GB2450963A

GB2450963A - Plant and water feature

Info

Publication number: GB2450963A
Application number: GB0810350A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Akio Kobayashi
Original assignee: Fujikin Inc
Current assignee: Fujikin Inc
Priority date: 2007-07-10
Filing date: 2008-06-06
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-06
Also published as: JP4933369B2; JP2009017805A; GB0810350D0; GB2450963B

Abstract

A device 1 for growing plants in the area enclosed by a liquid curtain 51. The area enclosed by the liquid curtain is filled with essential gases for growing plants. The device also adjusts the humidity and the temperature of the enclosed area. The device comprises a plant 41, means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain enclosing at least an area around the plant and a means for controlling the internal environment. The means for controlling the internal environment comprises a gas-filling pipe 25 and a blower fan 26 attached to the gas-filling pipe, wherein the gas-filling pipe is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane. The device functions similarly to a fountain and can also incorporate lighting.

Description

V

-1-2450963 Plant-Growing Device

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a plant-growing device with which a plant grows up in an area enclosed by a liquid-membrane curtain. In the present invention, the enclosed area is filled with essential gas for growing a plant (such as carbon dioxide) in its required volume. This invention further relates to the plant-growing device which enables to adjust humidity and temperature in the enclosed area.

b. Related Art A fountain device includes means for releasing or falling water in space, and is previously placed in a dwelling environment for relaxing and rejoicing people. Now, the fountain device is placed not only in outdoor location such as parks and railway station vicinities but also in indoor location such as department stores and museum. Such a fountain device delights the eyes.

As one invention for a fountain device, Japanese Patent Publication Jitsukai S50- 61998 may be presented. The document discloses a fountain device comprising multicolor-luminous light that blinks various luminescent colors in response to sounds.

As another invention for a fountain device, Japanese Patent Publication Jitsukai H04-61660 may be presented. In the document, the following device is disclosed.

In the device, circular water-receiving is provided on an uppermost part of a supporting column, which is vertically arranged to a base. Water is flowed out from the water-receiving so as to form a dome-shaped water curtain.

As above, the devices may provide relaxation as well as delight to the eyes. As another device for providing relaxation, Japanese Patent Publication Tokkai 2004- 17038 may be presented. The document discloses a desktop fountain device comprising fountain-receiving tray which incorporates vase therein. Additionally, in the fountain device, underwater pump works to release the water in space. The released water provides humidifying and ion effect. The device allows to appreciate a plant.

As shown in Japanese Patent Publication Tokkai 2004-17038, it is possible to provide high relaxation effect, when flowing water is successfully fused with a plant. As one suggestion, provided that plant is grown up in the enclosed space formed by the dome-shaped curtain, this may provide relaxation effect as well as fantastic space.

On the other hand, in the prior art, when the plant is grown up in the enclosed space, a box has been used. However, the box-formed space has the following problems. When the box is opaque, it is impossible to recognize the contents therein. Even when a transparent material such as acrylic is used as the box, it is necessary to move the box for watering a plant in each time. This easily changes the environment in the enclosed space. Additionally, because the box surface is generally getting dirty as time goes on, its optical effect is gradually inferior.

Furthermore, it is widely known that a plant grows up in such the boxes, and such a device does not attract the attention.

Considering whether a plant can be grown up or not inside the curtain, it is found that a plant is difficult to be grown up. This is because: First, carbon dioxide for photosynthesis is insufficient in an inner area of the dome-shaped curtain, as the inner area is isolated from the outer area, and second, a certain plant is not suitable in a high humidity in an inner area of the curtain.

For growing a plant in the inner area of the curtain, it is necessary to keep carbon dioxide in its necessary volume, and to provide means for adjusting humidity and temperature therein. Although one means may be needed for opening a curtain regularly to replace the inner gas with the outer gas, or another means may be needed for moving a plant, such means require considerable labor and complicated operations for moving a plant. These tasks will be increased, as the device size or the plant quantity is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention aims to provide a device which enables to grow up a plant in the enclosed area formed by liquid curtain. More particularly, this invention aims to provide a plant-growing device which enables to adjust humidity, temperature, and light suitable for growing a plant in the enclosed area. Furthermore, this invention aims to keep essential gas for growing a plant (such as carbon dioxide) in its required volume in the enclosed area formed by a liquid-membrane curtain.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a plant-growing device comprising a plant, a means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain enclosing at least an area around the plant, and a means for controlling internal environment by which temperature and humidity of the area enclosed by the liquid-shaped membrane are controlled, wherein the means for controlling internal environment comprises (A) a gas-filling pipe, of which one end is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and the other end is arranged outside the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and (B) a blower fan attached to the gas-filling pipe, wherein the gas-filling pipe is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane is substantially isolated from the outside area.

