Plant raising device

Abstract

To provide a plant raising device capable of suppressing generation of algae and improving workability of a worker.SOLUTION: A plant raising device comprises a storage tank 10 which stores liquid to be supplied to plants; and a plurality of light sources 20 which radiates light toward the storage tank 10 from above the storage tank 10. Regions where each light source 20 radiates light are different from each other. Each light source 20 takes a first position which covers the storage tank 10 and a second position which does not cover the storage tank 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plant growing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, plant cultivation factories for cultivating plants have been known. In plant cultivation factories, plants are cultivated by cell tray seedling cultivation (cell molded seedlings) or pod seedling cultivation. Among these, cell tray seedling cultivation has been attracting attention in recent years because it allows for the cultivation of large quantities of plants efficiently. However, cell tray cultivation generally requires a smaller amount of culture soil than pod seedling cultivation, and therefore requires more precise water management than pod cultivation.

[0003] In such plant cultivation factories, plants are watered by sprinkling, spraying, dripping, bottom watering, etc. Among these, bottom watering has the advantages that culture soil does not splash onto the plants, a small amount of water is sufficient, and the amount of water is uniform. For this reason, plant cultivation devices that perform bottom watering have attracted attention (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a seedling cultivation device equipped with an illumination device, the illumination device being equipped with a semiconductor light source and a resin cover that diffuses the light from the semiconductor light source. In the illumination device of this seedling cultivation device, 2 The luminous flux output from the lighting device per unit is 17,000 lumens or more. This lighting device is also equipped with a cover to diffuse the light from the LED and emit it downward. This cover is installed so that it is convex toward the bottom. The cover is also installed so that its protruding height from the base plate is 40 mm or less. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 163629 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, in order to prevent pests from adversely affecting plants, plants are sometimes grown in a closed space such as an agricultural greenhouse. However, the presence of nutrients, water, and light may cause algae to grow in the plant growing device. When algae grow, the algae may flow into the piping of the plant growing device, and the water (nutrient solution) for growing the plants may be contaminated. In addition, when algae flow into the piping, a problem occurs in that cleaning the piping is time-consuming. Furthermore, when algae grow, there is a possibility that the plants may be adversely affected, such as the occurrence of pests, changes in the nutrient balance of the water, or a decrease in the amount of oxygen taken up by the roots due to the algae adhering to the culture soil. In this way, when there is a possibility of algae growing in the plant growing device, the labor required to take measures against the algae growth and to deal with the algae that has grown may be a problem.

[0007] On the other hand, as a countermeasure against the growth of algae, it is known to use panels with anti-algae effect and to irradiate areas where algae may grow with ultraviolet rays. However, anti-algae panels are mainly materials for hydroponic cultivation. For this reason, anti-algae panels are difficult to apply to plant cultivation devices that perform bottom irrigation, and there is a problem that they are more expensive than normal materials. In addition, if ultraviolet rays are irradiated during plant cultivation, there is a possibility that they may have an adverse effect on the plants. For this reason, there is a demand for a plant cultivation device that has good drainage and can suppress the growth of algae.

[0008] Furthermore, when growing a plant, placing the light source close to the plant improves light efficiency. Furthermore, when multiple plant growing devices are arranged vertically, placing the light source close to the plant can improve space efficiency. On the other hand, if the light source is placed close to the plant, the plant may come into contact with the light source when the plant is removed from the plant growing device after it has grown sufficiently. If the plant comes into contact with the light source, the plant and the light source may be damaged. For this reason, the worker may be required to exercise extreme caution when removing the plant from the plant growing device to prevent the plant from coming into contact with the light source. In this case, the worker's workability may be reduced.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a plant growing device that is capable of suppressing the growth of algae and improving workability for workers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following [1] to [6].

[0011] [1] A plant growing device for growing plants, comprising: A reservoir for storing liquid to be supplied to the plant; a plurality of light sources that irradiate light toward the storage tank from above the storage tank; The areas onto which each of the light sources irradiates light are different from each other, Each of the light sources has a first position covering the reservoir and a second position not covering the reservoir.

[0012] [2] The plant growing device according to [1], wherein the light source is a sheet-shaped lighting device.

[0013] [3] Further comprising a storage section for storing the light source, The plant cultivation device described in [2], wherein when the light source takes the second position, the light source is rolled up into the storage section.

[0014] [4] The plant cultivation device described in [2], wherein when the light source takes the second position, the light source is folded in an accordion-like manner.

