JP7398344B2 - Hydroponic cultivation plates and hydroponic cultivation equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a hydroponic cultivation plate for cultivating plants, and a hydroponic cultivation apparatus using the hydroponic cultivation plate.

In recent years, hydroponic cultivation devices that can efficiently grow plants indoors by controlling temperature while supplying light and nutrients have been attracting attention. Hydroponic cultivation devices do not require the use of soil, making it possible to produce plants at a high density in a small indoor space. In addition, with hydroponic cultivation equipment, temperature, humidity, etc. can be adjusted without being affected by the weather, and contamination caused by various germs, pests, etc. can be easily removed.

A conventional hydroponic cultivation device mainly includes a hydroponic cultivation plate having a plant holding hole, a hydroponic cultivation tank disposed below the plant holding hole, and a means for transporting the hydroponic cultivation plate. (See Patent Document 1).

In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, hydroponic cultivation plates are arranged in multiple stages at intervals in the vertical direction, and a lighting device is provided above each hydroponic cultivation plate. Furthermore, in order to effectively utilize the light from the lighting device, the cultivation area of the hydroponic cultivation device is covered with a board or the like having a light-reflecting film or sheet on the inner wall. On the other hand, to prevent air from accumulating in the cultivation area and causing temperature differences between the hydroponic cultivation plates at each stage, the hydroponic cultivation equipment is equipped with ventilation equipment, and the hydroponic cultivation plates at each stage are equipped with ventilation equipment. A ventilation hole is provided that passes through the top and bottom.

JP 2018-7652 Publication

However, if ventilation holes are formed in the hydroponic cultivation plate in order to increase the amount of ventilation in the vertical direction in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus, the strength of the hydroponic cultivation plate decreases. In addition, since the hydroponic cultivation plates used in conventional hydroponic cultivation devices are supported by multiple rows of transfer means arranged along a predetermined direction, the hydroponic cultivation plates used in conventional hydroponic cultivation devices are The plate becomes more flexible. As a result, problems arise in that plant growth is adversely affected and smooth transfer of hydroponic cultivation plates becomes difficult.

In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydroponic cultivation plate that does not easily bend even if vent holes are provided, and a hydroponic cultivation apparatus using the hydroponic cultivation plate.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present disclosure is such that the plant is used by being transported in a first direction as the plant grows, and the width is increased in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A plate for hydroponic cultivation comprising: a flat plate portion having a plant holding hole and a ventilation hole; and a reinforcing rib that crosses the ventilation hole in the second direction and is connected to the flat plate portion. This is a plate for use.

According to the first aspect, the ventilation holes formed in the flat plate part of the hydroponic culture plate are provided in the width direction (second direction) perpendicular to the transport direction (first direction) of the plate. A transverse reinforcing rib is provided. For this reason, the strength of the portion around the ventilation hole in the hydroponic cultivation plate is increased, so that it is possible to suppress the hydroponic cultivation plate from bending and deflecting in the width direction.

In the present disclosure, the term "reinforcing ribs that cross the vent in the second direction" refers not only to "reinforcing ribs whose transverse direction completely coincides with the second direction," but also to "reinforcement ribs whose transverse direction completely coincides with the second direction." "Reinforcement ribs" shall also be included. In order to suppress the deflection in the width direction (second direction) of the hydroponic cultivation plate, the more the second direction component in the transverse direction of the reinforcing ribs, the better. The angle difference is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, and even more preferably 15 degrees or less.

A second aspect according to the present disclosure is the hydroponic cultivation plate according to the first aspect, wherein the reinforcing rib has a thickness greater than the thickness of the flat plate part.

According to the second aspect, since the thickness of the reinforcing rib is greater than the thickness of the flat plate portion, the strength of the portion around the ventilation hole in the hydroponic culture plate is further increased. Therefore, the deflection of the hydroponic culture plate can be further suppressed.

A third aspect according to the present disclosure is the hydroponic cultivation plate according to the second aspect, wherein the reinforcing rib includes a first standing wall portion extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the same effects as the second aspect, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, when a plate connecting structure extending above the upper surface of the flat plate part is provided at both ends of each plate in the transport direction in order to connect hydroponic culture plates to each other, the first standing wall part is inserted into the structure. It becomes easy to connect the reinforcing ribs. Thereby, deflection of the hydroponic culture plate can be further suppressed.

In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect, a second standing wall is provided on a side surface of the first standing wall portion in the second direction, the second standing wall extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion and extending in the first direction. This is a plate for hydroponic cultivation to which the parts are connected.

According to the fourth aspect, the reinforcing ribs are connected to the second standing wall portion through the first standing wall portion, thereby further increasing the strength of the portion around the ventilation hole in the hydroponic culture plate. Moreover, by connecting the reinforcing rib to the plate connection structure through the second standing wall part and the first standing wall part, deflection of the hydroponic cultivation plate can be further suppressed.

In the present disclosure, the term "second standing wall extending in the first direction" refers not only to "the second standing wall whose extension direction completely coincides with the first direction" but also to "partially extending in the first direction". It also includes "second standing wall part" and "second standing wall part whose extension direction includes a first direction component." For example, a portion of the second standing wall that connects to the first standing wall extends in the first direction, but other portions of the second standing wall may extend along the periphery of the ventilation hole. Further, when the first standing wall portion, that is, the reinforcing rib extends with an angular difference from the second direction, the second standing wall portion may also extend with an angular difference from the first direction.

In a fifth aspect according to the present disclosure, in the fourth aspect, the second standing wall part is provided on both sides of the first standing wall part in the second direction so as to sandwich the ventilation hole, respectively, for hydroponic cultivation. This is a plate for use.

According to the fifth aspect, since the first standing wall portion of the reinforcing rib is sandwiched between the second standing wall portions from both sides in the width direction, the strength of the portion around the ventilation hole in the hydroponic culture plate is further increased.

