JP6857853B2 - Mist generation system, agricultural greenhouse - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mist generation system for ejecting mist and an agricultural house provided with the mist generation system.

Conventionally, a covered greenhouse having a plurality of spray nozzles for generating mist in an upper high temperature portion in the house and a plurality of ventilation fans for discharging mist from the spray nozzles has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). In Patent Document 1, the mist is discharged by the air flow generated by the ventilation fan to cool the mist without dropping the mist particles, and the mist is lowered by adjusting the spray amount of the spray nozzle and the suction air amount of the ventilation fan. The operation is described.

The technique described in Patent Document 1 is configured to generate fog over one plane in a house. That is, the house cooling device described in Patent Document 1 cools air or sprays mist over the entire area where plants are grown or animals are raised in the house.

However, when the target of cooling or spraying chemicals is a plant, the plant is often planted in the ridges formed in the field, so if air is cooled or mist is sprayed over the entire area of the house, water will be applied. It leads to wasteful consumption of.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-117433

An object of the present invention is to provide a mist generation system capable of limiting a spatial area for spraying mist to a target range, and an object of the present invention is to provide an agricultural house using this mist generation system. To do.

The mist generation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting mist, an adjuster, and a water pipe . The plurality of nozzles receive the liquid supply and eject the mist from the spray port, and are arranged above the ridges where the plants are planted . The regulator adjusts at least one of the flow rate of the liquid supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles and the spray pressure of each of the plurality of nozzles. The water pipe is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ridge, and the plurality of nozzles are provided. Then, in the water pipe, the mist ejected by two or more nozzles selected from the plurality of nozzles is mixed, and at least each of the two or more nozzles among the velocity components of the mist ejects the mist. Each of the plurality of nozzles is determined so that the range of the falling mist is limited to a rectangular parallelepiped range surrounded by the two water pipes and one ridge by reducing the velocity component in the horizontal direction in the direction of the water. It is provided at the position. When the plant is viewed from above, two water pipes are provided so as to sandwich the plant. The distance between the two water pipes is 60 cm or more. First nozzle among the two or more nozzles are mounted on the water supply pipe of one of the two water pipes. Second nozzle among the two or more nozzles are mounted on the other of the water pipe of the two water pipes. The mist ejected by the first nozzle and the mist ejected by the second nozzle are mixed with the distance between the two water pipes as the range.

The agricultural house according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned mist generation system and an outer shell surrounding a space for growing plants, and at least the plurality of nozzles of the mist generation system and the attachment thereof are provided in the space. It has a configuration in which members are arranged.

According to the configuration of the present invention, there is an advantage that the spatial region for spraying mist can be limited to a target range.

It is a schematic horizontal sectional view which shows the agricultural house which comprises the mist generation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the agricultural house which comprises the mist generation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic horizontal sectional view which shows another form of the agricultural house provided with the mist generation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the nozzle which comprises the mist generation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which shows the arrangement example of the nozzle which comprises the mist generation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the agricultural house to which the mist generation system which concerns on embodiment is applied.

The mist generation system described below is configured for use in agricultural greenhouses. However, it is possible to use the mist generation system described below in other than agricultural greenhouses. For example, the mist generation system described below can be applied to a building such as a resting place where mist is used to lower a person's sensible temperature, and a beauty clinic (so-called beauty salon) where mist is used for treatment. In the following, after explaining the configuration of the mist generation system, an agricultural house using this mist generation system will be described.

The mist generation system lowers the temperature of the air by vaporizing the ejected mist, and cools the object by bringing the ejected mist into contact with the object and removing the heat of vaporization from the object. Therefore, the mist generation system is arranged so as to generate mist above the object. The mist generated above the object falls due to gravity, some vaporizes before reaching the object, and some reaches the object and comes into contact with the object. The object here is a plant grown in an agricultural greenhouse.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mist generation system 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of nozzles 11, a pump 12, a valve 13, a water pipe 14, and a tank 15. The water pipe 14 provides a flow path for supplying the liquid from the tank 15 to the nozzle 11, and the pump 12 and the valve 13 are arranged in the flow path for supplying the liquid from the tank 15 to the nozzle 11. That is, the pump 12 supplies the liquid stored in the tank 15 to the water pipe 14, and when the liquid is supplied to the nozzle 11 attached to the water pipe 14, mist is ejected from the nozzle 11. The valve 13 is arranged between the pump 12 and the water pipe 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle 11 is arranged above the ridge 31 on which the plant 30 is planted in the agricultural greenhouse 20. However, the nozzle 11 may be arranged above the passage 32 formed between the two adjacent ridges 31. When the nozzle 11 is arranged above the passage 32, the nozzle 11 is arranged at a height of, for example, about 200 [cm] from the ground so that the nozzle 11 does not interfere with the operator passing through the passage 32. The height shown here is an example and is appropriately adjusted as needed. For example, in the case of a plant having a short height above the ground and the nozzle 11 is arranged above the ridge 31, the height of the nozzle 11 from the ground may be set to about 100 [cm].

