HK1247784B - Water culture block and water culture device having same - Google Patents

Description

Water culture block and water culture device including the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hydroponic block, and more particularly, to a hydroponic block capable of being stacked in multiple stages to serve as an art wall and capable of cultivating different kinds of plants in each of the multi-stage stacked hydroponic blocks, and a hydroponic device comprising the same.

Background Art

Generally, hydroculture refers to a cultivation method of growing plants in a culture solution containing water and water-soluble nutrients without using soil such as earth.

Since plants suitable for hydroculture are cultivated in a container containing a culture solution, hydroculture has advantages in that the growth process of the plants and the condition of the roots of the plants are easy to observe, and the plants can be cultivated easily and cleanly at home.

Examples of the prior art for water cultivation may include Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0250160 entitled "Water Cultivation and Purification Apparatus Using Aquarium Fish Tank."

The water cultivation and purification device using the aquarium fish tank uses a submersible pump to supply water in the aquarium fish tank to the cultivation pool to allow plants to grow in the water, and supplies the water in the cultivation pool to the aquarium fish tank again through a filter for indoor humidification and air purification.

In a water cultivation and purification apparatus using an aquarium fish tank, drooping of the plants can be prevented by supporting the plants using a plant supporting fixture and extending the plant supporting fixture as the plants grow.

However, the above-mentioned water cultivation and purification device using an aquarium fish tank has the following problems: it is difficult to use the device as an art wall decoration for a living room or a wall surface of a room, and it is difficult to stack the device layer by layer and cultivate different kinds of plants independently.

Summary of the Invention

Technical issues

The present invention provides a hydroponic block and a hydroponic device including the same, which can be stacked in multiple stages along a wall surface to serve as an art wall and enables cultivation of different kinds of plants in each of the multi-stage stacked hydroponic blocks, and allows water supplied to an uppermost hydroponic block to flow to a lowermost hydroponic block for easier hydroponic cultivation.

Workaround

One aspect of the present invention provides a water culture block, which includes a block body, the block body including a side plate having an opening and a bottom plate connected to the side plate to form a receiving space; at least one overflow pipe, the at least one overflow pipe having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the bottom plate to connect the interior and the exterior of the block body; a water tray body formed at an upper portion of the block body and having a through hole formed therein to provide fluid to the receiving space; and a tube connected to the through hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate, wherein the tube has a hollow portion formed therein and is connected to the through hole, and any one of a cutout portion and a hole connected to the hollow portion of the tube is formed at an end of the tube contacting the bottom plate.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, the water tray can be assembled into or disassembled from the interior of the block.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, the overflow pipe may include multiple first overflow pipes and multiple second overflow pipes, wherein the multiple first overflow pipes are arranged in two rows on the bottom plate along a first direction, and the multiple second overflow pipes are arranged in two rows on the bottom plate along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, in the overflow pipe, the upper end portion of the overflow pipe provided in the accommodating space may be provided at a position above the lower end portion of the opening formed in the side plate, and at a position below the lower end portion of the opening, the overflow pipe has a pair of oblique or V-shaped cutout portions formed therein to allow water to easily flow into the overflow pipe.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, the water tray body may include a water tray bottom plate having a through hole formed therein, and a water tray side plate formed on the water tray bottom plate to form an accommodation space on an upper portion of the water tray bottom plate.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, a plurality of overflow pipes may be arranged in a matrix at the center portion of the bottom plate, and the water tray bottom plate may be formed in a rectangular band shape and have an opening through which the overflow pipes arranged at the center portion are exposed.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, a plurality of overflow pipes may be provided on the bottom plate in a cross form, the water tray bottom plate may cover the overflow pipes and a plurality of openings may be formed on the water tray bottom plate.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, the water tray body may include a water tray bottom plate having a plate shape and disposed to face the bottom plate, and a side surface of the water tray bottom plate may contact an inner surface of the side plate.

The hydroponic block according to the present invention may further include a plurality of engaging protrusions protruding from the outer surface of the bottom plate.

The hydroponic block according to the present invention may further include an anti-escaping plate interposed between the overflow pipes and configured to press roots of plants accommodated in the accommodation space to prevent the plants from escaping.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, a through hole may be formed at least on one side of the opening formed in the side plate.

The hydroponic culture block according to the present invention may further include a connecting rope connecting a pair of through holes formed at both sides of the opening.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, the block may be configured to have any one of a regular hexahedron shape and a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The hydroponic block according to the present invention may further include an overflow pipe plug including a closing portion configured to be inserted into any one of the overflow pipes to block the overflow pipes, and a head formed on an upper end portion of the closing portion.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, the overflow pipe may include a first overflow unit having a hollow portion formed therein and passing through a bottom plate of the block, and a second overflow unit assembled to the first overflow unit.

In the water culture block according to the present invention, the tube may include a first tube and a second tube, the first tube being coupled to a lower surface of the water tray body corresponding to the through hole, and the second tube being assembled to the first tube.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a water culture device, which includes a plurality of stacked water culture blocks, a liquid storage device and a circulation unit, wherein each water culture block includes a block body, at least one overflow pipe, a water tray body and a pipe, wherein the block body includes side plates each having an opening and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, at least one overflow pipe is formed with a hollow portion and is configured to pass through the bottom plate to connect the interior of the block body with the exterior, the water tray body is formed on the upper part of the block body and has a liquid formed in the water tray body to provide fluid to the receiving space a through-hole, a tube communicating with the through-hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate, wherein a hollow portion is formed in the tube and the tube is communicating with the through-hole, and any one of a cutout portion and a hole communicating with the hollow portion of the tube is formed at an end portion of the tube contacting the bottom plate; a liquid storage device is provided at the lowermost water culture block among the water culture blocks and is configured to store a fluid; and a circulation unit includes a pump configured to pump the fluid in the liquid storage device, and a hose connected to the pump to provide the fluid pumped by the pump to the uppermost water culture block of the water culture blocks.

The water culture device according to the present invention may further include a fish tank disposed between the water culture blocks and having an overflow pipe formed on a bottom plate of the fish tank.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a hydroponic block comprising a block body, an overflow pipe, and an anti-escaping plate, the block body comprising side plates each having an opening and having at least one capturing portion formed thereon, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, the overflow pipe having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the bottom plate to connect the interior of the block body with the exterior, and the anti-escaping plate being disposed at the upper surface of the capturing portion so as not to overlap with the overflow pipe, and being configured to press the roots of plants received in the receiving space to prevent the plants from escaping.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, the block may include a plurality of engaging protrusions formed on the block and protruding from an outer surface of the bottom plate.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, a plurality of overflow pipes may be provided in a matrix form at a central portion of the bottom plate.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, the anti-overflow plate may be formed in a cross shape and located between the overflow pipes arranged in a matrix form.

The hydroponic block according to the present invention may further include a drain hose coupled to a lower portion of the overflow pipe to discharge the fluid flowing out of the block through the overflow pipe to the outside.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, the overflow pipe may include a first overflow unit having a hollow portion formed therein and passing through a bottom plate of the block, and a second overflow unit assembled to the first overflow unit.

The hydroponic block according to the present invention may further include an overflow pipe plug including a closing portion coupled to an upper portion of the overflow pipe and configured to be inserted into a hollow portion of the overflow pipe, and a head formed on an upper end portion of the closing portion.

In the hydroponic block according to the present invention, at least one pair of through holes may be formed in one side of the side plate, and the block body may further include a connecting rope connecting the pair of through holes.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a water culture device, which includes a plurality of stacked water culture blocks, a liquid storage device and a circulation unit, wherein each water culture block includes a block body, an overflow pipe and an anti-escaping plate, wherein the block body includes side plates each having an opening and at least one capturing portion formed thereon, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, the overflow pipe is formed with a hollow portion and is configured to pass through the bottom plate to connect the interior of the block body with the exterior, the anti-escaping plate is placed on the upper surface of the capturing portion so as not to overlap with the overflow pipe, and the anti-escaping plate is configured to press the roots of plants accommodated in the receiving space to prevent the plants from escaping; the liquid storage device is provided at the water culture block on the lowermost side of the water culture blocks and is configured to store fluid; and the circulation unit includes a pump configured to pump the fluid in the liquid storage device and a supply hose connected to the pump to provide the fluid pumped by the pump to the water culture block on the uppermost side of the water culture blocks.

