WO2022012389A1 - 用于室内花园中心的补水系统及其操作方法 - Google Patents

用于室内花园中心的补水系统及其操作方法 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022012389A1
WO2022012389A1 PCT/CN2021/105012 CN2021105012W WO2022012389A1 WO 2022012389 A1 WO2022012389 A1 WO 2022012389A1 CN 2021105012 W CN2021105012 W CN 2021105012W WO 2022012389 A1 WO2022012389 A1 WO 2022012389A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
air flow
air
cycle
stopping
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CN2021/105012
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
马修 亨特
迈克尔 古德曼 施罗德
布伦特 阿尔登 荣格
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc filed Critical Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Priority to JP2023502769A priority Critical patent/JP7522294B2/ja
Priority to CN202180048151.2A priority patent/CN115802885B/zh
Priority to EP21841305.2A priority patent/EP4179871A4/en
Publication of WO2022012389A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022012389A1/zh
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/246—Air-conditioning systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
    • A01G27/001—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots with intermittent watering means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
    • A01G27/003—Control of self-acting watering devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
    • A01G27/006—Reservoirs, separate from plant-pots, dispensing directly into rooting medium
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/247—Watering arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/26—Electric devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/021—Pots formed in one piece; Materials used therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/022—Pots for vertical horticulture
    • A01G9/023—Multi-tiered planters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/027—Pots connected in horizontal rows
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to systems for indoor gardening, and more particularly to systems and methods for hydrating plants in indoor gardening equipment.
  • a traditional indoor garden center includes a box that defines a growth chamber in which a plurality of trays or shelves are provided to support seedlings or plant material, eg, for growing herbs, vegetables, or other plants in an indoor environment. Additionally, such an indoor garden center may include an environmental control system that maintains the growth chamber at a desired temperature or humidity. Certain indoor garden centers may also include a watering system for watering plants and/or an artificial lighting system to provide the light necessary for such plants to grow.
  • Conventional hydration systems provide water and/or nutrients to plant roots by periodically spraying or otherwise providing liquid flow into the root chamber. After the rehydration cycle, small water droplets float gently throughout the root chamber and are slowly deposited on the roots and walls. Notably, if cooling air flows through the root chamber during these high droplet densities, the droplets may not reach the roots efficiently.
  • an improved indoor garden center would be useful. More specifically, an indoor garden center with features that promote improved circulation of water would be particularly beneficial.
  • a gardening appliance comprising: an inner bladder disposed within a box and defining a growth chamber; a growth module mounted within the inner bladder and defining a root chamber and a plurality of apertures through the growth module for receiving one or more plant containers extending into the root chamber.
  • a watering system selectively implements a watering cycle to provide liquid flow into the root chamber, and an air circulation system is fluidly coupled to the root chamber for driving air flow through the root chamber.
  • a controller is in operative communication with the make-up water system and the air circulation system, the controller being configured to stop air flow during the make-up water cycle.
  • a method of operating a gardening appliance includes growth modules that define root chambers, watering systems, and air circulation systems.
  • the method includes: operating an air circulation system to drive air flow through the root chamber; stopping the air flow before the start of the watering cycle; implementing the watering cycle by using the watering system to provide liquid flow into the root chamber; and blocking air flow until after the watering cycle is complete.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a gardening appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the exemplary gardening appliance of FIG. 1 with the door open, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary garden appliance of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 from FIG. 2, with the inner divider panel removed for clarity.
  • FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the exemplary garden appliance of FIG. 1 with the top panel of the cabinet removed to reveal a rotatable grow module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary gardening appliance of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a grow module of the exemplary garden appliance of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary growth module of FIG. 6 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 provides a top cross-sectional view of the exemplary growth module of FIG. 6 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • upstream refers to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid passage. For example, “upstream” refers to where the fluid flows from, and “downstream” refers to where the fluid flows.
  • the gardening appliance 100 includes a housing or case 102 extending in a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106 and in a lateral direction L between a first side 108 and a second side 110 , and extends along the transverse direction T between the front side 112 and the rear side 114 .
  • Each of vertical V, lateral L, and lateral T are perpendicular to each other and form a system of orthogonal directions.
  • the gardening appliance 100 may include an insulating inner pot 120 disposed within the box body 102 .
  • the bladder 120 may at least partially define a temperature-controlled chamber in which the plants 124 may grow, generally referred to herein as the growth chamber 122 .
  • garden appliance 100 is referred to herein as growing plants 124 , it should be understood that other organisms or organisms may grow or be stored in garden appliance 100 .
  • algae, fungi eg, including mushrooms
  • other living organisms may be grown or stored in garden appliance 100 .
  • the specific applications described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
  • the case 102 may define a substantially enclosed rear region or portion 130 .
  • the case 102 and the liner 120 may define a front opening, referred to herein as a front display opening 132, through which a user of the gardening appliance 100 may enter the grow chamber 122, eg, for harvesting, planting, prune or otherwise interact with the plant 124.
  • the enclosed rear portion 130 may be defined as a portion of the bladder 120 that defines the growth chamber 122 proximate the rear side 114 of the tank 102 .
  • the front display opening 132 may generally be positioned proximate to or coincident with the front side 112 of the case 102 .
  • Gardening appliance 100 may also include one or more doors 134 rotatably mounted to box 102 for selective access to grow chamber 122 .
  • FIG. 1 illustrates door 134 in a closed position such that door 134 can help insulate growth chamber 122 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates door 134 in an open position for access to growth chamber 122 and access to plants 124 stored therein.
  • the door body 134 may also include a transparent window 136 through which a user can observe the plants 124 without opening the door body 134 .
  • the door 134 is illustrated as being rectangular and mounted on the front side 112 of the box 102 , it should be understood that the door 134 may have different shapes, mounting locations according to alternative embodiments Wait.
  • the door body 134 may be curved, may be formed entirely of glass, or the like.
  • the door 134 may have integral features for controlling light entering and/or exiting the growth chamber 122, such as internal louvers, tinting, UV treatment, polarization, and the like.
  • Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations of chambers and doors are possible and within the scope of the present invention.
  • the case 102 also defines a drawer 138 disposed proximate the bottom 106 of the case 102 and slidably mounted to the case for providing plant nutrients, system accessories, water filters etc. to provide convenient storage. Additionally, behind the drawer 138 is a mechanical compartment 140 for receiving an environmental control system including a sealing system for regulating the temperature within the growth chamber 122, as described in more detail below.
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of certain components of an environmental control system 148 that may be used to regulate the temperature within the growth chamber 122 .
  • the environmental control system 148 may include the sealing system 150, the plumbing system 160, and the watering system 270, or any other suitable for regulating the environment within the growth chamber 122, eg, to promote improved or regulated growth of the plants 124 disposed therein component or subsystem.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the sealing system 150 within the mechanical compartment 140 . While an exemplary sealing system is illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to sealing system 150 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • sealing system 150 may include additional or alternative components, different piping configurations, and the like.
  • the sealing system 150 includes a compressor 152 , a first heat exchanger or evaporator 154 and a second heat exchanger or condenser 156 .
  • compressor 152 is generally operable to circulate or push refrigerant through sealing system 150 and may include various conduits that may be used to flow refrigerant between various components of sealing system 150 .
  • evaporator 154 and condenser 156 may be in fluid communication with each other and with compressor 152 .
  • refrigerant flows from evaporator 154 to compressor 152 , and compressor 152 is generally configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 152 to condenser 156 .
  • the refrigerant may exit evaporator 154 as a fluid in the form of superheated vapor.
  • the refrigerant may enter a compressor 152, which is operable to compress the refrigerant. Accordingly, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant may increase in the compressor 152, causing the refrigerant to become a more superheated vapor.
  • an expansion device or variable electronic expansion valve 158 may also be provided to regulate refrigerant expansion.
  • the variable electronic expansion valve 158 can typically expand the refrigerant, which reduces its pressure and temperature.
