WO2024038581A1

WO2024038581A1 - Plant cultivation device

Info

Publication number: WO2024038581A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/031370
Authority: WO
Inventors: 豊樹古在; 久和内山
Original assignee: サンパワ―株式会社
Priority date: 2022-08-19
Filing date: 2022-08-19
Publication date: 2024-02-22

Abstract

Provided is a plant cultivation device for efficiently cultivating a plant. A plant cultivation device 1 comprises: a frame body 10; a shelf plate 20 supported by the frame body; an illuminating device 30 provided below the shelf plate 20; and a culture vessel 40 placed on the shelf plate 20. The illuminating device 30 has: a first illuminating part 31 emitting light downward; and a second illuminating part 32 emitting light upward. The plant cultivation device 1 exposes a plant in a culture space S to light emitted by the first illuminating part 31 from above and to light emitted by the second illuminating part 32 from below via the shelf plate 20.

Description

plant cultivation equipment

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation device.

The present applicant has proposed many inventions related to plant cultivation devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tray for cultivating a large number of seedlings, a conveyor for conveying the tray from the entrance side to the exit side, a supply means for supplying water and nutrients to the tray, and a supply means for supplying light to the plants on the tray. The present invention proposes a plant cultivation apparatus comprising a lighting means for irradiating the plant, and the supply means and the lighting means are arranged along a conveyor. As a result, the plants on the trays transported by the conveyor are given appropriate nutrition and moisture and irradiated with appropriate light according to their growth state.
The applicant has also proposed a cultivation container and cultivation method that can efficiently circulate a cultivation solution even when a large number of plants grow (Patent Document 2).

On the other hand, it is known that as plants grow, their leaves overlap, making it difficult for light to reach the lower leaves (lower leaves), resulting in lower photosynthesis efficiency in the lower leaves. The lower leaves, which become less efficient at photosynthesis, generally age. The lower leaves that have aged in this way are then usually plucked out.
In recent years, there has been a report that senescence of lower leaves located in the first to third layers can be suppressed by irradiating upward light from the lower side of the plant (non-patent literature).
Further, although the purpose is not directly to suppress aging of lower leaves, Patent Document 3 discloses a method of irradiating light from below the plant using a reflector. Patent Document 4 describes an artificial light source for cultivating plants, etc., which regulates and promotes the growth of plants by irradiating light onto the underside of leaves, since there are many stomata on the underside of leaves. unit is disclosed.

Patent No. 4279379 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-162507 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 49-117222 JP2002-272271A

However, when a reflector is used as in Patent Document 3, it is not possible to provide the lower leaves with a sufficient amount of light for photosynthesis like the upper leaves. In particular, when plants grow and have double or triple leaves, shadows are created and the range of reflected light is limited. Furthermore, the cultivation methods disclosed in Non-Patent Literature and Patent Literature 4 are not suitable for long-term cultivation because they both place a light source on the medium in which the plants are grown. For example, in order to use space efficiently in plant cultivation equipment, a spacing process is sometimes performed to separate plants depending on the size of the plants, but when placing a light source above the medium, such spacing The process becomes complicated. And maintenance of each device of the plant cultivation device and the cultivation container also becomes complicated. There is also a risk that the heat from the light source will be transferred to the plants, inhibiting their growth. Furthermore, even if the light source unit is waterproofed as in Patent Document 4, durability is not taken into consideration when it is placed on a culture medium and under a plant that is supplied with water etc. for a long period of time. .
The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation device for efficiently cultivating plants.

The plant cultivation device of the present invention includes a cultivation container containing a medium for cultivating plants, an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and a lower lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from below. The lower lighting is characterized in that it is provided below the opening of the cultivation container. Here, the term "below the opening of the cultivation container" refers to the outside of the cultivation container, below the horizontal surface opened on the top surface, and below the water surface when the cultivation container is filled with liquid.

Since the plant cultivation device of the present invention is equipped with a lower illumination that irradiates light onto the plants from below, it is possible to prevent aging of the lower leaves of the grown plants. Therefore, it is particularly preferred for leafy vegetables such as lettuce. In addition, since the lower lighting is provided below the opening of the cultivation container, at least the wall of the cultivation container is interposed between the lower lighting and the culture medium, so it can be separated from the culture medium, and the lower lighting does not deteriorate. Hateful. Also, it does not inhibit the growth of cultivated plants.