[0015] [5] The plant growing device according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising an auxiliary light source provided above the light source.

[0016] [6] The plant growing device according to [5], wherein the color temperature of the light emitted by the auxiliary light source is different from the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the growth of algae and improve the workability of the worker. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a plant growing device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1) showing the plant growing device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2) showing the plant growing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2) showing the plant cultivation device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a plant growing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a)-(c) are diagrams illustrating a method of using the plant growing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 4) showing a modified example of the plant growing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 4) showing another modified example of the plant growing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 4) showing another modified example of the plant growing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each of the figures shown below is a schematic diagram. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated to facilitate understanding. In addition, the present invention can be modified appropriately within the scope of the technical concept. In each of the figures shown below, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values ​​such as the dimensions of each member and the material names described in this specification are examples of an embodiment, and are not limited to these and can be appropriately selected and used. In this specification, terms that specify shapes and geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and vertical, are interpreted to include substantially the same state in addition to their strict meanings.

[0020] (Plant growth equipment) First, a plant growing device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a plant growing device 1 according to an embodiment, Figs. 2 to 4 are cross-sectional views showing the plant growing device 1 according to the embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the plant growing device 1 according to the embodiment. The plant growing device 1 is a device for growing a plant PL by bottom watering. The plant PL may be grown in a state where it is planted in a cell tray Ct (see Figs. 2 and 3). Note that bottom watering is a watering method in which liquid Lq is supplied to the plant PL by immersing the bottom surface of a growth container (cell tray Ct) in liquid Lq. In addition, in order to clarify the drawings, the plant PL and the like are omitted in Fig. 1, hatching is omitted in Figs. 2 to 4, and a light source 20 and a support 50, which will be described later, are omitted in Fig. 5.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the plant growing device 1 includes a storage tank 10 that stores a liquid Lq, and a plurality of light sources 20 that irradiate light toward the storage tank 10 from above the storage tank 10. The plant growing device 1 may further include a storage unit 3 that stores the light sources 20. The plant growing device 1 may further include a support 50 that is provided between the storage tank 10 and the light sources 20 and supports the plant PL. The plant growing device 1 may further include a discharge mechanism 70 that discharges the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10. The plant growing device 1 may further include an adjustment mechanism 80 that adjusts the water level in the storage tank 10. The plant growing device 1 may further include a supply unit 90 that supplies the liquid Lq into the storage tank 10.

[0022] (Storage tank) 1, the storage tank 10 is attached to a plurality of (four) supports 2. Note that a support base (not shown) may be attached to the supports 2, and the storage tank 10 may be placed on a support base (not shown).

[0023] As described above, the storage tank 10 stores the liquid Lq (see Figs. 2 to 4). The liquid Lq is a liquid to be supplied to the plant PL. In this case, the liquid Lq may be water, or may be liquid fertilizer in which fertilizer is dissolved in water.

[0024] 1 to 5, the storage tank 10 has a bottom 11 and a side portion 12 provided above the bottom 11. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the bottom 11 is rectangular. Note that the planar shape of the bottom 11 may be a square, a polygon other than a rectangle, or a circle.

[0025] The bottom surface (upper surface of bottom portion 11) 11a of storage tank 10 is inclined downward toward discharge mechanism 70. This makes it easier to discharge liquid Lq stored in storage tank 10 from discharge mechanism 70. In this embodiment, discharge mechanism 70 is provided in the vicinity of a short side of bottom portion 11 of storage tank 10 that constitutes a rectangle in plan view. More specifically, discharge mechanism 70 is provided in the vicinity of the short side of the rectangle that is on the positive side in the X direction. Therefore, bottom surface 11a of storage tank 10 is inclined downward from the negative side in the X direction to the positive side in the X direction.

[0026] The inclination angle θ of the bottom surface 11a with respect to the horizontal plane (see FIG. 2) may be 0.28° or more and 1.72° or less. When the inclination angle θ is 0.28° or more, the water easily flows toward the discharge mechanism 70 when the water in the storage tank 10 is discharged. Furthermore, when the inclination angle θ is 1.72° or less, the height of the storage tank 10 can be prevented from becoming unnecessarily high. Therefore, when multiple plant growing devices 1 are used in a stacked manner, the installation space for the plant growing devices 1 can be reduced.

[0027] In addition, no projections or other irregularities are formed on the bottom surface 11a. That is, in this embodiment, no support portion for supporting the cell tray Ct is provided in the storage tank 10. This makes it difficult for the liquid Lq to accumulate on the bottom surface 11a, and makes it easy to clean the storage tank 10.

