Plant cultivator

Abstract

To provide a plant cultivator that enables plant growth indoors and can optimally control the light applied to the plants appropriately according to the plant growth conditions.SOLUTION: A plant cultivator 100 includes: a container 20 for housing a pot 30; a support 10 extending upward from the container 20; and a light source 50 provided on the support 10, where the light source 50 is moveable vertically along the support 10. The light source 50 is provided to be rotatable or swingable around the support 10. The height position of the light source 50 is adjusted by a light source fixing linear body 72, which fixes the position of the light source 50. The plant cultivator 100 includes a regulating section 70 that limits the movement of the light source fixing linear body 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation device capable of cultivating plants indoors. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique has been proposed in which a culture medium is placed in a culture medium receiving portion of a cultivation unit and plants are grown (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-91649 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivator that allows plants to be grown indoors and that can appropriately control the light irradiated to the plants depending on the plant growth conditions.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivator in which a circulatory system for supplying liquid for cultivating plants can be constructed with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The plant cultivator of the present invention comprises: A container for housing the pot; A support extending upward from the housing; A light source provided on the support; The light source may be movable up and down along the support. In the present invention, the light source may be provided so as to be rotatable or pivotable around the support.

[0007] In the present invention, the height position of the light source can be adjusted by a linear light source fixing member for fixing the position of the light source.

[0008] In the present invention, a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the linear body for fixing a light source may be included.

[0009] In the present invention, the light source may have light emitting elements arranged in a circular or C-shape.

[0010] In the present invention, the light source may include a heat dissipation means provided above the light emitting element.

[0011] In the present invention, A container for housing a plurality of pots; A first reservoir provided in the container for storing liquid; A second storage section provided above the first storage section; a pump for pumping liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir; and a distributor that distributes liquid from the second reservoir to the plurality of basins.

[0012] In the present invention, The distribution section is composed of a plurality of tubes, One end of the plurality of tubes is connected to the second reservoir; The other ends of the plurality of tubes can be positioned to supply liquid into corresponding basins.

[0013] In the present invention, The container is provided with a platform for placing the pot, The first storage section may be provided between the placement table and a bottom surface of the container.

[0014] In the present invention, A post may be provided extending upwardly from the housing.

[0015] In the present invention, The support post may be disposed to extend through the second reservoir.

[0016] In the present invention, The support has an internal cavity in a direction in which the support extends, The support surrounded by the second storage portion may be provided with a support through-hole that reaches the internal cavity.

[0017] In the present invention, A support base for fixing the support is provided, The support column base is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing, The support base is provided with a first support base through hole that is continuous with an internal cavity of the support, The first pillar support base through hole can be for communicating between a first gap between the pillar support base in the first pillar support base through hole and a bottom surface of the housing, and an internal cavity of the pillar.

[0018] In the present invention, A branch pipe is provided below the second storage section, The internal cavity of the branch may be continuous with the internal cavity of the strut.

[0019] In the present invention, A support base for fixing the support; and a discharge pipe extending upward from the support base. The support column base is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing, The support base is provided with a second support base through hole that is continuous with an internal cavity of the exhaust pipe, The second pillar support through hole can be for communicating between a second gap between the pillar support in the second pillar support through hole and a bottom surface of the container, and an internal cavity of the discharge pipe.

[0020] In the present invention, The container is provided with a platform for placing the pot, the first storage section is provided between the placement table and a bottom surface of the container; A plurality of mounting base feet for holding the mounting base are provided, an end portion of the mounting base foot that comes into contact with the container is bent toward the center of the container so as to fit along a bottom surface of the container; The support column may be provided on an end of the mounting base foot that comes into contact with the container.

[0021] In the present invention, A connecting tube may be provided between the first reservoir and the second reservoir for transferring liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir.

[0022] In the present invention, the second storage portion may be provided on a side of the support pillar.

[0023] In the present invention, the pump housing portion that houses the pump may be included, and the second storage portion and the pump housing portion may be configured to be continuous with each other.

[0024] In the present invention, a tube for accommodating a water level float for measuring the water level in the first reservoir may be provided so as to extend upward from the first reservoir.