In the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the lower lighting and the upper lighting are integrated. In this case, by integrating the light source serving as the heat source, temperature control within the cultivation space becomes easier. Additionally, cleaning and maintenance inside the plant cultivation device become easier. Such a plant cultivation device is preferably used for a plant cultivation shelf consisting of a plurality of vertically divided cultivation spaces.
The plant cultivation device of the present invention includes a base material that supports the cultivation container, the base material is capable of transmitting light at least in part, and the lower lighting is provided below the base material. It is preferable that In this case, since the base material is also interposed between the lower illumination and the culture medium, deterioration of the lower illumination can be further prevented. Note that the lower lighting may also serve as the base material, or the base material and the lower lighting may be integrated. In this case, maintenance within the plant cultivation device becomes easier. Note that the lower lighting is preferably provided below the cultivation container.
In the plant cultivation device of the present invention, the cultivation container may be suspended within the cultivation space. In that case, it is preferable that the lower lighting is provided below the cultivation container.

A second aspect of the plant cultivation device of the present invention includes a gutter-shaped cultivation container that accommodates a medium for cultivating plants, an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from below. A plurality of the cultivation containers are arranged in parallel, and the lower lighting is provided between the plurality of cultivation containers arranged in parallel.
The second aspect of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention also includes a lower illumination that irradiates the plant with light from below, so that aging of the lower leaves of the grown plant can be prevented. Furthermore, since the lower lighting is provided between the plurality of cultivation containers arranged in parallel, the lower lighting can be separated from the culture medium, and the lower lighting is less likely to deteriorate. Also, it does not inhibit the growth of cultivated plants. In this case as well, it is preferable to provide the lower lighting below the opening of the cultivation container.

In a second aspect of the plant cultivation device of the present invention, the plurality of juxtaposed cultivation containers are connected by a connecting plate, and the lower lighting is arranged on the connecting plate, or It is preferable that the connecting plate be disposed below the connecting plate. In that case, it is preferable to further include a duct that supplies gas for controlling the cultivation space, and the duct is provided in a space between the cultivation containers arranged on the left and right. Particularly preferred is one provided in a space surrounded by the outer wall of the cultivation container, the connecting plate, and the base material.

A third aspect of the plant cultivation device of the present invention includes a cultivation container that accommodates a medium for growing plants, a base material that supports the cultivation container, an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and a lower and a lower illumination that irradiates light onto the plants, the base material is capable of transmitting light at least in part, the base material is formed with a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel, and the cultivation container is The lower illumination is accommodated in the groove, and the lower illumination is provided below the base material and between adjacent grooves. In this case as well, it is preferable to provide the lower lighting below the opening of the cultivation container.
A fourth aspect of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention includes a cultivation container that houses a medium for growing plants, a base material that supports the cultivation container, an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and the above-mentioned. a duct for supplying air to control a cultivation space, the base material is formed with a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel, the cultivation container is accommodated in the groove, and the duct is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel to each other; It is characterized by being located between.
A fifth aspect of the plant cultivation device of the present invention includes a gutter-shaped cultivation container that accommodates a medium for cultivating plants, an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and a base material that supports the cultivation container. and a duct for supplying air to control the cultivation space, a plurality of the cultivation containers are arranged in parallel, and the plurality of cultivation containers arranged in parallel are connected by a connecting plate, and the cultivation containers are arranged in parallel. The duct is characterized in that it is provided in a space surrounded by the outer walls of the cultivation containers arranged on the left and right, the connecting plate, and the base material.
In the fourth and fifth aspects of the plant cultivation device of the present invention, a duct is provided between the cultivation containers, and space can be saved.

The plant cultivation device of the present invention can prevent aging of lower leaves of cultivated plants. Furthermore, cleaning and maintenance of the inside of the plant cultivation device is easy. The plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention can produce high quality plants with high efficiency.

1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a plant cultivation device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the plant cultivation device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3a is a sectional view of a lighting device used in the plant cultivation device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3b is a sectional view of a cultivation container used in the plant cultivation device of FIG. 3e is a top view of a different cultivation container that may be used, and FIG. 3e is a cross-sectional view of another lighting device that can be used in the plant cultivation device of FIG. 1. FIG. It is a process chart showing a cultivation method using a plant cultivation device of the present invention. 5a and 5b are plan views showing other forms of the shelf board of the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5c and d are cross-sectional views showing other forms of the lighting device of the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5e is a sectional view showing another form of the plant cultivation device. It is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the plant cultivation device of the present invention. FIG. 7a is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 7b is a partially enlarged view thereof, and FIG. 7c is a partially enlarged view showing another embodiment. FIG. 8a is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the plant cultivation device of the present invention, FIG. 8b is a sectional view showing a cultivation container thereof, and FIG. 8c is a sectional view showing another form of the cultivation container. . FIGS. 9a and 9b are cross-sectional views showing still other forms of the cultivation container. FIGS. 10a and 10b are cross-sectional views showing fourth and fifth embodiments of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, respectively.

