Cultivation device and plant cultivation method

Abstract

To provide cultivation devices and plant cultivation methods that can cultivate many plants while suppressing cost increases.SOLUTION: A cultivation device includes a cultivation rack 20, first and second elevators 51 and 52, and a nutrient solution control unit 100. The cultivation rack has a plurality of shelves extending in a first direction and arranged in a height direction, and a plurality of cultivation trays can be movably placed on each shelf between a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction. The first and second elevators move the cultivation trays in the height direction in a first and second transfer space adjacent to the first end and the second end, respectively, and can transfer the cultivation trays between a first and second placement position adjacent to the first and second ends of each shelf, respectively, and the first and second transfer spaces. The nutrient solution control unit is arranged in the first transfer space or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space, and supplies at least nutrient solution to a cultivation tray arranged at a supply position in the first transfer space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cultivation device and a method for cultivating plants.

Background Art

[0002] Plant factories capable of cultivating horticultural plants such as vegetables throughout the year have been put into practical use, and cultivation devices that enable more efficient plant production have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose cultivation devices used in such plant factories.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cultivation devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the nutrient solution is configured to be supplied to the plant cultivation shelves. Therefore, if the number of cultivation shelves is increased to improve cultivation efficiency, it is necessary to increase the pipes, gutters, tanks, pumps, etc. for supplying the nutrient solution, resulting in an increase in cost. In addition, since the number of paths through which the liquid passes increases, costs are incurred for preventing liquid leakage and maintenance.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cultivation device and a method for cultivating plants that can suppress an increase in cost and enable cultivation of many plants.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a cultivation rack having a plurality of shelves each extending in a first direction and arranged in a height direction, each shelf having a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and between the first end and the second end, a plurality of cultivation trays having an inner space for holding a nutrient solution for cultivating plants can be arranged on each shelf along the first direction, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end; a first elevator arranged in a first transfer space adjacent to the first end of each shelf and extending in the height direction, the first elevator being configured to transfer the cultivation tray between a first placement position where the cultivation tray is placed close to the first end of each shelf and the first transfer space, and move the cultivation tray in the height direction within the first transfer space; a second elevator arranged in a second transfer space adjacent to the second end of each shelf and extending in the height direction, the second elevator being configured to transfer the cultivation tray between a second placement position where the cultivation tray is placed close to the second end of each shelf and the second transfer space, and move the cultivation tray in the height direction within the second transfer space; and a nutrient solution control unit arranged in the first transfer space or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space, the nutrient solution control unit being configured to supply at least a nutrient solution to a cultivation tray arranged at a supply position within the first transfer space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the nutrient solution is supplied in the first transfer space outside the cultivation rack and the cultivation rack does not need to be provided with a mechanism for supplying the nutrient solution, even if the scale of the cultivation rack increases, an increase in cost can be suppressed, and a cultivation device capable of cultivating many plants and a method for cultivating plants are provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and design changes can be appropriately made within the scope that satisfies the configuration of the present disclosure. Also, in the following description, the same reference numerals are commonly used among different drawings for the same part or parts having the same or similar functions, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted. Further, the respective configurations described in the embodiments and modification examples may be appropriately combined or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For the sake of easy understanding of the description, in the drawings referred to below, the configuration may be shown in a simplified or schematic manner, or some of the constituent members may be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios between the constituent members shown in each figure do not necessarily indicate the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] [Configuration of Cultivation Device] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the cultivation device 201 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the cultivation device 201.

[0011] The cultivation device 201 includes a cultivation rack 20, a first elevator 51, a second elevator 52, and a nutrient solution control unit 100. The cultivation device 201 further includes a control device 150 for controlling the constituent elements. The cultivation device 201 may further include a conveyor 120 for loading the planted cultivation trays into the cultivation rack 20 and unloading the grown plants from the cultivation rack 20 for harvesting.

[0012] In this embodiment, in order to increase the production volume of plants, the cultivation device 201 includes a plurality of cultivation racks 20, a plurality of first elevators 51, a plurality of second elevators 52, and a plurality of nutrient solution control units 100. Each cultivation rack 20 extends, for example, in the x-axis direction which is the first direction, and the plurality of cultivation racks are arranged in the y-axis direction which is the second direction. The first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 are respectively arranged at both ends of each cultivation rack 20. Further, the nutrient solution control unit 100 is arranged on each first elevator 51. A set including these components is called a cultivation unit U. The cultivation device 201 may include one or a plurality of cultivation units U according to the use and the area where the cultivation device 201 is installed.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the cultivation unit U. FIG. 4 is a schematic partial enlarged side view showing a part of the cultivation rack 20 enlarged. Hereinafter, each component of the cultivation device 201 will be described in detail.

[0014] (Cultivation Rack 20) The cultivation rack 20 provides a place for growing plants during the period from planting to harvesting. The cultivation rack 20 has a plurality of shelves 21 for arranging the cultivation trays 10 and a frame 22. The number of the shelves 21 may be two or more, and may be even or odd.

[0015] The plurality of shelves 21 each extend in the x-axis direction, are arranged at a predetermined interval in the z-axis direction which is the height direction, and are supported by the frame 22.

[0016] Each shelf 21 has a first end 21c and a second end 21d spaced apart in the x-axis direction, and a plurality of cultivation trays 10 can be arranged along the x-axis direction between the first end 21c and the second end 21d.

[0017] The cultivation tray 10 is movable between the first end 21c and the second end 21d of the shelf 21. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a free roller conveyor 23 is arranged on the upper surface 21a of the shelf 21. Alternatively, the upper surface 21a may have a structure capable of moving the cultivation tray 10 with low frictional resistance. Further, the cultivation rack 20 may be provided with a belt conveyor or a chain conveyor on the upper surface 21a.

[0018] When the cultivation rack 20 has a free roller conveyor 23, the movement of the cultivation tray 10 on the shelf 21 is performed by an external force. Specifically, as will be described later, the engaging bodies 76 of the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 push in the cultivation tray 10 located outermost among the plurality of cultivation trays 10 arranged on the shelf 21, whereby the plurality of cultivation trays 10 move. For this reason, it is preferable that the plurality of cultivation trays 10 are in contact with each other or are not in contact but are close to each other in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, when the cultivation rack 20 has a belt conveyor or a chain conveyor, the plurality of cultivation trays 10 may be arranged with a gap therebetween.

[0019] The cultivation rack 20 includes a lighting device 24 arranged above each shelf 21. The lighting device 24 is a light source for growing plants and is attached to the lower surface 21b of the shelf 21, for example. Since the wiring to the lighting device 24 is fixed to the shelf 21 or the like and the shelf 21 and the cultivation rack 20 are fixed, troubles such as the wiring to the lighting device 24 being cut or having poor contact are suppressed.

[0020] The cultivation tray 10 has an inner space 10s and is filled with a nutrient solution 13 for growing plants 12. The plants 12 are arranged in the recesses 11h of the planting plate 11, and the planting plate 11 is arranged on the surface of the nutrient solution 13.