As described above, a plurality of nozzles 11 are provided in the middle portion of the water pipe 14. Each nozzle 11 has a structure in which a liquid is refined and ejected as a mist. Each nozzle 11 includes a branch pipe 111, and a spray port 112 opens at the tip of the branch pipe 111 (see FIG. 4). The spray port 112 is formed on a cap 113 attached to the tip of the branch pipe 111 (see FIG. 4). In the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a nozzle 11 provided with two branch pipes 111 is used. That is, the two branch pipes 111 are extended in opposite directions (180 degrees different directions), and the center line of the spray port 112 opens in a straight line and in opposite directions. The center line of the spray port 112 here means a center line along the axis in the extension direction of the branch pipe 111.

The nozzle 11 is not limited to the configuration including the two branch pipes 111, and may be configured to include the four branch pipes 111 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the nozzle 11 may be 1 Only the branch pipe 111 of the book may be provided. The nozzle 11 including the four branch pipes 111 includes the center lines of the four spray ports 112 in one plane. The four branch pipes 111 are provided at substantially equiangular intervals in a plane along the above-mentioned plane. That is, the four branch pipes 111 are arranged so that the axes in the extension direction of the branch pipes 111 form 90 degrees with each other.

When the liquid is supplied to the nozzle 11 from the water pipe 14, the nozzle 11 ejects mist from the spray port 112. The liquid is basically water, but it may be an aqueous solution containing a component that does not cause clogging in the spray port 112 and is useful for growing the plant 30. Hereinafter, the liquid supplied to the nozzle 11 is referred to as "water". That is, in the following description, the term water includes not only pure water but also an aqueous solution containing a specific component.

The water pipe 14 is connected to the pump 12. The pump 12 supplies the water stored in the tank 15 to the water pipe 14. When the water pressurized by the pump 12 is supplied to the water pipe 14, mist is ejected from the nozzle 11. As described above, the mist ejected from the nozzle 11 falls due to gravity. A part of the mist evaporates during the fall, taking away the heat of vaporization of the surroundings and cooling the air. In addition, the remaining part is sprayed on the plant 30 to remove heat of vaporization from the plant 30 at the time of evaporation and lower the temperature of the plant 30.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the water pipe 14 is branched into four systems. That is, the water pipe 14 is branched into four water pipes 142 through the header 141. The number of branches of the water pipe 14 varies depending on the scale of the agricultural greenhouse 20, but for example, it is desirable to select a range of 2 branches or more and 6 branches or less. With this number of branches, the variation in pressure supplied to the water pipe 14 is within the permissible range. The water pipe 142 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ridge 31. However, the water pipe 14 may be arranged in a direction intersecting the ridge 31.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, two water pipes 142 are arranged in one ridge 31, and one end of two water pipes 142 arranged in one ridge 31 is connected to a connecting pipe 143. That is, the two water pipes 142 arranged in one ridge 31 are connected through the connecting pipe 143. The connecting pipe 143 is connected to one end on the side opposite to the header 141 in the longitudinal direction of the water pipe 142.

With this configuration, the pressure difference in the extension direction of one water pipe 142 is suppressed as compared with the case where one end of the water pipe 142 is opened without being connected to the connecting pipe 143, and the different water pipes 142 have different pressure differences. The pressure difference between them is suppressed. That is, it is possible to supply water to all the nozzles 11 arranged in the water pipe 14 with the same pressure.

Each nozzle 11 provided in each of the water pipes 142 includes two spray ports 112. The nozzle 11 is arranged so that the two spray ports 112 form 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the water pipe 142. Further, the nozzles 11 provided in the two water pipes 142 arranged in one ridge 31 are arranged so that the spray ports 112 face each other. For example, the spray ports 112 of the two nozzles 11 in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the water pipe 142 are arranged so as to face each other.

The nozzle 11 is arranged so that the center lines of the two spray ports 112 are along the horizontal plane. Mist particles are ejected from one spray port 112 in a substantially horizontal direction, and the mist particles ejected from the spray port 112 are suspended by buoyancy from the air and fall by gravity while floating for a relatively long period of time. In addition, the mist particles ejected from the spray port 112 gradually lose their horizontal velocity due to air resistance if there is no airflow on which an external force acts and there are no obstacles that hinder the movement, and finally, vertically downward. Fall into.

The specifications of the mist generation system 10 are defined so that the mist ejected from the two nozzles 11 arranged so as to face each other is mixed and the mist particles can collide with each other without losing the horizontal velocity. Be done. Factors that determine the probability of collision of mist particles ejected from two nozzles 11 arranged so as to face each other include the distance between the spray ports 112, the initial velocity of the particles ejected from the spray port 112, and the distribution of the particles. is there. The values of these factors are determined by the following specifications regarding the mist generation system 10. That is, the value of the factor includes the distance D1 between the two water pipes 142 corresponding to one ridge 31 and the pitch L1 of the nozzles 11 arranged in the one water pipe 142. Further, the value of the factor includes the direction of the center line of the spray port 112, the flow rate of water received by the nozzle 11, the size and shape of the spray port 112, the pressure of water supplied to the spray port 112, and the like.