"Plant cultivation device 1"
The multi-stage plant cultivation device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a frame 10, a shelf 20 supported by the frame, and a lighting device 30 (only in FIG. 2) provided below the shelf 20. A cultivation container 40 placed on a shelf board 20 is provided.
In the plant cultivation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, the top plate 20A is omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the top plate 20A is provided with a lighting device 30A that emits light only downward, and the lower surface of the bottom shelf 20B is provided with a lighting device that emits light only upward. 30B is provided. Although the plant cultivation device 1 includes six stages of cultivation spaces S, the number of stages is not particularly limited.

"Frame 10"
Returning to FIG. 1, the frame 10 includes pillars 11 arranged in a rectangular shape on all sides, girders 12 connecting them in the horizontal long side direction, and beams 13 connecting them in the horizontal short side direction. We are prepared. The

shelf boards

20, 20B and the top board 20A are supported by the beams 12 and beams 13. Also, although not particularly limited, walls (not shown) may be provided on the front, rear, left and right sides so as to cover the pillars 11 on all four sides. By providing walls, the cultivation space can be sealed, making it easier to control the environment within the cultivation space. Moreover, by making at least one wall openable and closable, it becomes possible to take out and install the cultivation container 40 and the shelf board 20.
However, the structure of the frame 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the shelf boards 20 vertically at predetermined intervals. For example, some or all of the girders and beams may be omitted, or supports may be provided between the columns 11.

"Shelf board 20"
The shelf board 20 (and the shelf board 20B) is a board that supports a cultivation container 40, which will be described later, and has translucency. The shelf board 20 has a rectangular shape with long sides at the front and back. This shelf board 20 divides the inside of the frame 10 into a plurality of upper and lower cultivation spaces S. The cultivation space S is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space whose long sides are in the front-rear direction. By imparting translucency to the shelf board 20, the light from the lighting device 30 located below the shelf board 20 can be irradiated onto the plants without being blocked.
Examples of the shelf board 20 include glass and a synthetic resin board. Note that the color of the shelf board 20 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately selected depending on the plants to be cultivated and the cultivation conditions.
Meanwhile, the top plate 20A is preferably made of an opaque plate, although it is not particularly limited.

"Lighting device 30"
As shown in FIG. 3A, the illumination device 30 includes a panel-shaped first illumination section 31 (upper illumination) that emits light downward, and a panel-shaped second illumination section 32 (lower illumination) that emits light upward. It is a combination of The lighting device 30 is provided on the lower surface or below of the shelf board 20 along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation space S.
In detail, the illumination device 30 includes a laminated part 30a in which a first transparent plate 31a, a first light guide plate 31b, a shielding part 35, a second light guide plate 32b, and a second transparent plate 32a are laminated in order from the bottom; A first light source 31c that irradiates light to the first light guide plate 31b along both measurement parts of the first light guide plate 31b of the laminated portion, and a first light source 31c that irradiates light to the first light guide plate 31b along both measurement parts of the first light guide plate 31b of the laminated part, and a first light source 31c that irradiates light to the first light guide plate 31b along both measuring parts of the first light guide plate 31b of the laminated part, and a The second light guide plate 32b is provided with a second light source 32c that irradiates light, and a U-shaped frame 36 that is provided on the side of the laminated portion via the first light source 31c and the second light source 32c. The frame 36 and the laminated portion 30a are fixed by a sealing material 30b. Moreover, the shielding part 35 extends between the first light source 31c and the second light source 32c. However, as long as the space between the first light source 31c (first illumination section 31) and the second light source 32c (second illumination section 32) is shielded, the shielding section 35 does not need to extend. Note that in that case, the method of shielding between the first light source 31c and the second light source 32c is not particularly limited.
The first transparent plate 31a and the second transparent plate 32a are not particularly limited as long as they each have translucency. However, by making it transparent, light can be efficiently irradiated onto the object. Examples of these materials include glass and resin plates. Although the first transparent plate 31a and the second transparent plate 32a may be omitted, waterproofness can be improved by providing the first transparent plate 31a and the second transparent plate 32a.
The first light guide plate 31b and the second light guide plate 32b guide light received from the sides downward and upward, respectively.
The first light source 31c and the second light source 32c each include a vertically long substrate (not shown) and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown) evenly arranged in the longitudinal direction of the substrate. However, the light source is not limited to LEDs, and artificial light sources such as fluorescent lamps, light bulbs, and electroluminescence (EL) may also be used. Although the first light source 31c and the second light source 32c are provided on both sides of the first light guide plate 31b and the second light guide plate 32b, respectively, they may be provided on all four sides, as shown in FIG. 3e. It is also possible to have only one side, as shown in . Further, as shown in FIG. 3e, the first light source 31c and the second light source 32c are installed so that they are not vertically adjacent to each other (rotated by 90 degrees or 180 degrees around the vertical direction with respect to the position of the first light source 31). It is preferable to do so in such a way that they are less likely to interfere with each other. In addition, when irradiating light sources from both sides as shown in FIG. 3a, by providing the second light source 32c rotated 90 degrees around the vertical direction with respect to the position of the first light source 31c, the upper and lower light sources can be illuminated. They can be installed so that they are not adjacent to each other.
Although the shielding part 35 is not particularly limited, for example, a reflective plate (reflective sheet) such as aluminum foil is preferably used. This allows efficient irradiation of light. Note that the shielding portion 35 may not be provided. However, if the shielding part 35 is not provided, light leakage from the vertically adjacent cultivation spaces will occur, making it difficult to control the light.
The frame body 36 is not particularly limited as long as it can integrate the first illumination section 31 and the second illumination section 32.

