JP7282225B1 - Cultivation equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a cultivation facility capable of adjusting a cultivation environment for each cultivation unit in a plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction. SOLUTION: A cultivation facility of the present invention comprises a plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction, a first space formed at one end side of the plurality of cultivation units in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a first space intersecting the predetermined direction. a second space formed on the other end side of the plurality of cultivation units in the direction, and through which air having a temperature higher than that of the first space flows, wherein each of the plurality of cultivation units is a housing in which plants are cultivated. , a first blower that blows air from one of the first space and the inside of the housing to the other, and a second blower that blows air from one of the second space and the inside of the housing to the other. [Selection drawing] Fig. 7

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cultivation facility, and more particularly to a cultivation facility having a configuration including a plurality of cultivation units for cultivating plants within a housing.

As a method for cultivating plants, a cultivation method using a unit including a housing and a light source (hereinafter referred to as a cultivation unit) has been developed. In a cultivation unit, for example, a tank of nutrient solution is arranged in a housing, a plant is held in a state of floating in the nutrient solution, and the plant is cultivated in the housing by irradiating the plant with light from a light source (for example, See Patent Document 1).

By using a plurality of the cultivation units and cultivating plants in each cultivation unit at the same time, a large amount of plants to be cultivated can be cultivated. In this case, from the viewpoint of space restrictions, ease of handling, etc., it may be assumed that a plurality of cultivation units are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction.

JP 2020-058285 A

By the way, the state inside the enclosure provided in the cultivation unit is related to the plant cultivation conditions, and in particular, the temperature and humidity inside the enclosure can affect the growth rate, quality, and the like of the plant.

On the other hand, in the cultivation unit, the temperature inside the housing and around the light source tends to rise due to heat generated due to the use of the light source. Based on this point, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the cultivation environment in the cultivation unit (especially the temperature and humidity inside the housing).

In addition, when cultivating plants in each of a plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction, the preferred cultivation environment (temperature and humidity in the housing, etc.) depends on the type of plant to be cultivated and the growth status of the plant. can change. Considering this point, it is preferable to adjust the cultivation environment of each cultivation unit.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and more specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cultivation facility capable of adjusting the cultivation environment for each cultivation unit in a plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction. and

In order to achieve the above object, a cultivation facility according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction, and a plurality of cultivation units formed at one end side in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. and a second space formed on the other end side of the plurality of cultivation units in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction and through which air having a temperature higher than that of the first space flows, wherein each of the plurality of cultivation units is characterized by comprising a housing in which plants are cultivated, and a blower for generating wind flowing through the interior of the housing and at least one of the first space and the second space.

Further, a cultivation facility according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction, a first space formed on one end side of the plurality of cultivation units in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, a plurality of and a second space formed between two adjacent cultivating units among the cultivating units and through which air having a temperature higher than that of the first space flows, wherein each of the plurality of cultivating units is configured to grow plants therein and a blower for generating wind flowing through the interior of the housing and at least one of the first space and the second space.

In the cultivation equipment of the present invention configured as described above, in each of the plurality of cultivation units arranged in a predetermined direction, the flow is between the inside of the housing and at least one of the first space and the second space. Can generate wind. Thereby, in a plurality of cultivation units, it is possible to adjust the temperature, humidity, etc. inside the housing as a cultivation environment for each cultivation unit.

In addition, each of the plurality of cultivation units has a light source that irradiates light toward the inside of the housing, and one of the two adjacent cultivation units among the plurality of cultivation units has a light source provided by one of the two adjacent cultivation units. may be placed between
According to said structure, a light source can be arrange|positioned using the space between adjacent cultivation units.

Also, each of the plurality of cultivation units may have a light source that emits light toward the inside of the housing, and the light source provided by one of the two adjacent cultivation units may be arranged in the second space.
According to said structure, a light source can be arrange|positioned using a 2nd space.

In addition, a gap is formed between the housings of each of two adjacent cultivation units among the plurality of cultivation units, and the two adjacent cultivation units have a structure that increases resistance to airflow passing through the gap. may be provided.
According to the above configuration, the flow of air (airflow) passing through the gap can be blocked, and the entry and exit of air between the gap and its surrounding space can be suppressed.

In addition, among the plurality of cultivation units, one or more cultivation units are horizontally arranged side by side with other cultivation units, and two or more horizontally arranged cultivation units are horizontally arranged in a connected state. It may be movable.
With the above configuration, for example, two or more horizontally aligned cultivation units can be easily taken out.

Further, a gap may be formed between two adjacent cultivation units among the plurality of cultivation units arranged vertically. Also, two or more cultivation units arranged in the horizontal direction may form a cultivation unit row. In this case, between two cultivation unit rows that are vertically adjacent to each other, it is preferable to provide a passage formed by continuous gaps along the cultivation unit rows.
With the above configuration, the gap between two vertically adjacent cultivation units constitutes a passage continuously along the cultivation unit row. By using this passage, for example, heat generated during plant cultivation in the cultivation unit can be discharged (exhaust heat).

