WO2007004438A1

WO2007004438A1 - Seedling culture pot and hydroponic cultivation apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007004438A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/312580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masayoshi Yamane
Original assignee: Masayoshi Yamane
Priority date: 2005-07-05
Filing date: 2006-06-23
Publication date: 2007-01-11
Also published as: JP2007014225A; JP3902630B2

Abstract

A seedling culture pot, comprising a contact part positioned relative to a support body by bringing it into contact with the opening peripheral edge part of the support body, a peripheral wall roughly perpendicularly extending at a position recessed to the inside of the contact part and holding a culture medium, and a connection part spreading from the upper end part of the peripheral wall to the outside at an angle nearer the horizontal than the peripheral wall and connecting the upper end part of the peripheral wall to the contact part. Each of the peripheral wall and the connection part comprises a plurality of windows.

Description

Specification

Nursery pot and hydroponics equipment

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seedling pot used for hydroponics and a hydroponics apparatus using the seedling pot. Background art

Conventionally, as a seedling pot used for hydroponics, for example, Patent Document 1 can store a culture solution 4 (hereinafter, nutrient solution and straw) as shown in FIG. 8 (a). A seedling pot 10A supported by a panel 5 which is a lid attached to the cultivation tank 3 is described. Alternatively, Patent Document 2 describes a seedling pot 10B supported by a float body 6 floating in a nutrient solution 4 stored in a cultivation tank 3 as shown in FIG. 8 (b).

[0003] These seedling pots 10A and 10B are for holding the medium 2 supporting the plant in a predetermined position, and the structure for holding the medium 2 is basically the same. Only the structure supported by the cylinder 5 and the float body 6 is different.

[0004] That is, the seedling pots 10A, 10B have a peripheral wall 101 formed in a tapered shape that expands toward the top, and a bottom wall 102 that is connected to the lower end of the peripheral wall 101. The medium 2 supporting the plant is loaded into the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 101 so that the medium 2 is held on the peripheral wall 101! /.

[0005] As a structure in which the seedling pot 10A is supported by the panel 5, the panel 5 is an opening having a size that allows the peripheral wall 101 of the seedling pot 10A to be fitted in a predetermined position. While an opening 51 penetrating in the vertical direction is provided, an upper end portion of the peripheral wall 101 is provided with a flange 103 that extends outward from the upper end force and can be placed on the peripheral portion of the opening 51. By placing the ridge 103 on the peripheral edge of the opening of the panel 5, the seedling pot 10A is supported by the panel 5 while the lower part of the peripheral wall 101 is immersed in the nutrient solution 4. Become! /

On the other hand, as a structure in which the seedling pot 10B is supported by the float body 6, only the lower part of the peripheral wall 101 of the seedling pot 10B can be fitted into the float body 6 at a predetermined position. An opening 61 having a large size and penetrating the float body 6 in the vertical direction is provided. When the lower part of the peripheral wall 101 is fitted into the opening 61, a predetermined portion of the peripheral wall 101 is By being placed on the peripheral edge of the opening of the float body 6, the seedling pot 10 B is supported by the float body 6 with the lower part of the peripheral wall 101 immersed in the nutrient solution 4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of windows 104 are formed on the peripheral wall 101 and the bottom wall 102 of the seedling pots 10A and 10B, and through these windows 104, the seedling pots 10A and 10B are provided. Distribution of air and nutrient solution inside and outside is possible.

[0008] In the seedling pots 10A and 10B described in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, the seedling pots 10A and 10B are supported by the support, and below the upper surface of the support, Of the plurality of windows 104, air can be circulated inside and outside the seedling pots 10A, 10B only by the window 104 positioned between the peripheral edge of the openings 51, 61 and the upper end of the culture medium 2. . In other words, the space below the upper surface of the support and outside the seedling pots 10A and 10B can only receive upward force through the window 104 located between the peripheral edge of the opening and the upper end of the culture medium 2. Light and air are not supplied!