[0028] The length of the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the storage tank 10 may be 800 mm or more and 2000 mm or less. Also, the length of the width direction (Y direction) of the storage tank 10 may be 500 mm or more and 800 mm or less. By making the storage tank 10 the above size, it becomes easy to install multiple cell trays Ct and to easily manage the environment for growing the plants PL. Also, by making the storage tank 10 the above size, it becomes easy to install the discharge mechanism 70 and the supply unit 90 in the storage tank 10.

[0029] The material constituting the storage tank 10 may be any material that is water resistant and lightweight. For example, the material constituting the storage tank 10 may be expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polypropylene (PP). The material constituting the storage tank 10 may also be kneaded with an antibacterial agent, an anti-algae agent, or the like.

[0030] (light source) As shown in FIG. 1, the light source 20 is attached to a storage section 3 that is attached to a support 2 .

[0031] The light source 20 may be an LED lighting device. In this embodiment, the light source 20 is a sheet-like lighting device, and is a so-called one-sided light-emitting planar light source sheet. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a plurality of LED chips 21 are arranged on the light-emitting surface (the surface on the negative side in the Z direction) of the light source 20. By using such a direct-type light source sheet, the light emitted from the LED chips 21 passes through the light-emitting surface as it is. Therefore, the light emitted directly reaches the plant directly below, and the amount of light can be increased to promote the growth of the plant. In addition, since the light source 20 is a planar light source sheet, the overall thickness can be reduced, and therefore the occurrence of a shadow on the side of the LED chips 21 can be suppressed.

[0032] Furthermore, since the light source 20 is a planar light source sheet, the light source 20 is flexible and lightweight. This allows the light source 20 to be easily attached to the support 2. Furthermore, since the light source 20 is flexible, the light source 20 can be applied to plant growing devices 1 of various sizes and shapes. In this specification, "flexible" means that "the radius of curvature when folded is at least 1 m or less, preferably 50 cm, more preferably 30 cm, even more preferably 10 cm, and particularly preferably 5 cm."

[0033] Furthermore, since the light source 20 is a planar light source sheet, the thickness of the light source 20 can be reduced. This allows the height of the plant growing device 1 to be reduced, and multiple plant growing devices 1 can be stacked for use. This allows the yield of plants PL per unit area to be increased.

[0034] The overall shape of the light source 20 is rectangular in a plan view, but there are no particular limitations on the size and planar shape of the light source 20. When the light source 20 is a planar light source sheet, there is a high degree of freedom in size and shape, so that various demands in this regard can be flexibly met. In addition, since the light source 20 is flexible, it can be attached to installation surfaces of various shapes, not limited to installation surfaces with flat shapes.

[0035] In the illustrated example, four light sources 20 are provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the plant growing device 1 includes a first light source 25, a second light source 26, a third light source 27, and a fourth light source 28. The size of each light source 20 (the first light source 25 to the fourth light source 28) may be, for example, equal to the size of the cell tray Ct, or may be larger than the size of the cell tray Ct. In this case, the length of one light source 20 (one light source sheet) in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) may be, for example, 500 mm or more, or 550 mm or more. The length of one light source 20 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) may be 750 mm or less, or 650 mm or less. The length of one light source 20 in the width direction (X direction) may be 300 mm or more, or 350 mm or more. The length of one light source 20 in the width direction (X direction) may be 500 mm or less, or 450 mm or less. Although not shown, three or less or five or more light sources 20 may be provided.

[0036] As described above, the plant growing device 1 includes the first light source 25, the second light source 26, the third light source 27, and the fourth light source 28. The first light source 25 to the fourth light source 28 are arranged in this order from the negative side to the positive side in the X direction. In this embodiment, the first light source 25 to the fourth light source 28 are arranged along the horizontal direction (X direction) without overlapping with each other in the vertical direction (Z direction). Therefore, the areas to which the light sources 20 (the first light source 25 to the fourth light source 28) irradiate light are different from each other. In this specification, the area to which the light source irradiates light refers to the area overlapping with the light source when viewed along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0037] Each light source 20 has a first position where it covers the reservoir 10 and a second position where it does not cover the reservoir 10. The first position is a position where the light source is intended to irradiate light toward the reservoir 10 (directly downwards), while the second position is a position where the light source is intended not to irradiate light toward the reservoir 10.

