KR20210121740A - Plants cultivation apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A plant cultivating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet forming a growing space; a water tank disposed in the cultivating space and storing water; a plurality of pods provided inside the cultivating space and containing nutrients of plants for cultivation; a bed in which the plurality of pods are seated spaced apart from each other and supply water supplied from the water tank is stored; and a ultraviolet ray (UV) module disposed at a point corresponding to neighboring pods above the bed.

Description

Plant cultivation apparatus and method for controlling the same

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation apparatus and a method for controlling the same.

A general plant cultivation apparatus forms a predetermined cultivation room having an environment suitable for plant growth, and stores the plants in the predetermined cultivation room. The plant cultivation apparatus is provided with a configuration for supplying nutrients and light energy necessary for plant growth, and the plant grows by the supplied nutrients and light energy.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to the prior art is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1240375. In this prior art, a multi-stage tray is disposed inside the cabinet, light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit to the tray, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the tray through the nutrient solution recovery box, and the inside of the cabinet is set at a set temperature by the air conditioner and air circulation fan. A structure that can grow plants by maintaining them is disclosed.

However, in the prior art, water and nutrient solution have a structure in which water and nutrient solution are supplied and recovered through nutrient solution recovery, and there is a problem of being vulnerable to contamination due to a structure in which the nutrient solution is circulated.

In particular, when used for a long time, the nutrient solution is corrupted or contaminated. In a structure in which the nutrient solution recovers the nutrient solution and circulates through the entire flow path, there is a problem that inevitably a sanitary environment cannot be maintained.

In addition, since the environment in the medium in which the plant is grown is a good environment for microorganisms such as mold and bacteria to be generated, there is a problem in that various mold bacteria adversely affect plant growth. When these fungi multiply, hygiene and aesthetics are not good, and there is a problem in that cultivation performance (yield) is reduced.

Registration number (registration date): Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1240375 (February 28, 2013).

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus and a method for controlling the same, which prevent pollution of a cultivation space and maintain a sanitary environment at all times.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria in a pod (POD) in which plants grow, and a method for controlling the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus and a method for controlling the same, which can improve the cultivation performance (yield) by increasing the germination rate or growth rate of cultivated plants.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of creating a stable and harmless cultivation environment by using ultraviolet sterilization without using chemical drugs and a method for controlling the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation apparatus capable of optimizing the installation position of a UV module and effectively sterilizing airborne bacteria in the air introduced from the outside, and a method for controlling the same.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is provided in a cabinet, a water tank, and the cabinet, and a plurality of pods containing nutrients for plants for cultivation, and the plurality of pods are spaced apart It may include a bed in which the supply water supplied from the water tank is stored, and an Ultraviolet Ray (UV) module disposed at a point corresponding to a point between neighboring pods above the bed.

In this case, the UV module may emit ultraviolet rays having a wavelength between 275 nm and 280 nm. According to this configuration, by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the pods where plants grow, the growth of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria is suppressed, so hygiene and aesthetics are improved due to the reduction of mold, and cultivation performance (yield) is improved.

In particular, since UV-C, which has strong sterilization power, is not irradiated directly above the pod, there is an advantage in that the sterilization effect of the fungus can be maintained without the plant being irradiated with excessive UV-C.

The plurality of pods may be arranged at regular intervals on the upper surface of the bed, and the UV module may be disposed at a point corresponding to two neighboring pods above the bed. Alternatively, the plurality of pods may be arranged at regular intervals on the upper surface of the bed, and the UV module may be disposed at a point corresponding to between four neighboring pods above the bed.

Specifically, six of the plurality of pods may be arranged in a two-row, three-column matrix on the upper surface of the bed. In this case, the UV module is composed of three and may be respectively disposed at a point between two pods adjacent to the front and rear.

In addition, the UV module is composed of one and may be disposed at a point corresponding to two pods adjacent to the front and rear in the middle row.

In addition, the UV module is composed of four and may be respectively disposed at corresponding points between two pods adjacent to the left and right.

In addition, the UV module is composed of two, and may be respectively disposed at a point between the four neighboring pods.

The plant cultivation apparatus may further include a light assembly provided above the pod, and the UV module may be installed in the light assembly.

In this case, the light assembly includes a light case formed in a plate shape and an LED module provided inside the light case and including a board on which a plurality of LEDs are mounted, and the UV module is either the light case or the board. can be installed in one.

The LED module may be disposed to overlap the plurality of pods in the vertical direction. In addition, the LED module may include a plurality of LED modules spaced apart from each other, and the UV module may be disposed between neighboring LED modules.

The control method of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of determining whether a pod is mounted on a bed, driving the UV module in a preset sterilization mode when it is determined that the pod is mounted, and in advance Based on the stored plant growth cycle information, it may include changing the sterilization mode.

In this case, the changing of the sterilization mode may include controlling to reduce the total driving time of the UV module based on the growth cycle information.

The preset sterilization mode may be a mode in which the UV module is turned on for a certain period of time and repeatedly turned off for a certain period of time.

In addition, the growth cycle information may include time information related to a germination period, a growth period, and a harvest period of the plant.

Specifically, the germination period is a period from the time when the pod is mounted to a first reference time, the growth phase is a period from the first reference time to a second reference time, and the harvest period is a period after the second reference time. period can be defined.

In addition, the control method of the plant cultivation apparatus includes the steps of determining whether the door provided in the plant cultivation apparatus is opened for more than a first reference time, and when it is determined that the door is opened for more than the first reference time, the sterilization mode The method may further include controlling to increase the total driving time. Therefore, even if the airborne bacteria is introduced from the outside when the door is opened, there is an advantage in that the airborne bacteria can be effectively sterilized by increasing the sterilization time.

In addition, the control method of the plant cultivation apparatus includes the steps of determining whether a second reference time has elapsed in a state in which the total driving time of the sterilization mode is increased, and when it is determined that the second reference time has elapsed, the sterilization mode It may further include the step of controlling the total driving time to return to the original.

According to the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention having the configuration as described above, the following effects are obtained.

First, since the UV sterilization function is provided to the pods where plants grow, the growth of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria is suppressed, so hygiene and aesthetics are improved, and cultivation performance (yield) is improved.

Second, since UV-C, which has strong sterilization power, is not irradiated directly above the pod, there is an advantage in that damage to plants due to excessive UV-C irradiation is minimized while maintaining the sterilization effect of mold.

Third, since the UV module can be installed in the light case or the LED module constituting the light assembly, there is an advantage that the arrangement design of the UV module is easy and the installation space can be secured.

Fourth, based on the pre-stored plant growth cycle information, the sterilization mode of the UV module can be changed, so there is an advantage in that it is possible to provide a cultivation environment in which plants can grow well.

Fifth, since the total driving time of the sterilization mode is controlled to increase depending on whether the door provided in the plant cultivation device is opened or not, the sterilization time is increased to reduce the airborne bacteria by increasing the sterilization time even if the door is opened and airborne bacteria from the outside are introduced. It has the advantage of being able to sterilize effectively.

1 is a perspective view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which the door of the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1 is opened.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4 is a 4-4′ cut-away perspective view of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 ;
6 is a perspective view of a water supply module of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken 7-7′ of FIG. 6 .
8 is a rear view of the pump cover of the water supply module.
9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bed of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is withdrawn.
10 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement relationship between the bed and the water supply passage.
11 is a plan view of the bed.
12 is a cutaway perspective view of the bed.
13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the inside of a pod according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is an exploded perspective view of a light assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a perspective view of a light case of the light assembly.
16 is a cut-away perspective view of the light case.
17 is a view showing a state that the UV module is operated inside the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the UV module and the pod according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the UV module and the pod according to another embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the UV module and the pod according to another embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of a UV module and a pod according to another embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a view showing UV intensity and UV dose according to the number of UV modules of the present invention.
23 and 24 are views showing UV sterilization performance according to the number of UV modules of the present invention.
25 is a graph showing the mold area according to the number of UV modules of the present invention.
26 is a view showing mold generated in a pod that has not been subjected to UV sterilization.
27 is a view showing mold generated in a pod that has been subjected to UV sterilization in the first sterilization mode according to the present invention.
28 is a view showing mold generated in a pod that has been subjected to UV sterilization in the second sterilization mode according to the present invention.
29 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
30 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a plant cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of the drawings, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, or order of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a perspective view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an open perspective view of the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 4 is a 4-4′ cut-away perspective view of FIG. 2 , and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 .

1 to 5 , a plant cultivation apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 100 forming a space in which plants are grown, and a door opening and closing the interior of the cabinet 100 . 130 may be included. The exterior of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may be formed by the cabinet 100 and the door 130 .

Plants grown inside the cabinet 100 may include plants that are edible by a user, are easy to cultivate, and do not occupy a lot of space, such as leaf vegetables and herbs that can be typically used in wraps or salads. The plant may be provided in the form of a pod 10 including seeds and nutrients.

The cabinet 100 is formed to have an open front surface, and a cultivation space 101 may be provided therein. The cabinet 100 may include an outer case 110 forming an exterior and an inner case 120 forming the cultivation space 101 , and the outer case 110 and the inner case 120 . A heat insulating material 102 may be provided between the two to insulate the cultivation space, and the cultivation space 101 may be maintained at a set temperature.

The outer case 110 and the inner case 120 may be formed of a metal material, and may be formed by combining a plurality of plate-shaped materials with each other. In particular, the inner case 120 may have both side surfaces, a rear surface, and an upper surface formed in a metal plate shape, and may be coupled to each other.

A plurality of beds 300 may be disposed inside the cabinet 100 . The plurality of beds 300 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction inside the cabinet 100 .

In this embodiment, the plurality of beds 300 may consist of two. That is, the two beds 300a and 300b are provided in the vertical direction and may have the same structure. The two beds 300a and 300b may include a lower bed 300a disposed below and an upper bed 300b disposed thereon. Of course, three or more beds 300 may be provided according to the size of the cabinet 100 .

