JP6919160B2 - Cultivation container and cultivation system equipped with it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cultivation container and a cultivation system including the same.

In hydroponic cultivation of root vegetables, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, while immersing the tip of the root of a plant such as Tsuda turnip in the culture solution in a plastic container, the part other than the tip of the root is sown. A cultivation method in which the plants are cultivated without being immersed in the culture solution has been proposed. In such a case, the plurality of turnip seedlings described above are supported by a styrofoam plate floating in the culture solution. The culture broth is completely replaced every two weeks. From such a structure, by cultivating the tip of the root of the plant in the culture solution and not immersing the part other than the tip of the root in the culture solution, the root is enlarged and the root vegetable is equivalent to normal soil cultivation. Kinds can also be cultivated.

In hydroponic cultivation of burdock, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2, it has been proposed to use a cultivation bed in which two rooms separated by a shielding plate 3 are filled with a culture solution. The cultivation bed is made of a light-impermeable material and is formed in a tank shape, and has a plurality of burdock supported by a crop support plate in two rooms. Further, in each of the two rooms, a submersible pump for transferring the culture solution in one room to the other room is arranged. The liquid level of the culture solution in each room is moved up and down by alternately exchanging the culture solution in each room by the submersible pump. As a result, the roots tend to form straight roots and become thicker, and there are few branched roots, so that good quality burdock can be produced.

Further, in the nutrient solution cultivation system, for example, as shown in Patent Document 3, a cultivation tank for storing nutrient solution and a plant body are installed at the upper end opening in order to enlarge the harvesting part of the root of root vegetables. A device having a plurality of tubular portions and a water level changing means for changing the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank has been proposed. The plurality of tubular portions are formed in the cultivation tank in a substantially vertical direction so that the root portion of the plant body extends in the tubular portion. This prevents the roots of the root crop from bending or bifurcating, resulting in a straight-rooted harvest. The water level fluctuating means described above is composed of a nutrient solution supply means for supplying the nutrient solution into the cultivation tank and a nutrient solution discharge means for discharging the nutrient solution to the outside of the cultivation tank. The water level fluctuating means is supposed to fluctuate the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank and intermittently apply drying stress to the roots to suppress the generation of fine roots and sufficiently enlarge the harvested part such as taproots. ..

Further, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 to 9 in Patent Document 4, a plurality of cultivation tubes are used to cultivate root vegetables having a uniform size and shape. It has been proposed that the cultivation tray to be carried is placed in a water tank filled with culture water. Each cultivation cylinder that supports the root of each plant to be cultivated has a telescopic structure including an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and an inner cylinder that are stretchably provided along the vertical direction.

Then, in the hydroponic cultivation method, for example, as shown in Patent Document 5, a spray unit that supplies the liquid only to a desired portion of the taproot of the plant in order to supply an appropriate amount of the liquid to the plant. Has been proposed to be provided on the inner wall of the water tank. Since the liquid is sprayed in order to prevent the taproot surface from drying in this way, it is not necessary to move the liquid level of the culture solution up and down.

Japanese Patent No. 4143721 Japanese Patent No. 3343580 Japanese Patent No. 56117777 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-18110 Japanese Patent No. 5628945

(1) When a plurality of cultivated plants as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are immersed together in a nutrient solution in one tank, preventive measures against bacterial infection and replacement of the nutrient solution A large amount of water treatment is required for this. In particular, when root vegetables are mass-produced by hydroponics, there is a demand for a means for solving the problem of continuous cropping disorder (self-poisoning) of the root vegetables to be cultivated without increasing the running cost in the cultivation system.

(2) Further, as shown in Patent Documents 2 to 4, a large cultivation bed (cultivation tank), a cultivation tray, a means for changing the water level, and the like are required, which increases the equipment cost in the cultivation system.

(3) Further, when the cultivation tank is reused, a large amount of washing water is required and the work for washing the tank becomes a burden.

In consideration of the above problems, the present invention is a cultivation container and a cultivation system including the same, which can prevent germ infection, continuous cropping disorder, etc. of the plant to be cultivated, and can reduce running cost, equipment cost, etc. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cultivation container that can be reduced and a cultivation system equipped with the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the cultivation system according to the present invention has a nutrient solution storage section for storing nutrient solution, a distribution supply path for supplying nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage section, and a distribution supply channel. The nutrient solution is supplied individually via a branch supply pipe, and the root vegetables to be cultivated are individually contained in a transparent or translucent material, and the water level of the nutrient solution is adjusted according to the growth of the root vegetables. It is provided with a plurality of cultivation containers each having a body having a stretchable structure, and a discharge path in which nutrient solutions discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers are merged through a branch discharge pipe. wherein the water level of the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation container, is matched in the vicinity-edge portion in the main root of the root vegetables, above the water surface of the nutrient solution in the cultivation vessel, that the air layer is formed And.

Cultivation培用container holds the stem portion between the ground growth and root growth of a plant, a plug member for sealing the cultivation container or may have integrally. The cultivation container may be formed into a bag shape or a tubular shape with a transparent or translucent material. Further, the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage unit may be introduced from one end of the distribution supply path, and the nutrient solution discharged from the other end of the distribution supply path may be returned to one end. The waste liquid discharged from the discharge channel may be supplied to a waste liquid treatment device that removes foreign substances contained in the waste liquid and disinfects the waste liquid. It may be provided with an oxygen mixing device that forcibly mixes air or oxygen with the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution storage unit. It is equipped with an oxygen mixing device that forcibly mixes air or oxygen with the nutrient solution treated by the waste liquid treatment device, and the nutrient solution discharged from the oxygen mixing device is returned to each of a plurality of cultivation containers through a recovery pipe. You may.

Further, in the cultivation system according to the present invention, a nutrient solution storage section for storing nutrient solution, a distribution supply path for supplying nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage section, and a branch supply pipe for nutrient solution from the distribution supply channel are provided. It is made of a transparent or translucent material that individually houses the root vegetables that are individually supplied and cultivated through the tube, and has a stretchable structure that adjusts the water level of the nutrient solution as the root vegetables grow. A plurality of cultivation containers each having a body, a discharge path in which nutrient solutions discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers are merged via a branch discharge pipe, and a dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution in the distribution supply path. The first dissolved oxygen detector that detects the concentration and the solution discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers detect the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the final end of the discharge path merged through the branch discharge pipe. The sum of the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution and the waste liquid based on the detection output from the second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector, the first dissolved oxygen detector, and the detection output from the second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector. It is equipped with a control unit that calculates the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration and determines the oxygen consumption state of the plants cultivated by all cultivation containers based on the difference, and the water level of the nutrient solution stored in each cultivation container. There are matches near-edge portion of the main root of the root vegetables, above the water surface of該養solution in each culture vessel, characterized in that the air layer is formed.

In the cultivation system according to the present invention, the nutrient solution storage section in which the nutrient solution is stored, the distribution supply path in which the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage section is supplied, and the nutrient solution from the distribution supply path are routed through a branch supply pipe. A body made of a transparent or translucent material that individually houses the root vegetables that are individually supplied and cultivated, and has a stretchable structure that adjusts the water level of the nutrient solution as the root vegetables grow. , Each has a plurality of cultivation containers, a discharge path in which the nutrient solution discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers is merged through a branch discharge pipe, and a dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution in the distribution supply path. A first dissolved oxygen detector to detect, a second dissolved oxygen concentration detector to detect the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through a branch discharge pipe connected to each of a plurality of cultivation containers, and a first dissolved oxygen. Based on the detection output from the detector and the detection output from the second dissolved oxygen concentration detector, the difference between the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid is calculated, and the difference is used in the cultivation container. and a control unit for determining the oxygen consumption state of the plant to be cultivated, the water level of the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation container, is matched in the vicinity-edge portion in the main root of the root crops, in each cultivation container It is characterized in that an air layer is formed above the water surface of the nutrient solution.

The cultivation container according to the present invention is made of a transparent or translucent film in the shape of a bag, and has a main body having an inner storage portion for storing nutrient solutions for plants to be individually housed, and an upper portion of the main body. It is provided with a plug member that holds the stem part between the above-ground growth part and the underground growth part of the plant and seals the inside of the main body, and the main body part can expand and contract according to the growth of the underground growth part of the plant. It is characterized in that joints having the same inner diameter or different from each other are provided in the upper part and the lower part of the main body, respectively.

In addition, the cultivation container has an outer shell, a nutrient solution storage means for storing a predetermined amount of nutrient solution movably arranged in the outer shell and supplied via a branch supply pipe, and depending on the growth of the plant to be cultivated. It may be configured with a fixture that holds the nutrient solution storage means in an appropriate position in the outer shell so that the roots of the plant are immersed in the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage means. The water level adjusting means for adjusting the water level of the nutrient solution according to the growth of the plant may include a nutrient solution storage means and a moving table that movably supports at least one of the cultivated plants.

Furthermore, the cultivation container according to the present invention is provided with a moisturizing cover member made of a transparent or translucent film into a tubular shape and an upper part of the moisturizing cover member, and has a above-ground growth part and an underground growth part of a plant. For the plug member that holds the stem part between and covers the upper part of the moisturizing cover member, and for the plant that is movably arranged inside the moisturizing cover member according to the growth of the underground growth part of the plant and is individually housed. It is equipped with a nutrient solution storage unit that stores the nutrient solution and a fixture that detachably fixes the nutrient solution storage unit to the moisturizing cover member. It is characterized in that it is provided in each of the liquid storage units.

According to the cultivation container according to the present invention and the cultivation system including the same, the distribution supply path in which the nutrient solution is supplied in the nutrient solution storage section and the nutrient solution from the distribution supply path are respectively connected via the branch supply pipe. , A plurality of cultivation containers for individually storing plants to be individually supplied and cultivated, and a discharge channel in which nutrient solutions discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers are merged through a branch discharge pipe. , It is possible to prevent bacterial infections of cultivated plants, continuous cropping disorder, etc., and to reduce running costs, equipment costs, etc.

