JP6998939B2 - Hydroponics unit and hydroponics system including this hydroponics unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation technique for cultivating a plant, and more particularly to a hydroponic cultivation unit for planting the plant and a hydroponic cultivation system including the hydroponic cultivation unit.

In developed countries such as the Netherlands and Japan, development is progressing to dramatically improve the production efficiency of agricultural products by introducing electronics to conventional agriculture. For example, in recent years, in an indoor environment such as a greenhouse or a factory building, systematic plant cultivation and cultivation has been carried out in an area partitioned by a planter or the like.

The method of plant cultivation in such an indoor environment can be roughly classified into two forms, for example.
First, as the first form, for example, as exemplified in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, water-filled hydroponics (DTF) or thin-film hydroponics (NFT) in which plants are cultivated and cultivated horizontally side by side is used. This is a technique called. A feature of this method is that plants are lined up in a horizontally extending shape, which requires a building with a relatively large area.

On the other hand, as another second form, for example, as exemplified in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4, a method called vertical hydroponics in which plants are cultivated and cultivated side by side in the direction of gravity, that is, in the vertical direction. .. One of the features of this method is that plants are lined up in the vertical direction (sometimes in the diagonal direction) via rods and boards, so that a building with a relatively small area can also be used.

Although each of these two forms has advantages and disadvantages, the vertical hydroponic method in particular has good production efficiency per unit area in that the space in the vertical direction can be effectively used. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned patent documents, a vertical hydroponic system having various members and structures has been proposed at present.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-62386 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-12066 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-329060 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-24543

However, existing technologies including the above-mentioned patent documents do not sufficiently meet the needs of the market, and it can be said that there is still room for improvement in at least the following points.

That is, since the above-mentioned vertical hydroponic method has the advantage of high production efficiency per unit area, plants are juxtaposed along the vertical direction. If this idea is extended, the equipment for planting plants will inevitably tend to be taller in the vertical direction, and it is also necessary to have good workability such as planting and harvesting plants.

In addition, liquids containing water and nutrients are indispensable for growing plants, and since it is necessary to supply such liquids to plants when necessary, cleaning measures for equipment are required. As mentioned above, the vertical hydroponic method has the advantage of high production efficiency, so the shape of the equipment becomes complicated, and if it takes time to clean the equipment, it will tip over.

As described above, the vertical hydroponic method has a great merit, but in the prior art including the above-mentioned patent documents, a structure that improves the cultivation yield and also has high workability and cleanability at low cost is still proposed. It has not been.

The present invention has been made in view of solving such a problem as an example, and is a hydroponic cultivation unit and water that improve the cultivation yield and also have high workability and cleanability at low cost. The purpose is to provide a hydroponics system.

In order to solve the above problems, the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is (1) composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divided bodies, and has at least one opening on the side surface thereof. A planting member comprising a cultivation cylinder, one end opening on which a plant is arranged, an opening of the cultivation cylinder and a detachable other end opening, and at least a part thereof on the inner surface of the cultivation cylinder. It is characterized in that an inclined surface whose inner diameter changes is formed .

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is (2) composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divided bodies, and at least one opening on the side surface thereof. A planting member having a cultivation cylinder, an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged, an opening of the cultivation cylinder and a detachable other end opening, and the cultivation cylinder and one end are detachably connected to each other. At the same time, the other end is detachably connected to the hanging support mechanism that suspends and supports the hydroponic cultivation unit, and the water receiving connecting member having the water receiving opening on the side surface is detachable from the water receiving opening. It is characterized by including a water receiving member which is connected to and receives a liquid supply from a liquid supply system .

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is (3) composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divided bodies, and at least one opening on the side surface thereof. A planting member including a cultivation cylinder having a structure, an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged, and an opening at the other end of the cultivation cylinder and a removable opening at the other end, among the inner peripheral surfaces of the cultivation cylinder. At least in the upper part of the opening, a groove for guiding the liquid to the side of the planting member is formed .

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is (4) composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divided bodies, and at least one opening on the side surface thereof. A planting member comprising a cultivation tube having a cultivation tube, an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged, an opening of the cultivation tube and a detachable other end opening, and one end opening of the planting member and others. It is characterized in that an escape prevention portion for suppressing the escape of the plant is formed between the end openings .

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is (5) composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divided bodies, and at least one opening on the side surface thereof. A planting member comprising a cultivation tube having a cultivation tube, an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged, and an opening at the other end of the cultivation tube and a detachable other end opening, and the opening at one end of the planting member includes. It is characterized in that a notch into which a cutting tool can be inserted is formed .

Further, in the hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of (1) to (5) described above, it is preferable that (6) the opening and the other end opening are rotated and fitted .

Further, in the hydroponic cultivation unit described in ( 2 ) above, (7) a guide cylinder that is detachably connected to the lower end of the cultivation cylinder and guides the liquid flowing inside the cultivation cylinder is further provided. Is preferable.

Further, in the hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of (1) to (7), (8) when connected to the cultivation cylinder, a part of the other end opening projects to the inside of the cultivation cylinder to provide water. It is preferable that the other end opening of the planting member is notched diagonally so that a receiver is formed .

Further, in the hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of (1) to ( 8 ), ( 9 ) the planting member has a connecting portion for connecting to the tubular split body, and the planting member. It is preferable that one end opening of the cylinder is positioned at a height equal to or higher than a horizontal plane passing through the uppermost portion of the connection portion.
Further, in the hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of (1) to ( 9 ), it is preferable that ( 10 ) the planting member has a tongue portion forming at least a part of the opening at one end.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the hydroponic cultivation system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of (1) to ( 10 ) described above and the hydroponic cultivation unit. It is characterized by including a hanging support mechanism for supporting and a liquid supply system for supplying a necessary liquid to a plant planted in the hydroponic cultivation unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the cultivation yield because a plurality of plants are cultivated at a high density by arranging tubular divided bodies that can be attached to and detached from each other in a vertical direction or the like. Furthermore, any number of tubular split bodies and planting members may be installed according to the building, and they can be individually cleaned at the time of cleaning, so that both high workability and cleanability can be achieved at low cost. Is possible.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the appearance of the hydroponic cultivation system 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the appearance of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cultivation cylinder 21 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. It is a schematic diagram which shows the water receiving connecting member 23 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. It is a schematic diagram which shows the water receiving member 24 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. It is a schematic diagram which shows the guide cylinder 25 in the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. It is a partially enlarged view which shows the connection form between the tubular split bodies 21a, and the connection form between a cultivation cylinder 21 and a planting member 22. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cultivation cylinder 21 which concerns on modification 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cultivation cylinder 21 which concerns on other example of the modification 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 2. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 3. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 4. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 5. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 6. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 7. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 8. It is a schematic diagram which shows the planting member 22 which concerns on modification 9. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cultivation cylinder 21 which concerns on the modification 10. It is a schematic diagram (the 1) which shows the water receiving connecting member 23 and the water receiving member 24 which concerns on modification 11. It is a schematic diagram (No. 2) which shows the water receiving connecting member 23 and the water receiving member 24 which concerns on modification 11.