The bed 300 may have a structure in which a plurality of pods 10 containing plant seeds and nutrients necessary for cultivation are seated. Here, the bed 300 may be called a shelf or tray. The bed 300 may have a structure in which the pod 10 can be seated and the seated state can be maintained. In addition, the bed 300 may have a structure in which the pod 10 can be easily seated, and to facilitate management and harvesting of plants growing in the pod 10 .

In addition, the bed 300 may have a structure in which water supplied from the water tank 710 flows and is delivered to all the pods 10 seated on the bed 300 . In addition, the bed 300 may maintain an appropriate water level so as to constantly supply moisture to the pod 10 .

Meanwhile, a machine room 200 may be provided below the cabinet 100 . In the machine room 200 , a compressor (not shown) and a condenser 620 constituting a refrigeration cycle for controlling the temperature of the cultivation space 101 may be disposed.

A grill cover 220 may be provided on the front side of the machine room 200 , and the grill cover 220 has a grill suction port 221 through which air is sucked into the machine room 200 , and the inside of the machine room 200 . A grill outlet 222 through which air is discharged may be formed.

The internal temperature of the cultivation space may be controlled by the refrigeration cycle 600 . In this case, the evaporator 630 may be disposed on the inner rear wall surface of the cultivation space 101 . The evaporator 630 may be provided with a roll bond type heat exchanger, and may be referred to as a heat exchanger. The evaporator 630 may have a plate-shaped structure that is easily attached to the rear wall of the cultivation space 101 . In addition, the evaporator 630 minimizes the loss of the cultivation space 101 due to the plate-like structure and effectively controls the temperature of the cultivation space 101 by being close to the cultivation space 101 .

A heater (not shown) may be provided on the rear wall of the cultivation space 101 . Accordingly, heating and cooling may be performed in the rear region of the cultivation space. By the evaporator 630 and the heater, the inside of the cultivation space 101 may maintain a temperature suitable for plant growth (eg, 18° C. - 28° C.). Of course, a configuration for heating other than the heater may be provided as needed, and various heating methods such as a heating structure through hot gas or a heating structure through conversion of a refrigeration cycle will be possible. The temperature inside the cultivation space 101 is sensed by an internal temperature sensor (not shown), and may be kept constant regardless of the external temperature of the cabinet 100 .

A blower assembly 500 may be provided in front of the evaporator 630 . The blower assembly 500 may circulate the internal air of the cultivation space 101 to uniformly cool or heat the cultivation space 101 .

The blower assembly 500 may include an upper blower assembly 500b disposed in an upper space divided by the bed 300 and a lower blower assembly 500a disposed in a lower space.

The blower assembly 500 disposed up and down has the same structure and shape with only a difference in mounting position from each other. The blower assembly 500 may be provided as many as the number corresponding to the number of the beds 300 , and may blow air from the rear of the bed 300 toward the front. Accordingly, independent air circulation can be achieved in each space inside the cultivation space 101 partitioned by the bed 300 .

The air inside the cultivation space 101 is circulated by the blower assembly 500, and the circulated air passes through the evaporator 630 so that the entire interior of the cultivation space 101 has a uniform temperature. , the temperature can be controlled quickly. In addition, the air circulated by the blower assembly 500 may flow while passing through the upper surface of the bed 300 and the lower surface of the light assembly 400 .

The air flowing by the blower assembly 500 passes over the upper surface of the bed 300 to make the breathing of the plant grown in the bed 300 more smooth and the plant to shake properly, thereby controlling the stress to grow. It can provide the optimal airflow required for In addition, the air flowing by the blower assembly 500 may prevent overheating of the light assembly 400 while passing through the lower surface of the light assembly 400 .

Specifically, the blower assembly 500 includes a blower fan 520 , a fan guide 510 to which the blower fan 520 is mounted, and a blower cover for shielding the fan guide 510 and the evaporator 630 . 530 may be included.

The blower fan 520 is formed in the shape of a box fan, and may be provided in the center of the fan guide 510 . The blower fan 520 may discharge air introduced from the rear of the blower assembly 500 to the front.

The fan guide 510 provides a space in which the blower fan 520 is mounted, and is configured to guide the discharge of air discharged by the blower fan 520 . The fan guide 510 is injection-molded with a plastic material, and the blower fan 520 may be mounted in the center of the rear surface of the fan guide 510 .

The blower cover 530 may shield the fan guide 510 and components mounted on the fan guide 510 in front of the fan guide 510 . In addition, the blower cover 530 extends to a position adjacent to the upper end of the bed 300 to expose the rear wall surfaces of the evaporator 630 and the inner case 120 in the mounted state of the blower assembly 500 . it can be prevented

And, between the blower cover 530 and the bed 300 may be spaced apart, and through between the lower end of the blower cover 530 and the upper surface of the bed 300 to the rear along the bed 300 Flowing air may be sucked toward the blower fan 520 .

At this time, in order to prevent the evaporator 630 from being exposed through the gap between the blower cover 530 and the bed 300 , a shielding plate 560 is further provided in a corresponding area of the evaporator 630 . can be

Meanwhile, the light assembly 400 may be provided above the bed 300 . The light assembly 400 provides light necessary for plants by irradiating light toward the bed 300 . In this case, the amount of light irradiated by the light assembly 400 may be set similarly to sunlight, and the amount of light and irradiation time optimized for the plant being grown may be set.

The light assembly 400 may include an upper light assembly 400b provided in an upper space partitioned by the bed 300 and a lower light assembly 400a provided in a lower space. The upper light assembly 400b may be mounted on an upper surface of the cultivation space 101 , and the lower light assembly 400a may be mounted on a lower surface of the upper bed 300b.

That is, the upper light assembly 400b and the lower light assembly 400a may be positioned vertically above the bed 300 disposed below, respectively, and on the upper surface of the divided cultivation space 101 , the bed By irradiating light toward the 300, it is possible to control the growth of the cultivated plant.

On the other hand, the upper side of the machine room 200 may be provided with a control unit 190 for controlling the operation of each component of the plant cultivation apparatus (1). For example, the control unit 190 may be provided between the upper surface of the machine room 200 and the inner bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 , and may be accessible by opening the grill cover 220 . Therefore, even in a state in which the plant cultivation apparatus 1 is installed and in use, the control unit 190 can be easily accessed, and maintenance can be facilitated.

A water supply module 700 may be provided on a bottom surface inside the cabinet 100 . The water supply module 700 includes a water tank 710 in which water supplied to the bed 300 is stored.

The water tank 710 may be located below the lower bed 300a, which is located at the lowermost position among the plurality of beds 300, and has a front surface at a position corresponding to the front end of the lower bed 300a. can be located

The length of the water tank 710 in the horizontal direction may correspond to the width of the inner space of the cabinet 100 . In addition, the vertical length of the water tank 710 may be formed to correspond to the distance between the lowermost bed 300a and the bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 . That is, the water tank 710 may be formed to fill the entire space below the lower bed 300a located at the lowermost position, and the space behind the water tank 710 is located in the water tank 710 . can be covered by

The water supply module 700 may further include a pump cover 740 provided in a rear space covered by the water tank 710 . A water pump 720 and a water supply valve 724 to be described below may be provided inside the pump cover 740 . The pump cover 740, the internal components of the pump cover 740, and a pipe connected to each component may be referred to as a “water supply unit” or a “water tank assembly”.

The water tank 710 may be provided inside the cultivation space 101 to be withdrawn in the front-rear direction. To this end, tank rails 730 for guiding the inlet/outlet of the water tank 710 may be provided on both left and right sides of the water tank 710 . In addition, the water tank 710 may have a structure in which additional water supply is possible by being opened in the drawn-out state.

Meanwhile, the display assembly 800 may be provided in the opened front portion of the cabinet 100 . The display assembly 800 may output the operating state of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 to the outside. In addition, the display assembly 800 is provided with a manipulation unit to which a user's manipulation is input to set and input the overall operation of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 . For example, the display assembly 800 may include a touch screen structure, and may include a structure such as a button or a switch.

The door 130 may have a size capable of shielding the opened front surface of the cabinet 100 . An upper hinge 135 and a lower hinge 136 may be shaft-coupled (or hinge-coupled) to the upper end and lower end of one of the left and right sides of the door 130 . The door 130 may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet 100 by the upper hinge 135 and the lower hinge 136 , and the cultivation space 101 by rotation of the door 130 . can be opened and closed.

At least a portion of the door 130 may have a see-through structure, and the cultivation space 101 may be checked even when the door 130 is closed.

In detail, the door 130 may include a door frame 131 forming a periphery and having an opening in the center, and door panels 132 and 133 for shielding the opening of the door frame 131 . The door panels 132 and 133 may be formed of glass or a transparent plastic material to have a structure in which an interior can be seen through. In addition, the door panels 132 and 133 may have a color or a colored coating, metal deposition, or film attached thereto so that the cultivation space 101 is selectively visible or invisible.

A plurality of the door panels 132 and 133 may be disposed forward and backward, and an insulating space may be formed between the plurality of door panels 132 and 133 . And, if necessary, the door panels 132 and 133 may include insulating glass. Accordingly, it is possible to insulate the inside and the outside of the cabinet 100 .

If necessary, the entire front exterior of the door 130 may be formed by the door panel 132 disposed on the front side of the door 130 . A sealing part 134 may be provided on the rear surface of the door frame 131 . The sealing part 134 is disposed along the rear edge of the door frame 131 , and functions to seal the culture space 101 and the door 130 in close contact with each other.

Meanwhile, components of reference numerals not described in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described below.

6 is a perspective view of a water supply module of the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken 7-7′ of FIG. 6 , and FIG. 8 is a rear view of the pump cover of the water supply module.

