Local temperature control module for crop cultivation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a local temperature control module for crop cultivation and, more specifically, to a local temperature control module for crop cultivation, comprising: a local temperature control unit in which a fluid movement passage is formed, and which is arranged to be adjacent to a growth point of a target crop so as to control the temperature in the vicinity of the growth point of the target crop; a fluid supply unit for supplying a temperature control fluid to the fluid movement passage of the local temperature control unit; and a fluid discharge unit for discharging the temperature control fluid in the fluid movement passage.

Description

Local temperature control module for crop cultivation

[0001] The present invention relates to a local temperature control module for crop cultivation, and more specifically, to a module that enables efficient cultivation using minimal energy when cultivating crops using a cultivation house such as a plant factory or a smart farm.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a local temperature control module for crop cultivation, which can create an environment necessary for the growth of a target crop using minimal energy and significantly improve energy efficiency by controlling the surrounding environment of a specific local part of a target crop to be cultivated, such as a growing point, as well as a stem, root, branch, etc., to suit cultivation conditions.

[0003] Greenhouses such as vinyl houses and glass greenhouses are mainly used for forced cultivation, suppressed cultivation, or cultivation of tropical plants. They allow for artificial control of the main growing environments of plants, such as light, temperature, and humidity, thereby overcoming environmental constraints on crop cultivation. They are especially used to cultivate crops even in winter.

[0004] These greenhouses are mainly used for growing vegetables, but are also used for growing flowers, fruits, etc. They are widely used because they can continuously grow crops throughout the year and can also grow and produce special crops that cannot be grown in open fields, thus increasing production and profits per unit area.

[0005] Recently, the field of indoor agriculture using urban smart farms has also been developing, and although it is smaller and more advanced than the existing greenhouse cultivation field, it is basically the same in that it allows for the cultivation of desired crops at desired times by controlling the cultivation environment for crops.

[0006] Meanwhile, cultivation houses such as greenhouses, plant factories, and smart farms must perform heating and cooling functions to maintain an appropriate temperature, and they also need to control humidity, carbon dioxide, etc.

[0007] To this end, heating, cooling, and air conditioning of the internal environment (air) are performed using equipment such as heaters, air conditioners, thermo-hygrostats, air conditioners, humidity controllers, and carbon dioxide controllers. However, the cost of fuel and electric energy used for this purpose increases, and this is becoming a factor in increasing the cost of growing crops.

[0008] In particular, the internal space of the cultivation house is not only the space required for actual cultivation of crops, but also the space for workers to pass through, and the unused space from the edge of the cultivation house to the ceiling, so there is a problem that energy efficiency is greatly reduced and cultivation costs further increase.

[0009] Prior art document, Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2423793, 'Greenhouse Environment Monitoring Control System' (hereinafter referred to as 'prior art'), is a system in which a plurality of smart greenhouses equipped with sensor units for monitoring the internal environment are installed and individually controlled and managed using a smart greenhouse control server connected to a network.

[0010] These prior technologies may be able to control and manage the cultivation environment, such as greenhouses, but as explained above, they have the same problem in that energy efficiency is greatly reduced and cultivation costs increase significantly due to wasted space that cannot be directly used for cultivation of crops.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a local temperature control module for crop cultivation that can enable efficient cultivation using minimal energy when cultivating crops using cultivation houses such as plant factories and smart farms.

[0012] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a local temperature control module for crop cultivation that can create an environment necessary for the growth of a target crop using minimal energy and significantly improve energy efficiency by controlling the surrounding environment of a specific local part of a target crop to be cultivated, such as a growing point, as well as parts important for the growth of the target crop, including stems, roots, and branches, according to cultivation conditions.

[0013] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a local temperature control module for crop cultivation that can create an optimal cultivation environment using minimal energy by intensively managing the cultivation environment around the growing point using a local temperature control unit in a shape, for example, a ring shape, that surrounds the growing point of the crop.

[0014] In order to achieve the above purpose, a local temperature control module for crop cultivation according to the present invention comprises: a local temperature control unit having a fluid passage formed therein and configured to surround at least a specific local portion of a target crop to control the ambient temperature of the local portion; a fluid supply unit supplying a temperature control fluid to the fluid passage of the local temperature control unit; and a fluid discharge unit discharging the temperature control fluid from the fluid passage.

[0015] Additionally, at least one slit hole may be formed on the inner surface of the local temperature control unit so that at least a portion of the temperature control fluid moving through the fluid passage is discharged.

[0016] Additionally, the local temperature control unit may further have a slit hole formed on at least one of the outer surface, upper surface, and lower surface.

[0017] In addition, at least one guide piece may be formed on the inner surface of the local temperature control unit to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole to rotate inside the local temperature control unit.