In a sixth aspect according to the present disclosure, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the reinforcing rib includes a third standing wall portion extending below a lower surface of the flat plate portion, and the third standing wall portion A fourth standing wall portion extending downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion and extending in the first direction is connected to a side surface of the portion in the second direction, and the fourth standing wall portion is connected to the side surface of the third standing wall portion in the second direction. This is a hydroponic culture plate that is provided on both sides in two directions so as to sandwich the ventilation holes.

According to the sixth aspect, in addition to the same effects as the second aspect, the following effects can be obtained. That is, by connecting the reinforcing rib to the fourth standing wall part through the third standing wall part, the strength of the area around the ventilation hole in the hydroponic culture plate is further increased. Moreover, since the third standing wall portion of the reinforcing rib is sandwiched between the fourth standing wall portions from both sides in the width direction, the strength of the portion around the ventilation hole in the hydroponic cultivation plate is further increased.

In the present disclosure, the term "fourth standing wall extending in the first direction" refers not only to "the fourth standing wall whose extension direction completely coincides with the first direction" but also to "partially extending in the first direction". It also includes "fourth standing wall part" and "fourth standing wall part whose extension direction includes the first direction component." For example, a portion of the fourth standing wall portion that connects to the third standing wall portion extends in the first direction, but other portions of the fourth standing wall portion may extend along the periphery of the ventilation hole. Further, when the third standing wall portion, that is, the reinforcing rib extends with an angular difference from the second direction, the fourth standing wall portion may also extend with an angular difference from the first direction.

A seventh aspect according to the present disclosure includes the hydroponic cultivation plate according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and a hydroponic cultivation plate disposed below the plant holding hole in the hydroponic cultivation plate. This is a hydroponic cultivation apparatus comprising a tank, and a transfer means for holding the hydroponic cultivation plate and transferring it in the first direction.

According to the seventh aspect, since the hydroponic culture plate according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present disclosure is used, the strength of the portion around the vent in the hydroponic culture plate is increased. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the hydroponic cultivation plate from bending and deflecting in the width direction (second direction) perpendicular to the transporting direction (first direction) in which the transport means for holding the hydroponic cultivation plate is arranged. Can be done.

In an eighth aspect according to the present disclosure, in the seventh aspect, the ventilation hole is arranged at a substantially central part of the hydroponic cultivation plate in the second direction, and the transfer means is arranged in the hydroponic cultivation plate. The hydroponic cultivation device is arranged below both ends of the plate in the second direction.

According to the eighth aspect, deflection of the hydroponic cultivation plate can be suppressed even in a configuration in which a load is applied to the widthwise central portion of the hydroponic cultivation plate where the ventilation holes are formed.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a hydroponic cultivation plate that does not easily bend even if vent holes are provided, and a hydroponic cultivation apparatus using the hydroponic cultivation plate.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view in the plate width direction (X direction) of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a hydroponic cultivation plate used in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and its vicinity. FIG. 3 is a sectional view in the plate transfer direction (Y direction) in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the plant culture solution supply piping in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 3, viewed from the Y-direction side of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the surface of the hydroponic cultivation plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram of the hydroponic culture plate shown in FIG. 6 viewed from the side in the Y direction. FIG. 8 is a diagram of the hydroponic culture plate shown in FIG. 6 viewed from the side in the X direction. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a first example of the planar configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a second example of the planar configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing a third example of the planar configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and standing wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing a fourth example of the planar configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the planar configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a first example of a cross-sectional configuration of a ventilation hole, a reinforcing rib, and a vertical wall portion provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a second example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a third example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 11D is a diagram showing a fourth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a fifth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a sixth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 12C is a diagram showing a seventh example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 12D is a diagram showing an eighth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 12E is a diagram showing a ninth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 12F is a diagram showing a tenth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an eleventh example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a twelfth example of the cross-sectional configuration of the ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical wall portions provided in the hydroponic culture plate according to the embodiment.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various changes can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Further, since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

<Overview of hydroponic cultivation equipment>
The hydroponic cultivation device 1 of this embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped cultivation area inside, and the hydroponic cultivation device The top and side surfaces of 1 are covered with a plate-like body. The inner wall surface of the plate-shaped body constitutes a reflective surface for increasing light efficiency. Hydroponic cultivation plates 5 are arranged in multiple stages in the vertical direction of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, and each hydroponic cultivation plate 5 is made of a material that reflects light efficiently. This promotes photosynthesis in plants and enables stable plant cultivation.

An intake port and an exhaust port are provided at the lower and upper portions of the hydroponic cultivation device 1, respectively, and each hydroponic cultivation plate 5 is provided with a ventilation hole 27, which is a through hole. For this reason, since air flow occurs within the cultivation area of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, a temperature difference is less likely to occur between the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 of each stage.

As described above, the hydroponic cultivation device 1 of the present embodiment is primarily a device for cultivating plants indoors, and supplies the plants with nutrients necessary for cultivating the plants and light necessary for photosynthesis. By taking in external air (or conditioned air) into the cultivation area from below the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, the temperature inside the apparatus can be made substantially uniform.

<Details of hydroponic cultivation equipment>
Hereinafter, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In addition, in FIGS. 1 to 4, illustrations of the plate-shaped body covering the side surface of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 and the plants held on the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 are omitted. In addition, in the following explanation, the direction in which the hydroponic culture plate 5 is transferred according to the growth of plants is referred to as the transfer direction (Y direction), and the direction perpendicular to the transfer direction is referred to as the width direction (X direction). To tell.

In this embodiment, as an example, two hydroponic cultivation plates 5 are arranged in the width direction in each stage of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1. Moreover, a plurality of (nine in FIG. 3) hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 1 are connected in the transfer direction. Each hydroponic cultivation device 1 is arranged in a straight line in the Y direction with the directions in the Y direction and the X direction aligned. The dimensions of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of this embodiment can be, for example, 1.5 m in the X direction, 14.6 m in the Y direction, and 2.7 m in height.