  • the refrigerant may exit condenser 156 as a high liquid mass/saturated liquid vapor mixture and travel through variable electronic expansion valve 158 before flowing through evaporator 154 .
  • the variable electronic expansion valve 158 is typically configured to be adjustable, eg, such that refrigerant flow (eg, volumetric flow in milliliters per second) through the variable electronic expansion valve 158 can be selectively varied or adjusted.
  • Evaporator 154 is disposed downstream of variable electronic expansion valve 158 and is operable to heat the refrigerant within evaporator 154 (eg, to generate a flow of cool air), eg, by absorbing thermal energy from air surrounding the evaporator.
  • liquid or liquid-vapor mixture refrigerant from variable electronic expansion valve 158 may enter evaporator 154 .
  • the refrigerant from the variable electronic expansion valve 158 receives energy from the flow of cool air and is evaporated into superheated steam and/or a high quality steam mixture.
  • An air handler or evaporator fan (not shown) is positioned adjacent to the evaporator 154 and may facilitate or push the flow of cool air through the evaporator 154 in order to facilitate heat transfer. Refrigerant may return to compressor 152 from evaporator 154 and the vapor compression cycle may continue.
  • the environmental control system 148 includes a sealing system 150 for providing a flow of hot or cold air throughout the growth chamber 122 as desired.
  • environmental control system 148 includes ductwork 160 for directing a flow of temperature-conditioned air, identified herein simply as flow of air 162 (see, eg, FIG. 3 ).
  • flow of air 162 see, eg, FIG. 3 .
  • the evaporator fan may generate a flow of cool air
  • the condenser fan may generate a flow of hot air.
  • cooling air supply ducts and/or heating air supply ducts (not shown), respectively.
  • the environmental control system 148 may generally include a number of ducts, dampers, diverter assemblies, and/or air handlers to facilitate conditioning of the growth chamber in a cooling mode, a heating mode, a heating and cooling mode, or suitable Any other mode of operation of the environment within 122.
  • the ductwork 160 may vary in complexity, and air flow from the containment system 150 may be regulated by any suitable portion of the growth chamber 122 in any suitable arrangement.
  • the gardening appliance 100 may include a control panel 170 .
  • the control panel 170 includes one or more input selectors 172 such as, for example, knobs, buttons, push buttons, a touch screen interface, and the like. Additionally, the input selector 172 may be used to specify or set various settings of the garden appliance 100 , such as, for example, settings associated with the operation of the sealing system 150 .
  • the input selector 172 may be in communication with the processing device or controller 174 . Control signals in or generated by controller 174 are responsive to input selector 172 to operate gardening appliance 100 .
  • the control panel 170 may include a display 176, such as an indicator light or screen. Display 176 is communicatively coupled with controller 174 and can display information in response to signals from controller 174 . Further, as will be described herein, the controller 174 may be communicatively coupled with other components of the gardening appliance 100 such as, for example, one or more sensors, motors, or other components.
  • processing device may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices, and is not necessarily limited to a single element.
  • the processing device may be programmed to operate the garden appliance 100 .
  • a processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (eg, persistent storage media).
  • the storage element includes an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read only memory
  • a storage element may store information accessible by a processing device, including instructions executable by the processing device.
  • the instructions may be software or any collection of instructions and/or data that, when executed by the processing apparatus, cause the processing apparatus to perform operations.
  • a gardening appliance 100 generally includes a rotatable carousel, referred to herein as a grow module 200 , which is mounted within the bladder 120 , eg, such that it is in the grow chamber 122 .
  • growth module 200 includes a central hub 202 extending along and rotatable about central axis 204 .
  • the central axis 204 is parallel to the vertical V according to the illustrated embodiment. It should be appreciated, however, that the central axis 204 may alternatively extend in any suitable direction (eg, such as a horizontal direction).
  • the growth module 200 generally defines an axial direction (ie, parallel to the central axis 204 ), a radial direction R extending perpendicular to the central axis 204 , and a circumferential direction C extending about the central axis 204 (eg, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 204 ) in the plane of axis 204).
  • the growth module 200 may also include a plurality of baffles 206 extending generally along the radial direction R from the central hub 202 .
  • growth module 200 defines a plurality of chambers by dividing or dividing growth chamber 122 , generally referred to herein by reference numeral 210 .
  • the growth module 200 includes three partitions 206 defining a first chamber 212, a second chamber circumferentially spaced relative to each other 214 and the third room 216.
  • the plurality of chambers 210 define generally separate and distinct growth environments, eg, for growing plants 124 with different growth needs.
  • the baffle 206 may extend from the central hub 202 to a location immediately adjacent the bladder 120 .
  • the baffles 206 are described as extending radially, it should be understood that they need not extend completely radially.
  • the distal end of each divider engages an adjacent divider using arcuate walls 218 , which are typically used to support plants 124 .
  • the growth module 200 may define a growth module diameter 220 (eg, as defined by its generally circular footprint formed in a horizontal plane).
  • the closed rear portion 130 of the bladder 120 may be generally cylindrical and may define a bladder diameter 222 .
  • the bladder diameter 222 may be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the growth module diameter 220 .
  • the gardening appliance 100 may also include a motor 230 or another suitable drive element or device for selectively rotating the grow module 200 during operation of the gardening appliance 100 .
  • a motor 230 is positioned below the growth module 200, eg, within the mechanical compartment 140, and is operably coupled to the growth module 200 along the central axis 204 for rotational growth module 200.
  • motor may refer to any suitable drive motor and/or transmission assembly for rotating the growth module 200 .
  • motor 230 may be a brushless DC motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor.
  • motor 230 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor.
  • the motor 230 may include any suitable transmission assembly, clutch mechanism, or other components.
  • motor 230 may be operably coupled to controller 174 programmed to rotate growth module 200 according to a predetermined cycle of operation based on user input (eg, via touch button 172 ), or the like. Additionally, the controller 174 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors, respectively disposed within the various chambers 210 for measuring temperature and/or humidity. The controller 174 may then operate the motor 230 to maintain the desired environmental conditions for each chamber 210 .
  • the gardening appliance 100 includes features for providing certain locations of the gardening appliance 100 with light, temperature control, proper moisture, nutrients, and other requirements for proper plant growth . The motor 230 can be used to position a particular chamber 210 where it needs to receive such growth requirements.
  • controller 174 may operate motor 230 to sequentially index growth module 200 by a plurality of preselected positions. More specifically, the motor 230 may rotate the growth module 200 in a counterclockwise direction (eg, when viewed from the top of the growth module 200) in 120° increments to move the chamber 210 between the sealed and displayed positions.
  • a chamber 210 is considered to be in a "sealed position" when it is substantially sealed between the growth module 200 (ie, the central hub 202 and adjacent bulkhead 206 ) and the bladder 120 .
  • a chamber 210 is considered to be in a "display position" when the chamber 210 is at least partially exposed to the front display opening 132 so that a user can access the plants 124 disposed within the chamber 210.
  • both the first chamber 212 and the second chamber 214 are in the sealing position, while the third chamber 216 is in the display position.
  • the motor 230 rotates the growth module 200 120 degrees in a counterclockwise direction, the second chamber 214 will enter the display position and the first chamber 212 and the third chamber 216 will be in the sealed position. Motor 230 may continue to rotate growth module 200 in such increments to cycle chamber 210 between these sealed and displayed positions.
  • the plant end 248 of the plant container 242 can be retained within the chamber 210 so that the plants 124 can be grown from the growth module 200 so that they are accessible to a user.
  • the growth module 200 defines a root chamber 244 , eg, within the central hub 202 and at least one of the plurality of baffles 206 .
  • water and other nutrients may be supplied to the root ends 246 of the plant containers 242 within the root chamber 244 .
  • the aperture 240 may be covered by a flat baffle seal (not shown) to prevent water from escaping the root chamber 244.