It is a figure which shows schematic the whole structure of 1st Example of the cultivation system which concerns on this invention. (A) is a figure which shows the main part of the 2nd Example of the cultivation system which concerns on this invention, (B) is the figure which shows the main part of the 3rd Example of the cultivation system which concerns on this invention. (C) is a figure which shows the main part of the 4th Example of the cultivation system which concerns on this invention. (A), (B), (C), and (D) are diagrams schematically showing an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention used in each embodiment of the cultivation system according to the present invention, respectively. be. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a plant fixing stopper used in an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention, and (B) is a plan view showing a seal member used for a plant fixing stopper. (C) is a front view of a plurality of stacked seal members. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the heat insulation wall was provided in the 4th Example of the cultivation system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic the whole structure of 5th Example of the cultivation system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure provided to explain the relationship between a dissolved oxygen concentration and a health index. When the control unit in the example shown in FIG. 6 is configured by a microcomputer, it is a flowchart showing a program executed by the microcomputer. When the control unit in the example shown in FIG. 6 is configured by a microcomputer, it is a flowchart showing a program executed by the microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the main part of the 6th Example of the cultivation system which includes an example of the cultivation container which concerns on this invention. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an example of a cultivation container used in the example shown in FIG. 10, and (B) is a perspective view showing an example of a fixture used in the cultivation container. It is a figure which shows the main part of the 7th Example of the cultivation system which includes an example of the cultivation container which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an example of the cultivation container used in the example shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the main part of the 8th Example of the cultivation system which includes an example of the cultivation container which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an example of the cultivation container used in the example shown in FIG. (A) is a diagram showing a main part of a ninth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention, and (B) is a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the main part of the tenth embodiment of.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a first embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention.

The cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or an artificial light-closed plant factory.

The cultivation system includes a sub-mixing tank 34 for storing a culture solution (hereinafter, also referred to as a nutrient solution) as a liquid fertilizer adjusted to a predetermined concentration, and an oxygen mixing device 32 for the nutrient solution from the sub-mixing tank 34. A main mixing tank 26 for forcibly dissolving oxygen and the like, a pump 30 arranged in the main mixing tank 26 and supplying the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 to a distribution supply path 14 described later, and a pump 30. The distribution supply path 14 that supplies the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 to each cultivation container 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4 ... 10an and the waste liquid from each cultivation container 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4 ... 10an are collected. A plurality of cultivations in which the discharge passage 16 to be supplied to the waste liquid treatment device 22 and the nutrient solution from the distribution supply passage 14 are stored, and plants 12Pa1, 12Pa2, 12Pa3, 12Pa4 ... 12Pan of the same type and a predetermined number of strains are individually grown. Mainly, the container 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4 ... 10an, and the waste liquid treatment device 22 for removing impurities contained in the waste liquid (used nutrient solution) so that the waste liquid from the discharge path 16 can be reused. It is composed by including it as an element.

The plants 12Pa1 to 12Pa4 ... 12Pan cultivated in such a cultivation system are, for example, leafy vegetables such as lettuce having a predetermined number of strains. Note that FIG. 1 typically shows plants 12Pa1 to 12Pa4 and cultivation containers 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, and 10a4 among a plurality of plants and cultivation containers.

The sub-mixing tank 34 is connected to the water supply source 38 and the nutrient solution tank 36 in which the nutrient solution is stored. As a result, the concentration of the nutrient solution stored in the sub-mixing tank 34 is adjusted in advance to a predetermined concentration suitable for the plants 12Pa1 to 12Pa4 to be cultivated.

In order to avoid root rot of plants 12Pa1 to 12Pa4, the oxygen mixing device 32 forcibly applies pressurized air to the nutrient solution from the mixing tank 34, or dissolves oxygen at a predetermined pressure from the oxygen cylinder. It is supposed to be made. Further, the nutrient solution circulated through the pipe Du1, the distribution supply path 14, and the pipe Du2, which will be described later, is also returned to the main mixing tank 26 via the oxygen mixing device 32.

In the main mixing tank 26 as the nutrient solution storage unit, the nutrient solution LQ from the oxygen mixing device 32 is stored at a predetermined water level. Further, in the main mixing tank 26, a pump 30 connected to one end of the pipe Du1 is provided. The pump 30 is driven and controlled by a control unit (not shown). As a result, when the pump 30 is put into operation, the nutrient solution LQ in the main mixing tank 26 is supplied to the distribution supply path 14 through the pipe Du1.

The distribution supply path 14 connected to the other end of the pipe Du1 is provided with flow control valves 18UV1, 18UV2, 18UV3, and 18UV4 at predetermined intervals along the supply direction of the nutrient solution indicated by the arrow in FIG. There is. The flow control valves 18UV1, 18UV2, 18UV3, and 18UV4 are provided corresponding to the cultivation containers 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, and 10a4, respectively.

One ends of the branch supply pipes 20U1, 20U2, 20U3, and 20U4 of the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4, which will be described later, are detachably connected to the flow control valves 18UV1, 18UV2, 18UV3, and 18UV4, respectively. The flow control valves 18UV1, 18UV2, 18UV3, and 18UV4 are manually set, for example, so that the flow rate of the nutrient solution becomes a predetermined value.

The oxygen mixing device 32 described above is connected to the downstream end of the distribution supply path 14 via the pipe Du2.

Since the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 have the same structure as each other, the cultivation container 10a1 will be described, and the description of the other cultivation containers will be omitted.

The cultivation container 10a1 is made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a bag shape. In the cultivation container 10a1, the lower end of the branch supply pipe 20U1 is connected to the upper part, and the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 20D1 is connected to the lower part. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 20U1 and the branch discharge pipe 20D1 are set to be substantially the same. Hook portions 10Fa and 10Fb fixed to the housing of the cultivation system are provided on the upper part of the cultivation container 10a1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 12Pa1 to the cultivation container 10a1 is integrally formed in the opening at the upper part of the cultivation container 10a1. The plant fixing stopper 28 as a stopper member has a seal accommodating portion inside which accommodates a plurality of stacked seal members 28B. The seal accommodating portion has a substantially trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape and communicates with the upper opening 28a and the lower opening 28b of the plant fixing stopper 28. Each sealing member 28B is made of, for example, an elastic urethane material in an annular shape and has a hole 28BH through which the stem of the plant 12Pa1 penetrates. The peripheral edge of the hole 28BH is formed by a plurality of continuous arc planes as shown in FIGS. 4 (B) and 4 (C). The seal members 28B that overlap each other are stacked so that a plurality of arcs are arranged so as to be displaced along the circumferential direction. As a result, the stems of the plant 12Pa1 are brought into close contact with each other by the lines formed by the plurality of arcs of the sealing members 28B.

A predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the cultivation container 10a1. The roots of the plant 12Pa1 are immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'. In the nutrient solution LQ', one open end of the branch discharge pipe 20D1 protrudes by a predetermined length. If the water level of the nutrient solution rises, the nutrient solution is discharged through one open end of the branch discharge pipe 20D1, so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'is controlled to a predetermined water level LH corresponding to a predetermined length. The Rukoto.

The other open end of the branch discharge pipe 20D1 is detachably connected to the flow control valve 18DV1 provided in the discharge passage 16.

The discharge passage 16 is provided with flow control valves 18DV1, 18DV2, 18DV3, and 18DV4 at predetermined intervals along the discharge direction of the nutrient solution indicated by the arrow in FIG. The flow control valves 18DV1, 18DV2, 18DV3, and 18DV4 are provided corresponding to the cultivation containers 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, and 10a4, respectively. As a result, for example, when the plant 12Pa1 in the cultivation container 10a1 is harvested, the branch discharge pipe 20D1 is removed from the flow control valve 18DV1, and the branch supply pipe 20U1 is removed from the flow control valve 18UV1 for cultivation. The container 10a1 is individually removed from the distribution supply path 14 and the discharge path 16 together with the plant 12Pa1. Then, after the plant 12Pa1 is harvested, the cultivation container 10a1 is discarded. Depending on the plant varieties to be cultivated, it is conceivable to dispose of the cultivation container 10a1 after using it a plurality of times in consideration of cost and the like. Therefore, in an example of the cultivation system according to the present invention, a large amount of washing water, work for washing the tank is unnecessary, or the frequency of washing work is significantly reduced as compared with the case where the cultivation tank is reused. It is supposed to be.

The waste liquids (used nutrient liquids) discharged from the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 are merged into the discharge passage 16 through the branch discharge pipes 20D1 to 20D4, respectively. The discharge passage 16 is connected to the waste liquid treatment device 22 via the pipe Du3.

The waste liquid treatment device 22 includes, for example, a filter unit 22a, a component extraction unit 22b, a sterilization treatment unit 22c, and an oxygen mixing unit 22d. The filter unit 22a is supposed to remove foreign substances, residues, and other suspended matter contained in the waste liquid. The component extraction unit 22b is supposed to extract toxins and the like that cause self-poisoning contained in the nutrient solution filtered from the filter unit 22a. The sterilization treatment unit 22c is supposed to sterilize and sterilize molds, germs and the like contained in the nutrient solution from which toxins and the like have been extracted. The oxygen mixing unit 22d is supposed to forcibly apply pressurized air to the sterilized nutrient solution or to dissolve oxygen at a predetermined pressure from the oxygen cylinder.

The waste liquid treatment device 22 is connected to the recovery pipe 24 via the pipe Du4. As a result, the nutrient solution treated by the waste liquid treatment device 22 and made to be reusable is supplied to the recovery pipe 24 through the pipe Du4. The recovery pipe 24 is connected to the above-mentioned branch supply pipes 20U1, 20U2, 20U3, and 20U4. Therefore, the nutrient solution collected in the recovery pipe 24 and made to be reusable is newly added to the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 via the branch supply pipes 20U1, 20U2, 20U3, and 20U4 and circulated. Become.