Hereinafter, embodiments for suitably carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the direction of gravity in which the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 is suspended in the hydroponic cultivation system 100 is the Z direction, the direction in which the hydroponic cultivation units 20 are lined up is the X direction, and the Z direction and the X direction. The orthogonal direction is conveniently defined as Y. However, these orientations are for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
Further, for configurations other than those described in detail below, for example, the hydroponic cultivation system described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-120846 may be appropriately referred to.

[Hydroponic cultivation system 100]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the hydroponic cultivation system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the hydroponic cultivation system 100 includes a frame 10, a hydroponic cultivation unit 20, a suspension support mechanism 30, a liquid supply system 40, and a liquid receiving bed 50.

The hydroponic cultivation system 100 of the present embodiment is suitable for cultivation of various plants, such as lettuce, green leaf, salad vegetables, water vegetables, spinach, leafy vegetables such as herbs, and fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Cultivation of varieties or fruits such as strawberry, melon and lettuce is particularly suitable.

The hydroponic cultivation system 100 may further include a light source 60 that irradiates light necessary for growing plants. As such a light source 60, various known light sources may be applied, but for example, an LED capable of generating light having a desired wavelength is suitable.

Further, as the wavelength of the light to be irradiated, a known wavelength necessary for growing plants can be applied, and examples thereof include UV-B light for insect repellent use and UV-A light for growth promotion use. In addition to or in addition to the above light source, an optical duct or skylight that guides natural light to any location may be provided.

The frame 10 has a function of supporting the suspension support mechanism 30 described later on the top surface and accommodating the hydroponic cultivation unit 20, the liquid supply system 40, the liquid receiving bed 50, and the like in the accommodation space formed inside the frame 10. is doing.

The material of the frame 10 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include known steel materials and hard resins. Further, the frame 10 may be framed by a rod-shaped steel material, or the above-mentioned accommodation space or the like may be constructed by a flat plate material or the like.

The hydroponic cultivation unit 20 is suspended and supported by a suspension support mechanism 30, which will be described later, in the accommodation space of the frame 10 described above. As will be described later, the seedling P of the above-mentioned plant to be cultivated is transplanted to the planting member 22 in the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. In other words, the inside of the planting member 22 has a hollow shape, and the space inside this is a nursery for the seedling P. The seedling P to be transplanted to the planting member 22 may be provided with, for example, a sponge S described later as a part of the nursery.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 20 are suspended in the frame 10, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this embodiment, and at least one hydroponic cultivation unit 20 may be present.
The specific structure of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 of the present embodiment will be described in detail later with reference to a separate drawing.

The suspension support mechanism 30 has a function of suspending and supporting at least one hydroponics unit 20. The suspension support mechanism 30 is fixed to the top surface of the frame 10 via a known fixing member such as a bolt.
In the present embodiment, since a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 20 are arranged side by side in the X direction, they are installed on the top surface of the frame 10 so as to extend in the X direction in accordance with the arrangement.

The specific mechanism of the suspension support mechanism 30 is not particularly limited as long as the hydroponics unit 20 can be suspended and supported. In the present embodiment, as such a mechanism, for example, an engaging pin and an engaging rod that can be inserted into the other end 23b of the water receiving connecting member 23, which will be described later, are adopted. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and for example, a hook may be provided at the other end 23b, and the hanging support mechanism 30 may be provided with a fastener corresponding to the hook.

Further, the suspension support mechanism 30 of the present embodiment may be configured so that the suspended hydroponic cultivation unit 20 can move in the X direction. More specifically, the above member to be connected to the other end 23b of the water receiving connecting member 23 is placed on a slide rail or a guide rail, and the member is connected to a known ball screw mechanism in the X direction. It may be movable to. As for the moving mechanism in the X direction, for example, the transport mechanism 3 and the sliding mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-120846 may be incorporated as appropriate.

Further, as will be described later, the liquid supply system 40 may be configured to be able to supply a different liquid depending on the location. In this case, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 can be moved in the X direction, and the liquid supply system 40 can supply different nutrient solutions for each supply location. Therefore, for example, nutrient solutions having different components and concentrations according to the growth of plants. Can be supplied.

Further, in this case, for example, the pitch of the ball screw described above may be different in the transport direction (X direction). For example, when the left end of the suspension support mechanism 30 in FIG. 1 is the planting side and the right end is the harvesting side, even if the thread groove of the ball screw is cut so that the pitch increases from the planting side to the harvesting side. good.

The liquid supply system 40 has a function of supplying liquids such as water and nutrients necessary for growing the plant P planted in the hydroponic cultivation unit 20, and has a liquid feed pipe 41, a valve 42, a supply unit 43, and a pump 44. , And a drainage pipe 45 and the like. Further, as described above, the type and amount of the liquid supplied from the supply unit 43 may be different in the X direction.

In this case, for example, the plurality of supply units 43 arranged along the X direction are divided into several zones from the planting side to the harvest side, and liquids having different components and concentrations are supplied from the supply units 43 in each zone. You may. In this case, the liquid feed pipe 41, the valve 42, or the liquid receiving bed 50 may also be divided according to the above zone.

The liquid receiving bed 50 is a container for receiving excess liquid after flowing through each hydroponic cultivation unit 20. The liquid receiving bed 50 is connected to the above-mentioned liquid feeding pipe 41 and the draining pipe 45. Although the liquid receiving bed 50 stores the above-mentioned liquid in a predetermined capacity, unnecessary liquid may be discharged via the valve 42b and the drain pipe 45 as needed.

Therefore, the liquid necessary for growing the plant flows through the liquid feed pipe 41 via the valve 42a and the pump 44, and is supplied from each supply unit 43 to the water receiving member 24 described later. Then, the liquid supplied to the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 via the water receiving unit 24 is subsequently returned to the liquid receiving bed 50.

As described above, in the hydroponic cultivation system 100 of the present embodiment, the liquid is circulated via the liquid supply system 40, and it is possible to efficiently supply the liquid to the plant P without waste. There is. In the present embodiment, the liquid is circulated using the liquid receiving bed 50, but the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the liquid may be flushed without being circulated.

[Detailed structure of hydroponics unit 20]
Next, the detailed structure of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8.
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 in the present embodiment has at least a cultivation cylinder 21 and a planting member 22, and further includes a water receiving connecting member 23, a water receiving member 24, and a guide cylinder 25. It is composed of.

The material of each of these members is not particularly limited, but for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, polyvinyl chloride, or the like can be applied. The molding method of each member is not particularly limited, but it is desirable from the viewpoint of cost reduction that the member is molded into a desired shape by, for example, known injection molding. Further, each member is preferably colored with a white color such as white from the viewpoint of improving the reflectance, but the color to be colored is not particularly limited and may be uncolored.