If the mist particles ejected from the two nozzles 11 arranged so as to face each other collide with each other without losing the horizontal velocity, the horizontal velocity component of the mist particles decreases. When the velocity component in the horizontal direction decreases, the velocity component in the vertical downward direction becomes relatively large, so that the diffusion of mist is suppressed, and as a result, the reach of the mist is limited. When the plurality of nozzles 11 are arranged as described above, the space area where the mist exists is limited to a rectangular parallelepiped range surrounded by two water pipes 142 and one ridge 31. That is, the spatial region in which the mist exists is generally limited to the range shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, when the nozzles 11 are arranged at an appropriate pitch L1 in each of the two water pipes 142, the space region where the mist exists is limited to the rectangular parallelepiped range.

The mist ejected from the spray port 112 spreads away from the center line of the spray port 112 as the distance from the spray port 112 increases. Therefore, the particles away from the center line of the spray port 112 have a velocity component in the direction along the center line of the spray port 112 and a velocity component in the direction orthogonal to the center line of the spray port 112 in the plane along the horizontal plane. have. When the mist particles having such a velocity component collide, the mist particles after the collision do not always fall, but the velocity component in the direction of the center line of the spray port 112 is almost extinguished. Therefore, the mist hardly spreads in the width direction of the ridge 31. In other words, if the velocity component in the direction along the center line of the spray port 112 is reduced, most of the mist can be dropped onto the ridges 31, and as a result, the mist can be cooled without waste. Can be used for.

As described above, one nozzle 11 includes two spray ports 112, and the center lines of the spray ports 112 are arranged so as to form 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the water pipe 142. Therefore, the mist ejected from the two spray ports 112 included in one nozzle 11 has a falling range limited on the ridge 31, but the mist ejected from the remaining two spray ports 112 facing the passage 32 is Almost no induction on the ridge 31. Therefore, of the two spray ports 112 included in one nozzle 11, the spray port 112 facing the passage 32 is preferably closed so as not to eject mist. To close the spray port 112, for example, a stopper may be attached to the spray port 112. In this way, if one of the two spray ports 112 provided on the nozzle 11 is closed, water consumption is suppressed.

When limiting the reachable range of the mist to the range desired by the user by the above-mentioned operation, it is necessary to arrange the nozzle 11 at an appropriate position. Therefore, the mist generation system 10 includes a mounting member 16 for mounting the nozzle 11 at a fixed position with respect to the agricultural greenhouse 20 (see FIG. 2). The mounting member 16 is selected from, for example, a wire that suspends the water pipe 142 from the structural material of the agricultural house 20, a binding band that integrally connects the water pipe 142 to the structural material of the agricultural house 20, and a U-bolt. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in which the mounting member 16 is a wire.

The mist ejected from the spray port 112 is distributed in a range according to the specifications of the nozzle 11. That is, the shape of the spatial region in which the mist is distributed varies depending on the specifications of the nozzle 11. In many nozzles 11, the cross section of the space region where the mist is distributed is cut by a plane orthogonal to the center line of the spray port 112 to be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or annular. As described above, when the center line of the spray port 112 is arranged along the horizontal plane, the mist ejected from the nozzle 11 falls due to gravity. Therefore, in order to drop the mist toward the plant 30, the nozzle 11 is used. , The spray port 112 is arranged so as to be located above the height position assumed to be the upper end when growing the plant 30.

When the mist is brought into contact with the plant 30, such as cooling the plant 30 by vaporizing the mist or spraying a chemical on the plant 30 using the mist, the mist ejected from the spray port 112 falls and reaches the plant 30. The specifications of the mist generation system 10 are adjusted in this way. Further, when cooling the air around the plant 30 without bringing the mist into contact with the plant 30, the mist generation system is such that the mist ejected from the spray port 112 falls and evaporates before reaching the plant 30. The specifications of 10 are adjusted.

For example, it is desirable that the horizontal distance reached by the mist ejected from the spray port 112 is 0.3 [m] or more and 2 [m] or less. In this case, it is desirable that the average particle size of the mist is 20 [μm] or more and 200 [μm] or less, and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist is 0.1 [MPa] or more and 0.8 [MPa] or less. The horizontal distance reached by the mist is 0.6 [m] or more and 1.2 [m] or less, the average particle size of the mist is 50 [μm] or more and 80 [μm] or less, and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist is It is more desirable that it is 0.3 [MPa] or more and 0.6 [MPa] or less.

