelves (200) can be arranged vertically within the cultivation space (14). And, at least one cultivation bed (100) can be placed on each shelf (200).

[0048] A control module (20) may be formed on the upper part of the shelf (200). The control module (20) is positioned above the cultivation space (14) and is formed to spray steam, heat, or irradiate light downwards. That is, it may include at least one of a steam spraying unit, a heating unit, and a light irradiation unit. The control module (20) controls the temperature, humidity, and light intensity inside the cultivation space (14). Accordingly, the cultivation space (14) inside the main body (10) may be equipped with a measuring means capable of measuring the temperature, humidity, and light intensity. The control module (20) operates based on the temperature, humidity, and light intensity inside the cultivation space (14) measured through the measuring means, thereby allowing the temperature, humidity, and light intensity inside the cultivation space (14) to be maintained at predetermined values.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cultivation bed (100) in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cultivation bed (100) and a sensor in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cultivation bed (100) includes a cultivation container (110), a handle (120), and a tray (130). As previously described, the cultivation container (110) is in the form of a container having a wide bottom surface and an open top surface. A growing medium can be contained inside the cultivation container (110), and seeds are planted in the growing medium to germinate and grow crops. The growing medium can be made in various forms, and different types of growing media can be stacked and contained inside the cultivation container (110).

[0051] The cultivation container (110) is housed in a tray (130). In addition, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cultivation container (110) may be formed with an opening that is open to communicate with the bottom. The opening is positioned above the water supply section (136) and serves as a passage for water from the water supply section (136) to flow into the cultivation container (110). A wick may be further included inside the cultivation container (110), with its lower end positioned adjacent to the opening and its upper end facing the inside of the cultivation container (110). The wick is made of a porous material and has the property of absorbing water well. Therefore, water flowing into the opening can be evenly supplied to the growing medium inside the cultivation container (110) through the wick.

[0052] The tray (130) forms a space that can be used for cultivation containers (110) and can be formed in the shape of a drawer. A handle (120) is formed on one side of the tray (130), and the handle (120) can be shaped so that a user can grip it.

[0053] And a water supply section (136) may be provided in the tray (130). The water supply section (136) is formed by being carved out so that water can be stored in at least a part of the tray (130). The water supply section (136) may form a predetermined path and is formed so that a cultivation container (110) is seated on the upper part of the water supply section (136). An inlet section (132) is formed on one side of the tray (130) at a position higher than the water supply section (136). The inlet section (132) is a place where water is supplied and is formed protruding from one side of the tray (130), and when water flows in from the top, it is sent to the water supply channel (134). The water supply channel (134) is a channel connecting the inlet section (132) and the water supply section (136). Since the inlet section (132) is formed at a higher position than the water supply section (136), water supplied to the inlet section (132) flows to the water supply section (136) along the water supply path (134).

[0054] Additionally, the cultivation bed (100) can be inserted into or withdrawn from the cultivation space (14) by sliding in one direction on the shelf (200). At least one rail (140) may be formed on the underside of the cultivation bed (100), and the rail (140) interferes with the shelf (200) to allow the cultivation bed (100) to be moved by sliding in one direction.

[0055] And, the shelf (200) to be described later includes a water level sensor (210). The water level sensor (210) is located vertically below the water supply unit (136) while the cultivation bed (100) is placed on the shelf (200). The water level sensor (210) is a non-contact sensor that measures the height of the water accumulated inside the water supply unit (136).

[0056] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship between the water supply unit (136) and the sensor in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, and FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the spacing between the water supply unit (136) and the sensor in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content.

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water level sensor (210) is positioned vertically below the water supply unit (136) while the cultivation bed (100) is seated on the shelf (200). The water level sensor (210) may be a sensor that measures capacitance. The water level sensor (210) measures the amount of water contained within the water supply unit (136) by measuring the capacitance of the water supply unit (136). The water level sensor (210) is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water supply unit (136), which is the bottom surface of the cultivation bed (100), by a predetermined distance (d) so as not to come into contact with or interfere with the bottom surface of the cultivation bed (100) during the process of the cultivation bed (100) sliding and being seated on the upper part of the shelf (200).

[0058] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which a pressure projection (138) is formed on the bottom surface of a water supply section (136) in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a pressure projection (138) protruding downward can be formed on the bottom surface of the water supply unit (136). At this time, the water level sensor (210) is coupled to the shelf (200) so that its height can be adjusted. Specifically, the water level sensor (210) is fixed to the shelf (200) via an elastic member (212), and when a force applying pressure from above is applied to the water level sensor (210), the height of the water level sensor (210) decreases. Then, when the force that applied pressure to the water level sensor (210) is removed, the water level sensor (210) rises back to its original position.