Beneficial effects

The advantages of the hydroponic block and the hydroponic device according to the present invention are that hydroponic cultivation can be performed more easily and more cleanly, the hydroponic blocks can be stacked in multiple stages, and can be particularly applied to art walls on walls or walls of rooms, or can be realized in a three-dimensional shape, and plants can be individually provided in each of the multi-stage stacked hydroponic blocks.

In addition, the advantages of the hydroponic block and the hydroponic device according to the present invention are that the water tray for containing water falling from the upper side and the block containing plants and water are formed into an assemblable structure, so that the water tray and the block can be easily manufactured in large quantities, and the water tray and the block can be prevented from being damaged during the manufacturing process, and when a part of the water tray and the block is damaged, only the damaged part can be selectively replaced.

The hydroponic block and hydroponic device according to the present invention include a block body and an anti-escape plate, wherein the block body has a side plate with at least one capturing portion formed thereon, and the anti-escape plate is placed on the capturing portion, thereby being able to stably press the roots of plants accommodated in the accommodating space to prevent the plants from escaping.

Furthermore, the water culture block and the water culture device according to the present invention include a discharge hose connected to the lower portion of the overflow pipe to discharge the fluid flowing out of the block through the overflow pipe to the outside. When the water culture blocks are stacked in multiple stages, the fluid discharged from the upper water culture block can be supplied to a desired water culture block in the lower water culture blocks or the water culture device can be connected to another adjacent culture device.

Accordingly, in the water culture block and the water culture device according to the present invention, unused culture blocks can be used for other purposes by adjusting the flow of fluid in a desired direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a perspective view of a water culture block according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2 is a front view in the direction A of FIG1;

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ in FIG1 ;

FIG4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ in FIG1 ;

FIG5 is a side view showing a water culture device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG6 is an exploded perspective view of a water culture block according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG7 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG6;

FIG8 is a plan view of the water culture block in FIG6 ;

FIG9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the prefabricated water tray in FIG6 ;

FIG10 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the overflow pipe in FIG6 ;

FIG11 is an exploded perspective view showing a water culture block according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG12 is a plan view of FIG11;

FIG13 is an exploded perspective view showing a water culture block according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

14 is a side view showing a water culture device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG15 is an exploded perspective view showing a water culture block according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a water culture block according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

17 is a view showing the lower surface of a water culture block according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG18 is a longitudinal sectional view of a water culture block according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG19 is a side view showing a water culture device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG20 is a side view showing a hydroponic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that in the following description, only parts necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention will be described, and descriptions of other parts will be omitted to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention.

The terms or words used in the detailed description and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately limit the terms or words to the term concepts that best describe his invention. Therefore, it should be understood that since the embodiments described in the detailed description and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to represent all the technical concepts of the present invention, various equivalents and modifications that can replace the present invention may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water culture block according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a front view in direction A of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ in Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ in Figure 1.

1 to 4 , the hydroponic block 100 includes a block body 10, an overflow pipe 20, a water tray 30, and a coupling protrusion 40. In addition to the above, the hydroponic block 100 may include an anti-escape plate 50 (see FIG. 3 ) and a connecting rope 60.

The block 10 may have a three-dimensional shape with an internal accommodation space and an open upper surface. For example, the block 10 may have an open hexagonal upper surface or an open rectangular upper surface. In addition to the above shapes, the block 10 may have an open pentagonal upper surface, or may have a truncated cone shape with an open upper surface, a hemispherical shape with an open upper surface, a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface, or the like.

The block 10 may be made of a transparent synthetic resin material so that leaves, stems, and roots of plants growing in the block 10 can be observed. Alternatively, the block 10 may be made of a metal material that does not have transparency but has high durability and is not easily corroded.

The block 10 may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of prefabricated parts, may be manufactured as a single body by an injection process or may be manufactured by folding and welding metal sheets.

The block 10 may be waterproof so that water or a culture solution contained in the block 10 does not leak.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the block 10 has a hexahedral shape including a bottom plate 9 and a plurality of side plates 5 each having an open upper portion (see FIG. 4 ).

For example, the block 10 includes four side panels 5 and one bottom panel 9. The four side panels 5 and one bottom panel 9 of the block 10 may be assembled with each other or formed integrally with each other.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the opening 1 is individually formed in each side plate 5 , and plants can be provided into the block 10 or a part of the plant can be exposed to the outside of the block 10 through the opening 1 .

When the opening 1 is formed in each side panel 5 , different plants can be individually provided into the block 10 in different directions of the block 10 .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the opening 1 may be formed in the middle portion between the upper and lower ends of the side plate 5 , and the lower end of the opening 1 is formed at a position suitable for filling a sufficient amount of water or culture solution in the block 10 .

On the other hand, through holes 2 are formed in both upper side portions of each side plate 5 adjacent to the upper end portion of the opening 1 , and the through holes 2 formed in the side plates 5 facing each other among the side plates 5 are formed to face each other.

Through holes 2 adjacent to both sides of the opening 1 of the side plate 5 are provided to allow the block 10 to be fixed to the wall by nails or the like.

The connection ropes 60 are coupled to the through holes 2 adjacent to both sides of the opening 1 formed in the side plate 5 .

A connection rope 60 connecting the through holes 2 to each other is provided across the opening 1 , and when the connection rope 60 spans the opening 1 and is coupled to the through holes 2 , the connection rope 60 prevents plants inserted in the opening 1 from drooping or escaping from the opening 1 .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the block 10 can improve aesthetics, or can be used as lighting by replacing the connection cord 60 with an electric wire and installing a light bulb on the electric wire.

2 and 3 , the overflow pipe 20 is coupled to the bottom plate 9 connected to the side plate 5 of the block 10 .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, at least one, but preferably a plurality of overflow pipes 20 may be formed through the bottom plate 9 of the block 10 .

The overflow pipe 20 passing through the bottom plate 9 has both ends opened and has a hollow pipe shape.

A plurality of overflow pipes 20 may be arranged on the bottom plate 9 in a matrix form.

Specifically, a plurality of overflow pipes 20 may be arranged in a matrix form on a central portion of the bottom plate 9 .

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the overflow pipes 20 may include first overflow pipes 23 formed in two rows along a first direction of the bottom plate 9 and second overflow pipes 26 formed in two rows along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The overflow pipe 20 prevents water or culture solution supplied to the block 10 from overflowing to the outside of the block 10 through the opening 1 formed in the side plate 5 .

4 , the upper end portion of the overflow pipe 20 disposed inside the block 10 may be disposed at a position above the lower end portion of the opening 1 formed in the side plate 5. When the upper end portion of the overflow pipe 20 is disposed at a position higher than the lower end portion of the opening 1 formed in the side plate 5 as described above, water or a culture solution may overflow through the opening 1.

In order to prevent the above overflow, an oblique or V-shaped cutout portion 27 is formed on the side surface of the overflow pipe 20 , and the cutout portion 27 is formed at a position below the lower end portion of the opening 1 formed in the side plate 5 of the block 10 .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the water level of the water or culture solution supplied to the block 10 is adjusted through the opening formed at the upper end of the overflow pipe 20, the opening at the upper end of the overflow pipe 20 is easily clogged due to surface tension, so that the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening 1 of the side plate 5. However, when the cutout portion 27 is formed on the side of the overflow pipe 20, the water or culture solution can be discharged from the interior of the block 10 to the outside through the overflow pipe 20 regardless of whether the opening at the upper end of the overflow pipe 20 is clogged.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a pair of cutout portions 27 may be formed at the same height on the overflow pipe 20. Unlike the above case, a plurality of cutout portions 27 may be formed at heights of the overflow pipe 20 that are different from each other.

3 , the anti-overflow plate 50 is formed in a plate shape, and the anti-overflow plate 50 may be provided in association with the overflow pipe 20 .

