JP6810312B2 - Biological growth system and lighting device for biological growth that can be illuminated according to the biological growth range - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an agricultural technique for cultivating plants, fungi, etc. using artificial light.

In recent years, a business of growing various plants and fungi such as mushrooms indoors using artificial light has been actively promoted. In such cultivation with artificial light, unlike normal alley cultivation, it is possible to grow the cultivation target in an environment where, for example, insects and germs are not mixed. That is, since it can be cultivated without pesticides, it is possible to harvest crops that can be eaten without washing and are stored for a long period of time, for example.

In the cultivation by this artificial light, for example, in the case of a plant, it is important to sufficiently irradiate light having a wavelength necessary for growth to promote photosynthesis. Therefore, as a light source of artificial light, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), which is power-saving, has a long life, and is easy to control the wavelength of irradiation light, is generally used.

Further, in the cultivation by artificial light, since a large amount of artificial light required for cultivation is generated by electric power, how to reduce the power consumption is a big issue in the cultivation business. Therefore, how to use artificial light for cultivation without wasting it is an important technical point.

As an attempt to solve such a problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a virtual cultivation area is set so as to surround the cultivation tank, and at least one side of the four sides of the cultivation area is inside the cultivation area. A plant cultivation apparatus in which a reflector having a reflecting surface facing the surface is arranged is disclosed. In this device, by reflecting the irradiation light using such a reflector, it is possible to make the photon bundle density of the light irradiated to all the plants planted in the cultivation tank uniform.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a lighting device for plant cultivation having a reflector having an LED substrate attached to an enlarged diameter portion formed by bending both ends of an aluminum plate toward an irradiation surface side. In this device, by adopting such a reflector, it is possible to efficiently irradiate light and further efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the LED.

JP-A-2015-119660 JP-A-2015-133939

However, in the conventional techniques such as Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, most of the generated artificial light is still not used for growing, and in the end, there arises a problem that wasteful power is consumed.

For example, as a device for generating irradiation light, a straight tubular LED lamp that follows the tube shape of a conventional fluorescent lamp, such as the plant cultivation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, is generally used. In this case, for example, a considerable amount of light is irradiated to the region between the plant strains to be grown, but this light is not used for photosynthesis and is wasted.

Further, also in the lighting device for plant cultivation described in Patent Document 2, a large number of LED elements are arranged in a straight line on the enlarged diameter portion of the reflector. Therefore, this device also has a problem that a considerable amount of wasteful light is irradiated between plant strains, as in the conventional technique using a straight tubular LED lamp.

Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, the amount of light received varies depending on, for example, the position of one plant strain with respect to the straight tubular or linear light source group installed above. For example, there is a large difference in the amount of irradiation light between the band-shaped region directly below the straight tubular or linear light source group and the band-shaped region immediately below the band-shaped region. As a result, unevenness of the amount of irradiation light may occur, and the degree of growth may vary among the strains.

In addition, plants often have the property of extending in the direction of the irradiation light. For example, in leafy vegetables such as lettuce, when a large amount of light having a large amount of components parallel to the medium surface is irradiated, the leaves tend to spread to the adjacent growing area. If the leaves of the leafy vegetables spread, the leaves may be damaged and the commercial value may be impaired when the leafy vegetables are grabbed and harvested by a machine. In order to prevent the harvested product from being unnecessarily spread and grown in this way, it is preferable to direct the irradiation light in the direction perpendicular to the medium surface as much as possible, that is, to increase the proportion of the vertical component in the irradiation light. However, for example, in the band-shaped region between the band-shaped regions directly below the straight tubular or linear light source group described above, the components parallel to the medium surface in the irradiation light increase.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a biological growth system, a lighting device for biological growth, and a biological growth method capable of suppressing variations in the degree of growth under less power consumption.

According to the present invention, it is a biological growth system that irradiates an organism with light by a lighting device and nurtures the organism.
For each growth unit of the organism, a biological growth range, which is the growth range of the growth unit, is set, and has a biological growth base in which a plurality of the biological growth ranges are arranged.
The above lighting device
For each region directly above the biological growth range, one or more light sources arranged within the region and
A light distribution angle control lens unit that controls the light emitted from the light source to a predetermined light distribution angle and a plurality of minute lenses are arranged, and the light whose light distribution angle is controlled is dispersed and then trained. possess the one or more optical devices with a lens and a microlens array portion for radiating towards,
The optical device is an optical relationship changing unit that can change the optical relationship between the light source and the lens, and is an irradiation range in which the light intensity density or illuminance of light set as necessary for the growth of the organism is secured. It is further equipped with an optical-related changing unit as an irradiation range changing means that enables the growing irradiation range to be changed according to the growth of the organism.
The optical relationship changing unit, by changing the optical relationships, emitted from the light source through the lens, it allows changing the controlled and dispersed relevant breeding irradiation range with light of a light distribution angle
Living things growing system which is characterized and this is provided.

According to the biological growth system according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the lighting device arranges the light source only in a region other than the region directly above the intermediate position of the adjacent growth unit.

Further, as an embodiment of the biological growth system according to the present invention, the lighting device sets the growth irradiation range, which is the irradiation range in which the light amount density or the illuminance of the light set as necessary for the growth of the organism is secured. It is also preferable to have an "irradiation range limiting means" that limits the biological growth range.

Here, it is also preferable that the lighting device further has a wall surface that limits the spread of the light emitted from the light source as the "irradiation range limiting means".

Here, the lighting device further has a plurality of sets as "irradiation range changing means" including the light source and a wall surface that limits the spread of the light emitted from the light source.
It is also preferable that these plurality of sets are classified into at least two types having different heights from the position of the light source to the lower end of the wall surface.

Further, the lighting device has a wall surface that limits the spread of light radiated from the light source and a wall surface height change as an "irradiation range changing means" that can change the height from the position of the light source to the lower end of the wall surface. It is also preferable to have a portion.

Further, the lighting device is used as an "irradiation range changing means".
A plurality of light sources arranged so as to be distributed in the region for each region directly above the biological growth range, and
It is also preferable to further have an illumination control means capable of changing the growing irradiation range by the light emitted from the plurality of light sources by controlling the electric power supplied to the plurality of light sources.

Further, the optical device may have a plurality equipped, the distribution of light intensity density or intensity of light emitted from the optical device, it is also preferable that the distribution is classified into at least two types different from each other.

Further, as a further other embodiment in the biological growth system according to the present invention, the lighting device arranges a plurality of light sources having different wavelength characteristics of the emitted light in a region directly above the biological growth range. It is also preferable to have.