Yet another embodiment of the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises (A) a temperature sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the temperature therein, (B) a humidity sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the humidity therein, and (C) a control panel, wherein the control panel (a) receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor after the sensor detects the temperature, and receives a humidity signal from the humidity sensor after the sensor detects the humidity, and (b) controls the blower fan to adjust the flow volume of the gas therefrom.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises (A) a gas-storage tank connected to the gas-filling pipe for storing one kind of gas component, and (B) a gating valve provided in a connecting pass between the gas-storage tank and the gas-filling pipe.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the gas-storage stores at least one gas selected from carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethylene, or terpene group.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises a gas concentration sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the gas concentration therein, wherein the controlling panel receives a gas concentration signal transmitted from the gas concentration sensor, wherein the controlling panel controls at least one selected from the blower fan to adjust the flow volume of the gas blown therefrom, or the gating valve by determining its opening and closing.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains at least one selected from bicarbonate or organic salt.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane is water, or liquid having higher viscosity than water.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains a substance which has affinity for water.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the substance having affinity for water includes more than one kind of substances selected from sugar, ethylene glycol, or polymer.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains at least one selected from flavor or inhalant.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises a heater attached to the gas-filling pipe.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the heater is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the heater and the blower fan are attached to the gas-filling pipe, and wherein the heater is arranged in the downstream side of the blower fan.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein a cable connects the control panel with the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and gas-concentrating sensor, and wherein the cable is arranged not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relate to the plant-growing device, wherein the plant-growing device further comprises a light source arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the light source is at least one selected from light-emithng diode, white lamp, halogen lamp, guided-sunlight, or fluor lamp.

Yet another embodiment of the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises an exhaust outlet, of which one end is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and the other end is arranged outside the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and wherein the exhaust outlet is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain enclosing at least an area around the plant comprising (A) a liquid-circulation pipe for lifting the liquid above the plant, so that the plant is enclosed by the liquid membrane above the plant, and (B) a vessel for forming a liquid membrane, which is arranged to receive liquid released from the liquid-circulation pipe and is positioned above the plant, wherein the means for forming a liquid membrane curtain form the liquid membrane by spilling out liquid around the vessel.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the shape of the liquid membrane is adjusted by controlling the flowing amount of liquid provided to the vessel.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the shape of the liquid membrane is adjusted by controlling the amount of gas flown from the gas-filling pipe.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprising a material for intersecting a liquid membrane, wherein the material creates a path to link the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane with the outside area in order to control the internal environment.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

According to the embodiment, essential and sufficient gas for growing a plant (such as carbon dioxide) may be sent into the enclosed area of liquid-membrane curtain (hereinafter mentioned as internal environment below) through gas-filling pump. This enables to grow up various kinds of plants in the enclosed area having internal environment which is controlled to be each plants.

According to the embodiment, the internal environment largely includes outside gas sent through the gas-filling pipe. Therefore, humidity and temperature are finely adjustable in the internal environment.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises (A) a temperature sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the temperature therein, (B) a humidity sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the humidity therein, and (C) a control panel, wherein the control panel (a) receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor after the sensor detects the temperature, and receives a humidity signal from the humidity sensor after the sensor detects the humidity, and (b) controls the blower fan to adjust the flow volume of the gas therefrom.

According to the embodiment, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor control the temperature and the humidity in the internal environment. The sensor detects the temperature signal and the humidity signal. Based on the detected results, the control panel controls the blower fan to adjust the flow volume of the gas blown therefrom. Therefore, it is possible to finely adjust the temperature or the humidity in accordance with a plant-growing situation. Furthermore, it shows an advantage that the temperature and humidity are adjustable in the internal environment according to various kinds of plants and their growing situation.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises (A) a gas-storage tank connected to the gas-filling pipe for storing one kind of gas component, and (B) a gating valve provided in a connecting pass between the gas-storage tank and the gas-filling pipe.

According to the embodiment, by controlling the gating valve, it is possible to adjust gas concentration to obtain the desired gas concentration in the internal environment. Therefore, suitable environment can be provided for growing various kinds of plants and their growing situation.

According to the embodiment, the internal environment receives at least one kind of gas selected from carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethylene, and terpene group together with external gas. Therefore, a plant grows up fast. Describing them more detail, ethylene, which is one of the plant hormones, promotes to splinter the roots and to germinate the seeds. Further when the terpen is used, it is possible to enhance the antibacterial activity of the plant.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to detect the gas concentration in the internal environment. And then, it is also possible to adjust the gas concentration more exactly and more minutely according to the gas concentration in the internal environment. Therefore, it is possible to increase the concentration of certain kinds of gas necessary for growing plants, and to decrease the concentration of other kinds of gas that is harmful for growing plants so that a plant grows up fast.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to introduce gas necessary for growing a plant through the gas-filling pipe, as well as from the liquid.

