JP7728604B2 - Vertical dual-type modular plant factory - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vertical dual-type modular plant factory, and more particularly to a vertical dual-type modular plant factory configured to easily cultivate plants.

Traditionally, plant cultivation has been greatly affected by the weather, resulting in inconsistent growth conditions.

To solve these problems, a method was introduced in which plants were grown in controlled facilities.

This is a concept that is distinct from simple greenhouses, as it artificially controls various conditions necessary for plant cultivation, such as internal temperature, humidity, light dosage, and nutrient dosage, and is known as a 'plant factory'.

In other words, a plant factory is a system that allows for automatic, continuous production regardless of season or location by artificially controlling environmental conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and nutrient solution within a controlled, fixed facility for agricultural products.

In this way, plant factories have the characteristics of precision agriculture, where the growth conditions of crops are scientifically managed and fertilizers and pesticides are applied, ensuring safety compared to general agricultural products. They also have the advantage of being able to realize high-value-added agriculture by cultivating functional crops that are difficult to grow in the open field.

As a result, various types of plant factory configurations have been proposed, but the cultivation results for plants can vary greatly depending on how the plant factory is configured.

However, while previously proposed methods have been able to perform some of the unique functions of plant factories, they have been somewhat lacking in terms of efficiency related to plant cultivation.

KR Registered Patent No. 10-1927620

The present invention was devised to meet the above-mentioned conventional needs, and its purpose is to provide a plant factory that maximizes the convenience and efficiency of plant cultivation for growers.

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the vertical dual-type modular plant factory of the present invention comprises a nutrient solution supply device that supplies a nutrient-containing solution (nutrient solution), a supply line connected to the nutrient solution supply device and transmitting the nutrient solution, a plurality of flat support plates facing each other, at least one flower pot holder supported by penetrating one side of each support plate, and a modular vertical bed including a core through which the nutrient solution supplied through the supply line hangs downward due to gravity and penetrates the flower pot holder, and a plurality of the flower pot holders are attached to each of the support plates on both sides of the modular vertical bed.

The flowerpot holder has a storage space for storing a flowerpot in which a plant is planted and a front opening, and is formed to protrude and be supported by penetrating one side of the mounting plate so as to slope downward. It is positioned perpendicular to the ground and partially contacts one side of the wick, which allows absorbed nutrient solution to flow downward due to gravity, to guide some of the dripping water into the flowerpot. It also includes a water-crossing jaw that forms a space for the water guided inside to accumulate on the water-crossing jaw. It also includes a number of ventilation holes formed at intervals around the roots of the plant planted in the flowerpot, and a wick hole formed perpendicular to the ground so that the wick can pass through. The wick can be fixed in position by a fixing member so that the passing side comes into contact with the end of the water-crossing jaw.

Here, the modular vertical bed may be configured in multiple units, and may further include artificial lighting lamps that are installed between the modular vertical beds, connected to the ceiling structure, and directed downward.

Here, the artificial light lamp is made up of an upper lamp and a lower lamp, the lower end of the upper lamp and the upper end of the lower lamp are connected to each other by a sliding part, the sliding part is connected to a first pulling wire connected to the ceiling structure, and the lower end of the lower lamp is connected to a second pulling wire connected to the ceiling structure, and the ceiling structure may be provided with a first roller for winding or unwinding the first pulling wire and a second roller for winding or unwinding the second pulling wire.

Here, each modular vertical bed may further be provided with a wheel for movement at its bottom.

Here, the modular vertical bed may further include a distribution line connected to the core included in the bed and transmitting the nutrient solution dripping through the core back to the nutrient solution distribution device.

Here, the bed further includes an outer frame that entirely surrounds the at least one modular vertical bed, and some of the walls and the entire ceiling along the outer frame are made of glass, and the ceiling frame of the outer frame can be separated from the wall frame of the outer frame and connected to it via connecting members so that it can be installed upside down.