  • the growth module 200 may also include an internal divider plate 250 disposed within the root chamber 244 to divide the root chamber 244 into a plurality of root chambers, a plurality of root chambers Each of the plurality of orifices 240 is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of chambers 210 . More specifically, the inner divider plate 250 may divide the root chamber 244 into a first root chamber 252 , a second root chamber 254 , and a third root chamber 256 according to the illustrated embodiment.
  • the first root chamber 252 may provide water and nutrients to the plants 124 disposed in the first growth chamber 212
  • the second root chamber 254 may provide water and nutrients to the plants 124 disposed in the second growth chamber 214
  • the third root chamber 256 may provide water and nutrients to the plants 124 disposed in the third growth chamber 216 .
  • the environmental control system 148 can control the temperature and/or humidity of each of the plurality of chambers 212-216 and the plurality of root chambers 252-256 independently of each other.
  • the environmental control system 148 may also include a watering system 270 that is generally configured to provide water to the plants 124 to support their growth.
  • the rehydration system 270 generally includes a water source 272 and a spray device 274 (eg, such as one or more fine mist nozzles).
  • the water source 272 may be a reservoir containing water (eg, distilled water), or may be a directly connected municipal water source.
  • a spray device 274 may be positioned at the bottom of the root chamber 244 and may be configured to fill the root chamber 244 with mist to hydrate the roots of the plants 124 .
  • spray device 274 may pass through central hub 202 along vertical V and periodically include nozzles for spraying or water into root chamber 244 .
  • the watering system 270 may optionally include multiple spray devices 274, eg, all of the spray devices 274 coupled to the water source 272, but optionally operating independently of each other
  • Each of the first root chamber 252, the second root chamber 254, and the third root chamber 256 is filled.
  • the term "watering cycle" generally refers to one or more periods of time during which the watering system 270 provides liquid to the garden appliance 100 , eg, directly to the root chamber 244 .
  • the environmental control system 148 described above is generally configured to control temperature and humidity (eg, or some other suitable water level quantity or measurement) within one or all of the plurality of chambers 210 and/or root chambers 252-256 independently of adjust each other. In this way, a common and desired growth environment can be obtained for each and every chamber 210 .
  • temperature and humidity eg, or some other suitable water level quantity or measurement
  • the gardening appliance 100 may also include a light assembly 280 that is generally configured to provide light into selected chambers 210 to promote photosynthesis and growth of the plants 124 .
  • the light assembly 280 may include a plurality of light sources 282 stacked in an array, eg, extending along a vertical V direction.
  • the light source 282 may be mounted directly to the bladder 120 within the chamber 210, or may alternatively be positioned behind the bladder 120 such that light is projected into the chamber 210 through a transparent window or light pipe.
  • the location, configuration, and type of light sources 282 described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
  • Light sources 282 may be provided as any suitable number, type, location, and configuration of electrical light sources using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color.
  • the light source 282 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that, depending on the control signal from the controller 174, may each illuminate a single color (eg, a white LED), or may Each illuminates in multiple colors (eg, multicolor or RGB LEDs).
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • the light source 282 may comprise any other suitable conventional light bulb or light source, such as halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, incandescent light bulbs, glow sticks, fiber optic light sources, and the like, according to alternative embodiments.
  • the light generated from the light assembly 280 may cause light pollution in the room in which the gardening appliance 100 is located. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are directed to features for reducing light pollution, or to preventing light from light source 282 from passing through front display opening 132.
  • the light assembly 280 is only disposed within the closed rear portion 130 of the bladder 120 , such that only the chamber 210 in the sealed position is exposed to light from the light source 282 .
  • the growth module 200 acts as a physical partition between the light assembly 280 and the front display opening 132 . In this way, as shown in FIG. 5 , no light can pass through the growth module 200 from the first chamber 212 or the second chamber 214 and exit the front display opening 132 .
  • a single light assembly may be used to reduce cost whereby only a single chamber 210 is illuminated at a single time.
  • the gardening appliance 100 can be simplified to a two-chamber embodiment with a square inner pot 120 and a grow module 200 with two partitions 206 extending from opposite sides of the central hub 202 to A first growth chamber and a second growth chamber are defined.
  • the first chamber can be in a sealed position (eg, facing the rear side 114 of the case 102 ) and a display position (eg, facing the front of the case 102 ) side 112).
  • the same rotation will move the second chamber from the display position to the sealing position.
  • the gardening appliance 100 may include a three-chamber growth module 200, but with a modified case 102 such that the front display opening 132 is wider and two of the three chambers 210 are displayed at a time.
  • the first chamber 212 may be in the sealing position
  • the second chamber 214 and the third chamber 216 may be in the display position.
  • the growth module 200 rotates counterclockwise, the first chamber 212 moves into the display position and the third chamber 216 moves into the sealing position.
  • the environmental control system 148 includes an air circulation system 300 that is generally configured to provide a flow of air (eg, generally identified herein by reference numeral 302 ) into the garden appliance 100 and Therethrough, for example, directly into the root chamber 244 .
  • a flow of air eg, generally identified herein by reference numeral 302
  • the air flow 302 may include any suitable combination of gases at any suitable concentration.
  • the air circulation system 300 includes a supply air duct 310 and an exhaust duct 312 in fluid communication with the chamber 210 . More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, supply air conduit 310 and exhaust conduit 312 are fluidly coupled directly to the bottom of root chamber 244 . In this way, the air circulation system 300 can utilize the ducts 310 , 312 to circulate the air flow 302 through the root chamber 244 in order to maintain a desired temperature within the garden appliance 100 . It should be appreciated that air circulation system 300 may include any suitable number, type, location, and configuration of flow conditioning devices to control air flow 302.
  • the air circulation system 300 includes a blower damper 314 operably coupled with the blower duct 310 for regulating air flow 302 through the blower duct 310 .
  • air circulation system 300 includes exhaust damper 316 operably coupled to exhaust duct 312 for regulating air flow 302 through exhaust duct 312 .
  • two dampers are illustrated, it should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, only a single damper or other flow control device may be used.
  • Air circulation assembly 300 may also include a fan assembly or circulation fan 320 in fluid communication with chamber 210 through one or both of supply air duct 310 and exhaust duct 312 .
  • the controller 174 may selectively operate the circulation fan 320 to circulate the air flow 302 throughout the root chamber 244 .
  • circulation fan 320 may be any flow conditioning device configured to recirculate or push air flow.
  • circulation fan 320 may include one or more axial fans, centrifugal fans, or the like.
  • a circulation fan 320 may be provided on or at any suitable location within the ducts 310 , 312 , or otherwise be in fluid communication with the chamber 210 . Additionally, as shown in FIG.
  • exhaust conduit 312 fluidly couples root chamber 244 to ambient environment 322 , eg, for exhaust air flow 302 .
  • the air circulation system 300 may include ductwork and flow conditioning features for recirculating, filtering, treating, and/or reusing the air flow 302 .
  • the gardening appliance 100 may include one or more devices or subsystems for monitoring the moisture level or moisture content within the chamber 210 .
  • the gardening appliance 100 includes a water detection device 340 disposed within the root chamber 244 for measuring the moisture level within the root chamber 244 .
  • water detection device 340 includes one or more optical sensors 342 disposed at various locations within root chamber 244 .
  • optical sensor 342 can send and receive beams of light energy 344 to determine the amount of water within root chamber 244 based on, for example, the distortion of light energy beams 344 .
  • an optical sensor is described herein, it should be understood that any suitable moisture sensor or other moisture detection system and method may be used, according to alternative embodiments, while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • an exemplary method 400 of operating the gardening appliance will be described. Although the following discussion refers to the exemplary method 400 of operating the gardening appliance 100, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 400 is applicable to operating various other gardening appliances or in any suitable application. In an exemplary embodiment, the various method steps disclosed herein may be performed by controller 174 or a separate dedicated controller.