The anti-escaping plate 50 presses the roots of the plants supplied to the inside of the block 10 through the opening 1 of the side plate 5 to prevent the plants from escaping through the opening 1 of the side plate 5 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the overflow prevention plate 50 is formed in a shape suitable for being inserted in a space between the first overflow pipes 23 provided in two rows and a space between the second overflow pipes 26 provided in two rows.

For example, the overflow prevention plate 50 is formed in the form of a cross-shaped plate adapted to be inserted between the first overflow pipes 23 and between the second overflow pipes 26 .

Although the anti-overflow plate 50 having a cross shape adapted to be interposed between the first overflow pipes 23 and the second overflow pipes 26 is shown and described in the first embodiment of the present invention, the anti-overflow plate 50 may be manufactured in various shapes instead.

Specifically, a protrusion protruding in a direction toward at least one of the first overflow pipe 23 and the second overflow pipe 26 may be formed on a portion of the anti-overflow plate 50, and a through hole coupled with at least one of the first overflow pipe 23 and the second overflow pipe 26 may be formed in the protrusion.

Unlike the above configuration, the overflow prevention plate 50 may be formed in a square plate shape and may include a through hole into which the first overflow pipe 23 and the second overflow pipe 26 formed in the central portion of the bottom plate 9 are inserted.

In order to allow the anti-overflow plate 50 having a square plate shape to be easily connected to and separated from the overflow pipe 20, any one of the through holes formed in the anti-overflow plate 50 having a square plate shape has a diameter allowing the overflow pipe 20 to be inserted therein, and the diameter of the remaining through holes 52 is somewhat larger than the diameter of the overflow pipe 20.

By forming the through-holes formed in the escape prevention plate 50 to have different sizes, the escape prevention plate 50 can be more easily coupled and detached.

Even though the water culture block 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may use one water culture block, the water culture block of the present invention has a structure suitable for stacking a plurality of water culture blocks 100 .

In order to stack the plurality of water culture blocks 100 as described above, a technology is required that can firmly connect the stacked water culture blocks 100 to each other, and a technology that prevents noise from being generated when water or a culture solution falls into the water culture block 100 disposed on the lower side after water or a culture solution is supplied to the water culture block 100 disposed on the upper side.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent noise from being generated when water or culture solution falls into the water culture block 100 disposed on the lower side after water or culture solution is supplied to the water culture block 100 disposed on the upper side, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water culture block 100 includes a water tray portion 30.

A water tray portion 30 having a water tray shape is formed on the side plate 5 , and the water tray portion 30 receives water or a culture solution discharged through the overflow pipe 20 and supplies the water or the culture solution to the inside of the block 10 .

The water tray portion 30 is formed in a groove shape, and includes a water tray bottom plate 32 and water tray side plates 34 to form the water tray portion 30 .

The water tray bottom plate 32 is formed in a plate shape, and the water tray bottom plate 32 covers each overflow pipe 20 .

The water tray side plate 34 is vertically connected to the water tray bottom plate 32 located above the water tray bottom plate 32. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the water tray side plate 34 is provided on the water tray bottom plate 32 in the form of a rectangular frame, and a space suitable for inserting a joint protrusion or overflow pipe 20 to be described later is formed between the water tray side plate 34 and the side plate 5.

The space formed by the water tray side plates 34 and the water tray bottom plate 32 accommodates a certain volume of water or culture solution, and the water or culture solution provided to the water tray portion 30 including the water tray side plates 34 and the water tray bottom plate 32 is provided to the interior of the block 10 formed below the water tray portion 30.

To achieve this function, a through hole 33 is formed in the water tray bottom plate 32, and a water pipe 35 is formed on the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 32 corresponding to the through hole 33. The water pipe 35 is formed in a tube shape, and the lower end portion of the water pipe 35 is disposed below the lower end portion of the opening 1 formed on the side plate 5.

Therefore, when water or a culture solution is supplied to the water tray portion 30 , the water or the culture solution is supplied to the water pipe 35 through the through-hole 33 formed in the water tray bottom plate 32 and then supplied to the inside of the block 10 .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of water culture blocks 100 are stacked, an overflow pipe 20 protruding from the outer surface of the bottom plate 9 of the water culture block 100 disposed on the relatively upper side is disposed at a position corresponding to the water tray portion 32 of the water culture block 100 disposed on the relatively lower side.

Accordingly, when water or a culture solution is supplied to the water culture block 100 disposed on the relatively upper side of the stacked water culture blocks 100, since the water or the culture solution discharged from the overflow pipe 20 of the water culture block 100 disposed on the upper side is supplied to the water tray portion 30 of the water culture block 100 disposed on the relatively lower side and then supplied to the interior of the block 10 through the water pipe 35, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of noise when the water or the culture solution falls into the block.

On the other hand, in order to prevent the water culture block 100 arranged on the relatively upper side from being separated from the water culture block 100 arranged on the relatively lower side when multiple water culture blocks 100 are stacked, a plurality of engaging protrusions 40 are formed on the outer surface of the bottom plate 9 of the block body 10.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of engaging protrusions 40 may be formed integrally with the bottom plate 9 of the block 10 or may be attached to the bottom plate 9 of the block 10 by an adhesive or the like.

The engaging protrusion 40 may be formed into a cylindrical shape, for example. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the engaging protrusion 40 may be formed into a cylindrical shape. Although the cylindrical engaging protrusion 40 is shown and described in the first embodiment of the present invention, the engaging protrusion 40 may also be formed into various shapes, such as a rectangle, a polygon, etc.

The engaging protrusion 40 formed on the outer surface of the bottom plate 9 is formed, for example, at a position corresponding to the water tray portion 30. For example, the engaging protrusion 40 may be formed at a corner of the outer surface of the bottom plate 9 or may be formed intermittently along the edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate 9.

Meanwhile, when the water culture blocks 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are stacked, no water culture block 100 may be provided below the bottom of the water culture block 100 provided on the upper side. In this case, water or culture solution falling from the overflow pipe 20 of the water culture block 100 provided on the upper side may fall onto the ground and contaminate the ground.

To prevent this, as shown in FIG4 , the overflow pipe 20 of the water culture block 100 disposed on the upper side without the water culture block disposed thereunder may include an overflow pipe plug 90 to block the overflow pipe 20. The overflow pipe plug 90 includes a rod-shaped closing portion 92 to be inserted into the hollow portion of the overflow pipe 20, and a head portion 94 for inserting the closing portion 92 into the hollow portion of the overflow pipe 20 or separating it from the hollow portion.

FIG5 is a side view showing the hydroculture device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 , the hydroponic culture device 900 includes a hydroponic culture unit 100 a , a liquid storage device 760 , and a circulation unit 730 .

The water culture unit 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of stacked water culture blocks 100. The water culture block 100 shown in FIG5 has substantially the same configuration as the water culture block 100 shown in FIG1 to FIG4. Therefore, repeated description of the same configuration will be omitted, and the same configuration will be given the same terminology and the same reference numerals.

The water culture unit 100a is formed by stacking a plurality of water culture blocks 100, wherein the overflow pipe 20 of the water culture block 100 disposed on the upper side among the stacked water culture blocks 100 is disposed at a position corresponding to the water tray portion 30 of each water culture block 100 disposed on the lower side, and the water culture blocks 100 are connected to each other through a protrusion 40 and the overflow pipe 20 protruding downward from the bottom plate 9.

The liquid storage device 760 is provided at the lowermost end of the water culture unit 100 a , and the liquid storage device 760 is used to store fluid, such as water or culture solution, to be supplied to the water culture block 100 of the water culture unit 100 a .

The circulation unit 730 includes a pump 740 and a hose 750 .

The pump 740 may be provided inside the liquid storage device 760 or outside the liquid storage device 760 , and the pump 740 pumps the water or culture solution in the liquid storage device 760 .

The water or culture solution pumped out from the interior of the liquid storage device 760 is supplied to the uppermost water culture block 100 among the water culture blocks 100 constituting the water culture unit 100a through a hose 750 connected to the pump 740, and then sequentially supplied from the uppermost water culture block 100 to the water culture blocks arranged at the lower side.