[0038] In the example shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 are each in a first position. Therefore, the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 each irradiate light toward the storage tank 10 (directly downward). Also, directly below the first light source 25 and the second light source 26, a cell tray Ct in which a plant PL is planted is disposed (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). Therefore, the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 each irradiate light toward the cell tray Ct (plant) disposed directly below.

[0039] When the light source 20 is in the first position, one end (the end on the negative Y-direction side) of the light source 20 may be fixed to a fixing member 4 attached to the support 2. In the illustrated example, the fixing member 4 is a rod-shaped member extending along the longitudinal direction (X-direction) of the storage tank 10. In this case, the light source 20 may be detachably attached to the fixing member 4 using, for example, a hook or a magnet. The other end (the end on the positive Y-direction side) of the light source 20 may be attached to the storage unit 3. The shape of the fixing member 4 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped member that covers the entire surface of the light source 20 in the first position.

[0040] In the present embodiment, each light source 20 is arranged horizontally in the first position, which makes it possible to suppress variation in the light irradiated to the plant PL located below the light source 20.

[0041] On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28 are each in the second position. Therefore, the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28 do not irradiate light toward the storage tank 10 (directly downward). Here, the cell tray Ct in which the plant PL is planted is not arranged directly below the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 4). Therefore, by the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28 taking the second position, it is possible to prevent light from being irradiated to an area in which the cell tray Ct is not arranged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light from being irradiated to an area of ​​the storage tank 10 in which the plant PL is not grown, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of algae in the storage tank 10.

[0042] In the present embodiment, when the light source 20 is in the second position, the light source 20 is wound up in the storage section 3. This prevents the light source 20 from interfering with the work of an operator when removing the cell tray Ct from the plant cultivation device 1.

[0043] 1 to 4 show an example in which the light source 20 is a direct-type LED sheet, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light source 20 may be an edge-light type LED sheet with a light guide plate or the like interposed therebetween. The edge-light type LED sheet is easy to suppress the variation in the amount of light from the light-emitting surface. The light source 20 may also be a bar light. In this case, the light source 20 may be a straight-tube type LED bar light in which multiple LEDs are arranged, or may be a fluorescent lamp. When the light source 20 is a bar light, the light source 20 may take the second position by being suspended from the storage section 3, for example.

[0044] (Storage section) As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 3 is attached to the support 2. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the storage unit 3 extends along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the storage tank 10. As described above, the other end (the end on the positive side in the Y direction) of the light source 20 is attached to the storage unit 3. The storage unit 3 may be configured to manually wind up the light source 20, or may be configured to automatically wind up the light source 20 by releasing the hand from the light source 20. Also, the light source 20 may be configured to automatically wind up by operating a switch not shown. In the illustrated example, the storage unit 3 has a cylindrical shape. In this case, the diameter of the storage unit 3 may be about 30 mm or more and 150 mm or less. By having the diameter of the storage unit 3 be 30 mm or more, it is possible to suppress the application of a load to the LED chip 21 of the light source 20 when the light source 20 is wound up. Also, by having the diameter of the storage unit 3 be 150 mm or less, it is possible to suppress the storage unit 3 from getting in the way of work. Generally, in the plant growing device 1, a passage for workers may be provided along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the storage tank 10. For this reason, it is preferable that the storage unit 3 is provided on the opposite side to the passage. This can prevent the storage unit 3 from interfering with work.

[0045] (Support) As shown in FIG. 1, the support 50 is attached to a plurality of (four) supports 2 via an attachment member 51. The attachment member 51 may be, for example, a string-like member. The attachment member 51 may also be used to attach the support 50 to the support 2 using a hook or a screw. The attachment member 51 is configured to be able to adjust the height of the support 50. This makes it easy to change the height at which the cell tray Ct is immersed in the liquid Lq. Furthermore, by being able to adjust the height of the support 50, the distance between the plant PL and the light source 20 can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, the support 50 may be easily detachable from the support 2. This makes it easy to clean the storage tank 10.

[0046] The support 50 may support the plants PL together with the cell trays Ct. In the illustrated example, the cell trays Ct are placed on only a part of the support 50, but the cell trays Ct may be placed on almost the entire surface of the support 50.

[0047] The support 50 is not in contact with the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10. In other words, a gap is formed between the support 50 and the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid Lq from remaining on the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10 after the liquid Lq is discharged from inside the storage tank 10.