  • the hydration system 270 provides a mist or stream of liquid into the root chamber 244 during the hydration cycle. After the nozzle completes the drainage, the small water droplets flow gently through the root chamber 244 . These droplets are slowly deposited onto the roots and walls to rehydrate the roots of the plants 124 . However, if air from the air circulation system 300 is provided into the root chamber 244 during these periods of high droplet density, the droplets may not reach the roots of the plants 124 efficiently.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary water replenishment cycle for garden appliance 100 , wherein the measurement of the amount of water in the air is illustrated by reference numeral 350 .
  • the watering system 270 provides water flow to a nozzle or spray device within the root chamber 244 .
  • the droplet density or water level 350 percent distribution can rapidly increase until the end time 354 of the replenishment cycle.
  • the water level 350 decays slowly. Accordingly, as described below, aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for regulating airflow in order to reduce negative effects on the make-up water cycle.
  • method 400 includes, at step 410, operating an air circulation system to drive airflow through the root chamber of the garden appliance.
  • the air circulation system 300 may push the air flow 302 through the root chamber 244 , eg, to maintain a desired temperature within the root chamber 244 .
  • method 400 may generally include stopping air flow during a make-up cycle. The period of time to stop air flow may depend in part on the water level 350, or may be based on time, eg, such that the air circulation system 300 operates based at least in part on the operation of the makeup water system 270 (eg, based on the start and stop times of the makeup water system 270).
  • method 400 may include stopping the air flow slightly before the start of the make-up cycle, and stopping the air flow for a certain duration after the make-up cycle ends.
  • the air circulation system 300 may include any suitable means for stopping or slowing the air flow 302 .
  • air flow 302 may be stopped by closing supply damper 314 , closing exhaust damper 316 , and/or stopping circulation fan 320 .
  • step 420 includes stopping air flow prior to the start of the make-up cycle.
  • the air stop time 356 of the air flow may be the first predetermined time period 358 before the start time 352 of the water replenishment cycle.
  • Step 430 includes implementing a watering cycle by using a watering system to provide fluid flow into the root chamber.
  • Step 440 may include blocking air flow until after the make-up cycle ends.
  • the air flow may not begin until the air start time 360 , which may be after the second predetermined time period 362 after the end time 354 of the self-rehydration cycle.
  • stopping air flow at 420 and blocking air flow at 440 may include determining a start time and an end time for a make-up cycle. From the start time and end time of the make-up cycle, the air stop time 356 and the air start time 360 can be determined. It should be appreciated that the air circulation system 300 prevents the air flow 302 from passing through the root chamber 244 during the time period between the air stop time 356 and the air start time 360 . Outside of this no-flow period, air may or may not be supplied as commanded by the environmental control system 148 , eg, based on the temperature within the root chamber 244 .
  • the first predetermined time period 358 and the second predetermined time period 362 may be set by the manufacturer, selected by the user, may be determined empirically, or may be calculated using the controller 174 . Additionally, these time periods 358, 362 may vary depending on factors such as nozzle flow rate, chamber humidity, air flow rate, or any other suitable factor.
  • the first predetermined period of time 358 is typically selected as an appropriate period of time below a threshold to allow airflow within the chamber 210 to dissipate.
  • the first predetermined period of time 358 may be between about 0.1 seconds and 20 seconds, between about 0.5 seconds and 10 seconds, between about 1 second and 4 seconds, or about 3 seconds.
  • the second predetermined period of time 362 may be determined based at least in part on the decay of the water level 350 (eg, the time it takes for the water level 350 to drop below a suitable threshold).
  • the second predetermined period of time 362 may be between about 1 second and 60 seconds, between about 5 seconds and 30 seconds, between about 10 seconds and 20 seconds, or about 15 seconds.