6 to 8 , the water supply module 700 is for supplying water to the pod 10 for cultivation of crops, and the water stored inside the plant cultivation device 1 is appropriate at an appropriate time. It may be configured to be supplied as much as the capacity.

In particular, in this embodiment, only water may be supplied through the water supply module 700 , and nutrients may be provided through the pod 10 . That is, various nutrients required for a variety of crops may be provided through the pod 10 , and even if heterogeneous pods 10 are provided in one bed 300 , nutrients may be provided from each pod. In addition, water may be supplied from the water supply module 700 , and accordingly, components other than water are not stored or flowed inside the water supply module 700 , so that contamination is prevented and a clean state can be maintained.

The water supply module 700 includes a water tank 710 for storing water for water supply, a water pump 720 for forcibly supplying water from the water tank 710, and a mounting space for the water pump 720 . and may include a pump cover 740 that shields components including the water pump 720 .

A water supply valve 724 may be provided on the pump cover 740 , and water supply pipes (see 780a and 780b in FIG. 10 ) for guiding water to the bed 300 may be connected to the water supply valve 724 .

In detail, the water tank 710 may be formed in a rectangular box shape with an open upper surface, and water supplied to the bed 300 may be accommodated therein. The water tank 710 may be formed to have a width corresponding to the horizontal length of the cultivation space 101, and may fill a space between the bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 and the bottom surface of the lower bed 300a. can be formed to

A tank cover 713 may be provided on the opened upper surface of the water tank 710 . The tank cover 713 is for opening and closing the opened upper surface of the water tank 710 , and a rear end thereof may be rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the water tank 710 . Accordingly, the user may fill the inside of the water tank 710 with water after opening the tank cover 713 .

Tank rails 730 may be provided on both left and right sides of the water tank 710 . The tank rail 730 is for drawing in and out of the water tank 710 and may have a sliding drawing in and out structure. One end of the tank rail 730 may be fixed to the side surface of the water tank 710 , and the other end may be fixed to both sides of the inner case 120 to guide the inlet and outlet of the water tank 710 .

On the other hand, the water tank 710 may be located at a position corresponding to the front surface of the bed 300 in the retracted state. A tank handle 711 may be provided on the front surface of the water tank 710 , and the user may take out the water tank 710 by holding the tank handle 711 and pulling it forward.

The water tank 710 may be withdrawn as much as a distance at which the tank cover 713 can be completely exposed. 710) can be filled with water.

A connection pipe 760 may be formed in the water tank 710 . The connection pipe 760 may be configured such that water from the water tank 710 is supplied to the water pump 720 in a state in which the water tank 710 is introduced. In addition, the water tank 710 may be selectively connected to the pipe connection part 721 formed in the pump cover 740 according to the inlet/outlet of the water tank 710 .

In detail, the connection pipe 760 may be provided in the tank cover 713 , may be located in the center of the tank cover 713 in the left and right directions, and may be provided at the rear end. Accordingly, even when the tank cover 713 is rotated for opening and closing, the connection pipe 760 may be configured not to interfere with the water tank 710 .

The connecting pipe 760 may include a vertical pipe 761 extending downward from the lower surface of the tank cover 713 and a horizontal pipe 762 extending rearward from the upper end of the vertical pipe 761 . The vertical pipe 761 may extend downward from the tank cover 713 to a position adjacent to the bottom surface of the tank cover 713 . Accordingly, the water stored in the tank cover 713 may flow upward along the vertical pipe 761 .

The horizontal pipe 762 is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipe 761 and may extend rearward. The horizontal pipe 762 may protrude further rearward than the rear surface of the water tank 710 , and may extend rearward at a position corresponding to the pipe connection part 721 . The horizontal pipe 762 may be inserted into the pipe connection part 721 in a state in which the water tank 710 is completely introduced, and the water flowing upward through the vertical pipe 761 is the pipe connection part. It can be guided to be supplied to (721).

In addition, the horizontal pipe 762 can be completely separated from the pipe connection part 721 when the water tank 710 is drawn out, and even when the tank cover 713 is rotated, the pipe connection part 721 and It can be configured not to interfere. In addition, when the horizontal tube 762 and the rear surface of the tank cover 713 corresponding to the horizontal tube 762 are partially depressed and the horizontal tube 762 is rotated together by the rotation of the tank cover 713, the tank cover 713 ) can be prevented from interfering with the rear surface.

Meanwhile, the pump cover 740 may be disposed at the rear of the water tank 710 . Both ends of the pump cover 740 may be coupled to both left and right sides of the cultivation space 101 , and a front surface and an upper surface may be formed to shield the space behind the water tank 710 .

The bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 in which the pump cover 740 is disposed has a step in the second half due to the height of the compressor inside the machine room 200 , and the pump cover 740 is located in front of the stepped portion. can be placed in

The water tank 710 is located in front of the pump cover 740 . In this case, the upper surface of the water tank 710 , the upper surface of the pump cover 740 , and the bottom surface of the cultivation space 101 above the compressor may have the same height and may be shielded by the bed 300 . .

The pipe connection part 721 , a water pump 720 , and a water supply valve 724 may be disposed on the pump cover 740 .

In detail, the opened front surface of the pipe connection part 721 connected to the connection pipe 760 may be exposed on one front side of the pump cover 740 . The front surface of the pipe connection part 721 may be formed at a position corresponding to the rear end of the connection pipe 760 . Accordingly, when the water tank 710 is drawn in, the rear end of the connection pipe 760 may be inserted into the pipe connection part 721 .

A water pump 720 may be disposed on the rear surface of the pump cover 740 . The water pump 720 forces the water of the water tank 710 to be directed to the bed 300, and the inlet of the water pump 720 is connected to the pipe connection part 721, and the outlet 722 ) may be connected to a pipe 723 connected to the water supply valve 724 .

The water supply valve 724 is opened when the water pump 720 is driven so that water can be supplied toward the bed 300 . A plurality of water supply valves 724 may be provided according to the number of the beds 300 , and one water supply valve 724 may be branched to supply water to each of the plurality of beds 300 .

In this embodiment, the input side 733 of the water supply valve 724 is connected to the outlet 722 of the water pump 720 by a pipe 723, and the output side of the water supply valve 724 is branched, so that the upper A fitting 724b and a lower fitting 724a may be formed. In addition, an upper water supply pipe 780b and a lower water supply pipe 780a are connected to the upper fitting 724b and the lower fitting 724a, respectively, so that each independent water supply is provided to the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a. possible structures. Therefore, different water supply environments can be created in the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a, and an appropriate amount of water can be supplied to each of the upper bed 300b and the lower bed 300a. have.

By this configuration, the connection pipe 760, the pipe connection part 721, the water pump 720, the water supply valve 724, and the water supply pipes 780a, 780b are sequentially connected, and the operation of the water pump 720 is Thus, water in the water tank 710 may be supplied to the bed 300 through the water pump 720 and the water supply valve 724 .

Meanwhile, a water level sensing device 750 may be provided on the front surface of the pump cover 740 . The water level detecting device 750 is for detecting the water level of the water tank 710 and may include a capacitive sensor. The water level sensing device 750 may be formed to protrude forward, and may be configured to be in close contact with the circumferential surface of the water tank 710 in a state in which the water tank 710 is retracted.

When the water level in the water tank 710 is lower than the set water level by the water level detection device 750, the controller 190 detects that there is no water in the water tank 710 through the display assembly 800. It can be output so that the user can fill the water tank 710 with water.

A tank switch 741 may be provided on the front surface of the pump cover 740 . The tank switch 741 may protrude toward the water tank 710 , and may be configured to be pressed in contact with the rear surface of the water tank 710 while the water tank 710 is fully retracted.

Accordingly, the tank switch 741 may detect whether the water tank 710 is normally mounted and in a state in which water supply is possible, and may transmit it to the controller 190 . When the installation signal of the water tank 710 is not input by the tank switch 741 , the water pump 720 may not be operated. In addition, information about not mounting the water tank 710 may be displayed on the display assembly 800 so that the user can recognize it. That is, it is possible to ensure the water level sensing performance of the water tank 710 through the water level detecting device 750 by maintaining the water tank 710 in a fully retracted state.

Meanwhile, a residual water detection device 742 may be provided on the upper surface of the pump cover 740 . The residual water detection device 742 is for determining whether water supplied to the lower bed 300a remains, and a lower residual water detection device ( 742) can be called.

The upper residual water detecting device and the lower residual water detecting device 742 may have the same structure with only a difference in their mounting positions.

The residual water detection device 742 may include a residual water detection sensor 440 capable of detecting moisture. For example, the residual water detection sensor 440 may be a capacitive sensor. The residual water detection device 742 protrudes upward so that the residual water detection sensor 440 approaches the lower surface of the bed 300 to accurately detect whether water is present in the bed 300 . In order to more accurately detect whether the water remains in the bed 300 , a sensing unit (see 323 in FIG. 10 ) may be protruded from the bed 300 , and the residual water sensing device 742 may include the sensing unit 323 . ) may have a structure that is in close contact with the

Hereinafter, the structure of the bed 300 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Even if a plurality of the beds 300 are provided, only one bed 300 will be described because they all have the same structure except for different mounting positions.

9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bed of the plant cultivation apparatus is withdrawn according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement relationship between the bed and the water supply passage, and FIG. 11 is a plan view of the bed, FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of the bed.

9 to 12 , the bed 300 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape dividing the cultivation space 101 , and the bed rail device 140 is mounted on both sides of the cultivation space 101 . It can be mounted so that it can be drawn in and out by the

The bed rail device 140 may include a slidably extending bed rail 142 and a rail bracket 141 capable of fixing the bed rail 142 to both sides of the cultivation space 101 . The bed rail 142 may have a structure extending in multiple stages, and may connect the left and right side surfaces of the bed 300 and the rail bracket 141 .