In such a configuration, when the plants 10a1 to 10a4 are attached to the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 by the plant fixing stopper 28, the positions of the plants 10a1 to 10a4 are adjusted so that the roots of the plants 10a1 to 10a4 are immersed in the nutrient solution. At that time, since the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 are transparent containers, the position can be easily adjusted visually. Next, the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 to which the plants 10a1 to 10a4 are attached are connected to each other between the distribution supply path 14 and the discharge path 16. Subsequently, when the pump 30 is put into operation, the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 is supplied into the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 through the pipe Du1 and the distribution supply path 14. At that time, the flow control valves 18UV1, 18UV2, 18UV3, and 18UV4, the flow control valves 18DV1, 18DV2, 18DV3, and 18DV4 are adjusted so that the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 becomes the water level LH. Will be done. The waste liquid discharged from the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 and merged with the discharge passage 16 is treated by the waste liquid treatment device 22, and then the nutrient solution is supplied to the recovery pipe 24 through the pipe Du4, and the branch supply pipes 20U1 and 20U2. , 20U3, and 20U4 are newly added to the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 and circulated. Although not particularly shown in the figure, the reprocessed nutrient solution guided to the recovery pipe 24 is appropriately discharged after being circulated and used a plurality of times in consideration of deterioration of water quality. The nutrient solution temporarily stored in the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 will continue to supply sufficient nutrients and oxygen to the plants 10a1 to 10a4 while maintaining the water level. Therefore, since the plants 10a1 to 10a4 are individually arranged in the cultivation containers 10a1 to 10a4 in which the nutrient solution is stored, it is not necessary to take preventive measures against bacterial infection between the plants 10a1 to 10a4, and moreover, the cultivation containers. A large amount of water treatment for exchanging the nutrient solution in 10a1 to 10a4 is not required. Unused nutrient solution and used nutrient solution do not mix in the circulatory system. As a result, unlike the conventional case, the nutrient solution mixed with the unused solution is not disposed of at the time of replacement, which greatly saves the nutrient solution.

Furthermore, unlike the conventional cultivation system, the nutrient solution that has passed through other plants is not used, so that it is possible to prevent the contamination of germs and foreign substances. As for the nutrient components in the nutrient solution, the nutrients of the constituent conditions set in advance can be supplied to each plant. Further, even with the concentration of dissolved oxygen that causes root rot, since the one absorbed by other plants is not diverted, troubles such as infection with various germs can be prevented. The nutrient solution used by the plant itself is released directly into the drainage channel 16 and is not used by other plants.

FIG. 2A shows a main part of a second embodiment of a cultivation system including another example of the cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 2A, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 2A, although not shown, the cultivation system further includes the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. It is said that.

The cultivation system includes a distribution supply path 14 for supplying the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 and the treated nutrient solution from the pipe Du4 to the respective cultivation containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an, and for each cultivation. The discharge path 16 that collects the waste liquid from the containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an and supplies it to the waste liquid treatment device 22, and the nutrient solution from the distribution supply passage 14 are stored, and the plant 13Pa1 of the same type and a predetermined number of strains is stored. , 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4 ... 13Pan are individually grown, and a plurality of cultivation containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an are included as main elements. The water level in the cultivation container can be secured temporarily by adjusting the flow control valves on the supply side and the discharge side to create a difference in water amount.

The plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 ... Cultivated in such a cultivation system are, for example, root vegetables such as carrots, ginsengs, and radishes having a predetermined number of strains. In addition, in FIG. 2A, plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 and cultivation containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 among a plurality of plants and cultivation containers are typically shown.

Since the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 have the same structure as each other, the cultivation container 40a1 will be described, and the description of the other cultivation containers will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 3 (D), the cultivation container 40a1 is a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.). It is made of film in the shape of a bag. In the cultivation container 40a1, the lower end of the branch supply pipe 42U1 is connected to the upper part, and the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 42D1 is connected to the lower part. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 42U1 and the branch discharge pipe 42D1 are set to be substantially the same. Hook portions 40Fa and 40Fb fixed to the housing of the cultivation system are provided on the upper portion of the cultivation container 40a1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 13Pa1 to the cultivation container 40a1 is integrally formed in the opening at the upper part of the cultivation container 40a1. A joint 40Ja detachably connected to the branch supply pipe 42U1 is provided at a position adjacent to the plant fixing stopper 28. At the lower part of the cultivation container 40a1, a joint 40Jb that is detachably connected to the branch discharge pipe 42D1 is provided. The inner diameter of the joint 40Jb is set to be smaller or the same as the inner diameter of the joint 40Ja.

A stretchable bellows portion as a means for adjusting the water level according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 is formed on the entire circumference of a part of the body of the cultivation container 40a1. As a result, a predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the cultivation container 40a1 by pulling down the lower part of the cultivation container 40a1 in accordance with the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4. Air layers AH1, AH2, AH3, and AH4 are formed above the water surface of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4. In FIG. 2A, the cultivation containers 40a2 to 40a4 show a state in which they are pulled downward, respectively. The water level adjusting means is not limited to the expandable bellows portion, and a part of the body of the cultivation container 40a1 may be formed, for example, in a nested structure.

When the lower part of the cultivation container 40a1 is pulled downward, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 are adjusted to be short. That is, for example, the flexible hose (branch discharge pipe) is wound around so that the length of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4, and the space for the cultivation container is set. Can be secured. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'matches the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4.

Therefore, as the plant grows, the tip of the root grows downward, so by stretching the cultivation container (bag), only the position of the water level is adjusted to the root growth while maintaining the water depth of the nutrient solution. Can be moved. By adjusting this while observing the growth of the plant, it becomes possible to grow the root vegetables while causing the roots to enlarge. Even if there are variations in growth for each cultivation container (bag), care can be taken according to the degree of plant growth. In addition, the roots of the underground system and the nutrient solution, which are the infection route, are blocked between the plants because they maintain a certain degree of airtightness in the circulation, supply, and cultivation of the nutrient solution. As a result, even if the neighboring plant is infected with a disease, it is difficult to transmit.

FIG. 2B shows a main part of a third embodiment of a cultivation system including another example of the cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 2B, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 2B, although not shown, the cultivation system further includes the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. It is said that.

The cultivation system includes a distribution supply path 14 for supplying the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 and the treated nutrient solution from the pipe Du4 to the respective cultivation containers 50a1, 50a2, 50a3, 50a4 ... 50an, and for each cultivation. The discharge path 16 that collects the waste liquid from the containers 50a1, 50a2, 50a3, 50a4 ... 50an and supplies it to the waste liquid treatment device 22, and the nutrient solution from the distribution supply passage 14 are stored, and the plant 13Pa1 of the same type and a predetermined number of strains is stored. , 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4 ... 13Pan are individually grown, and a plurality of cultivation containers 50a1, 50a2, 50a3, 50a4 ... 50an are included as main elements.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the cultivation container 50a1 is made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a bag shape. Has been done. In the cultivation container 50a1, the lower end of the branch supply pipe 52U1 is connected to the upper part, and the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 52D1 is connected to the lower part. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 52U1 and the branch discharge pipe 52D1 are set to be substantially the same. A hook portion (not shown) fixed to the housing of the cultivation system is provided on the upper portion of the cultivation container 50a1. The branch discharge pipe 52D1 may be formed of, for example, a flexible hose.

Further, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 13Pa1 to the cultivation container 50a1 is fitted in the opening at the upper part of the cultivation container 50a1.

A stretchable bellows portion is formed on the entire circumference of a part of the body of the cultivation container 50a1. As a result, a predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the cultivation container 50a1 by pulling down the lower part of the cultivation container 50a1 in accordance with the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4. Air layers AH1, AH2, AH3, and AH4 are formed above the water surface of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation containers 50a1 to 50a4. In FIG. 2B, the cultivation containers 50a2 to 50a4 show a state in which they are pulled downward, respectively. The body of the cultivation container 50a1 is not limited to the expandable bellows portion, and a part of the body of the cultivation container 50a1 may be formed in a nested manner, for example.

A predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the cultivation container 50a1. The roots of plant 13Pa1 are immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'. One open end of the branch discharge pipe 52D1 protrudes into the nutrient solution LQ'by a predetermined length. If the water level of the nutrient solution rises, the nutrient solution is discharged through one open end of the branch discharge pipe 52D1, so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'is controlled to a predetermined water level corresponding to a predetermined length. It will be.

When the lower part of the cultivation container 50a1 is pulled downward, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 52D1 to 52D4 are adjusted to be short. That is, for example, the length of the branch discharge pipes 52D1 to 52D4 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4, for example, the flexible hose (branch discharge pipe) becomes a winding state and the cultivation container. Space can be secured. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'matches the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4.

FIG. 2C shows a main part of a fourth embodiment of a cultivation system including another example of the cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 2C, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 2C, although not shown, the cultivation system further includes the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. It is said that.

The cultivation system includes a distribution supply path 14 for supplying the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 and the treated nutrient solution from the pipe Du4 to the respective cultivation containers 60a1, 60a2, 60a3, 60a4 ... 60an, and for each cultivation. The discharge path 16 that collects the waste liquid from the containers 60a1, 60a2, 60a3, 60a4 ... 60an and supplies it to the waste liquid treatment device 22, and the nutrient solution from the distribution supply passage 14 are stored, and the plant 13Pa1 of the same type and a predetermined number of strains is stored. , 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4 ... 13Pan are individually grown, and a plurality of cultivation containers 60a1, 60a2, 60a3, 60a4 ... 60an are included as main elements.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (C) and 3 (C), the cultivation container 60a1 is a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.). It is made of film in the shape of a bag. In the cultivation container 60a1, the lower end of the branch supply pipe 62U1 is connected to the upper part, and the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 62D1 is connected to the lower part. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 62U1 and the branch discharge pipe 62D1 are set to be substantially the same. Hook portions 60Fa and 60Fb fixed to the housing of the cultivation system are provided on the upper portion of the cultivation container 60a1.