The horizontal distance reached by the mist means the distance until the mist particles ejected from the spray port 112 lose the velocity component in the horizontal direction due to air resistance or the like, and the average particle diameter and the average value of the initial velocity in the horizontal direction (hereinafter). , Average initial speed), etc. Here, as the horizontal distance reached by the mist, the average value of the horizontal distance reached by the individual particles contained in the mist is used. The maximum discharge pressure is the maximum value of the pressure of water introduced into the nozzle 11 (that is, the spray pressure), and is a factor that determines the average particle size and the average initial velocity in the horizontal direction. In other words, three factors are related: the horizontal distance the mist reaches, the average particle size of the mist, and the maximum discharge pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to select the nozzle 11 in order for each factor to achieve the above-mentioned numerical range. Further, the three factors are determined according to the temperature inside the agricultural greenhouse 20, the height of the plant 30 to be grown, and the like.

For example, if the average particle size of the mist is large, the difference between gravity and buoyancy becomes large and the air resistance becomes large, so that the horizontal distance is shortened, but the time until the mist disappears becomes long. On the other hand, the higher the maximum discharge pressure, the larger the horizontal distance that the mist reaches. Further, as the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle 11 is increased, the concentration of mist ejected from the nozzle 11 increases. The average particle size of the mist decreases regardless of whether the maximum discharge pressure or the flow rate is increased.

It is desirable that the higher the temperature inside the agricultural greenhouse 20, the higher the maximum discharge pressure. Increasing the maximum discharge pressure increases the weight of water mistized per unit time and increases the mist density, so that the probability of collision of mist ejected from the two nozzles 11 facing each other increases. On the other hand, if the temperature inside the agricultural greenhouse 20 is relatively low, the mist does not evaporate and easily reaches the plant 30. Therefore, the lower the temperature, the more the average mist is so that the plant 30 is not excessively watered. It is necessary to reduce the particle size. The relationship between the average particle size of the mist, the maximum discharge pressure of the mist, and the like is an example, and is appropriately determined according to the requirements such as the horizontal distance for the mist to reach and the amount of the mist to be dropped.

When the above-mentioned values are adopted, the distance D1 between the two water pipes 142 arranged in one ridge 31 is set in the range of 60 [cm] or more and 80 [cm] or less, and the pitch of the nozzles 11 in one water pipe 142. It is desirable that L1 is smaller than the interval D1 of the water pipe 142.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the nozzle 11 may include four branch pipes 111. The nozzle 11 includes four spray ports 112. The four spray ports 112 are provided so that the center lines are 90 degree apart in one plane. The nozzle 11 is arranged so that the plane including the four spray ports 112 is along the horizontal plane with respect to the water pipe 142, and the center line of each of the four spray ports 112 is substantially relative to the extension direction of the water pipe 142. It is arranged so as to form 45 degrees. Further, the nozzles 11 provided in the two water pipes 142 corresponding to one ridge 31 are arranged so that the spray ports 112 face each other. For example, the spray port 112 of the nozzle 11 (first nozzle) arranged in one of the two water pipes 142 and at least one nozzle arranged in the other water pipe 142 and closest to the first nozzle. It is arranged so as to face the spray port 112 of 11 (second nozzle).

Assuming that the distance between the two water pipes 142 corresponding to one ridge 31 is D1, the pitch L2 in which the nozzles 11 are arranged in the one water pipe 142 is set to L2 = 2 · D1. In this example, the nozzles 11 provided in each of the two water pipes 142 are positioned so as to be displaced from each other by D1 (= L2 / 2) in the extension direction of the water pipes 142. For example, if L2 = 100 [cm] and D1 = 50 [cm], the above-mentioned conditions are satisfied. This numerical value is appropriately selected according to the width of the ridge 31, the specifications of the nozzle 11, and the like.

When a nozzle 11 having four spray ports 112 is used, the mist has a velocity component in the longitudinal direction of the ridges 31. Therefore, as compared with the case where the nozzle 11 having two spray ports 112 is used, the mist has a velocity component in the longitudinal direction of the ridges 31. Mist concentration unevenness is reduced. In other words, it is possible to spray the mist over the entire ridge 31 using a relatively small number of nozzles 11. When the nozzle 11 provided with the four spray ports 112 is arranged as described above, the range in which the mist is sprayed is generally the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. That is, the mist is scattered in a rectangular space area.

The arrangement of the nozzles 11 described above is an example. For example, the pitch L2 in which the nozzle 11 is arranged in one water pipe 142 may be L2 = D1. In this case, the nozzles 11 provided on the two water pipes 142 are arranged at the same positions in the extension direction of the water pipes 142. When the nozzles 11 provided in each of the two water pipes 142 are arranged in this way, mist is ejected from the four spray ports 112 in the same space area. Therefore, as compared with the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the mist The density increases.

By the way, if one nozzle 11 is provided with four spray ports 112 and the center lines of the spray ports 112 are arranged so as to form approximately 45 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the water pipe 142, the two spray ports 112 The range of the mist ejected from the ridge 31 is limited on the ridge 31. On the other hand, even if the mist is ejected from the remaining two spray ports 112 facing the passage 32, the mist is not guided on the ridge 31. Therefore, of the four spray ports 112 included in one nozzle 11, it is desirable that the two spray ports 112 facing the passage 32 are closed so as not to eject mist. To close the spray port 112, for example, a stopper may be attached to the spray port 112.