-10 -Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains a substance which has affinity for water.

According to the embodiment, the aperture is formed on the surface of liquid-membrane curtain because of its high viscosity. Therefore, it is advantageously hard to make a splash, when the liquid flows down to a water tank and mixed with the liquid therein. Furthermore, a person approaches to the plant-growing device of the embodiment without being soaked with the splash. It is possible to appreciate a plant in a close distance.

According to the embodiment, the substance having affinity for water includes more than one kind of substances selected from sugar, ethylene glycol, and polymer. Therefore, it is advantageously hard to make a splash, when the liquid flows down to a water tank and mixed with the liquid therein.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane includes at least one selected from flavor or inhalant.

According to the embodiment, the liquid has olfactory effect. For example, when aromatic oil etc. is applied to the flavor, the device may provide a relaxation effect to the person. For another example, when inhalant including salbutamol sulfate etc. is applied, it is possible to enlarge the airway of the appreciating person, so that the person breathes freely. More specifically, the embodiment is preferably applied to patients suffering from asthma bronchiale, childhood asthma, emphysema, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis etc.. -11 -

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device of the present invention is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

According the embodiment, the means for controlling internal environment include a heater, besides a blower fan, which makes it possible to minutely adjust temperature and humidity in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the heater and the blower fan are attached to the gas filling pipe, and wherein the heater is arranged in the downstream side of the blower fan.

According to the embodiment, both of the blower fan and the heater are included in the gas-filling pipe. Therefore, when the both of the blower fan and the heater are operated at the same time, it is possible to adjust temperature or humidity efficiently.

According to the embodiment, the cable does not intersect with the liquid flow forming the curtain. Therefore, the aperture, which contacts the internal area of the liquid membrane with external area of the liquid membrane, is unlikely formed on the surface of the curtain. This means that the area enclosed by the liquid-membrane curtain is almost filled with the gas passing through the gas-filling pipe.

Therefore, it is possible to adjust temperature, humidity, and gas concentration in -12 -the internal environment of the curtain minutely.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the plant-growing device further comprises a light source arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the light source is at least one selected from light-emitting diode, white lamp, halogen lamp, guided-sunlight, or fluor lamp.

According to the embodiment, a light source lights up the internal environment.

Therefore, the plant is provided with a light necessary for the photosynthesis in a room. Furthermore, the excellent visual effect is advantageously provided by the source, and it gives a fantastic display.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to the plant-growing device, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises an exhaust outlet, of which one end is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and the other end is arranged outside the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and wherein the exhaust outlet is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

According to the embodiment, both of the gas-filling pipe and the exhaust outlet work to adjust temperature and humidity efficiently. Furthermore, the exhaust outlet is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane, so that the internal environment is almost completely isolated from the outside area. Therefore, it is possible to adjust temperature and humidity efficiently.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to change the shape of the membrane easily according to the size of the plants by controlling the flowing amount of liquid provided to the vessel for forming a liquid membrane.

According to the embodiment, especially when the inner area is enclosed by the liquid membrane, the inner area is almost completely isolated from the outside area. Therefore, the shape of the liquid membrane can be changed by controlling the flowing amount of gas which is provided by gas-filling pipe.

According to the embodiment, the means for controlling internal environment comprises a barrier for intersecting a liquid membrane. Therefore, the material makes a link between the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane and the outside area, and for example, inner gas and the outside gas are movable through the link, so that the internal environment is controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The plant-growing device according to the present invention will be explained as below, by way of example only, and with referring to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the plant-growing device; Figure 2 shows partial expansion of the means for controlling internal environment of the plant-growing device shown in the Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the plant-growing device according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the plant-growing device according to the present invention; and Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the plant-growing device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the plant-growing device according to the present invention. In Figure 1, the plant-growing device (1) is described.

The plant-growing device (1) includes a plant (41), means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain (3), and means for controlling internal environment (2). The means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain (3) consists of a liquid membrane enclosing at least an area around the plant. The means for controlling internal environment (2) controls at least temperature and humidity of the area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51) (might be mentioned as "internal environment" (4) below). Furthermore, an arrow line in Figure 1 indicates a circulation direction of liquid (17).

The means for controlling internal environment (2) comprises: (A) a gas-filling pipe (25), of which one end is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51), and the other end is arranged outside the area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51), and (B) a blower fan (26) attached to the gas-filling pipe.

In Figure 1, the blower fan (26) is arranged inside of the end of the upstream side of gas-filling pipe. The fan may be arranged on the other parts as long as the air blown from the fan (26) at least passes through the gas-filling pipe (25). The gas-filling pipe (25) is arranged not to intersect with the liquid membrane (51).

Preferably, in the plant-growing device (1) of the present invention, the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51) is almost completely isolated from the outside area. The blower fan (26) may operate at all times or within predetermined time. For example, a timer may be attached to the blower fan controller (203).