[0021] In this embodiment, the cultivation tray 10 has a flange portion 10f at its outer edge in a plan view. The flange portion 10f is provided at least on a pair of sides located in the x-axis direction when the cultivation tray 10 is placed on the shelf of the cultivation rack 20. For example, the flange portion 10f has a recessed portion 10r having an opening facing downward. Alternatively, the flange portion 10f may have a recessed portion 10r having an opening facing upward.

[0022] When a plurality of cultivation trays 10 are arranged on each shelf 21, the positions where the cultivation trays 10 closest to the first end 21c and the second end 21d are arranged are referred to as the first placement position PP1 and the second placement position PP2, respectively. Also, a space located adjacent to the first end 21c of each shelf 21 and extending in the z-axis direction is referred to as the first transfer space TS1. Similarly, a space located adjacent to the second end 21d of each shelf 21 and extending in the z-axis direction is referred to as the second transfer space TS2.

[0023] The first elevator 51 is arranged in the first transfer space TS1 and performs the transfer of the cultivation tray 10 between the first placement position PP1 of each shelf 21 and the first transfer space TS1. Also, the first elevator 51 moves the cultivation tray 10 in the height direction within the first transfer space TS1.

[0024] Similarly, the second elevator 52 is arranged in the second transfer space TS2 and performs the transfer of the cultivation tray 10 between the second placement position PP2 of each shelf 21 and the second transfer space TS2. Also, the second elevator 52 moves the cultivation tray 10 in the height direction within the second transfer space TS2.

[0025] As will be described in detail below, the nutrient solution control unit 100 is arranged within the first transfer space TS1 or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space TS1. After the first elevator 51 receives the cultivation tray 10 at one first placement position PP1 of the shelf 21 and moves the cultivation tray 10 to the supply position SP, the nutrient solution control unit 100 supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10. When the cultivation unit U includes only one nutrient solution control unit 100, the elevator including the transfer space where the nutrient solution control unit 100 is arranged is defined as the first elevator 51.

[0026] (First elevator 51 and second elevator 52) During the growth period of the plants, the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 move the cultivation tray 10 to replenish the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray 10. They are also used to carry the cultivation tray 10 after planting into the cultivation rack 20 and to carry out the cultivation tray 10 to be harvested from the cultivation rack 20. In this embodiment, each cultivation rack 20 is provided with the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52. Therefore, the cultivation tray can be moved independently in each cultivation rack, and plants can be efficiently cultivated throughout the cultivation device, realizing a large-scale plant factory with improved production efficiency.

[0027] The first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 may have the same structure or different structures. In this embodiment, the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 have the same structure. In the following description, to avoid repetition, the structure of the first elevator 51 will be mainly described in detail, but the second elevator 52 also has the same structure as the first elevator 51. As described above, the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 transfer the cultivation tray 10 to and from the cultivation rack 20 and move the cultivation tray 10 in the height direction within the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52. A device that moves an object in the height direction like this may be called by names such as a lifter, a hoist, an elevator, etc. As long as the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 have the functions described above, they may be devices equipped with a general mechanism that is generally called by a name other than "elevator". For example, the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 may be a lifter supported on the floor of the space where the cultivation device 201 is stored and equipped with forks, or may be a hoist supported on a rail arranged above the cultivation device 201, etc.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of the first elevator 51. The first elevator 51 includes a support frame 55, a first drive mechanism 60, and a carrier 70. FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the first drive mechanism 60 and the carrier 70.

[0029] The support frame 55 is composed of columns 55A surrounding the first transfer space TS1 and beams 55B connecting the columns 55A, and the beam 55B supports the first drive mechanism 60.

[0030] The first drive mechanism 60 moves the carrier 70 in the z-axis direction within the first transfer space TS1. In this embodiment, for example, the first drive mechanism 60 includes a motor 61, a gearbox 62, a pair of reels 63, and four suspension belts 64.

[0031] The rotational driving force of the motor 61 is transmitted to the reel 63 via the gearbox 62. One end of two suspension belts 64 is connected to each reel 63. The other end of the suspension belt 64 is connected to the connection portion 71t of the carrier 70.

[0032] For example, when the motor 61 rotates forward, the reel 63 rotates, thereby winding up the suspension belt 64, and the carrier 70 connected to the suspension belt 64 rises within the first transfer space TS1. Also, when the motor 61 rotates reversely, the suspension belt 64 wound around the reel 63 unwinds, and the carrier 70 descends.

[0033] The carrier 70 has a support frame 71, a second drive mechanism 78, a support 77, and a pair of engaging bodies 76. In the carrier 70, the second drive mechanism 78 and the support 77 are provided on the support frame 71, and the second drive mechanism 78 drives the engaging body 76 in the x-axis direction. The support 77 supports the cultivation tray 10.

[0034] The second drive mechanism 78 includes a motor 72, a gearbox 73, a pair of sprockets 74, and a pair of chains 75. The rotational driving force of the motor 72 is transmitted to the pair of sprockets 74 via the gearbox 73. A chain 75 is hung on each sprocket 74. The chain 75 is stretched in the x-axis direction.

[0035] A pair of engaging members 76 are respectively connected to the chain 75, and upwardly projecting hooks 76f are provided at the tips of the engaging members 76. The hooks 76f can engage with the recesses 10r of the flange portions 10f of the cultivation trays 10.

[0036] Since the carrier 70 is movable in the height direction by the first drive mechanism 60, the engaging members 76 and the second drive mechanism 78 are also movable in the height direction together with the support 77. Therefore, by moving the engaging member 76 in the height direction by the first drive mechanism 60, the engagement and disengagement between the recess 10r of the flange portion 10f and the hook 76f of the engaging member 76 can be performed. Thus, it is not necessary to separately provide a drive device for engaging the engaging member 76 with the cultivation tray 10, and the structures of the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 can be simplified.

[0037] The support 77 has a frame structure having a bottom 77b and a storage space SS located on the bottom 77b and sized to accommodate the cultivation tray 10, and is connected to the support frame 71. The bottom 77b includes a beam 77d in this embodiment. The support 77 further has an opening OS, and the engaging member 76 can move between outside the storage space SS and inside the storage space SS through the opening OS.

[0038] The control of the height position within the first transfer space TS1 of the carrier 70 and the control of the position of the engaging member 76 in the x-axis direction can be performed, for example, by using a stepping motor or the like for the motor 61 of the first drive mechanism 60 and the motor 72 of the second drive mechanism 78 to control the rotation speed and rotation angle of the motor. Also, for example, it may be performed using a microswitch that physically detects the positions of the carrier 70 and the engaging member 76, or various sensors using light, magnetism, ultrasonic waves, etc.

[0039] When the first elevator 51 receives the cultivation tray 10 from the cultivation rack 20, first, the first drive mechanism 60 moves the carrier 70 in the height direction so that the bottom 77b of the support 77 is positioned slightly below the shelf 21 of the cultivation rack 20 so that the hook 76f does not interfere with the flange portion 10f of the cultivation tray 10 at the first placement position PP1. Subsequently, the second drive mechanism 78 moves the hook 76f below the jaw portion 10f, and the first drive mechanism 60 moves the carrier 70 slightly upward to engage the hook 76f with the concave portion 10r of the flange portion 10. At this time, the bottom 77b of the support 77 is positioned at the same height as the shelf 21.