As is clear from FIG. 2, the planting members 22 are staggered at positions facing each other on the lateral side surface (Y direction side) of the cultivation cylinder 21 in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the hydroponic cultivation unit 20. Have been placed. Further, when a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 20 are lined up in the X direction, the heights of the planting member 22 of the cultivation cylinder 21 in the front and the planting member 22 of the cultivation cylinder 21 in the back overlap with respect to the front side surface (X direction side). It may be arranged in a staggered manner so as not to be. In the case of the above-mentioned staggered arrangement, the water receiving member 24 is arranged only on one side as shown in FIG. 2B so that the water receiving connecting member 23 can be inverted by 180 ° and fitted. It can also be in the form of. Of course, this embodiment is not limited to the form in which the water receiving member 24 is arranged only on one side, and may have a structure in which the water receiving member 24 is provided on both sides as shown in FIG. 2A.

The cultivation cylinder 21 is composed of a plurality of tubular divided bodies 21a that are detachably attached to each other, and has at least one opening 21b on the side surface thereof. In the present embodiment, a plurality of tubular divided bodies 21a are combined to form a cultivation cylinder 21, but the cultivation cylinder 21 may be configured by one tubular divided body 21a without being limited to this embodiment.
The cultivation cylinder 21 composed of the plurality of tubular divided bodies 21a has a hollow shape inside, and the liquid supplied from the liquid supply system 40 can circulate inside.

FIG. 3 shows the detailed structure of the tubular split body 21a.
As shown, the tubular split body 21a has a first end portion 21f ₁ and a second end portion 21f ₂ , respectively, at the ends in the main axis direction (Z direction). Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the first end portion 21f ₁ and the second end portion 21f ₂ can be connected by rotating and fitting with each other. Even if the first end portion 21f ₁ and the second end portion 21f ₂ are rotated and fitted, they are locked by a known structure such as a friction type, a hook type, or a screw type. good.

The rotation angle between the first end portion 21f ₁ and the second end portion 21f ₂ is not particularly limited, but a mode in which the first end portion 21f 1 and the second end portion 21f 2 are fitted by rotating less than one rotation, for example, 45 °, is preferable from the viewpoint of improving workability. As a result, the first end portion 21f ₁ of one tubular split body 21a and the second end portion 21f ₂ of the other tubular split body 21a can be efficiently connected, and an arbitrary number and height can be connected in the Z direction. It is possible to connect by the amount of.

Further, an opening 21b including a tube branched to the side is formed on the side surface of the tubular divided body 21a. In the present embodiment, four openings 21b are formed for one cylindrical split body 21a. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and as long as there is no problem in terms of space, two or any other arbitrary number of openings 21b may be provided for one cylindrical divided body 21a.

Further, in the present embodiment, a total of five tubular divided bodies 21a are connected in series (Z direction) to provide a total of 20 openings 21b as the cultivation cylinder 21, but any other than five can be provided. You may line up as many as you like.
The inner diameter of the tubular divided body 21a can be arbitrarily set depending on the size of the hydroponic cultivation system 100, but may be, for example, about φ20 to 100 mm.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the tubular divided body 21a is as small as possible so that the liquid (water or the like) can easily reach the inner surface of the cultivation unit 20 even with a small amount of liquid (water or the like).
From such a viewpoint, the inner diameter of the tubular split body 21a is more preferably, for example, about φ24 to 45 mm. It is preferable that the inner diameter of the tubular divided body 21a is as small as possible, but if it is less than φ20 mm, the structural strength is lost and the roots of the plant P are clogged, which is not preferable.

As shown in FIG. 4, the planting member 22 has one end opening 22a in which a plant P (seedling or the like) is arranged (transplanted), and the above-mentioned opening 21b of the cultivation cylinder 21 and the detachable other end opening 22b. Equipped. The inside of the planting member 22 is hollow as well as the tubular split body 21a and the like.
As shown in the figure, the one-sided opening 22a in the present embodiment is a divergent (also referred to as “trumpet-shaped”) opening, which makes it possible to easily and quickly transplant the plant P. ..

The shape of the one-end opening 22a is not limited to the circular shape of the divergent end in the present embodiment, but may be, for example, a cylindrical shape of the divergent end, and further may be a square cylinder shape of the divergent end or a square cylinder shape of the divergent end. good.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the lower end LE of the one-end opening 22a passes through the uppermost portion of the inner surface where the opening 21b of the tubular split body 21a and the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22 are fitted. It is preferably positioned at a height equal to or higher than the horizontal surface HP. With such a shape, it is possible to prevent the liquid from overflowing from the opening 22a at one end, which is advantageous in terms of cleaning of equipment and cost.

The inner diameter of the planting member 22 can be arbitrarily set depending on the plant P to be transplanted, but for example, in the case of leaf lettuce, it is preferably about φ20 to 95 mm. Further, the inner diameter of the planting member 22 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular split body 21a.
Further, the thickness of the planting member 22 (thickness of the cylinder) is preferably in the range of, for example, 1 to 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 4 mm. If the wall thickness is 1 mm or less, the strength is lowered and the durability is inferior, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the wall thickness exceeds 5 mm, the planting member 22 becomes heavy, the workability is lowered, and the cost is increased, which is unsuitable.

Further, the angle formed by the planting member 22 and the cultivation cylinder 21 on the YZ plane is about 90 degrees in the portion near the connection point between the planting member 22 and the cultivation cylinder 21. Further, the planting member 22 connected to the cultivation cylinder 21 extends from the cultivation cylinder 21 along the Y direction, is bent and formed at an angle of about 45 degrees from the planting member 22, and is connected to the opening 22a at one end. That is, the planting angle of the plant P is about 45 degrees in this embodiment.

However, the above is an example, and may be set at another angle as long as the plant P does not fall out. For example, the planting member 22 was extended horizontally (Y direction) so as to be 90 ° from the connection point of the cultivation cylinder 21, but the angle was upward in the Z direction (less than 90 ° clockwise from the cultivation cylinder 21). It may be extended in the Y direction from the cultivation cylinder 21 or vice versa, and may be extended in the Y direction from the cultivation cylinder 21 at an angle downward in the Z direction (more than 90 degrees clockwise from the cultivation cylinder 21). ..

Further, the other end opening 22b in the present embodiment has a shape corresponding to the opening 21b of the tubular split body 21a described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the opening 21b of the tubular split body 21a and the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22 are configured to be rotated and fitted. When the planting member 22 is rotated and fitted to the tubular split body 21a, they may be locked by a known structure such as a friction type, a hook type, or a screw type.

Therefore, when the planting member 22 is attached to the tubular split body 21a, for example, the planting member 22 may be rotated by about 10 to 45 ° to fit the opening 21b and the other end opening 22b. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the planting member 22 is rotated by less than one rotation and fitted to the tubular divided body 21a, the work efficiency is very high.