In addition, when the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 is used as a single minimum unit, the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 may be fixed without being moved until the cultivation of plants is completed. On the other hand, when a plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 1 are connected and used as in this embodiment, the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 of each stage are configured to be movable in the Y direction within each hydroponic cultivation device 1. It's okay. By sliding the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the Y direction according to the growing situation of the plants, the cultivation work can be made highly efficient. Moreover, between the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 of the hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 1 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, the culture solution may be configured to be able to flow in and out for each stage. By connecting the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 between the hydroponic cultivation devices 1, the concentration, temperature, etc. of the culture solution can be managed all at once. The hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 may be connected by elongating the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7, or by connecting the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 to each other with piping. In this case, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 1 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, an opening corresponding to the shape of the hydroponic cultivation tank 7 or the shape of the connecting pipe may be provided in the side plates facing each other. In this way, when a plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 1 are arranged in series, the culture solution used in the hydroponic cultivation tank 7 is common, but the cultivation area is divided for each hydroponic cultivation device 1. Exhaust and ventilation can be reliably performed within each hydroponic cultivation device 1. Furthermore, temperature conditions and the like can be set independently for each hydroponic cultivation device 1, and thereby different plants can be cultivated between each hydroponic cultivation device 1.

The cultivation area of the hydroponic cultivation device 1 forms a box-shaped space as a whole, and the hydroponic cultivation device 1 is configured by placing other parts in the cultivation area. The cultivation area includes a ceiling plate 3A, four pillars 3B that are placed at approximately four corners of the cultivation area and support the weight of the hydroponic cultivation device 1, and a side plate (not shown) that serves as a wall in the transfer direction (Y direction). It consists of The four pillars 3B are arranged at predetermined intervals, and the ceiling plate 3A and the side plates are attached to the pillars 3B. In addition, it is preferable that there is no gap through which light leaks at the abutting portion between the ceiling plate 3A and the side plate.

The inner wall surfaces of the ceiling plate 3A and the side plates are surfaces that reflect light, thereby allowing light to be reflected and diffused within the cultivation area. The side plate may be held by the support 3B from outside the cultivation area, or may be held by the support 3B from the inside of the cultivation area. The side plate may be integrated in the height direction of the support 3B, or may be divided corresponding to the height of each stage of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1. Side plates divided at the height of each stage are lighter than a single piece, making them easier to handle. Further, the side plate may be a planar member such as a flexible roll curtain. If the side plate is a flexible planar member, it can be made more lightweight, making it easier to open and close the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 when it becomes necessary to retrieve the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 from the side surface of the hydroponic cultivation device 1 in the X direction. It becomes possible to do so.

In this embodiment, the length of the side plate in the height direction is set shorter than the length of the support column 3B, so that only the lower end of the support column 3B contacts the floor without the side plate contacting the floor. As a result, a slit-shaped opening is created below the hydroponic cultivation device 1, and the inside and outside of the cultivation area communicate through the opening. Therefore, external air (or conditioned air) can be easily taken into the cultivation area from below the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1.

Moreover, in this embodiment, in order to exhaust the air in the cultivation area to the outside, an exhaust fan 11 is provided, for example, at an exhaust port (not shown) provided in the ceiling plate 3A. This makes it possible to generate an airflow flowing from below to above within the cultivation area, and as a result, it becomes possible to make the environment (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc.) uniform within the cultivation area. Various types of exhaust fans can be used as the exhaust fan 11, and for example, case fans used in electromechanical devices and the like may be used. In addition, the exhaust fan 11 and the exhaust port may be arranged on the side plate as long as it is above the vicinity of the top hydroponic culture plate 5. Further, the exhaust fan 11 may be attached directly to the exhaust port, or may be attached far from the exhaust port via a duct or the like.

Inside the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, for example, seven shelves 13 are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Each shelf 13 includes a plurality of longitudinal beams 13A disposed in the transfer direction (Y direction), and a plurality of transverse beams 13B disposed in the X direction and connecting the longitudinal beams 13A at predetermined intervals. It is a ladder-like frame made up of. If the shelves 13 are arranged in multiple stages at predetermined intervals within the cultivation area, the number of cultivated plants can be increased, but depending on the type of plants to be cultivated, the shelves 13 may be arranged in a single stage. Further, when the shelves 13 are arranged in multiple stages, for example, the lowest shelf 13 may be used for raising seedlings, and the other shelves 13 may be used for planting. In addition, between the two hydroponic cultivation plates 5 arranged in the width direction in each stage of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, there are intermediate plates 5 arranged in the transfer direction (Y direction) and connected to the shelves 13 of each stage. A beam 13C is arranged.

Each shelf 13 of the hydroponic cultivation device 1 mainly includes a hydroponic cultivation plate 5 for holding plants, and a plurality of long (trough-shaped) hydroponic cultivation plates for supplying culture solution to the plants. A cultivation tank 7, a transfer means 15 that holds the hydroponic culture plate 5 and transfers it in the transfer direction (Y direction), and a lighting device 33 that promotes photosynthesis of plants are provided.

The hydroponic culture plate 5 includes a flat plate portion 21 having a plurality of plant holding holes 25 and a plurality of ventilation holes 27 . Plate connection structures 23 for connecting the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 to each other in the transport direction are provided at both ends of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 (flat plate portion 21) in the transport direction. The plate connection structure 23 extends above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21 . Details of the structure of the hydroponic culture plate 5 will be described later.

