JP2009254327A - Planter with automatic watering function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a planter with an automatic watering function which is excellent in cost and design as well as solves a complicated operation which is the problem of a device having an automatic bottom-surface watering function. <P>SOLUTION: The planter with an automatic watering function is structured as follows: the wall surface of a planter case 1 is formed into a double structure to utilize the hermetically-sealed inside space as a water storage tank 2; a watering port 2-1 is formed in a lower part of the water storage tank and a funnel-shaped watering tool 3 is detachably attached to the watering port 2-1; the funnel-shaped watering tool 3 is attached to the water storage tank 2 only when water is supplied to the water storage tank 2 and taken off when the tank is substantially filled with water; a duct 4 is equipped so that the upper end of the duct 4 communicates with the upper space in the water storage tank 2, and the lower end of the duct 4 is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the planter case 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a planter having a function of automatically supplying water to a bottom surface of a flower pot installed at a predetermined position in a case.

  Normally, watering plants planted in a flower pot is done by sprinkling water over the soil. On the other hand, if the flowerpot is placed in water at an appropriate depth, the plant absorbs only the necessary amount of water from the roots. This is the idea of bottom water supply. A planter that houses one or more flower pots, applying the concept of water supply from the bottom to automatically maintain the water in the water tank so that a constant water level is maintained in the planter. Various devices have been proposed that have the function of replenishing the flower pot housing, and some of them have become commodities. The greatest advantage of these devices is that they do not require watering for a long time and are effective in growing healthy plants.

  Conventionally, the elements common to this type of device are a planter case, a water storage tank installed inside and outside the planter case, a water outlet with an opening / closing device provided in the lower part of the water storage tank, and an upper part of the water storage tank. And a water supply opening with a switchgear provided.

  The operating sequence of these devices is to first open the water supply port, simultaneously close the water outlet, and supply water from the water supply port into the water storage tank. When the water supply is finished, close the water supply port and then open the water supply port. As a result, the water in the water supply tank flows into the planter case, the water level rises, and when the water outlet becomes below the water surface, the water supply from the water supply tank is stopped and a constant water level is maintained. This is because the upper space in the water supply tank is shielded from the outside air.

  Next, the plants in the flower pots installed in the planter case consume water, and as a result, the water level drops, and when the water outlet is exposed to the outside air, water starts to drain from the water storage tank again, and the water outlet is below the surface of the water. Flooding continues until By repeating this, the constant water level in the planter case is maintained until there is no water in the water storage tank. This is the concept common to automatic bottom surface water supply devices.

  There are two major problems common to the aforementioned devices. One is that the switchgear is located at two locations, the water supply port and the water discharge port. However, the procedure for opening and closing the water supply port and the water discharge port must be performed in order before and after the water supply operation. It means that it is a work to be done. The other is that the water supply opening / closing device is required to have a level of airtightness that does not leak air, and is limited to a method such as a screw-type cap due to cost limitations. As a result, the area and shape of the water supply port are limited, and the water supply work is also taken care of when the apparatus is placed indoors or in an environment where water should not be leaked to the outside. The impact of these issues is not small for the spread of this type of device. It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems.

  The present applicant has filed a patent application in January of this year for an invention for solving the above problems (application number: 2008-31075). This technology shares the basic idea with the invention, but realizes improved usability and reduced cost by realizing further mechanical simplicity.

  The wall of the planter case has a double structure, and the internal sealed space is a water storage tank. Provide a water inlet at the bottom of the water storage tank and inside the planter case. That is, even though the water storage tank is hermetically sealed, it is exceptionally released to the planter case internal space through the water supply port, so that water can flow between the water storage tank and the inside of the planter case. Next, a ventilation duct is installed. One end of the ventilation duct is disposed in the upper space in the water storage tank, and the other end of the ventilation duct is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the planter case. As a result, an “air path” is formed between the air space in the water storage tank and the space near the bottom surface in the planter case by the ventilation duct. Therefore, this “air path” is also an exception to the sealing of the water supply tank. The difference between the two exceptions is that the former is for the circulation of water between the water tank and the inside of the planter case, and the latter is for the circulation of air between the upper space in the water tank and the outside air, That is. Furthermore, a funnel-shaped water supply device having a detachable function is attached to the water supply port.