According to the present invention, a biological growth range, which is a growth range of the growing unit, is set for each growing unit of the organism, and a biological growth base in which a plurality of the biological growth ranges are arranged is radiated by light. It is a lighting device for growing organisms that can be illuminated.
For each region directly above the biological growth range, one or more light sources arranged so as to be within the region,
A light distribution angle control lens unit that controls the light emitted from the light source to a predetermined light distribution angle and a plurality of minute lenses are arranged, and the light whose light distribution angle is controlled is dispersed and then trained. With one or more optical devices with a lens that includes a microlens array that radiates towards
Have,
The optical device is an optical relationship changing unit that can change the optical relationship between the light source and the lens, and is an irradiation range in which the light intensity density or illuminance of light set as necessary for the growth of the organism is secured. It is further equipped with an optical-related changing unit as an irradiation range changing means that enables the growing irradiation range to be changed according to the growth of the organism .
By changing the optical relationship, the optical relationship changing unit makes it possible to change the growing irradiation range by the light having a controlled light distribution angle and dispersed light emitted from the light source through the lens.
A lighting device for growing organisms is provided.

According to the biological growth system, the lighting device for biological growth, and the biological growth method of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the variation in the degree of growth under less power consumption.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the biological growth system by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the other embodiment of the biological growth system by this invention, and the sectional view by the ZX plane. It is the cross-sectional view by the ZX plane which shows a plurality of embodiments in the light emitting function part of the lighting apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is the schematic view when viewed from below (−Z direction). It is a schematic diagram and the graph which shows an Example of the irradiation simulation experiment which performed using the lighting apparatus which mounted the apparatus substrate in the base recess. It is sectional drawing in the ZX plane which shows the other embodiment in the light emitting function part of the lighting apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing by the ZX plane which shows the further other embodiment in the light emitting function part of the lighting apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing by the ZX plane which shows the further other embodiment in the light emitting function part of the lighting apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other embodiment in the apparatus substrate of the lighting apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same components are shown using the same reference numbers. Further, depending on the components, even if they have different forms, they are shown by using a common reference number if they are of the same type. Further, the dimensional ratios within the components and between the components in the drawing are arbitrary for the sake of readability of the drawing.

[Biological development system]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a biological growth system according to the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 1 and subsequent drawings, XYZ coordinate axes which are indicators of the orientation of the device or the like are appropriately shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plant growing system 1 in the present embodiment is
(A) Lighting device 10 that generates artificial light for training and
(B) A plant cultivation tank 11 as a biological growth base is provided in which vegetables as a growing target organism that grows by being exposed to artificial light emitted from the lighting device 10 are arranged, and the vegetables (b. This is a biological growth system that grows this vegetable by irradiating the target organism) with artificial light.

Here, the lighting device 10 has a device base 10a, a plurality of device boards 10b, and a lighting control unit 10c. Of these, a plurality of device substrates 10b are arranged on the plant cultivation tank 11 side of the device base 10a, and at least one (8 in FIG. 1) is arranged on the surface of each device substrate 10b on the plant cultivation tank 11 side. ) LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source 101 is installed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each device substrate 10b can be regarded as a flat LED lighting device.

The device base 10a may be made of, for example, stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, or may be a metal plate such as an aluminum alloy coated with paint or plating. Further, the device substrate 10b may be adhered to the surface of the device base 10a on the plant cultivation tank 11 side by using an adhesive having high thermal conductivity. With such a configuration, a large amount of heat generated from the LED light source 101 can be easily dissipated through the device base 10a.

Further, the plant cultivation tank 11 is a cultivation tank for hydroponically cultivating vegetables in the present embodiment, and each vegetable strain is arranged in a grid pattern (square lattice) on the upper surface of the tank. They are lined up. Specifically, the plant cultivation tank 11 is filled with a hydroponic solution, and one vegetable strain may be installed in each of the plurality of growth holes arranged in a square grid pattern. Alternatively, medium containers such as medium bottles may be arranged in a square grid, and the organism to be grown may be placed in each medium container. Here, the form of the arrangement is not limited to the square lattice shape, and various arrangement forms such as the triangular lattice shape can be adopted. However, considering improving productivity and automating various operations such as harvesting mushrooms grown in vegetables and medium bottles, the target of cultivation is a square grid from the viewpoint of workability by machines such as harvesting. It is often more preferable to arrange them in a (grid) shape.

Further, in the plant cultivation tank 11, for each strain which is a growing unit of vegetables (living organisms), a "biological growth range" which is a growing range (in the XY plane) of the one strain (growing unit) is set. In the end, on the upper surface of the tank, a plurality of "biological growth ranges" are arranged in a square grid pattern.

The area and range of the "biological growth range" may be set based on the cultivation experience. The shape is not limited to a quadrangle as shown in FIG. 1, and can be set to various shapes such as a circle. In any case, the "biological growth range" preferably includes the area range in which the organism to be cultivated is expected to occupy during the growth and harvest. In addition, when the set "biological growth range" is not clear from the arrangement of the growing unit (1 strain) of vegetables (organism) in the plant cultivation tank 11, the position of the growing unit (1 strain) is the center. The maximum area range that is expected to be occupied before harvesting can be defined as the "biological growth range".

Furthermore, it is possible that the arranged "biological growth ranges" partially overlap each other. This is a case that can occur, for example, when the vegetables to be cultivated grow and the leaves of the adjacent strains partially overlap, or the adjacent mushrooms to be cultivated partially get mixed up.

Here, each device substrate 10b of the lighting device 10 is arranged at a position directly above (−Z direction) the arranged “biological growth range”. Further, the area range (in the XY plane) of each device substrate 10b is set to be included in the region (in the XY plane) directly above the "biological growth range". As a result, the LED light source 101 used in the lighting device 10 is arranged in each region directly above the "biological growth range" so as to be included in the region.

However, it is also possible that the area range of the device substrate 10b extends beyond the region directly above the "biological growth range". Further, the device substrates 10b may be connected to each other via or directly connected to each other, or may be integrated. In this case, the LED light source 101 is arranged within the area of the device substrate 10b that is directly above the "biological growth range".

As a result, the irradiation region having a high or maximum light quantity density (for example, the photon flux density described later) directly under the LED light source 101 (in the + Z direction) does not come to the midpoint position between the vegetable stocks, which is wasteful. It is possible to reduce the amount of irradiation light. Hereinafter, the amount of light (photon bundle) shall mean the amount (number) of light (photon) irradiated per unit time. Further, since the irradiation region directly under the LED light source 101 is surely included in the "biological growth range", the irradiation light of the maximum light amount density (maximum photon flux density) from each LED light source 101 is surely for growing vegetables (photosynthesis). Will be used for. Therefore, the amount of light received by each vegetable strain becomes stable as an amount sufficient for growth. Further, in the irradiation region directly below the LED light source 101, the ratio of the vertical component (Z-axis direction component) in the irradiation light is sufficiently high. This makes it possible for vegetables that tend to grow in the direction of the light beam to grow stably without spreading unnecessarily. As a result, according to the plant growing system 1, it is possible to suppress variations in the degree of growing under less power consumption. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which vegetables that have spread unnecessarily are damaged when harvested by a machine, for example. One parameter that determines the commercial value of agricultural products is the uniformity of the degree of cultivation. Therefore, according to the plant growing system 1, it is possible to produce agricultural products having high commercial value.