Moreover, you may have a control apparatus which controls the air blower which each of several cultivation units has.
With the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately adjust the temperature and humidity inside the housing of each cultivation unit by controlling the fan of each cultivation unit with the control device.

The blower may include a first blower that blows air from one of the first space and the inside of the housing to the other, and a second blower that blows air from one of the second space and the inside of the housing to the other.
With the above configuration, the first blower generates wind flowing through the inside of the housing and the first space, and the second blower generates wind flowing through the inside of the housing and the second space. . Thereby, it becomes easy to adjust the temperature, humidity, etc. in a housing|casing in each cultivation unit.

Furthermore, the above configuration may have a control device that controls each of the first blower and the second blower that each of the plurality of cultivation units has for each cultivation unit.
With the above configuration, the temperature and humidity inside the housing of each cultivation unit can be adjusted more appropriately by controlling each of the first blower and the second blower of each cultivation unit with the control device.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cultivation equipment which can adjust a cultivation environment for every cultivation unit is implement|achieved in several cultivation units which were located in a line with the predetermined direction.

1 is a front view of a cultivation facility according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a front view of a cultivation facility according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cultivation unit supported by support rails; FIG. 4 is a top view of a plurality of cultivation units arranged horizontally in a row; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of each of a plurality of vertically arranged cultivation units as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a channel formed between vertically overlapping cultivation units. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing the flow of air currents in the cultivation facility according to the first embodiment; It is a figure which shows the control mechanism of cultivation equipment. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the flow of air currents in the cultivation facility according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the flow of air currents in the cultivation facility according to the second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a structure for sealing gaps between cultivation units; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a structure for sealing gaps between cultivation units; It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the air current in the cultivation unit which concerns on a modification (part 1). It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the air current in the cultivation unit which concerns on a modification (part 2).

The present invention will be specifically described with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

In the drawings referred to in this specification, for convenience of illustration, a part of the equipment or device may be omitted or simplified. For example, FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 omit the illustration of the internal structure of the cultivation unit, the group of supports, and the like. In addition, in some figures (for example, FIGS. 4 to 6), the dimensions and scale of each device (part) are different from the actual values in order to facilitate illustration of the connection structure between devices (between parts). set to a value.

In addition, in this specification, when describing the position, direction, orientation, etc. of a device, unless otherwise specified, the position, direction, orientation, etc., will be described while the device is being used.

Further, in this specification, a numerical range represented using "to" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "to" as lower and upper limits.
In addition, in this specification, "horizontal", "perpendicular", "perpendicular" and "parallel" include the range of errors generally accepted in the technical field of the present invention, and strict horizontal, vertical, perpendicular and It also includes a state in which it is deviated within a range of less than several degrees (for example, 2 to 3 degrees) from parallel.
Also, in this specification, the meanings of "same", "identical" and "equal" may include the range of error generally accepted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.
In addition, in the present specification, the meanings of "all", "any" and "all" include the range of error generally accepted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, in addition to the case of 100%. for example, 99% or more, 95% or more, or 90% or more.

In the following description, two horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction, and the vertical direction (that is, the vertical direction) is referred to as the Z direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the Z direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction" and the Y direction corresponds to the "direction intersecting with the predetermined direction". In addition, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, one end side in the X direction is called "front side" and the other end side is called "rear side".

<Basic configuration of cultivation equipment>
A cultivation facility (hereinafter referred to as cultivation facility 100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to grow plants in a building using a hydroponics method. The number of cultivation facilities 100 installed in the building is not particularly limited, and can be set to any number.

The cultivation facility 100 includes a unit storage 10 and a plurality of cultivation units 30, as shown in FIG.

The unit storage 10 is a storage (chamber) capable of storing a plurality of cultivation units. The inside becomes a substantially closed space or a semi-closed space. Inside the storage, a column group 12G is provided as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the column group 12G has a plurality of columns of columns each of which includes a plurality of columns 12 arranged in rows at regular intervals in the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction. The support 12 is a rod or plate extending in the Z direction in the unit storage 10 .

In addition, the column group 12G includes one or more pairs of column columns 12P (hereinafter referred to as paired column columns 12P) arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y direction. Of the paired column columns 12P, the position in the X direction of each column included in one column column 12P (hereinafter referred to as the first column column) and the other column column 12P (hereinafter referred to as the second column column) The position in the X direction of each strut included is substantially the same position. In addition, the interval between the first support column and the second support column in the Y direction is somewhat wider than the width of the housing of one cultivation unit 30 (see FIG. 1).

Each stanchion 12 in the first row of stanchions and each stanchion 12 in the second row of stanchions is secured to a support rail 16 extending in the X direction, as shown in FIGS. A plurality of support rails 16 are provided at a constant pitch in the Z direction, and are arranged between the first row of columns and the second row of columns in the Y direction. Each support rail 16 is made of, for example, a steel material (that is, an angle) having an L-shaped cross section, and extends from one end (front end) in the X direction of the unit storage 10 to the other end (rear end) in the X direction. ing.