Note that the ratio of the area of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 to the area of the cultivation area viewed from the plane direction of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 may be set within a range of, for example, about 50 to 95%, and the ratio of the area per unit area The ratio may be set higher in order to increase the amount of cultivation. In order to increase the ratio, if the area of the hydroponic culture plate 5 is increased, the gap between the hydroponic culture plate 5 and the side plate of the hydroponic culture device 1 becomes smaller. Since the ventilation holes 27 are formed in the use plate 5, it is possible to alleviate the accumulation of heat in each stage of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1. Moreover, since the exhaust fan 11 is provided on the ceiling plate 3A, the accumulation of heat in each stage of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 is further alleviated, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness between each stage (shelf 13). .

In addition, in order to make the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc. uniform in the cultivation area of the hydroponic cultivation device 1, it is preferable to have a large amount of ventilation in the cultivation area, but if the wind speed becomes too high, it may affect the plants. This causes stress and inhibits photosynthesis. Therefore, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the ratio of the openings (ventilation holes 27 and other openings) to the area of the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 (closed portions excluding the ventilation holes 27) at each stage is, for example, It may be in the range of about 3 to 50%.

The hydroponic cultivation tank 7 is arranged below the plant holding hole 25 in the hydroponic cultivation plate 5. The hydroponic cultivation tank 7 is a long water tank having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and may be constructed using, for example, a residential gutter made of synthetic resin. Since the hydroponic cultivation tank 7 stores or circulates a culture solution that promotes the growth of plants, in order to prevent the culture solution from flowing out, both longitudinal ends of the hydroponic culture tank 7 are is provided with an end wall. Each hydroponic cultivation tank 7 is held on the upper surface of the plurality of transverse direction beams 13B that constitute the shelf 13 so that the plurality of hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 are arranged substantially parallel along the transfer direction (Y direction). be done.

In this embodiment, each hydroponic cultivation plate 5 and each hydroponic cultivation tank 7 are installed so that one hydroponic cultivation plate 5 straddles a plurality of (for example, four) hydroponic cultivation tanks 7. As a result, the roots of the plants held in the respective plant holding holes 25 of the hydroponic culture plate 5 are immersed in the culture solution in the hydroponic culture tank 7, and the roots of the plants held in the respective plant holding holes 25 of the hydroponic culture plate 5 are immersed in the culture solution in the hydroponic culture tank 7. Plant harvesting etc. can be carried out.

Since the hydroponic culture plate 5 and the hydroponic culture tank 7 are each arranged approximately parallel to the transfer direction (Y direction), when the hydroponic culture plate 5 is slid in the transfer direction (Y direction), the corresponding The plants move along the hydroponic cultivation tank 7 together with the hydroponic cultivation plate 5. The ventilation holes 27 provided in the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 are located above the adjacent hydroponic cultivation tanks 7, and the positional relationship is such that the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 is moved in the transport direction (Y direction). It is maintained even if it slides.

The transfer means 15 are arranged below both ends of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the X direction. The transfer means 15 is, for example, a roller conveyor. A long rail 31 is provided on the shelf 13 along the transfer direction (Y direction), and the transfer means 15 is attached to the rail 31. The hydroponic cultivation plate 5 can be supported and slid by bringing a roller conveyor serving as the transfer means 15 into contact with the lower surface of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 . The rail 41 is fixed to the upper surface of the transverse beam 13B that constitutes the shelf 13. A pair of roller holding parts 17 are provided on the upper surface of the transverse beam 13B so as to sandwich the rail 41 in the X direction. The roller rotation shaft 16 of the transfer means 15 is held by bearings 18A of each roller holding section 17. In the vicinity of the intermediate beam 13C, the roller rotation shaft 16 of the transfer means 15 is held by a bearing 18B provided on the intermediate beam 13C and a bearing 18A of the roller holding section 17.

The lighting device 33 is provided at the lower part of each shelf 13 other than the lowest stage in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 (lower side of the hydroponic cultivation tank 7). The lighting device 33 is a lighting device that emits light within the cultivation area and supplies light necessary for photosynthesis of plants. As the light source of the lighting device 33, for example, a long HF fluorescent tube, a fluorescent tube type LED, or the like may be used. The lighting device 33 is fixed to the lower surface of the longitudinal beam 13A on the lower side of the hydroponic cultivation tank 7, substantially parallel to the X direction. Note that depending on the size and shape of the cultivation area of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, the illumination device 33 may be fixed to the lower surface of the lateral beam 13B substantially parallel to the Y direction.

In this embodiment, below the lowest shelf 13 in the hydroponic cultivation device 1, there are a tank 35 for storing a fertilizer concentrate, a tank 37 for storing a culture solution containing a mixture of the fertilizer concentrate and water, and a hydroponic cultivation system. A pump 39 for circulating the culture solution within the device 1 is provided. The culture solution sent out from the pump 39 passes through the main pipe 41 from the bottom of the lowermost shelf 13 to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 located at one end of the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the upstream hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1). ) is transferred to the outer surface in the Y direction and supplied to the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 at each stage. The culture solution that has passed through the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 in each stage is transferred from the outer surface in the Y direction of the hydroponic cultivation device 1 located at the other end in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the downstream hydroponic cultivation device 1) to the main pipe 41. is discharged and collected in the tank 37.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the main pipe 41 extends vertically along the outer surface of the upstream hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 in the Y direction, and extends between the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 of each stage (each shelf 13). At a branch portion 41a located at a height, the pipe branches into a horizontally extending sub pipe 42. Each sub-pipe 42 has a branch part 43 at a position in the X direction of the hydroponic cultivation tank 7. Connection piping 47 that connects to each hydroponic cultivation tank 7 is provided on the Y-direction outer surface of the upstream hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, and the culture solution is supplied to the connection piping 47 from the branch part 43 via the hose 45. is supplied.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the main pipe 41 extends vertically along the Y-direction outer surface of the downstream hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1, and extends vertically along the Y-direction outer surface of the downstream hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1. , connection piping 49 that connects to each hydroponic cultivation tank 7 is provided. The culture solution that has passed through the hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 at each stage is discharged from the connecting piping 49 to the main piping 41 via a structure similar to that of the upstream hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 (not shown), and is discharged from the tank 37. will be collected. In addition, in FIGS. 3 to 5, the culture solution flowing through each pipe etc. is indicated by a broken line arrow.