[0048] In a plan view, the area of ​​the support 50 is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the support 50 is configured to be placed in the storage tank 10 (see FIGS. 1 to 4). In this manner, at least a portion of the cell tray Ct placed on the support 50 is configured to be located below the liquid level of the liquid Lq (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0049] In this embodiment, the support 50 may be a net having a plurality of openings. In this case, the opening rate of the net may be 10% or more and 70% or less. When the opening rate of the net is 10% or more, it is possible to suppress the liquid Lq from remaining on the support 50 after the liquid Lq is discharged from the storage tank 10. Furthermore, when the opening rate is 70% or less, it is possible to increase the stability of the cell tray Ct placed on the support 50.

[0050] Furthermore, when the support 50 is a net, the shape of the opening may be any shape as long as it can stably support the cell tray Ct. For example, the shape of the opening may be a square, a circle, a triangle, a diamond, a star, etc. When the shape of the opening is a square, the size of the square may be about 3 mm or more and 30 mm or less on one side.

[0051] Furthermore, when the support 50 is a net, it is preferable that the net has a rigidity sufficient to prevent bending even when a plurality of cell trays Ct are placed on the net. In order to adjust the height of the net when the net bends, etc., a height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the support 50 may be provided in the storage tank 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, the support 50 is disposed horizontally, which allows the height at which the cell tray Ct is immersed in the liquid Lq to be uniform.

[0053] (ejection mechanism) As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the discharge mechanism 70 is provided in the vicinity of the short side of the rectangular bottom 11 of the storage tank 10 in the planar shape. Specifically, the discharge mechanism 70 is provided in the vicinity of the short side on the positive side in the X direction among the short sides of the rectangular bottom 11 in the planar shape. Also, as described above, the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10 is inclined downward toward the discharge mechanism 70. Therefore, by providing the discharge mechanism 70 in the vicinity of the short side of the above-mentioned rectangle, the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 is easily discharged from the discharge mechanism 70. Note that, as described above, in general, in the plant cultivation device 1, a passage for an operator may be provided along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the storage tank 10. Therefore, by providing the discharge mechanism 70 in the vicinity of the short side of the above-mentioned rectangle, it is possible to prevent the discharge mechanism 70 from interfering with the work of an operator when removing the cell tray Ct from the plant cultivation device 1.

[0054] In this embodiment, two discharge mechanisms 70 are provided. Of the two discharge mechanisms 70, one discharge mechanism 70 is provided near a corner on the positive X-direction side and the positive Y-direction side of a rectangular corner formed by the planar shape of the bottom 11. Of the two discharge mechanisms 70, the other discharge mechanism 70 is provided near a corner on the positive X-direction side and the negative Y-direction side of a rectangular corner formed by the planar shape of the bottom 11. In this way, by providing a plurality of discharge mechanisms 70, the liquid Lq can be discharged from inside the storage tank 10 even if the discharge mechanism 70 is clogged with foreign matter.

[0055] The discharge mechanism 70 is configured to discharge the liquid Lq from the storage tank 10 without using electric power. In the present embodiment, the discharge mechanism 70 has a siphon 71. The siphon 71 penetrates the bottom 11. The siphon 71 extends in a J-shape. It is preferable that the apex of the siphon 71 is located lower than an opening 82 (described later) of the adjustment mechanism 80. This allows the inside of the siphon 71 to be automatically filled with the liquid Lq when the liquid Lq is supplied into the storage tank 10. It is preferable that the inside of the siphon 71 does not have a step or a corner. This makes it possible to prevent the formation of a portion in which air accumulates inside the siphon 71. The siphon 71 may be a bell siphon.

[0056] Moreover, one end of the siphon 71 terminates inside the storage tank 10, and the other end terminates outside the storage tank 10. In this case, it is preferable that the end that terminates inside the storage tank 10 is close to the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10. This allows most of the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 to be discharged through the discharge mechanism 70.

[0057] The inner diameter of the siphon 71 may be, for example, about 13 mm or more and 25 mm or less. By having an inner diameter of 13 mm or more, the discharge speed of the liquid Lq from the siphon 71 can be increased. Therefore, the occurrence of algae in the storage tank 10 can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, by having an inner diameter of 25 mm or less, the supply and discharge amounts of the liquid Lq can be easily controlled. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid Lq from being discharged from the storage tank 10 before the liquid Lq reaches the plants PL. Furthermore, by having an inner diameter of 25 mm or less, it is possible to suppress the siphon 71 from becoming too large. Therefore, the siphon 71 can be arranged at a desired position. Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress the siphon 71 from becoming too large, it is possible to suppress the size of the plant growing device 1 from becoming too large.