In addition, each of the plurality of support rails 16 fixed to the first column row (hereinafter referred to as the support rail 16 on the side of the first column row) crosses each column 12 in the first column row. It is fixed to the strut 12 . Each of the plurality of support rails 16 fixed to the second column row (hereinafter referred to as the support rail 16 on the side of the second column row) crosses each column 12 in the second column row. is fixed to Each support rail 16 on the first column row side and each support rail 16 on the second column row side form a pair with each other. The paired support rails 16 are arranged at the same position in the Z direction.

One of the paired two support rails 16 has, as shown in FIG. 3, a portion extending horizontally to one side in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the first extending portion 14). The other support rail 16, as shown in FIG. 3, has a portion extending horizontally to the other side in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as a second extending portion 15). The first extending portion 14 and the second extending portion 15 are substantially at the same position in the Z direction and extend in opposite directions to each other in the Y direction.

The cultivation unit 30 is a box-shaped device as shown in FIG. 3, in which plants are cultivated. A plurality of cultivation units 30 are stored in the unit storage 10, and each cultivation unit 30 is used while being stored in the storage. That is, in the cultivation facility 100, the plant P is cultivated in each cultivation unit 30. This makes it easier to manage equipment and the like than, for example, the case of cultivating a large number of plants P with floats floating in a wide nutrient solution pool. For example, when a failure or the like occurs in one cultivation unit 30 among the plurality of cultivation units 30, only that unit may be replaced.

The cultivation unit 30 has a housing 31 shown in FIG. The housing 31 is a substantially closed container having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and has a bottom wall, a ceiling wall, and four side walls. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a rib-shaped supported portion 32 projecting substantially horizontally outward in the Y direction is provided at the lower end portion of the side wall of the housing 31 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the cultivation unit 30 is housed in a space (storage space) located between the pair of column columns 12P. The cultivation unit 30 arranged in the storage space is supported by the support rail 16 adjacent to the housing 31 of the cultivation unit 30 among the plurality of support rails 16 fixed to each column 12P. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a supported portion 32 protruding from one Y-direction end face of a housing 31 is supported by a support rail 16 adjacent to the one end face. It rests on the first extension portion 14 provided. Also, the supported portion 32 protruding from the other Y-direction end face of the housing 31 is supported by the support rail 16 adjacent to the other end face, and strictly speaking, the second extension portion 15 provided on the support rail 16 is supported. is placed on

The cultivation unit 30 arranged in the storage space is supported (held) by the support structure described above, as shown in FIG. In addition, the cultivation unit 30 can be moved in the X direction within the unit storage 10 by sliding the supported portion 32 placed on the support rail 16 in the X direction along the support rail 16 . Thereby, the cultivation unit 30 can be pushed into the back side of the unit storage 10 when the cultivation unit 30 is stored, and the cultivation unit 30 can be pulled out to the front side of the unit storage 10 when the cultivation unit 30 is taken out.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, within the unit storage 10, a plurality of cultivation units 30 can be stored at the same position in the Z direction. That is, a plurality of cultivation units 30 arranged at the same height in the storage space can be supported by the same support rails 16 . These plurality of cultivation units 30 are arranged in a row in the X direction to form a cultivation unit row 30L.

Two cultivation units 30 adjacent to each other in the X direction in the cultivation unit row 30L are connected to each other. More specifically, each cultivation unit 30 has the same external shape and size. Further, in each cultivation unit 30, as shown in FIG. 4, side walls located on both sides of the housing 31 in the Y direction protrude rearward, and recesses (hereinafter referred to as first recesses 33) are formed between the protruding side walls. is formed. At the front end of the housing 31, as shown in FIG. 4, one end surface and the other end surface of the housing 31 are offset inward in the Y direction. Therefore, the width of the housing 31 is reduced. Also, the width W1 of the first recess 33 in the Y direction (specifically, the distance between the inner wall surfaces of the side walls protruding rearward) is slightly wider than the width W2 of the front end of the housing 31 .

With the above configuration, in the cultivation unit row 30L, as shown in FIG. 4, of the two cultivation units 30 adjacent to each other in the X direction, the first rear end portion formed at the rear end portion of the housing 31 of the front cultivation unit 30 The front end portion of the housing 31 included in the cultivation unit 30 on the rear side is fitted into the concave portion 33 of the rear side. Along with this, the housings 31 of the two cultivation units 30 are partially joined together. As a result, two adjacent cultivation units 30 are connected to each other, and the plurality of cultivation units 30 forming the cultivation unit row 30L are integrated.