[0025] In the present invention, a water level sensor for measuring the water level in the first reservoir may be provided in the first reservoir.

[0026] In the present invention, a linear body anchoring portion for anchoring a linear body for fastening a plant to fix the plant can be provided on the upper support of the container. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the plant cultivator of the present invention, it is possible to grow plants indoors, and the light irradiated to the plants can be appropriately controlled according to the plant growth conditions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] (A) is a top view showing a schematic diagram of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. (B) is a side view showing a schematic diagram of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. (C) is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. (D) is a partially enlarged view showing an area A1 of (C). [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a schematic view of a part of the plant cultivator according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a schematic view of a part of the plant cultivator according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2(A) is a side view that shows a schematic view of a part of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view that shows a schematic view of a part of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] (A) is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment, (B) is a side view diagram of a portion of the plant cultivation device according to an embodiment, and (C) is an oblique view diagram of a portion of the plant cultivation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating a second storage section according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] (A) shows an example of a float-type method for checking water level, and (B) shows an example of a sensor-type method for checking water level. [Figure 10] (A) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of another example of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment, (B) is a side view showing a schematic diagram of a portion of the other example of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment, and (C) is an oblique view showing a schematic diagram of a portion of the other example of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a part of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2(A) is a schematic diagram showing a part of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2(B) is a cross-sectional view of (A). [Figure 13] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment, FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 14] (A) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of another example of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment, (B) is a side view showing a schematic diagram of a portion of the other example of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment, and (C) is an oblique view showing a schematic diagram of a portion of the other example of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of another example of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a part of another example of a plant cultivator according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] (A) is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation device having a light source according to an embodiment, (B) is an enlarged view of a portion of (A), and (C) is an oblique view of the plant cultivation device having a light source according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the principle of a restriction portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a light source. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a light source according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0030] 1 and 2, the plant cultivator 100 can include a container 20 that contains multiple pots 30, a first storage section 22 that stores liquid provided in the container 20, a second storage section 40 provided above the first storage section 22, a pump 24 that pumps the liquid from the first storage section 22 to the second storage section 40, and a distributor 42 that distributes the liquid from the second storage section 40 to the multiple pots 30. Examples of the liquid include water and liquid fertilizer.

[0031] The distribution unit 42 can be composed of a plurality of tubes. The tubes can be flexible tubes, for example, to facilitate moving the tubes to a position where they are to be placed. For example, rubber tubes can be used as the flexible tubes. One end of each of the plurality of tubes can be connected to a distribution port 46 provided in the second storage unit 40, and the other end of each of the plurality of tubes can be placed at a position where the liquid can be supplied into the corresponding pot 30. One end of each of the plurality of tubes can be branched as shown in FIG. 15. By having one end of the tube branched, it can be fixed to the trunk or branch of a plant in the pot 30. The second storage unit 40 can be installed above the pot 30 to secure a space for placing the pot 30.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14 and 15, a connecting tube 44 may be provided between the first reservoir 22 and the second reservoir 40 for transferring the liquid in the first reservoir 22 to the second reservoir 40.

[0033] The container 20 may be provided with a mounting base 32 for mounting the pot 30. The first reservoir 22 may be provided between the mounting base 32 and the bottom surface of the container 20. The mounting base 32 may be provided with holes through which liquid passes.

[0034] A support 10 extending upward from the container 20 may be provided. The second storage section 40 may be provided so as to surround the support 10. Specifically, the second storage section 40 may be provided so as to be pierced by the support 10. By providing the second storage section 40 so as to surround the support 10, six circular pots 30 can be reliably provided. Soil or various culture media can be applied to the pots 30. The culture media is a concept that includes, for example, solid objects having a function of holding plant roots or a function of absorbing and releasing water and adsorbing and retaining nutrients, and may include soil culture media and porous materials. The porous materials may include coral sand and coral gravel.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 4, 5(A), 6(B), 7 and 13, the support 10 has a hollow portion in the direction in which the support 10 extends, and the support 10 surrounded by the second storage section 40 can have a first support through hole 18a that reaches the hollow portion. A plurality of first support through holes 18a can be provided, and may be provided at the same height. A plurality of first support through holes 18a can be provided at different heights. By providing the first support through hole 18a, when the liquid in the second storage section 40 is supplied by the pump 24 more than necessary, the liquid can be made to flow into the hollow portion of the support 10.