Even when the nozzle 11 having four spray ports 112 is adopted as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal distance reached by the mist, the average particle size of the mist, and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist can be determined by using the nozzle 11 having the two spray ports 112. It is the same as the case of adopting. That is, when the distance D1 between the two water pipes 142 corresponding to one ridge 31 is 50 [cm] and the pitch L1 of the nozzle 11 is 100 [cm], for example, the mist ejected from the spray port 112 arrives. The horizontal distance is preferably 0.3 [m] or more and 2 [m] or less. In this case, it is desirable that the average particle size of the mist is 20 [μm] or more and 200 [μm] or less, and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist is 0.1 [MPa] or more and 0.8 [MPa] or less. The horizontal distance reached by the mist is 0.6 [m] or more and 1.2 [m] or less, the average particle size of the mist is 50 [μm] or more and 80 [μm] or less, and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist is It is more desirable that it is 0.3 [MPa] or more and 0.6 [MPa] or less.

By the way, the nozzle 11 may include a regulator that adjusts at least one of the flow rate of water received from the water pipe 14 and the spray pressure of the mist discharged from the spray port 112. When adjusting the flow rate, for example, a needle valve arranged in the flow path from the water pipe 14 to the branch point to the branch pipe 111 is used so as to adjust the flow rate of the water supplied to the branch pipe 111. Further, when adjusting the spray pressure, for example, a cap 113 provided with a spray port 112 is used. In the cap 113 for adjusting the spray pressure, the thread groove formed on the inner side surface meshes with the thread groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the branch pipe 111. Therefore, when the cap 113 rotates with respect to the branch pipe 111, it moves with respect to the branch pipe 111. When the cap 113 moves relative to the branch pipe 111, the distance between the tip of the branch pipe 111 and the spray port 112 changes. As a result, it becomes possible to adjust the pressure of water passing through the spray port 112 (that is, the spray pressure).

The regulator that adjusts at least one of the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle 11 and the spray pressure may be at least one of the pump 12 and the valve 13. If a configuration in which the rotation speed of the pump 12 is controlled by an inverter is adopted, the flow rate passing through the pump 12 can be adjusted, and the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle 11 can be adjusted. Further, the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle 11 can also be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 13. When a pressure control valve having a set pressure adjustment range within a desired range is provided as the valve 13, the pressure of the water supplied to the nozzle 11 is adjusted by the valve 13, and as a result, the spray pressure can be adjusted by the valve 13.

The regulator can manually adjust at least one of the flow rate and the spray pressure. However, if a regulator that indicates the flow rate or spray pressure using an electric signal is adopted, it is possible to adjust at least one of the flow rate and the spray pressure according to the time schedule. Further, the regulator may adjust at least one of the flow rate and the spray pressure according to the internal environment, the external environment, etc. of the agricultural greenhouse 20 detected by the sensor.

As described above, if the mist generation system 10 includes a regulator, at least one of the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle 11 by the regulator and the spray pressure of the mist ejected by the nozzle 11 can be adjusted. As a result, the average particle size of the mist ejected from the spray port 112 and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist can be adjusted, and the ejection speed of the mist ejected from the spray port 112 can be adjusted. Although it depends on the configuration of the nozzle 11, there is usually a correlation between the average particle size of the mist and the ejection speed. Therefore, the regulator may be configured so that only one of the adjustment of the flow rate of the water supplied to the nozzle 11 and the adjustment of the mist ejection pressure can be performed.

In the mist generation system 10 described above, the two nozzles 11 are arranged so as to face the spray ports 112, but the mist can be dropped even by mixing the mists ejected from the three or more nozzles 11. Can be restricted. That is, three or more mists ejected from each of the three or more nozzles 11 are mixed, and the velocity component along the central axis of the spray port 112 of each nozzle 11 is reduced in the plane along the horizontal plane. If the nozzle 11 of the above is arranged, the range of mist is limited.

FIG. 5 shows an arrangement example in which the mist ejected from the three nozzles 11 is mixed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the spray port 112 of each of the three nozzles 11 is located at the apex of an equilateral triangle. Even with such an arrangement, when the mist is mixed, among the velocity components of the mist ejected from the three nozzles 11, the velocity component along the central axis of the spray port 112 is reduced, and the reach range of the mist is reduced. Is restricted.

A configuration example of the agricultural greenhouse 20 to which the above-mentioned mist generation system 10 is applied will be briefly described below. The plant 30 to be grown in the agricultural greenhouse 20 can be selected from leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, beans, fruits, flowers and the like. Leafy vegetables are represented by spinach, Japanese mustard spinach, lettuce, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, etc. In addition, fruit vegetables are represented by tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and the like.