As shown in FIG. 8, the opening 21b and the other end opening 22b fitted to each other may have a draft. As a result, the connection points between the opening 21b and the other end opening 22b can be detached and firmly connected, and once these are connected, liquid leakage or the like from the connection points can be effectively suppressed.
Further, as shown in the figure, the claw 22g of the other end opening 22b can be provided at an arbitrary position so that the connection work with the opening 21b can be facilitated. Furthermore, the length and width of the claw 22g are not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. At that time, it is more preferable that the width of the claw 22g is, for example, about 1/8 to 1/6 of the circumference of the fitting portion. When the planting member 22 is rotated and fitted to the tubular split body 21a, the contact area of the claw 22g with respect to the opening 21b is secured, and the frictional force of the contact portion strengthens these connections. As a result, it is possible to suppress liquid leakage from the connection point.

Further, although the connection form between the opening 21b and the other end opening 22b in the present embodiment is by rotary fitting, the connection form is not limited to this form and may be a screw type.
Further, the opening portion 21b in the tubular divided body 21a may be installed on any side surface. For example, when the wall thickness of the tubular divided body 21a is large to some extent, the lowermost cylinder constituting the cultivation cylinder 21 The bottom (second end 21f ₂ ) of the shape-divided body 21a may also be used as the opening 21b.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water receiving connecting member 23 is a T-shaped (FIG. 5 (b)) or cross-shaped (FIG. 5 (a)) cylinder extending in the Y direction and the Z direction, and is formed at an end thereof. Each includes one end 23a, the other end 23b, and a water receiving opening 23c. The water receiving connecting member 23 also has a hollow shape inside, like the cylindrical divided body 21a and the like. It should be noted that it is possible to arbitrarily select whether to use the T-shaped water receiving connecting member 23 or the cross-shaped water receiving connecting member 23, and the structure of the supply unit 43 in the liquid supply system 40 is also selected according to this selection. You can change it.

Of these, one end 23a, which is one end extending in the Z direction, has a function of being detachably connected to, for example, the first end 21f ₂ of the cultivation cylinder 21 described above. The one end 23a may have the same shape as the second end 21f ₁ of the cultivation cylinder 21. Therefore, one end 23a and the first end 21f ₂ of the present embodiment are rotated and fitted. When the one end 23a and the first end 21f ₂ are rotated and fitted, they may be locked by a known structure such as a friction type, a hook type, or a screw type.

Further, the other end 23b has a function of being movably connected to a suspension support mechanism 30 that suspends and supports the hydroponics unit 20. As shown in FIG. 5, an engagement hole 23b ₁ is formed in the other end 23b of the present embodiment, and an engagement rod and an engagement pin (not shown) provided in the above-mentioned suspension support mechanism 30 are inserted. It is possible. As a result, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 is detachably suspended and supported by the suspension support mechanism 30 via the other end 23b.

On the other hand, on the side surface of the water receiving connecting member 23, a branching pipe extending in the Y direction and a water receiving opening 23c are formed. A connection opening 24a of a water receiving member 24, which will be described later, is detachably connected to the water receiving opening 23c.

As shown in FIG. 6, the water receiving member 24 includes a connecting opening 24a that is detachably connected to the water receiving opening 23c and a water receiving portion 24b that receives liquid supply from the liquid supply system 40. .. The water receiving member 24 also has a hollow shape inside, like the cylindrical divided body 21a and the like.

It is preferable that each corner (corner portion) of the water receiving member 24 has a curved surface shape or an R shape for the purpose of improving cleanability and the like.
Further, although the connection opening 24a shown in FIG. 6 is provided with two connecting claws, the number of such claws is not limited and may be any number other than the two. However, it is advantageous in terms of moldability and detergency that the number of claws is relatively small, for example, 3 or less.

Of these, the connection opening 24a is rotated and fitted with the water receiving opening 23c described above, as shown in FIG. When the connection opening 24a and the water receiving opening 23c are rotated and fitted, they may be locked by a known structure such as a friction type, a hook type, or a screw type. As a result, the connection portion between the connection opening 24a and the water receiving opening 23c can be freely attached and detached, and is firmly connected. Therefore, once these are connected, liquid leakage or the like from the connection point is suppressed.

Further, the water receiving portion 24b is arranged so as to face the supply portion 43 of the liquid supply system 40 described above. The water receiving portion 24b of the present embodiment has a quadrangular outer shape, but if it can receive the liquid from the supply portion 43 without leakage, it may have another shape such as a bowl shape. good.
A known liquid detection sensor (not shown) may be arranged in the water receiving unit 24b to detect whether or not the liquid is supplied from the above-mentioned supply unit 43.

As shown in FIG. 7, the guide cylinder 25 is detachably connected to the lower end of the cultivation cylinder 21 and has a function of guiding the liquid flowing inside the cultivation cylinder 21. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide cylinder 25 of the present embodiment is interposed between the liquid receiving bed 50 and the lower end of the cultivation cylinder 21. The inside of the guide cylinder 25 also has a hollow shape, similar to the cylindrical divided body 21a and the like.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide cylinder 25 of the present embodiment has a structure provided with a splash prevention plate 25a that regulates, for example, the liquid scattered from the liquid receiving bed 50 or the like so as not to come out. You may.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid discharged from the cultivation cylinder 21 from jumping when it lands on the liquid receiving bed 50. Further, since the guide cylinder 25 is detachably attached to the lower end of the cultivation cylinder 21, for example, when the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 moves in the X direction via the suspension support mechanism 30, water during the movement. It is also possible to prevent the hydroponics unit 20 from swinging.
The shape of the jump prevention plate 25a may be any shape, for example, a rectangular plate material or a disk shape as in the present embodiment. Further, the outer diameter of the jump prevention plate 25a may be set to an arbitrary size as long as it does not interfere with the other hydroponic cultivation unit 20.

According to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to enjoy at least one of the following effects.
(A) Since the cultivation cylinder 21 and the planting member 22 are detachably connected to each other, any number of them can be assembled, and the workability and expandability are very high. It has improved significantly compared to.
(B) Since the planting member 21 rotates and fits into the cultivation cylinder 21, the worker can rotate the planting member 22 at a comfortable angle at the time of harvesting. As a result, at the time of harvesting, the plant P can be pulled out from the planting member 22 without damaging it.
(C) Since the planting member 21 rotates and fits into the cultivation cylinder 21, it is not necessary to strictly control the clearance as compared with the type in which the planting member 21 is inserted and fitted.

The embodiment described above is an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Hereinafter, modifications suitable for this embodiment are shown.

<Modification 1>
9 and 10 show the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 1.
In the above embodiment, the inner diameter of the cultivation cylinder 21 is basically unchanged and uniform. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and may have an inclined surface (inner diameter throttle portion) in which the inner diameter of the cultivation cylinder 21 gradually changes along the main axis direction.

In other words, the main feature of the present modification 1 is that an inclined surface whose inner diameter changes at least a part thereof is formed on the inner surface of the cultivation cylinder 21.
In the following description, the members having the same functions as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same number and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate (the same applies to other modified examples).