As described above in detail, the advantages of the hydroponic block are that hydroponic cultivation is easier and cleaner, the hydroponic block can be stacked in multiple stages, and can be particularly applied to an art wall used on a wall or a wall of a room, or can be realized in a three-dimensional shape, and plants can be provided individually to each of the hydroponic blocks stacked in multiple stages.

Hereinafter, a hydroponic block according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

6 is an exploded perspective view of a water culture block according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 6 , and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the water culture block in FIG. 6 .

6 to 8 , the hydroponic block 500 includes a block body 200 , an overflow pipe 300 , and a prefabricated water tray 400 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the block 200 and the prefabricated water tray 400 are configured to be assembled and disassembled from each other.

The block 200 may be formed to have a three-dimensional shape in which a receiving space is formed and an upper surface is opened.

For example, the block 200 may be formed in a regular hexahedron with an open upper surface, or in a rectangular parallelepiped with an open upper surface. In addition to the above shapes, the block 200 may be formed in a pentagonal shape with an open upper surface, or in a truncated cone shape with an open upper surface, a hemispherical shape with an open upper surface, a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface, etc.

Aquatic plants grown in water or a culture solution may be provided into the accommodation space formed in the block 200 , and the block 200 may be made of a transparent material to allow a user to observe leaves, stems, and roots of the aquatic plants grown in the block 200 .

Alternatively, the block 200 may be made of a metal material that does not have transparency but has high durability and is not easily corroded.

The block 200 may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of preformed parts, may be manufactured as a single body by an injection process, or may be manufactured by folding and welding metal sheets.

The block 200 may be waterproof to prevent leakage of water or culture solution contained therein.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the block 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape including a bottom plate 209 and a plurality of side plates 205 each having an open upper portion.

For example, the block 200 includes four side plates 205 and one bottom plate 209. The four side plates 205 and one bottom plate 209 of the block 200 may be assembled with each other or formed integrally with each other.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, an opening 201 is formed in the side plate 205 , and aquatic plants can be provided into the block 200 or a portion of the plants can be taken out of the block 200 through the opening 201 .

When the opening 201 is formed in each side plate 205 , different plants can be individually provided into the block 200 in different directions of the block 200 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the opening 201 may be formed in the middle portion between the upper and lower ends of the side plate 205 , and the lower end of the opening 201 is formed at a position suitable for filling a sufficient amount of water or culture solution in the block 200 .

On the other hand, through holes 202 are formed in both upper side portions of each side plate 205 adjacent to the upper end portion of the opening 201 , and the through holes 202 formed in the side plates 205 facing each other among the side plates 205 are formed to face each other.

Through holes 202 adjacent to both sides of the opening 201 of the side plate 205 are provided to allow the block 200 to be fixed to the wall by nails or the like.

The connection rope 208 may be coupled to the through-holes 202 adjacent to both sides of the opening 201 formed in the side panel 205 .

The connecting rope 208 connecting the through holes 202 to each other is provided across the opening 201. When the connecting rope 208 spans the opening 201 and is coupled to the through holes 202 provided on both sides of the opening 201, the connecting rope 208 prevents the aquatic plants inserted in the opening 201 from drooping or escaping from the opening 201. In addition, the connecting rope 208 can firmly connect the plurality of blocks 200 to each other.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, by replacing the connection cord 208 with an electric wire and installing a light bulb on the electric wire, illumination light can be provided to a portion or all of the block 200 to improve aesthetics or allow the block 200 to be used as lighting.

The bottom plate 209 may be coupled to the lower end portion of the side plate 205 of the block body 200 , and an accommodation space may be formed in the block body 200 by the side plate 205 and the bottom plate 209 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of engaging protrusions 220 may be formed on an outer surface of the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 and protrude therefrom.

A plurality of engaging protrusions 220 may be intermittently formed along the edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate 209. Alternatively, the engaging protrusions 220 may be formed at the edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate 209 as well as at the center of the bottom plate 209.

When the water culture blocks 500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are stacked, the engaging protrusion 220 serves to prevent the lower water culture block 500 from being separated from the upper water culture block 500 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the block 200 may be manufactured through an injection process using a synthetic resin material, thereby enabling mass production of the block 200 .

The overflow pipe 300 is formed to pass through the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 .

At least one, but preferably a plurality of overflow tubes 300 may be formed through the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the overflow pipe 300 may be coupled to the bottom plate 209 by an adhesive or the like, or may be assembleably and detachably coupled to the bottom plate 209 .

The overflow pipe 300 passing through the bottom plate 209 has both ends opened and has a hollow pipe shape. For example, a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe may be used as the overflow pipe 300 .

The plurality of overflow pipes 300 may be arranged in a matrix on the bottom plate 209. Specifically, the plurality of overflow pipes 300 may be arranged in a matrix at a central portion of the bottom plate 209.

One end portion of the overflow pipe 300 is disposed in the block 200 , and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion of the overflow pipe 300 is disposed outside the block 200 .

When water or a culture solution is supplied in the block 200 , the overflow pipe 300 prevents the water or the culture solution from overflowing to the outside of the block 200 through the opening 201 formed in the side plate 205 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , one end portion of the overflow pipe 300 provided in the block 200 may be provided at a position above a lower end portion of the opening 201 formed in the side plate 205 .

When one end portion of the overflow pipe 300 is disposed at a position higher than the lower end portion of the opening 201 formed in the side plate 205 as described above, water or culture solution may overflow through the opening 201 .

To prevent the overflow, an oblique or V-shaped cutout 310 is formed on the side of the overflow pipe 300 , and the cutout 310 is formed below the lower end of the opening 201 formed in the side plate 205 of the block 200 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, when the water level of water or culture solution supplied to the block 200 is adjusted through the opening formed at one end of the overflow pipe 300, the opening at one end of the overflow pipe 300 is frequently clogged due to surface tension, so that the water or culture solution may overflow through the opening 201 of the side plate 205. However, when a cutout portion 310 is formed on the side of the overflow pipe 300, the water or culture solution can be discharged from the inside of the block 200 to the outside through the overflow pipe 300, regardless of whether the opening at one end of the overflow pipe 300 is clogged.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, at least two cutouts 310 may be formed on the overflow pipe 300. For example, the pair of cutouts 310 may be formed at the same height of the overflow pipe, or a plurality of cutouts 310 may be formed at different heights of the overflow pipe 300.

On the other hand, since part of the aquatic plants is disposed in the block 200 and part of the aquatic plants is disposed outside the block 200 , the aquatic plants inserted through the opening 201 formed in the side plate 205 may frequently escape from the block 200 .

In order to prevent this, an anti-escaping plate 320 that presses the roots of the aquatic plants to prevent the aquatic plants from escaping to the outside of the block is provided in the block 200 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the anti-escaping plate 320 is coupled to the overflow pipe 300 and presses the roots of the aquatic plants to prevent the aquatic plants from escaping.

The anti-overflow plate 320 is formed in a plate shape, for example, and a through hole 325 into which the overflow pipe 300 is inserted is formed on the anti-overflow plate 320 .

The through holes 325 are formed at positions corresponding to those of the overflow pipe 300. In the second embodiment of the present invention, any one of the through holes 325 is formed to have a size that allows the through hole to contact the outer peripheral surface of the overflow pipe 300 when the overflow pipe 300 is inserted into the anti-overflow plate 320, and the remaining through holes 325 are formed to have a size larger than that of the overflow pipe 300.

By forming the through hole 325 of the anti-overflow plate 320 to have the above-mentioned size, the overflow pipe 300 is more easily inserted into the through hole 325 formed on the anti-overflow plate 320 , and the overflow pipe 300 inserted into the anti-overflow plate 320 is not easily separated from the anti-overflow plate 320 .

Meanwhile, when the water culture blocks 500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are stacked, no water culture block 500 may be provided below the bottom of the upper water culture block 500. In this case, water or culture solution falling from the overflow pipe 300 of the upper water culture block 500 may fall onto the ground.