[0036] 8, the second storage section 40 can be provided with a lid 94. In order to attach the second storage section 40 to the support 10, the second storage section 40 may be placed on a mounting stay 90 via a rubber packing 92.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 12, a branch pipe 14 is provided below the second storage section 40, and the hollow part of the branch pipe 14 can be continuous with the hollow part of the support 10. By sucking air in the hollow part of the support 10 from the branch pipe 14, the liquid in the first storage section 22 can be sucked up through the hollow part of the support 10 and the branch pipe 14, and the liquid can be discharged from the branch pipe 14. When sucking the liquid in the first storage section 22 through the branch pipe 14, a blocking section 10a can be provided above the branch pipe 14 in the hollow part of the support 10. By providing the blocking section 10a, air above the blocking section 10a cannot sit, so that the liquid in the first storage section 22 can be reliably sucked up. The blocking section 10a can be provided between the branch pipe 14 and the second storage section 40, as shown in FIG. 13. A second support through hole 18b can be provided in the support 10 below the second storage section 40 and above the blocking section 10a. As a result, when a first pillar through hole 18a is provided in the pillar 10, if there is an excess of liquid in the second storage section 40, the liquid that enters the hollow section of the pillar 10 from the second storage section 40 through the first pillar through hole 18a will be stopped by the blocking section 10a and will be discharged to the outside through the second pillar through hole 18b.

[0038] The support pole 10 can be fixed to a support pole pedestal 12. The support pole pedestal 12 can serve as a base for the support pole 10. The support pole pedestal 12 can be provided so as to contact the bottom surface of the housing body 20 as shown in Fig. 15, or can be provided so as to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing body 20 as shown in Figs. 7 and 12.

[0039] When the column support 12 is provided at a distance from the bottom surface of the housing 20, a first column support through-hole 12a continuing into the hollow portion of the column 10 can be provided. As shown in Fig. 7, the first column support through-hole 12a can be for communicating between a gap 28 between the column support 12 and the bottom surface of the housing 20 and the hollow portion of the column 10. The first column support through-hole 12a allows liquid in the gap 28 below the column support 12 to flow into the hollow portion of the column 10, or allows liquid to return from the second reservoir 40 to the gap 28 via the hollow portion of the column 10.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 and 14, the column support 12 may be provided with a discharge pipe 16 extending upward in order to discharge the liquid in the first storage section 22. When the column support 12 is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the container 20, a second column support through hole 12b may be provided which is continuous with the hollow portion of the discharge pipe 16. The second column support through hole 12b may be for communicating between the gap 28 between the column support 12 and the bottom surface of the container 20 in the second column support through hole 12b and the hollow portion of the discharge pipe 16. The second column support through hole 12b allows the liquid in the gap 28 between the column support 12 and the bottom surface of the container 20 to flow into the hollow portion of the discharge pipe 16. By connecting a manual pump or an electric pump to the drain pipe 16, the liquid below the support base 12 can be sucked up and discharged through the drain pipe 16, making it easy to discharge the liquid in the first reservoir 22. Instead of using the drain pipe 16, a hole (not shown) for inserting a manual pump 24 for discharge may be provided in the mounting base 32.

[0041] 7 and 12, a plurality of mounting base feet 32a for holding the mounting base 32 may be provided. The end of the mounting base foot 32a that comes into contact with the housing 20 may be bent toward the center of the housing 20 so as to fit along the bottom surface of the housing 20, and the support column receiving base 12 may be provided on the end of the mounting base foot 32a that comes into contact with the housing 20. The mounting base 32 may be installed in a manner in which it is placed on or hung from a plurality of mounting base 32 supports provided on the inner wall surface of the housing section.