First, as shown in FIG. 9, the cultivation cylinder 21 of the modified example 1 has the inner diameter throttle portion 21d as the inclined surface described above. More specifically, in the tubular split body 21a, the inner diameter narrowing portion 21d is formed on the downstream side (-Z direction) from the connection point with the planting member 22.

That is, the tubular divided body 21a of the modified example 1 has a portion having an inner diameter of φD ₁ and a portion having an inner diameter of φD ₃ . The inner diameter of the tubular split body 21a gradually decreases from φD ₁ to φD ₃ at a position downstream of the planting member 22 (such an inclination is also referred to as an “upward inclination”), and then. The inner diameter increases again and gradually changes from φD ₃ to φD ₁ (such a slope is also referred to as a “downward slope”).

The relationship between the thickness (thickness) and the diameter of the cylinder in FIG. 9 is as follows, for example.
φD ₀ > φD ₁ > φD ₂ > φD ₃
(ΦD ₀ -φD ₁ ) ≒ (φD ₂ -φD ₃ )
However, the above is an example, and the degree of aperture may be weak, for example, φD ₂ > φD ₁ .

Further, the forming position of the inner diameter throttle portion 21d in the tubular split body 21a is not particularly limited. For example, considering the case of molding by injection molding, it is preferably the center (center) of the tubular split body 21a in the main axis (Z direction). Thereby, the inner diameter of the tubular split body 21a can be easily gradually changed along the punching direction of the injection molding die.

The inner diameter throttle portion 21d in FIG. 9 was formed over the entire circumference around the Z axis (θz) on the inner surface of the tubular split body 21a. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the inner diameter throttle portion 21d as shown in FIG. 10 may be used.

Specifically, the inner diameter throttle portion 21d in FIG. 10A is connected to the planting member 22 in the process of gradually increasing the inner diameter when viewed from the upstream side in the Z direction. Further, as is clear from the cross-sectional view, the inner diameter throttle portion 21d is provided only in a part in the circumferential direction so as to be located directly below and directly above the planting member 22.
As a result, the liquid flowing from the upstream (+ Z direction) can efficiently flow through the inner diameter throttle portion 21d to the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22 in the middle.

On the other hand, as another example, the inner diameter narrowing portion 21d in FIG. 10B has a form in which the inner diameter gradually decreases after exceeding the connection point with the planting member 22 when viewed from the upstream side in the Z direction. There is. Further, as is clear from the cross-sectional view, the inner diameter throttle portion 21d is provided only in a part in the circumferential direction so as to be located directly below the planting member 22.
Also in this form, the liquid flowing from the upstream (+ Z direction) can easily hit the inner surface of the inner diameter throttle portion 21d and efficiently flow into the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22. ing.

Further, as another example, the form of the inner diameter throttle portion 21d shown in FIG. 10 (c) can also be applied. In this example, the planting member 22 is connected to the tubular split body 21a so as to face each other on both sides of the tubular split body 21a in the Y direction.
When viewed from the upstream side in the Z direction of the tubular split body 21a, the inner diameter gradually decreases after exceeding the connection points with the respective planting members 22.

Further, as is clear from the cross-sectional view, the inner diameter throttle portion 21d is provided over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction (θz) so as to be located directly below the planting member 22.
Also in this form, the liquid flowing from the upstream (+ Z direction) can efficiently flow into the other end opening 22b of each planting member 22.

According to the modification 1 described above, it is possible to smooth the flow of the liquid by providing an inclination (inner diameter throttle portion) on the inner surface of the tubular split body 21a. The slope and orientation of the slope are not particularly limited as long as molding is possible, and an ascending slope or a descending slope may be provided at any position.

<Modification 2>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 2 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 of the modified example 2 is configured to include a protrusion 22c so as to easily receive water inside the cultivation cylinder 21.

Further, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 22c (the amount of protrusion from the inner wall of the tubular divided body 21a to the center) T ₂₂ is 1/10 to 1/3 of the inner diameter of the tubular divided body 21a. Is preferable.
As a result, a part of the liquid L flowing from the upstream of the cultivation cylinder 21 can efficiently branch to the planting member 22 side via the protrusion 22c and flow into the liquid L.

The protruding shape of the protruding portion 22c may be such that the lower side (downstream side) of the planting member 22 protrudes, and the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22 may be cut out diagonally. It may have any other shape.
More specifically, for example, in FIG. 11C, a protruding portion 22c is provided on the lower side of the tubular divided body 21a. At this time, the width of the protruding portion 22c (the size in the X direction in the drawing) may be any value as long as it fits in the pipe. It is better to have. For example, the width in the X direction described above is preferably a width of about 1/3 to 1/2 with respect to the inner diameter of the pipe.

On the other hand, in FIG. 11B, the protruding portion 22c is formed by diagonally cutting out the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22. In this case, when the planting member 22 is connected to the tubular split body 21a, the lower side of the other end opening 22b protrudes inward of the tubular split body 21a, and the upper side of the other end opening 22b is the tubular split body. It is preferable that the 21a does not protrude inward.
As described above, the method of forming the protruding portion 22c is not particularly limited, and may be formed on the planting member 22 side or may be provided on the tubular split body 21a side.

<Modification 3>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 3 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the planting member 22 of the modified example 3, the plant P (seedling) is prevented from coming off between the one end opening 22a and the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22. The prevention portion 22d is formed.

More specifically, the disconnection prevention portion 22d in the present modification 3 is provided at a portion of the planting member 22 that extends from the other end opening 22b in the Y direction and then bends toward the one end opening 22a.
The pull-out prevention portion 22d may be, for example, a protrusion provided at the above-mentioned bending portion as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).

When the plant P is transplanted to the opening 22a at one end, the seedlings may be planted in the medium S or the like. In this case, since the opening 22a at one end is in the shape of a trumpet that spreads toward the end, there is a possibility that the plant P transplanted unintentionally will fall out together with the medium S.
On the other hand, according to the present modification 3, since the medium S can be caught in the dropout prevention portion 22d, unintended falling of the plant P or the like is suppressed.

Since the pull-out prevention unit 22d only needs to have a function of hooking the medium S, it can be deformed in various ways. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 (c) and 12 (d), it is possible to adopt a structure of the planting member 22 such that the inner diameter gradually decreases in the Y direction from the other end opening 22b to the bent portion. can.

Then, the planting member 22 of the present modification has the smallest inner diameter at the bending portion described above, and the medium S can be caught at the bending portion. That is, the pull-out prevention portion 22d in the present modification 3 may have a structure such that it is hooked at a bent portion instead of the above-mentioned example in which the protrusion is provided.

