Cultivation device

Abstract

To provide a cultivation device that can suppress temperature reduction of an air layer.SOLUTION: A cultivation device comprises: a cultivation bed 10 which reserves nutritious liquid 3; and cultivation panels 30 to 30C which are arranged in the cultivation bed 10, and support the plants 2 such that the plants 2 can absorb the nutritious liquid 3, where the cultivation panels 30 to 30C comprise: a planting part 31 which is arranged above the nutritious liquid 3 such that an air layer X is formed between the nutritious liquid 3 in the cultivation bed 10 and the planting part, and on which the plants 2 are planted such that tip sides of roots 2a of the plants 2 are immersed into the nutritious liquid 3 and a part of the roots 2a is positioned in the air layer X; and a closed part 32 which extends from the planting part 31, and can close a side face of the air layer X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a plant cultivation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for cultivating plants by hydroponic cultivation have been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a hydroponic cultivation device that cultivates plants using a culture solution (nutrient solution). The hydroponic cultivation device described in Patent Document 1 includes a cultivation container that stores the nutrient solution, and a seedbed pallet that is placed above the nutrient solution in the cultivation container and that houses plants. The seedbed pallet is positioned so that an air layer is formed between the seedbed pallet and the surface of the nutrient solution in the cultivation container. By providing this air layer, oxygen can be absorbed directly by the roots of the plants, stabilizing their growth.

[0004] It is known that a drop in the temperature of the air layer may damage the roots of plants located in the air layer. In the hydroponic cultivation device described in Patent Document 1, there is a gap (a portion of the interior of the cultivation container that is not covered by the seedbed pallet), and the air layer communicates with the outside of the hydroponic cultivation device through the gap. This may result in a drop in the temperature of the air layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-178887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a cultivation device that can suppress a decrease in the temperature of the air layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, claim 1 provides a cultivation device for cultivating plants by hydroponics, comprising: a storage section for storing a nutrient solution; and a support section that is disposed within the storage section and supports the plant so that the plant can absorb the nutrient solution. The support section is disposed above the nutrient solution in the storage section so that an air layer is formed between the support section and the nutrient solution, and the support section comprises a planting section in which the plant is planted so that the tips of the roots of the plant are immersed in the nutrient solution and part of the roots are located in the air layer; and a closing section that extends from the planting section and is capable of closing the sides of the air layer.

[0009] In claim 2, the closing portion is formed so that the tip end in the extending direction is located below the liquid surface of the nutrient solution in the storage portion.

[0010] In claim 3, the planting section is capable of planting a plurality of the plants, and is formed so that the roots of the plurality of plants are located in the air layer.

[0011] In claim 4, the blocking portion is formed so as to block the entire side of the air layer.

[0012] In claim 5, the storage section has a side wall section that partitions the side of the internal space of the storage section, and the blocking section is formed so as to be able to block the air layer by means of a part of the side wall section.

[0013] In claim 6, a plurality of the planting sections are provided, and a plurality of the blocking sections are provided so as to extend from the plurality of planting sections respectively so as to block the sides of the plurality of air layers.

[0014] In claim 7, the support portion is provided with a connecting portion that connects the multiple blocking portions together and has a lower surface that is located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution in the storage portion, and the connecting portion is formed with a hole portion that exposes the nutrient solution to the outside of the cultivation device.

[0015] In claim 8, the support parts are provided in the storage part in parallel with each other, and a first part extending toward the one side is formed at one end in the parallel direction, and a second part extending toward the other side at a height different from the first part is formed at the other end in the parallel direction, and when the multiple support parts are arranged in parallel, at least a part of the second part of the support part on the one side and the first part of the support part on the other side are arranged to overlap with each other, and the overlapping first part and second part cover the nutrient solution so that the nutrient solution is not exposed to the outside of the cultivation device in a plan view, and form a communication path that connects the nutrient solution to the outside of the cultivation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention has the following effects.