In the present embodiment, the mist is sprayed on the plant 30 by bringing the plant 30 into contact with low-temperature water to cool the plant 30, and by removing the heat of vaporization from the plant 30, the temperature of the plant 30 and the surroundings of the plant 30. The main purpose is to reduce the temperature. Further, by generating mist above the plant 30, the heat of vaporization is taken from the air above the agricultural greenhouse 20, which also contributes to lowering the air temperature around the plant 30. Further, the mist may be ejected from the nozzle 11 not only for controlling the temperature by the heat of vaporization but also for the purpose of spraying the chemicals.

As shown in FIG. 6, the agricultural greenhouse 20 includes an outer shell 21 composed of a frame 211 formed by combining metal pipes as structural materials and a covering body 212 supported by the frame 211. The frame 211 is formed in an inverted U shape, integrally including two strut portions 2111 arranged side by side and a connecting portion 2112 connecting one ends of each of the two strut portions 2111. Although the connecting portion 2112 shows an example in which it is formed in a smooth arc shape, it may be formed in an inverted V shape in which one ends of each of the two straight lines are joined together. The covering body 212 may be glass, but in this configuration example, a synthetic resin film having translucency (preferably transparent) is used. The plurality of frames 211 are arranged in a direction intersecting the surfaces surrounded by each, and the covering body 212 is erected on the plurality of frames 211 with the plurality of frames 211 arranged side by side. Then, the covering body 212 covers a virtual three-dimensional object formed by arranging a plurality of frames 211 over the entire circumference.

The agricultural greenhouse 20 integrates a roof portion 200 having a semicircular cross section, a pair of side wall portions 201 that support the roof portion 200 and face each other, and a pair of gable wall portions 203 that are orthogonal to the side wall portion 201 and face each other. Prepare for. Therefore, the agricultural greenhouse 20 is formed in an inverted U shape in a cross section orthogonal to the direction connecting the gable wall portions 203. The dimension in the direction connecting the pair of gable wall portions 203 is designed to be sufficiently larger than the dimension in the direction connecting the pair of side wall portions 201. In the following, the direction connecting the pair of gable wall portions 203 is referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the direction connecting the pair of side wall portions 201 is referred to as the lateral direction. The longitudinal direction of the ridges 31 is along the longitudinal direction of the agricultural house 20, and a plurality of ridges 31 are formed in the lateral direction of the agricultural house 20.

The agricultural greenhouse 20 includes a curtain 23 and a window 24. The curtain 23 is movable between a first position that dims the external light incident on the inside and a second position that does not dimm the external light incident on the inside. Further, the window 24 can be moved between an open position that allows ventilation between the inside and the outside and a closed position that does not allow ventilation between the inside and the outside.

Further, the agricultural greenhouse 20 includes, as the curtain 23, a roof curtain 230 arranged along the roof portion 200 and two side curtains 231 arranged along each of the two side wall portions 201. The roof curtain 230 adjusts the amount of incident light from the roof portion 200 by moving between the first position and the second position. The side curtain 231 adjusts the amount of incident light from each of the two side wall portions 201 by moving between the first position and the second position. The roof curtain 230 and the side curtain 231 are driven independently by the driving device. The drive device includes a power source such as a motor, and has drive mechanisms corresponding to the roof curtain 230 and the side curtain 231 respectively.

The windows 24 are provided on each of the side wall portions 201. By adjusting the opening degree of the window 24, the ventilation resistance of air when ventilating between the inside and the outside of the agricultural greenhouse 20 is adjusted. It is desirable that the agricultural greenhouse 20 is provided with a window not only on the side wall portion 201 but also on the gable wall portion 203. The windows 24 of each of the two side wall portions 201 are independently driven by the driving device. The drive device includes a power source such as a motor, and has a drive mechanism corresponding to each of the windows 24.

By appropriately adjusting the position of the curtain 23 and the opening degree of the window 24, it is possible to change the internal temperature and the internal humidity of the agricultural greenhouse 20. For example, in the daytime on a sunny day in summer, if the roof curtain 230 and the side curtain 231 are closed and the opening degree of the window 24 is increased, the increase in the internal temperature of the agricultural greenhouse 20 is suppressed.

A fan 25 is arranged at the upper part of the gable wall 203 of the agricultural house 20, and an entrance is provided at the lower part. The fan 25 ventilates the agricultural greenhouse 20 by mechanical ventilation, and contributes to the regulation of the internal temperature and the internal humidity of the agricultural greenhouse 20. Further, the fan 25 forms an air flow in the agricultural greenhouse 20 during operation. As described above, by controlling the operation of the equipment such as the curtain 23, the window 24, and the fan 25, the internal environment of the agricultural greenhouse 20 can be controlled, and the environment for growing the plant 30 can be prepared.