Here, the ceiling frame may be configured with a light-shielding and heat-retaining section covering the upper side thereof, an open connection member having one end connected to the end of the light-shielding and heat-retaining section and the other end connected to a rotating section, and the end of the light-shielding and heat-retaining section may be folded at the other end by rotating the rotating section, thereby exposing the ceiling to the outside.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a vertical dual-type modular plant factory according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing the structure and installation state of the flower pot holder of the modular vertical bed of FIG. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure and installation state of the flower pot holder of the modular vertical bed of FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing the structure and installation state of the flower pot holder of the modular vertical bed of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the installation state of the artificial light lamp of FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing the state in which the artificial light lamp of FIG. 5 is folded. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the shape of an outer frame of a vertical dual-type modular plant factory. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the shape of an outer frame of a vertical dual-type modular plant factory. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of the light-shielding and heat-retaining part. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the light-shielding and heat-retaining part. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the light-shielding and heat-retaining part. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the shape of the light shielding screen and the light shielding frame. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the shape of the light shielding screen and the light shielding frame.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following examples of the present invention are merely examples to aid in understanding the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these examples.

The overall configuration of a vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is as shown in Figure 1.

As shown in the drawing, the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 can be configured to include a modular vertical bed 100, a nutrient solution distribution device 200, a solution supply line 300, a solution distribution line 400, and an artificial light lamp 500.

First, the nutrient solution distribution device 200 performs the function of supplying nutrient solution, which is a solution containing nutrients, and can be composed of a nutrient solution storage tank and a compressor that can spray the nutrient solution to the outside.

The device itself, which supplies plants with specific nutrients in this way, is publicly known technology, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The supply line 300 is connected to the nutrient solution distribution device 200 to transmit the nutrient solution, and can be made of, for example, a pipe made of synthetic resin or metal.

The modular vertical bed 100 is configured to stand vertically on the ground and allow a flower pot holder 120 to be attached to a portion of it.

Specifically, the modular vertical bed 100 may be composed of a plurality of flat support plates 110 facing each other, at least one flowerpot holder 120 supported by penetrating one side of each support plate 110, and a core 130 that passes through the flowerpot holder 120 and allows nutrient solution supplied through the solution supply line 300 to hang downward due to gravity.

In particular, a close look at Figure 1 reveals that multiple flower pot holders 120 are attached to each of the support plates 110 on both sides of the modular vertical bed 100.

To facilitate understanding, Figures 2 and 3 show one flower pot holder 120 attached to the mounting plate 110. Figure 2 shows the inside of the flower pot holder 120 as seen from the outside, while Figure 3 shows the back of the flower pot holder 120 as seen from the inside of the mounting plate 110.

In this way, flower pot holders 120 are attached to the mounting plates 110, but in this embodiment, the flower pot holders 120 are not attached to only one side of a particular mounting plate 110. Rather, the mounting plates 110 are arranged facing each other and a flower pot holder 120 is attached to each of them. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, flower pot holders 120 are attached to both sides of the mounting plate 110, allowing plants to be grown on both sides of the mounting plate 110.

For reference, Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the flower pot holder 120 is secured to one side of the mounting plate 110 by penetrating the mounting plate 110 and a plant is placed in the flower pot hole.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the shape of the flower pot holder 120 can be seen in more detail as follows:

The flowerpot holder 120 has a storage space (S) for storing a flowerpot in which a plant is planted and a front opening 121. That is, the flowerpot in which a plant is planted can be placed inside the storage space (S) through the front opening 121 of the flowerpot holder 120.

The flowerpot holder 120 is also formed to protrude and be supported through one side of the mounting plate 110, tilting downward from above.

This is to prevent the flowerpot seated in the storage space (S) from falling out and to allow nutrient solution to be supplied to the flowerpot.

For example, the flower pot holder 120 may be formed by penetrating one side of the mounting plate 110 and being integrally supported and protruding so as to tilt downward at an angle (α).