To prevent this situation, as shown in Figure 6, when no water culture block is set on the lower side, the overflow pipe 300 of the water culture block 500 set on the upper side may include an overflow pipe plug 350 to block the overflow pipe 300, and the overflow pipe plug 350 includes a rod-shaped closing portion 352 to be inserted into the hollow part of the overflow pipe 300, and a head 354 for inserting the closing portion 352 into the hollow part of the overflow pipe 300 or separating it from the hollow part.

On the other hand, the prefabricated water tray 400 is inserted into the block 200 or separated from the block 200. That is, the prefabricated water tray 400 can be assembled with the block 200 or disassembled therefrom.

6, the prefabricated water tray 400 includes a water tray body 410 and a pipe 420. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray 400 may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The water tray body 410 is used to store water or culture solution dropped into the block body 200 from a position above the block body 200 , and the water tray body 410 includes a water tray bottom plate 411 and water tray side plates 413 and 414 .

The water tray bottom plate 411 is formed in, for example, a shape having a rectangular band in which an opening is formed, and the water tray bottom plate 411 has through-holes 412 formed at four corners thereof.

The water tray side plates 413 and 414 are respectively arranged along the outer surface and inner surface of the water tray bottom plate 411 in a direction perpendicular to the water tray bottom plate 411. A space for accommodating water or culture solution is formed in the water tray body by the water tray bottom plate 411 and the water tray side plates 413 and 414.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the water tray bottom plate 411 and the water tray side plates 413 and 414 may be assembled with each other or may be formed integrally with each other.

The tube 420 is provided on the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 411 of the water tray body 410 , and has a tube shape including a hollow portion communicating with the through hole 412 .

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the pipe 420 prevents noise from being generated due to falling water when the water contained in the water tray body 410 is supplied to the inside of the block 200, and prevents the water falling into the block 200 from splashing to the outside of the block 200 and contaminating the outside of the block 200.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, one end of the tube 420 is coupled to the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 411 , and the other end opposite to the one end of the tube 420 contacts the upper surface of the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 .

The pipe 420 serves to supply water or a culture solution supplied to the inside of the water tray 410 to the inside of the block 200 and stably supports the water tray 410 in the block 200 .

One end of the tube 420 in contact with the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 411 is formed in a flat shape to increase the contact area with the water tray bottom plate 411, and a cutout portion 422 cut in a diagonal direction is formed on a portion of the tube 420 in contact with the bottom plate 209 of the block 200. The cutout portion 422 allows water or a culture solution supplied to the tube 420 to be smoothly supplied to the inside of the block 200.

Although one embodiment of the present invention shows and describes the cutout portion 422 formed by cutting the portion of the tube 420 facing the bottom plate 209 in a diagonal direction, unlike the above configuration, as shown in Figure 6, the portion of the tube 420 facing the bottom plate 209 may be formed parallel to the bottom plate 209, and a through hole 422a may be formed in a portion of the tube 420.

Of the water tray side plates 413 and 414 of the water tray body 410, the height of the water tray side plate 413 that contacts the inner side surface of the side plate 205 of the block body 200 may be smaller than the height of the side plate 414 provided on the inner side thereof, or the water tray side plate 413 may not be formed on the water tray body 410. This is because the side plate 205 of the block body 200 can serve as the water tray side plate 413. Meanwhile, when the water tray side plate 413 is not formed, the water tray bottom plate 411 is formed so as to allow its outer side surface to contact the inner side surface of the side plate 205 of the block body 200. This is to prevent the water or culture solution contained in the water tray body 410 from leaking into the interior of the block body 200.

FIG9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the prefabricated water tray in FIG6 , and FIG10 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the overflow pipe in FIG6 . Aside from the coupling structure of the prefabricated water tray and the overflow pipe, the water culture block in the second embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG6 to 8 . Therefore, repeated descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted, and identical configurations will be given identical terms and reference numerals.

9, the prefabricated water tray 400 includes a water tray body 410 and a pipe 420. In another embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray 400 may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The tube 420 includes a first tube 425 and a second tube 427 .

The first tube 425 is formed in a tube shape coupled with the through hole 412 formed in the water tray body 410 .

The second tube 427 is formed in a tube shape having a diameter fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the first tube 425 , and an end portion of the second tube 427 contacts the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 .

In another embodiment of the present invention, by forming the first tube 425 connected to the water tray body 410 and the second tube 427 coupled to the first tube 425 into the tube 420, it is possible to greatly shorten the time required to couple the tube 420 to the water tray body 410, and when a portion of the water tray body 410 or the tube 420 is damaged, only the damaged portion can be selectively separated and assembled.

10, the overflow pipe 300 coupled to the block 200 includes a first overflow unit 302 and a second overflow unit 305. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first overflow unit 302 and the second overflow unit 305 may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The first overflow unit 302 is formed to pass through the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 and is formed in a tube shape. A portion of the first overflow unit 302 protrudes from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 209, and a portion of the first overflow unit 302 protrudes from the upper surface of the bottom plate 209.

The second overflow unit 305 is disposed inside the block body 200 , and the second overflow unit 305 is formed in a pipe shape coupled with the first overflow unit 302 protruding from the upper surface of the bottom plate 209 .

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first overflow unit 302 and the second overflow unit 305 may be coupled to each other in an interference fit manner, but the first overflow unit 302 and the second overflow unit 305 may also be coupled to each other in a screw coupling manner.

In another embodiment of the present invention, by forming the first overflow unit 302 and the second overflow unit 305 to be detachable and assembleable to each other, even when either one of the first overflow unit 302 and the second overflow unit 305 is damaged, only the damaged portion can be replaced.

FIG11 is an exploded perspective view of a water culture block according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG12 is a plan view of FIG11 . The block body of the water culture block shown in FIG12 and FIG13 has substantially the same configuration as the water culture block shown in FIG6 to FIG8 and described above. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same configuration will be omitted, and the same configuration will be given the same terminology and reference numerals.

11 and 12 , the hydroponic block 500 includes a block body 200 , an overflow pipe 351 , and a prefabricated water tray 450 .

The overflow pipe 351 is coupled to the bottom plate 209 connected to the side plate 205 of the block 200 .

In a third embodiment of the present invention, at least one but preferably a plurality of overflow pipes 351 may be formed through the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 .

The overflow pipes 351 may include first overflow pipes 360 formed in two rows along a first direction of the bottom plate 209 and second overflow pipes 370 formed in two rows along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The first overflow pipe 360 passes through the central portion of the bottom plate 209 along a first direction, and the second overflow pipe 370 passes through the central portion of the bottom plate 209 along a second direction.

The first overflow pipe 360 and the second overflow pipe 370 intersect at a central portion of the bottom plate 209 , and are arranged in a cross shape when viewed in a plan view.

12 , the anti-overflow plate 390 shown in dotted lines is formed in a plate shape, and the anti-overflow plate 390 may be provided in association with the overflow pipe 351 .

As shown in FIG. 12 , the overflow prevention plate 390 is formed to have a size and shape suitable for being inserted in a space between the first overflow pipes 360 provided in two rows and the second overflow pipes 370 provided in two rows.

For example, the anti-overflow plate 390 may be a plate having a cross shape adapted to be inserted between the first overflow pipe 360 and the second overflow pipe 370 .

Although the anti-overflow plate 390 is shown and described as a cross-shaped plate adapted to be interposed between the first overflow pipe 360 and the second overflow pipe 370 in the third embodiment of the present invention, the anti-overflow plate 390 may be manufactured in various shapes.

The prefabricated water tray 450 includes a water tray bottom plate 460, water tray side plates 470 and 480, and a pipe 490. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray 450 may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The water tray bottom plate 460 is formed in a plate shape, for example, and is disposed to face the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 , and has a shape and size suitable for being inserted into the block 200 in a precisely fitting manner.

Through holes 462 to be connected with the pipes 490 are formed at four corners of the water tray bottom plate 460 , and a plurality of openings 464 are formed on a central portion of the water tray bottom plate 460 .

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of openings 464 may be arranged in a matrix form, and the water tray bottom plate 460 is formed to cover the overflow pipe 351 .

The water tray side plates 470 and 480 are coupled to the upper surface of the water tray bottom plate 460 to form an accommodation space on the water tray bottom plate 460 .