Further, it may be intentionally processed so that burrs or the like are generated at the bent portion to the extent that the medium S is caught, and the coming-out prevention portion 22d may be formed. In consideration of the above, the dropout prevention portion 22d may have a structure formed on the inner surface of the planting member 22 and having a function of hooking the medium S.
The material of the medium S is not particularly limited, and known materials such as sponges, urethane foams, molded products made of plant fibers and inorganic fibers can be applied.

<Modification example 4>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 4 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the planting member 22 of the modified example 4, a liquid storage portion 22e capable of storing the liquid L is formed between the one end opening 22a and the other end opening 22b of the planting member 22. There is.

The illustrated liquid storage portion 22e is provided at one end on the opening 22a side from the bent portion, but is not limited to this form. For example, the liquid storage portion 22e is provided on the other end opening 22b side from the bent portion by inclining the other end opening 22b so as to extend in the Y direction and the −Z direction (lower right direction in the drawing). You may do it.

As a result, the plant P transplanted to the planting member 22 can absorb the liquid from the liquid storage portion 22e, and can maintain a good nutritional state for a long period of time. Further, by inclining the planting member 22 from the other end opening 22b toward the −Z direction, the liquid does not flow out carelessly even when the planting member 22 is removed from the cultivation cylinder 21 at the time of harvesting. It becomes possible to keep it in the storage unit 22e.

<Modification 5>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 5 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the planting member 22 of the modified example 5, a notch portion 22f into which a blade such as a cutter or scissors can be inserted is formed in one end opening 22a of the planting member 22.

Depending on the type of plant P to be cultivated, the roots of plant P may penetrate deeply into the inside of the planting member 22. In such a case, the plant P must be pulled a little strongly at the time of harvesting, but if there is a notch portion 22f, it is possible to insert a blade without pulling.

In this respect, since the conventional structure is integrally fixed with an adhesive or the like, when a blade is used near the opening 22a at one end, the remaining portion of the plant P cannot be removed from the planting member 22.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the planting member 22 is detachably connected to the cultivation cylinder 21, the rest of the plant P can be easily removed by disassembling them even in the unlikely event.

Further, since there is a notch portion 22f, a blade or the like can be freely inserted without damaging the plant P.
Further, since the cutout portion 22f is provided, the cutout portion 22f also functions as a monitoring window for the roots of the plant P, and may be used as a guideline for the depth when the above-mentioned medium S is inserted through the opening 22a at one end.

The position and number of the cutout portions 22f in the one-end opening 22a are not particularly limited. For example, in the case of a hydroponic cultivation system 100 in which a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 20 are lined up in the X direction, notches are made on both sides of the opening 22a in the direction in which the hydroponic cultivation units 20 are lined up (both sides in the X direction in the figure). There may be a portion 22f.

Further, although the notch portion 22f shown in the figure is formed at one end opening 22a, it may be provided at one end opening 22a side, for example, even if it is provided at any position between the bending portion and the one end opening 22a. good.

<Modification 6>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 6 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the planting member 22 of the modified example 6 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 mainly in the portion where the plant P is placed. Explain to.
The planting member 22 of the modification 6 has a cylindrical portion 22h on which the plant P is arranged, a connecting portion 22j for connecting to the opening portion 21b of the tubular split body 21a, and the cylindrical portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j. It has a bent portion 22i formed between the two.

As shown in FIG. 15, the cylindrical portion 22h in the modified example 6 has a pipe shape in which the diameter L1 of the connection portion with the bent portion 22i and the diameter L2 at the one end opening 22a are equal to each other. The angle α formed by the central axes of the cylindrical portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j is preferably about 40 ° to 50 °. In other words, the cylindrical portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j are arranged via the bent portion 22i so that the central axes thereof are at an angle of about 40 ° to 50 °. By setting the above angle, even when the plant P grows large, the planting depth of the cylindrical portion 22h, which is the planting site, can be sufficiently secured, so that the cylindrical portion does not fall out of the cylindrical portion 22h and is stable. It is placed within 22h.

The one-end opening 22a is preferably positioned at a height equal to or higher than the horizontal plane HP passing through the uppermost inner diameter when the connection portion 22j and the opening portion 21b are connected. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable that the lowermost end LE of the one-end opening 22a overlaps the horizontal plane HP, or the lower end LE is above the horizontal plane HP. With such a shape, it is possible to prevent the liquid from overflowing from the opening 22a at one end, which is advantageous in terms of cleaning of equipment and cost.

Further, in the modification 6, the angle β formed by the surface including the lower end LE and the upper end UE of the one-end opening 22a and the horizontal plane HP is preferably 15 ° to 40 °. By setting this angle, the plant P can be easily inserted into the cylindrical portion 22h, and the liquid can be prevented from overflowing from the opening 22a at one end.

The length L3 between the diameter L1 and the diameter L2 described above is not particularly limited. However, as described above, it is preferable that one end opening 22a is above the horizontal plane HP and the angle β is within the above range because the plant P is held by the cylindrical portion 22h and is difficult to come off. Further, by forming the cylindrical portion 22h into a straight shape, there is an advantage that the plant P can be easily inserted when planting the plant P in the cylindrical portion 22h, the planting work is facilitated, and the planting time is shortened. Further, it is preferable because it can prevent the liquid from overflowing from the opening 22a at one end.

<Modification 7>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 7 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the planting member 22 of the modified example 7 is different from the modified example 6 shown in FIG. 15 mainly in the shape of the peripheral portion of the one-end opening 22a. ..
That is, the planting member 22 of the modified example 7 is characterized in that the tongue portion 22k is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 22h on which the plant P is arranged, which is opposite to the connecting portion 22j. In this case, the tongue portion 22k shall form at least a part of the opening 22a at one end.

In FIG. 16, the tongue portion 22k has a shape as if a part of a tapered tube is cut out. Further, between the cylindrical portion 22h and the one end opening 22a so that the angle β formed by the surface including the lower end LE of the one end opening 22a and the upper end UE of the one end opening 22a and the horizontal plane HP is 15 ° to 40 °. A tongue portion 22k is provided.
By providing the tongue portion 22k as a planting guide shape in this way, there is an advantage that the plant P can be easily inserted when planting the plant P in the cylindrical portion 22h, and the planting work becomes easy. Further, in the early stage of the growth of the plant P, the light reflection effect of the tongue portion 22k is effective for the growth of the plant P. Further, in the late stage of the growth of the plant P, the enlarged plant P is supported by the tongue portion 22k, so that the plant P is stable in the straight cylindrical portion 22h in which the planting depth is secured as the planting site. It is preferable that the plants are arranged in the same manner.

The shape of the tongue portion 22k is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. As long as the above effects can be obtained, for example, a curved semicircular plate or an elliptical plate may be used. That is, the tongue portion 22k may be provided only on a part of the cylindrical portion 22h.

<Modification 8>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 8 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the planting member 22 of the modified example 8 is characterized in that a side surface projecting portion 22m is provided on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 22h, and a recessed portion is formed on the inner surface thereof. By projecting a part of the medium S in which the plant P is planted in the recessed portion, it is possible to prevent the medium S from falling out of the cylindrical portion 22h.