In other words, the flowerpot holder 120 is arranged at an angle (α) of 30° to 60° downward from the front to the rear relative to the mounting plate 110, making it easy to attach the flowerpot (P) with the plant (T) planted in it.

The flowerpot holder 120 is formed to protrude a certain length from the front and rear of the mounting plate 110, and preferably has a length longer than the flowerpot (P) in which the plant (T) is planted.

The flowerpot holder 120 may be provided with a water-crossing jaw 123 inside, which is positioned perpendicular to the ground and partially contacts one side of the wick 130, which allows the absorbed nutrient solution to flow downward due to gravity, thereby directing some of the dripping water into the interior where the flowerpot is placed.

The flowerpot holder 120 may also be provided with a water reservoir, which forms a space to collect water guided inward by the water-jumping jaw 123. The water collected in the water reservoir, i.e., the nutrient solution, can be supplied to the flowerpot.

Preferably, the water-jumping jaw 123 has an upper end 123a that is inclined toward the inside of the holder, so that the water droplets (W1) that ride on the core 130 and are naturally transported downward by gravity can ride on the upper end 123a of the water-jumping jaw 123 that they come into contact with and be naturally guided toward the water pool 124, becoming collected water (W).

At this time, one side of the flowerpot (P) in which the plant (T) is planted comes into contact with the water (W) accumulated in the water reservoir 124 as shown in S1, absorbing the water and transferring it to the plant (T). For this reason, it is preferable that the flowerpot (P) in which the plant (T) is planted be made of a natural fiber material with high breathability, water retention, and moisture absorption, such as cocoa mat.

Furthermore, the flowerpot holder 120 may be provided with a number of ventilation holes 122 formed at intervals to penetrate around the roots of the plants planted in the flowerpots accommodated therein, and may further be provided with a core hole 125 formed perpendicular to the ground so that the core 130 can pass through it.

Of course, multiple such ventilation holes 122 can be formed in certain locations as needed, allowing plants to come into contact with outside air and promoting growth.

Preferably, such ventilation holes 122 are formed on the upper and rear sides of the flower pot holder 120 portion that protrudes rearward from the mounting plate 110.

In addition, the core 130 passes through the core hole 125 so that one side comes into contact with the end of the water-crossing jaw 123, and can be fixed in position to the flower pot holder 120, preferably by a fixing member 131 such as a string.

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the core hole 125 is preferably formed perpendicular to the rear end of the flower pot holder 120 protruding rearward from the mounting plate 110, and ventilation holes 122 are formed equally on both sides of the core hole 125, and the core 130 can be fixed in position by fixing members 131 that fasten the ventilation holes 122 on the left and right sides of the core hole 125.

That is, the core 130 can be fixed in position by the fixing member 131 so that one side that passes through contacts the end of the water-crossing jaw 123.

Such fixing members 131 are simply used to fix the position of the wick 130, and do not bind the wick 130 itself, but rather to prevent interference with the flow of water (W) that hangs down due to gravity.

It is preferable that the flower pot holder 120 is molded integrally with the mounting plate 110, but if necessary, the flower pot holder 120 can be configured to penetrate and be fitted into the mounting plate 110 using a detachable member (not shown) provided on one side so that it can be separated from the mounting plate 110.

Meanwhile, the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of the modular vertical beds 100 described above, and artificial light lamps 500 can be placed between the modular vertical beds 100.

For example, the artificial lighting lamps 500 can be connected to an upper structure (e.g., a structure fixedly installed on the ceiling) and arranged in a long row downwards.

Here, the artificial light lamp 500 can be, for example, a highly efficient LED lamp with low power consumption.

The artificial light lamp 500 can be divided into an upper lamp 510 and a lower lamp 520, and the lower end of the upper lamp 510 and the upper end of the lower lamp 520 can be connected to each other by a binding part 530.

Here, the binding section 530 functions to fold the upper lamp 510 and the lower lamp 520 so that they can be aligned vertically and face each other when subjected to external force. The structure of the binding section 530 itself is a well-known technology, so a detailed description will be omitted.