<Configuration of hydroponic culture plate>
The hydroponic culture plate 5 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. The hydroponic cultivation plate 5 serves as a base for cultivating plants by holding the plants and immersing the roots of the plants in the culture solution in the hydroponic cultivation tank 7.

The hydroponic culture plate 5 shown in FIG. 6 is approximately square, but depending on the type of cultivated product, planting density, etc., the hydroponic culture plate 5 may have a polygonal planar shape such as a triangle or a pentagon. It's okay. The hydroponic culture plate 5 is provided with a predetermined number of plant holding holes 25, which are through holes for holding plants, and ventilation holes 27, which serve as air movement paths, at predetermined intervals. The dimensions of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction and the Y direction may be, for example, 600 mm and 450 mm, and the thickness of the flat plate portion 21 may be, for example, 2 mm. The plant holding hole 25 and the ventilation hole 27 penetrate the flat plate part 21 of the hydroponic culture plate 5 from the front surface to the back surface. The opening diameter of the plant holding hole 25 may be, for example, 23 mm, and the dimensions of the ventilation hole 27 in the X direction and the Y direction may be, for example, 24 mm and 114 mm. Note that the ventilation holes 27 are not limited to those that are recognized as holes in a single hydroponic culture plate 5; for example, a semicircular notch is formed in one hydroponic culture plate 5 to prevent other water It also includes holes that function as holes when butted against the cultivation plate 5. That is, it includes those that function as ventilation holes 27 when assembled as a device.

In the hydroponic culture plate 5 , the ventilation holes 27 are arranged around the plant holding holes 25 . In this way, when the air passes through the ventilation holes 27, the air easily hits the lower surfaces of the leaves of the plants held in the plant holding holes 25, and fresh air can be supplied to the leaves, thereby facilitating the growth of the plants. promoted. Although the distance between the ventilation hole 27 and the plant holding hole 25 depends on the type of plant to be cultivated, it is preferable to make it as small as possible, and for example, it may be shorter than the distance between the plant holding holes 25.

A plant is inserted into the plant holding hole 25 together with a substantially sponge-like medium made of, for example, urethane resin, and thereby the plant is held by the plant holding hole 25 . A protrusion 21a is provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 along the periphery of the plant holding hole 25 in order to improve the ability of the plant holding hole 25 to hold the plant. The number of plant holding holes 25 is determined by the number of plants simultaneously cultivated on one hydroponic cultivation plate 5. A predetermined number of plant holding holes 25 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the hydroponic cultivation tank 7 (that is, the Y direction) so that the roots of the plants are immersed in the culture solution in the hydroponic cultivation tank 7.

The ventilation hole 27 is a path for air to move between the front side and the back side of the hydroponic culture plate 5. The number of ventilation holes 27 is determined by the total volume of the cultivation area of the hydroponic cultivation device 1 and the volume between each shelf 13. A predetermined number of ventilation holes 27 are provided along the area between adjacent hydroponic cultivation tanks 7 .

In this embodiment, in order to cultivate a large amount of plants, a plurality of hydroponic cultivation plates 5 are used side by side on a long hydroponic cultivation tank 7 connected by a joint or the like. Further, with the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 abutted against each other in the Y direction, the transfer means 15, for example, a roller conveyor, is driven to move the hydroponic cultivation plates 5. As a result, even when a plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 1 are connected in the Y direction, plants can be taken in and out from two locations: the upstream hydroponic cultivation device 1 and the downstream hydroponic cultivation device 1. Improves sex. As shown in FIG. 7, a protrusion 21a that serves as a guide for the transfer means 15 is provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the hydroponic culture plate 5 along the Y direction.

At both ends of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the Y direction, a plate connection structure 23 is provided that connects the hydroponic culture plates 5 to each other and extends upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21. The plate connection structures 23 have different shapes at both ends of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the Y direction. For example, at one end of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the Y direction, the plate connection structure 23 has an inside corner end 23a, and at the other end of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the Y direction, the plate connection structure 23 has an inner corner end 23a. It has a protruding corner end 23b. The inner corner end 23a and the outer corner end 23b are configured to fit into each other. The hydroponic culture plates 5 can be connected to each other in the Y direction by the inside corner end 23a and the outside corner end 23b.

In the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a plant holding hole row in which three plant holding holes 25 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y direction is arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. are arranged in 4 rows. The plant holding holes 25 are arranged in a staggered manner between adjacent plant holding hole rows. This makes it easier for plants to grow, improving plant productivity and improving workability in the X direction. A ventilation hole row in which three ventilation holes 27 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y direction is arranged in an intermediate region between the plant holding hole rows. That is, three rows of ventilation holes are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. In this case, the middle ventilation hole row is arranged approximately at the center of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction. In addition, regarding the plant holding hole rows located near both ends of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction, the rows of plant holding holes located near both ends of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 are located between the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 and the Y direction side plate, or between the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 that are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The space between them becomes a passage for air in the vertical direction.

As one of the features of the hydroponic culture plate 5 of this embodiment, the ventilation hole 27 is provided with a reinforcing rib 50 that crosses the ventilation hole 27 in the X direction and is connected to the flat plate portion 27. The width (Y direction dimension) of the reinforcing rib 50 may be, for example, 2 mm. Although the number and position of reinforcing ribs 50 provided in each ventilation hole 27 are not particularly limited, for example, one reinforcing rib 50 may be provided at the center of each ventilation hole 27 in the Y direction. The thickness of the reinforcing rib 50 may be greater than the thickness of the flat plate portion 21.