The usage and functions of the device will be described.
First, in the planter case, a type of flower pot with a drain outlet on the bottom is installed. Depending on the size of the planter, multiple flower pots can be installed.
The next task is to pour water into the storage tank. For this purpose, a funnel-shaped water supply device is set in the water supply port, and water injection into the funnel-shaped water supply device is started. The injected water is stored in the water storage tank through the water supply port. At this time, since the air space above the water surface in the water storage tank communicates with the outside air through the ventilation duct, the water level of the water storage tank and the water level of the funnel-shaped water supply device rise while maintaining substantially the same height. Therefore, if you look at the water level of the funnel-shaped water supply device, you can see the water level of the water storage tank. The water injection is completed when the water tank has enough water.
Next, the funnel-shaped water supply tool is removed from the water supply port. Since the water in the funnel-shaped water supply has no bottom, the water in the funnel-shaped water supply is naturally discharged into the planter case. At the same time, water in the water storage tank overflows into the planter case from the water supply port. As a result, the water level in the planter case rises, but when the water closes the opened lower end of the ventilation duct, the air space in the water storage tank is blocked from the outside air, and the water in the water storage tank flows into the water inlet. The water level stops rising. This water level becomes a constant water level.
Then, the water in the planter case penetrates into the soil through the drain outlet at the bottom of the flower pot, and the roots of the plants in the flower pot consume the water. As a result, the water level eventually decreases, the lower end of the ventilation duct is exposed to the outside air, the “air passage” is opened, and the air space in the upper part of the water storage tank communicates with the outside air. And again, the water in the water storage tank overflows into the planter case through the water supply port, the water level rises, reaches a constant water level, closes the open lower end of the ventilation duct, and the water outflows from the water storage tank. Stop.
By repeating the above, the constant water level is substantially maintained until the water in the water storage tank is exhausted, and appropriate water supply to the plant by the bottom surface water supply system is continued.
The above is the usage and automatic water supply mechanism of the planter with an automatic water supply function according to the present invention.

  Thus, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the operation is only the attachment / detachment work of the funnel-shaped water supply device, and the operation at the time of water supply becomes very simple. At the same time, the mechanism became simple, and a significant cost reduction was possible.

The technical points that have achieved this will be described.
Essentially, this type of device requires two opening and closing devices for supplying water to the water storage tank and for discharging water as described above.
This device is only operated at one place, that is, the attachment and detachment work of the funnel-shaped water supply device.
This is made possible by providing a ventilation duct as described above so that the "air passage" is automatically opened and closed depending on the water level in the planter case.
That is, the upper air space in the water storage tank and the space near the bottom of the planter case are connected by a ventilation duct, and the lower end of the ventilation duct released to the space near the bottom of the planter case by the level of the water level in the planter case, The water itself opened and closed. When a constant water level is reached, the lower end of the ventilation duct is below the surface of the water and is blocked from outside air. As a result, the “air path” is closed, and the upper air space in the water storage tank is blocked from outside air. When the water level falls below the constant water level, the lower end of the ventilation duct is released to the outside air, and as a result, the “air passage” is opened, and the upper air space in the water storage tank communicates with the outside air.

This idea is the same as that in the patent applications already filed by the applicant. By providing a ventilation duct, when the problem of how to supply water only to the storage tank without leaking water into the planter case at the start of operation, the constant water level is automatically maintained, Stable bottom water supply became possible.
Then, what is the difference from the applied technology, what is the progress, but it is easier to operate and the mechanism is simpler by providing a removable funnel-shaped watering device. It is possible to achieve the objective at a lower cost. There are various methods for making the funnel-shaped watering device attach / detach one-touch operation, as will be apparent from the description of specific examples to be described later, but in any case it is simple. And by providing the detachable funnel-shaped water supply tool, this apparatus can be comprised by the component of almost two points, a planter case and a funnel-shaped water supply tool. Moreover, the production of each part is almost completed by molding, and the assembly work is very simple and requires a simple process. This is the basis for realizing a significant cost reduction.

  The effect of the present invention is to realize a planter with an automatic water supply function that is simple in operation and low in cost.

The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. The flower pots are indicated by a one-dot chain line. 2 is a plan view, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view (cross section AA in FIG. 2).
A part or all of the wall surface (1-2) of the planter case (1) has a double structure, and the internal sealed space is the water storage tank (2). By adopting such a structure, it is possible to provide a device with excellent design while ensuring a sufficient amount of water storage.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a stage where water in a water storage tank has been consumed and water has been newly added from the outside. On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a front view of the stage in which water is poured into the water storage tank, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the stage in which automatic water supply is in progress, and shows a state where a substantially constant water level is maintained. Represents.

  In the present embodiment, the bottom surface has a double structure, and the planter case side surface and the entire bottom surface form a water storage tank having an integrated double structure. The merit of having such a structure is that the molding process becomes easy and the water supply port can be provided on the bottom surface, and the shape and attachment / detachment mechanism of the funnel-shaped water supply device (3) are simple and have good operability. That can be made.

  A water supply port (2-1) is provided on the bottom surface (1-2) of the planter case, that is, the lower part of the water storage tank.

  A funnel-shaped water supply device (3) is installed at the water supply port. In the present embodiment, a magnet is used in order to simplify attachment and detachment. A hollow magnet (3-1) is fixed to a portion in contact with the water supply port of the funnel-shaped water supply device, and a magnetic material receiver (2-3) is fixed to the water supply port.