[0009] However, since the peripheral wall 101 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the opening periphery is formed in a space below the upper surface of the support body and outside the seedling pots 10A and 10B. The amount of light that is also supplied with upward force through the window 104 located between the upper part and the upper end of the culture medium 2 is extremely small.

[0010] In particular, when the float body 6 is used as a support, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 61 is extremely small. The window 104 located between the upper end of the window is almost entirely blocked by the inner peripheral surface of the opening 61, and the air flow through the window 104 is obstructed.

[0011] Thus, if the amount of light and air supplied to the space below the upper surface of the support and outside the seedling pots 10A and 10B is significantly limited, the roots of the plant are rotted. It is desirable to supply more light and air to the space because pathogenic bacteria such as Fusarium bacteria can easily propagate.

[0012] Therefore, by further reducing the inclination angle of the peripheral wall 101 with respect to the horizontal plane, the window 104 In addition to increasing the amount of light passing through, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 61 when the float body 6 is used is increased to allow air to flow through the window 104. It is conceivable to ensure good.

[0013] However, in this case, in order to prevent the plant from falling with the medium 2 when the plant grows, the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the medium 2 is The outer peripheral surface of the culture medium 2 needs to be extended outwardly from the outer peripheral edge, and the outer peripheral surface of the culture medium 2 needs to be inclined in accordance with the shape of the peripheral wall 101. Since it is only for contacting the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 101 to prevent the plant from falling down, making the culture medium 2 in this shape is wasteful in terms of material saving.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-265057

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-274775

Disclosure of the invention

[0014] In view of such circumstances, the present invention can prevent a fall when a plant grows while using a medium having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and extending in the vertical direction. The purpose is to allow more light and air to be supplied to a space outside the nursery pot through a window located between the peripheral edge of the opening and the upper end of the medium.

[0015] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the seedling pot of the present invention is fitted into an opening provided in a support body that covers the surface of the nutrient solution, and the support is supported in a state where the lower part is immersed in the nutrient solution. A seedling pot for hydroponics supported by the body, a contact portion that is positioned at a peripheral position of the opening by contacting the support at the periphery of the opening, and an inner portion of the contact portion. A medium holding part for holding the medium by loading a medium supporting the plant in a space surrounded by the peripheral wall at a position reserved in the side, and a peripheral wall of the medium holding part A connecting portion that extends outward from the upper end of the peripheral wall at an angle closer to the horizontal than the peripheral wall and connects the upper end of the peripheral wall and the contact portion, and each of the peripheral wall and the connecting portion includes a plurality of windows. Is formed, and the contact portion is formed on the support body. In the state where the peripheral edge of the opening is in contact, at least the lower part of the peripheral wall is immersed in the nutrient solution, and the liquid surface of the nutrient solution is located below the connecting portion and the connecting portion through a window formed in the connecting portion. Light and air are supplied to the space between the two. [0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent plant root rot and the like by supplying more light and air around the seedling pot.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydroponic cultivation apparatus in which a seedling pot according to an embodiment of the present invention is supported by a float body.

FIG. 2 (a) is a plan view of the seedling pot, and FIG. 2 (b) is a partial sectional side view thereof.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the main part of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hydroponic cultivation apparatus in which the seedling pot is supported on a panel.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the main part of FIG.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 (a) is a plan view of a modified seedling pot, and FIG. 6 (b) is a side view thereof.

FIG. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (b) are side views of a modified seedling pot.

FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b) are cross-sectional side views of a conventional seedling pot.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional seedling pot.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a seedling pot 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9A using a float body 6 and a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9B using a panel 5. It is used in common.

First, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9A using the float body 6 will be described.

The hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9A includes a cultivation tank 3 capable of storing a nutrient solution 4 in addition to the plurality of seedling pots 1 and the float body 6. Although not shown in the drawing, the cultivation tank 3 has a substantially rectangular shape extending in a specific direction in plan view, and is open upward. The float body 6 also has an upward force in the cultivation tank 3. It can be inserted.