  • stopping the air flow and preventing the air flow may include adjusting the air flow based on the moisture level or water level within the root chamber 244 .
  • the controller 174 may measure the moisture level (eg, the water level 350 ) using the water detection device 340 .
  • Air stop time 356 and/or air start time 360 may be determined based on this water level 350 .
  • a predetermined water level threshold eg, as identified by reference numeral 364
  • air flow may be resupplied to the root chamber 244 .
  • the water level threshold may vary depending on the particular application, while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, it should be understood that other factors and considerations may affect air stop time 356 and air start time 360 .
  • Figure 10 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of example and discussion. Using the summary provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps of any method described herein may be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while aspects of method 400 are described using gardening appliance 100 as an example, it should be understood that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable gardening appliance.

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Abstract

一种室内园艺电器（100）及其操作方法，该园艺电器（100）包括限定生长室（122）的内胆（120）和可旋转地安装在生长室（122）内并限定根室（244）的生长模块（200），补水系统（270）流体地联接到根室（244），用于选择性地实施补水循环，其中，根室（244）填充有雾，并且空气循环系统（300）选择性地推动空气流（302）通过根室（244），以保持期望的温度，控制器（174）被配置为在补水循环期间停止空气流（302），空气流（302）的停止是基于补水周期的开始/结束时间或者基于由光学传感器（344）测量的水分水平。

Description

用于室内花园中心的补水系统及其操作方法 技术领域
本发明主要涉及用于室内园艺的系统，更具体地涉及用于在室内园艺设备中对植物进行补水的系统和方法。
背景技术
传统的室内花园中心包括限定生长室的箱体，该生长室中设置有多个托盘或搁架，以支撑幼苗或植物材料，例如，用于在室内环境中种植药草、蔬菜或其他植物。另外，这种室内花园中心可以包括将生长室维持在期望的温度或湿度的环境控制系统。某些室内花园中心还可以包括用于给植物浇水的补水系统和/或提供这种植物生长所必需的光的人工照明系统。
传统的补水系统通过周期性地向根室喷雾或以其它方式提供液体流到根室内而将水和/或养分提供到植物根部上。在补水循环之后，小水滴轻轻地漂浮在整个根室中，并缓慢地沉积在根部和壁上。值得注意的是，如果冷却空气在这些高液滴密度的期间流过根室，则液滴可能无法有效地到达根部。
因此，一种改进的室内花园中心将是有用的。更具体地，一种具有促进改善的补水循环的特征的室内花园中心将是特别有益的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述，或者是通过描述可以显而易见的，或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在本发明的一个示例性方面，提供了一种园艺电器，该园艺电器包括：内胆，该内胆设置在箱体内并限定生长室；生长模块，该生长模块安装在内胆内并限定根室；以及穿过生长模块的多个孔口，多个孔口用于容纳延伸到根室中的一个或多个植物容器。补水系统选择性地实施补水循环以提供液体流到根室中，并且空气循环系统与根室流体联接，空气循环系统用于推动空气流通过根室。控制器与补水系统和空气循环系统可操作地通信，控制器被配置为在补水循环期间停止空气流。
在本发明的另一个示例性方面，提供了一种操作园艺电器的方法。园艺电器包括限定根室的生长模块、补水系统和空气循环系统。方法包括：操作空气循环系统，以推动空气流通过根室；在补水循环开始之前停止空气流；通过使用补水系统实施 补水循环，以提供液体流到根室中；以及阻止空气流直到补水循环结束之后。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图，说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开，这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明，包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的园艺电器的立体图。
图2描绘了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图1的示例性园艺电器的前视图，其中，门体打开。
图3是沿着来自图2的线3-3截取的图1的示例性园艺电器的剖视图，其中，为了清楚起见，去除内分隔板。
图4是根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图1的示例性园艺电器的顶部立体图，其中，去除箱体的顶面板，以露出可旋转的生长模块。
图5提供了根据本发明的另一个示例性实施方式的图1的示例性园艺电器的立体剖视图。
图6提供了根据本发明的另一个示例性实施方式的图1的示例性园艺电器的生长模块的立体图。
图7提供了根据本发明的另一个示例性实施方式的图6的示例性生长模块的立体剖视图。
图8提供了根据本发明的另一个示例性实施方式的图6的示例性生长模块的顶部剖视图。
图9提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的示例了在补水循环期间在根室内空气中的水量的图。
图10提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的在补水循环期间操作园艺电器的方法。
附图标记在本说明书和附图中的重复使用旨在表示本发明的相同或相似的特征或元件。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式，其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出，并不对本发明构成限制。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，能够在不偏离本发明的范围或者精神的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如，作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式，从而产生又一个实施方式。因此，期望的是，本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
如本文所用的，近似的用语，如“近似”、“大致”或“大约”是指在所述值的百分之十(10％)的误差范围内。而且，如本文所用的，术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开，并且这些术语并不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体通路中的流体流动的相对方向。例如，“上游”是指流体流动的来向，而“下游”是指流体流动的去向。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的园艺电器100的立体图。根据示例性实施方式，园艺电器100可以用作用于使植物生长的室内花园中心。应当理解，本文描述的实施方式仅旨在说明本发明的方面。可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时对园艺电器100进行变更和修改。
园艺电器100包括壳体或箱体102，该壳体或箱体沿着竖向V在顶部104与底部106之间延伸，沿着侧向L在第一侧108与第二侧110之间延伸，并且沿着横向T在前侧112与后侧114之间延伸。竖向V、侧向L以及横向T中的每一个彼此互相垂直并形成正交方向系统。
园艺电器100可以包括设置在箱体102内的隔热内胆120。内胆120可以至少部分地限定植物124可以在其中生长的温度控制室，本文总体称为生长室122。虽然园艺电器100在本文中被称为使植物124生长，但应当理解，其他有机体或生物可以在园艺电器100中生长或储存。例如，可以在园艺电器100中生长或储存藻类、真菌(例如，包括蘑菇)或其他活的有机体。本文所述的特定应用并非旨在限制本发明的范围。
箱体102，或更具体地，内胆120可以限定大致封闭的后区域或部分130。另外，箱体102和内胆120可以限定前开口，在本文中称为前显示开口132，园艺电器100的用户穿过该前显示开口132可以进入生长室122，例如，以便通过收获、种植、修剪或以其他方式与植物124相互作用。根据示例性实施方式，封闭的后部130可以被定义为内胆120的一部分，该部分限定了接近箱体102的后侧114的生长室122。 另外，前显示开口132通常可以设置为接近箱体102的前侧112或与之重合。