[0040] Next, the second drive mechanism 78 retracts the hook 76f and moves the cultivation tray 10 at the first placement position PP1 of the shelf 21 to the bottom 77b of the support 77. Thereby, the cultivation tray 10 held by the carrier 70 can be moved in the height direction within the first transfer space TS1. During this time, the hook 76f and the concave portion 10r of the cultivation tray 10 remain engaged.

[0041] When the first elevator 51 delivers the cultivation tray 10 to the cultivation rack 20, the first drive mechanism 60 moves the bottom 77b of the support 77 to the same height position as the shelf 21, and subsequently, the second drive mechanism 78 moves the hook 76f. Thereby, the cultivation tray 10 moves from the bottom 77b of the support 77 to the first placement position PP1 of the shelf 21.

[0042] Next, the first drive mechanism 60 moves the carrier 70 slightly downward to disengage the hook 76f from the concave portion 10r of the cultivation tray 10. Then, the second drive mechanism 78 retracts the hook 76f.

[0043] According to such a configuration, when moving the cultivation tray 10 between the first transfer space TS1 and the first placement position PP1 of the shelf 21, the first drive mechanism 60 does not lift and support the cultivation tray 10, and the cultivation tray 10 maintains a state of being supported by either the shelf 21 or the support 77. Therefore, the energy consumption during movement can be suppressed. The same effect can also be obtained for the second elevator 52.

[0044] (Nutrient solution control unit 100) The nutrient solution control unit 100 controls the amount and / or type of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray 10 during the growth period of the plant. Typically, for example, the nutrient solution control unit 100 supplies the nutrient solution to at least the cultivation tray 10 in order to replenish the nutrient solution that has decreased during the growth period of the plant. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the nutrient solution control unit 100. The nutrient solution control unit 100 includes a gantry 101, a drive unit 103 including an arm 102, and a nozzle 104. The nozzle 104 is attached near the tip of the arm 102 of the drive unit 103, and the nozzle 104 is connected to a nutrient solution tank in which the nutrient solution is held by a hose 105. The drive unit 103 can extend or contract the arm 102. The position where the drive unit 103 contracts the arm 102 is called the standby position, the position where the drive unit 103 extends the arm 102 is called the discharge position, and the drive unit 103 can move the nozzle 104 between the standby position and the discharge position. Note that the nutrient solution control unit 100 means a part including the above-described components related to the supply of the nutrient solution, and these components may be arranged in the first transfer space TS1 or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space TS1. Therefore, for example, other components such as a nutrient solution tank and a pump for pumping the nutrient solution do not have to be arranged in the first transfer space TS1 or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space TS1.

[0045] The drive unit 103 is held at a predetermined height position by the pedestal 101. As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle 104 attached to the tip of the arm 102 is at a height position where nutrient solution can be supplied to the cultivation tray 10 while being disposed in the nutrient solution control unit 100. The supply position SP is located, for example, at a height between the support surface SF of the conveyor 120 and the lowermost shelf 21 of the cultivation rack 20. Alternatively, the supply position SP may be located at the same height as the lowermost shelf 21 of the cultivation rack 20. In this case, when supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10 disposed on the lowermost shelf 21, it is not necessary to move the cultivation tray 10 in the height direction within the first transfer space TS1, so the moving distance of the cultivation tray 10 is shortened and the efficiency is improved.

[0046] FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic plan views showing the positional relationship between the nutrient solution control unit 100 and the cultivation tray 10 within the first transfer space TS1. As shown in FIG. 9, in a state where the arm 102 is contracted, that is, in a state where the nozzle 104 is at the standby position, even if the cultivation tray 10 placed on the support 77 moves in the height direction within the first transfer space TS1, the drive unit 103 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the carrier 70 and the cultivation tray 10.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the arm 102 is extended, that is, when the nozzle 104 is at the discharge position, it is possible to discharge the nutrient solution from the nozzle and supply the nutrient solution into the cultivation tray 10. Thus, by moving the nozzle 104 by the drive unit 103, it becomes possible to transfer the cultivation tray 10 within the first transfer space TS1 without interfering with the nutrient solution control unit 100. Further, since the nozzle 104 is brought close to the cultivation tray 10 to supply the nutrient solution, spillage and scattering of the nutrient solution to the surroundings are suppressed.

[0048] The nutrient solution control unit 100 may further include a nutrient solution discharge mechanism for discharging the nutrient solution held in the cultivation tray 10 or the nutrient solution that overflows from the cultivation tray 10 during nutrient solution supply. For example, the nutrient solution discharge mechanism includes a discharge nozzle connected to a suction pump and moves together with the nozzle 104 by the drive unit 103. In this case, the drive unit may further drive the discharge nozzle in the height direction so that the opening of the discharge nozzle contacts the nutrient solution held in the cultivation tray 10. Further, the nutrient solution discharge mechanism may be driven by a drive unit supported by a pedestal different from the pedestal 101.

[0049] When the nutrient solution control unit 100 is provided with such a nutrient solution discharge mechanism, for example, during nutrient solution supply, the nutrient solution held in the cultivation tray 10 can first be extracted using the nutrient solution discharge mechanism, and then new nutrient solution can be supplied to the cultivation tray 10 from the nozzle 104. Thereby, for example, it is possible to replace the nutrient solution whose concentration of components such as fertilizer has decreased by being held in the cultivation tray 10 for several days with a new nutrient solution, or to switch to a different type of nutrient solution. Further, the nutrient solution discharge mechanism can function as a drain for discharging excess nutrient solution during nutrient solution supply.

[0050] Furthermore, the nutrient solution control unit 100 may only perform the discharge of the nutrient solution without supplying the nutrient solution. For example, before harvesting the plant, it is possible to only extract the nutrient solution held in the cultivation tray 10 for the purpose of increasing the sugar content of the plant or the fruit of the plant. That is, the nutrient solution control unit 100 can perform at least one of the supply of the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10 disposed at the supply position in the first transfer space TS1 and the discharge of the nutrient solution from the cultivation tray 10 disposed at the supply position in the first transfer space TS1.

[0051] (Conveyor 120) The conveyor 120 transports the cultivation tray 10 after transplantation into the cultivation unit U and removes the cultivation tray 10 to be harvested from the cultivation unit U. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the conveyor 120 has a transport path CP and moves the cultivation tray 10 on the transport path CP. In the present embodiment, the transport path CP is arranged so as to overlap with the first transfer space TS1 of the first elevator 51 of each cultivation unit U. Thereby, it is not necessary to separately secure an area for installing the conveyor 120, and the installation area of the cultivation apparatus 201 can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the transport path CP extends in the y-axis direction. This is because a plurality of cultivation units U are arranged in the y-axis direction. The transport path CP may extend in other directions according to the arrangement of the plurality of cultivation units U. Also, the transport path CP may extend in a direction different from the y-axis direction in a portion that does not overlap with the first transfer space TS1 of the first elevator 51 of each cultivation unit U. More specifically, the transport path CP has a transfer area TR, and the transfer area TR is located in the first transfer space TS1 of the first elevator 51 of each cultivation unit U.