A water tray side plate 470 disposed outside is formed along an outer surface of the water tray bottom plate 460 , and another water tray side plate 480 is formed along a periphery of an opening 464 formed at a central portion of the water tray bottom plate 460 to form an accommodating space on the water tray bottom plate 460 .

The pipe 490 is provided on the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 460 of the prefabricated water tray 450 , and has a pipe shape including a hollow portion communicating with the through-hole 462 .

In the third embodiment of the present invention, one end of the tube 490 is coupled to the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 460 , and the other end opposite to the one end of the tube 490 contacts the upper surface of the bottom plate 209 of the block 200 .

The pipe 490 serves to supply water or a culture solution supplied to the prefabricated water tray 450 to the inside of the block 200 and stably support the prefabricated water tray 450 in the block 200 .

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the pipe 490 is divided into at least two pipes, any one of the divided pipes is connected to the water tray bottom plate 460 , and the other may be coupled to the pipe connected to the water tray bottom plate 460 .

FIG13 is an exploded perspective view of a water culture block according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The water culture block shown in FIG13 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG6 to FIG8 , except for the prefabricated water tray shown in FIG13 . Therefore, repeated descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted, and identical configurations will be given identical terms and reference numerals.

6 and 13 , the water culture block 500 includes a block body 200 (see FIG. 6 ), an overflow pipe 300 (see FIG. 6 ), and a prefabricated water tray 491 .

The prefabricated water tray 491 includes a water tray bottom plate 492 having a through hole 493, a water tray side plate 494, and a pipe 496. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated water tray 491 may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The water tray bottom plate 492 has a plate shape in which only the through-hole 293 is formed, and the water tray side plates 494 are formed perpendicular to the water tray bottom plate 492 along the edge of the water tray bottom plate 492 .

The tube 496 is provided at a position on the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 492 corresponding to the through hole 493 , and the tube 496 is securely coupled to the lower surface of the water tray bottom plate 492 .

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the tube 496 is divided into at least two tubes, any one of the tubes 496 is coupled to the water tray bottom plate 492 , and the other tube can be coupled to the tube 496 coupled to the water tray bottom plate 492 in a fitting manner.

15 is an exploded perspective view showing a water culture block according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water culture block according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a lower surface of the water culture block according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

15 to 17 , a hydroponic block 1500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a block body 1200 , an anti-overflow plate 1320 , and an overflow pipe 1300 .

The block 1200 may be formed to have a three-dimensional shape in which a receiving space is formed and an upper surface is open.

For example, the block 1200 may be formed in a regular hexahedron with an open upper surface or a rectangular parallelepiped with an open upper surface. In addition to the above shapes, the block 1200 may be formed in a pentagonal shape with an open upper surface, or may be formed in a truncated cone shape with an open upper surface, a hemispherical shape with an open upper surface, a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface, etc.

Aquatic plants grown in water or a culture solution may be disposed in the accommodation space formed in the block 1200 , and the block 1200 may be formed of a transparent material to allow a user to observe leaves, stems, and roots of the aquatic plants grown in the block 1200 .

Alternatively, the block 1200 may be formed of various materials such as a metal material that does not have transparency but has high durability and is not easily corroded.

The block 1200 may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of preformed parts, may be manufactured as a single body by an injection process, or may be manufactured by folding and welding metal sheets.

The block 1200 may be waterproof to prevent leakage of water or culture solution contained therein.

The block 1200 may be manufactured in a hexahedral shape including a bottom plate 1209 and a plurality of side plates 1205 each having an open upper portion.

For example, the block 1200 includes four side plates 1205 and one bottom plate 1209. The four side plates 1205 and one bottom plate 1209 of the block 1200 may be assembled with each other or may be formed integrally with each other.

An opening 1201 is formed in each side panel 1205 , and plants can be provided into the block 1200 or a portion of the plants can be taken out of the block 1200 through the opening 1201 .

When the opening 1201 is formed in each side panel 1205 , different plants can be individually provided into the block 1200 in different directions of the block 1200 .

The opening 1201 may be formed in a middle portion between the upper and lower ends of the side plate 1205 , and the lower end of the opening 1201 is formed at a position suitable for filling a sufficient amount of water or culture solution in the block 1200 .

On the other hand, through holes 1202 are formed in both upper side portions of each side plate 1205 adjacent to the upper end portion of the opening 1201 , and the through holes 202 formed in the side plates 1205 facing each other are formed to face each other.

Furthermore, through holes 202 adjacent to both sides of the opening 201 of the side plate 205 are provided to allow the block 1200 to be fixed to the wall by nails or the like.

The connection rope 1208 may be coupled to the through holes 1202 adjacent to both sides of the opening 1201 formed on the side panel 205 .

The connecting rope 1208 connecting the through holes 1202 to each other is provided across the opening 1201, and when the connecting rope 1208 spans the opening 1201 and is coupled to the through holes 1202 provided on both sides of the opening 1201, the connecting rope 1208 prevents the aquatic plants inserted in the opening 1201 from drooping or escaping from the opening 1201. In addition, the connecting rope 1208 can firmly connect the plurality of blocks 1200 to each other.

In addition, the catching portion 1203 may be formed on the inner surface of the side plate 1205. An anti-escape plate 1320 to be described later may be seated on the upper surface of the catching portion 1203.

The catch portion 1203 may be formed on the inner surface of the side plate 1205 with the catch portion 1203 spaced a predetermined distance downward from the opening 1201. Accordingly, the anti-escape plate 1320 disposed on the upper surface of the catch portion 1203 can be fixed in the side plate 1205 without being removed from the side plate 1205.

The catching portion 1203 may be formed on each side plate 1205 so that the anti-escaping plate 1320 may be positioned at different positions according to the shape of the anti-escaping plate 1320 .

In this embodiment, although the capturing portion 1203 is formed into a concave-convex shape having a groove for placing the anti-escaping plate 1320 in its central portion, its shape is not limited thereto, and the capturing portion can be formed into various shapes such as a cuboid, a sphere, a cylinder, a triangular prism, etc.

By replacing the connecting cord 1208 with an electric wire and mounting a light bulb on the electric wire, it is possible to provide illumination light to a portion or all of the block 1200 to improve its aesthetics or allow the block 1200 to be used as lighting.

The bottom plate 1209 may be coupled to the lower end portion of the side plate 1205 of the block body 1200 , and an accommodation space may be formed in the block body 1200 by the side plate 1205 and the bottom plate 1209 .

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of engaging protrusions 1220 may be formed on an outer surface of the bottom plate 1209 of the block 1200 and protrude therefrom.

A plurality of engaging protrusions 1220 may be intermittently formed along the edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate 1209. Alternatively, the engaging protrusions 1220 may be formed at the edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate 209 as well as at the center of the bottom plate 1209.

When the hydroponic blocks 1500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are stacked to form a hydroponic apparatus, the engaging protrusions 1220 prevent the hydroponic blocks disposed on the lower side from being separated from the hydroponic blocks disposed on the upper side, as will be described later.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the block 1200 may be manufactured through an injection process using a synthetic resin material, thereby enabling mass production of the block 1200 .

The overflow pipe 1300 is formed to pass through the bottom plate 1209 of the block 1200 .

At least one, but preferably a plurality of overflow tubes 1300 may be formed through the bottom plate 1209 of the block 1200 .

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the overflow pipe 1300 may be coupled to the bottom plate 1209 by an adhesive or the like, or may be assembleably and detachably coupled to the bottom plate 1209. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the overflow pipe 1300 may be integrally formed with the block 1200 by an injection process or the like.

The overflow pipe 1300 passing through the bottom plate 1209 has both ends opened and is formed in a hollow pipe shape. For example, a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe may be used as the overflow pipe 1300 .

The plurality of overflow pipes 1300 may be arranged in a matrix on the bottom plate 1209. Specifically, the plurality of overflow pipes 1300 may be arranged in a matrix at a central portion of the bottom plate 1209.

One end portion of the overflow pipe 1300 is disposed in the block 1200 , and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion of the overflow pipe 1300 is disposed outside the block 1200 .