园艺电器100还可以包括一个或多个门体134，这些门体可旋转地安装到箱体102，以便选择性进入生长室122。例如，图1示例了处于关闭位置的门体134，使得门体134可以帮助使生长室122隔热。相比之下，图2示例了处于打开位置的门体134，以便进入生长室122并接近储存在其中的植物124。门体134还可以包括透明窗口136，用户可以借助该窗口136观察植物124，而无需打开门体134。
虽然在图1和图2中，门体134被示例为矩形并且被安装在箱体102的前侧112上，但是应当理解，根据可选实施方式，门体134可以具有不同的形状、安装位置等。例如，门体134可以是弯曲的，可以完全由玻璃形成等。另外，门体134可以具有用于控制传入和/或离开生长室122的光的整体特征，诸如内部百叶窗、着色、UV处理、极化等。本领域技术人员将理解，可以是其他构造的室和门体，并且在本发明的范围内。
根据所示例的实施方式，箱体102还限定抽屉138，该抽屉138被设置为接近箱体102的底部106，并且可滑动地安装到箱体，用于为植物养分、系统配件、滤水器等提供方便的储存。另外，在抽屉138后面的是用于接收环境控制系统的机械间室140，该环境控制系统包括用于调节生长室122内的温度的密封系统，如下面更详细地描述的。
图3提供了可以用于调节生长室122内的温度的环境控制系统148的某些部件的示意图。具体地，环境控制系统148可以包括密封系统150、管道系统160以及补水系统270、或用于调节生长室122内的环境例如以便促进改善或调节设置在其中的植物124的生长的任意其他合适的部件或子系统。具体地，图3示例了机械间室140内的密封系统150。虽然在本文中示例并描述了示例性密封系统，但应当理解，可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时对密封系统150进行各种变更和修改。例如，密封系统150可以包括另外或可选的部件、不同的管道构造等。
如图所示，密封系统150包括压缩机152、第一热交换器或蒸发器154以及第二热交换器或冷凝器156。如通常理解的，压缩机152通常可操作为循环或推动制冷剂流过密封系统150，可以包括各种导管，这些导管可以用于使制冷剂在密封系统150的各种部件之间流动。由此，蒸发器154和冷凝器156可以在彼此之间以及与压缩机152之间流体连通。
在密封系统150的操作期间，制冷剂从蒸发器154向压缩机152流动，并且压缩机152通常被构造为将压缩的制冷剂从压缩机152引导至冷凝器156。例如，制冷 剂可以以过热蒸汽形式的流体离开蒸发器154。在离开蒸发器154时，制冷剂可以进入压缩机152，该压缩机152可操作为压缩制冷剂。因此，制冷剂的压力和温度可以在压缩机152中升高，使得制冷剂变为更过热的蒸汽。
冷凝器156布置在压缩机152的下游，并且可操作为释放来自制冷剂的热量。例如，来自压缩机152的过热蒸汽可以进入冷凝器156并将能量传递到冷凝器156周围的空气(例如，以产生热空气流)。这样，制冷剂冷凝成饱和的液体和/或液体蒸汽混合物。冷凝器风扇(未示出)可以被设置为与冷凝器156相邻，并且可以促进或推动热空气流(例如，来自周围大气)流过冷凝器156的盘管，以便促进热传递。
根据所示例的实施方式，还可以设置膨胀装置或可变电子膨胀阀158，以调节制冷剂膨胀。在使用期间，可变电子膨胀阀158通常可以使制冷剂膨胀，这降低其压力和温度。在这点上，制冷剂可以以高液体质量/饱和液体蒸汽混合物的形式离开冷凝器156，并且在流过蒸发器154之前行进穿过可变电子膨胀阀158。可变电子膨胀阀158通常被构造为可调节，例如，使得可以选择性地改变或调节穿过可变电子膨胀阀158的制冷剂流(例如，以毫升/秒为单位的体积流量)。
蒸发器154布置在可变电子膨胀阀158的下游，并且可操作为例如通过吸收来自蒸发器周围的空气的热能来加热蒸发器154内的制冷剂(例如，以产生冷空气流)。例如，来自可变电子膨胀阀158的液体或液体蒸汽混合物制冷剂可以进入蒸发器154。在蒸发器154内，来自可变电子膨胀阀158的制冷剂从冷空气流接收能量，并且蒸发成过热蒸汽和/或高质量的蒸气混合物。空气处理器或蒸发器风扇(未示出)设置为与蒸发器154相邻，并且可以促进或推动冷空气流通过蒸发器154，以便促进热传递。制冷剂可以从蒸发器154返回压缩机152，并且蒸汽压缩循环可以继续。
如上所述，环境控制系统148包括密封系统150，该密封系统150用于根据需要贯穿生长室122以提供热空气流或冷空气流。为了引导该空气，环境控制系统148包括用于引导温度调节空气流的管道系统160，温度调节空气流在本文中简单地标识为空气流162(例如，参见图3)。在这点上，例如，随着空气经过蒸发器154，蒸发器风扇可以生成冷空气流，并且随着空气经过冷凝器156，冷凝器风扇可以生成热空气流。
这些空气流162分别被路由穿过冷却空气供应管道和/或加热空气供应管道(未示出)。在这点上，应当理解，环境控制系统148通常可以包括多个管道、风门、分流器组件和/或空气处理器，以便于以冷却模式、加热模式、加热和冷却模式或适于 调节生长室122内的环境的任意其他模式操作。应当理解，管道系统160可以在复杂性方面变化，并且可以借助生长室122的任意合适的部分以任意合适的布置来调节来自密封系统150的空气流。
园艺电器100可以包括控制面板170。控制面板170包括一个或多个输入选择器172，诸如例如，旋钮、按钮、下压按钮、触摸屏界面等。另外，输入选择器172可以用于指定或设置园艺电器100的各种设置，诸如例如与密封系统150的操作关联的设置。输入选择器172可以与处理装置或控制器174通信。在控制器174中或由控制器174生成的控制信号响应于输入选择器172而操作园艺电器100。另外，控制面板170可以包括显示器176，诸如指示灯或屏幕。显示器176与控制器174通信地联接，并且可以响应于来自控制器174的信号而显示信息。进一步地，如将在本文中描述的，控制器174可以与园艺电器100的其他部件(诸如例如，一个或多个传感器、电机或其他部件)通信地联接。
如本文中使用的，“处理装置”或“控制器”可以指一个或多个微处理器或半导体装置，并且不必限于单个元件。处理装置可以被编程为操作园艺电器100。处理装置可以包括一个或多个存储元件(例如，永久存储介质)或与其关联。在一些这种实施方式中，存储元件包括电可擦可编程只读存储器(EEPROM)。通常，存储元件可以存储处理装置可访问的信息，包括可以由处理装置执行的指令。可选地，指令可以是软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合，该软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合在由处理装置执行时，使得处理装置执行操作。
现在总体参照图1至图8，园艺电器100通常包括可旋转的圆盘传送带，在本文中被称为生长模块200，该生长模块200安装在内胆120内，例如，使得其在生长室122内。如图所示，生长模块200包括沿着中心轴线204延伸并且可绕中心轴线204旋转的中心毂202。具体地，根据所示例的实施方式，中心轴线204平行于竖向V。然而，应当理解，中心轴线204可以可选地沿任意合适的方向(例如，诸如水平方向)延伸。在这点上，生长模块200通常限定轴向(即，平行于中心轴线204)、与中心轴线204垂直地延伸的径向R以及绕中心轴线204延伸的周向C(例如，在垂直于中心轴线204的平面中)。
生长模块200还可以包括多个隔板206，这些隔板206大致沿着径向R从中心毂202延伸。这样，生长模块200通过划分或分割生长室122来限定多个腔室，在本文中总体由附图标记210指代。具体参照图1至图8所示例的生长模块200的第一实施方式，生长模块200包括三个隔板206，这些隔板206限定相对于彼此周向隔开的 第一室212、第二室214以及第三室216。通常，随着生长模块200在生长室122内旋转，多个腔室210限定大致分开且不同的生长环境，例如，用于使具有不同生长需求的植物124生长。
更具体地，隔板206可以从中心毂202延伸到紧邻内胆120的位置。虽然隔板206被描述为沿着径向延伸，但应当理解，它们不必完全径向地延伸。例如，根据所示例的实施方式，各个隔板的远端使用弓形壁218与相邻的隔板接合，该弓形壁218通常用于支撑植物124。
明显地，根据示例性实施方式，期望在隔板206与内胆120之间形成大致的密封。因此，根据示例性实施方式，生长模块200可以限定生长模块直径220(例如，由其形成在水平面中的大致圆形的覆盖区限定)。类似地，内胆120的封闭的后部130可以是大致圆柱形的，并且可以限定内胆直径222。为了防止大量的空气在隔板206与内胆120之间逸出，内胆直径222可以大致等于或稍大于生长模块直径220。
现在具体参照图3，园艺电器100还可以包括电机230或另一种合适的驱动元件或装置，用于在园艺电器100的操作期间选择性地旋转生长模块200。在这点上，根据所示例的实施方式，电机230被设置在生长模块200下方，例如，设置在机械间室140内，并且沿着中心轴线204可操作地联接到生长模块200，以便旋转生长模块200。
如本文使用的，“电机”可以指代用于旋转生长模块200的任意合适的驱动电机和/或传动组件。例如，电机230可以是无刷DC电动机、步进电机或任意其他合适类型或构造的电机。例如，电机230可以是AC电机、感应电机、永磁同步电机或任意其他合适类型的AC电机。另外，电机230可以包括任意合适的传动组件、离合机构或其他部件。
根据示例性实施方式，电机230可以可操作地联接到控制器174，该控制器174被编程为基于用户输入(例如，经由触摸按钮172)等根据预定的操作循环旋转生长模块200。另外，控制器174可以通信地联接到一个或多个传感器，诸如温度或湿度传感器，这些传感器分别设置在用于测量温度和/或湿度的各种腔室210内。然后控制器174可以操作电机230，以便为每一个腔室210维持期望的环境条件。例如，如将在下面更详细地描述的，园艺电器100包括特征，这些特征用于向园艺电器100的某些位置提供光、温度控制、适当的水分、养分以及用于适合植物生长的其他要求。电机230可以用于将特定的腔室210设置在需要接收这种生长要求的地方。