When the timer is attached, it is possible to set a predetermined time to operate the blower fan, or not to operate the blower fan. As the blower fan (26) is operated, it is possible to send the external air to the internal environment (4) efficiently.

The means for controlling internal environment (2) may further comprise: (A) a temperature sensor (21) arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51) for detecting the temperature therein, and (B) a humidity sensor (22) arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51) for detecting the humidity therein.

Furthermore, the means for controlling internal environment (2) further comprises a control panel (200) receiving a detecting signal from the temperature sensor (21) and the humidity sensor (22). The control panel (200) comprises the temperature signal receiver (201), humidity signal receiver (202), and the blower fan controller (203).

After the temperature sensor (21) detects the temperature in theinternal environment (4), it transmits a temperature signal to the temperature signal receiver (201). After the humidity sensor (22) detects the humidity in the internal environment (4), it transmits the humidity signal to the humidity signal receiver (202). The transmitted temperature signal and the humidity signal are then transmitted to the blower fan controller (203) through the control panel (200).

Then, the blower fan controller (203) transmits the blower-fan-controlling signal to the blower fan, so that the flowing amount of the gas from the blower fan is adjusted.

The plant-growing device of the present invention is preferably provided with at least one function selected from a temperature controlling function performed by the temperature sensor (21) and the temperature signal receiver (201), or a humidity controlling function performed by the humidity sensor (22) and the humidity signal receiver (202). More preferably, the plant-growing device of the present invention has both the temperature controlling function and the humidity controlling function.

The means for controlling the internal environment (2) may further comprise a heater attached to the gas-filling pipe. This heater may be arranged in the outside area enclosed by the liquid membrane, or may be arranged in the internal environment (4). Preferably, the heater is arranged in the internal environment (4).

As shown in Figure 1, the heater and blower fan are attached to gas-filling pipe (25), and the heater (27) is positioned downstream of the blower fan (26). When both the blower fan (26) and the heater (27) are included in the gas-filling pipe (25), gas blown by the blower fan (26) passes through the heater (27) so that temperature and humidity of the blown gas can be adjusted efficiently. Therefore, it is possible to minutely adjust the temperature and humidity in the internal environment (4). In this case, the control panel (200) further comprises a heater controller (204). Based on the temperature signal and the humidity signal transmitted from the temperature sensor (21) and the humidity sensor (22) -17 -respectively, the blower fan controller (203) controls the blower ban (26), and the heater controller (204) controls the heater (27).

The periphery of the gas-filling pipe (25) is preferably made from adiabatic material. When the adiabatic material is applied, it is possible to prevent from releasing heat out of the pipe (25) heated by the external gas and a heater (27).

Therefore, it is possible to control the temperature and the humidity in the internal environment (4) without being affected by the heat released from the pipe (25).

In the embodiment, cables (23 and 24), which connects the temperature sensor (21) and the humidity sensor (22), with the controlling panel (200), do not intersect with the liquid membrane (51). In another embodiment, it is possible to apply wireless network instead of electrical connection between the temperature and humidity sensor (21 and 22) with the controlling panel (200). In these embodiments, the liquid-membrane (21) is not torn. Therefore, the aperture, which creates a pass to connect the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane with the outside area, is not formed. When gas is neither introduced nor released through the aperture, the temperature and the humidity are controlled in the internal environment (4) efficiently. Furthermore, in such a case, the temperature and the humidity may be adjusted minutely by the control panel (200). Also, humidity in the internal environment (4) is almost 100%, when the control panel is not operated.

Besides external air, at least one kind of gas selected from carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethylene, and terpene group may be sent into the internal environment (4) through the gas-filling pipe (25). When these gases are sent into the internal environment, the plant advantageously and efficiently grows up. Describing them more detail, ethylene, which is one of the plant hormones, has an effect to splinter the roots and to germinate the seeds. Further, when the terpen group is used, it is possible to enhance the antibacterial activity of the plant. These gas compositions may be determined according to the kinds of the plant to be grown up and the growing situation. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the concentration of carbon dioxide suitable for the plant to grow up in the internal environment (4).

The means for sending the gas composition through the gas-filling pipe (25) is not particularly limited. Preferably, in order to send the gas composition, a tank containing gas composition is connected to the upstream end of the gas-filling pipe (25). As shown in Figure 2, the gas composition is preferably sent by the means for controlling the internal environment (4).

Figure 2 is a partial expansion view of the means for controlling internal environment (2) shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, besides the components of the means for controlling the internal environment (2) of Figure 1, it further comprises a gas-storage tank (207) and gating valve (208). The gas-storage tank (207) stores at least one kind of gas component. Carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethylene, and terpene group are stored as the gas component. The gas-storage tank (207) is connected to the gas-filling pipe (25) via a pipe, so that the component, which is stored in the tank, is sent into the gas-filling pipe (25). The gating valve (208) is arranged in the connecting pass for connecting gas-storage tank (207) with the gas-filling pipe (25). In this case, the controlling panel (200) further comprises the valve controller (210).