The bed 300 may be formed in a rectangular shape as a whole to provide a space in which a plurality of pods 10 are disposed, and may form a structure in which water supplied can be stored. In addition, the bed 300 may be formed of a plastic material to form a structure for guiding the flow of supplied water.

A bed flange 301 extending outwardly is formed around the bed 300 . A bed tray 350 to be described below may be seated on the bed flange 301 . And, the inner region of the bed flange 301 becomes a region in which the pod 10 can be disposed.

A depression 302 is formed inside the bed flange 301 , and the bed tray 350 may be seated in the depression 302 . The recessed portion 302 may be formed to accommodate the entire plurality of pod seating portions 351 and 352 formed in the bed tray 350 . In addition, when the bed tray 350 is mounted, the upper surface of the bed 300 and the lower surface of the bed tray 350 may be in contact with each other and overlapped.

A water supply part 310 may be formed at the rear end of the bed 300 . The water supply part 310 may be located at one end of both left and right sides, and may be formed in a shape protruding backward from the rear end of the bed 300 . That is, the water supply unit 310 may be positioned vertically below the ends of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b protruding from the side surface of the cultivation space 101 .

At least a portion of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b may be formed of a tube made of a flexible resin material. In addition, a coil member 783 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b. The coil member 783 is formed of a metal wire material and may have a spring-like structure. The water supply pipes 780a and 780b may be disposed to pass through the coil member 783 .

Depending on the shape in which the coil member 783 is bent, the shape of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b may be maintained, and thus the water supply pipes 780a and 780b may maintain the bent shape.

A sleeve 782 may be formed at the ends of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b. The sleeve 782 may be formed in a metal tube shape. The sleeve 782 may cover at least the water supply pipes 780a and 780b exposed to the inside of the cultivation space 101 . Therefore, the sleeve 782 allows the ends of the water supply pipes 780a and 780b to maintain a predetermined position, and it is always possible to accurately supply water to the area of the water supply unit 310 to prevent overflow of water during the water supply process. have.

The water supply part 310 may be formed in a shape in which an upper surface is opened and a lower surface is depressed. The periphery of the water supply unit 310 protrudes to a predetermined height to prevent water supplied from the water supply pipes 780a and 780b from splashing or overflowing.

A water collecting unit 320 in which water supplied through the water supply unit 310 is stored may be formed in the bed 300 . A water guide part 330 may be recessed between the water supply part 310 and the water collection part 320 . That is, the water guide unit 330 may connect the water supply unit 310 and the water collection unit 320 , and the water supplied to the water supply unit 310 follows the water guide unit 330 to the water collection unit. 320 may be supplied.

The water supply unit 310 is positioned higher than the water collection unit 320 , and water from the water supply unit 310 may naturally flow into the water collection unit 320 . In addition, the water guide part 330 may be formed to have an inclination that gradually decreases from the water supply part 310 toward the water collecting part 320 . Accordingly, when water is supplied to the water supply unit 310 , it may be naturally supplied to the water collection unit 320 along the water guide unit 330 .

Meanwhile, guide walls 331 may be formed on both sides of the water guide part 330 to form the water guide part 330 . The guide wall 331 may extend from the water supply unit 310 to the water collection unit 320 , and a pair may be spaced apart from each other to form both sides of the water guide unit 330 . In addition, the guide wall 331 may be formed to have a height corresponding to the height of the bed flange 301 to support the bed tray 350 from below.

Accordingly, the water guided from the water supply unit 310 to the water collecting unit 320 by the water guide unit 330 may be directed toward the water collecting unit 320 without overflowing to the outside. In particular, the bottom surface of the water guide part 330 may be inclined at a height higher than that of the water collecting part 320 by the guide wall 331 extending upward.

In addition, even in a situation where the height difference between the water supply unit 310 and the water collection unit 320 is not large, the water supplied to the water supply unit 310 may be directed toward the water collection unit 320 without overflowing. In addition, it is possible to provide a path of sufficient space so that water can be smoothly guided from the water supply unit 310 to the water collection unit 320 . That is, it provides a structure in which the water of the water supply unit 310 can be stably supplied without excessively deepening the depression depth of the water collection unit 320 , thereby increasing the vertical thickness of the bed 300 . This can be prevented, and the bed 300 can have a slim structure.

The guide wall 331 and the water guide part 330 may extend between a pair of pod seating parts 352 recessed in the bed tray 350 . Accordingly, the guide wall 331 can be prevented from interfering when the bed tray 350 is seated, and a space for water supply can be secured through the space between the adjacent pod seating parts 352 .

Meanwhile, in the central region of the bed 300 , a water collecting unit 320 for storing water supplied to the pod 10 may be recessed. The water collecting unit 320 is more depressed than the bottom surface of the depression 302 formed around the water collecting unit 320 so that water supplied to the water supply unit 310 is stored only in the water collecting unit 320 area. state can exist.

In detail, the water collecting part 320 is located at the center of the bed 300 and may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the bed 300 , that is, from the left end to the right end. In addition, the water collecting part 320 may be formed to have a predetermined width in the front and rear directions to accommodate both the seating part openings 351a and 352a formed in the bed tray 350 .

In addition, a bed protrusion 340 protruding upward may be formed in the central portion of the bed 300 . The height of the bed protrusion 340 may be the same as or higher than the height of the depression 302 . The bed protrusion 340 may be located in the center of the water collecting part 320 .

Accordingly, the water collecting unit 320 may have a closed loop shape, and water introduced through the water guide unit 330 may flow along the inside of the closed loop water collecting unit 320 . In addition, a portion of the area of the water collecting unit 320 located in front of the bed protrusion 340 may be referred to as a front water collecting unit 321 , and a portion located at the rear of the bed protrusion 340 may be referred to as a rear side. It may be referred to as a water collecting unit 322 .

The distance between the outer end of the water collecting part 320 and the bed protrusion 340 may be greater than the front and rear widths of the seating part openings 351a and 352a. Accordingly, when the bed tray 350 is seated, the seating part openings 351a and 352a may be disposed along the water collecting part 320 .

The front and rear widths of the front water collecting part 321 and the rear collecting part 322 in which the seating part openings 351a and 352a are located are equal to or slightly larger than the front and rear width of the pod seating part 352 . can be formed, so that an appropriate amount of water required for water supply to the pod 10 can be effectively supplied to the pod 10 . In addition, it is possible to prevent unnecessary water from remaining in the water collecting unit 320 for a long period of time, thereby preventing contamination of the bed 300 and always maintaining a clean state.

Meanwhile, a sensing unit 323 may be formed in an inner region of the water collecting unit 320 . The sensing unit 323 may be formed at a position corresponding to the residual water sensing device 742 located below. In a state in which the bed 300 is fully retracted, the residual water detection device 742 may have a structure capable of being in close contact with the detection unit 323 .

In this case, the sensing unit 323 may have a shape that protrudes when viewed from above and is recessed when viewed from below. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the residual water detecting device 742 from interfering with the detecting unit 323 in the process of withdrawing and withdrawing the bed 300 , thereby preventing the bed 300 from being blocked.

In addition, due to the structure of the protruding sensing unit 323 , the water supplied to the sensing unit 323 does not accumulate, and it is possible to accurately determine whether additional water is needed to the water collecting unit 320 .

A bed handle 361 may be formed on the front surface of the bed 300 . The bed handle 361 may have a structure in which a lower surface is depressed so that a user can hold the bed 300 when withdrawing it. In addition, the front surface of the bed handle 361 may be formed of the same material as the tank handle 711 or may be formed of a material of the same texture to have a sense of unity.

Meanwhile, the bed tray 350 is seated on the upper surface of the bed 300 , and may form an upper surface appearance of the bed 300 . The bed tray 350 may be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel to make the appearance neat and hygienically managed.

The bed tray 350 is formed in a size capable of shielding the upper surface of the bed 300 and may be formed in a plate shape. Accordingly, in a state in which the bed tray 350 is mounted on the bed 300 , the upper surface of the bed 300 is formed.

In addition, a plurality of pod seating portions 351 and 352 on which the pod 10 is mounted may be formed in the bed tray 350 . The pod seating parts 351 and 352 are recessed in a shape corresponding to the pod 10 so that the pod 10 can be seated, and a plurality of pod seating parts 351 and 352 may be continuously disposed. Accordingly, a plurality of the pods 10 may be disposed on the bed tray 350 .

A plurality of the pod seating parts 351 and 352 may be disposed in the first half and the second half based on the center, respectively, and may be formed to have the same size. The pod seating parts 351 and 352 may include a front pod seating part 351 disposed at the front of the bed tray 350 and a rear pod seating part 352 disposed at the rear side of the bed tray 350 .

Seating part openings 351a and 352a may be formed in the pod seating parts 351 and 352 . The seating part openings 351a and 352a can pass through the pod protrusion 16 protruding from the lower surface of the pod 10, and the pod protrusion 16 can come into contact with the water inside the water collecting part 320. let it be The seating part openings 351a and 352a respectively formed in the plurality of pod seating parts 351 and 352 may be disposed along an area corresponding to the water collecting part 320 .

In detail, when the bed tray 350 is seated on the bed 300 , the seating part openings 351a and 352a are located on the water collecting part 320 so that the water stored in the water collecting part 320 is stored in the water collecting part 320 . It may be supplied to the pod 10 through the seating openings 351a and 352a.

In this embodiment, the water collecting part 320 is arranged in the horizontal direction in the center of the bed 300, and therefore the seating part openings 351a and 352a are also located above the inside of the water collecting part 320 and corresponding to the upper part. It may be formed in a position close to the center side of the bed tray 350 as possible.