[0022] The float body 6 extends in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation tank 3 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the horizontal direction. Is set to be slightly smaller than the dimension between the inner side surfaces in the width direction. The float body 6 is fitted in the cultivation tank 3 in a posture orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cultivation tank 3. By being inserted, the opening of the cultivation tank 3 floats in the nutrient solution 4 in a state where the opening of the cultivation tank 3 is completely blocked over the width direction. In other words, the liquid surface of the nutrient solution 4 stored in the cultivation tank 3 is covered with the float body 6.

[0023] The float body 6 supports the seedling pots 1 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the float body 6 in a state where the lower part of the seedling pots 1 is immersed in the nutrient solution 4. In addition, the float body 6 is provided with an opening 61 into which the lower part of each seedling pot 1 in the arrayed state can be fitted together. The opening 61 extends in the longitudinal direction of the float body 6 in a plan view and penetrates the float body 6 in the vertical direction. The liquid surface of the nutrient solution 4 is opened upward from the opening 61. It has become so. Then, the lower portions of the seedling pots 1 in the arrangement state are fitted into the openings 61, and the contact portions 14 of the seedling pots 1 to be described later contact the peripheral portions 62 of the openings 61. Each seedling pot 1 is supported by the float body 6 in a state where the lower part of 61 is immersed in the nutrient solution 4.

[0024] Each seedling pot 1 is for holding the medium 2 supporting the plant in a state of being immersed in the nutrient solution 4, and is formed integrally with a synthetic resin or the like, as shown in FIG. In addition, the horizontal cross-sectional shape remains a substantially square shape and spreads outward as it moves upward. In other words, the contour of the seedling pot 1 has a square shape in plan view. The outline of the seedling pot 1 should be substantially square in plan view.For example, each corner portion is rounded, or one of the distances between the opposing sides orthogonal to each other is slightly smaller than the other. It may be set to a large value.

[0025] These seedling pots 1 include a culture medium holding part 11 that fits into the opening 61 of the float body 6, and a ridge part 12 that is placed on the upper surface 63 of the float body 6 at the periphery of the opening 61. In addition, a connecting portion 13 for connecting the collar portion 12 and the culture medium holding portion 11 is provided. The vertical dimension of the culture medium holding part 11 and the connecting part 13 in the seedling pot 1 is set smaller than the depth dimension of the float body 6 (see FIG. 3).

[0026] The flange portion 12 has a size that can be placed on the upper surface 63 of the float body 6 across the opening 61 in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 61, and in a substantially vertical direction. Extending in plan view It has a substantially square cylindrical shape. The inner surface 1 of the opposite parts in this collar part 1 The distance between 2b is set to be smaller than the distance between the inner peripheral surfaces 61a of the openings 61 in the width direction of the openings 61. That is, when the flange portion 12 is placed on the upper surface 63 of the float body 6, the inner end portion of the flange portion 12 protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the opening 61.

[0027] The culture medium holding part 11 is connected to the cylindrical peripheral wall 11a having a cross-sectional shape slightly smaller than the collar part 12 and extending in a substantially vertical direction in a substantially square shape in plan view, and a lower end part of the peripheral wall 11a. It has an approximately square plate-like bottom wall 1 lb, and holds the culture medium 2 by loading the culture medium 2 into a space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1 la.

[0028] The distance between the outer side surfaces id of the opposing portions of the peripheral wall 11a is set to be smaller than the distance between the inner side surfaces 12b of the opposing portions of the flange portion 12, and the peripheral wall 11a A gap is formed between the outer side surface 1 Id and the inner side surface 12b of the flange 12 over the entire circumference of the peripheral wall 1 la in plan view (see FIG. 2 (a)).

[0029] Further, a plurality of windows 11c are formed in each of the peripheral wall 11a and the bottom wall l ib. These windows 11c supply the nutrient solution 4 to the culture medium 2 loaded in the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 11a through the window 11c, or when the plant supported by the culture medium 2 grows, the roots of the plants become the windows. Each window 11c has a rectangular shape and is arranged in a matrix so that the total area of each window 1 lc can be extended from 11c to the outside of the seedling pot 1. It is configured so that it can be secured greatly.