The agricultural greenhouse 20 is provided with various devices such as a mist generation system 10, a curtain 23, a window 24, a fan 25, and a device for sprinkling water on the plant 30 in order to control the environment for growing the plant 30. Further, the agricultural greenhouse 20 may be provided with a sensor that monitors the internal environment of the agricultural greenhouse 20 selected from temperature, humidity, water content in soil, illuminance, and the like. The internal environment monitored by the sensor includes the temperature, humidity, and illuminance of the plant 30. The sensors for monitoring the internal environment are preferably provided at a plurality of locations in the agricultural greenhouse 20, but may be provided at only one location.

As for the device for adjusting the internal environment of the agricultural greenhouse 20, it is desirable that the control device determines the operating state based on the internal environment of the agricultural greenhouse 20 monitored by the sensor. In this case, the control device controls various devices such as the curtain 23, the window 24, the fan 25, the device for sprinkling water, and the device for spraying mist based on the internal environment of the agricultural greenhouse 20 monitored by the sensor. The relationship between the internal environment monitored by the sensor 61 and the operation of various devices is determined according to the type of the plant 30, the growth stage of the plant 30, the season, and the like.

The control device can be selected between manual operation and automatic operation, and when automatic operation is selected, various devices are automatically operated. Further, the control device has a built-in timer, and the timer is configured so that an operation period and a stop period can be set as a schedule. When automatic operation is selected, the control device controls the operation of various devices according to the internal environment monitored by the sensor during the operation period set in the timer.

The agricultural greenhouse 20 having the above-described configuration is an example, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the agricultural greenhouse 20, and does not prevent the agricultural greenhouse 20 from using other materials or being formed into another shape.

As described above, the mist generation system 10 of the first aspect according to the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles 11, an adjuster, and a mounting member 16. Each of the nozzles 11 receives a liquid supply and ejects mist from the spray port 112. The regulator adjusts at least one of the flow rate of the liquid supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles 11 and the spray pressure of each of the plurality of nozzles 11. The mounting member 16 mounts each of the plurality of nozzles 11 at a fixed position. In this fixed position, the mist ejected by two or more nozzles 11 selected from the plurality of nozzles 11 is mixed, and among the velocity components of the mist, at least two or more nozzles 11 each eject the mist. It is defined to reduce the horizontal velocity component.

According to this configuration, the mist ejected from the plurality of nozzles 11 is mixed, and the velocity component in the direction in which the mist is ejected from the nozzles 11 is reduced. The mist falls. That is, it is possible to limit the spatial region in which the mist diffuses and spray the mist intensively on a specific spatial region. As a result, while supplying the required amount of mist to the space area that requires mist, the scattering of mist to the space area that does not require mist is suppressed, so that the amount of water supplied to generate the mist is increased. The increase is suppressed. That is, it contributes to water saving.

Since the mist generation system 10 regulates at least one of the flow rate of the liquid and the spray pressure of the liquid, at least one of the average particle size of the mist ejected from the spray port 112, the horizontal distance reached by the mist, and the maximum discharge pressure of the mist. One element is adjustable. Therefore, adjusting the controller makes it possible to supply the required amount of mist.

Further, when the mist is used for spraying the chemical, the spatial area for spraying the mist can be limited to the range of the straight object to be sprayed with the chemical. Therefore, the amount of drug used can be reduced.

In the mist generation system 10 of the second aspect, in the first aspect, it is desirable that the controller is at least one of the valve 13 and the pump 12 arranged in the flow path for supplying the liquid to the plurality of nozzles 11. ..

According to this configuration, the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the nozzle 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 13 or the flow rate of the pump 12.

In the mist generation system 10 of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the mounting member 16 is arranged with two or more nozzles 11 so that the mists ejected from the two or more nozzles 11 collide with each other. It is desirable that two or more nozzles 11 determine the direction in which the mist is ejected.

According to this configuration, since the position and orientation of the nozzle 11 are determined by using the mounting member 16, it is possible to supply the mist to the target space region.

In the mist generation system 10 of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the two or more nozzles 11 are two nozzles 11. It is desirable that the two nozzles 11 are arranged so that the spray ports 112 face each other in the horizontal plane.

That is, since the spray ports 112 of the different nozzles 11 face each other, when the mist ejected from the spray ports 112 is mixed, the velocity component in the direction in which the spray ports 112 face each other is reduced. As a result, the mist is likely to fall in the region between the plurality of spray ports 112, and the diffusion of the mist is suppressed.

The agricultural greenhouse 20 of the fifth aspect includes any one of the first to fourth mist generation systems 10 and an outer shell 21 surrounding a space for growing plants, and at least one of the mist generation systems 10 is provided in the space. A plurality of nozzles 11 and mounting members 16 are arranged.

According to this configuration, since the nozzle 11 and the mounting member 16 are arranged in the internal space of the outer shell 21, the internal space of the agricultural greenhouse can be cooled by the mist ejected from the nozzle 11.