Since the lighting device 30 includes the first lighting section 31 and the second lighting section 32, it is possible to irradiate light from above to the plants grown below the lighting device 30, and the lighting device Light can be irradiated from below to the plants cultivated above 30 (upper cultivation space) through the shelf board 20.
Since the lighting device 30 has the first lighting section 31 and the second lighting section 32 integrated, it can be easily installed and removed, and maintenance such as cleaning can be easily performed.
Since the lighting device 30 is provided below the shelf board 20 (particularly on the bottom surface), the lighting device 30 is not directly exposed to water, nutrient solution, etc. to be supplied to plants and the like. Therefore, it does not easily deteriorate even after long-term use. On the other hand, the influence of the heat generated by the lighting device 30 can be reduced, and it is also kind to the plants to be cultivated.
Since the lighting device 30 uses a light guide plate, the light source that generates heat can be placed at the edge of the cultivation space, along the beams 12 or beams 13 of the frame 11, further reducing the impact on the plants. can be done.

"Cultivation container 40"
The cultivation container 40 is for accommodating a medium for cultivating plants, and as shown in FIG. 3b, the cultivation container 40 has a gutter-shaped container body 41 with a U-shaped cross section that is open at the top, and a container body 41 that is provided at the opening. A lid 42 is provided.
The lid 42 has a groove 42a extending in the longitudinal direction of the gutter axis, and a hole 42b provided at the bottom of the groove. The lid 42 may have a plurality of lid members each having one or more holes 42b lined up in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 3c, or may be integrated as shown in FIG. 3d. As shown in FIG. 3c, by arranging a plurality of lid members, longitudinal spacing (adjustment of the distance between adjacent plants) becomes possible. In either case, a plurality of holes 42b are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction to support the plants to be cultivated. Note that the opening of this cultivation container 40 is the upper end of the groove 42a of the lid 42, as shown by the dotted line.
The container body 41 and the lid 42 are made of an opaque material. By making the container body 41 opaque, it is possible to prevent light from entering the container body 41 from the first illumination section 31 and the second illumination section 32 . In the case of hydroponic cultivation, the growth of algae inside the container can be suppressed by blocking light from entering the container. However, depending on the plants to be cultivated and the cultivation method, the container body 41 may be formed from a translucent material.
The cultivation container 40 supports or accommodates a plurality of plants in one or more rows. The number of rows to be arranged is not particularly limited, but is preferably two or less rows, and particularly preferably one row. If there is one row, the light of the second lighting device 32 can be irradiated onto the lower surface of the lower leaves of the plant from both sides of the cultivation container 40, and even if there are two rows, the light can be irradiated from at least one side. Note that even if there are three or more rows, by making the container body 41 translucent, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the lower surfaces of the lower leaves of the plants to be cultivated with light.
When the container body 41 is arranged in one row, it is preferable that the width of the container body 41 is smaller than the size at which the plants to be cultivated grow. That is, if the grown plant does not protrude from the cultivation container 40, there is a possibility that the lower leaves of the plant cannot be efficiently irradiated with light. However, the size of the cultivation container may be appropriately selected depending on the type of plant to be cultivated.
Examples of the medium contained in the cultivation container 40 include solutions containing nutrients used for cultivating plants, soil, and the like, such as water, nutrient solution, soil such as compost, and stones. The plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention is particularly preferable for hydroponic cultivation using water or a nutrient solution as a medium.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a method for cultivating plants using this plant cultivation apparatus 1 will be described.
First, plant seedlings are planted (Step 1). That is, the cultivation container 40 is filled with a medium, and seedlings of plants to be cultivated are planted in the medium.
Next, the seedlings planted in the plant container 40 are cultivated using only the light from the first lighting section 31 (Step 2). That is, the seedlings are irradiated with light from only the first illumination section 31. Note that the second illumination unit 32 may be turned on, but this is not particularly necessary since in the seedling state even light from above reaches the lower leaves. In this way, in step 2, by not using the second lighting section 32 (lower lighting), production efficiency can be improved.
Next, the grown plants are cultivated with light from the first lighting section 31 and the second lighting section 32 (step 3). Here, a grown plant refers to a state in which upper leaves have been produced. In particular, it refers to a condition in which multiple upper leaves overlap and light from above does not or does not reach the lower leaves sufficiently. In such a state, aging of the lower leaves can be prevented by irradiating light from the second illumination unit 32.
Finally, the plants are harvested (step 4).