[0042] 14 and 16, the pump 24 can be provided with a pump housing 26 for housing the pump 24. The pump housing 26 can ensure a space in which the pump 24 is placed.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, 11 and 16, a water level gauge housing tube 82 for housing a water level gauge 80 for measuring the water level in the first storage section 22 can be provided so as to extend upward from the first storage section 22. The water level gauge housing tube 82 can be configured, for example, to extend from within the second storage section 40 through the mounting table 32 to above the mounting table 32. The water level gauge 80 can be made of, for example, a water level float. By providing the water level gauge 80, the water level of the liquid below the mounting table 32 can be easily confirmed.

[0044] 9, a water level sensor 84 for measuring the water level in the first storage section 22 may be provided in the first storage section 22. When the water level sensor 84 detects that the water level has decreased while the pump 24 is in operation, an alarm or buzzer may be sounded by an alarm device 86.

[0045] As shown in Figures 10, 14, 15 and 16, the second storage section 40 may be provided on the side of the support 10. Specifically, the second storage section 40 can be fixed by a gripping section extending laterally from the support 10. When provided on the side of the support 10, the second storage section 40 and the pump housing section 26 can be configured to be continuous. When the second storage section 40 and the pump housing section 26 are integrated, installation and removal can be facilitated.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a linear body anchoring section 62 for anchoring a linear body 60 for fixing a plant to a support 10 above the container 20 may be provided. As shown in Fig. 6, the linear body 60 for fixing a plant may be fixed at one end to the linear body anchoring section 62 and at the other end to the mounting table 32. As shown in Fig. 7, the linear body 60 for fixing a plant may be fixed at one end to the linear body anchoring section 62 and at the other end to be hung down so as to be located in the pot 30. The linear body 60 for fixing a plant is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cord for attracting a plant or a metal wire. The linear body anchoring section 62 may be provided so as to surround the support 10. A plant may be fixed in a straight line along the linear body 60 for fixing a plant, or a plurality of linear bodies 60 for fixing a plant may be fixed in a spiral shape.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 16, a light source 50 can be provided on the support 10. The light source 50 can be movable up and down along the support 10. The light source 50 can be provided so as to be rotatable or pivotable around the support 10. An example of the light source 50 is an LED. The LED is preferably one that has a wavelength suitable for plant growth, but may be a white LED. The light source 50 may be circular (donut-shaped) so that the support 10 can be fitted thereto from above, or a recess for introducing the light source 50 into the support 10 may be provided in the light source 50 so that the light source 50 can be fitted into the support 10 from the side.

[0048] The height position of the light source 50 can be adjusted along the support 10 by a linear body 72 for fixing the light source for fixing the position of the light source 50. A restricting portion 70 for restricting the movement of the linear body 72 for fixing the light source extending from the light source 50 can be provided above the light source 50. Specifically, the restricting portion 70 can restrict the movement of the light source 50 in the downward direction. In other words, when the linear body 72 for fixing the light source is moved in the direction in which the light source 50 is raised, the light source 50 moves upward, whereas the restricting portion 70 can restrict the movement of the linear body 72 for fixing the light source so that the light source 50 does not move in the downward direction.

[0049] 19, a wire (linear body) passes through a housing tube 70a (for example, a narrowing cone-shaped tube) that narrows toward the tip, and a ball 70b is placed inside the housing tube 70a, so that when the wire moves in the narrowing direction, the ball 70b also moves in the narrowing direction, and the movement of the wire is restricted by the ball 70b. The ball 70b can be biased in the narrowing direction by a spring or the like.

[0050] The light emitting elements 52 of the light source 50 can be arranged so as to surround at least a part of the support 10, such as in a circular shape, a C-shape (see FIG. 18), a U-shape, or the like. The light source 50 can be provided with a heat dissipation means in a circular, C-shape, or U-shape. By providing the heat dissipation means on the upper side of the light emitting elements 52, the heat of the light emitting elements 52 of the light source 50 can be dissipated upward, and the impact of the heat on the plant can be suppressed. More specifically, the heat dissipation means can be provided on the upper side of the housing 54, and a shape having projections and recesses is preferable. The height position of the light source 50 can be adjusted by a linear body 72 for fixing the light source for fixing the position of the light source 50.