By the way, as described above, in the case where the adjacent "biological growth ranges" are partially overlapped with each other, the LED light source 101 arranged in the area directly above each of the adjacent "biological growth ranges" is used to nurture the irradiation target. Even though the units (1 share) are different from each other, they may be close to each other. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the installation position and the light amount distribution of the irradiation light of each LED light source 101 are set according to the growing unit of the irradiation target.

Further, it is also preferable that the lighting device 10 further includes an irradiation light shielding plate 10s and an opening / closing mechanism portion 10m. The irradiation light shielding plate 10s reflects the light emitted from the lighting device 10 that is about to leak from the space between the device 10 and the plant cultivation tank 11 and directs the light toward the plant cultivation tank 11. It is an auxiliary device for efficiently using the irradiation light. It is also preferable that the irradiation light shielding plate 10s is made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, and the reflective surface of the irradiation light shielding plate 10s on the space side is processed to have a high reflectance. Further, the irradiation light shielding plate 10s may be a plastic plate or a resin plate having a coating film that reflects light on the reflecting surface.

In the present embodiment, one side of the irradiation light shielding plate 10s is attached to the end portion of the device base 10a via the opening / closing mechanism portion 10m. Thereby, for example, when the worker performs the work on the plant cultivation tank 11, the irradiation light shielding plate 10s can be fully opened to facilitate the work.

Further, the drive of the opening / closing mechanism portion 10m can be controlled to adjust the degree to which the irradiation light shielding plate 10s covers the space between the device 10 and the plant cultivation tank 11. This makes it possible to regulate the flow of air in this space.

In fact, in growing plants with artificial light, it is important to constantly supply air containing carbon dioxide from the outside in order to promote photosynthesis of plants. In the present embodiment, by adjusting the position of the irradiation light shielding plate 10s, an appropriate gap is formed between the shielding plate 10s and the plant cultivation tank 11 while reflecting the leaking irradiation light. As a result, as the air warmed by the heat generated by the LED light source 101 escapes to the sky from the ventilation portion provided in the device base 10a, new external air is supplied from this formed gap. .. As a result, it is possible to prevent crop damage caused by carbon dioxide deficiency, for example, abnormal color unevenness caused in lettuce leaves.

The LED light source 101 can be a commercially available LED element, and is installed on the light source installation surface (XY surface) of the device substrate 10b together with wiring for power supply (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1). As the type of synchrotron radiation wavelength in the LED element used, various types can be used according to the organism to be cultivated. In this embodiment, a white type LED element is used. The spectrum of light emitted from the white LED element usually has a blue spectrum peak having a wavelength in the 400 nanometer (nm) range and a red spectrum peak having a wavelength in the 600 nm range.

In general, photosynthesis performed in plants is promoted by red light having a wavelength in the 600 nm range. Furthermore, blue light with a wavelength in the 400 nm range promotes seed germination, flower bud differentiation, flowering, cotyledon growth, chlorophyll synthesis, internode elongation, and leaf growth. As described above, red light and blue light having these wavelengths are indispensable for growing plants. Therefore, as the LED light source 101, a red LED element and a blue LED element can be used in combination. Further, the white LED element also generates such red light and blue light, and by using the white LED element used for general lighting instead of the red LED element and the blue LED element, it is also possible to use the white LED element. The plant can grow sufficiently.

Here, the light source installed on the device substrate 10b is not limited to the LED light source, and for example, a light bulb, a ball-shaped fluorescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp having a relatively small longitudinal dimension, a halogen lamp, or the like is used. It is also possible. However, in many cases, it is preferable to use an LED light source whose light quantity (photon bundle) and wavelength characteristics can be easily controlled according to the growth target.

The illumination control unit 10c supplies electric power for light emission to the apparatus substrate 10b, and further controls the amount of the supplied electric power to generate an amount of irradiation light from the LED light source 101 installed on the apparatus substrate 10b. (Photon flux) and its density distribution are controlled. Such control is preferably performed for each device board 10b, and is further performed for each of the LED light sources 101 installed on one device board 10b, or for each predetermined group of the LED light sources 101. May be good. Although the lighting control unit 10c is provided outside the device base 10a in the present embodiment, it may be installed on the device base 10a, or is individually provided for each device board 10b. May be good.

Further, it is also preferable that the lighting control unit 10c switches the lighting ON and OFF at a predetermined cycle and illuminates for a necessary time to suppress unnecessary power consumption. For example, when the growth target is a plant, there is usually a time zone in which photosynthesis is effectively performed in a plant, just as there is a time zone in which a human is active without sleeping. In this case, it is also preferable that the illumination control unit 10c includes, for example, an electric circuit having a duty adjustment function of the LED lighting time, and controls the irradiation light generation time centering on the time during which photosynthesis can be effectively performed. ..

Naturally, the organisms to be cultivated by the present invention are not limited to plants such as vegetables. For example, it is also possible to use a culture medium pot to grow fungi such as mushrooms. Furthermore, it is also possible to grow organisms such as microorganisms that require light for growth and do not move during growth or move only in the container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the biological growth system according to the present invention, and a cross-sectional view taken along the ZX plane.

According to FIG. 2A, in the plant growing system 1'of the present embodiment, a plurality of plant growing systems 1 including the pair of lighting devices 10 and the plant cultivation tank 11 shown in FIG. 1 are installed in the XY plane. It is a biological breeding system with a linked structure. As a result, the lighting device 10'having the plant growing system 1'is a connection of a plurality of lighting devices 10, and the plant cultivation tank 11'of the system 1'is also a connection of the plurality of plant cultivation tanks 11. It is a body. The method of connection, that is, the number of systems 1 participating in the connection and the shape of the connection on the XY surface can be designed considerably freely according to the scale of business and the place of use.

Although not shown, it is also possible to stack the plant growing system 1'as a connected body in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to form a multi-stage plant growing system.

FIG. 2B schematically shows a cross section of the plant growing system 1'(plant growing system 1) by the ZX plane. According to the figure, each of the plurality of device substrates 10b is on the surface of the device base 10a on the plant cultivation tank 11 side (+ Z side), and is directly above the plurality of vegetables to be grown arranged in the plant cultivation tank 11. It is installed in the position where.

Here, in the irradiation range on the plant cultivation tank 11 by the irradiation light emitted from the LED light source 101 of each device substrate 10b, the light intensity density (photon) of the light set as necessary for the growth of the vegetables to be grown. The irradiation range in which the bundle density) or the illuminance is secured is set as the “growth irradiation range” of 10 g. In the present embodiment, the lighting device 10'(lighting device 10) has a light quantity density (photon) of the irradiation light so that the growing irradiation range of 10 g is included in the biological growth range 11b set for each vegetable strain. It is also preferable to control the distribution of (bundle density). As a result, among the irradiation light generated by the LED light source 101 of each device substrate 10b, the irradiation light having the amount of light required for the growth of the growth target is more reliably irradiated to the growth target, which is useless. It is possible to carry out efficient training with reduced power consumption.