[0018] Additionally, the guide piece may be formed to extend from the inside to the outside of the slit hole.

[0019] In addition, the local temperature control unit may further include a guide cover formed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole to remain inside.

[0020] Additionally, a protruding projection may be formed on the inner surface of the guide cover to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole and exiting the guide cover to the inside of the guide cover.

[0021] In addition, the local temperature control unit may further include a discharge amount control device that controls the amount of temperature control fluid discharged by adjusting the size of the slit hole.

[0022] In addition, the local temperature control unit can be configured to be divided into two unit temperature control units and combined.

[0023] In addition, a height adjustment unit for adjusting the height of the local temperature control unit may be further included.

[0024] By the above-described solution, the present invention has the advantage of enabling efficient cultivation using minimal energy when cultivating crops using a cultivation house such as a plant factory or smart farm.

[0025] In particular, the present invention has the advantage of being able to create an environment necessary for the growth of a target crop using minimal energy by controlling the surrounding environment of a specific local part of the target crop to be cultivated, such as the growing point, as well as the stem, roots, branches, etc., which are important for the growth of the target crop, according to the cultivation conditions, and thus greatly improving energy efficiency.

[0026] More specifically, the present invention has the advantage of being able to create an optimal cultivation environment using minimal energy by intensively managing the cultivation environment around the growing point using a local temperature control unit in a shape, for example, a ring shape, that surrounds the growing point of the crop.

[0027] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of greatly improving energy efficiency by allowing conditioned air, which is supplied with temperature controlled to create a cultivation environment around a growing point using a guide piece, a guide cover, a protruding jaw, etc., to remain around the growing point for a long time.

[0028] In addition, the present invention can be easily applied to and utilized in both soil cultivation and hydroponic cultivation, and has the advantage of being able to be smoothly utilized in various cultivation conditions or environments.

[0029] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of being able to efficiently deal with various situations by controlling the discharge amount of regulating air or adjusting the height in response to the growth level of the target crop.

[0030] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of being able to be easily installed and operated even on target crops that are already being cultivated, by configuring the ring-shaped local temperature control unit to be separated and combined.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a local temperature control module for crop cultivation according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a usage diagram of Figure 1.

[0033] Figures 3 to 10 are schematic diagrams showing other embodiments of Figure 1.

[0034] Examples of the local temperature control module for crop cultivation according to the present invention can be applied in various ways, and the most preferred embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a local temperature control module for crop cultivation according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a usage state diagram of Fig. 1.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the local temperature control module (A) for crop cultivation includes a local temperature control unit (100), a fluid supply unit (200), and a fluid discharge unit (300).

[0037] The local temperature control unit (100) has a fluid passage formed therein, and as shown in FIG. 2, is configured to surround at least a specific local portion (e.g., a growing point, etc.) of the target crop (C) to control the ambient temperature of the local portion. The local temperature control unit (100) may be formed in a sealed 'O' ring shape, and the temperature around the growing point may be raised or lowered by heat radiation from a temperature control fluid passing through the fluid passage.

[0038] In addition, the fluid passage is formed along the local temperature control unit (100) and may be formed in the same shape as the local temperature control unit (100). For example, if the local temperature control unit (100) is circular, the fluid passage may also be formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 4. As another example, if the local temperature control unit (100) is rectangular, the fluid passage may also be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0039] Here, the temperature control fluid may include gas or liquid, and may control the ambient temperature of a part important to the growth of the target crop, including a specific part of the target crop, such as a stem, root, branch, etc., in addition to the growing point. Even when described as a growing point below, it can be understood that it is not limited to the growing point and can be applied to various parts such as stems, roots, and branches.

[0040] In addition, the fluid supply unit (200) supplies temperature control fluid to the fluid movement passage of the local temperature control unit (100), and the fluid discharge unit (300) discharges the temperature control fluid from the fluid movement passage.

[0041] As a result, the temperature control fluid supplied through the fluid supply unit (200) can be discharged through the fluid discharge unit (300) after controlling the temperature around the growing point of the target crop (C) through heat exchange and heat radiation while passing through the fluid movement passage.

[0042] In addition, the fluid supply unit (200) and the fluid discharge unit (300) can be connected to a fluid supply pipe (410) and a fluid recovery pipe (420) as shown in FIG. 2, and the fluid supply pipe (410) and the fluid recovery pipe (420) can be connected to a device (not shown) that heats or cools a temperature-controlled fluid.

[0043] Accordingly, the local temperature control module (A) of the present invention can efficiently create a cultivation environment necessary for the growth of the target crop (C) using minimal energy by controlling the cultivation environment, such as temperature control, for the growing point that affects the growth of the target crop (C).