[0051] The light source 50 can be composed of light emitting elements 52 such as LEDs, and is preferably a light source that emits sunlight or natural light. The light emitting elements 52 may be equipped with at least two types of infrared LEDs and ultraviolet LEDs (for example, UVB). As the light source 50 that emits sunlight or natural light, a known light source can be applied, and for example, a light source in which red, green, and blue phosphors are mixed with a purple LED as a base can be used. The output of the light source 50 can be controlled according to the time and the condition of the plant. As shown in FIG. 20, the light source 50 can be provided with, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements 52a to 52c and a control unit 56 that selects or switches the plurality of light emitting elements 52a to 52c or controls the output.

[0052] The effects of the embodiment are, for example, as follows. (1) According to the embodiment, a circulation system can be established in which the liquid in the first storage section 22 is raised to the second storage section 40 by the pump 24, the liquid is distributed from the second storage section 40 to a plurality of pots 30 by the distributor 42, and the liquid supplied to the pots 30 returns to the first storage section 22. According to the embodiment, a circulation system for liquid can be established with a simple configuration and with as little fictitious cultivation space as possible.

[0053] (2) According to the embodiment, the light source 50 is provided so as to be movable up and down along the support 10, so that the height of the light source 50 can be set to an appropriate position according to the growth of the plant. In other words, a cultivation device can be constructed in which the position of the light source 50 can be changed according to the growth condition of the plant. In addition, by making the light source 50 circular, C-shaped, or U-shaped, the light can be more easily applied to the multiple pots 30. By making the light source 50 C-shaped or U-shaped, the light source 50 can be fitted into the side of the support 10, making it easy to attach it. It is also suitable for growing plants indoors.

[0054] (3) According to the embodiment, the plants to be cultivated can be divided into multiple pots 30, and the amount of plants supplied to each pot 30 can be adjusted by the distribution unit 42, so that individual cultivation can be carried out in each pot.

[0055] (4) By placing multiple pots 30 on the mounting base 32 and providing the first storage section 22 below the mounting base 32, liquid is distributed from the second storage section to each pot 30 by the distributor, passes through the pots 30, and flows from the mounting base 32 to the first storage section 22 below. The liquid does not cause the substances in the pots 30 to become submerged in the liquid, ensuring an appropriate level of moisture for plant growth. In addition, since the pots 30 are provided on the mounting base 32, it is accordingly easier to lift the pots 30 from the container 20.

[0056] Various modifications of the present embodiment are possible within the scope of the present invention. Any combination of the above-described components is possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 pillars 10a Occlusion 12 Pillar support base (pillar base) 12a First support base through hole 12b Second support base through hole 14 branch pipe 16 Discharge pipe 18a First pillar through hole 18b Second pillar through hole 20 Containment Unit 22 First Reservoir 24 Pump 26 Pump housing 28 Cavity 30 Pots 32 Placement table 32a Stand foot 40 Second Reservoir 42 Distribution section (distribution pipe) 44 Connecting pipe 46 Distribution port 50 light source 52 Light emitting element 54 Case 56 Control section 60 Linear body for plant fixation 62 Linear body mooring section 70 Regulatory Department 70a Housing tube 70b Ball 72 Linear body for fixing light source 80 Water level gauge 82 Water level gauge housing tube 84 Water level sensor 86 Alarm device 90 Mounting stay 92 Rubber packing 94 Lid 100 Plant Cultivator

Claims

1. A container for housing the pot; A support extending upward from the housing; A light source provided on the support; A plant cultivator in which the light source is capable of moving up and down along the support.

2. In claim 1, The light source is provided so as to be rotatable or pivotable around the support.

3. In claim 1, The height of the light source is adjusted by a linear light source fixing member for fixing the position of the light source in the plant cultivator.

4. In claim 3, A plant cultivator including a regulating portion that regulates the movement of the linear body for fixing the light source.

5. In claim 1, The light source is a plant cultivator in which the light emitting elements are arranged in a circular or C-shape.

6. In claim 1, The light source includes a heat dissipation means provided above the light emitting element of the plant cultivator.

Images