[0017] In the present invention, the temperature drop of the air layer can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing a cultivation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) A side cross-sectional view showing the cultivation device, (b) A perspective view showing the cultivation panel. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing a conventional cultivation device. [Figure 4] 10A is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cultivation device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cultivation panel according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing a cultivation apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a cultivation device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged front cross-sectional view showing a connection portion of a plurality of cultivation panels. [Figure 7] 10A is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a cultivation panel according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of cultivation panels are arranged side by side in the cultivation device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The cultivation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Note that in each figure, the shape and size of some components may be changed as appropriate for the sake of convenience.

[0020] The cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment cultivates a plant 2 by hydroponics (nutrient solution cultivation). The plant 2 may be, for example, a crop generally suited to hydroponics, such as lettuce. The cultivation apparatus 1 cultivates the plant 2 by causing the roots 2a of the plant 2 to absorb a nutrient solution 3 (culture solution). Here, the nutrient solution 3 is a solution in which fertilizer is dissolved in water. The nutrient solution 3 may contain, for example, various components (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, etc.) blended in proportions suitable for general plants. Note that in the following figures, the nutrient solution 3 is shaded.

[0021] Below, we will first explain the aspects of hydroponic cultivation using Figures 1 and 3. There are two known methods of hydroponic cultivation: DFT (submerged fluidized bed hydroponic system) and NFT (non-thin film hydroponic system). In DFT, a cultivation panel on which a plant 2 is planted is floated in a nutrient solution 3 that is stored so that the water is deep. When DFT is used, almost the entire roots 2a of the plant 2 are immersed in the nutrient solution 3, making it difficult to supply sufficient oxygen to the roots 2a, and there is a risk that the plant 2 will become oxygen-deficient.

[0022] On the other hand, in NFT, a plant 2 is supported so that only the tips of the roots 2a of the plant 2 are immersed in the nutrient solution 3, which is stored so that the water depth is shallow. Figure 3 shows a conventional cultivation device 5 that employs NFT. In the example shown in Figure 3, the nutrient solution 3 is stored in a cultivation bed 6 that opens upward, and a plate-shaped cultivation panel 7 on which the plant 2 is planted is arranged so as to cover the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 6 from above. An air layer (air layer X) is formed between the cultivation panel 7 and the cultivation bed 6.

[0023] When the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is adopted, by exposing a portion of the roots 2a of the plant 2 to the air, oxygen can be directly absorbed by the roots 2a. This prevents the plant 2 from becoming oxygen-deficient. Furthermore, the air layer X contains a large amount of moisture. In NFT, by exposing a portion of the roots 2a to the moisture in the air layer X, the growth of the plant 2 is stabilized.

[0024] Here, it is known that in NFT, a drop in humidity or temperature of the air layer X may damage the roots 2a of the plant 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a portion (gap Y) of the opening of the cultivation bed 6 that is not covered by the cultivation panel 7 is formed, and the gap Y is used to supply the nutrient solution 3 to the cultivation bed 6. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the air layer X communicates with the outside of the cultivation device 5 through the gap Y (see the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. 3). For this reason, there is a risk that the humidity or temperature of the air layer X may drop.

[0025] The cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment enables hydroponic cultivation using NFT while suppressing a decrease in temperature and humidity in the air layer X. The configuration of the cultivation apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The cultivation apparatus 1 is installed indoors, for example, in a plant factory or a greenhouse. The cultivation apparatus 1 includes a cultivation bed 10, a nutrient solution supply unit 20, and a cultivation panel 30.

[0026] The cultivation bed 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2(a) is one in which the nutrient solution 3 is stored. The cultivation bed 10 is formed in a roughly box shape that is open upward. The cultivation bed 10 is formed in a shape that is long in the left-right direction. The cultivation bed 10 includes a bottom 11 that forms the bottom surface, and side wall portions 12 that rise from all four sides of the bottom 11 and divide the sides (front, back, left, and right) of the internal space of the cultivation bed 10. The bottom 11 is inclined so that the stored nutrient solution 3 can flow. Specifically, the bottom 11 is formed so as to gently incline downward as it goes to the right. For convenience of illustration, the bottom 11 is shown as being roughly horizontal.