In more detail, all of the seating part openings 351a formed in the front pod seating part 351 disposed in front of the bed 300 are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the pod seating part 352, and the bed All of the seating part openings 352a formed in the rear pod seating part 352 disposed at the rear of the 300 may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the pod seating part 352 . That is, the seating part openings 351a and 352a may be continuously disposed along the inner region of the water collecting part 320 .

Hereinafter, the structure of the pod 10 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the inside of a pod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the pod 10 may be configured by types of plants that can be cultivated with the plant cultivation apparatus 1 . Of course, each of the pods 10 composed of several types of plants may all have the same size, and may have a size set to be accommodated in the pod seat 352 . Therefore, the user can select the pod 10 of the plant desired to be cultivated and seated at a desired position on the bed 300 to start cultivation.

The inside of the pod 10 contains seeds and nutrients of plants for cultivation. Accordingly, the pod 10 may be referred to as a “seed package”.

In detail, the pod 10 includes a pod housing 11 and a vermiculite layer 20 disposed inside the pod housing 11 .

The pod housing 11 forms an accommodating space 13 for accommodating the vermiculite layer 20 therein. The pod housing 11 may be formed in a container shape with an open upper surface. That is, the pod housing 11 includes a plate-shaped bottom surface 11a and a side surface 11b extending upward from the edge of the bottom surface 11a to form the accommodating space 13 therein. can do. For example, the pod housing 11 may be formed in a rectangular box shape with an open top.

The pod 10 further includes a pod protrusion 16 protruding downward from the bottom surface 11a. The pod protrusion 16 may be formed to extend downward along the circumference from the opening 12 formed at any point on the bottom surface 11a.

The pod protrusion 16 may come into contact with water inside the water collecting part 320 of the bed 300 . At this time, a water hole 16a for introducing water is formed on the lower surface of the pod protrusion 16, and water from the water collecting unit 320 flows into the inside of the pod housing 11 through the hand hole 16a. can be

The accommodating space 13 of the pod housing 11 may be filled with a vermiculite layer 20 .

The vermiculite layer 20 may be configured to suppress microorganisms such as mold or bacteria generated in the pod 10 and to improve plant cultivation performance.

The vermiculite (vermiculite) contained in the vermiculite layer 20 is a material produced by the alteration action of biotite, and has a characteristic of expanding up to 20 times its original thickness during high-temperature heat treatment, and has a high retention capacity and gas exchange function and a high bulk density. is low In addition, since the vermiculite has a property of absorbing moisture in the soil as well as moisture in the air, it can maintain moisture until the sown seeds germinate.

In this embodiment, the vermiculite may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm. In addition, the vermiculite layer 20 may be composed of 100% or close to 100% of the vermiculite based on weight %.

Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the configuration of the pod 10 is simplified because it is possible to sufficiently supply moisture necessary for plant growth and only one type of medium is used.

The vermiculite layer 20 includes a nutrient solution material (not shown). The nutrient solution material is a material containing nutrients that are supplied so that plants can grow better. Such a nutrient solution material may be provided in the form of a water-soluble capsule that is gradually dissolved in water, and may be configured to be contained in the feed water while gradually dissolving each time the feed water is supplied.

In addition, the plant seeds 32 are located in the vermiculite layer 20 . The seeds 32 are planted inside the vermiculite layer 20 , receive moisture and nutrients from the vermiculite layer 20 , and grow by the light irradiated from the light assembly 400 .

A plurality of the seeds 32 are included, and the plurality of seeds 32 may be directly planted in the vermiculite layer 20 or disposed in a fixed state on a separate carrier. The seeds 32 are preferably not exposed to the outside of the vermiculite layer 20 because moisture escapes as the time of contact with the outside air increases.

Accordingly, the seeds 32 may be covered by the vermiculite layer 20 and located adjacent to the upper portion of the vermiculite layer 20 for germination. For example, the seeds 32 may be located above the line C that bisects the vertical height H of the vermiculite layer 20 .

The pod 10 may further include a packing member 70 disposed on the upper surface of the vermiculite layer 20 .

The packing member 70 is provided between the vermiculite layer 20 and the protective paper 90 to be described later to protect the internal configuration of the pod housing 11 . The packing member 70 may be interposed in close contact between the upper surface of the vermiculite layer 20 and the lower surface of the protective paper 90 . Accordingly, when the pod 10 is transported or moved, the packing member 70 can stably support the vermiculite layer 20 and minimize internal damage.

The pod 10 further includes a protective paper 90 covering the open upper surface of the pod housing 11 .

The type of plant to be cultivated may be printed on the protective paper 90 to provide information about the pod 10 to the user. The protective paper 90 may be disposed on the packing member 70 .

The protective paper 90 covers the upper portion of the pod housing 11 in a detachable state. Accordingly, when the user separates the protective paper 90 from the pod housing 11 , the packing member 70 is exposed inside the protective paper 90 . The protective paper 90 is formed of a thin and flexible material, for example, may be formed of a metal such as aluminum, paper, or a synthetic resin material.

The protective paper 90 and the packing member 70 are for packaging, and may be unnecessary in the process of cultivating plants. Accordingly, the protective paper 90 and the packing member 70 are removed before use of the pod 10 , and the pod 10 may be seated on the bed 300 .

Hereinafter, the operation of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above structure will be described.

The user selects a plant desired to be cultivated, and after removing the protective paper 90 of the corresponding pod 10 , is seated on the bed 300 . When the pod 10 is seated on the bed 300 , a predetermined amount of water stored in the water tank 710 is supplied to the bed 300 .

In this case, the amount of water supplied is a set amount, and may be slightly less than the amount to be sufficiently supplied to the pod 10 . Accordingly, the supplied water may be absorbed from the water collecting unit 320 to the pod 10 , and when a predetermined time elapses, the supplied water is completely absorbed, so that no water remains in the water collecting unit 320 .

When it is sensed that there is no water in the water collecting unit 320, it is re-supplied with a fixed amount of water and it is sensed that no water is left in the water collecting unit 320, and the control unit 190 detects the time at this time and sets the time. It is determined whether this has elapsed.

While repeating this process, a quantity of water is continuously supplied and the time taken to be absorbed by the pod 10 is measured. If the time for which no water remains in the water collecting unit 320 after water supply has elapsed for a set time, it is determined that sufficient water has been supplied and the water supply is stopped for a certain period of time. Then, when the conditions for re-watering are satisfied, water-supplying is started again.

Accordingly, the water collection unit 320 does not maintain a state of being accommodated for a long time, and water in an amount necessary for plant growth can be supplied in a timely manner. In addition, the nutrients required for plant growth are supplied in the form of a nutrient solution contained in the pod 10 so that the plant inside the pod 10 can grow effectively.

Meanwhile, the light is irradiated toward the plant growing in the pod 10 by the operation of the light assembly 400 . The light assembly 400 may be turned on/off at an appropriate time period according to the growth state and environment of the plant. In particular, by turning the light assembly 400 on/off according to the actual amount of sunlight according to the season, it is possible to provide an environment similar to that of the plants inside the plant cultivation apparatus 1 growing in the external natural environment.

The plants of the pod 10 perform photosynthesis by the light provided by the light assembly 400, and in this process, carbon dioxide necessary for this process may be supplied through the air introduced into the cultivation space.

On the other hand, when the temperature inside the cultivation space 101 is too low, the heater is driven, and when the temperature inside the cultivation space 101 is too high, the refrigeration cycle is driven and the evaporator 630 performs a cooling action. do.

Air heated or cooled by the heater or evaporator 630 is discharged forward through the blower assembly 500 . At this time, air flows from the rear end of the light assembly 400 to the front, and the lower surface of the light assembly 400 is cooled during the air flow process.

Then, the air moved forward flows downward from the front end of the bed 300 to the rear end of the bed 300 . Stems and leaves of plants grown in the bed 300 are shaken by the flow of air flowing on the upper surface of the bed 300, so that the appearance of the cultivated plants can be remarkably improved.

The air introduced into the rear end of the bed 300 passes through the space in which the evaporator 630 and the heater are disposed again, and may be discharged toward the light assembly 400 by the blower fan 520 .

The air flowing by the operation of the blower fan 520 circulates inside the cultivation space 101, and continuously air-cools the light assembly 400 during the circulation process and prevents the growth of food in the pod 10. can promote

In addition, by continuously and uniformly heating and cooling the inside of the cultivation space 101 through a repeated air circulation process, the entire cultivation space 101 may maintain a set temperature.

Meanwhile, the user can check the state inside the cultivation space 101 through the door 130 , and when the plants in the cultivation space 101 reach a harvestable state, the plants are harvested. In addition, if plant management is required before harvest, an appropriate operation is performed, and unnecessary crops may be discarded or the harvested pod 10 may be removed.

This harvesting and management operation may be performed by a user through guidance through the display assembly 800 , and information may be transmitted to a device carried by the user to guide the user's harvesting and management operation.

14 is an exploded perspective view of a light assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a light case of the light assembly, and FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view of the light case.

14 to 16 , the light assembly 400 may have a size corresponding to the upper surface of the cultivation space 101 or the bed 300 . In addition, the light assembly 400 may be positioned directly above the bed 300 to evenly irradiate light to the entire area of the bed 300 disposed below the light assembly 400 .

The light assembly 400 includes a light case 410 having an open upper surface and accommodating the LED module 420 therein, and a cover plate 460 for shielding the opened upper surface of the light case 410 . can do.

The light case 410 may include a bottom surface 411 formed in a rectangular plate shape, and a case edge 412 extending upward along the circumference of the bottom surface 411 .

The front surface 412a of the case edge 412 facing the door 130 may be inclined to minimize exposure of the light assembly 400 when the user opens the door 130 .

A module mounting part 413 may be formed in the first half and the second half based on the center of the bottom surface 411 of the light case 410 . The module mounting part 413 is a part on which the LED module 420 is mounted, and may be configured to mount a plurality of LED modules 420 .