[0058] The material constituting siphon 71 (discharge mechanism 70) may be any material that is water resistant and easy to process. For example, the material constituting siphon 71 may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like. Siphon 71 may also be transparent, which makes it easy to check for foreign matter in siphon 71. Therefore, even if siphon 71 becomes clogged, the clog can be easily cleared.

[0059] (adjustment mechanism) The adjustment mechanism 80 is provided near a short side of the rectangular planar shape of the bottom 11 of the storage tank 10. Specifically, the adjustment mechanism 80 is provided near a short side on the positive side in the X direction among the short sides of the rectangular planar shape of the bottom 11. The adjustment mechanism 80 has a cylindrical main body 81 and an opening 82 formed in the main body 81. Of these, the main body 81 penetrates the bottom 11 of the storage tank 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, the main body 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the main body 81 may be about 13 mm or more and 50 mm or less. Since the inner diameter of the main body 81 is 13 mm or more, when the amount of the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 becomes a predetermined amount or more, the liquid Lq can be quickly discharged. Furthermore, since the inner diameter of the main body 81 is 50 mm or less, the main body 81 can be prevented from becoming too large. Therefore, the main body 81 can be disposed at a desired position. Furthermore, since the main body 81 can be prevented from becoming too large, the size of the plant growing device 1 can be prevented from becoming too large.

[0061] The main body 81 may be composed of a plurality of members. In this case, one member may be movable in the up-down direction relative to the other members. For example, the one member may be configured to be screwed together with the other members, and the up-down position of the one member may be changed by rotating the one member. This allows the up-down position of the opening 82 formed in the main body 81 to be easily adjusted.

[0062] The opening 82 is formed on the side of the upper part of the main body 81. By forming the opening 82 on the side of the main body 81, the light from the light source 20 is less likely to enter the inside of the main body 81, and the growth of algae inside the main body 81 can be effectively suppressed. This opening 82 plays a role in discharging the liquid Lq when the amount of the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. That is, when the amount of the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the liquid Lq is introduced into the main body 81 from the opening 82. Then, the liquid Lq introduced into the main body 81 is discharged to the outside of the storage tank 10 via the main body 81. In this way, the water level of the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 is adjusted. The opening 82 may be formed on the upper surface of the main body 81.

[0063] The material constituting the main body 81 (adjustment mechanism 80) may be any material that is water resistant and easy to process. For example, the material constituting the main body 81 may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like.

[0064] (Supply Department) The supply unit 90 is provided near a short side of the rectangular planar shape of the bottom 11 of the storage tank 10. Specifically, the supply unit 90 is provided near a short side on the negative X-direction side of the short sides of the rectangular planar shape of the bottom 11. The supply unit 90 has a supply pipe 91 attached to the side 12 of the storage tank 10, and a connecting pipe 92 that connects the supply pipe 91 to a liquid supply source (not shown). Of these, the supply pipe 91 has a plurality of through holes 93 formed therein for supplying the liquid Lq into the storage tank 10.

[0065] When a plurality of plant growing devices 1 are used in a stacked manner, the liquid Lq may be supplied to the storage tank 10 of each plant growing device 1 from a different supply unit 90. That is, each storage tank 10 may be provided with its own supply unit 90. When a plurality of plant growing devices 1 are used in a stacked manner, an automatic pump may be used to supply the liquid Lq to each storage tank 10. In this case, watering of the plants PL can be automatically performed by setting the irrigation time (irrigation start time and / or irrigation end time). Furthermore, by adjusting the irrigation time, the growth of the plants PL can be managed according to the growth stage and type of the plants PL.

[0066] The plant growing device 1 may be provided with a fan (not shown) to blow air to the plants PL. In this case, the speed of the air blown by the fan is preferably a speed capable of promoting photosynthesis of the plants PL, and may be about 0.5 m / s or more and 2.0 m / s or less. After the liquid Lq is discharged from the storage tank 10, the fan may be used to dry the liquid Lq remaining in the storage tank 10. In this case, the fan may be provided near the discharge mechanism 70. The fan may be, for example, a so-called case fan. The fan may be configured such that a plurality of openings are formed in a pipe and air is blown from the openings.

[0067] (How to use the plant growing device) Next, a method of using the plant growing device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0068] First, the plant growing device 1 is prepared as shown in Fig. 6(a). In the illustrated example, the first light source 25 to the fourth light source 28 are each in the second position. Although not illustrated, the first light source 25 to the fourth light source 28 may each be in the first position.