Since the shape of the medium S used in FIG. 17 is a square pillar, the number of side protrusions 22 m is set to four so as to accept the four corners of the medium S of the square pillar. However, the installation location, the number of installations, and the size (length and width) of the side protrusion 22 m are not limited to those shown in FIG. 17, and can be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the medium S used and the like. Is. Further, as long as the effect of suppressing the medium S from falling out of the cylindrical portion 22h can be obtained, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of side projecting portions 22m, and only one portion is provided at any of the cylindrical portions 22h. May be.

<Modification 9>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 9 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the planting member 22 of the modified example 9 is provided with a stopper 22n for holding the medium S at a predetermined position and suppressing the roots of the plant P from growing in the opposite direction. ing. In this way, by holding the medium S in a predetermined position by the stopper 22n, the region where the medium S is immersed in the liquid such as the nutrient solution can be adjusted, and the medium S becomes more than necessary in the liquid such as the nutrient solution. It is possible to suppress immersion.

This is in view of the following problems. That is, as the plant P grows, it can be assumed that the roots wrap around the region where the medium S is immersed in the nutrient solution. As a result, the root of the plant P pushes up the medium S and pushes it out from the cylindrical portion 22h, or the root of the plant P grows in the direction of the opening 22a at one end, so that the liquid irregularly overflows from the opening 22a at one end. There is a possibility that it will happen. In order to suppress such a problem, it is effective to provide a stopper 22n, adjust the region where the medium S is immersed in a liquid such as a nutrient solution, and at the same time control the direction in which the roots of the plant P grow.

It is preferable that the stopper 22n is provided at a position in the cylindrical portion 22h connected to the bent portion 22i from the viewpoint of stably holding the medium S in the cylindrical portion 22h.
The shape of the stopper 22n may be any shape that holds the medium S at a predetermined position and induces the root growth of the plant P to extend in the direction of the bent portion 22i and the connecting portion 22j. This is because by extending the roots in the direction of the bent portion 22i and the connecting portion 22j, the effect of not extending the roots of the plant P in the direction of the opening 22a can be expected. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, the shape may be such that a part of the bent portion 22i protrudes inward. Further, as shown in FIGS. 18 (b) and 18 (c), a disk having an opening may be provided at the connection position with the bent portion 22i in the cylindrical portion 22h. Further, the shape may be an arc shape in which a part of the shape shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C is cut out, or a shape having a protruding member from the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 22h toward the center.

By the stopper 22n, the region near the opening 22a at one end of the medium S can be kept in a state of not being immersed in the nutrient solution. As a result, it can be assumed that the root of the plant P extends in the direction of the connecting portion 22j and the tubular split body 21a, and it is considered that problems such as overflow of the liquid from one end opening 22a can be suppressed.
It should be noted that even if the shape is such that the side protrusion 22 m shown in FIG. 17, the position of the medium S can be fixed and the region where the medium S is immersed in a liquid such as a nutrient solution can be adjusted. The effect of is obtained.

<Modification 10>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 10 is shown with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the tubular divided body 21a of the modified example 10, unevenness 21c is formed on the inner surface thereof in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the upper part of the opening 21b in the circumference of the main axis (Z axis). In addition, in FIG. 19A, the unevenness 21c is not formed over the entire circumference in the cylinder (inner peripheral surface) of the tubular divided body 21a, but the unevenness 21c is formed over the entire circumference. May be good. Further, the unevenness 21c may be formed so as to draw a spiral on the inner peripheral surface.
The shape of the unevenness 21c is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a trapezoidal cross section as shown in FIG. 19A, or a triangular cross section as shown in FIG. 19B. May be good. At this time, the triangular cross section as shown in FIG. 19B is a function of guiding the liquid passing through the inside of the tubular divided body 21a, and the ease of cleaning the inside of the tubular divided body 21a. Can be compatible with each other, which is particularly preferable.
Further, the number of the unevenness 21c provided on the inner surface of the tubular divided body 21a is not particularly limited, and may be provided at any one place (in this case, substantially only the convex portion). .. As shown in FIG. 19A, it may be provided at five locations on the upper and lower sides facing each other. Further, the unevenness 21c having a triangular cross section as shown in FIG. 19B may be provided at two opposite positions on the inner surface. It is needless to say that the figure is an example and the number of unevenness 21c is not limited to that shown in the figure.
Further, in FIG. 19A, the unevenness 21c is formed in the convex direction from the inner peripheral surface, but as shown in FIG. 19D, the shape is concave with respect to the thickness direction Th of the inner peripheral surface. You may.

As described above, in the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 of the modified example 10, a groove (unevenness 21c) for guiding the liquid to the side of the planting member 22 is provided at least on the upper portion of the opening 21b of the inner peripheral surface of the cultivation cylinder 21. It is formed.
As a result, the liquid L flowing on the inner surface of the tubular split body 21a flows along the groove, so that it can efficiently flow into the opening 21b and eventually branch toward the planting member 22. Become.

<Modification 11>
Next, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modified example 11 is shown with reference to FIGS. 20 to 21.
As shown in the figure, the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 of the modified example 11 is provided with a flow path adjusting member for adjusting the amount, speed, direction, etc. of the flowing liquid inside the water receiving connecting portion 23 and the cultivation cylinder 21. Has been done.
Specific examples of the flow path adjusting member include the protrusion Zt as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (d), the cross-linked portion Lk shown in FIG. 20 (a), and FIG. 20 (b). Examples thereof include a perforated plate Dk, a groove Mz shown in FIG. 21 (c), and the like.

First, the protrusion Zt as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) to 20 (d) will be described with reference to the drawings. The protrusion Zt is provided at a position where the water receiving member 24 and the water receiving connecting portion 23 are connected, and has a shape of projecting inside the water receiving connecting portion 23.
The protrusion shape (shape protruding from the inner wall of the water receiving connecting member 23a to the center) of the protrusion Zt is not particularly limited as long as the liquid flows downward (downstream side), but the amount and speed of the flowing liquid are not particularly limited. It may be adjusted as appropriate.
At this time, the length T ₂₄ protruding from the inner wall of the water receiving connecting member 23a of the protrusion Zt to the center is preferably long enough for the inflowing water to hit the facing inner wall, and is the same as the inner diameter of the water receiving connecting member 23a. It is preferably about 1 to 1/3 of the inner diameter.

Further, the width W ₂₄ of the protrusion Zt may be smaller than the inner diameter of the water receiving connecting member 23 because water needs to flow out from both sides of the protrusion Zt. Further, although the length T ₂₄ and the width W ₂₄ of the protrusion Zt are illustrated, the outer shape of the protrusion Zt does not have to be a quadrangle, and may be a shape surrounded by a curve, or the water receiving connecting member 23a. It may be a triangular shape that sharpens from the inner wall of the wall toward the center.