When the LED module 420 is configured as one, there is a problem that the entire LED module 420 must be replaced when an abnormality occurs in the LED module 420, and when the number of the LED modules 420 is too large, mounting and assembly There is a problem in that the operation is difficult and the arrangement of the wires connected to the LED module 420 is not easy.

Therefore, the LED module 420 is composed of two and arranged in front and rear, and a temperature sensor mounting part 415 for installing the temperature sensor 450 between the LED modules 420 and a residual water detection sensor 440 . It is possible to secure a space in which the residual water detection device mounting unit 414 for installing the .

Since the bed 300 is not provided on the upper light assembly 400b of the light assembly 400 mounted on the upper surface of the cultivation space 101, the residual water detection sensor 440 may not be provided. The residual water detection device mounting part 414 may be formed in both the upper light assembly 400b and the lower light assembly 400a, but the residual water detection sensor 440 is provided only in the lower light assembly 400a, so that the upper bed It is possible to detect whether there is residual water in (300b).

The module mounting part 413 may be defined by a mounting part rim 413a. The mounting part rim 413a protrudes upward along the circumference of the LED module 420 , and thus a space in which the LED module 420 is accommodated by the mounting part rim 413a may be formed. The mounting part rim 413a has a protruding shape when viewed from above, and a recessed shape when viewed from below, so that the light cover 430 to be described below can be mounted thereon.

A light groove 413b may be formed inside the module mounting part 413 . The light groove 413b is formed along the arrangement of the LEDs 422 provided in the LED module 420 , and extends from the left end to the right end inside the module mounting part 413 , and is continuous in the front-rear direction. can be placed as

The light groove 413b may have a protruding shape when viewed from above and a recessed shape when viewed from below. In addition, a plurality of LED holes 413c may be formed along the protruding center of the light groove 413 .

The LED holes 413c may be formed at corresponding positions so that the LEDs 422 can be exposed. In addition, both sides of the light groove 413b are formed to be inclined or rounded around the LED hole 413c, so that the light irradiated from the LED 422 is reflected through the light groove 413b and irradiated downward. make it possible In addition, the inner surface of the light groove 413b may be surface-treated or coated to more effectively reflect light.

The LED module 420 may be configured such that a plurality of LEDs 422 are mounted on a substrate 421 . The substrate 421 may be formed to have a size corresponding to that of the module mounting part 413 , and may be fixed inside the mounting part rim 413a.

A plurality of the LEDs 422 may be continuously disposed on the substrate 421 at regular intervals. In this case, the LED 422 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the LED hole 413c. The LED 422 may be configured to have a light quantity (wavelength) similar to sunlight, and may be configured to irradiate light of a color capable of promoting photosynthesis of plants.

Meanwhile, the light assembly 400 may further include a UV module to be described below. The UV module is configured to emit ultraviolet rays of a relatively short wavelength among ultraviolet wavelengths. The UV module may be installed on the light case 410 or the substrate 421 to emit ultraviolet rays from the upper side of the bed 300 to the lower side.

A cover sheet 423 may be provided above the LED module 420 . The cover sheet 423 is to prevent moisture penetration or contamination damage into the substrate 421 , and may be formed in a size to completely shield the substrate 421 from above. The cover sheet 423 may be formed of an insulating material, and may be formed of an insulating material to prevent heat from penetrating upward during the operation of the LED 422 .

Blower assembly mounting parts 415 to which the blower assembly 500 can be mounted may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the light case 410 . The blower assembly mounting part 415 may be formed by recessing the lower surface of the light case 410 so that blower brackets (not shown) provided on both upper sides of the blower assembly 500 can be inserted.

The cover plate 460 may have a size corresponding to that of the light case 410 . The cover plate 460 may be formed in a plate shape to shield the opened upper surface of the light case 410 .

Boss holes 462 corresponding to mounting bosses 416 formed at four corners of the light case 410 may be formed in the cover plate 460 . Accordingly, the screw fastened below the mounting boss 416 may pass through the boss hole 462 and be fastened to the surface on which the light assembly 400 is mounted.

A sensor hole 461 may be formed in the cover plate 460 at a position corresponding to the residual water detection sensor 440 . Accordingly, the residual water detection device provided with the residual water detection sensor 440 may be exposed upwardly of the cover plate 460 , and may come into contact with the lower surface of the bed 300 disposed above and may be disposed inside the bed 300 . Residual water can be detected. Of course, since the bed 300 is not disposed above the light assembly 400b disposed above the light assembly 400 , the residual water detecting device and the sensor hole 461 may be omitted.

Meanwhile, a plurality of light assemblies 400 may be provided when the cultivation space 101 is partitioned by the beds 300 in multiple stages. In addition, the uppermost light assembly 400b among the plurality of light assemblies 400 may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the cultivation space 101 , and the lower light assembly 400a may be mounted below the bed 300a. It may be fixedly mounted adjacent to the lower surface of the bed 300 . In this case, the screw fastened for mounting the light assembly 400 may be fastened through the mounting boss 416 and the boss hole 462 .

A light cover 430 may be provided on a lower surface of the light case 410 . The light cover 430 may be mounted on the light case 410 to form a portion of a lower surface of the light case 410 . In addition, the light cover 430 may be configured to shield the module mounting part 413 from below to protect the LED 422 disposed inside the module mounting part 413 .

The light cover 430 may be formed of a transparent material to allow light to pass through, and a coating or surface treatment for light diffusion may be added to the light cover 430 .

An upwardly bent cover rim 431 may be formed around the light cover 430 , and the cover rim 431 may be inserted and fixed inside the recessed inside of the mounting part rim 413a.

17 is a view showing how the UV module is operated inside the plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a view showing the arrangement relationship between the UV module and the pod according to the embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a view from above of the light assembly 400 positioned above the bed 300 or the pod 10 .

17 and 18 , the plant cultivation apparatus 1 of the present invention may further include a UV module 50 for irradiating UV (Ultraviolet Ray). The UV module 50 is configured to remove mold and algae that may occur in the pod 10 , and to increase the germination rate or growth rate of growing plants to improve cultivation performance (yield yield).

In particular, the UV module 50 of the present invention may emit UV-C belonging to a relatively short wavelength of the UV wavelength. Specifically, the UV module 50 may emit ultraviolet rays of 275 to 280 nm, and preferably, ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of around 278 nm.

The reason for this is that the UV-C LED, which emits UV with a wavelength of around 278 nm, had the highest UV output and the most stable heat dissipation.

The UV module 50 may be installed in the light assembly 400 to irradiate UV-C from above to below the bed 300 . At this time, the UV module 50 is composed of a plurality, so that UV-C can be evenly irradiated toward the plurality of pods 10 seated on the bed 300 .

The UV module 50 may be disposed above the bed 300 at a point between neighboring pods 10 . That is, the UV module 50 is disposed above the bed 300 so as not to overlap the pod 10 . This is because, when UV-C with strong sterilization power is irradiated directly above the pod 10, excessive UV-C irradiation may adversely affect plants.

In this embodiment, it will be described that three UV modules 51, 52, 53 are installed above the lower bed 300a and the upper bed 300b, respectively. In addition, it will be described that the six pods 10 are seated on the bed 300 under the light assembly 400 .

Specifically, a plurality of pods 10 may be arranged at regular intervals in the bed 300 . The plurality of pods 10 includes a first pod 10a, a second pod 10b, a third pod 10c, a fourth pod 10d, a fifth pod 10e, and a sixth pod 10f. include The plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a direction from an upper left end to a lower right end with respect to the upper surface of the bed 300 . That is, the plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a two-row, three-column matrix.

The UV module 50 may include a first UV module 51 , a second UV module 52 , and a third UV module 53 .

The plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , and 53 may be arranged side by side at regular intervals in the light assembly 400 . The plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 may be installed in the light case 410 and arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

Specifically, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 may be disposed at a location corresponding to an intermediate point between neighboring pods 10 .

For example, the first UV module 51 is disposed between the first pod 10a and the fourth pod 10d, and the second UV module 52 is the second pod It is disposed between (10b) and the fifth pod (10e), and the third UV module 53 is located between the third pod (10c) and the sixth pod (10f). can be placed.

That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 are respectively disposed between two pods 10 adjacent to the front and rear, so that the plurality of pods 10 can be evenly irradiated with UV-C. can make it

Meanwhile, the LED module 420 may be disposed to overlap the plurality of pods 10 in the vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 may be installed in the LED case 410 and disposed to avoid the LED module 420 . That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 may be disposed in a space between the LED modules 420 adjacent to the LED case 410 .

Alternatively, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 may be arranged side by side along a horizontal virtual line 61 that bisects the light case 410 . And the plurality of UV modules (51, 52, 53) is a vertical imaginary line (62, 63, 64) that bisects the neighboring pod 10 in the front and rear, and the imaginary line 61 in the horizontal direction meets It can be placed at each point.

Meanwhile, differently from this, among the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , the first UV module 51 and the third UV module 53 may be omitted. In other words, only the second UV module 52 disposed between the second pod 10b and the fifth pod 10e corresponding to the middle row may be provided in the LED case 410 . In this case, the UV module 52 is made of one, and can emit ultraviolet rays with six pods 10 .

19 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the UV module and the pod according to another embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a view from above of the light assembly 400 positioned above the bed 300 or the pod 10 .

In this embodiment, four UV modules 51, 52, 53, 54 are installed above the lower bed 300a and the upper bed 300b, respectively. In addition, it will be described that the six pods 10 are seated on the bed 300 under the light assembly 400 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , a plurality of pods 10 may be arranged at regular intervals in the bed 300 . The plurality of pods 10 includes a first pod 10a, a second pod 10b, a third pod 10c, a fourth pod 10d, a fifth pod 10e, and a sixth pod 10f. include The plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a direction from an upper left end to a lower right end with respect to the upper surface of the bed 300 . That is, the plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a two-row, three-column matrix.