With this configuration, the plant cultivation device 1 can efficiently cultivate plants and has high overall productivity.
In other words, it is possible to irradiate a grown plant with light from above while also irradiating light from below, so it is possible to prevent aging of lower leaves without hindering plant growth, and to minimize the need for plucked leaves. can be suppressed to Therefore, the plant cultivation device 1 is particularly suitable for leafy vegetables such as lettuce, and can harvest vegetables with a large weight per bunch.
Moreover, in the plant cultivation device 1, since the lighting device 30 is provided below the shelf board 20, there is little possibility that the heat generated by the lighting device 30 will directly affect the plants. Furthermore, since the lighting device 30 is also isolated from the culture medium, especially the nutrient solution, it is less likely to deteriorate, and it is easy to waterproof the lighting device 30.
Since the plant cultivation device 1 uses the cultivation container 40 that accommodates a plurality of plants, by moving the cultivation container 40, the grown plants can be easily spaced from each other. Further, cleaning of the entire plant cultivation device 1 and maintenance of the lighting device 30 can be easily performed by simply taking out and putting in the cultivation container 40.

The plant cultivation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not limited to the above-described form.
The shelf board 20 of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 may be any one that allows light to pass through at least a portion thereof. For example, like the shelf board 20 in FIG. 5a, a plurality of holes 25 for passing light are provided between the cultivation containers 40, and the shelf board 20 in FIG. 5b has a plurality of pipes 26. A rectangular shape fixed at predetermined intervals may also be used. Note that it is preferable to provide a translucent film or the like between the hole 25 and the pipe 26.
In the lighting device 30 of the plant cultivation device 1 of FIG. 1, the first lighting section 31 and the second lighting section 32 may not be integrated, but may be separate bodies. For example, one in which the first illumination section 31, the shielding section 35, and the second illumination section 32 are stacked in this order can be mentioned. In this case as well, there is no particular difference in durability.
A duct may be provided between the first illumination section 31 and the second illumination section 32 of the illumination device 30 of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 to pass cold air or the like for cooling both illuminations. For example, the shielding part 35 may be formed into a cylindrical shape.
Although a light guide plate is used for the first illumination part 31 and the second illumination part 32 of the illumination device 30 of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 in FIG. 1, for example, as in the illumination device 30 in FIG. A reflector type illumination device may be used in which the

plates

37b and 37b are stacked at a predetermined interval, an internal reflector 37c is provided in the space, and the light from the light source 37d is reflected by the reflector 37b and the internal reflector 37c, as shown in FIG. 5d. The light source 38b may be directly provided on the panel 38a as in the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. In addition, the code|symbol 38c is a transparent plate.
The cultivation containers 40 of the plant cultivation device 1 in FIG. 1 are arranged so that the length direction of the cultivation space S is parallel to the gutter-shaped longitudinal direction of the cultivation containers. , they may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the gutter shape of the cultivation container forms a predetermined angle (in particular, vertically).
The cultivation container 40 of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 supports a plurality of plants in one or more rows, but is not particularly limited as long as it can support one or more plants. For example, they may be supported one by one. In this case, cultivation containers are lined up by the number of plants. Note that a plurality of 2 to 5 cultivation containers may be supported. However, the plants to be cultivated are not limited to the arrangement of the cultivation containers, but are preferably arranged at least along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped cultivation space.
Although the plant cultivation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 has a plurality of stages of cultivation spaces, it is sufficient that at least one of the cultivation spaces 1 is provided with a cultivation container 40, an upper lighting, and a lower lighting. Further, like the plant cultivation apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 5e, the cultivation space S may be configured in one stage by a top plate 20A and a shelf board 20B.