[0030] The connecting portion 13 has a taper shape that expands toward the upper end so as to spread outwardly from the upper end force of the peripheral wall 11a and connect to the inner end portion of the lower surface 12a of the flange portion 12. . The distance between the upper ends of the outer surfaces 13b of the connecting portions 13 facing each other is set so as to be approximately equal to the distance between the inner peripheral surfaces 61a of the openings 61 in the width direction of the openings 61. ing. As a result, the entire connecting portion 13 can be fitted into the opening 61, the connecting portion 13 is fitted into the opening 61, and the flange portion 12 is mounted on the upper surface 63 of the float body 6. When placed, the boundary portion between the outer side surface 13b of the connecting portion 13 and the lower surface 12a of the flange portion 12 abuts on the opening peripheral edge portion 62, and the relative position of the seedling pot 1 with respect to the float body 6 is determined. It is becoming possible. That is, the boundary portion between the outer side surface 13b of the connecting portion 13 and the lower surface 12a of the flange portion 12 is in contact with the present invention. Part 14 is configured.

[0031] The connecting portion 13 is formed with a plurality of windows 13a. These windows 13a are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction on the respective wall surfaces inclined in mutually different directions of the connecting portion 13 and are located at both ends of each wall surface of the connecting portion 13. The window 13a has a trapezoidal shape, and the window 13a between them has a rectangular shape, and is configured so that a large total area of each window 13a can be secured in the same manner as the window 11c. Further, since these windows 13a are formed so as to reach the upper end of the connecting portion 13, the abutting portions 14 are scattered between the windows 13a.

In order to use the seedling pot 1 described above, first, the medium 2 is loaded into the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 11a, and the medium 2 is held in the medium holding unit 11. Since the peripheral wall 1 la extends in a substantially vertical direction, if a space 2 surrounded by the peripheral wall 1 la is loaded with a rectangular parallelepiped medium 2 having a substantially square cross-sectional shape and extending vertically, the plant grows. Can prevent falling. Further, since the connecting portion 13 connected to the upper end portion of the peripheral wall 1 la is tapered so as to expand upward, the medium 2 is inserted into the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1 la. In this case, since the culture medium 2 is guided to the connecting portion 13, the culture medium 2 can be easily loaded into the space.

[0033] Then, a plurality of seedling pots 1 loaded with the culture medium 2 are prepared, and these seedling pots 1 may be sequentially fitted into the openings 61 of the float body 6. Specifically, by inserting the culture medium holding part 11 and the connecting part 13 of each seedling pot 1 into the opening 61, the contact part 14 of each seedling pot 1 comes into contact with the peripheral part 62 of the opening 61, and each seedling is raised. The relative position of the pot 1 with respect to the float body 6 is determined, and each seedling pot 1 is supported by the float body 6 with the lower part of the peripheral wall 11 a immersed in the nutrient solution 4.

[0034] In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9A using such a float body 6, the lower part of the peripheral wall 11a of the seedling pot 1 can always be immersed in the nutrient solution 4 at a constant depth regardless of the water level of the nutrient solution 4. Therefore, it is preferable to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9B using the panel 5 described later, but the inner peripheral surface 61a of the opening 61 of the float body 6 reaches the liquid surface of the nutrient solution 4 from the opening peripheral portion 62. When the contact portion 14 of the seedling pot 1 is brought into contact with the peripheral edge portion 62 of the opening, the peripheral wall 11a of the culture medium holding portion 11 and the inner peripheral surface 61a of the opening 61 are opposed to each other in the width direction of the opening 61. . [0035] However, in the seedling pot 1 of the present embodiment, the peripheral wall 11a of the culture medium holding part 11 is kept inward by the horizontal dimension of the connecting part 13 relative to the contact part 14, so that the peripheral wall 11a and Between the inner peripheral surface 61a of the opening 61, a gap 7 having a dimension that approximately matches the horizontal dimension of the connecting portion 13 is formed. Further, between the peripheral walls 11a of the adjacent seedling pots 1, the adjacent seedling pots 1 are arranged in a state where the buttocks 12 are in contact with each other, so that it is slightly larger than twice the gap 7. A gap is formed.