Further, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 13Pa1 to the cultivation container 60a1 is fitted in the opening at the upper part of the cultivation container 60a1.

A predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the cultivation container 60a1. The roots of plant 13Pa1 are immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'. As shown in FIG. 3C, a water level adjusting pipe 61 fixed to one open end of the branch discharge pipe 62D1 projects in the nutrient solution LQ'by a predetermined length. Initially, the water level adjusting pipe 61 protrudes into the nutrient solution LQ'by a predetermined length with the bottom of the cultivation container 60a1 folded inward. When lowering the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation container 60a1 according to the growth of the plant 13Pa1, the bottom of the cultivation container 60a1 is gradually pulled out toward the outside, so that one open end of the water level adjusting pipe 61 Will gradually decrease downward, so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'will decrease.

Further, if the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'rises, the nutrient solution is discharged through one open end of the water level adjusting pipe 61, so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ' corresponds to a predetermined protrusion length. It will be controlled by the water level of.

In addition, in one example of the cultivation container which concerns on this invention, it is not limited to such an example, and may be configured as shown in FIG. 3A, for example. In FIG. 3A, the cultivation container 70a1 is made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a bag shape. In the cultivation container 70a1, the lower end of the branch supply pipe is connected to the upper part, and the upper end of the branch discharge pipe is connected to the lower part. Hook portions 70Fa and 70Fb fixed to the housing of the cultivation system are provided on the upper part of the cultivation container 70a1.

Further, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 13Pa1 as described above to the cultivation container 70a1 is fitted in the opening at the upper part of the cultivation container 70a1. A joint 70Ja detachably connected to the branch supply pipe is provided at an adjacent position of the plant fixing stopper 28. At the lower part of the cultivation container 70a1, a joint 70Jb that is detachably connected to the branch discharge pipe is provided. The inner diameter of the joint 70Jb is set to be smaller or the same as the inner diameter of the joint 70Ja.

Further, in the modified example of the cultivation container according to the present invention, it may be configured as shown in FIG. 3 (B). In FIG. 3B, the cultivation container 80a1 is made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a bag shape. In the cultivation container 80a1, the lower end of the branch supply pipe is connected to the upper part, and the upper end of the branch discharge pipe is connected to the lower part. Hook portions 80Fa and 80Fb fixed to the housing of the cultivation system are provided on the upper portion of the cultivation container 80a1.

Further, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 13Pa1 as described above to the cultivation container 80a1 is fitted in the opening at the upper part of the cultivation container 80a1. A connection pipe 80UH that is detachably connected to the branch supply pipe is provided at a position adjacent to the plant fixing stopper 28. At the lower part of the cultivation container 80a1, a connection pipe 80DH that is detachably connected to the branch discharge pipe is provided. The inner diameter of the connecting pipe 80DH is set to be smaller or the same as the inner diameter of the connecting pipe 80UH.

Further, in the fourth embodiment of the cultivation system including another example of the cultivation container according to the present invention described above, in addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the cultivation containers 60a1 to 60a4 have the heat insulating wall 64. And may be configured to be enclosed by 66. The heat insulating walls 64 and 66 are made of a heat insulating material such as Styrofoam. This reduces heating and cooling costs.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the configuration of a fifth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 2 (A) are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 6, the cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or an artificial light-closed plant factory.

The cultivation system includes a first tank 44 for storing a culture solution LQ (hereinafter, also referred to as a nutrient solution) as a liquid fertilizer adjusted to a predetermined concentration, a second tank 46 for storing dilution water, and a first tank 44. A mixing control valve 48 for mixing the nutrient solution from the above and the water for dilution from the second tank 46, a main mixing tank 26 for storing the nutrient solution SLQ having a predetermined concentration from the mixing control valve 48, and a main mixing tank. The pump 30 which is arranged in 26 and supplies the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 to the distribution supply path 14 via the oxygen mixing device 32, and the nutrient solution from the oxygen mixing device 32 and the distribution supply path 14 are cultivated respectively. A distribution supply path 14 that supplies the containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an, and a discharge path 16 that collects the waste liquid from the cultivation containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an and supplies the waste liquid to the waste liquid treatment device 22. , Multiple cultivation containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an for storing the nutrient solution from the distribution supply channel 14 and individually growing plants 13Pa1, 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4 ... And a waste liquid treatment device 22 for removing impurities contained in the waste liquid (used nutrient solution) so that the waste liquid from the discharge passage 16 can be reused, as a main element.

Further, the concentration detector 110a1 that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution in the upstream end of the distribution supply path 14, and the dissolved oxygen of the waste liquid that passes through the flow control valves 18DV1, 18DV2, 18DV3, and 18DV4, respectively. Concentration detectors 110a2, 110a3, 110a4, 110a5 that detect the concentration and send out the detection output, and the concentration detector that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the final end in the discharge path 16 and sends out the detection output. It is provided with 110aT (second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector described later). When grasping the total oxygen consumption of the plant in the total cultivation container, the total oxygen consumption of the plant in the total cultivation container is obtained only by the two concentration detectors, the concentration detector 110a1 and the concentration detector 110aT. May be grasped. As a result, the equipment cost will be reduced as compared with the case where the dissolved oxygen detectors are installed as many as the number of cultivation containers.

Further, an EC sensor (conductivity meter) 108 that detects the electric conductivity (conductivity) of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 and sends out the detection output SE is provided. The cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 are provided with a table 54 that supports the bottom of the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 and extends the bellows portion of the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 downward by a predetermined amount. The drive mechanism for driving the table 54 includes a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the table 54, a drive motor for driving the lift mechanism, and the like. The raising and lowering of the table 54 is not limited to such an example. For example, after the growth of the plant is visually confirmed by the worker, the worker raises and lowers the table 54 and the nutrient solution in the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4. The water level may be adjusted.

The branch discharge pipe 42DU connected to the bottom of the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 is, for example, a flexible flexible tube. As a result, when the bellows portion of the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 is gradually stretched by the table 54, the branch discharge pipe 42DU is gradually curved as shown in FIG.

A fifth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention further includes a control unit 100 in addition to such a configuration, as shown in FIG.

The control unit 100 includes a concentration detector 110a1, a concentration detector 110a2, 110a3, 110a4, 110a5, and a detection output group SO representing the dissolved oxygen concentration from the concentration detector 110aT as the second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector. Based on the input detection output input unit 102 and the data representing the dissolved oxygen concentration from the detection output input unit 102, the health indexes of the plants 13Pa1, 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4 ... 13Pan in the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4 are calculated. , The concentration adjustment control unit 106 that adjusts the concentration of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 and the dissolved oxygen concentration via the oxygen mixing device 32 based on the obtained health index, and the concentration adjustment control unit 106 that will be described later are executed. From the program to be used, the lookup table data showing the relationship between the reference health index and the dissolved oxygen concentration when calculating the health index, the obtained health index data for each cultivation container 40a1 to 40a4, and the liquid temperature sensor. It is provided with a data storage unit 104 that stores data representing the temperature of the nutrient solution and data representing the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution based on the detection output from the EC sensor 108. Although not shown, the control unit 100 further controls the temperature adjustment control unit that adjusts and controls the temperature of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 based on the detection output from the temperature sensor, and the drive control of the table 54. It also has a table control unit.

When the concentration adjustment control unit 106 in the control unit 100 calculates the health index for each of the plants 13Pa1, 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4 ... 13Pan in the cultivation containers 40a1 to 40a4, the dissolved oxygen represented by the detection output from the concentration detector 110a1. The difference between the concentration and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid of each cultivation container 40a1 to 40a4 represented by each detection output from the concentration detectors 110a2 to 110a4 is calculated. Alternatively, when the total oxygen consumption of the plant in the entire cultivation container is grasped only by the two concentration detectors, the concentration detector 110a1 and the concentration detector 110aT, the concentration adjustment control unit 106 determines the concentration detector 110a1. The difference between the dissolved oxygen concentration represented by the detection output from and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the final end of the discharge path 16 represented by each detection output from the concentration detector 110aT is calculated. That is, the concentration adjustment control unit 106 is the sum of the dissolved oxygen concentration represented by the detection output from the concentration detector 110a1 and the total cultivation container represented by the detection output from the concentration detector 110aT as the second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector. Calculate the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration.

The relationship between this difference and the health index will be described below with reference to the cultivation system schematically shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, cultivation containers 8a1, 8a2, 8a3 are arranged between the distribution supply path 14 and the discharge path 16 as in the example shown in FIG. The cultivation containers 8a1, 8a2, 8a3 are connected by branch supply pipes 6U1, 6U2, 6U3, branch discharge pipes 6D1, 6D2, and 6D3, respectively. The water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation containers 8a1, 8a2, 8a3 is controlled by the protruding lengths of the branch discharge pipes 6D1, 6D2, and 6D3 in the cultivation containers 8a1, 8a2, 8a3. The amount of waste liquid discharged is controlled by each flow rate control valves 4DV1 to 4DV3. Further, the concentration detector 110a1 for detecting the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution in the upstream end of the distribution supply path 14, and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the flow control valves 4DV1, 4DV2, and 4DV3, respectively, are measured. A concentration detector 110a2, 110a3, 110a4, and a concentration detector 110aT that detect and send out the detection output are provided.

In such a configuration, for example, assuming that the plant 13Pa1 in the cultivation container 8a1 grows normally and becomes a state like the plant 13Pa2, the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution based on the detection output from the concentration detector 110a1 When the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution based on the detection output from the concentration detector 110a3 becomes a + value, the difference is the amount of oxygen absorbed by the plant 13Pa2 (oxygen consumption), and the health of the plant. It will represent the state. That is, as the difference increases, the plant is in good health. On the other hand, if the difference tends to decrease, there is a possibility of illness, infection, or poor growth. In such a case, the supply of the nutrient solution to the selected cultivation container and the plant can be stopped, and the selected cultivation container and the plant can be disposed of. The oxygen consumption in a predetermined period and the health indexes of various plants are mapped and stored in advance as look-up table data. By measuring and observing such fluctuations in oxygen consumption for each plant and managing the health condition, it is possible to take early measures in cultivation.