Here, the upper light 510 and the lower light 520 do not each refer to a single light, but may include multiple LED lamps.

However, the distinction between the upper lamp 510 and the lower lamp 520 is that the lamp located above the binding section 530 is the upper lamp 510, and the lamp located below is the lower lamp 520.

That is, the upper lamp 510 and the lower lamp 520 each contain multiple lamps, but can be configured as containing a single plastic lamp case.

The binding portion 530 is connected to a first pulling wire 620 connected to the ceiling structure 600, and the lower end of the lower light 520 can be connected to a second pulling wire 630 connected to the ceiling structure 600, a specific example of which is shown in Figure 5.

For convenience, the illustration of such pulling wires and the like is omitted in Figure 1, and the specific connection configuration is shown in Figure 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, one end of the upper light 510 is rotatably connected to the ceiling structure 600 (for example, connected with a bolt structure so that it can rotate), the other end of the upper light 510 is connected to the binding part 530, and the lower light 520 is connected below the binding part 530.

It can also be seen that each binding section 530 is connected to the ceiling structure 600 via a first pulling wire 620, and the lower ends of the lower lights 520 are connected to the ceiling structure 600 via a second pulling wire 630.

Such a ceiling structure 600 may be provided with a first roller 610 that winds or unwinds the first traction wire 620 and a second roller 610' that winds or unwinds the second traction wire.

That is, the first roller 610 can unwind or wind the first pull wire 620 by rotating, and the second roller 610' can unwind or wind the second pull wire 630 by rotating.

Rollers 610 and 620 may be formed with a manual handle or screwdriver structure for generating rotational force, but the structure of the rollers that unwind or wind a specific wire is well-known technology, so a detailed description will be omitted.

In the above-described embodiment, the ceiling structure 600 to which the rollers 610, 620 are attached and the ceiling structure 600 to which the upper light 510 is connected are the same, but they do not have to be the same as each other as long as they are positioned on the upper side toward the ceiling.

When the first pulling wire 620 and the second pulling wire 630 are entangled as the roller rotates in the state shown in Figure 5, the upper light 510 and the lower light 520 are folded relative to each other at the binding portion 530, as shown in Figure 6.

This is for the convenience of workers working in the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In other words, if the modular vertical beds 100 were tightly arranged as shown in Figure 1 and artificial lighting fixtures 500 were placed between them, it would be extremely inconvenient for workers who had to work between each modular vertical bed 100.

However, if the rollers 610, 610' are rotated as shown in Figure 6 to fold the upper lamp 510 and the lower lamp 520, work space can be secured, increasing work convenience.

In addition, each modular vertical bed 100 may be further provided with a wheel 140 for movement at its bottom.

This is also done to improve work efficiency.

In other words, if each modular vertical bed 100 is equipped with a moving wheel 140, workers can push and move a specific modular vertical bed 100 to secure working space, and the modular vertical bed 100 can also be removed to the outside of the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 when necessary.

A designated rail (not shown) may be formed at the bottom of the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 to form a movement path for the moving wheels 140 of each modular vertical bed 100. In other words, the moving wheels 140 of the modular vertical bed 100 may move along the corresponding rail.

The fastening structure with the rail itself is a publicly known technology, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In this case, it is possible to prevent the modular vertical bed 100 from colliding with or damaging other modular vertical beds 100 when being pushed and moved.

Meanwhile, the liquid distribution line 400 is connected to the core 130 included in the modular vertical bed 100 and functions to transfer the nutrient solution that has flowed down through the core 130 back to the nutrient solution distribution device 200.

In other words, in this embodiment, the nutrient solution distribution device 200 not only supplies nutrient solution through the supply line 300 but also recycles the nutrient solution that flows in through the distribution line 400.

In this way, cost savings can be achieved by minimizing the amount of nutrient solution that is wasted.