[0036] A plurality of windows 13a are formed in the connecting portion 13, and as described above, a flat surface is provided between the outer side surface 1 Id of the peripheral wall 11a and the inner side surface 12b of the flange portion 12. In view, a gap is formed over the entire circumference of the peripheral wall 1 la, so that the space outside the peripheral wall 1 la including the gap 7 has a conventional gap from above through the window 13a over the entire circumference. More light and air are supplied than the seedling pots 10A and 10B shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b).

[0037] As described above, when the seedling pot 1 of the present embodiment is used, even when the seedling pot 1 is supported by the float body 6, more light is provided in the space outside the peripheral wall 11a holding the culture medium 2. And air can be supplied to prevent plant root rot and the like.

Next, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9B using the panel 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. This hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9B is the same as the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9A described above, except that the support for supporting the seedling pot 1 is changed from the float body 6 to the panel 5.

[0039] The panel 5 is attached to the cultivation tank 3 so as to close the opening of the cultivation tank 3. The panel 5 is provided with a plurality of openings 51 at appropriate positions in which the connecting portion 13 and the culture medium holding portion 11 of the seedling pot 1 can be fitted for each pot.

[0040] Specifically, the opening 51 has a circular shape in plan view, and the diameter thereof substantially matches the diagonal dimension of the substantially square formed by the contact portion 14 of the breeding seedling pot 1 described above. It is set to a degree. Therefore, when the connection part 13 and the culture medium holding part 11 of the seedling pot 1 are fitted in the opening 51, the corner part of the contact part 14 comes into contact with the peripheral part 52 of the opening 51 at four points. Thus, the relative position of the seedling pot 1 with respect to the panel 5 is determined, and the seedling pot 1 is supported by the panel 5 while the lower part of the peripheral wall 11a of the medium holding part 11 is immersed in the nutrient solution 4. Become. Further, in a state where the contact portion 14 is in contact with the opening peripheral edge portion 52, the flange portion 12 and the opening peripheral edge are disposed outside the flange portion 12. The space below the panel 5 is opened in the lead direction to the top of the seedling pot 1 by the area surrounded by the part 52, in other words, by the area surrounded by the contour of the seedling pot 1 and the contour of the opening 51 in plan view. The vent holes 51b are secured in substantially equal sizes in all directions. Note that the opening 51 is not necessarily a perfect circle as long as it has a substantially circular shape in plan view. For example, the opening 51 may be an ellipse in which the difference between the major axis and the minor axis is set to be minute.

[0041] As described above, even when the panel 5 provided with the opening 51 into which the seedling pot 1 is fitted for each pot is used, the contact portion 14 is in contact with the peripheral portion 52 of the opening 51. In the state, the connecting portion 13 is interposed over the entire circumference of the peripheral wall 11a between the opening peripheral edge 52 and the peripheral wall 11a in a plan view, and the space 8 outside the peripheral wall 11a extends over the entire periphery. Thus, an appropriate amount of light and air can be supplied from above through the window 13a formed in the connecting portion 13.

[0042] Further, since the vent holes 51b are formed in the four sides on the outer side of the heel part 12 of the seedling pot 1, more light and air are also passed to the space below the panel 5 through the vent holes 51b. Can be supplied. When panel 5 is used, panel 5 closes the opening of cultivation tank 3, so that air easily accumulates in the space below panel 5 and light does not easily enter the space. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of vents in the panel 5. If too much light and air is supplied to the space below the panel, there is a risk that germs and bacteria will grow actively. However, as shown in this embodiment, the heel part 12 of the seedling pot 1 is formed in a substantially square shape in a plan view, and the opening 51 provided in the panel 5 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a plan view. Due to the shape, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of air and light capable of suppressing the growth of germs and bacteria in the space below the panel 5. This was confirmed by numerous experiments conducted by the applicant of this application.