The concentration adjustment control unit 106 calculates the health index for each plant with reference to the lookup table data based on the difference in the obtained dissolved oxygen concentration, and when the health index is equal to or more than a predetermined value or less than a predetermined value, the cultivation thereof is performed. A container and a plant are selected and stored in the storage unit 104 as data. As a result, the cultivation container and the plant are designated as priority observation plants. At that time, the caution light provided in the designated cultivation container may be configured to blink.

When the health index is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the table 54 of the designated cultivation container is lowered by a predetermined amount, so that the water level of the nutrient solution in the designated cultivation container is maintained at a predetermined value. .. On the other hand, when the health index is less than a predetermined value, the flow control valve or the like is closed, the supply of the nutrient solution to the designated cultivation container is stopped, and the designated cultivation container is discarded.

Further, when the health index is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is determined based on the detection output from the EC sensor 108 whether or not the concentration of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 is an appropriate value for the plant to be cultivated. When the concentration of the liquid is not an appropriate value for the plant to be cultivated, the concentration adjustment control unit 106 sets the EC sensor 108 so that the concentration of the nutrient solution in the cultivation container becomes an appropriate predetermined value. The look-up table data is referred to based on the detection output from, a drive control signal CD is formed, and the drive control signal CD is supplied to the mixing control valve 48. The above-mentioned look-up table data is represented by, for example, the conductivity, the concentration of the nutrient solution, and the flow rate of the nutrient solution in the mixing control valve 48 as parameters.

The control unit 100 provided in the fifth embodiment of the cultivation system according to the present invention is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and the water level control program of the nutrient solution in the cultivation container executed by the microcomputer is shown in the figure. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in 8.

In FIG. 8, after the start, the control unit 100 captures each detection output signal in step SA1, and in the subsequent step SA2, the dissolved oxygen concentration represented by the detection output from the concentration detector 110a1 and the dissolved oxygen concentration from the concentration detectors 110a2 to 110a4. Calculate the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid of each cultivation container 40a1 to 40a4 represented by each detection output, or the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the final end of the discharge path 16 from the concentration detector 110aT. , Step SA3. In step SA3, the health index for each plant (cultivation container) is calculated and stored with reference to the lookup table data based on the difference in the dissolved oxygen concentration obtained, and in the subsequent step SA4, it is read from the storage unit 104. The health condition of each plant is judged based on the data showing the health index of each plant (cultivation container). If the health index is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in step SA4 and it is determined that the selected plant is in a good health condition, the process proceeds to step SA5, and the plant in the specific good health condition (cultivation container). Is selected, and in the subsequent step SA6, the drive motor of the table 54 of the selected cultivation container is put into an operating state, the table 54 is lowered by a predetermined amount, and the program ends.

Further, in step SA4, when the health index is less than a predetermined value and it is determined that the health condition of the selected plant is in a poor state, in the following step SA7, the plant in a poor health condition (cultivation container). ) Is selected, the process proceeds to step SA8, and the caution light is blinked to stop the supply of the nutrient solution to the plant (cultivation container), and the program ends.

The observer goes to the lit plant (cultivation container) and observes the condition. At the same time as taking action based on the judgment result, turn off the caution light. The result information determined by visual confirmation is registered in the storage unit 104, and the program ends. It will be reflected in the improvement of the judgment accuracy that the program judges from the next time onward.

Further, the concentration adjustment control program of the nutrient solution in the cultivation container executed by such a microcomputer will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, the control unit 100 captures each detection output signal in step SB1 after the start, and in the subsequent step SB2, the dissolved oxygen concentration represented by the detection output from the concentration detector 110a1 and the dissolved oxygen concentration from the concentration detectors 110a2 to 110a4. Calculate the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid of each cultivation container 40a1 to 40a4 represented by each detection output, or the difference from the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the final end of the discharge path 16 from the concentration detector 110aT. , Step SB3. In step SB3, the health index for each plant (cultivation container) is calculated and stored with reference to the lookup table data based on the difference in the obtained dissolved oxygen concentration, and in the subsequent step SB4, it is read out from the storage unit 104. The health condition of each plant is judged based on the data showing the health index of each plant (cultivation container). If the health index is equal to or higher than the predetermined value in step SB4 and it is determined that all the plants are in good health, the process proceeds to step SB5, and the concentration of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 is measured from the EC sensor 108. It is judged whether or not it is appropriate for each plant based on the detection output of the above and the predetermined lookup table data, and when it is judged that the concentration of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 is appropriate, the program is terminated. ..

In step SB4, when the health index is less than a predetermined value and it is determined that the health condition of at least one plant is in a poor state, in the following step SB6, the concentration of the nutrient solution in the cultivation container is appropriately determined. The concentration adjustment control unit 106 refers to the look-up table data based on the detection output from the EC sensor 108, forms a drive control signal CD, supplies the drive control signal CD, and supplies the drive control signal CD to the mixing control valve 48. Proceed to step SB7. In step SB7, the temperature of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 is adjusted to an appropriate predetermined temperature based on the detection output signal from the temperature sensor, and the mixed oxygen concentration in the supplied nutrient solution is set to be mixed. Adjust and exit the program.

Further, in step SB5, when it is determined that the concentration of the nutrient solution in the main mixing tank 26 is not appropriate for each plant based on the detection output from the EC sensor 108 and the predetermined look-up table data, the steps SB6 and subsequent steps are performed. Perform the steps as described above to exit the program.

In the cultivation system shown in FIG. 6 above, a plurality of cultivation containers 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4 ... 40an are provided, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, FIG. 2 (B). The cultivation container 50a1, 50a2, 50a3, 50a4 ... 50an shown in the above may be provided.

In the above example, plants of the same type 12Pa1 to 12Pa4 and plants of the same type 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 are contained in each cultivation container, but the present invention is not limited to these examples, and for example, a nutrient solution can be used. Different types of plants that can be shared may be contained in each cultivation container. Moreover, the plant to be cultivated is not limited to leaf vegetables and root vegetables, and may be, for example, fruits and the like.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the configuration of a sixth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 2A are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 10, the cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or an artificial light-closed plant factory.

In FIG. 10, although not shown, the cultivation system is further provided with the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. NS.

In the example shown in FIG. 2 (A), the cultivation container 40a1 is made into a bag shape with a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as GL film (manufactured by Letterpress Printing Co., Ltd.). A stretchable bellows portion as a means for adjusting the water level according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 is formed on the entire circumference of a part of the body of the cultivation container 40a1, but instead. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the cultivation container 90a1 is provided with the nutrient solution cup 92 and the receiving bag 94 movably inside the cylindrical moisturizing cover member 90C.

Note that, in FIG. 10, typically, plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 and cultivation containers 90a1, 90a2, 90a3, 90a4 out of a plurality of plants 13Pa1 to 13Pan and cultivation containers 90a1 to 90an are shown.

Since the cultivation containers 90a1 to 90a4 have the same structure as each other, the cultivation container 90a1 will be described, and the description of the other cultivation containers will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the cultivation container 90a1 includes a moisturizing cover member 90C forming an outer shell portion thereof, a nutrient solution cup 92 movably arranged inside the moisturizing cover member 90C, and a nutrient solution cup 92. It includes a receiving bag 94, and a fixture 90W for fixing the nutrient solution cup 92 and the receiving bag 94 to the moisturizing cover member 90C.

The moisturizing cover member 90C is made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a tubular shape. The moisturizing cover member 90C has open ends at both ends. An annular resin support frame 90L is fixed to the inside of one open end of the moisturizing cover member 90C by a fastening band 90B. The support frame 90L is supported by a housing of a cultivation system (not shown).

The support frame 90L is covered by the lid member 90T by being connected to the lid member 90T forming the upper portion of the cultivation container 40a1. The lower end of the branch supply pipe 42U1 is detachably connected to the upper portion of the joint 90Ja in the lid member 90T. Further, the discharge port 94D of the receiving bag 94, which will be described later, is detachably connected to the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 42D1. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 42U1 and the branch discharge pipe 42D1 are set to be substantially the same.

Further, a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 13Pa1 to the lid member 90T is integrally formed in the opening of the lid member 90T.

Inside the body of the moisturizing cover member 90C, a nutrient solution cup 92 and a receiving bag 94 as nutrient solution storage means are fixed at predetermined positions by a fixture 90W. As shown in FIG. 10, the positions of the nutrient solution cup 92 and the receiving bag 94 are set so that a part thereof is always immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'as the tip of the plant 13Pa1 grows.

The nutrient solution cup 92 that opens toward the support frame 90L is made of a transparent or translucent material having a predetermined thickness, and has a nutrient solution storage portion 92A having a substantially truncated cone-shaped vertical cross section inside. At predetermined positions on the side wall portion forming the nutrient solution storage portion 92A, for example, holes 92a are formed at four locations on a common circumference at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. As a result, when the nutrient solution LQ'is supplied into the nutrient solution cup 92 so that the liquid level at the uppermost end of the nutrient solution LQ' reaches a higher position closer to the opening end than the position of the hole 92a, the nutrient solution LQ'is nourished. The liquid LQ'will leak between the inside of the receiving bag 94 and the outside of the nutrient solution cup 92.

A part of the opening end at the outer peripheral portion of the nutrient solution cup 92 as a nutrient solution storage means is adhered to the opening end at the inner peripheral portion of the receiving bag 94 made of a transparent or translucent material having a predetermined thickness. There is. At the lowermost end of the receiving bag 94, a discharge port 94D for discharging the nutrient solution LQ'leaked through the above-mentioned hole 92a is provided.

As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the fixture 90W includes a C-shaped metal wire 90Wa, a screwing portion 90Wc formed at both ends of the wire 90Wa, and an adjusting screw 90Wb fitted to the screwing portion 90Wc. It is composed of and. In such a configuration, when the adjusting screw 90Wb is screwed into the screwing portion 90Wc so that the screwing portion 90Wc is close to or separated from each other, the nutrient solution cup 92 and the receiving bag 94 are placed on the body of the moisturizing cover member 90C. The inside of the portion is fixed or released by the wire 90Wa.