[0069] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the cell tray Ct in which the plant PL is planted is placed on the support 50. In this case, for example, the cell tray Ct is placed directly below the first light source 25 and the second light source 26. Next, one end (the end on the negative Y-direction side) of the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 is attached to the fixing member 4 so that the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 are in the first position. On the other hand, the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28, below which the cell tray Ct is not placed, are maintained in the second position. In this way, the plant PL is grown using only the first light source 25 and the second light source 26.

[0070] Here, the cell tray Ct in which the plant PL is planted is not disposed directly below the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28. Therefore, by the third light source 27 and the fourth light source 28 taking the second position, it is possible to prevent light from being irradiated onto an area in which the cell tray Ct is not disposed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light from being irradiated onto an area of ​​the storage tank 10 in which the plant PL is not being grown, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of algae in the storage tank 10.

[0071] Thereafter, the cultivation of the plant PL is terminated.

[0072] 6(c), one end (the end on the negative Y-direction side) of the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 is removed from the fixing member 4. As a result, the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 are wound up in the storage section 3, and the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 take the second position.

[0073] Thereafter, the worker removes the cell tray Ct from the plant cultivation device 1. At this time, the first light source 25 and the second light source 26 located directly above the cell tray Ct are each in their second positions. This prevents the light source 20 from interfering with the worker's work when the worker removes the cell tray Ct from the plant cultivation device 1. As a result, the plant PL can be easily prevented from coming into contact with the light source 20, improving the worker's workability. In this manner, the cultivated plant PL is obtained.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, the plant growing device 1 includes the storage tank 10 that stores the liquid Lq to be supplied to the plant PL, and a plurality of light sources 20 that irradiate light from above the storage tank 10 toward the storage tank 10. The light sources 20 irradiate different areas. Each light source 20 has a first position that covers the storage tank 10 and a second position that does not cover the storage tank 10. This prevents the light source 20 from getting in the way of the work when the worker removes the cell tray Ct from the plant growing device 1 by placing the light source 20 located directly above the cell tray Ct in the second position. This improves the worker's workability.

[0075] As described above, each light source 20 can take a first position covering the storage tank 10 and a second position not covering the storage tank 10. Therefore, by placing the light source 20 that is not directly below the cell tray Ct in the second position, it is possible to prevent light from being irradiated onto an area where the cell tray Ct is not arranged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light from being irradiated onto an area of ​​the storage tank 10 where the plant PL is not being grown, and it is possible to prevent algae from growing in the storage tank 10.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the light source 20 is a sheet-like illumination device, which can prevent the light source 20 from becoming bulky when the light source 20 is in the second position.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the plant growing device 1 further includes a storage section 3 that stores the light source 20. When the light source 20 is in the second position, the light source 20 is wound up in the storage section 3. This allows the light source 20 to be stored compactly when the light source 20 is in the second position.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the light source 20 is wound up in the storage section 3 when the light source 20 is in the second position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the light source 20 may be folded in an accordion-like shape when the light source 20 is in the second position. Even in this case, the light source 20 can be stored compactly when the light source 20 is in the second position.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the light sources 20 are horizontally arranged in the first position, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the light sources 20 may be arranged to be curved in the first position. In this case, the lower end of the storage section 3 and the lower end of the fixing member 4 may be located on the same plane as the lower end of the storage tank 10, or may be located lower than the lower end of the storage tank 10. This can prevent the light irradiated from the light source 20 to the plant PL from leaking outside the plant growing device 1. Therefore, the light can be effectively irradiated to the plant PL, and the growth of the plant PL can be promoted. In order to curve the light source 20, a support member (not shown) for supporting the center part (center part in the Y direction) of the light source 20 may be provided above the light source 20.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the plant growing device 1 includes a plurality of light sources. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 9, the plant growing device 1 may further include an auxiliary light source 30 provided above the light source 20. The auxiliary light source 30 may be attached to an auxiliary storage section 5 that stores the auxiliary light source 30. The configuration of the auxiliary storage section 5 may be the same as the configuration of the storage section 3, and the auxiliary storage section 5 may be attached to the support 2 (see Fig. 1).

[0081] The spare light source 30 may be an LED lighting device or a sheet-like lighting device, similar to the light source 20. In this case, the spare light source 30 may be a planar light source sheet of a so-called one-sided light emission type, and a plurality of LED chips 31 may be arranged on the light-emitting surface (the surface on the negative side in the Z direction) of the spare light source 30.

[0082] The overall shape, size and number of the auxiliary light sources 30 may be the same as the overall shape, size and number of the light sources 20 .