[0044] The local temperature control module (A) of the present invention discussed above can be applied to soil cultivation as shown in Fig. 2, but is not limited thereto, and can also be utilized for hydroponic cultivation according to the needs of those skilled in the art. Hereinafter, various examples that can be used in various cultivation environments such as hydroponic cultivation will be discussed.

[0045] Figures 3 to 10 are schematic diagrams showing other embodiments of Figure 1.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, at least one slit hole (101) may be formed on the inner surface of the local temperature control unit (100) so that at least a portion of the temperature control fluid moving through the fluid passage is discharged.

[0047] In the case of soil cultivation, gas with a controlled temperature can be supplied to the growing point of the target crop (C) through a slit hole (101), and in the case of hydroponic cultivation, liquid with a controlled temperature can be supplied to the growing point of the target crop (C) through a slit hole (101).

[0048] At this time, the temperature control fluid may be supplied in the form of gas, liquid, or mixture depending on the specific type of target crop, cultivation method (soil cultivation, hydroponics, etc.), and the requirements of those skilled in the art.

[0049] For example, if the temperature control fluid is a gas, it can be sprayed in the form of a mixed gas containing fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, etc., thereby supplying missing nutrients or eliminating pests, harmful bacteria, etc.

[0050] As another example, if the temperature control fluid is a liquid, it goes without saying that the temperature control fluid may include a nutrient solution, etc.

[0051] Referring to (a) of FIG. 4, at least one slit hole (102) may be further formed on the outer surface of the local temperature control unit (100) so that at least a portion of the temperature control fluid moving through the fluid passage (not shown) is discharged.

[0052] And, as shown in the enlarged portion, a guide protrusion (105) is formed in the part of the fluid movement passage of the local temperature control unit (100) that is connected to the fluid supply unit (200), so that the supplied temperature control fluid can be guided to move smoothly left and right in an appropriate amount.

[0053] In addition, referring to (b) of FIG. 4, at least one slit hole (103, 104) may be further formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the local temperature control unit (100) so that at least a portion of the temperature control fluid moving through the fluid passage is discharged.

[0054] At least one of the slit holes (101 to 104) shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be selected and applied depending on the type of target crop (C), cultivation method, and the needs of those skilled in the art.

[0055] The technical feature of the present invention is to adjust the environment around the growing point of the target crop (C) to be suitable for the cultivation environment with minimal energy. Therefore, below, a method for allowing the heat energy supplied by the temperature control fluid to remain around the growing point of the target crop (C) for a longer period of time and more efficiently will be examined.

[0056] Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, at least one guide piece (110) may be formed on the inner surface of the local temperature control unit (100) to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole (101) to rotate inside the local temperature control unit (100).

[0057] Accordingly, the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole (101) rotates around the target crop (the central dashed line in FIG. 5), and thus can remain around the target crop for a long time without diffusing to the outside.

[0058] Referring to (b) of Fig. 5, the guide piece (110) is formed to extend from the inside to the outside of the slit hole (101), thereby enabling the temperature control fluid moving through the fluid passage to be discharged more smoothly.

[0059] Referring to (a) of Fig. 6, the local temperature control unit (100) may have a guide cover (120) formed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0060] The guide cover (120) guides the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole (101) to stay inside, and guides the temperature control fluid spreading upward to move back to the center, thereby allowing the temperature control fluid to stay around the target crop for a longer period of time.

[0061] Referring to (b) of Fig. 6, the guide cover (120) can be formed so that the slit holes (103, 104) formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the local temperature control unit (100) are located inside.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 7, a protruding projection (121) is formed on the inner surface of the guide cover (120) to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole (101) and exiting the guide cover (120) into the inner side of the guide cover (120), thereby allowing the temperature control fluid to remain around the target crop for a longer period of time.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 8, the local temperature control unit (100) may further include a discharge amount control unit (130) that controls the amount of temperature control fluid discharged by adjusting the size of the slit hole (101).

[0064] The discharge amount control device (130) is configured in the fluid movement passage, which is the internal space of the local temperature control unit (100), and a hole having the same shape as the slit hole (101) can be formed, and by adjusting the position of this hole, the amount of temperature control fluid discharged can be controlled.

[0065] To this end, as shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 8, an adjustment handle (131) formed as an extension from the discharge amount adjustment port (130) can be formed to penetrate the upper surface of the local temperature control unit (100) and be exposed, and the user can adjust the size of the slit hole (101) by adjusting the position of the adjustment handle (131).

[0066] Meanwhile, the local temperature control module (A) described above is formed in a ring shape, and can be used when installed in advance at the time of starting cultivation of the target crop.

[0067] If the target crop has grown to a certain level or higher, it may be difficult to install this ring-shaped local temperature control module (A).