Therefore, the water level adjusting means according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 is formed by the moisturizing cover member 90C, the nutrient solution cup 92 having the hole 92a, and the fixture 90W. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted through the moisturizing cover member 90C and the nutrient solution cup 92 so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'matches the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4.

As a result, by loosening the fixture 90W, the relative position of the nutrient solution cup 92 with respect to the moisturizing cover member 90C is adjusted downward according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4, whereby a predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ' Will be stored in the nutrient solution cup 92. An air layer is formed above the liquid level of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation containers 90a1 to 90a4. In addition, in FIG. 10, the cultivation containers 90a2 to 90a4 show a state in which the nutrient solution cup 92 and the receiving bag 94 are lowered downward and their positions are adjusted, respectively.

When the nutrient solution cup 92 and the receiving bag 94 are lowered, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 are adjusted to be short. That is, for example, the flexible hose (branch discharge pipe) is wound around so that the length of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4, and the space for the cultivation container is set. Can be secured.

Therefore, as the plant grows, the tip of the root extends downward. Therefore, by adjusting the relative position of the nutrient solution cup 92 with respect to the moisturizing cover member 90C, the water level of the nutrient solution is maintained while maintaining the water level. Only the position of can be moved according to the growth of the root. By adjusting this while observing the growth of the plant, it becomes possible to grow the root vegetables while causing the roots to enlarge. Even if there are variations in growth for each cultivation container, care can be taken according to the degree of growth of the plant. In addition, the roots of the underground system and the nutrient solution, which are the infection route, are blocked between the plants because they maintain a certain degree of airtightness in the circulation, supply, and cultivation of the nutrient solution. As a result, even if the neighboring plant is infected with a disease, it is difficult to transmit.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the configuration of a seventh embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 12, the same components as those in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 11 (A) are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

The nutrient solution cup 92 in the example shown in FIG. 10 is arranged inside the receiving bag 94 having the discharge port 94D. Instead, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the receiving bag 94 is arranged. It is assumed that the nutrient solution cup 92'provides the nutrient solution discharge joint 96 without providing the nutrient solution cup 92'.

In FIG. 12, the cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or artificial light-closed plant factory.

In FIG. 12, although not shown, the cultivation system is further provided with the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. NS.

In addition, in FIG. 12, typically, among a plurality of plants 13Pa1 to 13Pan and cultivation containers 90'a1 to 90'an, plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 and cultivation containers 90'a1, 90'a2, 90'a3 , 90'a4 are shown.

Since the cultivation containers 90'a1 to 90'a4 have the same structure as each other, the cultivation container 90'a1 will be described, and the description of the other cultivation containers will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the cultivation container 90'a1 includes a moisturizing cover member 90C forming an outer shell thereof, a nutrient solution cup 92'movably arranged inside the moisturizing cover member 90C, and the like. It is configured to include a fixture 90W for fixing the nutrient solution cup 92'to the moisturizing cover member 90C.

The lid member 90T shown in FIG. 13 is provided with hook portions 90'Fa and 90'Fb fixed to the housing of the cultivation system. The lower end of the branch supply pipe 42U1 is detachably connected to the upper portion of the joint 90Ja in the lid member 90T. Further, the joint 96 of the nutrient solution cup 92'is detachably connected to the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 42D1. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 42U1 and the branch discharge pipe 42D1 are set to be substantially the same. The inner diameter of the joint 90Ja is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the joint 96 of the nutrient solution cup 92'.

The nutrient solution cup 92'is made of a transparent or translucent material having a predetermined thickness, and has a substantially truncated cone-shaped nutrient solution storage portion 92'A inside. The nutrient solution cup 92'is inserted into the moisturizing cover member 90C, adjusted to an arbitrary height position by a jig, and fixed by a fixture 90W. The end of the joint 96 projects from the inner bottom of the nutrient solution storage portion 92'A by a predetermined length LH. If the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'rises, the nutrient solution is discharged through one open end of the joint 96, so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'is controlled to a predetermined water level corresponding to a predetermined length. It will be. The joint 96 is provided substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom portion of the nutrient solution storage portion 92'A. As a result, the nutrient solution LQ'is supplied into the nutrient solution cup 92'so that the liquid level at the uppermost end of the nutrient solution LQ' reaches a higher position closer to the opening end than the position of the end portion of the joint 96. In this case, the nutrient solution LQ'flows out of the nutrient solution cup 92 through the joint 96 and the branch discharge pipe 42D1.

Therefore, the water level adjusting means according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 is formed by the moisturizing cover member 90C, the nutrient solution cup 92'having the joint 96, and the fixture 90W. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted through the moisturizing cover member 90C and the nutrient solution cup 92'so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'matches the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4. In particular, the water level can be visually adjusted so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'matches the vicinity of the portion where the root tip of the plant 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 begins to enlarge.

As a result, by loosening the fixture 90W, the relative position of the nutrient solution cup 92'with respect to the moisturizing cover member 90C is adjusted downward according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4, whereby a predetermined amount of nutrient solution LQ '' Will be stored in the nutrient solution cup 92 ′. An air layer is formed above the liquid level of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation containers 90'a1 to 90'a4. In addition, in FIG. 12, each of the cultivation containers 90'a2 to 90'a4 shows a state in which the nutrient solution cup 92'is lowered downward and the position is adjusted.

When the nutrient solution cup 92'is lowered, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 are adjusted to be shortened. That is, for example, the flexible hose (branch discharge pipe) is wound around so that the length of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4, and the space for the cultivation container is set. Can be secured.

Therefore, as the plant grows, the tip of the root extends downward. Therefore, by adjusting the relative position of the nutrient solution cup 92'with respect to the moisturizing cover member 90C, the water depth of the nutrient solution is maintained. Only the position of the water level can be moved according to the growth of the roots. By adjusting this while observing the growth of the plant, it becomes possible to grow the root vegetables while causing the roots to enlarge. Even if there are variations in growth for each cultivation container, care can be taken according to the degree of growth of the plant. In addition, the roots of the underground system and the nutrient solution, which are the infection route, are blocked between the plants because they maintain a certain degree of airtightness in the circulation, supply, and cultivation of the nutrient solution. As a result, even if the neighboring plant is infected with a disease, it is difficult to transmit.

FIG. 14 schematically shows the configuration of an eighth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 14, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 2 (A) are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 14, the cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or artificial light-closed plant factory.

In FIG. 14, the cultivation system is further provided with the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22, although not shown. NS.

In the example shown in FIG. 2 (A), the cultivation container 40a1 is made into a bag shape with a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as GL film (manufactured by Letterpress Printing Co., Ltd.). A stretchable bellows portion as a means for adjusting the water level according to the growth of the plants 13Pa1 to 13Pa4 is formed on the entire circumference of a part of the body of the cultivation container 40a1, but instead. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the cultivation container 100a1 surrounds the nutrient solution tray 112, which can move according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3, with the moisturizing cover members 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D. It is supposed to be provided in the internal space.

Note that FIG. 14 typically shows plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa4 and cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and 100a3 out of a plurality of plants 15Pa1 to 15Pan and cultivation containers 100a1 to 100an. The plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 ... Cultivated in such a cultivation system are, for example, root vegetables such as carrots, ginsengs, and radishes having a predetermined number of strains.

Since the cultivation containers 100a1 to 100a3 have the same structure as each other, the cultivation container 100a1 will be described, and the description of the other cultivation containers will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the cultivation container 100a1 is in an internal space surrounded by the moisturizing cover members 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D forming the outer shell thereof, and the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D. The nutrient solution tray 112, which is movably arranged in the water, and the fixture 108B, which fixes the nutrient solution tray 112 to the inner peripheral portions of the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D, are included as main elements. There is.

The moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D are each made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a strip shape. The upper ends of the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D are fixed to the outer peripheral portions of each side of the frame-shaped resin support frame 104 by the fixture 108A, respectively. The lower ends of the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D are wound by a predetermined length. At that time, at each corner of the support frame 104, the upper ends of the moisturizing cover members 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D are formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D and each corner of the support frame 104. It is sandwiched between it and the outer peripheral surface. The lower ends of the moisturizing cover members 110A to 110D are wound by a predetermined length. As a result, when the moving table 114 is lowered by a predetermined amount according to the growth of the plant 15Pa1 after the fixture 108B is loosened, the lower ends of the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D and the moisturizing cover members 110A to 110A to The wound end at the lower end of 110D is unfolded. That is, the moisturizing cover members 110A to 110D can be expanded and contracted. Further, since the lower ends of the moisturizing cover members 110A to 110D are wound by a predetermined length, they do not hinder the movement of the moving table 114, and the space formed below the moving table 114 is used. It is also possible to do.

The support frame 104 is fixed to the support member 116 supported by the housing of the cultivation system. The support frame 104 is connected to a lid member 102 that forms an upper portion of the cultivation container 100a1. As a result, the lid member 102 closes the internal space surrounded by the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D and the like. The joint 102Ja in the lid member 102 is detachably connected to the lower end of the branch supply pipe 42U1. Further, the lower end of the discharge pipe 112D in the nutrient solution tray 112, which will be described later, is detachably connected to the upper end of the branch discharge pipe 42D1. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipe 42U1 and the branch discharge pipe 42D1 are set to be substantially the same.

Further, each of the plurality of openings in the lid member 102 is integrally formed with a plant fixing stopper 28 for fixing the plant 15Pa1 to the lid member 102.

Inside the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D, a nutrient solution tray 112 as a nutrient solution storage means is fixed at a predetermined position by a fixture 108B. As shown in FIG. 14, the position of the nutrient solution tray 112 is set so that a part thereof is always immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'as the tip of the plant 15Pa1 grows.