Next, another embodiment of the plant cultivation device will be described.
"Plant cultivation device 1A"
A plant cultivation device 1A in FIG. 6 includes a frame 10, a lighting device 30 supported by the frame, and a cultivation container 40 placed on the lighting device 30. That is, in the plant cultivation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, the shelf board 20 is omitted, and the lighting device 30 also serves as a shelf board. The rest is the same as the plant cultivation device 1.

"Plant cultivation device 2"
The plant cultivation device 2 in FIG. 7a includes a frame 10, a shelf board 27 supported by the frame, a cultivation container 40, and a first lighting device 70 (upper lighting) that irradiates light onto plants from above. It includes a second lighting device 80 (lower lighting) that irradiates light onto plants from below, and a duct 90.
The frame 10 and the cultivation container 40 are substantially the same as the frame 10 and the cultivation container 40 of the plant cultivation device 1 in FIG. 1 .

As shown in FIG. 7b, the shelf board 27 is a transparent board having grooves 27a extending in the front-rear direction and a connecting plate 27b connecting them. Air conditioning holes 27c are formed in the connecting plate 27b.

The first lighting device 70 and the second lighting device 80 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped cultivation space S.
The first lighting device 70 is a panel-shaped lighting device. The first lighting device 70 is provided on the lower surface of the shelf board 27.
The second lighting device 80 is linear lighting. The second lighting device 80 is housed between the adjacent grooves 27a of the shelf board 27 and below the connecting plate 27b. Note that in this embodiment, it is placed on the first lighting device 70, but as shown in FIG. 7c, it may be fixed on the lower surface of the connecting plate 27b. In this case, although it depends on the size of the cultivation container 40, since the light is also irradiated from the side of the cultivation container 40, the base of the plant (the part protruding from the medium) can also be efficiently irradiated with light. . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8c, the connecting plate 27b may be made to protrude upward so that the second lighting device 80 is located above the opening of the cultivation container 40.
As the first lighting device 70 and the second lighting device 80, known lighting devices are used.

The duct 90 uses the space between the grooves 27a of the shelf boards 27 arranged left and right. For example, carbon dioxide is flowed from the front to the rear of the plant cultivation device 2. By flowing carbon dioxide into this duct 90, carbon dioxide is supplied into the cultivation space S from the air conditioning hole 27c provided in the connecting plate 27b, and the amount of carbon dioxide in the cultivation space can be controlled. Note that the gas flowing through the duct 90 is not limited to carbon dioxide, but includes gases necessary for cultivation such as oxygen, nitrogen, and air. Furthermore, by flowing cooled gas or heated air, it is also possible to control the temperature within the cultivation space.

Since it is configured in this way, the plant cultivation device 2 can also efficiently cultivate plants similarly to the plant cultivation device 1, and has high overall productivity.
In particular, since the cultivation container 40 is accommodated in the groove 27a, the cultivation container 40 can be easily arranged. In addition, the shelf board 27 can be interposed between the second lighting device 80 and the cultivation container 40, and the second lighting device 80 can be installed at a height close to the opening surface with respect to the cultivation container 40. It can be cultivated even more efficiently.

"Plant cultivation device 3"
The plant cultivation device 3 of FIG. 8a includes a frame 10, a shelf 50 supported by the frame, a cultivation panel 60 placed on the shelf 50, and a third panel that irradiates light onto the plants from above. The plant includes a first lighting device 70 (upper lighting), a second lighting device 80 (lower lighting) that irradiates light onto plants from below, and a duct 90. The frame body 10 is substantially the same as the frame body 10 of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, which has walls on the front, rear, left and right sides. The shelf board 50 is substantially the same as the shelf board 20 of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, except that it may be opaque.

As shown in FIG. 8b, the cultivation panel 60 includes two or more gutter-shaped cultivation containers 61 arranged in parallel, and a connecting plate 62 provided so as to close the gap between the left and right cultivation containers. The connecting plate 62 also functions as a lid for the cultivation container 61, and has a groove 62a and a hole 62b for supporting the plant.
The cultivation container 61 is made of an opaque material. Each cultivation container 61 accommodates or supports a plurality of plants in one or more rows. The rows of plants supported or main by each cultivation container 61 are not particularly limited, but preferably two or less rows, particularly preferably one row or less. Note that there may be three or more rows. In that case, by providing the cultivation container 61 with translucency, the lower leaves can be efficiently irradiated with light from the second lighting device 80.
The connecting plate 62 is molded from transparent synthetic resin or glass. Moreover, the connecting plate 62 is provided with air conditioning holes 62c at predetermined intervals so as to communicate the space S1 between the cultivation space and the cultivation container 61. In addition, in the connection plate 62, it is preferable to provide a shielding film etc. in the part which acts as a lid of the cultivation container 61. Although the connecting plate 62 is provided at the upper end of the cultivation container 61, its position is not particularly limited as long as it forms the space S1, that is, other than the lower end of the cultivation container 61. do not have. This connecting plate 62 also acts as a lid of the cultivation container 61, but the portion that connects the cultivation containers 61 to each other and the portion corresponding to the lid may be separate bodies.
In FIG. 8b, the dotted line indicates the opening of the cultivation container 61.