根据示例性实施方式，诸如在三个隔板206形成三个室212-216的情况下，控 制器174可以操作电机230，以借助多个预选位置顺序地对生长模块200进行分度。更具体地，电机230可以以120°的增量沿逆时针方向(例如，当从生长模块200的顶部查看时)旋转生长模块200，以使腔室210在密封位置与显示位置之间移动。如本文使用的，当腔室210被大致密封在生长模块200(即，中心毂202和相邻的隔板206)与内胆120之间时，该腔室210被认为处于“密封位置”。与之相比，当腔室210至少部分地暴露于前显示开口132使得用户可以接近设置在该腔室210内的植物124时，该腔室210被认为处于“显示位置”。
例如，如图4和图5示例，第一室212和第二室214都处于密封位置，而第三室216处于显示位置。随着电机230沿逆时针方向将生长模块200旋转120度，第二室214将进入显示位置，而第一室212和第三室216将处于密封位置。电机230可以继续以这种增量旋转生长模块200，以使腔室210在这些密封位置与显示位置之间循环。
现在总体参照图4至图8，将更详细地描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的生长模块200。如图所示，生长模块200限定多个孔口240，这些孔口240通常被构造为将植物容器242容纳到内部根室244中。植物容器242通常包含设置在网眼或其他支撑结构内的用于生长植物的幼苗或其他材料，植物124的根可以借助该网眼或其他支撑结构在生长模块200内生长。用户可以将具有期望种子的植物容器242的部分(例如，种子端或根端246)穿过多个孔口240中的一个插入到根室244中。植物容器242的植物端248可以保持在腔室210内，使得植物124可以从生长模块200生长，使得它们可由用户接近。在这点上，生长模块200限定根室244，例如，在中心毂202和多个隔板206中的至少一个内。如下面将说明的，水和其他养分可以被供应到根室244内的植物容器242的根端246。明显地，当未安装植物容器242时，孔口240可以被平坦的挡板密封件(未示出)覆盖，以防止水逸出根室244。
如在图5和图7中最佳示出的，生长模块200还可以包括内部分隔板250，该内部分隔板250设置在根室244内，以将根室244分成多个根室，多个根室中的每一个借助多个孔口240与多个腔室210中的一个流体连通。更具体地，根据所示例的实施方式，内部分隔板250可以将根室244分成第一根室252、第二根室254以及第三根室256。根据示例性实施方式，第一根室252可以向设置在第一生长室212中的植物124提供水和养分，第二根室254可以向设置在第二生长室214中的植物124提供水和养分，并且第三根室256可以向设置在第三生长室216中的植物124提供水和养分。这样，环境控制系统148可以将多个室212-216和多个根室252-256中 的每一个的温度和/或湿度独立于彼此控制。
环境控制系统148还可以包括补水系统270，该补水系统270通常被构造为向植物124提供水，以支持植物的生长。具体地，根据所示例的实施方式，补水系统270通常包括水源272和喷雾装置274(例如，诸如一个或多个细雾喷嘴)。例如，水源272可以是含水(例如，蒸馏水)的储液器，或者可以是直接连接的市政水源。喷雾装置274可以设置在根室244的底部，并且可以被构造为用雾来填充根室244，以使植物124的根补水。可选地，喷雾装置274可以沿着竖向V穿过中心毂202，并且周期性地包括用于向根室244中喷雾或水的喷嘴。因为各种植物124对于期望的生长可能需要不同量的水，补水系统270可以可选地包括多个喷雾装置274，例如，全部喷雾装置274均联接至水源272，但是选择性地操作为彼此独立地填充第一根室252、第二根室254以及第三根室256中的每一个。如本文所用的，术语“补水循环”通常是指补水系统270将液体提供到园艺电器100中、例如直接提供到根室244中的一个或多个时间段。
明显地，上述环境控制系统148通常被构造为将多个腔室210和/或根室252-256中的一个或全部内的温度和湿度(例如，或一些其他合适的水位量或测量)独立于彼此调节。这样，可以为各个和每一个腔室210获得通用且期望的生长环境。
现在例如参照图4和图5，园艺电器100还可以包括光组件280，该光组件280通常被构造为向选定的腔室210中提供光，以促进植物124的光合作用和生长。如图所示，光组件280可以包括多个光源282，这些光源282堆叠成阵列，例如，沿着竖向V延伸。例如，光源282可以直接安装到腔室210内的内胆120，或者可以可选地设置在内胆120的后面，使得光穿过透明窗口或光管投射到腔室210中。本文描述的光源282的位置、构造以及类型并不旨在以任何方式限制本发明的范围。
光源282可以使用任意合适的光技术并以任意合适的颜色照明，来设置为任意合适的数量、类型、位置以及构造的电光源。例如，根据所示例的实施方式，光源282包括一个或多个发光二极管(LED)，取决于来自控制器174的控制信号，这些发光二极管可以各自以单色照明(例如，白色LED)，或者可以各自以多个颜色照明(例如，多色或RGB LED)。然而，应当理解，根据可选实施方式，光源282可以包括任意其他合适的传统灯泡或光源，诸如卤素灯泡、荧光灯泡、白炽灯灯泡、发光棒、光纤光源等。
如上所述，从光组件280生成的光可能导致园艺电器100所在的房间内的光污染。因此，本发明的各方面致力于用于减少光污染的特征，或致力于阻止来自光源 282的光穿过前显示开口132。具体地，如图所示，光组件280仅设置在内胆120的封闭后部130内，使得仅处于密封位置的腔室210暴露于来自光源282的光。具体地，生长模块200充当光组件280与前显示开口132之间的物理隔板。这样，如图5所示，没有光可以从第一室212或第二室214穿过生长模块200并离开前显示开口132。随着生长模块200旋转，三个腔室210中的两个将一次接收来自光组件280的光。根据另一些实施方式，可以使用单个光组件来降低成本，借此，在单个时间仅照亮单个腔室210。
上面已经描述了园艺电器100和生长模块200，来说明本发明的示例性实施方式。然而，应当理解，可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时进行变更和修改。例如，根据可选实施方式，园艺电器100可以简化为具有方形内胆120和生长模块200的两室实施方式，该生长模块200具有从中心毂202的相对侧延伸的两个隔板206，以限定第一生长室和第二生长室。根据这种实施方式，通过使生长模块200围绕中心轴线204旋转180度，第一室可以在密封位置(例如，面向箱体102的后侧114)与显示位置(例如，面向箱体102的前侧112)之间交替。相反，相同的旋转将使第二室从显示位置移动到密封位置。
根据另一些实施方式，园艺电器100可以包括三室生长模块200，但是具有修改的箱体102，使得前显示开口132更宽，并且单次显示三个腔室210中的两个。由此，第一室212可以处于密封位置，而第二室214和第三室216可以处于显示位置。随着生长模块200逆时针旋转，第一室212移动到显示位置中，并且第三室216移动到密封位置中。
现在再次参照图8，示意性地示例了环境控制系统148的各方面，并将根据本发明的示例性实施方式来描述这些方面。具体地，如图所示，环境控制系统148包括空气循环系统300，该空气循环系统300通常被构造为将空气流(例如，本文中通常由附图标记302标识)提供到园艺电器100中并贯穿其中，例如直接提供到根室244中。尽管在本文中示例并描述了一个示例性空气循环系统300，但是应当理解，根据可选实施方式，可以使用任意其它合适的管道系统、风扇、流动控制装置以及其它特征。另外，应当理解，空气流302可以包括任意合适浓度的气体的任意合适组合。
如图8所示，空气循环系统300包括与腔室210流体连通的送风管道310和排出管道312。更具体地，根据所示例实施方式，送风管道310和排出管道312直接流体地联接到根室244的底部。这样，空气循环系统300可以利用管道310、312使空气流302循环通过根室244，以便在园艺电器100内保持期望的温度。应当理解，空 气循环系统300可以包括任意合适数量、类型、位置和构造的流调节装置，以控制空气流302。例如，根据所示例的实施方式，空气循环系统300包括送风风门314，该送风风门314与送风管道310可操作地联接，用于调节通过送风管道310的空气流302。类似地，空气循环系统300包括排出风门316，该排出风门316可操作地联接到排出管道312，用于调节通过排出管道312的空气流302。尽管示例了两个风门，但是应当理解，根据可选实施方式，可以仅使用单个风门或其它流控制装置。
空气循环组件300还可以包括通过送风管道310和排出管道312中的一个或两个与腔室210流体连通的风扇组件或循环风扇320。这样，控制器174可以选择性地操作循环风扇320，以使空气流302在整个根室244中循环。通常，循环风扇320可以是被构造为再循环或推动空气流的任意流调节装置。例如，循环风扇320可以包括一个或多个轴流风扇、离心风扇等。另外，循环风扇320可以设置在管道310、312上或其中的任意合适位置处，或以其他方式与腔室210流体连通。另外，如图8所示，排出管道312将根室244流体地联接到周围环境322，例如，用于排出空气流302。然而，根据可选实施方式，空气循环系统300可以包括用于再循环、过滤、处理和/或再利用空气流302的管道系统和流调节特征。
仍然参照图8，园艺电器100可以包括一个或多个用于监测腔室210内的水分水平或含水量的装置或子系统。例如，如图示例，园艺电器100包括水检测装置340，该水检测装置340设置于根室244内的，用于测量根室244内的水分水平。例如，根据示例性实施方式，水检测装置340包括设置在根室244内的不同位置处的一个或多个光学传感器342。通常，光学传感器342可以发送和接收光能束344，以便例如基于光能束344的扭曲来确定根室244内的水量。尽管本文描述了光学传感器，但是应当理解，根据可选实施方式，可以使用任意合适的湿度传感器或其它水分检测系统和方法，同时保持在本发明的范围内。
现在已经描述了园艺电器100的构造，将描述操作园艺电器的示例性方法400。尽管以下讨论涉及操作园艺电器100的示例性方法400，但是本领域技术人员应当理解，示例性方法400适用于操作各种其他园艺电器或用于任意合适的应用中。在示例性实施方式中，本文所公开的各种方法步骤可以由控制器174或单独的专用控制器执行。
值得注意的是，如上文简要说明的，在补水循环期间，补水系统270将液体的薄雾或流提供到根室244中。在喷嘴完成排水之后，小水滴轻轻地流过根室244。这些液滴缓慢地沉积到根部和壁上，以为植物124的根部补水。然而，如果在这些高 液滴密度的时期，来自空气循环系统300的空气被提供到根室244中，则液滴可能不能有效地到达植物124的根部。例如，图9示例了园艺电器100的示例性补水循环，其中，空气中的水量的测量由附图标记350例示。如图所示，在补水循环的开始时间352，补水系统270将水流提供到根室244内的喷嘴或喷雾装置。结果是，液滴密度或水位350百分比分布可以快速增加，直到补水循环的结束时间354为止。在补水系统270停止将液体提供到根室244中之后，水位350缓慢地衰减。因此，如下所述，本发明的各方面涉及用于调节气流以便减少对补水循环的负面影响的系统和方法。