In the embodiment, desired gas composition may be included in the gas storage tank (207), according to the kinds of plants (41) to be grown up and the growing situation etc. Then the valve controller (210) and the blower fan controller (203) are operated in order to send the gas composition to the internal environment (4) in any amount and at any time.

Further, the means for controlling the internal environment (2) of the present invention comprises a gas concentration sensor (29) which is arranged in the internal environment (4) for detecting the gas concentration therein. In this case, the control panel (200) further comprises a gas concentration signal receiver (206). In The control panel (200), the gas concentration signal receiver (206) receives the gas concentration signal from the gas concentration sensor (29) through the cable (209) according to the concentration of the gas composition detected by the gas concentration sensor (29). The blower fan controller (203) and the valve controller (210) are operated based on the signal, and then control the flowing amount of gas blown by the blowing fan and the opening or closing of the gating valve (208) respectively.

Preferably, in the embodiment, gas composition, which is detected by the gas concentration sensor (29), is stored in the gas storage tank (207). For example, when the gas concentration sensor (29) detects the concentration of the carbon dioxide in the case that the internal embodiment includes the sensor (29), the carbon dioxide is stored in the gas-storage tank. In this case, when the gas concentration sensor (29) detects the concentration of the carbon dioxide less than predetermined value, the gas concentration signal receiver (206) receives the signal indicating this situation. Then, the signal is transmitted through the contro! panel (200) in order to increase the flowing amount of the gas blown by the blowing fan, and to open the gating valve (208) attached to the gas-storage tank (207) containing carbon dioxide therein. Then the carbon dioxide in the gas-storage tank (207) passes through the gating valve and the gas-filling pipe (25), and reaches to the internal environment.

The cable (209) connecting the control panel (200) with the gas concentration sensor (29) does not intersect with the liquid membrane (51), similar to the cable (23 and 24) for the temperature sensor (21) and the humidity sensor (22). It is possible to apply wireless network instead of electrical connection between the gas concentration sensor (29) and the controlling panel (200). In these embodiments, the liquid-membrane (51) is not torn. Therefore, the aperture (51) is not formed so that no path, which connects the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane with the outside area, is created. Because gas is neither introduced nor released through the aperture, the gas concentration may be controlled efficiently in the internal environment (4). Furthermore, the controlling panel (200) enables to adjust the gas concentration minutely.

In addition to detection of the temperature, humidity, and the concentration of gas -20 -composition, the means for controlling the internal environment (2) may comprise a light sensor (not shown in Figures) in order to detect the light in the internal environment (4). In this case, the controlling panel (200) further comprises a light signal receiver and light source controller. The light sensor detects light intensity and then the sensor transmits the light signal to light signal receiver according to the light intensity via cable The light source controller controls, for example, light component (61) according to the signal.

In the plant-growing device of the present invention, the control panel (200) preferably controls temperature, humidity, concentration of gas composition, and light in the internal environment (4). Therefore, it is possible for the device to create an environment suitable for growing a plant.

The flowing amount of the gas sent through the gas-filling pipe (25) is determined according to the temperature, humidity, gas concentration in the internal environment (4), or according to the kinds of plants to be grown up and their growing situation. It is possible to change the shape of the curtain by controlling the flowing amount of gas.

Furthermore, the means for controlling the internal environment (2) comprises an exhaust outlet (not shown in Figures. It is possible to have approximately the same shape as the gas-filling pipe (25)) which does not intersect with the liquid membrane. One end of the exhaust outlet is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane. The other end is arranged in the outside area of the enclosed area.

In the embodiment, gas is flown from the gas-filling pipe (25), and is exhausted from the exhaust outlet. Both of the flows enable to adjust the temperature, the humidity and the gas concentration in the internal environment (4). Therefore, the temperature, the humidity and the gas concentration are efficiently adjusted.

A check valve is arranged in the exhaust outlet in order to prevent outside air from incoming to the internal environment (4). It is preferable that the temperature, humidity, and the gas concentration in the internal environment (4) are hardly affected by outside air, and the control panel controls them.

In the embodiment, a blowing fan may be arranged in the exhaust outlet.

Combination of the exhaust outlet and blowing fan enable to exhaust gas existing in the internal environment (4) in order to adjust the temperature and the humidity in the internal environment (4) fast.

In another embodiment, the blowing fan (26), which is attached to gas-filling pipe (25), may be reversible. If necessary, this reversible fan enables gas-filling pipe (25) to function as an exhaust outlet too.