In order to ensure ventilation, the Y-direction dimension of the reinforcing rib 50 (the total dimension in the Y-direction when multiple ventilation holes 27 are provided for one ventilation hole 27) is the Y-direction dimension of the ventilation hole 27. It is preferably 1/5 or less, more preferably 1/10 or less, even more preferably 1/20 or less. The Y direction dimension of the reinforcing rib 50 may be determined depending on the material of the reinforcing rib 50 (that is, the hydroponic culture plate 5), but for example, when using ABS resin etc., it is preferably 4 mm or less, and 3 mm or less. It is more preferable that it is below, and even more preferable that it is 2 mm or less. Note that, in order to ensure strength, the Y-direction dimension of the connection portion of the reinforcing rib 50 with the flat plate portion 21 may be made larger than other portions of the reinforcing rib 50. In addition, the dimension in the Y direction of the reinforcing rib 50 other than the connection point with the flat plate part 21 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably 1 mm or more when using ABS resin, for example. preferable.

The reinforcing rib 50 may include a first vertical wall portion 51 that extends above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21 . A second standing wall portion 52 that extends above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21 and in the Y direction may be connected to the side surface of the first standing wall portion 51 in the X direction. The second standing wall portions 52 may be provided on both sides of the first standing wall portion 51 in the X direction so as to sandwich the ventilation holes 27 therebetween. In particular, by providing a reinforcing rib 50 that includes a first standing wall section 51 and is connected to a second standing wall section 52 in the ventilation hole 27 at the center of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction where it is most likely to bend, the center section Deflection of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the vicinity can be suppressed. In this case, each second standing wall portion 52 is extended and integrated in the Y direction, and the integrated second standing wall portion 52 is connected to the plate connection structure 23 at both ends of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the Y direction. It's okay. Thereby, deflection of the hydroponic culture plate 5 can be further suppressed.

The reinforcing rib 50 may include a third standing wall portion 53 extending below the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21 . A fourth standing wall portion 54 extending downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21 and extending in the Y direction may be connected to the side surface of the third standing wall portion 53 in the X direction. The fourth standing wall portions 54 may be provided on both sides of the third standing wall portion 53 in the X direction so as to sandwich the ventilation holes 27 therebetween. In this case, each fourth standing wall portion 54 is extended and integrated in the Y direction, and the integrated fourth standing wall portion 54 is connected to the plate connection structure 23 at both ends of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the Y direction. It's okay. Thereby, deflection of the hydroponic culture plate 5 can be further suppressed.

The heights of the first to fourth standing wall sections 51 to 54 are, for example, 16 mm, 16 mm, 5 mm, and 5 mm, respectively, and the widths (X-direction dimensions) of the second and fourth standing wall sections 52 and 54 are, for example, respectively. It may be 2 mm or 2 mm.

The third standing wall portion 53 and the fourth standing wall portion 54 may be provided for all reinforcing ribs 50 (that is, all ventilation holes 27). On the other hand, the first standing wall part 51 and the second standing wall part 52 may be selectively provided to the reinforcing rib 50 (that is, the ventilation hole 27) at or near the center of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the X direction. In this way, in the area from the center in the X direction to both ends in the X direction of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5, the periphery of the plant holding hole 25 and the ventilation hole 27 and the vicinity thereof are on the same plane as the surface of the flat plate part 1. Located in As a result, the area from the center in the X direction to both ends in the X direction of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 has a smooth surface, which makes it difficult to cause problems when planting seedlings, etc., thereby improving workability.

By the way, when the seedlings are small in the early stage of cultivation, there is little contact between the seedlings, so the hydroponic culture plate 5 having many plant holding holes 25 can grow many seedlings. On the other hand, as the seedlings grow larger, the contact between the seedlings increases, so it becomes necessary to transfer the seedlings to the hydroponic cultivation plate 5, which has fewer plant holding holes 25. At the time of this replanting, if the first and second standing wall parts 51 and 52 extending upward from the upper surface of the flat plate part 21 are selectively arranged near the center of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction, Replanting work can be carried out smoothly without the first and second standing walls 51 and 52 getting in the way. In addition, by performing replanting offline (with the hydroponic cultivation plates 5 removed from the shelves 13), the influence of connecting a plurality of hydroponic cultivation plates 5 can be avoided.

<Example of planar configuration of ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and standing walls in a hydroponic culture plate>
Hereinafter, examples of the planar configuration of the ventilation holes 27, reinforcing ribs 50, and vertical wall portions 51 to 54 in the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to D and FIG. 10.

In the hydroponic culture plate 5 shown in FIG. 6, the planar shape of the ventilation holes 27 is a track shape, but the planar shape is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. It may also have a circular shape as shown in 9B to 9D. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the ventilation hole 27 has an opening shape that is continuous in the Y direction, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 50 (the first vertical wall portion 51 and/or the first vertical wall portion 51 and/or 3 vertical wall portions 53) may be provided.

Further, the second standing wall portion 52 and/or the fourth standing wall portion 54 may extend in the Y direction perpendicularly to the reinforcing rib 50 as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10, or may extend in the Y direction perpendicularly to the reinforcing rib 50, As shown in FIG. 9D, it may extend in a curved manner along the periphery of the ventilation hole 27. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9D, the second standing wall part 52 and/or the fourth standing wall part 54 may extend so as to surround the ventilation hole 27.