The nutrient solution tray 112 that opens toward the support frame 14 is made of a transparent or translucent material having a predetermined thickness, and has a nutrient solution storage portion 112A inside. At a predetermined position on the bottom wall portion forming the nutrient solution storage portion 112A, one end of the discharge pipe 112D protrudes into the nutrient solution storage portion 112A by a predetermined length.

In addition, a moving table 114 that supports the nutrient solution tray 112 so as to be able to move up and down is provided. The moving table 114 is connected to a table elevating mechanism portion (not shown). As a result, the moving table 114 can be raised and lowered by the table raising and lowering mechanism unit. The driving method of the table elevating mechanism may be a manual type or an electric type.

Therefore, the water level adjusting means according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 is formed by the nutrient solution tray 112 having the discharge pipe 112D, the moving table 114, and the table elevating mechanism portion. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted through the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D and the nutrient solution tray 112 so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'is aligned with the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3.

As a result, by loosening the fixture 108B, the positions of the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving table 114 are adjusted downward according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3, so that a part of the tip of the plant 15Pa1 is always present. The nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the nutrient solution tray 112 so as to be constantly immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'. An air layer is formed above the liquid level of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation containers 100a1 to 100a3. In addition, in FIG. 14, the cultivation container 100a2 and 100a3 show a state in which the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving table 114 are lowered by a predetermined amount downward and their positions are adjusted, respectively.

When the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving table 114 are lowered, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 are adjusted to be shortened. That is, the length of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3. Can be secured.

Therefore, as the plant grows, the tip of the root grows downward, so by adjusting the position of the nutrient solution tray 112, the root grows only at the water level while maintaining the water depth of the nutrient solution. It can be moved according to. By adjusting this while observing the growth of the plant, it becomes possible to grow the root vegetables while causing the roots to enlarge. Even if there are variations in growth for each cultivation container, care can be taken according to the degree of growth of the plant. In addition, the roots of the underground system and the nutrient solution, which are the infection route, are blocked between the plants because they maintain a certain degree of airtightness in the circulation, supply, and cultivation of the nutrient solution. As a result, even if the neighboring plant is infected with a disease, it is difficult to transmit.

FIG. 16A schematically shows the configuration of a ninth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 16A, the same components as those in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 14 are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 16A, the cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or artificial light-closed plant factory.

In FIG. 16A, although not shown, the cultivation system further includes the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. It is supposed to be.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the support frames 104 in the cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and 100a3 are fixed to the common support member 116 supported by the housing of the cultivation system, and the nutrient solution tray 112 Although fixed to the moving table 114, instead, in the example shown in FIG. 16A, the cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and the support frame 104 in 100a3 are the moving tables 116A, 116B, respectively. And, supported by 116C, the nutrient solution trays 112 in the cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and 100a3 are respectively provided with a configuration in which they are fixed to a common fixed table 115.

Note that, in FIG. 16A, typically, a plurality of plants 15Pa1 to 15Pan and plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 out of cultivation containers 100a1 to 100an, and cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and 100a3 are shown. ..

The support frames 104 in the cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and 100a3 are connected to the moving tables 116A, 116B, and 116C, respectively. The moving tables 116A, 116B, and 116C are connected to a table elevating mechanism portion (not shown). As a result, the moving tables 116A, 116B, and 116C can be raised and lowered by the table raising and lowering mechanism unit. The driving method of the table elevating mechanism may be a manual type or an electric type.

The joints 102Ja of the lid member 102 of the cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2, and 100a3 are detachably connected to the lower ends of the branch supply pipes 42'U1, 42'U2, and 42'U3. Further, the lower end of the discharge pipe 112D of the nutrient solution tray 112 of the cultivation containers 100a1, 100a2 and 100a3 is detachably connected to the upper ends of the branch discharge pipes 43D1, 43D2 and 43D3. The inner diameters of the branch supply pipes 42'U1, 42'U2, and 42'U3 and the inner diameters of the branch discharge pipes 43D1, 43D2, and 43D3 having the same length are set to be substantially the same. The lid member 102 may be provided with a hook portion (not shown) fixed to the moving table 116A together with the support frame 104.

A common fixed table 115 to which the nutrient solution tray 112 is fixed is supported by the housing of the cultivation system.

Therefore, the water level adjusting means according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 is formed by the nutrient solution tray 112 having the discharge pipe 112D, the moving tables 116A, 116B, and 116C, and the table elevating mechanism portion. Become. If the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'rises, the nutrient solution LQ' is discharged through one open end of the discharge pipe 112D, so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'corresponds to plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 of a predetermined length. It will be controlled to the predetermined water level. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted through the moisturizing cover members 106A to 106D and the nutrient solution tray 112 so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'is aligned with the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3. That is, for example, the water level can be visually adjusted so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'matches the vicinity of the portion where the root tip of the plant 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 begins to enlarge.

Thereby, by loosening the fixture 108B, the positions of the moving tables 116A, 116B, and 116C and the position of the lid member 102 are directed upward with the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 in accordance with the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3. By adjusting, the nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the nutrient solution tray 112 so that a part of the tip of the plant 15Pa1 is always immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'. In FIG. 16A, the cultivation containers 100a2 and 100a3 show a state in which the nutrient solution tray 112, the moving table 116B, and 116C are raised by a predetermined amount and their positions are adjusted, respectively.

When the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving tables 116A, 116B, and 116C are raised, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 42'U1 to 42'U3 are adjusted to be shortened. That is, for example, a flexible hose (branch discharge pipe) is cultivated in a winding state so that the length of the branch discharge pipes 42'U1 to 42'U3 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3. Space for the container can be secured.

Therefore, as the plant grows, the tip of the root extends downward, and the water depth of the nutrient solution is maintained by adjusting the position of the root of the plant with respect to the nutrient solution LQ'in the nutrient solution tray 112. However, only the position of the water level can be moved according to the growth of the roots. By adjusting this while observing the growth of the plant, it becomes possible to grow the root vegetables while causing the roots to enlarge. Even if there are variations in growth for each cultivation container, care can be taken according to the degree of growth of the plant. In addition, the roots of the underground system and the nutrient solution, which are the infection route, are blocked between the plants because they maintain a certain degree of airtightness in the circulation, supply, and cultivation of the nutrient solution. As a result, even if the neighboring plant is infected with a disease, it is difficult to transmit.

FIG. 16B schematically shows the configuration of a tenth embodiment of a cultivation system including an example of a cultivation container according to the present invention. In FIG. 16B, the same components as the components in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A, 14 and 15 are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted. ..

In FIG. 16B, the cultivation system is provided in, for example, a so-called solar-type plant factory or artificial light-closed plant factory.

In FIG. 16B, although not shown, the cultivation system further includes the above-mentioned sub-mixing tank 34, oxygen mixing device 32, main mixing tank 26, pump 30, and waste liquid treatment device 22. It is supposed to be.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the cultivation containers 100a1 to 100a3 surround the nutrient solution tray 112, which is movable according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3, with the moisturizing cover members 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D. Instead, in the example shown in FIG. 16 (B), the cultivation containers 100'a1 to 100'a3 correspond to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3. A movable nutrient solution tray 112 is provided in the square tubular moisturizing cover member 107.

In addition, in FIG. 16B, typically, among a plurality of plants 15Pa1 to 15Pan and cultivation containers 100'a1 to 100'an, plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 and cultivation containers 100'a1, 100'a2, And 100'a3 is shown. Since the cultivation containers 100'a1 to 100'a3 have the same structure as each other, the cultivation container 100'a1 will be described, and the description of the other cultivation containers will be omitted.

The cultivation container 100'a1 includes a moisturizing cover member 107 forming an outer shell thereof, a nutrient solution tray 112 movably arranged in an internal space surrounded by the moisturizing cover member 107, and a nutrient solution tray. It is configured to include a fixture 108B for fixing the 112 to the inner peripheral portion of the moisturizing cover member 107 as a main element.

The moisturizing cover member 107 is made of a transparent or translucent film having a predetermined thickness, for example, a transparent barrier film such as a GL film (manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) in a square tube shape. The upper ends of the moisturizing cover member 107 are fixed to the outer peripheral portions of each side of the above-mentioned frame-shaped resin support frame 104 by the fixture 108A. The lower end of the moisturizing cover member 107 extends to a predetermined position below the moving table 114. The support frame 104 is fixed to the support member 116 supported by the housing of the cultivation system. The support frame 104 is connected to a lid member 102 that forms an upper portion of the cultivation container 100'a1. As a result, the lid member 102 closes the internal space surrounded by the moisturizing cover member 107.

Inside the moisturizing cover member 107, a nutrient solution tray 112 is fixed at a predetermined position by a fixture 108B. As shown in FIG. 16B, the position of the nutrient solution tray 112 is set so that a part thereof is always immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'as the tip of the plant 15Pa1 grows.

Therefore, the water level adjusting means according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3 is formed by the nutrient solution tray 112 having the discharge pipe 112D, the moving table 114, and the table elevating mechanism portion. At that time, the water level can be visually adjusted through the moisturizing cover member 107 and the nutrient solution tray 112 so that the water level of the nutrient solution LQ'is aligned with the vicinity of the tip of the root of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3.

As a result, by loosening the fixture 108B, the positions of the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving table 114 are adjusted downward according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3, so that a part of the tip of the plant 15Pa1 is always present. The nutrient solution LQ'is stored in the nutrient solution tray 112 so as to be constantly immersed in the nutrient solution LQ'. An air layer is formed above the liquid level of the nutrient solution LQ'in the cultivation containers 100'a1 to 100'a3. In FIG. 16B, the cultivation containers 100'a2 and 100'a3 were positioned by lowering the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving table 114 downward by a predetermined amount, respectively. Indicates the state.

When the nutrient solution tray 112 and the moving table 114 are lowered, the lengths of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 are adjusted to be shortened. That is, the length of the branch discharge pipes 42D1 to 42D4 becomes shorter according to the growth of the plants 15Pa1 to 15Pa3. Can be secured.