[0027] The nutrient solution supplying unit 20 supplies the nutrient solution 3 into the cultivation bed 10. In the illustrated example, the nutrient solution supplying unit 20 supplies the nutrient solution 3 to the left end side of the interior of the cultivation bed 10 (a gap Y on the left side of the interior of the cultivation bed 10 that is not covered by the cultivation panel 30). The nutrient solution 3 supplied from the nutrient solution supplying unit 20 flows to the right along the bottom 11 at a shallow depth (see FIG. 1). The nutrient solution 3 that has flowed as described above is drained at the right end side of the cultivation bed 10 through an appropriate drainage outlet formed in the bottom 11. The nutrient solution supplying unit 20 can supply the nutrient solution 3 so that the drained nutrient solution 3 circulates.

[0028] In this embodiment, the nutrient solution supply unit 20 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the nutrient solution 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the space in which the cultivation device 1 is installed can be adjusted using the nutrient solution 3 whose temperature has been adjusted as described above. Temperature adjustment using the nutrient solution 3 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The cultivation panel 30 shown in Figures 1 and 2 supports the plant 2 in the cultivation bed 10 so that the plant 2 can absorb the nutrient solution 3. The cultivation panel 30 is arranged so as to cover the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 10 from above. The cultivation panel 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The cultivation panel 30 is also formed in a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The cultivation panel 30 includes a planting section 31 and a closing section 32.

[0030] The planting section 31 is a portion where the plants 2 are planted. The planting section 31 is formed in a generally plate-like shape with the plate surface facing up and down. As shown in FIG. 1, the left-right dimension of the planting section 31 is formed to be smaller than the left-right dimension of the opening of the cultivation bed 10. Also, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the front-rear dimension of the planting section 31 is formed to be larger than the front-rear dimension of the cultivation bed 10. The planting section 31 has a planting hole portion 31a.

[0031] The planting holes 31a are for planting plants 2. The planting holes 31a are formed so as to penetrate the planting section 31 from top to bottom. As shown in Figures 1 and 2(b), multiple planting holes 31a are formed. In the illustrated example, multiple planting holes 31a are formed in the left-right and front-back directions. Note that the above figures are schematic diagrams, and the number of planting holes 31a is not limited to those shown in the figures, and various numbers can be used.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, a culture medium 4 for planting a plant 2 is provided in the planting hole 31a. The culture medium 4 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape that corresponds to the inner diameter of the planting hole 31a. The culture medium 4 is made of, for example, a sponge. The plant 2 is planted in the planting section 31 via the culture medium 4.

[0033] The planting section 31 is provided so as to be located at the upper end of the cultivation bed 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(a), both front-rear end portions of the planting section 31 are placed on the upper end portion of the cultivation bed 10. In this state, an air layer X is formed between the planting section 31 and the nutrient solution 3 stored in the cultivation bed 10.

[0034] The blocking portion 32 is capable of blocking the sides of the air layer X. In this embodiment, the blocking portion 32 forms side walls that can block the four sides (front, back, left, and right) of the air layer X. The blocking portion 32 includes left and right blocking portions 32a and front and rear blocking portions 32b.

[0035] The left and right closing portions 32a shown in Figures 1 and 2 close both the left and right sides of the air layer X. The left and right closing portions 32a are formed so as to extend downward from both left and right ends of the planting section 31. The left and right closing portions 32a are formed in a generally plate shape with the plate surface facing left and right. The front-rear dimension of the left and right closing portions 32a is formed to be approximately the same as the front-rear dimension of the opening of the cultivation bed 10 (see Figure 2(a)). Note that the front-rear dimension of the left and right closing portions 32a may be formed to be smaller than the front-rear dimension of the opening of the cultivation bed 10.

[0036] The front and rear closing portions 32b close both the front and rear sides of the air layer X. The front and rear closing portions 32b are formed so as to extend downward from both front and rear end sides of the planting section 31. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the front and rear closing portions 32b are arranged along the inner surface of the side wall portion 12 that separates the front and rear of the cultivation bed 10.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), at least the lower ends of the closing portions 32 (the left and right closing portions 32a and the front and rear closing portions 32b) are located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 10. In the illustrated example, the lower ends of the closing portions 32 are in contact with the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3, but the lower ends of the closing portions 32 may be located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3. In this embodiment, a gap is formed between the lower ends of the closing portions 32 and the bottom 11 of the cultivation bed 10. The nutrient solution 3 supplied into the cultivation bed 10 can pass through the gap and circulate within the cultivation bed 10.