[0083] The spare light source 30 may be in a first position where it covers the storage tank 10, and in a second position where it does not cover the storage tank 10. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the spare light source 30 is in the first position. In this case, the spare light source 30 irradiates light toward the storage tank 10 (directly below). When the spare light source 30 is used to grow a plant PL, the light source 20 shown in Fig. 9 is wound up in the storage unit 3 so as to be in the second position.

[0084] When the spare light source 30 is in the first position, one end of the spare light source 30 (the end on the negative side in the Y direction) may be attached to the spare fixing member 6. The configuration of the spare fixing member 6 may be the same as that of the fixing member 4, and the spare fixing member 6 may be attached to the support column 2 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the spare light source 30 may be detachably attached to the spare fixing member 6 by using, for example, a hook or a magnet. The other end of the spare light source 30 (the end on the positive side in the Y direction) may be attached to the spare storage section 5 as described above.

[0085] In the present embodiment, each of the auxiliary light sources 30 is arranged horizontally in the first position, which makes it possible to suppress variation in the light irradiated to the plant PL located below the auxiliary light source 30.

[0086] On the other hand, when the spare light source 30 is in the second position, the spare light source 30 may be wound up in the spare storage section 5. This prevents the spare light source 30 from interfering with the work when an operator removes the cell tray Ct from the plant growing device 1. Although not shown, when the spare light source 30 is in the second position, the spare light source 30 may be folded in an accordion-like shape.

[0087] The auxiliary light source 30 may be fixed in the first position without taking the second position.

[0088] Here, the color temperature of the light irradiated by the backup light source 30 may be different from the color temperature of the light irradiated by the light source 20. This allows the plant PL to be irradiated with light suitable for growth according to the growth stage and type of the plant PL. This improves the growth efficiency of the plant PL. In addition, for example, when a permanent light source is used, in order to change the light irradiated to the plant PL according to the growth stage and type of the plant PL, it is necessary to move the plant PL to a different location. In contrast, according to this modified example, the plant PL can be irradiated with different light without moving the plant PL. This allows the plant PL to be grown without extra effort, and the size of the plant growing device 1 can be made compact.

[0089] According to this modification, the plant growing device 1 further includes an auxiliary light source 30 provided above the light source 20. With this, even if the light source 20 is broken, the auxiliary light source 30 allows the plant PL to continue to be grown.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the plant PL is grown by the light source 20 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plant growing device 1 may be used outdoors to grow the plant PL by sunlight. In this case, the light source 20 is placed in the second position to grow the plant PL by sunlight. Note that, if the amount of light from sunlight is insufficient, the light source 20 may be placed in the first position to grow the plant PL by light from the light source 20.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the discharge mechanism 70 has the siphon 71, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the discharge mechanism 70 may be configured to discharge the liquid Lq to the outside of the storage tank 10 by sucking up the liquid Lq in the storage tank 10 using a nonwoven fabric or the like. In addition, although not shown, the discharge mechanism 70 may be a mechanism that opens and closes a discharge port using an electromagnetic valve or the like.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the cell tray Ct (plants PL) is supported by the support body 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the cell tray Ct may be placed directly on the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bottom surface 11a (upper surface of the bottom part 11) of the storage tank 10 is inclined downward toward the discharge mechanism 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the bottom surface 11a of the storage tank 10 may be parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0094] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiment and modified examples as necessary. Alternatively, some of the components disclosed in the above embodiment and modified examples may be deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Plant growing equipment 3 Storage area 10 Reservoir 20 light source 25 1st light source 26 Second light source 27 Third light source 28 4th light source 30 Backup Light Source PL plant Lq Liquid

Claims

1. A plant growing device for growing plants, comprising: A reservoir for storing liquid to be supplied to the plant; a plurality of light sources that irradiate light toward the storage tank from above the storage tank; The areas onto which each of the light sources irradiates light are different from each other, A plant growing device, wherein each of the light sources has a first position covering the reservoir and a second position not covering the reservoir.

2. The plant growing device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is a sheet-like lighting device.

3. Further comprising a storage section for storing the light source, The plant growing device according to claim 2 , wherein the light source is wound up in the storage section when the light source is in the second position.

4. The plant growing device of claim 2 , wherein the light source is folded in an accordion-like manner when the light source is in the second position.

5. The plant growing device according to claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary light source provided above the light source.

6. The plant growing device according to claim 5 , wherein a color temperature of the light emitted by the auxiliary light source is different from a color temperature of the light emitted by the light source.

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