The means for controlling the internal environment of the present invention further comprises a material (not shown in Figure) intersecting with the liquid membrane (51). According to the embodiment, for example, when the material is arranged, a path is created to connect the internal environment with the outside area, so that the gases come and go therethrough. As a result, the temperature, humidity, and the gas concentration may be controlled in the internal environment.

Then, the means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain (3) is explained as below.

The means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain (3) forms a liquid membrane (51) enclosing at least one area around the plant (41). The conventional means may be applied for forming the curtain, but for example the means shown in Figure 1 may be applied.

The means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain (3) comprises a water tank (12) containing liquid (17) therein, a pump (11) soaked in the liquid (17), and a liquid-circulation pipe (13) arranged to extend in substantially vertical and upward direction. The liquid-circulation pipe has part (13a) extending in substantially vertical and upward direction, and the part (13a) has the upper end arranged at least above the curtain (liquid membrane) (51) and the plant (41). More specifically, the liquid circulation pipe (13) bends approximately at a right angle at the upper end, and then extends in horizontal direction to form another extending part (13b). From the end of the extending part (13b), the pipe further extends substantially vertical and downward direction to form another extending part (13c).

When the liquid-circulation pipe comprises the extending parts (13a, 13b, and 13c), the curtain (liquid membrane) (51) has a height which is substantially equal to the length calculated by subtracting the length of the extending part (1 3c) from the length of the extending part (13a). When the liquid fall down to form the curtain, the liquid (17) contacts to the water surface to form contact points shaped in circle. The radius of the circle is at least smaller than the length of the extending part (13b).

The means for forming a liquid membrane curtain (3) comprises a filter (14) attached to the end of the liquid circulation pipe (13). The filter (14) enables to adjust liquid pressure flown from the liquid circulation pipe.

The means for forming a liquid membrane curtain (3) further comprises a vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15), which is arranged to receive liquid released from the filter (14). The vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15) comprises a substantially circular plate (15a) with a circular edge, and a peripheral slope board (15b) around the circular edge. After the liquid is released from filter (14) to the plate (15a), the liquid spills out of the plate (15a) and then drops through the board (15b)to form a curtain of liquid membrane (51).

The liquid membrane (51) drops toward the water tank (12) in the downward direction, and return to liquid (17). Then the pump (11) absorbs liquid again.

In the specification, the curtain is formed in the liquid membrane (51). The curtain consists of liquid membrane (51) having circular cone or semi-conical shape, and the plant may grow up inside the curtain (i.e. the internal environment (4)).

The vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15) may be designed in any shape. For example, as angle between the peripheral slope board (15b) and the substantially circular plate (15a) is narrower, the curtain forms a circular cone shape with a small diameter. On the other hand, as the angle is wider, the curtain forms a circular cone shape with a large diameter. When the vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15) is designed to have a large diameter, the curtain forms a substantially circular cylinder shape. Also when the liquid flowing to the vessel is controlled in its amount, it is possible to change the shape of the liquid membrane in accordance with the size of the plant etc.. Alternatively, it is possible to adjust t... curtain shape and liquid membrane thickness by changing kinds of liquid or the pressure of liquid released from the liquid circulation pipe (13) to the vessel (15).

The plant-growing device is mainly used for growing up a plant. However, when the vessel is provided in its large size in order to enlarge the internal environment for accommodating a person therein, a person can enter and leave the internal environment, which may provide more relaxation and delight.

Furthermore, it is possible to change the shape of the liquid membrane by controlling the gas amount flown from the gas-filling pipe. For example, when the flowing amount is increased, the curtain shape inflates. On the other hand, when the flowing amount is decreased, the curtain shape deflates. As the shape of liquid membrane is changed in this way, it is preferable that the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane is almost completely isolated from the outside area.

A suspender (16) may suspend the vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15) from above. A proper fixture (not shown in Figures) may be applied to fasten the vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15) on the liquid circulation pipe (13), so that the vessel (15) is fastened.

A plant (41) is arranged in the internal environment (4). In Figure 1, a plant (41) is placed on the table (30). Alternatively, the water tank (12) is designed for the bottom face thereof to partially appear from the water. It is also possible to place the plant on the appeared area. In the plant-growing device (1) of the present invention, it is possible to control the internal environment (4) to any conditions -24 -such as high humidity, low humidity, high temperature, low temperature, and dry condition, so that any plants may grow up. The plant (41) may include moss genus growing in high humidity environment, and a cactus growing in drying environment.

The liquid may include bicarbonate and/or organic salt. In addition to the introduction of necessary gas such as carbon dioxide for growing plant from gas- filling pipe (25), such liquid advantageously generates gas promoting a plant-growth.

For example, when the liquid (17) includes sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), the liquid membrane enables to release carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the sufficient amount of carbon dioxide for growing up a plant in an internal environment (4).