[0052] The conveyor 120 can use conveyors of various structures such as a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, and a roller conveyor. In the present embodiment, for example, the conveyor 120 is a chain conveyor.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the first elevator 51 and the cultivation tray 10 are transferred in the transfer area TR of the conveyor 120. The transport path CP of the conveyor 120 has a support surface SF for supporting the cultivation tray 10, and the cultivation tray 10 moves on the support surface SF. As shown in FIG. 2, the support surface SF is at a position lower than the supply position SP where the cultivation tray 10 is arranged when supplying the nutrient solution within the first transfer space TS1 of the first elevator 51.

[0054] Conveyor 120 has a storage space HS that is located below the support surface SF in the transfer area TR and into which at least a part of the support 77 of the first elevator 51 can be inserted. For example, conveyor 120 has a chain 121 and a plurality of idler sprockets 122, and sets the path of chain 121 to form storage space HS.

[0055] When carrier 70 receives cultivation tray 10 from conveyor 120, first, carrier 70 is lowered in advance so that a part of support 77 is located within storage space HS. In this state, conveyor 120 moves cultivation tray 10 on support surface SF of the transport path CP and places cultivation tray 10 in transfer area TR. Subsequently, first elevator 51 raises carrier 70. When support 77 comes into contact with the bottom of cultivation tray 10, the support of cultivation tray 10 switches from conveyor 120 to carrier 70. That is, first elevator 51 supports cultivation tray 10 in transfer area TR of transport path CP at the height position of support surface SF. Thereby, cultivation tray 10 is delivered to first elevator 51.

[0056] When delivering cultivation tray 10 from first elevator 51 to conveyor 120, the reverse operation is performed. With first elevator 51 supporting cultivation tray 10, carrier 70 is lowered. When a part of support 77 is inserted into storage space HS, the bottom of cultivation tray 10 comes into contact with support surface SF of conveyor 120, and the support of cultivation tray 10 switches from carrier 70 to conveyor 120. Thereby, cultivation tray 10 is delivered to conveyor 120. In this way, first elevator 51 can directly receive cultivation tray 10 carried by conveyor 120. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure of support 77.

[0057] (Control device 150) Control device 150 includes an arithmetic device and a storage device, and controls cultivation rack 20, first elevator 51, second elevator 52, nutrient solution control unit 100, and conveyor 120. Control device 150 may further control the temperature, humidity, etc. inside the room where cultivation device 201 is arranged.

[0058] [Operation of Cultivation Device 201 and Plant Cultivation Method] Next, the operation of the cultivation device 201 and the plant cultivation method will be described. In particular, the nutrient solution supply method using the cultivation device 201 will be described.

[0059] Figures 12 to 17 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the cultivation device 201 and the plant cultivation method. As shown in Figure 12, for the sake of distinction between the two shelves of the cultivation rack 20, they are arbitrarily labeled as the first shelf 21-1 and the second shelf 21-2. A plurality of cultivation trays 10 are arranged in advance on the first shelf 21-1 and the second shelf 21-2 at the first placement position PP1 and the second placement position PP2 and between them. For clarity, different hatchings are attached to the cultivation trays 10 on the first shelf 21-1 and the cultivation trays 10 on the second shelf 21-2 before the nutrient solution is supplied.

[0060] When the cultivation device 201 supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10, mainly the following two steps are performed under the control of the control device 150.

[0061] (1) Move the cultivation tray 10 at the first placement position PP1 of the first shelf 21-1 to the first transfer space TS1, supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10, and then move the cultivation tray 10 to the first placement position PP1 of the second shelf 21-2.

[0062] (2) Move the cultivation tray 10 at the second placement position PP2 of the second shelf 21-2 to the second transfer space TS2, and move it from the second transfer space TS2 to the second placement position PP2 of the first shelf 21-1.

[0063] Specifically, first, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, (a) the first elevator 51 moves the cultivation tray 10 at the first placement position PP1 of the first shelf 21-1 to the first transfer space TS1. Also, before, after, or simultaneously with the operation of (a), (f) the second elevator 52 moves the cultivation tray 10 at the second placement position PP2 of the second shelf 21-2 to the second transfer space TS2.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 14, (b) the first elevator 51 moves the cultivation tray 10 in the first transfer space TS1 to the supply position SP. Also, before, after, or simultaneously with the operation of (b), (g) the second elevator 52 moves the cultivation tray 10 to a height adjacent to the first shelf 21-1.

[0065] Next, (c) nutrient solution is supplied to the cultivation tray 10 at the supply position SP. Also, before, after, or simultaneously with the operation of (c), (h) the second elevator 52 moves the cultivation tray 10 to the second placement position PP2 of the first shelf 21-1. At this time, in the first shelf 21-1, another cultivation tray 10 is arranged at the second placement position PP2. Also, the cultivation tray 10 is not arranged at the first placement position PP1 of the first shelf 21-1 and is empty. Therefore, by moving the engaging body 76 of the second elevator 52 in the x-axis direction and pushing the cultivation tray 10 in the carrier 70 into the first shelf 21-1, as shown in FIG. 15, each of the plurality of cultivation trays 10 in the first shelf 21-1 moves by one cultivation tray towards the first end 21c side, and the cultivation tray 10 in the carrier 70 is arranged at the second placement position PP2.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 15, (d) the first elevator 51 moves the cultivation tray 10 supplied with nutrient solution to a height adjacent to the second shelf 21-1.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 16, (e) the first elevator 51 moves the cultivation tray 10 supplied with nutrient solution to the first placement position PP1 of the second shelf 21-2. At this time, in the second shelf 21-2, another cultivation tray 10 is arranged at the first placement position PP1. However, the cultivation tray 10 is not arranged at the second placement position PP2 of the second shelf 21-2 and is empty. Therefore, by moving the engaging body 76 of the first elevator 51 in the x-axis direction and pushing the cultivation tray 10 in the carrier 70 into the second shelf 21-2, each of the plurality of cultivation trays 10 in the second shelf 21-2 moves by one cultivation tray towards the second end 21d side, and as shown in FIG. 16, the cultivation tray 10 in the carrier 70 is arranged at the first placement position PP1.

[0068] Note that the processes (a) to (e) of the first elevator 51 and the processes (f) to (h) of the second elevator 52 can be performed in parallel. Also, as long as the process (f) is performed before the process (e), the processes (f) to (h) can be performed at any time. For example, the process (e) can be performed before the process (a).

[0069] Also, for the sake of explanation, the first shelf 21-1 and the second shelf 21-2 are adjacent in the height direction, but the first shelf 21-1 and the second shelf 21-2 may be separated in the height direction within the cultivation rack 20.

[0070] In this way, by performing the processes (a) to (h), the nutrient solution is replenished to one of the plurality of cultivation trays 10 arranged on the first shelf 21-1 and moves to the second shelf 21-2. Also, one of the plurality of cultivation trays 10 on the second shelf 21-2 moves to the first shelf 21-1.

[0071] Thereafter, by repeating the processes (a) to (h), as shown in FIG. 17, the nutrient solution is supplied to all of the cultivation trays 10 on the first shelf 21-1 and transferred to the second shelf 21-2. Also, the cultivation trays 10 on the second shelf 21-2 are transferred to the first shelf 21-1. By such a procedure, it becomes possible to efficiently supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation trays 10.