现在参照图10，方法400包括，在步骤410，操作空气循环系统，以推动空气流通过园艺电器的根室。在这点上，空气循环系统300可以推动空气流302通过根室244，例如以在根室244内保持期望的温度。然而，如下所述，方法400通常可以包括在补水循环期间停止空气流。停止空气流的时间段可以部分地取决于水位350，或者可以基于时间，例如使得空气循环系统300至少部分地基于补水系统270的操作(例如，基于补水系统270的启动和停止时间)来操作。
例如，方法400可以包括稍微在补水循环开始之前停止空气流，并在补水循环结束之后的一定持续时间内阻止空气流。应当理解，空气循环系统300可以包括用于停止或减慢空气流302的任意合适的手段。例如，可以通过关闭送风风门314、关闭排出风门316和/或停止循环风扇320来停止空气流302。由此，步骤420包括在补水循环开始之前停止空气流。例如，简要地参照图9，空气流的空气停止时间356可以是补水循环的开始时间352之前的第一预定时间段358。步骤430包括通过使用补水系统实施补水循环，以提供液体流到根室中。
步骤440可以包括阻止空气流直到补水循环结束之后。根据示例性实施方式，空气流可直到空气开始时间360才开始，该空气开始时间360可以在自补水循环的结束时间354之后的第二预定时间段362之后。由此，根据示例性实施方式，在420停止空气流并在440阻止空气流可以包括确定补水循环的开始时间和结束时间。从补水循环的开始时间和结束时间，可以确定空气停止时间356和空气开始时间360。应当理解，在空气停止时间356与空气开始时间360之间的时间段内，空气循环系统300防止空气流302通过根室244。在该无流时段之外，可以根据环境控制系统148的命令，例如基于根室244内的温度，供应空气或不供应空气。
应当理解，第一预定时间段358和第二预定时间段362可以由制造商设定、由用户选择、可以根据经验确定或者可以使用控制器174计算。另外，这些时间段358、 362可以根据多种因素而变化，例如喷嘴流率、室湿度、空气流率或任意其它合适的因素。例如，第一预定时间段358通常被选择为允许腔室210内的空气流消散的、在阈值以下的适当时间段。例如，第一预定时间段358可以在约0.1秒至20秒之间、约0.5秒至10秒之间、约1秒至4秒之间、或约3秒。另外，第二预定时间段362可以至少部分地基于水位350的衰减(例如，水位350下降到合适的阈值以下所花费的时间)来确定。例如，第二预定时间段362可以在约1秒至60秒之间、约5秒至30秒之间、约10秒至20秒之间、或约15秒。
根据示例性实施方式，停止空气流和阻止空气流可以包括基于根室244内的水分水平或水位来调节空气流。例如，控制器174可以使用水检测装置340测量水分水平(例如，水位350)。空气停止时间356和/或空气开始时间360可以基于该水位350确定。例如，如果水位350下降到预定水位阈值(例如，如由附图标记364所标识的)以下，则空气流可重新供应到根室244。应当理解，水位阈值可以根据特定应用而变化，同时保持在本发明的范围内。另外，应当理解，其它因素和考虑因素可能影响空气停止时间356和空气开始时间360。
图10描述了为了示例和讨论的目的而以特定顺序执行的步骤。使用本文所提供的发明内容，本领域普通技术人员将理解，本文所述的任意方法的步骤可以以各种方式改编、重新排列、扩展、省略或修改，而不脱离本发明的范围。而且，虽然使用园艺电器100作为示例来说明了方法400的各方面，但是应当理解，这些方法可以应用于任意合适园艺电器的操作。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例)，并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任意装置或系统并且执行所包含的任意方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件，或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件，则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种园艺电器，其特征在于，该园艺电器包括：
    内胆，所述内胆设置在箱体内并限定生长室；
    生长模块，所述生长模块安装在所述内胆内并限定根室；
    穿过所述生长模块的多个孔口，所述多个孔口用于容纳延伸到所述根室中的一个或多个植物容器；
    补水系统，所述补水系统用于选择性地实施补水循环以提供液体流到所述根室中；
    空气循环系统，所述空气循环系统与所述根室流体联接，所述空气循环系统用于推动空气流通过所述根室；以及
    控制器，所述控制器与所述补水系统和所述空气循环系统可操作地通信，所述控制器被配置为在所述补水循环期间停止所述空气流。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，在所述补水循环期间停止所述空气流包括：
    确定所述补水循环的开始时间和结束时间；
    在所述补水循环的所述开始时间之前将所述空气流停止第一预定时间段；以及
    阻止所述空气流，直到自从所述补水循环的所述结束时间起经过第二预定时间段为止。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述第一预定时间段在0.5秒至10秒之间。
  4. 根据权利要求2所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述第二预定时间段在5秒至30秒之间。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，还包括用于测量所述生长室或所述根室内的水分水平的水检测装置，其中，在所述补水循环期间停止所述空气流包括：
    测量所述水分水平；以及
    如果所述水分水平超过阈值水分水平，则阻止所述空气流。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述水检测装置是光学传感器。
  7. 根据权利要求5所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述水检测装置包括设置在 所述根室内不同位置处的多个传感器。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述空气循环系统包括：
    送风管道，所述送风管道与所述生长室流体连通；和
    送风风门，所述送风风门与所述送风管道可操作地联接，用于调节所述空气流，其中，停止所述空气流包括关闭所述送风风门。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述空气循环系统包括：
    排出管道，所述排出管道与所述生长室流体连通；和
    排出风门，所述排出风门与所述排出管道可操作地联接，用于调节所述空气流，其中，停止所述空气流包括关闭所述排出风门。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的园艺电器，其特征在于，所述空气循环系统包括：
    循环风扇，所述循环风扇与所述生长室流体连通，其中，停止所述空气流包括停止所述循环风扇。
  11. 一种操作园艺电器的方法，所述园艺电器包括限定根室的生长模块、补水系统和空气循环系统，其特征在于，所述方法包括：
    操作所述空气循环系统，以推动空气流通过所述根室；
    在补水循环开始之前停止所述空气流；
    通过使用所述补水系统实施补水循环，以提供液体流到所述根室中；以及
    阻止所述空气流直到所述补水循环结束之后。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，在所述补水循环开始之前停止所述空气流和阻止所述空气流直到所述补水循环结束之后包括：
    确定所述补水循环的开始时间和结束时间；
    在所述补水循环的所述开始时间之前将所述空气流停止第一预定时间段；以及
    阻止所述空气流，直到自从所述补水循环的所述结束时间起经过第二预定时间段为止。
  13. 根据权利要求12所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一预定时间段在0.5秒至10秒之间。
  14. 根据权利要求12所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第二预定时间段在5秒至30秒之间。
  15. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，所述园艺电器还包括用于测量所述根室内的水分水平的水检测装置，其中，在所述补水循环期间停止所述空气流包括：
    测量所述水分水平；以及
    如果所述水分水平超过阈值水分水平，则阻止所述空气流。
  16. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其特征在于，所述水检测装置是光学传感器。
  17. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其特征在于，所述水检测装置包括设置在所述根室内不同位置处的多个传感器。
  18. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，所述空气循环系统包括：
    送风管道，所述送风管道与所述根室流体连通；和
    送风风门，所述送风风门与所述送风管道可操作地联接，用于调节所述空气流，其中，停止所述空气流包括关闭所述送风风门。
  19. 根据权利要求18所述的方法，其特征在于，所述空气循环系统包括：
    排出管道，所述排出管道与所述根室流体连通；和
    排出风门，所述排出风门与所述排出管道可操作地联接，用于调节所述空气流，其中，停止所述空气流包括关闭所述排出风门。
  20. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，所述空气循环系统包括：
    循环风扇，该循环风扇与所述根室流体连通，其中，停止所述空气流包括停止所述循环风扇。
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