The growth irradiation range of 10 g can be set as, for example, an irradiation range in which the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) is 11.0 μmol · m ⁻² · s ^-1 or more. Naturally, this threshold value can be appropriately set according to the type of training target, the training target, and the like. Here, PPFD is the density of photon bundles having a wavelength of 400 to 700 nm that can be absorbed by chlorophyll involved in photosynthesis. Therefore, by using a kind of light quantity density unit called PPFD, the amount of photosynthetic reaction caused by the irradiation light, that is, the degree of plant growth can be expressed more accurately. However, as a modification, it is also possible to set the growth irradiation range of 10 g by using the photosynthetic radiant flux density (unit: Wm- ² ), the illuminance (unit: lux), or the like instead of PPFD.

Further, the shape of the growth irradiation range of 10 g may also be determined according to, for example, the set biological growth range 11b. For example, if the biological growth range 11b is elliptical, the maximum elliptical range in which PPFD is equal to or greater than the set threshold value can be set to the growth irradiation range of 10 g. Alternatively, the range surrounded by contour lines whose PPFD is equal to the set threshold value may be set to the growth irradiation range of 10 g.

By the way, according to FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, the LED light source 101 is only in the area other than the area directly above the intermediate position (or the midpoint position) of the adjacent vegetable stocks (growing units). It is understood that it is arranged. Here, in the present embodiment, the space between the substrates 10b or the boundary between the substrates 10b corresponds to the region directly above the intermediate position (midpoint position). As a result, the maximum PPFD irradiation light from each LED light source 101 is surely used for growing vegetables (photosynthesis). Therefore, the amount of light received by each vegetable strain is stable under a sufficient amount for growth. As a result, it is possible to reduce the variation in the degree of cultivation while suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

It is also preferable to increase the amount of irradiation light in order to control the supply of electric power to the LED light source 101 on each device substrate 10b and promote photosynthesis in accordance with the growth of vegetables. In this case, as the amount of irradiation light increases, the growing irradiation range of 10 g also expands.

FIG. 2C shows a modified mode for mounting the device substrate 10b on the device base 10a. According to the figure, the device base 10a is embossed, and the device substrate 10b is embedded in the formed recess. The embossing may be performed using a mold or a plaster mold. By embossing, the mechanical strength can be increased even if the device base 10a is a thin and lightweight metal plate. Further, by embossing the device base 10a, it is possible to install the device board 10b without projecting it. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, a translucent plate 10t made of, for example, a transparent plastic plate or a glass plate made of acrylic or polycarbonate is adhered to the device base 10a using a water resistant adhesive. , The device substrate 10b can also be waterproof-sealed.

[Lighting device: Irradiation range limiting means]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the ZX plane showing a plurality of embodiments of the light emitting functional portion of the lighting device according to the present invention, and a schematic view when viewed from below (in the −Z direction).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of base recesses 10av are formed in the device base 10a, and the device board 10b is installed on the upper portion (−Z side) in each base recess 10av. ing. The shape of the opening (in the XY plane) of the base recess 10av may be elliptical as shown in the figure, and there are various other shapes such as a shape matching the shape of the biological growth range 11b to be grown. It can be set to the shape. Further, the light transmitting plate 10t may be installed in a form in which each base recess 10av is covered and waterproofed.

Of the irradiation light emitted from the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b, the irradiation light that spreads and travels more than a predetermined time when viewed from the direction toward the vegetable to be grown (+ Z direction) is the inner surface of the base recess 10av. It reflects on the wall surface 10aw and the course is restricted. That is, the wall surface 10aw processed so as to have a reflectance of a predetermined value or higher limits the spread of the irradiation light radiated from the LED light source 101.

Here, as already explained, the irradiation range in which the light density or illuminance set as necessary for the growth of the organism (vegetable) to be cultivated is secured is set as the "cultivation irradiation range" of 10 g. How to keep the irradiation range of 10 g within the range necessary for growing is important for improving the efficiency of the system, increasing the yield, and reducing the power consumption.

The base recess 10av shown in FIG. 3A is an irradiation range limiting means for limiting the growing irradiation range of 10 g within a predetermined range. Specifically, the inner wall surface 10aw of the base recess 10av fulfills the irradiation range limiting function. Here, it is also preferable that the growth irradiation range 10 g of the base recess 10av (wall surface 10aw) is limited to the set biological growth range 11b (FIG. 2B). As a result, the irradiation light having the light quantity density (photon flux density) required for growing is used for the growth of the growing target more reliably, so that the power consumption is further reduced and each growing unit (1 strain) is used. It is possible to achieve a sufficient degree of training.

In the case where a plurality of (for example, four) LED light sources 101 are installed on the device substrate 10b in each base recess 10av, a part (for example, two) of them is used in the early growth period of the vegetables to be grown. It is also preferable to emit light to form a narrower growth irradiation region of 10 g. Next, when entering the late stage of growth, it is also preferable to make all (for example, all four) LED light sources 101 emit light to realize a wider growth irradiation area of 10 g. Further, it is also possible to divide the number of light emitted from the LED light source 101 into three or more stages and change the growth irradiation region 10 g in multiple stages.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, a pair of louvers 10w is provided so as to sandwich the device board 10b at a position beside each device board 10b installed on the device base 10a. There is. The louver 10w is a light-shielding plate extending in the Y-axis direction in the present embodiment, but may be a plate separated for each device board 10b, and is installed so as to surround the four sides of the device board 10b. May be good. Further, although not shown, a light transmitting plate may be installed so as to cover the lower end (+ Z side end) of the louver 10w and waterproofly seal it.

Of the irradiation light emitted from the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b, the irradiation light that spreads and progresses more than a predetermined time when viewed from the direction (+ Z direction) toward the vegetable to be grown, particularly the irradiation light that spreads in the X-axis direction. , The course is restricted by reflecting on the wall surface 10ww which is the inner surface of the louver 10w. That is, the wall surface 10ww processed so as to have a reflectance of a predetermined value or higher limits the spread of the irradiation light emitted from the LED light source 101.

That is, the louver 10w is also an irradiation range limiting means for limiting the growing irradiation range of 10 g within a predetermined range. Specifically, the inner wall surface 10ww of the louver 10w fulfills the irradiation range limiting function. Here, it is also preferable that the louver 10w (wall surface 10ww) limits the growth irradiation range of 10g to the set biological growth range 11b (FIG. 2B). As a result, the irradiation light having the light amount density required for growing is used more reliably for the growth of the growing target, so that the power consumption is further reduced and the degree of growing is sufficient for each growing unit (1 strain). Can be achieved.

When a plurality of (for example, four) LED light sources 101 are installed on the device substrate 10b sandwiched between each louver 10w pair, a part (for example, two) of them is used in the early growth period of the vegetables to be grown. It is also preferable to form a narrower growing irradiation region (10 g) by emitting light. Next, when entering the late stage of growth, it is also preferable to make all (for example, all four) LED light sources 101 emit light to realize a wider growth irradiation area of 10 g. Further, it is also possible to divide the number of light emitted from the LED light source 101 into three or more stages and change the growth irradiation region 10 g in multiple stages.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, an optical device 10d having a device substrate 10b and a lens 10z is formed on the device base 10a. Here, the lens 10z is an optical unit that changes the course of light radiated from the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b, and preferably has a convex lens function. The shape of the lens 10z (in the XY plane) may be circular as shown in the figure, and there are various other shapes such as a square with rounded corners according to the shape of the biological growth range 11b to be grown. It can be set to the shape. Further, a microlens system in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged may be used as the lens 10z.