[0072] An example of a plant cultivation schedule using the cultivation apparatus 201 will be described. By using the cultivation apparatus 201 of the present embodiment, it is possible to replenish the nutrient solution in units of the cultivation trays 10 and move the cultivation trays 10. For example, in the operation of the cultivation apparatus 201 and the plant cultivation method described above, it is also possible to supply the nutrient solution only to a specific one or a specific plurality of the plurality of cultivation trays 10 arranged on the first shelf 21-1 at the time of loading. As a result, it is also possible to arrange cultivation trays 10 with different growth states on one shelf. However, considering work efficiency, it is preferable to perform management for each shelf 21.

[0073] Moreover, by using the cultivation device 201, among the plurality of cultivation racks 20, by loading the cultivation trays 10 onto the plurality of shelves 21 of one cultivation rack 20 on the same day, it is possible to cultivate plants while varying the growth state of the plants (number of days elapsed since the start of cultivation) for each cultivation rack 20. According to such a cultivation schedule, it is possible to manage the growth of plants for each cultivation rack 20. However, in this case, for all the cultivation trays 10 arranged on the plurality of shelves 21 of one cultivation rack 20, it is necessary to supply nutrient solution on the same day, etc., and the load concentrates on the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 of a specific cultivation rack 20.

[0074] Therefore, when considering work efficiency and load leveling of the device operation, it is conceivable to cultivate plants while varying the growth state of the plants for each shelf 21 in one cultivation rack 20. In this case, for example, if one cultivation rack 20 has a number of shelves 21 corresponding to the number of days of growth in the cultivation device 201, the work in one cultivation rack 20 becomes constant. For example, if the cultivation period is 10 days, and the day of planting (loading) is taken as the first day, harvesting (unloading) is performed on the 11th day, and new planting is performed on the day of harvesting, then the growth cycle of the plants is 10 days. For this reason, it is preferable that the number of shelves of the cultivation rack 20 is 10. During the cultivation period, supply nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10 according to the above-described procedure at the appropriate timing as needed. During the cultivation period, the supply of nutrient solution may be performed once or multiple times. As described above, by supplying the nutrient solution, the cultivation tray 10 is transferred to a different shelf 21 from before the nutrient solution supply.

[0075] As described above, according to the cultivation device of the present embodiment, by supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray in the first transfer space, pipes for transferring the nutrient solution to the cultivation rack, pumps for pressure-feeding, etc. are unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the nutrient solution is not transferred in the cultivation rack, troubles such as liquid leakage are suppressed from occurring, and a cultivation device that is easy to maintain and manage is realized. In addition, since the reduction in the operating rate of the cultivation device due to troubles is suppressed, the profitability is also enhanced. Further, since the nutrient solution is supplied for each cultivation tray, for example, it is also possible to manage the amount, concentration, etc. of the nutrient solution according to the growth state of the plants for each cultivation tray.

[0076] In addition, since the conveyance path of the conveyor and the movement space of the cultivation tray in the first elevator overlap, the installation area of the cultivation device can be reduced.

[0077] [Other forms] The cultivation device and cultivation method of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. First, in the above-described embodiment, each cultivation unit U included one nutrient solution control unit 100, but it may include two. That is, the cultivation device may further include a nutrient solution control unit 100 in the second transfer space TS2 of the second elevator 52 or at a position adjacent to the second transfer space TS2. In this case, the nutrient solution control unit 100 of the second elevator 52 may supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10 at a timing different from that of the nutrient solution control unit 100 of the first elevator, or may supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray at the same timing. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, while the first elevator 51 receives the cultivation tray 10 from the first shelf 21-1, supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10, and transfers it to the second shelf 21-2, the second elevator receives the cultivation tray from the second shelf 21-2 and uses the additional nutrient solution control unit 100 to supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray 10, and the cultivation tray 10 may be transferred to the first shelf 21-1.

[0078] In this case, it is preferable that the cultivation trays 10 arranged on the first shelf 21-1 and the cultivation trays 10 arranged on the second shelf 21-2 are planted on the same day and carried into the cultivation unit U. That is, among the plurality of shelves 21 of the cultivation rack 20, it is preferable that the cultivation trays 10 planted on two shelves are carried in on the same day, and there are two shelves 21 in the cultivation rack 20 on which cultivation trays in the same cultivation state (number of days elapsed after planting) are arranged.

[0079] Also, in the above embodiment, each cultivation unit U was provided with one first elevator 51 and one second elevator 52 respectively. However, at least one of the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 may travel automatically in the y-axis direction. The first elevator 51 is movable to a first transfer space TS1 adjacent to the first end of each shelf 21 of the plurality of cultivation racks 20 arranged in the y-axis direction, and the second elevator 52 is movable to a second transfer space TS2 adjacent to the second end of each shelf 21 of the plurality of cultivation racks 20 arranged in the y-axis direction. By one of the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 traveling automatically in the y-axis direction, the number of elevators can be reduced, and the cost of the cultivation device can be reduced.

[0080] The number of the first elevator 51 and the second elevator 52 that travel automatically may be one, or may be two or more and less than the number of the cultivation racks 20. Also, in this case, the nutrient solution control unit 100 may be attached to the first elevator 51, or the nutrient solution control units 100 may be respectively arranged in the first transfer space TS1 of each cultivation unit U or at positions adjacent to the first transfer space TS1, and the first elevator 51 may travel automatically so as not to interfere with the nutrient solution control unit 100.

[0081] Also, the hook 76f of the engaging body 76 of the carrier 70 was engaged with the recess 10r of the flange portion 10f of the cultivation tray 10 by moving in the height direction, but it may be configured to engage with and disengage from the recess 10r by the rotation of the hook 76f.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the conveyor 120 is a chain conveyor, but it may also be a belt conveyor. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the conveyor 125 includes a belt 126 and a pulley 127, and the belt 126 in contact with the cultivation tray 10 may be divided so that a storage space HS capable of storing a part of the support 77 is formed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the support 77 does not have a beam 77d that can interfere with the belt 126.

[0083] Also, the conveyor 120 may be a general belt conveyor, chain conveyor, etc., and may not have a storage space HS. In this case, it is conceivable that the first elevator 51 supports the cultivation tray 10 in the delivery area of the transport path CP at a position higher than the support surface SF of the transport path CP of the conveyor 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the carrier 80 of the first elevator 51 may be provided with a support 87 having a pair of arm portions 87A and 87B instead of the support 77.

[0084] The arm portions 87A and 87B each have a hook 87f at their tips, and the hook 87f can support the flange portion 10f of the cultivation tray 10 from below. The arm portions 87A and 87B are separated in the y-axis direction and are supported so as to be movable in the y-axis direction with respect to the support frame 71. The carrier 80 further includes a linear actuator 88, and the linear actuator 88 can change the interval between the pair of hooks 87f of the arm portions 87A and 87B by driving the arm portions 87A and 87B in the y-axis direction.

[0085] When the first elevator 51 having the carrier 80 supports the cultivation tray 10, the carrier 80 is lowered with the interval between the hooks 87f being larger than the width of the cultivation tray 10, and when the hooks 87f are at the same height position as the flange portion 10f of the cultivation tray 10, the linear actuator 88 reduces the interval between the arm portions 87A and 87B, so that the hooks 87f of the arm portions 87A and 87B are inserted below the flange portion 10f. When the carrier 80 is raised in this state, the hook 87f and the flange portion 10f come into contact, and the support 87 can suspend and support the cultivation tray 10.