The UV module 50 may include a first UV module 51 , a second UV module 52 , a third UV module 53 , and a fourth UV module 54 .

The plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , and 54 may be arranged in a grid shape or a rectangular shape in the light assembly 400 . That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , and 54 may have a shape disposed at each vertex of a rectangle.

Specifically, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , and 54 may be disposed at a location corresponding to an intermediate point between neighboring pods 10 .

For example, the first UV module 51 is disposed between the first pod 10a and the second pod 10b, and the second UV module 52 is the second It is disposed between the pod 10b and the third pod 10c, and the third UV module 53 is disposed between the fourth pod 10d and the fifth pod 10e. The fourth UV module 54 may be disposed between the fifth pod 10e and the sixth pod 10f.

That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , and 54 are respectively disposed between the two pods 10 adjacent to the left and right, so that the plurality of pods 10 evenly distribute UV-C. may be subject to investigation.

Meanwhile, the LED module 420 may be disposed to overlap the plurality of pods 10 in the vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 may be installed in the LED module 420 . That is, the first UV module 51 and the second UV module 52 are installed in one LED module 420, and the third UV module 53 and the fourth UV module 54 are installed in the other one. It may be installed in the LED module 420 .

20 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the UV module and the pod according to another embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a top view of the light assembly 400 positioned above the bed 300 or the pod 10 .

In this embodiment, two UV modules 51 and 52 are installed above the lower bed 300a and the upper bed 300b, respectively. In addition, it will be described that the six pods 10 are seated on the bed 300 under the light assembly 400 .

Referring to FIG. 20 , a plurality of pods 10 may be arranged at regular intervals in the bed 300 . The plurality of pods 10 includes a first pod 10a, a second pod 10b, a third pod 10c, a fourth pod 10d, a fifth pod 10e, and a sixth pod 10f. include The plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a direction from an upper left end to a lower right end with respect to the upper surface of the bed 300 . That is, the plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a two-row, three-column matrix.

The UV module 50 may include a first UV module 51 and a second UV module 52 .

The plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 may be arranged side by side at regular intervals in the light assembly 400 . The plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 may be installed in the light case 410 and arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

Specifically, the plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 may be disposed at a location corresponding to an intermediate point between the neighboring pods 10 .

For example, the first UV module 51 is located between the first pod 10a, the second pod 10b, and the fourth pod 10c and the fifth pod 10e. The second UV module 52 is disposed between the second pod 10b, the third pod 10c, and the fifth pod 10e and the sixth pod 10f. It can be placed where appropriate.

That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 are respectively disposed between the four neighboring pods 10, so that the plurality of pods 10 can be evenly irradiated with UV-C. have.

Meanwhile, the LED module 420 may be disposed to overlap the plurality of pods 10 in the vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 may be installed in the LED case 410 and disposed to avoid the LED module 420 . That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 may be disposed in a space between the LED modules 420 adjacent to the LED case 410 .

Alternatively, the plurality of UV modules 51 and 52 may be arranged side by side along an imaginary line 61 in the horizontal direction that bisects the light case 410 .

21 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of a UV module and a pod according to another embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a view of the light assembly 400 positioned above the bed 300 or the pod 10 as viewed from above.

In this embodiment, six UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 and 56 are installed above the lower bed 300a and the upper bed 300b , respectively. In addition, it will be described that the six pods 10 are seated on the bed 300 under the light assembly 400 .

Referring to FIG. 21 , a plurality of pods 10 may be arranged at regular intervals in the bed 300 . The plurality of pods 10 includes a first pod 10a, a second pod 10b, a third pod 10c, a fourth pod 10d, a fifth pod 10e, and a sixth pod 10f. include The plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a direction from an upper left end to a lower right end with respect to the upper surface of the bed 300 . That is, the plurality of pods 10 may be arranged in a two-row, three-column matrix.

The UV module 50 includes a first UV module 51, a second UV module 52, a third UV module 53, a fourth UV module 54, a fifth UV module 55, and a sixth UV module 56 .

The plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 and 56 may be disposed at the center of each of the plurality of pods 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f. That is, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 and 56 are disposed vertically above each of the plurality of pods 10 , so that the plurality of pods 10 evenly irradiate UV-C. can make it available to you.

In this case, the plurality of UV modules 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 may be installed in the LED module 420 . That is, the first UV module 51, the second UV module 52 and the third UV module 53 are installed in one LED module 420, and the fourth UV module 54, the fifth UV The module 55 and the sixth UV module 56 may be installed in another LED module 420 .

22 is a view showing UV intensity and UV dose according to the number of UV modules of the present invention, and FIGS. 23 and 24 are views showing UV sterilization performance according to the number of UV modules of the present invention.

23 is a view showing the result of sterilizing the mold for 1 day using 1 to 4 UV modules 50, and FIG. 24 is a view showing the results of sterilizing the mold for 2 days using 1 to 4 UV modules 50. A drawing showing the results of sterilization.

22 to 24, when UV sterilization experiments are performed using 1 to 4 UV modules 50, respectively, when using three UV modules 50, the UV intensity and UV dose are the largest. was confirmed to be

In addition, when UV sterilization experiments were performed for 1 day and 2 days using 1 to 4 UV modules 50, respectively, "Log reduction" represents 3 or 4 or more. Here, when log reduction is 3 or more, it may mean 99.9% sterilization performance, and if 4 or more, it may mean 99.99% sterilization performance.

In particular, when UV sterilization is performed using three or four UV modules 50, it was found that the UV sterilization performance is the best.

25 is a graph showing the mold area according to the number of UV modules of the present invention.

Specifically, FIG. 25 shows a case in which UV sterilization is not performed on the pod 10 in which cultivated plants grow (control, experiment 1) and a case where UV sterilization is performed using three UV modules 50 (experiment 2). And, it shows the mold area according to each case of UV sterilization using six UV modules 50 (experiment 3).

As shown in FIG. 25 , it can be seen that the mold area is significantly reduced in the second experiment using a plurality of UV modules 50 and the third experiment in the case of the first experiment without UV sterilization. In particular, when UV sterilization is performed using six UV modules 50, it can be seen that the mold area is further reduced.

However, when the number of UV modules 50 is excessively installed, the germination and growth of cultivated plants may be adversely affected due to the high sterilization power of UV-C. Therefore, considering the growth environment and sterilization power of the cultivated plant, it may be most preferable to use three or four UV modules 50 .

26 is a view showing mold generated in a pod that has not been subjected to UV sterilization, FIG. 27 is a view showing mold generated in a pod that has been subjected to UV sterilization in the first sterilization mode according to the present invention, and FIG. It is a view showing mold generated in a pod that has been subjected to UV sterilization in the second sterilization mode according to the present invention.

26 to 28 show the inside of the pod on day 14 under each experimental condition.

Here, in the first sterilization mode, the UV intensity is 2mW, the wavelength is 278nm, and the sterilization time (light exposure time) means an operation mode that repeats 1 minute ON and 9 minutes OFF during the week (total 14 hours) per day. . At this time, the UV module 50 may be OFF at night (10 hours in total).

In the second sterilization mode, the UV intensity is 2mW, the wavelength is 278nm, and the sterilization time (light exposure time) means an operation mode that repeats 1 minute ON and 19 minutes OFF during the week (14 hours) per day. At this time, at night (10 hours), the UV module 50 may be OFF.

First, as shown in FIG. 26 , when UV sterilization was not performed on the pod 10 at all, it was found that the mold 80 was generated at a level of 10% relative to the pod area in the pod 10 . That is, it can be seen that the upper surface of the vermiculite layer 20 included in the pod 10 occupies 10% of the area of the mold 80 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 27 , it was found that when UV sterilization was performed in the first sterilization mode, mold 80 was generated in the pod 10 at a level of 3% compared to the pod area. That is, it can be seen that the upper surface of the vermiculite layer 20 included in the pod 10 occupies 3% of the area of the mold 80 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 28 , it was found that when UV sterilization was performed in the second sterilization mode, mold 80 was generated in the pod 10 at a level of 3% compared to the pod area. That is, it can be seen that the upper surface of the vermiculite layer 20 included in the pod 10 occupies 3% of the area of the mold 80 .

In summary, when referring to this experiment, if the UV module 50 is turned on for 1 minute during the week (14 hours) per day and turned off for 9 minutes to 19 minutes, the sterilization performance of the cultivated plants is satisfied while the UV damage could be minimized.

29 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 29 , in step S1 , the plant cultivation apparatus 1 starts a cultivation operation.

Specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may receive a command for cultivation operation from a user. The command for the cultivation operation may be input through the display assembly 800 installed in the plant cultivation apparatus 1 or a portable device communicatively connected to the plant cultivation apparatus 1 .

In step S2, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether a pod is mounted.

The plant cultivation apparatus 1 may determine whether the pod 10 is mounted or seated on the bed 300 . The plant cultivation apparatus 1 may be provided with a recognition unit (not shown) for detecting that the pod 10 is mounted on the bed 300 .

For example, when the pod 10 is mounted on the bed 300 , the recognition unit may detect the mounting of the pod 10 . The recognition unit may be installed around the bed 300 . The pod 10 includes an NFC tag, a QR code, a barcode, and the like, and the recognition unit recognizes the NFC tag, the QR code, and the barcode to detect the mounting of the pod 10 .

When the plant cultivation apparatus 1 detects that the pod 10 is mounted, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may notify the user of completion of the installation of the pod through the display assembly 800 or the portable device.

When the pod is mounted, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 drives the UV module 50 in the first sterilization mode in step S3.