[0043] It should be noted that the seedling pot of the present invention can be variously modified without being limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0044] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of seedling pots 1 having a substantially square shape in a plan view are fitted into the openings 61 extending in the longitudinal direction of the float body 6, but FIG. 6 (a) and FIG. As shown in (b), the seedling pot 1 formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view in accordance with the shape of the opening 61 so that the contact part 14 contacts the peripheral part 62 of the opening 61 over the entire circumference. 'Only one opening 61 Even if it fits in. Even in this manner, the upward force is also increased through the window 13a of the connecting portion 13 over the entire circumference of the peripheral wall 11a in the gap between the outer surface 1 Id of the peripheral wall 1 la and the inner peripheral surface 61a of the opening 61. And can supply air.

[0045] Further, a plurality of substantially square openings may be provided in the float body 6 in a plan view in which the seedling pot 1 can be fitted into each pot.

[0046] Furthermore, the opening 51 provided in the panel 5 does not need to be substantially circular in a plan view. It is possible to form the mouth 51b. When the heel part 12 is not provided as in the seedling pots 1, 1 ′ shown in FIG. 7 (a), which will be described later, the vent hole 51b is formed in the plan view in the outer peripheral edge part of the seedling pot 1 and the opening peripheral edge of the panel 5. The region surrounded by the portion 52 may be formed.

[0047] The seedling pot 1 may be a seedling pot dedicated to each of the apparatuses 9A and 9B, which need not be commonly used for the hydroponic apparatus 9A and the hydroponic apparatus 9B. In this case, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 9A, the opening 61 of the float body 6 may have a circular shape in plan view, and the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the seedling pot may correspond to a circular shape.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the contact portion 14 is configured at the boundary between the lower surface 12a of the flange portion 12 and the outer surface 13b of the connecting portion 13, but FIG. As shown, the flange portion 12 may be omitted, and the connecting portion 13 may be extended upward as it is, and the contact portion 14 may be configured by an intermediate portion of the outer surface of the connecting portion 13. In this case, the window 13a can also be extended upward to ensure a larger area of the window 13a. However, in this case, when the seedling pots 1, 1 'are tilted and inserted into the opening (opening 51 or opening 61) of the support (float body 6 or panel 5), they are supported by the support in that position. Therefore, it is necessary to fit the seedling pots 1, 1 'in an upright posture into the opening of the support, but the contact portion 14 is connected to the lower surface 12a of the heel portion 12 as in the above embodiment. If it is composed of the boundary part with the outer side surface 13b of the connecting part 13, even if the seedling pot 1, 1 'is fitted in the opening of the support body in a tilted position, the part above the contact part 14 by the heel part 12 Is prevented from entering the opening, and the contact portion 14 reliably contacts the opening peripheral edge (the opening peripheral edge 52 or the opening peripheral edge 62) so that the seedling pots 1, 1 'are in an upright posture. Fit the seedling pot 1, 1 'into the support opening Working time can be shortened.

[0049] Further, the abutting portion 14 is spaced apart from the culture medium holding portion 11 if the relative position with respect to the support is determined within a limited range by abutting the opening peripheral edge portion 62. The distance to be set may be set to be smaller than the distance between the peripheral edges of the openings, and the connecting portion 13 may be configured to be fitted in the openings.

[0050] Further, the connecting portion according to the present invention only has to spread outward from the upper end of the peripheral wall 11a at an angle closer to the horizontal than the peripheral wall 11a, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b). It may extend from the upper end portion of the flange 12 in the horizontal direction to the inner end portion of the lower surface 12a of the flange portion 12.

[0051] Further, the peripheral wall 11a of the seedling pots 1, 1 'extends in a substantially vertical direction, and as long as a predetermined gap can be formed with the contact portion 14 in a plan view, for example, the upward force is increased. The shape may be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to expand. With such a shape, the medium 2 can be more easily loaded into the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 11a.