Of course, the nutrient solution distribution device 200 can be equipped with the function of removing impurities or adjusting the concentration of the nutrient solution flowing in through the distribution line 400.

Meanwhile, Figure 7 shows an example of the exterior of a vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the exterior of the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 is formed with exterior frames 710, 720 that surround the entire modular vertical bed 100, and glass or plastic (preferably transparent plastic) can be attached to some of the walls and the entire ceiling along the exterior frames 710, 720.

Attaching glass to a frame is a well-known technique, so a more detailed explanation will be omitted.

Figure 7(a) is a perspective view, and Figure 7(b) is a front view.

Figure 7(a) shows an example in which the front and sides are all made of glass at the same height, but it is also possible to leave the front and back unglassed and have glass attached only to the sides at a specified height or higher.

Meanwhile, the frame that constitutes the ceiling among these outer frames, i.e., ceiling frame 720, can be separated from the wall frame 710 among the outer frames and connected to it using connecting members (bolts or nuts) so that it can be attached upside down. The structure of detachably connecting frames using connecting members in this way is itself a well-known technology, so a detailed description will be omitted.

That is, as shown in Figure 8, the ceiling frame 720 can be separated and then inverted and placed inside the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1. See Figure 8(a) for a perspective view, and Figure 8(b) for a cross-sectional view viewed from the front.

This is to increase the convenience of transporting individual containers when the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is made in the form of individual containers. In other words, it can be made to have the specifications and structure necessary to be able to be loaded onto an export container ship. In this case, the size should be determined so that it has the specifications and structure necessary to be able to be loaded onto a container ship without the ceiling frame 720. The ceiling frame 720 can be temporarily connected to the inside of the wall frame 710 as described above, making it possible to load onto an export container ship.

When the ceiling frame 720 is flipped over and connected to the wall frame 710 in this way, the ceiling glass can be temporarily separated and stored separately for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 7, a light-shielding and heat-retaining part 800 may be further included to cover the upper side of the ceiling frame 720, and the light-shielding and heat-retaining part 800 functions to block external light.

In other words, depending on the growth condition of the plants being grown inside the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1, it is necessary to block external light or adjust the amount of heat to keep them warm, and at this time, the degree of light transmission can be adjusted using the shading and heat retention unit 800.

For this purpose, it may be configured to include a predetermined rotating part 840 and an open connecting member 830, one end of which is connected to the end of the light-shielding and heat-retaining part 800 and the other end of which is connected to the rotating part.

That is, as the rotating part rotates, one end of the light-shielding and heat-retaining part 800 is folded at the other end, exposing the ceiling to the outside (e.g., allowing light to pass through the glass) or blocking it.

Figures 9 to 11 show the operating state diagrams of the light-shielding and heat-retaining unit 800 and the light-shielding and heat-retaining unit 800.

Referring to these drawings, the light-shielding and heat-retaining part 800 can be composed of a light-shielding frame 810 and a light-shielding and heat-retaining fabric 820.

As shown in FIG. 10, a shading frame 810 can be formed separately above the ceiling frame 720 of the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1, and the shading and heat-retaining fabric 820 wrapped around one end of the shading frame 810 can be connected to the opening connection member 830 and rotated to cover the upper side of the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 as shown in FIG. 11 by rotating the pivot.

Of course, if the rotation direction is reversed, it can be opened again as shown in Figure 10.

For reference, when the open connection members 830 are configured on the front and rear of the vertical dual-type modular plant factory 1 as shown in Figure 10, glass or transparent plastic can be attached only to the sides and ceiling of the modular plant factory 1.

The light-blocking and heat-retaining fabric 820 may be placed only on the upper side of the light-blocking frame 810, as shown in FIG. 12, or may be placed on both the upper and lower sides of the light-blocking frame 810, as shown in FIG. 13.

As shown in Figure 13, when the shading and heat-retaining fabric 820 surrounds the shading frame 810 and the upper and lower shading fabrics are connected to each other at the ends, it is possible to minimize the shading and heat-retaining fabric 820 being blown away by wind or external forces.