In the present disclosure, the term "reinforcing rib 50 that crosses the ventilation hole 27 in the X direction" refers not only to "the reinforcing rib 50 whose transverse direction completely coincides with the It also includes "reinforcing ribs 50". In order to suppress the deflection of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction, the more the X direction component in the transverse direction of the reinforcing ribs 50, the better. In particular, the angular difference between the transverse direction and the X direction is 45° or less. It is preferable that the angular difference is 30° or less, and even more preferably that the angular difference is 15° or less.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the term "second standing wall part 52 extending in the Y direction" refers not only to "the second standing wall part 52 whose extension direction completely matches the Y direction" but also to "the second standing wall part 52 extending partially in the Y direction". 2 vertical wall portion 52” and “second vertical wall portion 52 whose extension direction includes a Y-direction component”. For example, a portion of the second standing wall portion 52 that connects to the first standing wall portion 51 extends in the Y direction, but other portions of the second standing wall portion 52 may extend along the periphery of the ventilation hole 27. Further, when the first standing wall portion 51, that is, the reinforcing rib 50 extends with an angular difference from the X direction, the second standing wall portion 52 may also extend with an angular difference from the Y direction.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the term "fourth standing wall section 54 extending in the Y direction" refers not only to "the fourth standing wall section 54 whose extension direction completely coincides with the Y direction" but also to "the fourth standing wall section 54 extending partially in the Y direction." 4 standing wall portion 54” and “fourth standing wall portion 54 whose extension direction includes a Y-direction component”. For example, a portion of the fourth standing wall portion 54 that connects to the third standing wall portion 53 extends in the Y direction, but other portions of the fourth standing wall portion 54 may extend along the periphery of the ventilation hole 27. Moreover, when the third standing wall part 53, that is, the reinforcing rib 50 extends with an angular difference with the X direction, the fourth standing wall part 54 may also extend with an angular difference with the Y direction.

<Example of cross-sectional configuration of ventilation holes, reinforcing ribs, and vertical walls in a hydroponic culture plate>
Hereinafter, examples of cross-sectional configurations of the ventilation holes 27, reinforcing ribs 50, and vertical wall portions 51 to 54 in the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11A to D, FIGS. 12A to F, and FIGS. 13A and B. explain.

As the simplest configuration, as shown in FIG. 11A, the reinforcing ribs 50 may have the same thickness as the flat plate portion 21 of the hydroponic culture plate 5.

As shown in FIGS. 11B to 11D, when the reinforcing rib 50 includes a first standing wall portion 51 extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21, as shown in FIG. 11C, one part of the first standing wall portion 51 in the X direction is The second standing wall portion 52 may be provided only on the side surface, or as shown in FIG. 11D, the second standing wall portion 52 may be provided on both side surfaces of the first standing wall portion 51 in the X direction.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, when the reinforcing rib 50 includes a first standing wall portion 51 extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21 and a third standing wall portion 53 extending below the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21 , as shown in FIG. 12B, the second standing wall part 52 and the fourth standing wall part 54 may be provided only on one side of the first standing wall part 51 and the third standing wall part 53 in the X direction. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12C, the second standing wall section 52 and the fourth standing wall section 54 may be provided on both side surfaces of the first standing wall section 51 and the third standing wall section 53 in the X direction.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 12D to 12F, the reinforcing ribs 50 form a first standing wall portion 51 extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21 and a third standing wall portion 53 extending below the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21. If included, the second standing wall portion 52 may be provided only on one side of the first standing wall portion 51 in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 12D. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12E, the fourth standing wall portion 54 may be provided only on one side of the third standing wall portion 53 in the X direction. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12F, the second standing wall section 52 is provided only on one side of the first standing wall section 51 in the X direction, and the fourth standing wall section 54 is provided only on the other side of the third standing wall section 53 in the X direction. It's okay.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 13A, the reinforcing rib 50 may include only the third standing wall portion 53 extending below the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21. In this case, the fourth standing wall part 54 may be provided only on one side of the third standing wall part 53 in the X direction, or the fourth standing wall part 54 may be provided on both sides of the third standing wall part 53 in the X direction. Good too.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the reinforcing rib 50 includes a first standing wall portion 51 extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion 21, an auxiliary member that supports the first standing wall portion 51 from the outside in the X direction of the ventilation hole 27 is provided. A portion 55 may be further provided. The auxiliary parts 55 may be provided on both sides of the first standing wall part 51 in the X direction, or the second standing wall part 52 may be interposed between the auxiliary part 55 and the first standing wall part 51.

Similarly, when the reinforcing rib 50 includes a third standing wall portion 53 extending below the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21, an auxiliary portion may be further provided to support the third standing wall portion 53 from the outside of the ventilation hole 27 in the X direction. . The auxiliary part may be provided on both sides of the third standing wall part 53 in the X direction, or the fourth standing wall part 54 may be interposed between the auxiliary part and the third standing wall part 53.

<Effects of embodiment>
According to this embodiment described above, the ventilation holes 27 are formed in the flat plate portion 21 of the hydroponic culture plate 5 in the width direction (X direction) perpendicular to the transfer direction (Y direction). A reinforcing rib 50 is provided that crosses the. For this reason, the strength of the portion of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 around the ventilation holes 27 is increased, so that it is possible to suppress the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 from bending and deflecting in the width direction.

In addition, in the hydroponic culture plate 5 of this embodiment, when the thickness of the reinforcing rib 50 is larger than the thickness of the flat plate part 21, the strength of the area around the ventilation hole 27 in the hydroponic culture plate 5 is further increased. do. Therefore, the deflection of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 can be further suppressed.

In addition, in the hydroponic culture plate 5 of the present embodiment, if the reinforcing rib 50 includes the first standing wall part 51 extending above the upper surface of the flat plate part 21, the first standing wall part 51 is connected to the plate connection structure 23. It becomes easy to connect the reinforcing ribs 50. Therefore, the deflection of the hydroponic culture plate 5 can be further suppressed.

When the first standing wall section 51 is provided, a second standing wall section 52 that extends upward from the upper surface of the flat plate section 21 and extends in the Y direction may be connected to the side surface of the first standing wall section 51 in the X direction. In this way, the reinforcing rib 50 is connected to the second standing wall part 52 through the first standing wall part 51, thereby further increasing the strength of the area around the ventilation hole 27 in the hydroponic culture plate 5. Moreover, by connecting the reinforcing rib 50 to the plate connection structure 23 through the second standing wall part 52 and the first standing wall part 51, the deflection of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 can be further suppressed.