Here, the first sterilization mode has a UV intensity of 2 mW, a wavelength of 278 nm, and a sterilization time (light exposure time) means an operation mode that repeats ON for 1 minute and OFF for 9 minutes during the week (14 hours) per day. At this time, the UV module 50 may be OFF at night (10 hours).

Meanwhile, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may perform sterilization in the first sterilization mode until the cultivated plant sprouts. That is, during the germination period, it requires a lot of water before sprouting, and the growth of the fungus can be most active at this time. If mold develops, germination may not be possible and the plant may die or wither. Therefore, it is possible to help germination of cultivated plants by increasing UV intensity or sterilization time during such germination period.

In this embodiment, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may change the sterilization mode of the UV module 50 based on the previously stored plant growth cycle information. For example, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may control to reduce the total driving time of the UV module 50 based on plant growth cycle information stored in the memory.

The growth cycle information may include time information related to a germination period, a growth period, and a harvest period of the plant. For example, the germination period is a period from the time when the pod 10 is mounted to a first reference time, the growth phase is a period from the first reference time to a second reference time, and the harvest period is after the second reference time. can be defined as the period of That is, in the memory of the plant cultivation apparatus 1, time information about the germination period, growth period, and harvest period of the corresponding plant may be stored in advance.

In step S4, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether a first reference point is reached.

The plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether the current time reaches a preset first reference point in order to determine the growth cycle of the plant.

Specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may determine whether the current time has reached the first reference point in order to determine whether the plant has passed the germination phase and entered the growth phase. In this case, the first reference time point may be a time point when one week has elapsed from a time point of plant cultivation, that is, a time point at which the pod 10 is mounted. The germination period of the plant may mean a period of one week.

When the first reference point is reached, in step S5, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 drives the UV module 50 under the second sterilization condition.

Here, in the second sterilization mode, the UV intensity is 2mW, the wavelength is 278nm, and the sterilization time (light exposure time) means an operation mode that repeats 1 minute ON and 19 minutes OFF during the week (14 hours) per day. At this time, the UV module 50 may be OFF at night (10 hours).

That is, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may reduce the sterilization level (intensity) by reducing the sterilization time by the UV module 50 for a predetermined time when it is determined that the cultivated plant has entered the growing season.

The reason for reducing the sterilization level is that when the seeds start to sprout and grow, resistance to mold increases, so there is no need to strengthen the sterilization. Therefore, since it is possible to maintain an appropriate UV dose according to the growth cycle of the plant, there is an advantage in that the growth of the plant is further enhanced and the power consumption is reduced.

In step S6, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether a second reference point is reached.

The plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether the current time reaches a preset second reference point in order to determine the growth cycle of the plant.

Specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may determine whether the current time has reached the second reference point in order to determine whether the plant has passed the growing season and entered the harvesting season. In this case, the second reference time point may be a time point when two weeks have elapsed from the first reference time point. The growing season of the plant may mean a period of two weeks.

When the second reference point is reached, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 drives the UV module 50 in the third sterilization mode in step S7.

Here, the third sterilization condition is a UV intensity of 2mW, a wavelength of 278 nm, and a sterilization time (light exposure time) means a condition in which ON for 1 minute and OFF for 29 minutes are repeated during the week (14 hours) per day. At this time, the UV module 50 may be OFF at night (10 hours).

When it is determined that the cultivated plant has entered the harvesting season, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may further reduce the sterilization time by the UV module 50 to further reduce the sterilization level (intensity).

The reason for further reducing the sterilization level is that when the cultivated plant grows sufficiently, the leaves of the plant block the irradiated UV rays, and the sterilization efficiency decreases. That is, it is possible to significantly reduce power consumption by minimizing the UV sterilization time during the harvest season.

30 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a plant cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 30 , the plant cultivation apparatus 1 starts a cultivation operation in step S11, and determines whether a pod is mounted in step S12.

When the pod is mounted, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 drives the UV module 50 in the standard mode in step S13.

Here, the standard mode may be a mode for driving the UV module 50 in a predetermined sterilization mode in a general situation. For example, the standard mode may be a mode corresponding to any one of the first sterilization mode, the second sterilization mode, and the third sterilization mode described above.

In step S14, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether the door is opened for more than a third reference time. And if it is determined that the door is opened for more than the third reference time, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may switch the UV module 50 to the power mode in step S15.

Specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether the door 130 for shielding the inside of the cabinet 100 is opened for more than a set third reference time. Here, the third reference time may be, for example, 10 minutes.

When the door 130 is opened for a long time, airborne bacteria in the air may be introduced into the interior of the cabinet 100 from the outside. That is, the longer the open time of the door 130 is, the more airborne bacteria in the air are introduced, so that the UV sterilization performance by the UV module 50 may be reduced.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the open time of the door 130 is determined and the open time exceeds a predetermined time, the sterilization time (total driving time) by the UV module 50 can be increased.

The power mode of the present invention may be understood as a mode in which the total sterilization time is increased for a predetermined time compared to the sterilization mode in which the UV module 50 is currently driven.

For example, if the currently running sterilization mode is the first sterilization mode that repeats the UV module 50 ON for 1 minute and OFF for 9 minutes, the power mode turns the UV module 50 ON for 2 minutes and OFF for 8 minutes. Can be repeated.

For another example, if the currently running sterilization mode is the second sterilization mode that repeats the UV module 50 ON for 1 minute and OFF for 19 minutes, the power mode turns the UV module 50 ON for 4 minutes and OFF for 16 minutes. can be repeated.

For another example, if the currently running sterilization mode is the third sterilization mode that repeats the UV module 50 ON for 1 minute and OFF for 29 minutes, the power mode turns the UV module 50 ON for 6 minutes and 24 minutes. OFF can be repeated.

In summary, when the standard mode is switched to the power mode, the total driving time (sterilization time) of the UV module 50 is increased, so that airborne bacteria in the air introduced from the outside can be effectively removed.

In step S16, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines whether a second reference time has elapsed, and if it is determined that the fourth reference time has elapsed, returns the UV module to the standard mode in step S17.

Specifically, the plant cultivation apparatus 1 may return to the original sterilization mode when the door is opened and the power mode is performed for a predetermined time. Here, the second reference time may be, for example, 2 hours.

In other words. When the plant cultivation apparatus 1 determines that the airborne bacteria in the air introduced from the outside have been sufficiently removed by the door 130 being opened, the UV module 50 returns to the standard mode and operates in the original sterilization mode. can do it

Claims (20)

cabinets forming a growing space;
a water tank disposed in the cultivation space and storing water;
a plurality of pods provided inside the cultivation space and containing nutrients of plants for cultivation;
a bed in which the plurality of pods are spaced apart and in which the supply water supplied from the water tank is stored; and
Plant cultivation apparatus comprising a UV (Ultraviolet Ray) module disposed at a point corresponding to the upper side of the bed between neighboring pods. The method of claim 1,
The UV module is a plant cultivation device that emits ultraviolet rays having a wavelength between 275 nm and 280 nm. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of pods are arranged at regular intervals on the upper surface of the bed,
The UV module is a plant cultivation device disposed at a point corresponding to between two neighboring pods above the bed. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of pods are arranged at regular intervals on the upper surface of the bed,
The UV module is a plant cultivation device disposed at a point between the four neighboring pods above the bed. The method of claim 1,
6 of the plurality of pods are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 3 columns on the upper surface of the bed. 6. The method of claim 5,
The UV module is composed of three and is a plant cultivation device that is respectively disposed at a point between two neighboring pods in the front and rear. 6. The method of claim 5,
The UV module is composed of one and is disposed at a point corresponding to two pods adjacent to the front and rear in the center row. 6. The method of claim 5,
The UV module is composed of four, and the plant cultivation device is each disposed at a point corresponding to two pods adjacent to the left and right. 6. The method of claim 5,
The UV module is composed of two, and is a plant cultivation device that is respectively disposed at a point between the four neighboring pods. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a light assembly provided above the pod,
The UV module is a plant cultivation device installed in the light assembly. 11. The method of claim 10,
The light assembly,
a light case formed in a plate shape; and
It is provided inside the light case and includes an LED module including a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are mounted,
The UV module is a plant cultivation device installed in any one of the light case or the substrate. 12. The method of claim 11,
The LED module is a plant cultivation device disposed to overlap the plurality of pods in the vertical direction. 13. The method of claim 12,
The LED module includes a plurality of LED modules spaced apart from each other,
The UV module is a plant cultivation device disposed between neighboring LED modules. Determining whether a pod containing a plant is mounted on the bed;
driving the UV module in a preset sterilization mode when it is determined that the pod is mounted; and
A control method of a plant cultivation apparatus comprising the step of changing the sterilization mode based on the previously stored growth cycle information of the plant. 15. The method of claim 14,
The changing of the sterilization mode includes controlling to reduce the total driving time of the UV module based on the growth cycle information. 15. The method of claim 14,
The preset sterilization mode is,
A method of controlling a plant cultivation apparatus in a mode in which the UV module is turned on for a certain period of time and turned off for a certain period of time. 15. The method of claim 14,
The growth cycle information is a control method of a plant cultivation apparatus including time information related to a germination period, a growth period, and a harvest period of the plant. 18. The method of claim 17,
The germination period is a period from the time when the pod is mounted to the first reference time,
The growth phase is a period from the first reference point to the second reference point,
The harvest period is a control method of a plant cultivation apparatus defined as a period after the second reference point. 15. The method of claim 14,
determining whether the door provided in the plant cultivation apparatus is opened for more than a first reference time; and
The control method of the plant cultivation apparatus further comprising the step of controlling to increase the total driving time of the sterilization mode when it is determined that the door is opened for more than a first reference time. 20. The method of claim 19,
determining whether a second reference time has elapsed in a state in which the total driving time of the sterilization mode is increased; and
and controlling the total driving time of the sterilization mode to return to its original state when it is determined that the second reference time has elapsed.

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