Preferably, the liquid (17) is water or fluid having viscosity higher than water. In this case, the liquid-membrane (51) is hardly torn. When the liquid membrane (51) flows down to a water tank and mixed with the liquid therein, such liquid prevents it from making splash. Therefore, even when a person approaches to the plant-growing device of the embodiment, clothes are not soaked due to the splash.

Thus, it is possible to appreciate a plant in a close distance. Furthermore, when the high viscosity liquid is used in the liquidmembrane curtain that contacts with liquid (17) surface, the aperture connecting internal environment (4) with the outside is hardly formed.

In order to prepare the high viscosity fluid (17), a hydrophilic substance having affinity for water is added to the liquid. The substance having affinity for water may include, for example, sugar, ethylene glycol, and polymer etc. These substances may be singularly applied. Alternatively, the mixture of substances may be applied.

Another composition such as antiseptic agent may be added to the liquid (17) in order to prevent from decaying water and from generating moss. When coloring agent such as fluorescence dye is applied, colored curtain is formed, which may provide fantastic space.

Alternatively, growth promoting agent may be added according to the kinds of plants (41). For example, as shown in Figure 5, when alga and moss are grown up with the device of present invention for decorative purposes, chemical agent may be added to the liquid for promoting their growth.

Another composition for adding to the liquid (17) may include flavor and/or inhalant. These compositions may provide the appreciating person with an olfactory effect. The flavor may be the botanical essence such as lavender, mint, and rosemary (i.e. essential oil). Alternatively, aromatic oil, which is applied in aroma therapy, may be also included in the flavor. When the flavor is used, it will provide high relaxation effect. The inhalant is not limited, but it preferably includes active ingredient of the commercially-supplied products. For example, the active ingredient may include salbutamol sulfate, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate, procaterol hydrochloride, and cromolyn sodium etc.. For example, when inhalant including salbutamol sulfate etc. is applied, it is possible to enlarge the airway of the appreciating person, so that the person breathes freely. More specifically, the embodiment may be preferably applied to patients suffering from asthma bronchiale, childhood asthma, emphysema, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis etc..

The plant-growing device (1) may further comprise a light source such as light (61) arranged in the internal environment (4). For example, the light source may include guided-sunlight and luminous object such as light-emitting diode, white lamp, halogen lamp, and fluor lamp. These light sources may be fastened singularly, or in any combinations. When the light (61) illuminates the plant (41), it is possible to provide the plant with a light necessary for the photosynthesis of the plant in a room. Furthermore, it has another advantage because the excellent visual effect provides a fantastic display.

For example, in order to obtain the guided-sunlight, at least one portion of the -26 -vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15), which is provided in the internal environment (4), may be made from the transparent material. Alternatively, the vessel (15) may be modified to form an aperture thereon. However, before deciding the aperture size and its position, it is necessary to consider whether the temperature, humidity, or the gas concentration is adjustable in the internal environment (4), and also necessary to consider whether the aperture does not affect the plants to grow up.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the plant-growing device of the present invention. The numerals in the Figure indicate substantially the same elements shown in Figure 1. According to the embodiment in the Figure 3, the liquid circulation pipe (13) is covered with a decorative piece (71). The coverage provides an optical effect. Furthermore, the liquid circulation (13) in Figure 3 consists of the curved pipe. The filter (14) may be also covered by the decorative piece(71).

Figure 4 indicates another embodiment of the plant-growing device of the present invention. According to the embodiment, the pump (11) is substantially arranged in the center of the curtain. The liquid circulation pipe (13) extends substantially vertical and upward direction from the pump (11). The liquid circulation pipe (13) penetrates the vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15). A filter (14) is attached to one end of the liquid circulation pipe (13).

In the embodiment, the liquid circulation pipe (13), the pump (11), and the vessel for forming a liquid membrane (15) are made from a transparent material. The embodiment makes the plant (41) outstanding in the curtain, and provides an optical effect.

In the embodiments shown in the Figure 1 to Figure 4, "the internal environment" indicates environment having the cone-shaped space enclosed by the liquid surface (17) of the water tank (12) and the liquid membrane (51). In the embodiment shown in the Figure 5 below, "the internal environment" indicates the -27 -space enclosed by the liquid surface (17) of the water tank (12), liquid membrane (51), decorative wall (72) and decorative piece (73).

In the embodiment shown in the Figure 5, the curtain is not torn, and, preferably, the aperture is not created between a decorative wall (72) and the curtain.

The decorative waIl (72) forms a rock, and the plant may be grown up beneath the decorative waIl (72). Furthermore, plants such as moss may be grown up on the surface on the rock (72). The liquid circulation pipe (13) is covered with the decorative wall (72).

Furthermore, within the water tank (12) shown in Figure 5, the decorative piece (73) (rock is indicated in the Figure) is provided. The decorative piece (73) is arranged where the liquid membrane (51) hits on the surface of the liquid in the tank. According to the embodiment, when the liquid of the liquid membrane drops and hits to the decorative piece (72), a sound may be made. Therefore, it can provide an auditory effect.