The first lighting device 70 and the second lighting device 80 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped cultivation space S.
The first lighting device 70 is a panel-shaped lighting provided on the lower surface of the shelf board 50.
The second lighting device 80 is linear lighting provided in the elongated space S1 provided between the cultivation containers 61 of the cultivation panel 60. The space S1 is formed by the outer wall 61a of the adjacent gutter, the connecting plate 62, and the shelf board 50. Note that it may be attached to the lower surface of the connecting plate 62 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 8b.
As the first lighting device 70 and the second lighting device 80, known lighting devices are used.

The duct 90 uses the space S1 between the cultivation containers 61 arranged left and right. For example, carbon dioxide is flowed from the front to the rear of the plant cultivation device 3. By flowing carbon dioxide into this duct 90, carbon dioxide is supplied into the cultivation space S from the air conditioning hole 62c provided in the connecting plate 62, and the amount of carbon dioxide in the cultivation space can be controlled. Note that the gas flowing through the duct 90 is not limited to carbon dioxide, but includes gases necessary for cultivation such as oxygen, nitrogen, and air. Furthermore, by flowing cooled gas or heated air, it is also possible to control the temperature within the cultivation space.

Since the plant cultivation device 3 includes the duct 90, the environment within the cultivation space S can be controlled. In the plant cultivation device 3, the light from the second illumination device 80 is irradiated onto the plants in the cultivation space S via the light-transmitting connecting plate 62. Therefore, the plant P can be irradiated with light from above and below, and aging of the lower leaves can be prevented.
In the plant cultivation device 3, the shelf board 50 may be transparent, and the second lighting device 80 may be provided between the shelf board 50 and the first lighting device 70.
In the plant cultivation device 3, the shelf board 50 may be omitted, and the cultivation panel 60 may be supported by the frame 10. In this case, a second connecting plate is provided to close the lower side of the space S1 between the cultivation containers 61.
In the plant cultivation device 3 of FIG. 8c, the connecting plate 62 has a protrusion 62d. A second lighting device 80 is provided on the lower surface of this protrusion 62d. Therefore, unlike the previous embodiments, the second lighting device 80 is provided above the opening of the cultivation container 61. Therefore, the base of the plant can be irradiated with light, and the light can be irradiated more efficiently. Furthermore, a connecting plate 62 (partition wall) is located between the second lighting device 80 (lower lighting) and the culture medium. That is, at least a connecting plate (partition wall) is interposed between the lower illumination and the culture medium, so that the lower illumination can be separated from the culture medium, and the lower illumination is unlikely to deteriorate. It is also less likely to inhibit plant growth.
The cultivation panel 60 shown in FIG. 9a is a combination of a cultivation container 61 and a connecting plate 62. For example, it can be formed by bending a metal plate such as an aluminum plate. A lid 63 is attached to each cultivation container 61.
In the cultivation panel 60 of FIG. 9b, the connecting plate 62 has a groove 62e. A second lighting device 80 is provided on the upper surface of this groove portion 62e. The second lighting device 80 may be provided outside the duct 90 in this manner.

"Plant cultivation device 4"
The plant cultivation device 4 in FIG. 10a includes a frame 10, a shelf 50 supported by the frame, a cultivation container 40 placed on the shelf 50, and a first lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above. It has a device 70 and a second lighting device 80 that is placed on the shelf board 50 and irradiates the plants with light from below. The frame 10 is substantially the same as the frame 10 of the plant cultivation device 1 of FIG. The shelf board 50, the first lighting device 70, and the second lighting device 80 are substantially the same as the shelf board 50, the first lighting device 70, and the second lighting device 80 of the plant cultivation device 3 in FIG. 8, respectively. That is, the second lighting device 80 is provided between adjacent cultivation containers 40.
Since the second lighting device 80 is placed on the shelf board 50, this plant cultivation device 4 may receive water sprayed onto the plants. However, such a fear can be minimized by directly connecting the water supply pipe into the cultivation container 40. In this case as well, since light can be irradiated onto the plant from above and below, aging of the lower leaves of the cultivated plant can be prevented. Furthermore, since the cultivation container 40 is interposed between the second lighting device 80 and the culture medium, it is unlikely to deteriorate.