[0086] Further, when the hook 87f is longer than the flange portion 10f in the y direction and the tip of the hook 87f has a taper in the thickness direction, by the same operation, as the distance between the arm portions 87A and 87B becomes smaller, the tip of the hook 87f is inserted into the belt or chain of the conveyor and the bottom of the cultivation tray 10. When the carrier 80 is raised in this state, the hook 87f can support the cultivation tray 10 at the bottom.

[0087] Note that the arm portions 87A and 87B may be configured to rotate around an axis extending in the x-axis at the end on the side opposite to the hook 87f instead of being driven in the y-axis direction.

[0088] According to such a configuration, even if the conveyor 120 does not have the storage space HS, the cultivation tray 10 can be transferred between the conveyor 120 and the first elevator 51.

[0089] Note that the conveyor 120 may be arranged at the second elevator 52 instead of the first elevator 51 or together with the first elevator 51. Specifically, the conveyor 120 may be arranged such that the conveyance path of the conveyor 120 overlaps with the second transfer space TS2 of the second elevator 52.

[0090] In addition, the size of the cultivation tray 10, the number of cultivation trays 10 that can be arranged in the cultivation rack 20, the number of shelves 21 in the cultivation rack 20, and the number of cultivation units U can be arbitrarily set.

[0091] The cultivation device and the method for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure can also be described as follows.

[0092] The cultivation device according to the first configuration is A cultivation rack having a plurality of shelves each extending in a first direction and arranged in a height direction, each shelf having a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and between the first end and the second end, a plurality of cultivation trays having an inner space for holding nutrient solution for cultivating plants can be arranged on each shelf along the first direction, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end, the cultivation rack; A first elevator adjacent to the first end of each shelf and arranged in a first transfer space extending in the height direction, the first elevator transferring the cultivation tray between a first placement position where the cultivation tray is placed close to the first end of each shelf and the first transfer space, and moving the cultivation tray in the height direction within the first transfer space; A second elevator adjacent to the second end of each shelf and arranged in a second transfer space extending in the height direction, the second elevator transferring the cultivation tray between a second placement position where the cultivation tray is placed close to the second end of each shelf and the second transfer space, and moving the cultivation tray in the height direction within the second transfer space; A nutrient solution control unit arranged in the first transfer space or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space, the nutrient solution control unit supplying at least nutrient solution to a cultivation tray arranged at a supply position within the first transfer space.

[0093] According to the first configuration, by supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray within the first transfer space, pipes for transferring the nutrient solution to the cultivation rack, pumps for pressure feeding, etc. are unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the nutrient solution is not transferred in the cultivation rack, troubles such as liquid leakage are suppressed from occurring, and the robustness and maintainability against troubles are enhanced.

[0094] The cultivation apparatus according to the second configuration is the same as the first configuration, and each shelf may include a free roller conveyor. The cultivation tray can be smoothly moved by the free roller conveyor.

[0095] In the cultivation device according to the third configuration, in the first configuration, the cultivation rack may further include a lighting device disposed above each shelf. Since the cultivation rack is not transferred, the wiring to the lighting device is fixed, and the occurrence of troubles such as disconnection is suppressed.

[0096] In the cultivation device according to the fourth configuration, in the first configuration, each of the first elevator and the second elevator a support for supporting the cultivation tray, a first drive mechanism for moving the support in the height direction, an engaging body engageable with a part of the cultivation tray, and a second drive mechanism for driving the engaging body so that the cultivation tray moves in the first direction between the first placement position or the second placement position and the position on the support in a state where the engaging body and the cultivation tray are engaged. According to this configuration, when moving the cultivation tray between the first transfer space and the first placement position of the shelf or between the second transfer space and the second placement position of the shelf, the first drive mechanism does not lift and support the cultivation tray, and the cultivation tray maintains a state of being supported by either the shelf or the support. Therefore, energy consumption during movement can be suppressed.

[0097] In the cultivation device according to the fifth configuration, in the fourth configuration, the engaging body and the second drive mechanism are movable in the height direction together with the support, and engagement and disengagement between a part of the cultivation tray and the engaging body may be performed by the first drive mechanism moving the engaging body in the height direction. Since the engagement between the cultivation tray and the engaging body is performed by the first drive mechanism, the structure of the elevator can be simplified.

[0098] In the cultivation device according to the sixth configuration, in the first configuration, The nutrient solution control unit a nozzle for discharging the nutrient solution, and an arm for moving the nozzle between a supply position and a standby position It may include this. According to this configuration, in the first transfer space 1, it is possible to transfer the cultivation tray without interfering with the nutrient solution control unit. Also, since the nozzle is brought close to the cultivation tray to supply the nutrient solution, spillage and scattering of the nutrient solution to the surroundings are suppressed.

[0099] The cultivation device according to the seventh configuration is in the fifth configuration, includes a plurality of the cultivation racks, the plurality of cultivation racks may be arranged in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0100] The cultivation device according to the eighth configuration is in the seventh configuration, the nutrient solution control unit is attached to the first elevator, the first elevator is movable to a first transfer space adjacent to a first end of each shelf of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction, the second elevator may be movable to a second transfer space adjacent to a second end of each shelf of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction. According to this configuration, by the movement of the first elevator and the second elevator, the number of the first elevator and the second elevator for each cultivation rack can be reduced, and the cost of the cultivation device can be reduced.

[0101] The cultivation device according to the ninth configuration is in the seventh configuration, further includes another nutrient solution control unit, the other nutrient solution control unit may be attached to the second elevator. Since a nutrient solution control unit is also arranged on the second elevator, it is possible to supply the nutrient solution to the trays on two shelves at a time.

[0102] The cultivation device according to the tenth configuration is in the seventh configuration, the first elevator, the second elevator, and the nutrient solution control unit are each provided in a plurality, each first elevator is arranged in a first transfer space of one of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction, Each second elevator is arranged in one second transfer space of a plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction. Each nutrient solution control unit may be arranged within or adjacent to the first transfer space of each first elevator. According to this configuration, since the cultivation trays can be moved independently in each cultivation rack, it is possible to efficiently cultivate plants throughout the cultivation apparatus, and a large-scale plant factory with improved production efficiency can be realized.

[0103] The cultivation apparatus according to the eleventh configuration is in the tenth configuration. Each of the nutrient solution control units may also be arranged within or adjacent to the second transfer space of each second elevator.

[0104] The cultivation apparatus according to the twelfth configuration is in the first configuration. The cultivation apparatus further includes a control device that controls the first elevator, the second elevator, and the nutrient solution control unit. The plurality of shelves includes a first shelf and a second shelf. In the first shelf and the second shelf, in a state where the first placement position and the second placement position and the plurality of cultivation trays are respectively arranged therebetween. The control device While receiving the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf by the first elevator and moving it to the first placement position of the second shelf, the nutrient solution control unit supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray. The second elevator may receive the cultivation tray at the second placement position of the second shelf and move it to the second placement position of the first shelf. According to this configuration, it is possible to efficiently supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray.