As described above, the cultivation unit row 30L can move in the unit storage 10 while forming a row in the X direction (horizontal direction). In other words, the cultivation unit row 30L can be integrally moved by sliding the supported portions 32 of the plurality of cultivation units 30 included in the cultivation unit row 30L on the same support rail 16 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, two or more cultivation units 30 can be vertically stacked (stacked) in the storage space (that is, between the paired columns 12P). That is, within the unit storage 10, a plurality of cultivation units 30 can be stored side by side in the Z direction. Specifically, between the pair of support columns 12P, another cultivation unit 30 is supported by the support rail 16 positioned directly above or below the support rail 16 supporting a certain cultivation unit 30. , a plurality of cultivation units 30 are arranged vertically.

Also, two cultivation units 30 arranged at the same position in the X direction and adjacent in the Z direction (that is, vertically overlapping) are connected to each other. More specifically, in each cultivation unit 30, as shown in FIG. 5, side walls located on both sides of the housing 31 in the Y direction protrude upward, and recesses (hereinafter referred to as second A recess 34) is formed. At the lower end of the housing 31, as shown in FIG. 5, one end surface and the other end surface of the housing 31 are offset inward in the Y direction. The width of the housing 31 is shortened. In addition, the width W3 of the second recess 34 in the Y direction (specifically, the interval between the inner wall surfaces of the side walls protruding upward) is slightly wider than the width W4 of the lower end of the housing 31 .

With the above configuration, of the two vertically overlapping cultivation units 30, the housing 31 of the upper cultivation unit 30 is inserted into the second recess 34 formed in the upper end portion of the housing 31 of the lower cultivation unit 30. The bottom ends fit together. As a result, two cultivation units 30 that overlap vertically are connected to each other, and as a result, two or more cultivation units 30 can be stacked in the Z direction.

As described above, by arranging a plurality of cultivation unit rows 30L in the unit storage 10 and connecting two adjacent cultivation units 30 to each other, as shown in FIG. A cultivation unit assembly 30G in which the cultivation units 30 are arranged is configured. That is, in the cultivation unit assembly 30G, each of the plurality of cultivation units 30 arranged in the Z direction is arranged in a state of being arranged side by side with other cultivation units 30 in the X direction. Two or more cultivation units 30 arranged in the X direction constitute a cultivation unit row 30L, and the cultivation unit rows 30L are arranged vertically in two or more rows (two or more stages).

In addition, in the cultivation unit aggregate 30G, the number of cultivation units 30 constituting the cultivation unit row 30L and the number of cultivation unit rows 30L (the number of stages) may each be two or more, and are not particularly limited. do not have.

As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, in the cultivation unit assembly 30G, both side surfaces (end surfaces in the Y direction, specifically the XZ surface) of each cultivation unit 30 are arranged substantially on the same plane. , arranged to form a continuous plane.

In addition, in the cultivation unit assembly 30G, between two cultivation units 30 adjacent in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap in the X direction (hereinafter referred to as front and rear gap Ga) is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a gap in the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as an upper and lower gap Gb) is formed between two cultivation units 30 adjacent in the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the front and rear gaps Ga are sandwiched between the housings 31 of the cultivation units 30 arranged in front and behind the gaps Ga, and are spaces located on both sides of the cultivation units 30 (specifically, the low-temperature space LS described later). and high temperature space HS). The air around the cultivation unit 30 may flow into the front and rear gap Ga, and the air may flow out from the front and rear gap Ga. On the other hand, due to the above-described fitting structure that connects two cultivation units 30 adjacent in the X direction, the front and rear gaps Ga are formed at the ends in the Y direction (more specifically, near the opening) as shown in FIG. It is bent like a crank. Such a curved portion in the front-rear gap Ga functions as a structure that increases resistance to airflow passing through the front-rear gap Ga, and exhibits an effect similar to a labyrinth seal structure.

The upper and lower gaps Gb are sandwiched between the housings 31 of the cultivation units 30 arranged above and below, and communicate with the spaces located on both sides of the cultivation units (more specifically, the low-temperature space LS and the high-temperature space HS, which will be described later). ing. Moreover, when a plurality of sets of two cultivation units 30 that overlap one another are arranged in the X direction, that is, when two cultivation unit rows 30L that are vertically adjacent to each other are provided, between the two cultivation unit rows 30L, , the upper and lower gaps Gb form a passage (hereinafter referred to as a continuous passage IL) continuously in the X direction. This continuous passage IL has a cross-sectional structure close to a closed cross-sectional structure, and has a length corresponding to the entire length of the cultivation unit row 30L in the X direction.

In addition, the airflow around the cultivation unit 30 may flow into the upper and lower gaps Gb, and the air may flow out from the upper and lower gaps Gb. On the other hand, due to the above-described fitting structure that connects two cultivation units 30 adjacent in the Z direction, the upper and lower gaps Gb are bent in a crank shape at the ends in the Y direction as shown in FIG. Such a bent portion in the vertical gap Gb functions as a structure that increases resistance to the airflow passing through the vertical gap Gb, and exhibits an effect similar to a labyrinth seal structure.