[0052] As described above, the seedling pot of the present invention is fitted into the opening provided in the support body that covers the liquid level of the nutrient solution, and is supported by the support body with the lower part immersed in the nutrient solution. A hydroponics seedling pot for contact with the support at the periphery of the opening, the contact position being determined relative to the support, and an inner side of the contact portion And a medium holding part for holding the culture medium by loading a medium for supporting plants in a space surrounded by the peripheral wall, and a peripheral wall of the medium holding part. The upper end portion of the peripheral wall includes a connecting portion that spreads outward at an angle closer to the horizontal than the peripheral wall and connects the upper end portion of the peripheral wall and the abutting portion, and each of the peripheral wall and the connecting portion includes a plurality of connecting portions. A window is formed, and the contact portion is formed on a peripheral edge of the opening on the support body. And at least the lower part of the peripheral wall is immersed in the nutrient solution while being in contact with each other, and between the connection part and the liquid level of the nutrient solution located below the connection part through the window formed in the connection part. Light and air are supplied to the air.

[0053] According to this configuration, since the culture medium holding portion has the peripheral wall extending in the substantially vertical direction, if the culture medium extending in the vertical direction with a substantially constant cross-sectional shape is loaded into the space surrounded by the peripheral wall, the plant Can prevent the fall when the grows. In addition, the contact with the support at the periphery of the opening Since the connecting portion that connects the contact portion and the upper end portion of the peripheral wall extends outward from the upper end portion of the peripheral wall at an angle closer to the horizontal than the peripheral wall, the connecting portion is disposed in the space below the connecting portion. It is possible to supply more light and air than before through the multiple windows formed in the upper force.

[0054] The seedling pot further includes a ridge that spreads outward from the contact portion and can be placed on the support in a peripheral region of the opening, and the connecting portion includes an inner end of the ridge portion. It is preferable that the portion and the upper end portion of the peripheral wall are connected, and the abutting portion is constituted by a boundary portion between the flange portion and the connecting portion.

[0055] According to this configuration, even if the seedling pot is fitted into the opening of the support body in a tilted posture, the upper portion of the contact portion is suppressed from entering the opening by the heel portion, and the contact portion Will surely come into contact with the support and the seedling pot will stand upright naturally.

[0056] Further, it is preferable that the connecting portion has a shape that expands toward the top.

[0057] With the connection part having such a shape, when the culture medium is inserted into the space surrounded by the peripheral wall, the culture medium is guided to the connection part, so that the culture medium can be easily loaded into the space. it can.

[0058] In addition, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of the present invention includes the seedling pot, a cultivation tank that opens upward in which nutrient solution can be stored, and a panel that is a support that supports the seedling pot. And a panel attached to the cultivation tank so as to close the opening of the cultivation tank, and the panel is provided with an opening into which the culture medium holding part and the connection part of the seedling pot can be fitted, The contact portion of the seedling pot can be brought into contact with the peripheral portion of the opening while the culture medium holding portion and the connecting portion of the seedling pot are fitted in the opening. .

[0059] Even when the panel attached to the cultivation tank is used as a support in this manner, the peripheral wall of the culture medium holding part of the seedling pot is kept behind the contact part of the seedling pot. In a state where the contact portion is in contact with the peripheral edge of the opening of the panel, a connecting portion is interposed between the opening peripheral portion and the peripheral wall over the entire periphery of the peripheral wall in a plan view. The upper force can be supplied to the space outside the peripheral wall through the window formed in the section, and more light and air can be supplied than before. [0060] Further, the opening of the panel has a part of the outline of the opening outside the outline of the seedling pot in a plan view when the contact part of the seedling pot comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the opening. It is preferable to be formed in a shape that is located on the side.

[0061] With such a shape, the space below the panel is led straight up to the top of the seedling pot by the region surrounded by the contour of the seedling pot and a part of the contour of the opening located outside the contour. Since a vent opening that is open to the screen is secured, more light and air can be supplied to the space below the panel through the vent hole.

[0062] Furthermore, the contour of the seedling pot is square when viewed from above, the opening of the panel is circular when viewed from above, and the arc-shaped portion of the contour of the opening is the shape of the seedling pot. It is preferable to be located outside the contour.

[0063] With such a shape, the effect can be obtained with a simple shape.