In this embodiment, the overflow tube 1300 can be arranged in a rectangular shape at the center of the bottom plate 1209. Accordingly, the overflow tube 1300 functions as the engagement protrusion 1220, preventing the lower water culture block from separating from the upper water culture block when the water culture blocks 1500 are mounted flat on a wall or stacked in a three-dimensional structure. Specifically, the corners of the block 1200 of the lower water culture block are positioned between and engaged with the overflow tube 1300 of the upper water culture block, thereby securing the lower water culture block.

When water or a culture solution is supplied in the block 1200 , the overflow pipe 1300 prevents the water or the culture solution from overflowing to the outside of the block 1200 through the opening 1201 formed in the side plate 1205 .

Although the overflow pipe 1300 is formed to have a height higher than the lower end of the opening formed in the side plate 1205 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the height of the overflow pipe may be lower than or equal to the lower end of the opening 1201 .

As shown in FIG. 16 , one end portion of the overflow pipe 1300 provided in the block 1200 may be provided at a position above a lower end portion of the opening 1201 formed in the side plate 1205 .

When one end portion of the overflow pipe 1300 is disposed at a higher position than the lower end portion of the opening 1201 formed in the side plate 1205 as described above, water or culture solution may overflow through the opening 1201 .

To prevent the overflow, an oblique or V-shaped cutout 1310 is formed on the side of the overflow pipe 1300 , and the cutout 1310 is formed below the lower end of the opening 1201 formed in the side plate 1205 of the block 1200 .

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when the water level of water or culture solution supplied to the block 1200 is adjusted through the opening formed at one end of the overflow pipe 1300, the opening at one end of the overflow pipe 1300 frequently becomes clogged due to surface tension, causing the water or culture solution to overflow through the opening 1201 of the side plate 1205. However, by forming a cutout portion 1310 on the side of the overflow pipe 1300, the water or culture solution can be discharged from the interior of the block 1200 to the outside through the overflow pipe 1300 regardless of whether the opening at one end of the overflow pipe 1300 is clogged. The cutout portion 1310 of the overflow pipe 1300 enables the culture solution to be evenly dispersed through the overflow pipe 1300 and flow into the other water culture block 1500 provided below.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, at least sixteen cutouts 1310 may be formed on the overflow pipe 1300. For example, the pair of cutouts 1310 may be formed at the same height on the overflow pipe, or a plurality of cutouts 1310 may be formed at different heights on the overflow pipe 1300.

Meanwhile, the escape prevention plate 1320 is seated on the upper surface of the capture portion 1203 formed on the side plate 1205 and presses the roots of the aquatic plants to prevent the aquatic plants from escaping.

The overflow prevention plate 1320 is formed in a plate shape, may be provided in association with the overflow pipe 1300 , and is formed to have a size and shape suitable for being inserted into a space between the overflow pipes 1300 .

For example, the overflow prevention plate 1320 may be a cross-shaped plate suitable for being inserted between the overflow pipes 1300. Here, the length of the two rods forming the cross of the cross-shaped overflow prevention plate 1320 may be greater than the distance between the catches 1203 formed on the opposing side plates 1205. Accordingly, the overflow prevention plate 1320 may be inserted between the overflow pipes 1300 and seated on the catches 1203.

Although the anti-overflow plate 1320 is shown and described as a cross-shaped plate adapted to be interposed between the overflow pipes 1300 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the anti-overflow plate 1320 may be manufactured in various shapes, unlike the above configuration.

Accordingly, the hydroponic block 1500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can stably press the roots of the plants accommodated in the accommodation space using the anti-escaping plate 1320 to prevent the plants from escaping.

Meanwhile, when the water culture blocks 1500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are stacked, no water culture block 1500 may be provided below the bottom of the upper water culture block 1500. In this case, water or culture solution falling from the overflow pipe 1300 of the upper water culture block 1500 may fall to the ground.

To prevent this, as shown in FIG. 15 , when no water culture block is provided on the lower side, the overflow pipe 1300 of the water culture block 1500 provided on the upper side may further include an overflow pipe plug 1350 to block the overflow pipe 1300 .

The overflow pipe plug 1350 may include a rod-shaped closing portion 1352 to be inserted into the hollow portion of the overflow pipe 1300 , and a head portion 1354 for inserting the closing portion 1352 into or separating the closing portion from the hollow portion of the overflow pipe 1300 .

Meanwhile, the water culture block 1500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may further include a discharge hose 1330 for discharging the fluid flowing out of the overflow pipe 1300 to the outside.

That is, when the water culture blocks 1500 according to the present embodiment are stacked, the discharge hose 1330 may transfer the fluid flowing out of the water culture block 1500 disposed on the upper side to the water culture block 1500 disposed on the lower side.

In addition, in this embodiment, the drain hose 1330 is coupled to the overflow pipe 1300 in a state where the drain hose wraps the lower portion of the overflow pipe 1300. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the drain hose may be inserted into and coupled to the hollow portion of the overflow pipe 1300.

The drain hose 1330 may be in the form of a tube made of a flexible material such as vinyl, rubber, etc. When the water culture blocks 1500 are stacked, the drain hose may deliver the fluid to the water culture block 1500 in contact with its lower end, or, if necessary, the length of the drain hose may be extended to deliver the fluid to one of the desired water culture blocks 1500 disposed at the lower side.

FIG18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water culture block according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The water culture block 1400 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the water culture block 1500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG15 to FIG17 , except for the coupling structure of the overflow pipe 1300. Therefore, repeated descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted, and identical configurations will be designated with identical terms and reference numerals.

18, the overflow pipe 1300 coupled to the block 1200 includes a first overflow unit 1302 and a second overflow unit 1305. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the first overflow unit 1302 and the second overflow unit 1305 may be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material or a flexible synthetic resin material.

The first overflow unit 1302 is formed to pass through the bottom plate 1209 of the block 1200 and is formed in a tubular shape. A portion of the first overflow unit 1302 protrudes from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 1209, and a portion of the first overflow unit 1302 protrudes from the top surface of the bottom plate 1209.

The second overflow unit 1305 is disposed inside the block 1200 , and the second overflow unit 1305 is formed in a pipe shape coupled to the first overflow unit 1302 protruding from the upper surface of the bottom plate 1209 .

The first overflow unit 1302 and the second overflow unit 1305 can be connected to each other in an interference fit manner, but the first overflow unit 1302 and the second overflow unit 1305 can also be connected to each other in a screw connection manner. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first overflow unit 1305 and the second overflow unit 1305 can be formed into one piece according to the process unit price. The block 1200 and the first and second overflow units 1302 and 1305 can be formed into one piece.

By forming the first overflow unit 1302 and the second overflow unit 1305 to be detachable and assembleable to each other, even when either one of the first overflow unit 1302 and the second overflow unit 1305 is damaged, only the damaged portion can be replaced.

FIG. 19 is a side view showing a hydroculture device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

19 , the water culture device 1800 includes a water culture block 1500 , a liquid storage device 1600 , and a circulation unit 1700 .

A plurality of water culture blocks 1500 are stacked, and the water culture blocks 1500 may be stacked in various forms.

The water culture blocks 1500 can be stacked in the form of a wall, can be stacked to form an empty space in the center, or can be stacked in the form of a wall with an empty space in the center. In addition, multiple water culture blocks 1500 can be stacked so that a portion thereof overlaps, so that the water culture blocks can be stacked in various forms, such as a three-dimensional shape.

In addition, the water culture blocks 1500 are coupled to each other through the coupling protrusion 1220 and the overflow pipe 1300 .

Here, the water culture block 1500 disposed at a relatively lower side may receive fluid from the water culture block 1500 disposed at a relatively upper side through the discharge hose 1330 .

At this time, even when the water culture block 1500 arranged on the upper side and in contact with the discharge hose 1330 does not provide fluid, fluid can be supplied from any one of the water culture blocks 1500 arranged on the upper side to the water culture block 1500 arranged on the lower side by adjusting the length of the discharge hose 1330.