One or more cultivation unit aggregates 30G are usually stored in the unit storage 10 (see FIG. 1). In the unit storage 10, the cultivation unit assembly 30G is arranged from the floor surface to the ceiling surface in the storage, and partitions the space in the storage in the Y direction as partition walls. In other words, there are two spaces partitioned by the cultivation unit assembly 30G in the unit storage 10 on both sides of the cultivation unit assembly 30G (strictly speaking, on both sides in the Y direction).

One of the two spaces is located on one end side in the Y direction of the cultivation unit assembly 30G in the Y direction, is a space through which low temperature air flows, and is hereinafter referred to as a low temperature space LS. The other space is positioned on the other Y-direction end side of the cultivation unit assembly 30G in the Y direction, and is air in which high temperature air flows, and is hereinafter referred to as a high temperature space HS. In one embodiment of the invention, the low temperature space LS corresponds to the first space and the high temperature space HS corresponds to the second space.

The air flowing through the low-temperature space LS is low-temperature air, specifically air cooled by an air conditioner (not shown) or fresh air introduced from outside the unit storage 10 . The low-temperature space LS is adjacent to the entire continuous surface provided on one end side in the Y direction of the cultivation unit assembly 30G. That is, the low-temperature space LS is adjacent to one end surface in the Y direction of the housing 31 included in each cultivation unit 30 that constitutes the cultivation unit assembly 30G.

The air flowing through the high-temperature space HS has a higher temperature than the air in the low-temperature space LS. It is the air warmed by the heat generated from 35. The high-temperature space HS is adjacent to the entire continuous surface provided on the other end side in the Y direction of the cultivation unit assembly 30G. In other words, the high-temperature space HS is adjacent to the other Y-direction end surface of the housing 31 included in each cultivation unit 30 constituting the cultivation unit assembly 30G.

In the unit storage 10, two or more cultivation unit aggregates 30G may be arranged by providing a plurality of sets of paired support columns 12P spaced apart in the Y direction (see FIG. 1). ). In that case, the inside of the warehouse is partitioned into three or more spaces by two or more cultivation unit aggregates 30G. The three or more spaces include one or more low temperature spaces LS and one or more high temperature spaces HS, and the low temperature spaces LS and high temperature spaces HS are alternately arranged in the Y direction.

<Detailed configuration of the cultivation unit>
Next, the detailed configuration of the cultivation unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 .
As shown in FIG. 5, the cultivation unit 30 includes the housing 31 and the light source 35 described above. .

Although the material constituting the housing 31 (excluding the ceiling wall of the housing 31) is not particularly limited, it is preferably a material having excellent heat insulating properties and light shielding properties (reflectivity). The planar size of the housing 31 can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the width (length in the Y direction) may be approximately 600 mm and the depth (length in the X direction) may be approximately 600 mm.

The lower end of the housing 31 forms a nutrient solution tank 38 . The tank 38 is a deep tray-shaped portion, and as shown in FIG. 5, the nutrient solution L is stored in the tank 38 . The support plate 36 is a plate made of foamed polystyrene or the like, and as shown in FIG. Specifically, the support plate 36 is formed with one or more through-holes, and the urethane medium B holding the roots of the plant P is fitted into the through-holes. As a result, the support plate 36 supports the plant P via the culture medium B, and the plant P is held with its roots immersed in the nutrient solution.

The light source 35 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an electroluminescence element, a semiconductor laser element, or the like, and irradiates the inside of the housing 31 with light. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source 35 is installed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall of the housing 31, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the light from the light source 35 is transmitted through the ceiling wall of the housing 31 and radiated into the housing 31 . In other words, the ceiling wall of the housing 31 is light transmissive and is composed of, for example, a transparent or translucent plate.

Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light source 35 is positioned within the aforementioned continuous path IL, as shown in FIG. More specifically, the light source 35 provided in the lower cultivation unit 30 of the two vertically stacked cultivation units 30 is arranged in a second concave portion 34 formed in the upper end portion of the housing 31. It is fixed to the upper surface of the ceiling wall of 31. When the lower end of the housing 31 of the upper cultivation unit 30 is fitted into the second concave portion 34, the light source 35 is placed in the gap between the housings 31 of the two upper and lower cultivation units 30, that is, the upper and lower gaps Gb. is located.

On the other hand, as described above, the upper and lower gaps Gb constitute continuous passages IL that are continuous in the X direction in the cultivation unit assembly 30G. That is, the continuous passage IL forms a space for accommodating the light source 35 of each cultivation unit (strictly speaking, the light source 35 provided in the lower cultivation unit 30 of the two vertically overlapping cultivation units 30).

The continuous passage IL forms a path for discharging heat generated from the light source 35 when the light source 35 operates (hereinafter referred to as heat originating from the light source) (see FIG. 10). That is, while the plants are cultivated in each cultivation unit 30 in the cultivation unit aggregate 30G, the air in the continuous passage IL is heated by the heat derived from the light source, and the temperature is the low temperature space adjacent to the cultivation unit aggregate 30G. higher than the temperature of the air in the LS.