[0060] Accordingly, the pressure projection (138) formed on the bottom surface of the water supply section (136) presses the water level sensor (210) from top to bottom and causes the water level sensor (210) to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water supply section (136) by a certain distance (d).

[0061] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a cultivation bed (100) is withdrawn from a shelf (200) in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content, and FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a cultivation bed (100) is slidably seated on a shelf (200) in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the bottom surface of the water supply section (136) may be formed to be inclined in one direction. Accordingly, when the cultivation bed (100) slides in one direction on the shelf (200), the bottom surface of the water supply section (136), which is formed as an inclined surface, gradually presses against the water level sensor (210), and the water level sensor (210) is pushed downward as it comes into contact with the inclined surface of the bottom surface of the water supply.

[0063] Accordingly, during the process of mounting the cultivation bed (100) on the shelf (200), the water level sensor (210) is not obstructed from the path of the cultivation bed (100), and the water level sensor (210) can be spaced apart from the water supply unit (136) at a predetermined distance.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of residual water detection and water supply in a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the disclosed content measures the amount of water stored in the water supply unit (136) in real time by performing a sensor operation step (S10). The sensor operation step (S10) first detects (S20) whether the cultivation bed (100) is in the correct position. If the cultivation bed (100) is not in the correct position, it notifies the user that the cultivation bed (100) is not properly installed through a signal output (S22). Then, if the cultivation bed (100) is in the correct position, it performs a residual water amount detection step (S30). By detecting the residual water amount, it determines (S40) whether water supply is needed and performs water supply (S50) or continues to detect the residual water amount.

[0066] Although embodiments of the disclosed content have been described above together with the drawings, this is illustrative and the content disclosed in the drawings is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the disclosed content can be modified within the scope of the technical concept of the disclosed content. Furthermore, even if the operation or effect according to the configuration was not explicitly described while describing an embodiment of the disclosed content, it is natural that effects predictable by said configuration should be recognized. Explanation of the symbols

[0067] 10: Main body 12: Door 14: Cultivation space 20: Control Module 100: Cultivation bed 110: Cultivation container 120: Handle 130: Tray 132: Inlet 134: Water supply channel 136: Water supply part 138: Pressure protrusion 140: Rail 200: Shelf 210: Water level sensor 212: Elastic member

Claims

Claim 1 A plant cultivation device comprising: a main body forming a cultivation space inside; a door for opening and closing the cultivation space; a shelf disposed in the cultivation space and equipped with a water level sensor; a cultivation bed seated on the shelf and having a water supply section formed for storing water; and a cultivation container disposed above the water supply section; wherein, when the cultivation bed is seated on the shelf, the water supply section is positioned above the water level sensor so that the water level sensor measures the amount of water stored in the water supply section; the cultivation bed is configured to be retractable from the cultivation space; the water level sensor is fixed to the shelf by an elastic member; and when the cultivation bed is retracted into the cultivation space, the water supply section is configured to press the water level sensor toward the shelf. Claim 2 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the water supply unit and the water level sensor are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Claim 3 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein when the bottom surface of the water supply unit comes into contact with the water level sensor, the water level sensor descends toward the shelf. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the bottom surface of the water supply section is inclined in one direction, a plant cultivation device. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the above-mentioned water supply unit comprises a pressure projection protruding downward from the bottom surface; a plant cultivation device. Claim 6 In claim 1, the above-mentioned water level sensor measures the capacitance of the above-mentioned water supply unit, a plant cultivation device. Claim 7 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the cultivation bed comprises: an inlet formed on one side at a position higher than the water supply section and having an inlet for water to flow in; and a water supply channel connecting the inlet and the water supply section. Claim 8 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the cultivation container comprises an opening on the bottom surface that is open to allow water accumulated in the water supply section to flow in. Claim 9 A plant cultivation device according to claim 8, wherein the cultivation container comprises a wick made of a porous material that absorbs water, the lower end of which is positioned adjacent to the opening and the upper end of which is positioned to face upward within the cultivation container. Claim 10 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a control module that controls at least one of the temperature, humidity, and light intensity of the cultivation space. Claim 11 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the cultivation bed and the shelf are joined via a rail so that the cultivation bed slides in one direction on the shelf. Claim 12 A plant cultivation device according to claim 1, which supplies water to the water supply unit when the amount of water stored in the water supply unit measured by the water level sensor is less than a predetermined amount. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the above-mentioned water level sensor is a plant cultivation device that operates when the cultivation bed is placed on the shelf.

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