Here, the microlens system is an optical having one or a plurality of sets of a "light distribution angle control lens unit" and a "micro lens arrangement unit" described in Japanese Patent No. 5641544 including the inventor of the present application. It may be a system. This "light distribution angle control lens unit" has an incident surface in which the light radiated from the LED light source is collected after the incident, and controls the incident light to a predetermined light distribution angle. Further, the "micro lens array portion" includes a plurality of micro lenses in which the emission positions on the light distribution angle control lens portion opposite to the incident surface are arranged as the lens array surface, and the light whose light distribution angle is controlled is emitted. It receives light through the lens array surface, disperses it, and emits it. By using such a configuration, it is possible to irradiate the growing target with uniform irradiation light having a controlled spread (light distribution angle).

The "microlens array portion" may be isotropic or has anisotropy with respect to the radius of curvature and the pitch of the microlens. Here, by adjusting the radius of curvature and the pitch, the shape of the irradiation region (irradiation shape) formed on the upper surface of the cultivation tank by the irradiation light can be controlled. That is, it is possible to realize an illumination shape suitable for the training target. For example, when the biological growth range 11b to be cultivated has a rectangular shape or a shape close to a rectangle, the radius of curvature and the pitch of the "microlens array portion" can be adjusted to form a rectangular (near rectangular) illumination shape. You can. As a result, it is possible to reduce wasteful irradiation light and realize energy-efficient cultivation.

The light emitted from the LED light source 101 of the apparatus substrate 10b and incident on the lens 10z is directed to the vegetables to be grown as irradiation light whose spread is reduced by the lens action of the lens 10z. That is, this lens 10z is also an irradiation range limiting means for limiting the growing irradiation range of 10 g within a predetermined range. Here, it is also preferable that the lens 10z limits the growth irradiation range of 10 g to the set biological growth range 11b (FIG. 2B). As a result, the irradiation light having the light amount density required for growing is used more reliably for the growth of the growing target, so that the power consumption is further reduced and the degree of growing is sufficient for each growing unit (1 strain). Can be achieved.

Further, by using the lens 10z as described above, it is possible to control the spread of the irradiation light considerably freely by the design of the lens. As a result, for example, the distance (height) between the lighting device 10 and the plant cultivation tank 11 (FIG. 2) in the Z-axis direction should be sufficiently large according to the height of the plant to be grown after growth. You can also.

When a plurality of (for example, four) LED light sources 101 are installed in each optical device 10d, in the early stage of growth of the vegetables to be grown, some of them (for example, two) are made to emit light to grow narrower. It is also preferable to form an irradiation region of 10 g. Next, when entering the late stage of growth, it is also preferable to make all (for example, all four) LED light sources 101 emit light to realize a wider growth irradiation area of 10 g. Further, it is also possible to divide the number of light emitted from the LED light source 101 into three or more stages and change the growth irradiation region 10 g in multiple stages.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram and a graph showing an embodiment of an irradiation simulation experiment performed by using the lighting device 10 in which the device substrate 10b is mounted in the base recess 10av.

FIG. 4A schematically shows the configuration of the system used in this embodiment. According to the figure, in this simulation, an irradiation experiment was carried out using a lighting device 10 in which only a total of 12 pieces of a device substrate 10b having a size of 800 × 1000 mm ² were arranged in a square grid pattern of 4 × 3. Further, the device base 10a of the lighting device 10 is provided with 12 base recesses 10av, and one device board 10b is installed in each base recess 10av.

Further, four LED light sources 101 are collectively provided in the central portion of each device substrate 10b. The distance between these LED light sources 101 and the upper surface position (irradiation position) of the plant cultivation tank 11 was 200 mm. Here, in this embodiment, the irradiation range in which 110 μmol · m ^-2 · s ^-1 is secured as the photosynthetic photon bundle density (PPFD) required for the growth of lettuce, which is the vegetable to be grown, is defined as the growth irradiation range of 10 g. ..

FIG. 4B shows the in-plane PPFD distribution of the irradiation light at the upper surface position of the plant cultivation tank 11 as a result of the irradiation simulation experiment. According to the figure, in 12 regions directly under the apparatus substrate 10b, a PPFD of 120 μmol · m ^-2 · s ^-1 or more, which is sufficient for the growth of the growth target, is realized. On the other hand, at the intermediate position between these 12 regions, there is a region having a PPFD of 100 μmol · m ^-2 · s ^-1 or less.

FIG. 4C shows the X-axis direction PPFD distribution (line of “with recess”) of the irradiation light at the upper surface position of the plant cultivation tank 11 including the position directly below the LED light source 101 as a result of the irradiation simulation experiment.

As shown in the figure, according to the irradiation light from the lighting device 10 of this embodiment, at least 110 μmol · m ^-2 · s ^-1 PPDF is secured and grown irradiation at a position directly below each device substrate 10b. A range of 10 g is reliably formed. Further, in the intermediate region between the apparatus substrates 10b where the irradiation light is not used for growing vegetables (lettuce), the PPDF is less than 110 μmol · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , which reduces unnecessary irradiation light. It is understood that you are doing. Such effective concentration of PPDF in the required region in this embodiment is promoted by adopting the base recess configuration.

[Lighting device: Irradiation range changing means]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the ZX surface showing another embodiment of the light emitting functional portion of the lighting device according to the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (A), the device base 10a has a first base recess 10av1 and a second base recess 10av2, which are two types of base recesses having different heights in the Z-axis direction. And are formed. For example, it is also preferable that a pair of both of them is formed directly above the vegetables to be grown. Further, a plurality of pairs may be provided. Further, three or more types of base recesses having different heights in the Z-axis direction may be formed adjacent to each other.

In the present embodiment, the first base recess 10av1 and the second base recess 10av2 are formed adjacent to each other, and the depth (height) of the recess of the first base recess 10av1 in the Z-axis direction. La1 is larger than the depth (height) la2 in the second base recess 10av2. Here, this depth is the distance (height) in the Z-axis direction from the position of the light source 101 to the lower end of the wall surface 10aw (base recess). Further, a device substrate 10b is installed on the upper part of the inside of each of the first and second base recesses 10av1 and 10av2. Further, the light transmitting plate 10t may be installed in such a form that the concave portions of the base are covered and waterproofed.