The agitating device 37 is an electric device that agitates the nutrient solution in the tank 38, and is composed of, for example, a stirrer that rotates in the tank 38, a circulation pump that circulates the nutrient solution, or an air pump that blows air into the nutrient solution. be.

The three blowers 41, 42, 43 are provided inside the housing 31 for the purpose of adjusting the conditions inside the housing 31, particularly the temperature and humidity. The first fan (hereinafter referred to as the low-temperature fan 41) is arranged inside or around the through-hole 39 formed in the side wall of the housing 31 adjacent to the low-temperature space LS. In one embodiment of the present invention, the low temperature blower 41 corresponds to the first blower and is mainly used for the purpose of blowing air from the low temperature space LS into the housing 31 . That is, the low-temperature blower 41 is a blower that generates wind that flows through the inside of the housing 31 and the space of the low-temperature space LS.

A second blower (hereinafter referred to as a high-temperature blower 42) is arranged inside or around the through-hole 39 formed in the side wall of the housing 31 adjacent to the high-temperature space HS. In one embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature blower 42 corresponds to a second blower and is mainly used for the purpose of blowing air from inside the housing 31 to the high-temperature space HS. That is, the high-temperature blower 42 is a blower that generates wind that flows through the interior of the housing 31 and the high-temperature space HS.

A third blower (hereinafter referred to as a circulation blower 43), for example, is arranged in the housing 31 directly below the ceiling wall of the housing 31 and is mainly used for the purpose of circulating the air in the housing 31. .

The three blowers 41, 42, 43 are configured by known fans. Propeller fans, sirocco fans, turbo fans, mixed flow fans, line flow fans (registered trademark), and the like can be used as well-known fans.
The number of each of the three fans 41, 42, and 43 having different functions is not particularly limited, and may be one or more.

In addition, the cultivation unit 30 includes a power receiving mechanism (not shown), receives power from the power supply through the power receiving mechanism, and receives each electric device (specifically, the light source 35, the stirring device 37, and the blower) provided in the cultivation unit 30. 41, 42, 43). The power receiving mechanism is, for example, a connector, and power can be received by connecting a power feeding plug (not shown) to the connector.
The type of power receiving mechanism is not particularly limited, and may be a power collecting device (trolley) that collects power in contact with the overhead wire laid on the support rail 16 or the support rail 16, or wireless power supply such as a wireless power transmission system. The power may be received by any method.

<Regarding the adjustment of the cultivation environment in the cultivation unit>
Each of the plurality of cultivation units 30 forming the cultivation unit assembly 30G includes blowers 41, 42, and 43 inside the housing 31, as described above. Thereby, it is possible to adjust the cultivation environment of the plant P for each cultivation unit 30 .

Specifically, in each cultivation unit 30, as shown in FIG. It can be taken into the body 31 . Further, as shown in FIG. 7, by operating the high-temperature blower 42, air can be blown from the inside of the housing 31 to the high-temperature space HS, and the air inside the housing 31 can be discharged to the high-temperature space HS. Thereby, the state inside the housing 31, particularly the temperature and humidity inside the housing 31 can be adjusted.

In addition, since the low temperature blower 41 and the high temperature blower 42 are provided in each cultivation unit 30, the state inside the housing 31 of each cultivation unit 30 can be individually adjusted (for each cultivation unit 30). can.

Specifically, the cultivation facility 100 includes a control device 50 as shown in FIG. The control device 50 is, for example, a control computer or a control processor, communicates wirelessly with a control circuit (not shown) provided in each cultivation unit 30, and controls the blowers 41, 42, and 43 in each cultivation unit 30. .

The control device 50 controls at least one of the low temperature blower 41 and the high temperature blower 42 of each cultivation unit 30 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the control device 50 controls the three fans 41 , 42 , 43 of each cultivation unit 30 for each cultivation unit 30 . Specifically, the control device 50 controls the start/stop of each blower in each cultivation unit 30 and the amount of air blown by each blower (strictly, the number of revolutions, etc.) for each cultivation unit 30 .

As described above, the state inside the housing 31 can be adjusted for each cultivation unit 30 . Thereby, even if the growth degree of the plant P differs among the cultivation units 30, the temperature, humidity, etc. within each housing 31 can be individually adjusted according to the growth degree of the plant P within each housing 31. can be done. As a result, the cultivation environment in each cultivation unit 30 is appropriately and favorably adjusted.

In one embodiment of the present invention, two cultivation units 30 adjacent in the X direction or the Z direction among the plurality of cultivation units 30 forming the cultivation unit aggregate 30G are connected to each other. As a result, the cultivation unit assembly 30G satisfactorily functions as a partition partitioning the low-temperature space LS and the high-temperature space HS, and can appropriately partition the low-temperature space LS and the high-temperature space HS. As a result, the air in one space is suppressed from flowing into the other space, and the cultivation environment (that is, the temperature and humidity in the housing 31) using the low-temperature space LS and the high-temperature space HS is appropriately adjusted. be able to.