Although Figures 10 to 13 show the presence of a light-shielding frame 810, it goes without saying that the light-shielding and heat-retaining part 800 can also be formed without the light-shielding frame 810 using only the light-shielding and heat-retaining fabric 820 or accordion structure.

As explained above, the present invention makes it possible to reduce plant factory operating costs while increasing work efficiency.

In other words, most plant factories utilize artificial light in enclosed spaces, but by making the ceiling out of glass or plastic and using natural light as well as artificial light, it is possible to reduce electrical energy consumption.

In addition, artificial lights can be folded upwards, and the modular vertical beds can be moved using wheels, thereby securing work space for workers in the vertical dual-type modular plant factory and improving work efficiency.

Claims (4)

a nutrient solution supplying device that supplies a solution containing nutrients (nutrient solution);
a supply line connected to the nutrient solution supply device to deliver the nutrient solution;
a plurality of modular vertical beds including a plurality of flat plate-shaped support plates facing each other, at least one flower pot holder supported by penetrating one side of each of the support plates, and a core through the flower pot holder for allowing the nutrient solution supplied through the liquid supply line to hang down by gravity;
an artificial light provided between the modular vertical beds and connected to a ceiling structure to face downward;
an outer frame that entirely surrounds the modular vertical bed;
The flower pot holders are mounted on both side support plates of the modular vertical bed in a plurality of pieces,
Along the outer frame, some of the walls and the entire ceiling are made of glass.
The ceiling frame of the outer frame may be separated from the wall frame of the outer frame and connected to the wall frame through a connecting member so as to be installed upside down, and the ceiling frame may be placed inside the vertical dual-type modular plant factory after being separated,
It is made in the form of individual containers and has a standard and structure that allows the individual containers to be moved and loaded onto export container ships.
The artificial light is made up of an upper light and a lower light,
The lower end of the upper lamp and the upper end of the lower lamp are connected to each other by a binding part,
The binding portion is connected to a first pulling wire connected to a ceiling structure,
The lower end of the lower lamp is connected to a second pulling wire connected to a ceiling structure,
The ceiling structure is provided with a first roller for winding or unwinding the first traction wire and a second roller for winding or unwinding the second traction wire,
When the first and second pull wires are unwound, the artificial light is located between the modular vertical beds;
When the first and second pulling wires are wound, the upper and lower lights are folded to secure a working space between the modular vertical beds. A vertical dual-type modular plant factory in the form of an individual container . The flowerpot holder has a storage space for storing a flowerpot in which a plant is planted and a front opening, and includes a water-jumping jaw that is formed to protrude and be supported by penetrating one side of the mounting plate so as to be inclined downward, and that is positioned perpendicular to the ground and partially contacts one side of the wick that drips absorbed nutrient solution downward by gravity, thereby guiding a portion of the dripping water into the flowerpot, a water-pooling portion that forms a space for collecting water guided to the inside on the water-jumping jaw, a plurality of ventilation portions formed to penetrate at intervals around the roots of the plant planted in the flowerpot, and a wick hole formed perpendicular to the ground so that the wick can pass through.
The vertical dual-type modular plant factory in the form of an individual container according to claim 1, wherein the core is fixed in position by a fixing member so that one side thereof that passes through contacts the end of the water-crossing jaw. 3. The vertical dual-type modular plant factory in the form of individual containers according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a water distribution line connected to a core included in the modular vertical bed and transmitting the nutrient solution dripping through the core back to the nutrient solution distribution device. A light-shielding and heat-retaining portion that covers the upper side of the ceiling frame in the outer frame;
an open connection member having one end connected to the end of the light-shielding and heat-retaining part and the other end connected to the rotating part;
2. The vertical dual-type modular plant factory in the form of an individual container according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the rotating part causes the end of the shading and heat-retaining part to be folded at the other end, thereby exposing the ceiling to the outside.