With such a configuration, for example, in the initial stage of growth of the vegetables to be grown, the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b installed in the first base recess 10av1 irradiates the vegetables with a narrower first growing irradiation range of 10g1. While irradiating the vegetables with light, in the late stage of growth of the vegetables, the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b installed in the second base recess 10av2 has an irradiation light having a wider second growing irradiation range of 10 g2. Can be applied to the vegetables. As a result, it is possible to realize efficient training while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

Here, (a) the combination of the light source 101 of the first base recess 10av1 and the inner wall surface 10aw of the first base recess 10av1, and (b) the light source of the second base recess 10av2. The combination of 101 and the inner wall surface 10aw of the second base recess 10av2 makes it possible to change the growth irradiation range 10 g within a predetermined range, preferably within the biological growth range 11b, according to the growth of the growth target. It can be regarded as a means for changing the irradiation range. As a modification, it is also preferable that a third set or more sets different from the above sets (a) and (b) are provided in terms of the depth in the Z-axis direction. That is, these plurality of sets are classified into three or more types having different heights (depths) from the position of the light source 101 to the lower end of the wall surface 10aw (depth in the Z-axis direction). It is also preferable. In this case, the growth irradiation range of 10 g can be adjusted in more stages (more finely) according to the growth of the growth target.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the device substrate 10b is installed on the inner upper portion of the base recess 10av formed in the device base 10a, and further, the device board 10b in the base recess 10av A substrate driving unit 10n capable of changing the position in the Z-axis direction is provided. The board drive unit 10n Zs the device board 10b, for example, by using a rotary motor or a linear motor and a gear, a belt, a chain, or the like, by applying a hydraulic pressure or the like through a tube, or by a manual operator. It can be a mechanism for moving in the axial direction.

The substrate driving unit 10n is a wall surface height changing unit capable of changing the height la in the Z-axis direction from the position of the light source 101 on the device substrate 10b to the lower end of the wall surface 10aw inside the recess. In this way, by changing the height of the wall surface 10aw of the base recess 10av where the irradiation light is reflected, the degree of spread of the irradiation light emitted from the LED light source 101, that is, the growing irradiation range of 10g can be changed. The substrate driving unit 10n can also be regarded as an irradiation range changing means.

By using such a substrate driving unit 10n, the depth la of the base recess 10av is changed to change the spread of the irradiation light emitted from the light source 101 of the apparatus substrate 10b, and therefore the growing irradiation range 10g. Can be changed. This makes it possible to appropriately change the growth irradiation range of 10 g within a predetermined range, preferably within the biological growth range 11b, according to the growth of the growth target. As a result, efficient training can be realized while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the ZX surface showing still another embodiment of the light emitting functional portion of the lighting device according to the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, a pair of first louvers 10w1 and a pair of second louvers 10w2, which are two types of louver pairs having different heights in the Z-axis direction, are attached to the apparatus base 10a. However, they are installed so as to sandwich the device substrate 10b in between. For example, it is also preferable that a pair of the first louver 10w1 and a pair of the second louver 10w2 are installed adjacent to each other directly above the vegetable to be grown. Further, three or more types of louver pairs having different heights in the Z-axis direction may be installed adjacent to each other.

In the present embodiment, the distance (height) lw1 in the Z-axis direction from the position of the light source 101 to the lower end of the louver in the first louver 10w1 pair is larger than the distance (height) lw2 in the second louver 10w2 pair. It has become. With such a configuration, for example, in the initial stage of growth of the vegetables to be grown, the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b installed between the first pair of louvers 10w has a narrower first growing irradiation range of 10g1. While irradiating the vegetables with irradiation light, in the late stage of growth of the vegetables, the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b installed between the second louvers 10w2 pairs has a wider second growing irradiation range of 10g2. The irradiation light can be applied to the vegetables. As a result, it is possible to realize efficient training while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

Here, (a) a pair of the light source 101 between the first louver 10w1 pair and the inner wall surface 10ww of the first louver 10w1 pair, and (b) between the second louver 10w2 pair. The pair of the light source 101 and the inner wall surface 10ww of the second pair of louvers 10w can change the growth irradiation range 10 g within a predetermined range, preferably within the biological growth range 11b, according to the growth of the growth target. It can be regarded as a means for changing the irradiation range. As a modification, it is also preferable that a third set or more sets different from the above sets (a) and (b) are provided in terms of the height (in the Z-axis direction) to the lower end of the wall surface 10ww. That is, it is also preferable that these plurality of sets are classified into three or more types having different heights from the position of the light source 101 to the lower end of the wall surface 10ww. In this case, the growth irradiation range of 10 g can be adjusted in more stages (more finely) according to the growth of the growth target.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, a pair of louvers 10w project in the + Z direction from the device base 10a at a position sandwiching the device board 10b installed on the device base 10a. .. Further, the pair of louvers 10w is configured so that the height (protruding amount) protruding in the + Z axis direction can be changed by the louver driving unit 10q. Specifically, for example, the device base 10a may have two vertically elongated holes extending in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of louvers 10w may be attached so as to penetrate each of the two holes. .. Here, the louver drive unit 10q is paired with, for example, by using a rotary motor or a linear motor and a gear, a belt, a chain, or the like, or by applying an electric pressure or the like through a tube, or by a manual operator. It can be a mechanism for moving the louver 10w of the above in the Z-axis direction.

The louver drive unit 10q is a wall surface height changing unit capable of changing the height lw in the Z-axis direction from the position of the light source 101 on the device substrate 10b to the lower end of the wall surface 10ww inside the louver 10w. In this way, by changing the height of the wall surface 10ww of the louver 10w that reflects the irradiation light, the spread of the irradiation light radiated from the LED light source 101, that is, the growing irradiation range 10g can be changed. The drive unit 10q can also be regarded as a means for changing the irradiation range.

By using such a louver drive unit 10q, the height of the louver 10w is changed to change the spread of the irradiation light emitted from the light source 101 of the apparatus substrate 10b, and therefore the growth irradiation range 10g is changed. be able to. This makes it possible to appropriately change the growth irradiation range of 10 g within a predetermined range, preferably within the biological growth range 11b, according to the growth of the growth target. As a result, efficient training can be realized while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the ZX surface showing still another embodiment of the light emitting functional portion of the lighting device according to the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 (A), the device base 10a has a first optical device 10d1 which is two types of optical devices having different light quantity densities (photon flux densities) or illuminance distributions of the emitted light. , A second optical device 10d2 is installed. For example, it is also preferable that the first optical device 10d1 and the second optical device 10d2 are installed adjacent to each other directly above the vegetables to be grown. Further, three or more types of optical devices having different light quantity densities (photon flux densities) or illuminance distributions of the emitted light may be installed adjacent to each other.

In the present embodiment, the distance lz1 between the LED light source 101 of the device substrate 10b and the lens 10z in the first optical device 10d1 in the Z-axis direction is larger than the same distance lz2 in the second optical device 10d1. As a result, the distribution of the light quantity density (photon flux density) of the irradiation light emitted from the first optical device 10d1 is narrower than the distribution in the second optical device 10d2.