In addition, two cultivation units 30 adjacent in the X direction or Z direction have a structure that increases resistance to air currents passing through gaps formed between the cultivation units 30 (i.e., front and rear gap Ga and upper and lower gaps Gb). . Specifically, as described above, a bent portion is provided at the end of the gap in the Y direction (more specifically, near the opening end), and this bent portion exerts an effect similar to the labyrinth seal structure. As a result, the low-temperature space LS and the high-temperature space HS can be separated more reliably, and the air in one space can be more effectively prevented from flowing into the other space. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately adjust the cultivation environment using the low temperature space LS and the high temperature space HS.

<Other embodiments>
Although the cultivation equipment of the present invention has been described above with specific examples, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and embodiments other than the above are also conceivable. obtain.

In the above embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the first embodiment), in order to adjust the cultivation environment in each cultivation unit 30, the air in the low temperature space LS is taken into the housing 31, and the air in the housing 31 is taken into the high temperature space HS. It was decided to discharge to However, another method is conceivable for the configuration for adjusting the cultivation environment in each cultivation unit 30 .
Another embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a second embodiment) for adjusting the cultivation environment in each cultivation unit 30 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

In the second embodiment, the air in the low-temperature space LS is taken into the housing 31 as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the low-temperature air blower 41 (corresponding to the first air blower) is operated to blow air from the low-temperature space LS into the housing 31 through the through hole 39 formed in the side wall of the housing 31 at one end in the Y direction. . On the other hand, in the second embodiment, instead of discharging the air in the housing 31 to the high-temperature space HS, the air is discharged to the continuous passage IL, that is, the space through which the air warmed by the heat derived from the light source flows. That is, in the second embodiment, the low-temperature space LS is used as the first space, and the continuous passage IL through which air having a temperature higher than that of the low-temperature space LS flows is used as the second space.

Specifically, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a hole (hereinafter referred to as a ceiling hole 44) is formed in the ceiling wall of the housing 31, and a circulation fan 43 is located directly below the ceiling hole 44. are placed. In the second embodiment, the circulation fan 43 generates wind that flows through the interior of the housing 31 and the continuous passage IL. In such a configuration, when the circulation fan 43 (corresponding to the second fan) operates, the circulation fan 43 blows air from the inside of the housing 31 to the continuous passage IL, thereby moving the air inside the housing 31 to the continuous passage. Can be expelled to IL. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the cultivation environment in each cultivation unit 30, specifically, the temperature and humidity in each housing 31 can be appropriately and favorably adjusted.

In the above-described embodiment, the air in the low-temperature space LS is taken into the housing 31, and the air in the housing 31 is discharged to the high-temperature space HS or the continuous passage IL. do not have. The low temperature blower 41 may blow air from the inside of the housing 31 to the low temperature space LS, and the high temperature blower 42 may blow air from the high temperature space HS to the inside of the housing 31 . Further, in the second embodiment, the circulation fan 43 may blow air into the housing 31 from the continuous passage IL.
With the above configuration, for example, the air in the high-temperature space HS or the continuous passage IL can be taken into the housing 31 for the purpose of heating the inside of the housing 31 . In this case, the high-temperature blower 42 or the circulation blower 43 may be rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation in the above-described embodiment.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a structure for increasing the resistance to the airflow passing through the gaps formed between the cultivation units 30 (that is, the front and rear gaps Ga and the upper and lower gaps Gb), bent portions are provided at the ends of the gaps. I decided to However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, a structure that seals the gap may be used. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a close contact member 61 such as rubber may be attached to the side wall of the housing 31 near the opening of the gap to block the gap (front and rear gap Ga in FIG. 11). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, a raised member 62 such as a brush is attached to the side wall of the housing 31 near the opening of the gap so that the gap (front and rear gap Ga in FIG. 12) and the low temperature space LS or the high temperature space HS are separated. It may block air flow between

Further, in the above embodiment, each cultivation unit 30 is provided with a plurality of blowers. Specifically, a low temperature blower 41 as a first blower and a high temperature blower 42 or circulation blower 43 as a second blower It was decided that However, it is not limited to this, and as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, each cultivation unit 30 may be provided with a single blower (hereinafter, blower 45 of the modified example). The blower 45 of the modified example is a blower that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and when it rotates forward, blows air from the low temperature space LS to the inside of the housing 31, and blows air from the inside of the housing 31 to the high temperature space HS or the continuous passage IL ( In FIG. 13A, the air is blown to the high temperature space HS). On the other hand, the blower 45 of the modified example blows air from the high temperature space HS or the continuous passage IL (the high temperature space HS in FIG. 13B) to the inside of the housing 31 and from the inside of the housing 31 to the low temperature space LS at the time of reverse rotation. to blow air. In addition, the fan 45 according to the modification is provided for each cultivation unit 30 , and the rotation direction of each fan is controlled by the control device 50 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the light source 35 is installed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall of the housing 31 . However, it is not limited to this, and the light source 35 may be housed inside the housing 31 and may emit light within the housing 31 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the cultivation unit assembly 30G is configured by arranging the plurality of cultivation units 30 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Z direction), but the configuration is not limited to this. The cultivation unit assembly 30G may be configured by arranging a plurality of cultivation units 30 in either the horizontal direction (X direction) or the vertical direction (Z direction).