[0105] The cultivation apparatus according to the thirteenth configuration is in the twelfth configuration. Under the control of the control device (a) The first elevator moves the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf to the first transfer space. (b) After the step (a), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray in the first transfer space to the supply position. (c) After the step (b), the nutrient solution control unit supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray at the supply position. (d) After the step (c), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to a height adjacent to the second shelf. (e) After the step (d), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to the first placement position on the second shelf. (f) Before the step (e), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray at the second placement position on the second shelf to the second transfer space. (g) After the step (f), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to a height adjacent to the first shelf. (h) After the step (g), the second elevator may move the cultivation tray to the second placement position on the first shelf. By this procedure, it becomes possible to efficiently supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray.

[0106] The cultivation apparatus according to the fourteenth configuration is a cultivation rack having a plurality of shelves each extending in a first direction and arranged in a height direction, each shelf having a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and a plurality of cultivation trays having an inner space for holding a nutrient solution for cultivating plants between the first end and the second end are arranged on each shelf along the first direction, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end, a cultivation rack; a first elevator arranged in a first transfer space adjacent to the first end of each shelf and extending in the height direction, which transfers the cultivation tray between a first placement position where the cultivation tray is placed close to the first end of each shelf and the first transfer space, and moves the cultivation tray in the height direction in the first transfer space, an elevator; a conveyor having a conveyance path including a transfer area and moving the cultivation tray on the conveyance path; comprises The conveyor is arranged with respect to the elevator such that the transfer area is located within the first transfer space of the elevator. Since the conveyance path of the conveyor overlaps with the movement space of the cultivation tray in the elevator, the installation area of the cultivation device can be reduced.

[0107] The cultivation device according to the 15th configuration is, in the 14th configuration, The conveyance path of the conveyor has a support surface that supports the cultivation tray, The first elevator may support the cultivation tray in the transfer area of the conveyance path at the height position of the support surface.

[0108] The cultivation device according to the 15th configuration is, in the 14th configuration, The first elevator has a support body that supports the cultivation tray, and a first drive mechanism that moves the support body in the height direction, and is provided with The conveyor may have a storage space that is located below the support surface and into which at least a part of the support body can be inserted in the transfer area. Since the conveyor has a space for storing a part of the support body, even when the support body supports the bottom of the cultivation tray, interference of the support body can be avoided, and the cultivation tray can be placed on the support surface of the conveyor. In addition, the first elevator can directly receive the cultivation tray carried by the conveyor. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure of the support body.

[0109] The cultivation device according to the 16th configuration is, in the 14th configuration, The conveyance path of the conveyor has a support surface that supports the cultivation tray, The first elevator may support the cultivation tray in the transfer area of the conveyance path at a position higher than the support surface.

[0110] The cultivation device according to the 17th configuration is, in the 16th configuration, The elevator has a support body that supports the cultivation tray, a first drive mechanism for moving the support in the height direction; comprising the cultivation tray has a bottom surface in contact with the support surface of the conveyor, and has a flange portion at a position higher than the bottom surface, The elevator may abut the support against the flange portion to suspend and support the cultivation tray. By supporting the cultivation tray at a position higher than the bottom surface, interference with the support can be avoided and the cultivation tray can be lowered onto the support surface of the conveyor.

[0111] In the cultivation apparatus according to the 18th configuration, in the 17th configuration, the support includes a pair of arm portions having hooks at their tips that engage with the flange portion, the pair of arm portions are arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, The elevator may support and release the cultivation tray by varying the interval between the hooks of the pair of arm portions. Since the arm portions are arranged in the second direction, the cultivation tray can be transferred between the cultivation rack and the elevator without interfering with the arm portions.

[0112] The method for cultivating a plant according to the 19th configuration is a method for cultivating a plant, in which a cultivation rack on which a plurality of cultivation trays each holding a plant and a nutrient solution for cultivating the plant are arranged is irradiated with light, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the cultivation tray at least once during cultivation of the plant, the cultivation rack includes a plurality of shelves each extending in a first direction and arranged in the height direction, and includes a plurality of shelves including a first shelf and the second shelf, each shelf has a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and between the first end and the second end, the plurality of cultivation trays are arranged along the first direction at a plurality of positions including a first placement position close to the first end and a second placement position close to the second end, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end, A first transfer space extending in the height direction and adjacent to the first end of each shelf and a second transfer space extending in the height direction and adjacent to the second end of each shelf are located. Move the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf to the first transfer space, supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray, and then move the cultivation tray to the first placement position of the second shelf. Move the cultivation tray at the second placement position of the second shelf to the second transfer space and move it from the second transfer space to the second placement position of the first shelf. By this cultivation method, it becomes possible to efficiently supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray.

[0113] The plant cultivation method according to the 20th configuration is, in the 19th configuration, A first elevator and a second elevator are respectively arranged in the first transfer space and the second transfer space. (a) The first elevator moves the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf to the first transfer space. (b) After the step (a), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray in the first transfer space to the supply position. (c) After the step (b), the nutrient solution control unit supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray at the supply position. (d) After the step (c), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to a height adjacent to the second shelf. (e) After the step (d), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to the first placement position of the second shelf. (f) Before the step (e), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray at the second placement position of the second shelf to the second transfer space. (g) After the step (f), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to a height adjacent to the first shelf. (h) After the step (g), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to the second placement position of the first shelf. By this procedure, it becomes possible to efficiently supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray.

[0114] The method for cultivating plants according to the 21st configuration is a method for cultivating plants, in which the plants are cultivated by a plurality of cultivation racks on which a plurality of cultivation trays holding the plants and a nutrient solution for cultivating the plants are arranged, each cultivation rack is a plurality of shelves that each extend in a first direction and are arranged in a height direction, and has a plurality of shelves including a first shelf and the second shelf, each shelf has a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and between the first end and the second end, at a plurality of positions including a first placement position close to the first end and a second placement position close to the second end, the plurality of cultivation trays can be arranged along the first direction, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end, the plurality of cultivation racks are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, in each cultivation rack, a first transfer space adjacent to the first end of each shelf and extending in the height direction and a second transfer space adjacent to the second end of each shelf and extending in the height direction are located, A plurality of cultivation trays immediately after planting, in which the seedlings of the plants are arranged in the cultivation trays together with the nutrient solution, are arranged on one shelf of each cultivation rack at predetermined time intervals. Since cultivation trays with different cultivation periods are arranged for each shelf in the cultivation rack, the harvest amount in each cultivation rack becomes constant for each predetermined period. Also, the frequency of operations at each stage during cultivation also becomes constant in each cultivation rack.

[0115] The method for cultivating plants according to the 22nd configuration is, in the 21st configuration, the predetermined time interval may be about 1 day.

[0116] The method for cultivating plants according to the 23rd configuration is, in the 21st configuration, the height positions of the shelves on which the plurality of cultivation trays immediately after planting are arranged may be different in the plurality of cultivation racks.