"Plant cultivation device 5"
The plant cultivation device 5 in FIG. 10b includes a frame 10, a shelf board 50 supported by the frame, a cultivation container 40 suspended in the cultivation space S, and a first illumination device that irradiates light onto the plants from above. It has a device 70 and a second lighting device 80 that irradiates light onto plants from below.
In this way, the cultivation container 40 may be supported so as to be suspended from above. In addition, the cultivation container 40 may support a plurality of plants or may support one plant at a time.

S Cultivation

space S1 Space

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Plant cultivation device 10 Frame 11 Pillar 12 Girder 13 Beam 20 Shelf

20A Top plate

20B Bottom shelf 25 Hole 26 Pipe 27 Shelf 27a Groove 27b Connection Plate 27c Air conditioning holes 30, 30A, 30B Lighting device 30a Laminated part 30b Sealing material 31 First lighting part 31a First transparent plate 31b First light guide plate 31c First light source part 32 Second lighting part 32a Second transparent plate 32b Second light guide plate 32c Second light source 35 Shielding part 36 Frame 37a Transparent plate 37b Reflector

37c Internal reflector

37d Light source 38a Panel

38b Light source 40 Cultivation container 41 Container body 42 Lid 42a Groove 42b Hole 50 Shelf board 60 Cultivation container 61 Cultivation Container 61a Outside base 62 Connection plate 62a Groove 62b Hole 62c Air conditioning hole 63 Lid 70 First lighting device 80 Second lighting device 90 Duct

Claims

It is equipped with a cultivation container that houses a medium for cultivating plants, an upper lighting that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and a lower lighting that irradiates light onto the plants from below.
The lower lighting is provided below the opening of the cultivation container,
Plant cultivation equipment.
the lower lighting and the upper lighting are integrated;
The plant cultivation device according to claim 1.
comprising a base material that supports the cultivation container,
The substrate is at least partially transparent to light;
The lower lighting is provided below the base material,
The plant cultivation device according to claim 1 or 2.
The lower lighting also serves as a base material, or the lower lighting and the base material are integrated.
The plant cultivation device according to claim 3.
It has a gutter-shaped cultivation container that accommodates a medium for cultivating plants, an upper lighting that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and a lower lighting that irradiates light onto the plants from below,
A plurality of the cultivation containers are arranged in parallel,
The lower lighting is provided between a plurality of cultivation containers arranged in parallel.
Plant cultivation equipment.
The plurality of cultivation containers arranged in parallel are connected by a connecting plate,
The lower lighting is arranged above the connecting plate or below the connecting plate,
The plant cultivation device according to claim 5.
It further has a duct that supplies gas to control the cultivation space,
The duct is provided between the cultivation containers arranged on the left and right,
The plant cultivation device according to claim 6.
A cultivation container that houses a medium for cultivating plants, a base material that supports the cultivation container, an upper lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from above, and a lower lighting device that irradiates light onto the plants from below. Ori,
The base material can transmit light at least in part,
The base material has a plurality of grooves formed in parallel,
The cultivation container is accommodated in the groove,
The lower illumination is provided below the base material and between adjacent grooves,
Plant cultivation equipment.
It has multiple cultivation spaces divided into upper and lower sections.
At least one cultivation space is provided with the cultivation container, the upper lighting, and the lower lighting.
The plant cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
It includes a cultivation container that houses a medium for growing plants, a base material that supports the cultivation container, an upper lighting that irradiates the plants with light from above, and a duct that supplies air to control the cultivation space. and
The base material has a plurality of grooves formed in parallel,
The cultivation container is accommodated in the groove,
The duct is provided between grooves arranged on the left and right,
Plant cultivation equipment.
A gutter-shaped cultivation container that accommodates a medium for cultivating plants, an upper lighting that irradiates the plants with light from above, a base material that supports the cultivation container, and a duct that supplies air to control the cultivation space. It is equipped with
A plurality of the cultivation containers are arranged in parallel, and the plurality of cultivation containers arranged in parallel are connected by a connecting plate,
The duct is provided in a space surrounded by the outer walls of the cultivation containers arranged on the left and right, the connecting plate, and the base material.
Plant cultivation equipment.
It has multiple cultivation spaces divided into upper and lower sections.
The cultivation container, the upper lighting, and the duct are provided in at least one cultivation space.
The plant cultivation device according to claim 10 or 11.