The liquid storage device 1600 is provided below the lowermost water culture block among the stacked water culture blocks 1500 , and is used to store fluid to be supplied to the water culture block 1500 , such as water or a culture solution.

The circulation unit 1700 includes a pump 1710 and a supply hose 1720 .

The pump 1710 may be provided inside the liquid storage device 1600 or outside the liquid storage device 160 , and the pump 1710 pumps the water or culture solution in the liquid storage device 1600 .

Water or culture solution pumped from the interior of the liquid storage device 1600 through the supply hose 1720 is supplied to the uppermost water culture block 1500 among the stacked water culture blocks 1500, and then sequentially supplied to the culture blocks 1500 disposed on the lower side through the overflow pipe 1300 and the discharge hose of the uppermost water culture block 1500.

Meanwhile, the water culture device 1800 may further include a fish tank provided in the middle of the water culture block 1500, having an overflow pipe and side panels including small openings or no openings, and capable of raising fish instead of aquatic plants.

That is, at least one of the water culture blocks 1500 can be used as a fish tank, and the excrement of the fish living in the fish tank is transported to the water culture block 500 located at the lower side through the discharge hose 1330, so that the excrement can act as fertilizer and also allow oxygen to be supplied to the circulating water or culture fluid to improve water quality.

Accordingly, the water cultivation device 1800 according to the present embodiment allows plants and fish to coexist, and can maintain such coexistence without using a purification device for improving water quality.

The hydroponic device 1800 according to the third embodiment of the present invention allows hydroponic cultivation to be performed more easily and cleanly, allows multi-stage stacking of hydroponic blocks, can be applied to art walls used on walls or walls of rooms, or can be implemented in a three-dimensional shape, and is capable of providing plants individually to each block in the multi-stage stacked blocks.

The water culture device 1800 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a discharge hose 1330 connected to the lower part of the overflow pipe 1300 to discharge the fluid flowing out of the block 1200 through the overflow pipe 1300 to the outside, so that when the water culture blocks are stacked in multiple stages, the fluid flowing out of the upper water culture block 1500 can be provided to the required water culture blocks among the water culture blocks 1500 located on the lower side.

Accordingly, the flow of fluid in the water culture device 1500 can be adjusted in a desired direction, so that unused water culture blocks 1500 can be used for other purposes.

Next, a hydroponic culture device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG20 is a side view of a hydroponic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The hydroponic apparatus 1900 according to the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the hydroponic apparatus 1800 according to the third embodiment described above, except for a circulation unit 1910. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same configurations will be omitted, and the same configurations will be given the same terms and reference numerals.

20 , a hydroponic device 1900 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a hydroponic block 1500 , a liquid storage device 1600 , and a circulation unit 1910 .

Here, the water culture device 1900 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be formed so that a plurality of water culture blocks 1500 are arranged crosswise in a matrix. In this case, the circulation unit 1910 can supply water or culture solution pumped from the inside of the liquid storage device 1600 through the supply hose 1920 to each of the plurality of uppermost water culture blocks 1500 in the stack.

In other words, the supply hose 1920 may be divided in a form in which the hose is branched into a number corresponding to the plurality of water culture blocks 1500 disposed at the uppermost stage to supply water or culture solution to each of the plurality of uppermost water culture blocks 1500 .

Furthermore, the hydroponic apparatus 1900 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be connected to another hydroponic apparatus 1930 adjacent thereto via a discharge hose 1330 , to allow for use of a plurality of hydroponic apparatuses 1900 and 1930 through one circulation unit 1910 .

In the hydroponic apparatus 1900 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as described above, a plurality of hydroponic apparatuses 1900 and 1930 may be arranged in a desired form through one circulation unit 1910 and a discharge hose 1330 .

At the same time, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are only specific examples proposed for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other modifications based on the technical spirit of the present invention may be implemented.

Claims (17)

1. A hydroponic culture block, comprising: The block includes side plates, each having an opening, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space; At least one overflow pipe having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the base plate to connect the interior of the block with the exterior of the block; A water tray body is formed on the upper part of the block and has a through hole formed in the water tray body to provide fluid to the receiving space; and A pipe is configured to communicate with and connect to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the base plate. The upper end of the overflow pipe, which is located in the accommodating space, is positioned above the lower end of the opening formed in the side plate. Wherein, at a position below the lower end of the opening, the overflow pipe has a pair of oblique or V-shaped cuts formed therein to allow water to easily flow into the overflow pipe, and The tube has a hollow portion and is configured to communicate with the through hole. Either a cut or a hole that communicates with the hollow portion of the tube is formed at the end of the tube that contacts the base plate. 2. The hydroponic block according to claim 1, wherein the water tray is assembled inside the block or detached from the block. 3. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, wherein the overflow pipe comprises: Multiple first overflow pipes are arranged in two rows along a first direction on the base plate; and Multiple second overflow pipes are arranged in two rows on the base plate along a second direction that intersects the first direction. 4. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, wherein the water tray comprises: Water tray bottom plate, wherein the through hole is formed in the water tray bottom plate; and A water tray side plate is formed on the bottom plate of the water tray to form a receiving space on the upper part of the bottom plate of the water tray. 5. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of overflow pipes are arranged in a matrix at the central portion of the base plate, and the water tray base plate is formed in the shape of a rectangular strip and has an opening, wherein the overflow pipes arranged at the central portion of the base plate are exposed through the opening of the water tray base plate. 6. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of overflow pipes are arranged in a cross shape on the base plate, the water tray base plate covers the overflow pipes and a plurality of openings are formed on the water tray base plate. 7. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, wherein the water tray body includes a water tray bottom plate, the water tray bottom plate having a plate shape and being arranged to face the bottom plate, and the side surface of the water tray bottom plate contacting the inner surface of the side plate. 8. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple engagement protrusions protrude from the outer surface of the base plate. 9. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, further comprising: An escape-proof plate is inserted between the overflow pipes and configured to press down on the roots of the plant housed in the containment space to prevent the plant from escaping. 10. The hydroponic block according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is formed on at least one side of the opening formed on the side plate. 11. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 10, further comprising: A connecting rope connects a pair of through holes formed on both sides of the opening. 12. The hydroponic block according to claim 1, wherein the block is configured to have either a regular hexahedral shape or a cuboid shape. 13. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, further comprising: An overflow plug includes a closed portion configured to be inserted into any of the overflow pipes to block the overflow pipe, and a head formed on the upper end of the closed portion. 14. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, wherein the overflow pipe comprises: A first overflow unit, wherein the hollow portion is formed in the first overflow unit and the first overflow unit passes through the bottom plate of the block; and The second overflow unit is assembled to the first overflow unit. 15. The hydroponic culture block according to claim 1, wherein the tube comprises: The first pipe is connected to the lower surface of the water tray body corresponding to the through hole; and The second tube is assembled into the first tube. 16. A hydroponic culture apparatus, comprising: Multiple stacked hydroponic blocks, each of the hydroponic blocks comprising: A block, the block comprising side plates each having an opening and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space; At least one overflow pipe having a hollow portion formed therein and configured to pass through the base plate to connect the interior of the block with the exterior of the block; A water tray body, formed on the upper part of the block and having a through hole formed in the water tray body to supply fluid to the receiving space; and A pipe is configured to communicate with and connect to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the base plate. The upper end of the overflow pipe, which is located in the accommodating space, is positioned above the lower end of the opening formed in the side plate. Wherein, at a position below the lower end of the opening, the overflow pipe has a pair of oblique or V-shaped cuts formed therein to allow water to easily flow into the overflow pipe, and The tube has a hollow portion and is configured to communicate with the through hole, and either a cutout portion or a hole communicating with the hollow portion of the tube is formed at the end of the tube that contacts the base plate. A liquid storage device is disposed at the lowest hydroponic block of the hydroponic block and configured to store the fluid; and The circulation unit includes a pump configured to pump the fluid in the reservoir, and a hose connected to the pump to provide the fluid pumped by the pump to the uppermost water culture block. 17. The hydroponic apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: A fish tank is disposed between the hydroponic blocks and has an overflow pipe formed on the bottom plate of the fish tank.