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined direction is the Z direction, and it is assumed that a plurality of cultivation units 30 are arranged in at least the Z direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which the predetermined direction is the X direction and a plurality of cultivation units 30 are arranged at least in the X direction (for example, a configuration in which the cultivation units 30 are arranged only in the X direction).

10 unit storage 12 post 12G post group 12P post row 14 first extension part 15 second extension part 16 support rail 30 cultivation unit 30L cultivation unit row 30G cultivation unit assembly 31 housing 32 supported part 33 second Recess 1 34 Second recess 35 Light source 36 Support plate 37 Stirrer 38 Tank 39 Through hole 41 Low temperature blower 42 High temperature blower 43 Circulation blower 44 Ceiling hole 45 Modified blower 50 Control device 61 Adhering member 100 Cultivation equipment B Culture medium IL Continuous passage HS High temperature space LS Low temperature space P Plant

Claims (6)

a plurality of cultivation units arranged vertically,
a first space formed on one end side of the plurality of cultivation units in a first horizontal direction;
a second space formed on the other end side of the plurality of cultivation units in the first direction and through which air having a temperature higher than that of the first space flows;
At least one or more cultivation unit aggregates configured to include the plurality of cultivation units are accommodated inside the unit storage housing the plurality of cultivation units,
The cultivation unit assembly partitions the internal space of the unit storage in the first direction,
In the internal space of the unit storage, one of two spaces located on opposite sides of the cultivation unit aggregate is the first space, and the other is the second space,
Each of the plurality of cultivation units,
a housing in which plants are grown;
a light source that emits light toward the interior of the housing;
a fan that generates wind flowing through the interior of the housing and at least one of the first space and the second space ,
A gap is formed between two adjacent cultivation units among the plurality of cultivation units arranged vertically, and the light source provided in one of the two adjacent cultivation units is one of the two adjacent cultivation units. placed in said gap between
In the cultivation unit aggregate, each of the plurality of cultivation units is arranged side by side with other cultivation units in a second direction that is horizontal and intersects with the first direction,
The two or more cultivation units arranged in the second direction are movable in the second direction while being connected,
In the cultivation unit aggregate, the two or more cultivation units arranged in the second direction constitute a cultivation unit row,
Between the two cultivation unit rows that are vertically adjacent to each other, the gap is configured to be continuous along the cultivation unit rows, and the space is provided for discharging heat generated from the light sources when the light sources are operated. A cultivation facility provided with a continuous passage forming a route . a plurality of cultivation units arranged vertically,
a first space formed on one end side of the plurality of cultivation units in a first horizontal direction;
a second space formed between two adjacent cultivating units among the plurality of cultivating units, through which air having a temperature higher than that of the first space flows;
At least one or more cultivation unit aggregates configured to include the plurality of cultivation units are accommodated inside the unit storage housing the plurality of cultivation units,
In the internal space of the unit storage, one of two spaces located on opposite sides of the cultivation unit aggregate is the first space,
Each of the plurality of cultivation units,
a housing in which plants are grown;
a light source that emits light toward the interior of the housing;
a fan that generates wind flowing through the interior of the housing and at least one of the first space and the second space ,
A gap is formed between two adjacent cultivation units among the plurality of cultivation units arranged vertically, and the light source provided in one of the two adjacent cultivation units is one of the two adjacent cultivation units. placed in said gap between
In the cultivation unit aggregate, each of the plurality of cultivation units is arranged side by side with other cultivation units in a second direction that is horizontal and intersects with the first direction,
The two or more cultivation units arranged in the second direction are movable in the second direction while being connected,
In the cultivation unit aggregate, the two or more cultivation units arranged in the second direction constitute a cultivation unit row,
Provided between two cultivation unit rows that are vertically adjacent to each other, the gap is formed by continuing along the cultivation unit rows, and is used to discharge heat generated from the light source when the light source is in operation. is the second space . The cultivation equipment according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the two adjacent cultivation units each include a crank-shaped bent portion provided at an end portion of the gap in the first direction. The cultivation facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , comprising a control device that controls the air blower included in each of the plurality of cultivation units. The blower is
a first air blower that blows air from one of the first space and the inside of the housing to the other;
The cultivation facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , comprising a second blower that blows air from one of the insides of the second space and the housing to the other. The cultivation facility according to claim 5 , further comprising a control device for controlling each of said first blower and said second blower provided in each of said plurality of cultivation units for each cultivation unit.

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