[0068] To solve this, the present invention can be configured so that the local temperature control unit (100) is divided into two components and can be combined, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0069] To be more specific, the local temperature control unit (100) can be configured to be divided into two unit temperature control units, that is, a first unit temperature control unit (140) and a second unit temperature control unit (150), and to be combined.

[0070] At this time, the joint portions (not shown) of the first unit temperature control unit (140) and the second unit temperature control unit (150) may be configured to be fitted with each other, with joint protrusions (141, 151) and joint grooves (142) formed therein, respectively.

[0071] In addition, if the first unit temperature control unit (140) and the second unit temperature control unit (150) can be combined with each other, it goes without saying that various things can be applied, and it goes without saying that the shapes of the first unit temperature control unit (140) and the second unit temperature control unit (150) can also be applied in various ways.

[0072] In addition, it can be applied to a structure in which one side of the first unit temperature control unit (140) and the second unit temperature control unit (150) are hinge-joined and the other side is detachably joined, and it goes without saying that various other methods can be applied.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, the local temperature control module (A) of the present invention may further include a height control unit (500) that controls the height of the local temperature control unit (100).

[0074] The height adjustment unit (500) may include a fixed unit (510) that is fixedly supported on soil, etc., and a moving unit (520) that moves up and down along the fixed unit (510). The fixed unit (510) and the moving unit (520) may be applied to various things such as an LM guide.

[0075] Therefore, the local temperature control module (A) of the present invention can continuously maintain an optimal cultivation environment by adjusting the height in response to changes in the location of the growing point as the target crop (C) grows.

[0076] In addition, the local temperature control module (A) of the present invention can perform heating and cooling for the entire target crop when the target crop is small in size, and even in this case, heating and cooling is performed only for a local area corresponding to the target crop in the entire cultivation space.

[0077] In addition, when cooling and heating are required for the root portion of a target crop in soil cultivation, the local temperature control module (A) of the present invention can also be used in a form buried in the soil where the target crop is cultivated.

[0078] The local temperature control module for crop cultivation according to the present invention has been described above. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the technical configuration of the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the invention.

[0079] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting.

[0080] [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] A: Local temperature control module

[0082] 100: Local temperature control unit 101, 102, 103, 104: Slit hole

[0083] 105: Guide protrusion 110: Guide piece

[0084] 140: First unit temperature control unit 141: Coupling protrusion

[0085] 142: Combination Home

[0086] 150: Second unit temperature control unit 151: Coupling protrusion

[0087] 120: Guide cover 121: Protruding jaw

[0088] 130: Discharge volume control port 131: Control knob

[0089] 200: Fluid supply section 300: Fluid discharge section

[0090] 410: Fluid supply pipe 420: Fluid return pipe

[0091] 500: Height adjustment unit 510: Fixed unit

[0092] 520: Mobile Unit

[0093] The present invention can be utilized in the field of crop cultivation, particularly in the field of vinyl house cultivation, greenhouse cultivation, indoor agriculture, smart farms, and plant factories, as well as in fields identical or similar thereto, and can improve the reliability and competitiveness of products and systems.

Claims

1. A local temperature control unit configured to surround at least a specific local portion of a target crop by forming a fluid passage therein and controlling the ambient temperature of the local portion; A fluid supply unit that supplies a temperature control fluid to the fluid movement passage of the above local temperature control unit; and A fluid discharge unit for discharging a temperature-controlling fluid of the fluid passage; Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

2. In paragraph 1, On the inner surface of the above local temperature control unit, Characterized in that at least one slit hole is formed so that at least a portion of the temperature control fluid moving through the fluid passage is discharged. Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

3. In paragraph 2, The above local temperature control unit, characterized in that a slit hole is further formed on at least one of the outer surface, upper surface and lower surface, Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

4. In paragraph 2, On the inner surface of the above local temperature control unit, Characterized in that at least one guide piece is formed to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole to rotate inside the local temperature control unit. Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

5. In paragraph 4, The above guide is, Characterized in that it is formed by extending from the inside to the outside of the above slit hole, Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

6. In paragraph 2, The above local temperature control unit, It is characterized in that a guide cover is further formed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the slit hole to stay inside. Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

7. In paragraph 6, On the inner side of the above guide cover, It is characterized in that a protruding projection is formed to guide the temperature control fluid discharged from the above slit hole and exiting the guide cover to the inside of the guide cover. Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

8. In paragraph 2, The above local temperature control unit, It is characterized in that it further comprises a discharge amount control device that controls the amount of temperature control fluid discharged by adjusting the size of the above slit hole. Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

9. In paragraph 1, The above local temperature control unit, It is characterized by being configured to be divided into two unit temperature control units and capable of being combined. Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

10. In paragraph 1, It is characterized in that it further includes a height adjustment unit for adjusting the height of the local temperature control unit; Local temperature control module for crop cultivation.

Images