The plant-growing device (1) of the present invention may also comprise sound equipments, if desired. According to the embodiment, for example, it is possible to swing the curtain in response to the music by adjusting the gas amount by adjusting the gas amount from the gas-filling pipe. Therefore, it may provide a display effect.

It is possible to place the plant-growing device (1) both in indoors and outdoors.

For example, when the plant-growing device (1) is placed in outdoors, the curtain is preferably improved so that it is not torn with wide having approximately 3m/s.

In the plant growing device of the present invention, the area enclosed by the liquid membrane (51) and its outside area are isolated each other. It means that the liquid membrane (51) is not torn. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, when the internal environment is formed by the curtain and the structure, this means that the curtain is not torn and the aperture does not exist between the structure and the curtain.

Claims

1. A plant-growing device comprising: a plant, a means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain enclosing at least an area around the plant, and a means for controlling internal environment by which temperature and humidity of the area enclosed by the liquid-shaped membrane are controiied, wherein the means for controlling internal environment comprises: (1) a gas-filling pipe, of which one end is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and the other end is arranged outside the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and (2) a blower fan attached to the gas-filling pipe, wherein the gas-filling pipe is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

2. The plant-growing device according to claim 1, wherein the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane is substantially isolated from the outside area.

3. The plant-growing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises: (1) a temperature sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the temperature therein, (2) a humidity sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the humidity therein, and (3) a control panel, wherein the control panel (a) receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor after the sensor detects the temperature, and receives a humidity signal from the humidity sensor after the sensor detects the humidity, and (b) controls the blower fan to adjust the flow volume of the gas therefrom.

4. The plant-growing device according to claim 3, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises: -30- (1) a gas-storage tank connected to the gas-filling pipe for storing one kind of gas component, and (2) a gating valve provided in a connecting pass between the gas-storage tank and the gas-filling pipe.

5. The plant-growing device according to claim 4, wherein the gas-storage stores at least one gas selected from carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethylene, or terpene group.

6. The plant-growing device according to claim 3 to claim 5, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises a gas concentration sensor arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane for detecting the gas concentration therein, wherein the controlling panel receives a gas concentration signal transmitted from the gas concentration sensor, wherein the controlling panel controls at least one selected from the blower fan to adjust the flow volume of the gas blown therefrom, or the gating valve by determining its opening and closing.

7. The plant-growing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains at least one selected from bicarbonate or organic salt.

8. The plant-growing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane is water, or liquid having higher viscosity than water.

9. The plant-growing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains a substance which has affinity for water.

10. The plant-growing device according to claim 9, wherein the substance having affinity for water includes more than one kind of substances selected from sugar, ethylene glycol, or polymer.

-31 -

11. The plant-growing device according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the liquid of the liquid membrane contains at least one selected from flavor or inhalant.

12. The plant-growing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises a heater attached to the gas-filling pipe.

13. The plant-growing device according to claim 12, wherein the heater is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

14. The plant-growing device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the heater and the blower fan are attached to the gas-filling pipe, and wherein the heater is arranged in the downstream side of the blower fan.

15. The plant-growing device according to claim 6, wherein a cable connects the control panel with the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and gas-concentrating sensor, and wherein the cable is arranged not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

16. The plant-growing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plant-growing device further comprises a light source arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane.

17. The plant-growing device according to claim 16, wherein the light source is at least one selected from light-emitting diode, white lamp, halogen lamp, guided-sun light, or fluor lamp.

18. The plant-growing device according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprises an exhaust outlet, of which one end is arranged in the area enclosed by the liquid membrane, and the other end is arranged outside the area enclosed by the liquid -32 -membrane, and wherein the exhaust outlet is configured not to intersect with the liquid membrane.

19. The plant-growing device according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the means for forming a liquid-membrane curtain enclosing at least an area around the plant comprising: (1) a liquid-circulation pipe for lifting the liquid above the plant, so that the plant is enclosed by the liquid membrane above the plant, and (2) a vessel for forming a liquid membrane, which is arranged to receive liquid released from the liquid-circulation pipe and is positioned above the plant, wherein the means for forming a liquid membrane curtain form the liquid membrane by spilling out liquid around the vessel.

20. The plant-growing device according to claim 19, wherein the shape of the liquid membrane is adjusted by controlling the flowing amount of liquid provided to the vessel.

21. The plant-growing device according to claim 2, wherein the shape of the liquid membrane is adjusted by controlling the amount of gas flown from the gas-filling pipe.

22. The plant-growing device according to claim I, wherein the means for controlling internal environment further comprising a material for intersecting a liquid membrane, wherein the material creates a path to link the inner area enclosed by the liquid membrane with the outside area in order to control the internal environment.

23. A plant-growing device, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.