As a result, the liquid L flowing from the upstream of the water receiving portion 24 efficiently hits the inner wall of the water receiving connecting member 23 via the protrusion Zt to the inner surface of the water receiving connecting member 23, and is efficient from this inner wall. It becomes possible to supply the liquid to the lower (downstream side) planting member 22.

In FIG. 20 (c), when the water receiving member 24 is connected to the water receiving connecting member 23c, the lower side of the connecting opening 24a projects to the inside (inside the cylinder) of the water receiving connecting member 23a and the connecting opening. It is preferable that the upper side of the 24a does not protrude inward (inside the pipe) of the water receiving connecting member 23a.

Further, the protruding shape of the protruding portion Zt is not particularly limited as long as the above-mentioned lower side protrudes into the pipe. As an example in the form of the protrusion Zt as described above, for example, a member such as a small rod may be used. Further, if it is possible to form such a protruding portion Zt with a protruding lower side, the protruding portion Zt may be formed on the water receiving member 24 side as shown in FIG. 20 (c), or may be formed on the water receiving member 24 side, as shown in FIG. 20 (d). ) May be provided on the lower side of the water receiving connecting member 23a. Further, such a protrusion Zt may be formed on the planting member 22.

Next, the cross-linked portion Lk shown in FIG. 21 (a) will be described. In the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modification 11, the flow path adjusting member may be a cross-linking portion Lk that connects an inner wall and an inner wall facing each other inside the water receiving connecting portion 23 and the cultivation cylinder 21. ..
The shape of the crosslinked portion Lk shown in FIG. 21A is a rod-shaped member, but the shape is not limited to this. If the inner walls of the water receiving connecting portion 23 and the cultivation cylinder 21 can be connected to each other and the amount, speed, direction, etc. of the flowing liquid can be adjusted, for example, the cross section of the cross-linked portion Lk is round or elliptical. , U-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, or any other shape may be used.
The position where the crosslinked portion Lk shown in FIG. 21A is provided is not particularly limited, and can be provided at any location such as a portion where the liquid momentum is present or a position where the flow direction changes. be.

Next, the perforated plate Dk shown in FIG. 21B will be described. In the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modification 11, even if the flow path adjusting member is a perforated plate Dk that connects an inner wall and an inner wall facing each other inside the water receiving connecting portion 23 and the cultivation cylinder 21. good.
The position where the perforated plate Dk is provided and the specific shape of the perforated plate Dk are not particularly limited as shown in FIG. 21 (b). For example, as the perforated plate Dk in FIG. 21B, a disk having three holes is provided perpendicular to the inner wall of the water receiving connecting portion 23 and the cultivation cylinder 21. However, the number of holes does not have to be three, and the perforated plate Dk does not have to be provided perpendicular to the inner wall of the cultivation cylinder 21.

Next, the groove portion Mz shown in FIG. 21 (c) will be described. In the hydroponic cultivation unit 20 according to the modification 11, as the flow path adjusting member, the groove portion Mz (inside the cylinder) in which the amount, speed, direction, etc. of the flowing liquid can be adjusted inside the water receiving connecting portion 23 and the cultivation cylinder 21. It may be unevenness arranged along the circumferential direction of. The groove Mz may have the shape shown in the above-mentioned modification 10 (that is, the number of irregularities is not limited and may be one convex or two or more irregularities arranged in the circumferential direction). Further, the groove Mz may not be provided parallel to the major axis direction of the water receiving connecting portion 23 or the cultivation cylinder 21, and the groove Mz may be formed so as to draw a spiral on the inner wall.
Further, the groove Mz may be convex with respect to the thickness of the inner wall as shown in FIG. 19 (a), or may be concave with respect to the thickness Th of the inner wall as shown in FIG. 19 (d).

Further, a new hydroponic cultivation unit or a hydroponic cultivation system may be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the features of the modified examples 1 to 11.

The hydroponic cultivation unit and the hydroponic cultivation system of the present invention can be widely applied in the field of plant cultivation regardless of the type of plant.

P Plant S Medium 100 Hydroponics system 10 Frame 20 Hydroponics unit 30 Suspended support mechanism 40 Liquid supply system 50 Liquid receiving bed 60 Light source

Claims (11)

A cultivation cylinder composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divisions and having at least one opening on the side surface thereof, and a cultivation cylinder.
A planting member provided with an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged, an opening at the cultivation cylinder and an opening at the other end that can be attached and detached.
Including
An inclined surface whose inner diameter changes at least a part is formed on the inner surface of the cultivation cylinder.
A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by that. A cultivation cylinder composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divisions and having at least one opening on the side surface thereof, and a cultivation cylinder.
A planting member provided with an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged, an opening at the cultivation cylinder and an opening at the other end that can be attached and detached.
Water having one end detachably connected to the cultivation cylinder, the other end detachably connected to the hanging support mechanism for suspending and supporting the hydroponic cultivation unit, and having a water receiving opening on the side surface. Receiving connection member and
A water receiving member that is detachably connected to the water receiving opening and receives liquid supply from the liquid supply system.
A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by containing. A cultivation cylinder composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divisions and having at least one opening on the side surface thereof, and a cultivation cylinder.
A planting member comprising an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged and an opening at the other end of the cultivation cylinder and a detachable other end.
At least in the upper part of the opening of the inner peripheral surface of the cultivation cylinder, a groove for guiding the liquid to the side of the planting member is formed.
A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by that. A cultivation cylinder composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divisions and having at least one opening on the side surface thereof, and a cultivation cylinder.
A planting member comprising an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged and an opening at the other end of the cultivation cylinder and a detachable other end.
A dropout prevention portion is formed between one end opening and the other end opening of the planting member to prevent the plant from falling out.
A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by that. A cultivation cylinder composed of a plurality of mutually removable tubular divisions and having at least one opening on the side surface thereof, and a cultivation cylinder.
A planting member comprising an opening at one end on which a plant is arranged and an opening at the other end of the cultivation cylinder and a detachable other end.
A notch into which a blade can be inserted is formed in one end opening of the planting member.
A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by that. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening and the other end opening are rotated and fitted. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 2 , further comprising a guide cylinder that is detachably connected to the lower end of the cultivation cylinder and that guides the liquid flowing inside the cultivation cylinder. A claim that the other end opening of the planting member is cut out diagonally so that a part of the other end opening protrudes inside the cultivation cylinder to form a water receiver when connected to the cultivation cylinder. Item 5. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of Items 1 to 7 . The planting member has a connecting portion for connecting to the tubular split body, and has a connecting portion.
The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the opening at one end of the planting member is positioned at a height equal to or higher than a horizontal plane passing through the uppermost portion of the connection portion. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the planting member has a tongue portion forming at least a part of the opening at one end. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and the hydroponic cultivation unit.
A hanging support mechanism that supports the hydroponic cultivation unit,
A liquid supply system that supplies the necessary liquid to the plants planted in the hydroponic cultivation unit, and
A hydroponic cultivation system characterized by containing.

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