[0064] Alternatively, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned seedling pot, a cultivation tank opened upward capable of storing a nutrient solution, and a float that is a support that supports the seedling pot. A float body floating in the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation tank, and the depth dimension of the float body is set to be larger than the vertical dimension of the connecting portion in the seedling pot. In addition, the float body is provided with an opening into which the medium holding portion and the connecting portion of the seedling pot can be fitted, and this opening is fitted with the medium holding portion and the connecting portion of the seedling pot into the opening. The pot has an inner peripheral surface that is opposed to the peripheral wall of the culture medium holding portion in contact with the peripheral edge of the opening and forms a predetermined gap with the peripheral wall. It is characterized by that Moyo.

[0065] Thus, even when a float body having an opening having an inner peripheral surface facing the peripheral wall of the seedling pot is used as the support, the peripheral wall of the medium holding portion of the seedling pot is the seedling pot. Since the abutting portion is in contact with the peripheral edge of the opening of the float body, a predetermined gap is provided between the peripheral wall and the inner peripheral surface of the opening facing the peripheral wall. A gap is secured, and more light and air can be supplied from above through the window formed in the connecting portion of the seedling pot in the gap.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A seedling pot for hydroponics that is fitted into an opening provided in a support covering the liquid level of the nutrient solution and supported by the support in a state where the lower part is immersed in the nutrient solution,

A contact portion whose relative position with respect to the support is determined by contacting the support at the periphery of the opening, and a peripheral wall extending in a substantially vertical direction at a position inward of the contact portion; When a medium supporting a plant is loaded in a space surrounded by the peripheral wall, the medium holding part for holding the medium and the upper end of the peripheral wall of the medium holding part spread outward at an angle closer to the horizontal than the peripheral wall. A connection portion for connecting the upper end portion of the peripheral wall and the contact portion,

A plurality of windows are formed in each of the peripheral wall and the connecting portion, and at least a lower portion of the peripheral wall is immersed in a nutrient solution in a state where the contact portion is in contact with the support at the periphery of the opening, A seedling pot, wherein light and air are supplied to a space between the connecting part and a liquid surface of a nutrient solution located below the connecting part through a window formed in the connecting part.

[2] It further includes a flange that extends outward from the contact portion and can be placed on the support in the peripheral region of the opening, and the connecting portion includes an inner end of the flange and an upper end of the peripheral wall. 2. The seedling raising pot according to claim 1, wherein the abutment portion is configured by a boundary portion between the heel portion and the connection portion.

[3] The seedling pot according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion has a shape that expands toward the top.

[4] A seedling pot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a cultivation tank opened upward capable of storing a nutrient solution, and a panel which is a support for supporting the seedling pot. A panel attached to the cultivation tank so as to close the opening of the cultivation tank, and the panel is provided with an opening into which the medium holding part and the connection part of the seedling pot can be fitted. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus, wherein a contact portion of the nursery pot can be brought into contact with a peripheral portion of the opening in a state where the medium holding portion and the connecting portion of the seedling pot are fitted.

[5] The opening of the panel has a contact portion of the seedling pot in contact with a peripheral portion of the opening. 5. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a part of the contour of the opening is formed in a shape that is located outside the contour of the seedling pot in plan view.

[6] The contour of the seedling pot is square in plan view, the opening of the panel is circular in plan view, and the arc-shaped portion of the contour of the opening is from the contour of the seedling pot. 6. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the hydroponic cultivation apparatus is located outside.

[7] A cultivation body comprising the seedling pot according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and having an upwardly open cultivation tank capable of storing a nutrient solution, and a float body as a support for supporting the seedling pot A float body floating in a nutrient solution stored in the cultivation tank, the depth dimension of the float body being set larger than the vertical dimension of the connecting portion in the seedling pot, The float body is provided with an opening into which the medium holding part and the connection part of the seedling pot can be fitted, and this opening is fitted with the medium holding part and the connection part of the seedling pot into the opening. It has an inner peripheral surface that is opposed to the peripheral wall of the culture medium holding portion in contact with the peripheral edge of the opening and forms a predetermined gap between the peripheral wall and the peripheral wall. A hydroponics device.