With such a configuration, for example, in the initial stage of growth of the vegetable to be grown, the first optical device 10d1 irradiates the vegetable with irradiation light having a narrower first growing irradiation range of 10 g1, while the vegetable is irradiated with irradiation light. In the late stage of growth, the second optical device 10d2 can irradiate the vegetables with irradiation light having a wider second growing irradiation range of 10 g2. As a result, it is possible to realize efficient training while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

Here, in the set of the first optical device 10d1 and the second optical device 10d2, the irradiation irradiation range 10 g can be changed within a predetermined range, preferably within the biological growth range 11b, according to the growth of the growth target. It can be regarded as a means of changing the range. As a modification, a third set or a third set different from the set of the first optical device 10d1 and the second optical device 10d2 is provided for the light quantity density (photon flux density) or the illuminance distribution of the emitted light. It is also preferable that it is. That is, it is also preferable that these plurality of sets are classified into three or more types having different distributions in terms of the density or illuminance distribution of the emitted light. In this case, the growth irradiation range of 10 g can be adjusted in more stages (more finely) according to the growth of the growth target.

In the optical device of the present embodiment, lenses 10z having the same diameter and the same curvature are commonly used, and the distances between the device substrate 10b (LED light source 101) and the lens 10z are different from each other. However, as a modification, it is also possible to adopt optical devices having the same or different distances from the lens 10z and different curvatures or diameters of the lenses 10z. In any case, it is sufficient that these plurality of optical devices as a whole can change the growth irradiation range of 10 g.

Further, as a modification, a combination of one or more LED light sources 101 (installed on the substrate 10b) and one or more optical devices may be installed. In this case, the irradiation light from the LED light source 101 provides a wider growing irradiation range of 10 g. Further, in one device substrate 10b, for example, the LED light source 101 may be installed in the central portion, while the optical device may be installed in the edge portion. In this case, it is possible to design so that the amount of irradiation light that deviates (leaks) from the region directly under the substrate is reduced.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the apparatus 10dw provided with the lens 10z at the lower end of the optical device 10d includes the apparatus substrate 10b installed on the apparatus base 10a. It protrudes from the base 10a in the + Z direction. Further, the housing 10dw is configured so that the height (protrusion amount) protruding in the + Z axis direction can be changed by the lens driving unit 10p. Specifically, for example, the device base 10a has two holes corresponding to a semicircle, and an intermediate portion divided into two parts of the housing 10dw is attached so as to penetrate each of the two holes. You may be. Here, the lens drive unit 10p is made of a housing, for example, by using a rotary motor or a linear motor and a gear, a belt, a chain, or the like, by applying a hydraulic pressure or the like through a tube, or by a manual operator. It can be a mechanism for moving 10dw in the Z-axis direction.

The lens driving unit 10p is an optical relationship changing unit capable of changing the optical relationship between the LED light source 101 and the lens 10z. By changing the optical relationship between the LED light source 101 and the lens 10z in this way, the degree of spread of the irradiation light radiated from the LED light source 101, that is, the growing irradiation range of 10 g can be changed. 10p can also be regarded as a means for changing the irradiation range.

By using such a lens driving unit 10p, the height of the lens 10z is changed to change the spread of the irradiation light emitted from the light source 101 of the apparatus substrate 10b, and therefore the growing irradiation range 10g is changed. be able to. This makes it possible to appropriately change the growth irradiation range of 10 g within a predetermined range, preferably within the biological growth range 11b, according to the growth of the growth target. As a result, efficient training can be realized while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

In the optical device of the present embodiment, the growth irradiation range of 10 g is changed by changing the distance lz between the light source and the lens 10z in the Z-axis direction. However, as a modification, it is also possible to change the growth irradiation range of 10 g by using a lens having a changeable curvature or diameter, or by using an optical system in which a plurality of lenses having different curvatures or diameters can be replaced. .. Further, it is also possible to implement a form in which a microlens is directly attached to the LED light source (LED element) 101 without using a convex lens as the lens 10z. The growth irradiation range of 10 g can be changed even in such a form.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the device substrate of the lighting device according to the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the device substrate 10b installed on the device base 10a has a circular shape, and a plurality of LED light sources 101 are arranged on the light source installation surface (XY surface) of the device substrate 10b. They are installed so as to be arranged concentrically. Further, the apparatus substrate 10b is arranged at a position directly above the biological growth range for each strain of the vegetable to be grown, and as a result, the plurality of LED light sources 101 on the substrate 10b are directly above the biological growth range. Each region is arranged so as to be distributed in the region. Here, when it is desired to concentrate a larger amount of light in the center of the plant to be grown, a plurality of LED light sources 101 may be arranged so as to be dense in the center of the substrate 10b.

Further, in the present embodiment, the lighting control unit 10c (FIG. 1) controls the power supplied to the plurality of LED light sources 101 arranged concentrically in one device substrate 10b individually or for each predetermined group. , The irradiation range by the irradiation light from a plurality of LED light sources 101 can be controlled. Specifically, the wiring shown by the broken line in FIG. 8A is used to control the power supplied to each of the LED light source 101 groups located on one concentric circle related to the arrangement.

For example, the lighting control unit 10c
(A) In the first growth period of the growth target, power is supplied only to the LED light source 101 at the center position and the four LED light sources 101 on the smallest concentric circles to generate irradiation light, and the narrower first growth irradiation Forming a range of 10 g1, while
(B) In the late growth stage of the growth target, it is possible to supply electric power to all (17) LED light sources 101 to generate irradiation light to form a wider second growth irradiation range of 10 g2. In addition, as a result, it becomes possible to realize efficient training while suppressing wasteful power consumption throughout the training.

Here, as a matter of course, the concentric circles related to the light source for supplying electric power can be set more finely, and the growing irradiation range can be controlled in multiple stages. Further, for example, even in the growth period of the growth target of the above (a), a small amount of power is supplied to the LED light source 101 arranged on the outer concentric circles to generate a low amount of irradiation light, or the above (b). ) In the early stage of growth of the growth target, the amount of irradiation light from the LED light source 101 arranged on the inner concentric circles is reduced to obtain a desired light amount distribution (photon flux distribution) according to the growth status of the growth target. It is also possible to realize.

Thus, in this embodiment,
(A) A plurality of LED light sources 101 arranged so as to be distributed in the region directly above the biological growth range, and
(B) The illumination control unit 10c, which makes it possible to change the growing irradiation range by controlling the electric power supplied to these light sources 101, functions as an irradiation range changing means.

The shape of the device substrate 10b and the arrangement of the LED light source 101 are, of course, not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, a plurality of LED light sources 101 may be distributed on the light source installation surface of the cross-shaped device substrate 10b. Further, the device substrate 10b having various shapes such as an ellipse, a rhombus, and a star may be adopted. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a surface emitting type LED light source. In this case, a plurality of surface emitting LED elements may be distributed and installed, or one surface emitting LED element having a relatively large area may be installed. In any case, the power supplied to the LED light sources distributed on the substrate is individually controlled for each predetermined group or for each predetermined range to control the irradiation range and light amount distribution by the irradiation light from the LED light source. Various forms can be implemented as long as they can be used.

Further, a plurality of LED light sources 101 as shown in FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B), and further as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7, are distributed on the device substrate 10b. In the embodiment in which some or all of the LED light sources 101 are arranged as LED elements having wavelength characteristics other than white light, the wavelength of the emitted light is controlled according to the plant species to be cultivated and the growth stage. It is also preferable to do so.