When the second standing wall portion 52 is provided, the second standing wall portion 52 may be provided on both sides of the first standing wall portion 51 in the X direction so as to sandwich the ventilation hole 27 therebetween. In this way, the first standing wall part 51 of the reinforcing rib 50 is sandwiched between the second standing wall parts 52 from both sides in the X direction, so the strength of the area around the ventilation hole 27 in the hydroponic culture plate 5 is further increased. .

In addition, in the hydroponic culture plate 5 of the present embodiment, the reinforcing rib 50 includes a third standing wall portion 53 that extends downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 21, and the third standing wall portion 53 has a flat plate on the side surface in the X direction. A fourth standing wall section 54 extending downward from the lower surface of the section 21 and extending in the Y direction is connected, and the fourth standing wall section 54 is provided on both sides of the third standing wall section 53 in the X direction so as to sandwich the ventilation holes 27 therebetween. It's okay to be hit. In this way, the reinforcing rib 50 is connected to the fourth standing wall part 54 through the third standing wall part 53, thereby further increasing the strength of the area around the ventilation hole 27 in the hydroponic cultivation plate 5. Further, since the third standing wall portion 53 of the reinforcing rib 50 is sandwiched between the fourth standing wall portions 54 from both sides in the X direction, the strength of the portion around the ventilation hole 27 in the hydroponic culture plate 5 is further increased.

Moreover, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 described above and the hydroponic cultivation tank 7 arranged below the plant holding hole 25 in the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 are provided. , a transfer means 15 for holding the hydroponic culture plate 5 and transferring it in the Y direction. For this reason, the strength of the area around the ventilation holes 27 in the hydroponic culture plate 5 increases, so that water is It is possible to suppress bending and deflection of the cultivation plate 5.

Moreover, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the ventilation hole 27 is arranged at the approximate center of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction, and the transfer means 15 is arranged in the X direction of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5. It may be placed below both ends. In this way, even in a configuration in which a load is applied to the central portion of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 in the X direction where the ventilation holes 27 are formed, deflection of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 can be suppressed.

(Other embodiments)
In the embodiment described above, a roller type conveyor is provided as the transfer means 15 for the hydroponic culture plate 5, but instead of this, for example, a belt type conveyor or the like may be provided.

Moreover, although the said embodiment illustrated the case where the ventilation hole 27 was arrange|positioned in the X direction center of the plate 5 for hydroponic cultivation, the arrangement position in particular of the ventilation hole 27 in the plate 5 for hydroponic cultivation is not restrict|limited. Further, in the embodiment, the reinforcing rib 50 crosses the center of the ventilation hole 27 in the Y direction, but the position of the reinforcing rib 50 in the ventilation hole 27 is not particularly limited. Further, in the embodiment, the reinforcing ribs 50 are provided in all the ventilation holes 27, but for example, the ventilation holes 27 near the ends of the hydroponic cultivation plate 5 where it is difficult to bend, and the reinforcement ribs 50 are provided in all the ventilation holes 27. It is not necessary to provide the reinforcing ribs 50 in the pores 27 and the like.

Moreover, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the embodiment may further be provided with a mist sprayer that sprays mist into the cultivation area, a temperature control device that can arbitrarily adjust the temperature within the cultivation area, and the like. Plant cultivation efficiency can be further improved by converting a liquid such as liquid fertilizer, liquefied carbon dioxide, or insecticide into mist and spraying it using a mist sprayer. By using a temperature control device to adjust the temperature in the cultivation area to a temperature suitable for growing plants, the efficiency of cultivating plants can be further improved.

Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments may be combined or replaced as appropriate, as long as the functionality of the object of the present disclosure is not impaired. Furthermore, the descriptions such as "first", "second", etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are given, and they also limit the number and order of the words. isn't it.

1 Hydroponic cultivation device 5 Hydroponic cultivation plate 7 Hydroponic cultivation tank 15 Transfer means 21 Flat plate part 25 Plant holding hole 27 Ventilation hole 50 Reinforcement rib 51 First standing wall part 52 Second standing wall part 53 Third standing wall part 54 Fourth Standing wall part

Claims (8)

A hydroponic culture plate that is used by being transferred in a first direction according to the growth of plants, and has a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
a flat plate portion having a plant holding hole and a ventilation hole;
a reinforcing rib that crosses the ventilation hole in the second direction and is connected to the flat plate part;
Plate for hydroponic cultivation. The thickness of the reinforcing rib is greater than the thickness of the flat plate portion.
The hydroponic culture plate according to claim 1. The reinforcing rib includes a first vertical wall portion extending above the upper surface of the flat plate portion.
The hydroponic cultivation plate according to claim 2. A second standing wall portion extending upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion and extending in the first direction is connected to a side surface of the first standing wall portion in the second direction.
The hydroponic culture plate according to claim 3. The second standing wall portion is provided on both sides of the first standing wall portion in the second direction so as to sandwich the ventilation hole, respectively.
The hydroponic culture plate according to claim 4. The reinforcing rib includes a third standing wall portion extending below the lower surface of the flat plate portion,
A fourth standing wall portion extending downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion and extending in the first direction is connected to a side surface of the third standing wall portion in the second direction,
The fourth standing wall portion is provided on both sides of the third standing wall portion in the second direction so as to sandwich the ventilation hole, respectively.
The hydroponic cultivation plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The hydroponic culture plate according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
a hydroponic cultivation tank disposed below the plant holding hole in the hydroponic cultivation plate;
a transport means for holding the hydroponic culture plate and transporting it in the first direction;
Hydroponic cultivation equipment. The ventilation hole is arranged approximately in the center of the hydroponic culture plate in the second direction,
The transfer means is arranged below both ends of the hydroponic cultivation plate in the second direction.
The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 7.

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