  The ventilation duct (4) is outside the water storage tank, and its upper end is hermetically fixed to a vent (2-1) provided above the water storage tank wall surface, and communicates with the internal space of the water storage tank. . On the other hand, the lower end of the ventilation duct is disposed so as to be located near the bottom surface (1-2) of the planter case.

  6, 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the funnel-shaped water supply device. In each embodiment, the contact point between the funnel-shaped water supply tool and the water supply port needs to be sealed.

  In FIG. 6, the mechanism for attaching the funnel-shaped water supply tool to the water supply port is a screw type. The bottom of the funnel-shaped water supply tool is a hollow male screw (3-2), and the receiving tool (2-4) is a female screw.

  In FIG. 7, the mechanism for attaching the water supply port to the funnel-shaped water supply tool is a plug-in type. In this case, the bush (2-5) is preferably made of a material having elasticity such as rubber.

In FIG. 8, the funnel-shaped water supply tool is attached to the planter case so as to be rotatable, is in close contact with the water supply port at the time of water injection, and is rotated to open the water supply port after the water injection is completed. Here, a magnet is used as the means for close contact, as in [0018]. Stopper pin fixed to the planter case with the support (3-3) fixed to the middle part of the funnel-shaped water supply and the pin (1-3) fixed to the planter case as the center of rotation It is made so that the whole funnel-shaped water supply tool can be rotated to the position stopped by (1-4).
Thus, in [Claim 1] c), the meaning that the funnel-shaped water supply device is detachable is merely the relationship between the funnel-shaped water supply device and the water supply port, and not the relationship between the funnel-shaped water supply device and the planter case. .

  9 and 10 show another embodiment of the ventilation duct. In each of the embodiments, it is necessary to provide confidentiality at a portion where the vent provided in the water storage tank and the duct are in contact with each other.

  In FIG. 9, the ventilation duct is inside the water storage tank, the upper end is disposed at the uppermost part of the water storage tank, and the lower end is attached to a vent provided in the lower part of the water storage tank.

  In FIG. 10, the upper part of the ventilation duct is arranged inside the water storage tank, and the lower part is arranged outside the water storage tank.

  FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in the case where a water supply port is provided on the wall surface of the water storage tank. In this figure, the bottom surface of the planter case is not a double structure, and the water storage tank is provided only on the wall surface.

  FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention of claim 2. Some plant pots have different bottom heights, and there are cases where it is necessary to adjust the height of the constant water level when performing bottom surface water supply, and a function for this purpose is added. In this example, the lower end of the ventilation duct is doubled and the height position of the lower end is adjusted by a mechanism that slides in the direction of the arrow. The reason why the seal (4-1) is provided is that the outside air does not enter from a portion other than the lower end so as to improve the sealing performance.

Industrial applicability

  In today's environment, where environmental problems are becoming more serious and nature is being lost, people's attachment to plants is deepening. One answer to that need is the present invention. According to the present invention, an automatic water supply apparatus that automatically realizes appropriate hydration and grows plants healthy can be provided at a low cost. Moreover, the operation is very easy and the structure is simple, which makes it possible to make the appearance design simple and beautiful. It will greatly contribute to the greening of homes and offices.

Front sectional view of the embodiment Plan view of FIG. Side view of FIG. 1 (A-A sectional view of FIG. 2) Front view of the automatic water supply stage (stage where water is poured into the water storage tank) Front view of the automatic water supply stage (stage where the water tank is filled with water and automatic water supply is functioning) Example of funnel water supply Example of funnel water supply Example of funnel water supply Example of ventilation duct Example of ventilation duct Example of water inlet Example of claim 2

Explanation of symbols

1 Planter case 1-1 Wall surface of planter case 1-2 Bottom surface of planter case 1-3 Pin 1-4 Stopper pin 2 Water storage tank 2-1 Water supply port 2-2 Vent port 2-3 Receiving device 2-4 Receiving device ( Female thread)
2-5 Bush 3 Funnel-shaped water supply 3-1 Magnet 3-2 Male thread 3-3 Support 4 Ventilation duct 4-1 Seal

Claims (2)

A planter with a function to automatically supply water to the bottom of the flower pot,
a) A sealed space is formed by making the wall surface (1-1) of the planter case (1) into a double structure, and the sealed space is a water storage tank (2),
b) A water supply port (2-1) is provided in the lower part of the water storage tank,
c) A funnel-shaped water supply device (3) is detachably installed at the water supply port,
d) A ventilation duct (4) is provided between the upper space (2-2) in the water storage tank and the vicinity of the planter case bottom (1-3) to form an air circulation route. A planter with an automatic water supply function.   The planter with an automatic water supply function according to claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting a height position of a lower end of the ventilation duct.

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