Further, both the blue LED element and the red LED element may be used as the LED light source 101, and the ratio of the amount of blue light to the amount of red light may be adjusted according to the type of training target and the degree of growth. Further, for example, a large number of light sources 101 using a blue LED element are arranged in the central region of the apparatus substrate 10b to supply a sufficient amount of blue light particularly during growth from plant germination, while a red LED element is used. It is also possible to arrange the light source 101 so as to be distributed over the entire device substrate 10b to sufficiently supply the red light required for photosynthesis, particularly to the plants that have passed the early stage of growth. Furthermore, when the growth target is a mushroom, a blue LED element may be used as the LED light source 101 for a type in which blue light has a high effect on growth.

Furthermore, it is also possible to implement an embodiment in which two or a combination of three or more of the various embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. For example, an embodiment in which the lens 10z shown in FIGS. 3 (C), 7 (A) and 7 (B) is provided in the recessed base shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 (A) and 5 (B) is implemented. be able to.

In addition, for example
(A) A configuration including the base recess 10av shown in FIG. 3 (A).
(B) In the configuration including the louver pair 10w shown in FIG. 3 (B) or (c) the configuration including the optical device 10d shown in FIG. 3 (C), FIG. 8 (A) or (B) shows. It is also possible to carry out an embodiment in which the LED light source 101 installed on the device substrate 10b as shown can be individually controlled for each predetermined group. In such an embodiment, the controllability of the growing irradiation range of 10 g is further enhanced, so that more efficient growth of the growing target can be realized.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the light source is arranged directly above the biological growth range set for each breeding unit of the organism to be cultivated, the irradiation having a high or maximum light quantity density (photon flux density) directly under the light source. The region does not come to the midpoint position between the growing units, and as a result, the amount of wasted irradiation light can be reduced. In addition, since the irradiation region directly under the light source is surely included in the biological growth range, the irradiation light having the maximum light intensity density from the light source is surely used for the growth of the organism. Therefore, the amount of light received by the growing unit is stable under a sufficient amount for growth. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the degree of cultivation under less power consumption.

If the variation in the degree of cultivation is suppressed, it is possible to produce agricultural products with a high degree of uniformity of cultivation, that is, a high commercial value. In addition, when an embodiment in which the light intensity density distribution and wavelength characteristics of the light to be irradiated are changed according to the growth of the growing target, a high quality agricultural product with high commercial value is produced under an appropriate growing environment. Is also possible.

It should be noted that all of the embodiments described above are exemplary and not limited to the present invention, and the present invention can be carried out in various other modifications and modifications. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

1 Plant growing system (biological growing system)
10, 10'Lighting device 10a Device base 10av Board recess 10av1 First base recess 10av2 Second base recess 10aw, 10ww Wall surface 10b Device board 10c Lighting control unit 10d Optical device 10d1 First optical device 10d2 Second Optical device 10g Growth irradiation range 10g1 First growth irradiation range 10g2 Second growth irradiation range 10m Opening and closing mechanism part 10p Lens drive part (optical relation change part)
10q louver drive unit 10s irradiation light shielding plate 10t light transmitting plate 10w louver 10w1 first louver 10w2 second louver 10z lens (optical part)
101 LED light source 11, 11'Plant cultivation tank (biological growth base)
11b Biological growth range

Claims (10)

It is a biological growth system that irradiates a living thing with a lighting device and grows the living thing.
For each growth unit of the organism, a biological growth range, which is the growth range of the growth unit, is set, and has a biological growth base in which a plurality of the biological growth ranges are arranged.
The lighting device is
For each region directly above the biological growth range, one or more light sources arranged within the region and
A light distribution angle control lens unit that controls the light emitted from the light source to a predetermined light distribution angle and a plurality of minute lenses are arranged, and the light whose light distribution angle is controlled is dispersed and then trained. possess the one or more optical devices with a lens and a microlens array portion for radiating towards,
The optical device is an optical relationship changing unit that can change the optical relationship between the light source and the lens, and is an irradiation range in which the light intensity density or illuminance of light set as necessary for the growth of the organism is secured. It is further equipped with an optical-related changing unit as an irradiation range changing means that allows the growing irradiation range to be changed according to the growth of the organism.
By changing the optical relationship, the optical relationship changing unit makes it possible to change the growing irradiation range by the light having a controlled light distribution angle and dispersed light emitted from the light source through the lens. <br/> A biological breeding system characterized by this. The biological growth system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device arranges the light source only in a region other than the region directly above the intermediate position of the adjacent breeding units. The lighting device has an irradiation range limiting means for limiting a growing irradiation range, which is an irradiation range in which the light amount density or illuminance of light set as necessary for the growth of the organism is secured, within the growth range of the organism. The biological growth system according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that. The biological growth system according to claim 3 , wherein the lighting device further has a wall surface that limits the spread of light emitted from the light source as the irradiation range limiting means. The illuminating device further comprises a plurality of sets as the irradiation range changing means, including the light source and a wall surface that limits the spread of light emitted from the light source.
Any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the plurality of sets are classified into at least two types having different heights from the position of the light source to the lower end of the wall surface. The biological growth system described in. The lighting device includes a wall surface that limits the spread of light radiated from the light source, and a wall surface height changing portion as the irradiation range changing means that can change the height from the position of the light source to the lower end of the wall surface. The biological growth system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising. The lighting device is used as the irradiation range changing means.
A plurality of light sources arranged so as to be distributed in the region for each region directly above the biological growth range, and
Claims 1 to 6 further include, by controlling the electric power supplied to the plurality of light sources, an illumination control means capable of changing the growing irradiation range by the light emitted from the plurality of light sources. The biological growth system according to any one of the above. A plurality of the optical devices are provided, and the distribution of the light intensity density or the illuminance of the light emitted from the optical device is classified into at least two types having different distributions from each other, according to claim 1. The biological growth system according to any one of 7 . The lighting device is any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein a plurality of the light sources having different wavelength characteristics of the emitted light are arranged in a region directly above the biological growth range. The biological growth system described in. A living organism growth lighting device in which a biological growth range, which is a growth range of the growing unit, is set for each growing unit of an organism, and a biological growth base in which a plurality of the biological growth ranges are arranged can be illuminated by emitted light. And
For each region directly above the biological growth range, one or more light sources arranged so as to be within the region,
A light distribution angle control lens unit that controls the light emitted from the light source to a predetermined light distribution angle and a plurality of minute lenses are arranged, and the light whose light distribution angle is controlled is dispersed and then trained. It has one or more optical devices with a lens that includes a microlens array that radiates towards.
The optical device is an optical relationship changing unit that can change the optical relationship between the light source and the lens, and is an irradiation range in which the light intensity density or illuminance of light set as necessary for the growth of the organism is secured. It is further equipped with an optical-related changing unit as an irradiation range changing means that enables the growing irradiation range to be changed according to the growth of the organism.
By changing the optical relationship, the optical relationship changing unit makes it possible to change the growing irradiation range by the light having a controlled light distribution angle and dispersed light radiated from the light source through the lens. A lighting device for growing organisms, which is characterized by this.

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