Explanation of Signs

[0117] 10... Cultivation tray, 10f... Flange part, 10r, 11h... Concave part, 10s... Inner space, 11... Planting plate, 12... Plant, 13... Nutrient solution, 20... Cultivation rack, 21... Shelf, 21c... First end, 21d... Second end, 22... Frame, 23... Free roller conveyor, 24... Lighting device, 51... First elevator, 52... Second elevator, 55... Support frame, 55A... Column, 55B... Beam, 60... First drive mechanism, 61, 72... Motor, 62, 73... Gearbox, 63... Reel, 64... Suspension belt, 70, 80... Carrier, 71... Support frame, 71t... Connection part, 74... Sprocket, 75, 121... Chain, 76... Engagement body, 76f, 87f... Hook, 77, 87... Support, 77b... Bottom, 77d... Beam, 78... Second drive mechanism, 87A, 87B... Arm part, 88... Linear actuator, 100... Nutrient solution control unit, 101... Stand, 102... Arm, 103... Drive unit, 104... Nozzle, 105... Hose, 120, 125... Conveyor, 122... Idler sprocket, 126... Belt, 127... Pulley, 150... Control device, 201... Cultivation device

Claims

1. A cultivation rack having a plurality of shelves each extending in a first direction and arranged in a height direction, each shelf having a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and between the first end and the second end, a plurality of cultivation trays having an inner space for holding a nutrient solution for cultivating plants can be arranged on each shelf along the first direction, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end; a cultivation rack, A first elevator disposed adjacent to the first end of each shelf and arranged in a first transfer space extending in the height direction, the first elevator transferring the cultivation tray between a first placement position where the cultivation tray is placed adjacent to the first end of each shelf and the first transfer space, and moving the cultivation tray in the height direction within the first transfer space; A second elevator disposed adjacent to the second end of each shelf and arranged in a second transfer space extending in the height direction, the second elevator transferring the cultivation tray between a second placement position where the cultivation tray is placed adjacent to the second end of each shelf and the second transfer space, and moving the cultivation tray in the height direction within the second transfer space; A nutrient solution control unit disposed within the first transfer space or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space, the nutrient solution control unit supplying at least a nutrient solution to a cultivation tray disposed at a supply position within the first transfer space; A cultivation device comprising the above.

2. Each of the first elevator and the second elevator A support for supporting the cultivation tray; A first drive mechanism for moving the support in the height direction; An engaging body engageable with a part of the cultivation tray; A second drive mechanism for driving the engaging body so that the cultivation tray moves in the first direction between the first placement position or the second placement position and a position on the support in a state where the engaging body and the cultivation tray are engaged; The cultivation device according to Claim 1, comprising the above.

3. The engaging body and the second drive mechanism are movable in the height direction together with the support, The cultivation device according to Claim 2, wherein the first drive mechanism moves the engaging body in the height direction, thereby engaging and disengaging a part of the cultivation tray with the engaging body.

4. The nutrient solution control unit A nozzle for discharging the nutrient solution; An arm for moving the nozzle between a discharge position and a standby position The cultivation device according to Claim 1, comprising the above.

5. Comprising a plurality of the cultivation racks, The plurality of cultivation racks are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, The nutrient solution control unit is attached to the first elevator, The first elevator is movable to a first transfer space adjacent to a first end of each shelf of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction, The second elevator is movable to a second transfer space adjacent to a second end of each shelf of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 3.

6. Further comprising another nutrient solution control unit, The other nutrient solution control unit is arranged in the second transfer space or at a position adjacent to the second transfer space. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 3.

7. A plurality of the first elevators, the second elevators, and the nutrient solution control units are respectively provided, Each first elevator is arranged in one first transfer space of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction, Each second elevator is arranged in one second transfer space of the plurality of cultivation racks arranged in the second direction, Each nutrient solution control unit is arranged in the first transfer space of each first elevator or at a position adjacent to the first transfer space. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 1.

8. Further comprising a control device for controlling the first elevator, the second elevator, and the nutrient solution control unit, The plurality of shelves include a first shelf and a second shelf, In the first shelf and the second shelf, in a state where the first placement position and the second placement position and the plurality of cultivation trays are respectively arranged therebetween, The control device, While the first elevator receives the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf and moves it to the first placement position of the second shelf, the nutrient solution control unit supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray, The second elevator receives the cultivation tray at the second placement position of the second shelf and moves it to the second placement position of the first shelf. The cultivation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Under the control of the control device, (a) The first elevator moves the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf to the first transfer space, (b) After the step (a), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray in the first transfer space to the supply position, (c) After the step (b), the nutrient solution control unit supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray at the supply position, (d) After the step (c), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to a height adjacent to the second shelf. (e) After the step (d), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to the first placement position on the second shelf. (f) Before the step (e), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray at the second placement position on the second shelf to the second transfer space. (g) After the step (f), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to a height adjacent to the first shelf. (h) After the step (g), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to the second placement position on the first shelf. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 8.

10. It further includes a conveyor having a conveyance path including a handover area and moving the cultivation tray on the conveyance path. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor is arranged with respect to the first elevator such that the handover area is located within the first transfer space of the first elevator.

11. The conveyance path of the conveyor has a support surface for supporting the cultivation tray. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first elevator supports the cultivation tray in the handover area of the conveyance path at the height position of the support surface.

12. The conveyance path of the conveyor has a support surface for supporting the cultivation tray. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first elevator supports the cultivation tray in the handover area of the conveyance path at a position higher than the support surface.

13. A method for cultivating plants, comprising irradiating light on a cultivation rack on which a plurality of cultivation trays, each holding a plant and a nutrient solution for cultivating the plant, are arranged, and supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray at least once during cultivation of the plant. The cultivation rack includes a plurality of shelves each extending in a first direction and arranged in a height direction, and includes a plurality of shelves including a first shelf and the second shelf. Each shelf has a first end and a second end spaced apart in the first direction, and between the first end and the second end, the plurality of cultivation trays are arranged along the first direction at a plurality of positions including a first placement position close to the first end and a second placement position close to the second end, and each cultivation tray is movable between the first end and the second end. A first transfer space adjacent to the first end of each shelf and extending in the height direction and a second transfer space adjacent to the second end of each shelf and extending in the height direction are located. Moving the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf to the first transfer space, supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray, and then moving the cultivation tray to the first placement position of the second shelf. A method for cultivating plants, which comprises moving the cultivation tray at the second placement position of the second shelf to the second transfer space and moving it from the second transfer space to the second placement position of the first shelf.

14. A first elevator and a second elevator are respectively arranged in the first transfer space and the second transfer space. (a) The first elevator moves the cultivation tray at the first placement position of the first shelf to the first transfer space. (b) After the step (a), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray in the first transfer space to the supply position. (c) After the step (b), the nutrient solution control unit supplies the nutrient solution to the cultivation tray at the supply position. (d) After the step (c), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to a height adjacent to the second shelf. (e) After the step (d), the first elevator moves the cultivation tray supplied with the nutrient solution to the first placement position of the second shelf. (f) Before the step (e), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray at the second placement position of the second shelf to the second transfer space. (g) After the step (f), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to a height adjacent to the first shelf. (h) After the step (g), the second elevator moves the cultivation tray to the second placement position of the first shelf. The method for cultivating plants according to claim 13.

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