Therefore, as the plant grows, the tip of the root grows downward, so by adjusting the position of the nutrient solution tray 112, the root grows only at the water level while maintaining the water depth of the nutrient solution. It can be moved according to. By adjusting this while observing the growth of the plant, it becomes possible to grow the root vegetables while causing the roots to enlarge. Even if there are variations in growth for each cultivation container, care can be taken according to the degree of growth of the plant. In addition, the roots of the underground system and the nutrient solution, which are the infection route, are blocked between the plants because they maintain a certain degree of airtightness in the circulation, supply, and cultivation of the nutrient solution. As a result, even if the neighboring plant is infected with a disease, it is difficult to transmit.

4DV1, 4DV2, 4DV3 Flow control valve (drainage side)
18DV1, 18DV2, 18DV3, 18DV4 Flow control valve (drainage side)
18UV1, 18UV2, 18UV3, 18UV4 Flow control valve (supply side)
6U1, 6U2, 6U3, branch supply pipes 20U1, 20U2, 20U3, 20U4,
42U1, 42U2, 42U3, 42U4,
62U1, 62U2, 62U3, 62U4: Branch supply pipes 6D1, 6D2, 6D3, branch discharge pipes 20D1, 20D2, 20D3, 20D4,
42D1, 42D2, 42D3, 42D4, 42DU,
62D1, 62D2, 62D3, 62D4 Branch discharge pipes 8a1, 8a2, 8a3 Cultivation containers 10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4, 10an
40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4, 40an
50a1, 50a2, 50a3, 50a4, 50an
60a1, 60a2, 60a3, 60a4, 60an
70a1, 70a2, 70a3, 70a4, 70an
80a1, 80a2, 80a3, 80a4, 80an, 90a1, 90a2, 90a3, 90a4, 90an, 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100an Cultivation container 10Fa, 10Fa Hook part 12Pa1,12Pa2,12Pa3,12Pa4,12Pan,
13Pa1, 13Pa2, 13Pa3, 13Pa4, 13Pan, 15Pa1, 15Pa2, 15Pa3 Plant 14 Distribution supply channel 16 Discharge channel 20U1, 20U2, 20U3, 20U4,
52U1, 52U2, 52U3, 52U4 Branch supply pipe 20D1, 20U2, 20U3, 20D4,
52D1, 52U2, 52U3, 52D4 Branch discharge pipe 22 Waste liquid treatment device 22a Filter part 22b Component extraction part 22c Bactericidal treatment part 22d Oxygen mixing part 24 Recovery pipe 26 Main mixing tank 28 Plant fixing stopper 28a Upper opening 28b Lower opening 28B Multiple seat members 28BH Penetrating holes 30 Supply pump 32 Oxygen mixing device 34 Sub mixing tank 36 Nutrient solution tank 38 Water supply source 40Fa, 40Fb, 60Fa, 60Fb, 70Fa, 70Fb, 80Fa, 80Fb Hook part 40Ja, 40Jb, 70Ja , 70Jb Fitting 44 1st tank 46 2nd tank 48 Mixing control valve 54 Table (elevating lift)
61 Water level adjustment pipe 64 Heat insulation wall (upper part)
66 Insulation wall (bottom)
80UH, 80DH connection pipe 100 Control unit 102 Detection output input unit 104 Data storage unit 106 Concentration adjustment control unit 108 EC sensor 110a1 Dissolved oxygen concentration detector (upstream)
110a2 Dissolved oxygen concentration detector (bottom)
110a3 Dissolved oxygen concentration detector (bottom)
110a4 Dissolved oxygen concentration detector (bottom)
110a5 Dissolved oxygen concentration detector (bottom)
110aT total dissolved oxygen concentration detector (bottom)

Claims (13)

The nutrient solution storage unit where the nutrient solution is stored and
The distribution supply channel to which the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage unit is supplied, and
The nutrient solution from the distribution supply channel is individually supplied through the branch supply pipe, and is made of a transparent or translucent material that individually houses the root vegetables to be cultivated , depending on the growth of the root vegetables. A plurality of cultivation containers each having a body having a stretchable structure for adjusting the water level of the nutrient solution, and
It is provided with a discharge channel in which nutrient solutions discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers are merged via a branch discharge pipe.
Level of nutrient solution the stored in the cultivation vessel, the are coincident near-edge portion of the main root of the root vegetables, above the water surface of該養liquid in respective culture vessel, an air layer is formed A cultivation system characterized by the fact that. The cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the cultivation container holds a stem portion between the above-ground growth portion and the underground growth portion of the plant, and integrally has a stopper member for sealing the inside of the cultivation container. The cultivation vessel, bag-shaped transparent or translucent material, or cultivation system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is formed into a tubular shape. The first aspect of claim 1 , wherein the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage unit is introduced from one end of the distribution supply path, and the nutrient solution discharged from the other end of the distribution supply path is returned to the one end. Cultivation system. Cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the waste liquid discharged from the discharge path, characterized in that it is supplied to the waste liquid treatment apparatus for treating the sterilization to remove the foreign matter contained in the waste liquid. The cultivation system according to claim 1 , further comprising an oxygen mixing device for forcibly mixing air or oxygen with the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution storage unit. An oxygen mixing device for forcibly mixing air or oxygen with the nutrient solution treated by the waste liquid treatment device is provided, and the nutrient solution discharged from the oxygen mixing device is put into the plurality of cultivation containers through a recovery pipe. The cultivation system according to claim 5, wherein each is returned. The nutrient solution storage unit where the nutrient solution is stored and
The distribution supply channel to which the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage unit is supplied, and
The nutrient solution from the distribution supply channel is individually supplied through the branch supply pipe, and is made of a transparent or translucent material that individually houses the root vegetables to be cultivated, depending on the growth of the root vegetables. A plurality of cultivation containers each having a body having a stretchable structure for adjusting the water level of the nutrient solution, and
A discharge channel in which nutrient solutions discharged from the plurality of cultivation containers are merged via a branch discharge pipe, and a discharge channel.
A first dissolved oxygen detector that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution in the distribution supply path, and
A second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid that passes through the final end of the discharge path where the solutions discharged from the plurality of cultivation containers are merged through the branch discharge pipe.
Calculate the difference between the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution and the total dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid based on the detection output from the first dissolved oxygen detector and the detection output from the second total dissolved oxygen concentration detector. In addition, a control unit for determining the oxygen consumption state of the plant cultivated by the whole cultivation container based on the difference is provided.
The water level of the nutrient solution stored in each cultivation container coincides with the vicinity of the tip of the taproot of the root vegetable, and an air layer is formed above the water surface of the nutrient solution in each cultivation container. A cultivation system characterized by that. The nutrient solution storage unit where the nutrient solution is stored and
The distribution supply channel to which the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage unit is supplied, and
The nutrient solution from the distribution supply channel is individually supplied through the branch supply pipe, and is made of a transparent or translucent material that individually houses the root vegetables to be cultivated, depending on the growth of the root vegetables. A plurality of cultivation containers each having a body having a stretchable structure for adjusting the water level of the nutrient solution, and
A discharge channel in which nutrient solutions discharged from the plurality of cultivation containers are merged via a branch discharge pipe, and a discharge channel.
A first dissolved oxygen detector that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution in the distribution supply path, and
A second dissolved oxygen concentration detector that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid passing through the branch discharge pipes connected to the plurality of cultivation containers, respectively.
The difference between the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nutrient solution and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the waste liquid is calculated based on the detection output from the first dissolved oxygen detector and the detection output from the second dissolved oxygen concentration detector. A control unit that determines the oxygen consumption state of the plant cultivated by the cultivation container based on the difference.
The water level of the nutrient solution stored in each cultivation container coincides with the vicinity of the tip of the taproot of the root vegetable, and an air layer is formed above the water surface of the nutrient solution in each cultivation container. A cultivation system characterized by that. A main body that is made of a transparent or translucent film in the shape of a bag and has a storage part inside that stores nutrient solution for individually housed plants.
It is provided on the upper part of the main body portion, and includes a stopper member that holds the stem portion between the above-ground growth portion and the underground growth portion of the plant and seals the inside of the main body portion.
The main body has a structure that can be expanded and contracted according to the growth of the underground growth part of the plant, and joints having the same inner diameter or different from each other are provided at the upper part and the lower part of the main body, respectively. A characteristic cultivation container. The nutrient solution storage unit where the nutrient solution is stored and
The distribution supply channel to which the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage unit is supplied, and
A plurality of cultivation containers in which the nutrient solution from the distribution supply channel is individually supplied via the branch supply pipe and the plants to be cultivated are individually housed, respectively.
It is provided with a discharge channel in which nutrient solutions discharged from each of the plurality of cultivation containers are merged via a branch discharge pipe.
The cultivation container includes an outer shell portion, a nutrient solution storage means for storing a predetermined amount of nutrient solution movably arranged in the outer shell portion and supplied via the branch supply pipe, and growth of the plant to be cultivated. A cultivation system comprising a fixture that holds the nutrient solution storage means at an appropriate position in the outer shell portion so that the roots of the plant are immersed in the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage means. The water level adjusting means for adjusting the water level of the nutrient solution according to the growth of the plant comprises the nutrient solution storage means and a moving table that movably supports at least one of the cultivated plants. The cultivation system according to claim 11 , wherein the cultivation system is characterized. A moisturizing cover member made of a transparent or translucent film into a tubular shape,
A stopper member provided on the upper part of the moisturizing cover member, which holds a stem portion between the above-ground growth part and the underground growth part of the plant and covers the upper part of the moisturizing cover member.
Inside the moisturizing cover member, a nutrient solution storage unit that is movably arranged according to the growth of the underground growth portion of the plant and stores nutrient solution for individually housed plants, and a nutrient solution storage unit.
A fixture for detachably fixing the nutrient solution storage unit to the moisturizing cover member is provided.
A cultivation container characterized in that joints having the same inner diameter or different from each other are provided in the plug member and the nutrient solution storage portion, respectively .

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