In the agricultural house 20 of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the horizontal distance reached by the mist ejected from the spray port 112 is 0.3 [m] or more and 2 [m] or less, and the average particle size of the mist is 20. It is desirable that it is [μm] or more and 200 [μm] or less, and the maximum discharge pressure of mist is 0.1 [MPa] or more and 0.8 [MPa] or less. Further, in the agricultural house 20 of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the horizontal distance reached by the mist ejected from the spray port 112 is 0.6 [m] or more and 1.2 [m] or less, and the average of the mists. It is more desirable that the particle size is 50 [μm] or more and 80 [μm] or less, and the maximum mist discharge pressure is 0.3 [MPa] or more and 0.6 [MPa] or less.

When the above numerical range is adopted, the mist ejected from the plurality of nozzles 11 is mixed, so that the mist can be dropped close to the plant 30 to be grown, and as a result, the heat of vaporization is taken away to cool the plant 30. Will be able to do. If a dry mist having an average particle size smaller than 20 [μm] is adopted, water droplets do not adhere to the plant 30, but the amount of liquid atomized as mist is small and it is as wide as the internal space of the agricultural house 20. Difficult to cool the spatial area. On the other hand, by adopting the above-mentioned numerical range, it is possible to supply a relatively large amount of mist to the internal space of the agricultural house 20, so that the cooling effect of the agricultural house 20 is enhanced. ..

In the agricultural greenhouse 20 of the eighth aspect, in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, it is desirable that the outer shell 21 includes a plurality of frames 211 and a covering body 212. Each of the frames 211 has an inverted U shape and serves as a structural material. The covering body 212 is erected on the plurality of frames 211 in a state where the plurality of frames 211 are arranged in a direction intersecting the surfaces surrounded by the plurality of frames 211. The covering body 212 covers a three-dimensional object virtually defined by a plurality of frames 211 over the entire circumference.

The agricultural greenhouse 20 has a general structure, and by providing the mist generation system 10, it becomes possible to efficiently supply mist to the plant 30 to be grown.

The above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and other than this embodiment, various types may be used depending on the design and the like as long as the technical idea of the present invention is not deviated. Of course, it can be changed.

10 Mist generation system 11 Nozzle 12 Pump (regulator)
13 valve (adjuster)
16 Mounting member 20 Agricultural house 21 Outer shell 30 Plant 112 Spray port 211 Frame 212 Cover

Claims (8)

With multiple nozzles placed above the ridges where the plants are planted, the mist is ejected from the spray port by receiving the supply of liquid.
A regulator that adjusts at least one of the flow rate of the liquid supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles and the spray pressure of each of the plurality of nozzles.
A water pipe arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ridge and provided with the plurality of nozzles is provided.
In the water pipe, the mist ejected by two or more nozzles selected from the plurality of nozzles is mixed, and at least two or more nozzles of the velocity components of the mist eject the mist. Position each of the plurality of nozzles in place so that the horizontal velocity component of the orientation is reduced and the range of falling mist is limited to a rectangular parallelepiped range surrounded by the two water pipes and one ridge. It is provided in
When the plant is viewed from above, two water pipes are provided so as to sandwich the plant.
The distance between the two water pipes is 60 cm or more.
First nozzle among the two or more nozzles are mounted on the water supply pipe of one of the two water supply pipes,
Second nozzle among the two or more nozzles are mounted on the other of the water pipe of the two water supply pipes,
The mist ejected by the first nozzle and the mist ejected by the second nozzle are mixed with the distance between the two water pipes as the range.
A mist generation system characterized by this. The mist generation system according to claim 1, wherein the regulator is at least one of a valve and a pump arranged in a flow path for supplying liquid to the plurality of nozzles. Before Symbol As more than the mist jetted from the nozzle collides, the arrangement of the two or more nozzles, the two or more nozzles claims and orientation for ejecting said mist are defined 1 Or the mist generation system according to 2. The two or more nozzles are two nozzles.
The mist generation system according to claim 3, wherein the two nozzles are arranged so that the spray ports face each other in a horizontal plane. The mist generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It has an outer shell that surrounds the space where plants are grown.
An agricultural greenhouse characterized in that at least the plurality of nozzles of the mist generation system and the water pipe are arranged in the space. The horizontal distance reached by the mist ejected from the spray port is 0.3 [m] or more and 2 [m] or less.
The average particle size of the mist is 20 [μm] or more and 200 [μm] or less.
The agricultural greenhouse according to claim 5, wherein the maximum discharge pressure of the mist is 0.1 [MPa] or more and 0.8 [MPa] or less. The horizontal distance reached by the mist ejected from the spray port is 0.6 [m] or more and 1.2 [m] or less.
The average particle size of the mist is 50 [μm] or more and 80 [μm] or less.
The agricultural greenhouse according to claim 6, wherein the maximum discharge pressure of the mist is 0.3 [MPa] or more and 0.6 [MPa] or less. The outer shell is
Multiple frames, each of which is inverted U-shaped and serves as a structural material,
A covering body erected on the plurality of frames in a state where the plurality of frames are arranged in a direction intersecting a surface surrounded by each of the plurality of frames is provided.
The agricultural house according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the covering covers a three-dimensional object virtually defined by the plurality of frames over the entire circumference.

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