[0038] When the cultivation panel 30 is installed in the cultivation bed 10, the tip portions of the roots 2a of the plurality of plants 2 planted in the planting section 31 are immersed in the nutrient solution 3. In addition, in this state, a portion of the roots 2a of the plurality of plants 2 (above the tip portions) can be exposed to the air layer X. This allows the roots 2a of the plants to directly absorb oxygen.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the air layer X is closed by the planting section 31 and the closing section 32 of the cultivation panel 30. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the air layer X from communicating with the outside of the cultivation device 1 and to prevent a decrease in the humidity and temperature of the air layer X. In this way, with the cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to promote the development of the roots 2a and stabilize the growth of the plants 2 by maintaining the temperature and humidity in the root zone of the plants 2.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, the entire lateral side (front, back, left, and right) of the air layer X is blocked by the blocking portions 32 (the left and right blocking portions 32a and the front and rear blocking portions 32b). According to the above configuration, unlike the cultivation device 1A according to the second embodiment described later (see FIG. 4), the entire lateral side of the air layer X can be blocked only by the blocking portions 32 of the cultivation panel 30. This makes it possible to block the entire lateral side of the air layer X regardless of the shape of the cultivation bed 10 (for example, even when the front-rear dimension of the opening of the cultivation bed 10 is larger than the front-rear dimension of the left and right blocking portions 32a).

[0041] 1, on both the left and right sides of the interior of the cultivation bed 10, there are formed gaps Y, which are portions that are not covered by the cultivation panels 30. In this embodiment, the nutrient solution 3 is supplied from the nutrient solution supply unit 20 through the gap Y on the left side.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, the heat of the nutrient solution 3, whose temperature has been adjusted by the nutrient solution supply unit 20, is supplied to the outside (room) of the cultivation device through the gap Y, thereby adjusting the temperature in the room where the cultivation device 1 is installed (see the arrow indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1). Note that, when adjusting the room temperature using the nutrient solution 3 as described above, it is necessary to ensure the gap Y, and therefore the temperature and humidity of the air layer X tend to decrease in the conventional cultivation device 5 shown in FIG. 3. However, in the cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the air layer X is closed, and therefore the decrease in the temperature and humidity of the air layer X can be suppressed.

[0043] In addition to the gap Y, it is also possible to supply heat from the nutrient solution 3 into the room through some of the planting holes 31a provided in the cultivation panel 30, leaving the planting holes 31a open without planting plants 2 in them. In this case, although there is some effect on the temperature and humidity of the air layer X, the effect can be reduced by closing the air layer X with the planting section 31 and the closing section 32.

[0044] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which one cultivation panel 30 is provided for one cultivation bed 10 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and it is also possible to arrange multiple cultivation panels 30 in parallel in the left-right direction for one cultivation bed 10 (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0045] Other embodiments (second to fourth embodiments) of the present invention will be described below. In the following description of the other embodiments, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of common configurations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] First, a cultivation device 1A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The cultivation device 1A differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the cultivation panel 30A. Specifically, in the cultivation panel 30 according to the first embodiment, the entire sides of the air layer X are blocked by the left and right blocking portions 32a and the front and rear blocking portions 32b, whereas in this embodiment, the blocking portions 32A block the sides of the air layer X with parts of the side wall portions 12 of the cultivation bed 10.

[0047] The cultivation panel 30A according to this embodiment does not include the front and rear closing portions 32b of the closing portion 32A, and only includes the left and right closing portions 32a. In this embodiment, the front-rear dimension of the closing portion 32 of the left and right closing portions 32a is formed to be approximately the same as the front-rear dimension of the opening of the cultivation bed 10 (see FIG. 4(a)). Therefore, the air layer X can be closed from the sides by a part of the side wall portion 12 of the cultivation bed 10 (the side wall portion 12 that separates the front and rear) and the left and right closing portions 32a.

[0048] The cultivation apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment also achieves substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the configuration of the cultivation panel 30A can be simplified. While the above-described example shows an example in which all of the front and rear blocking portions 32b are omitted, it is also possible to omit only one of the front and rear front and rear blocking portions 32b. It is also possible to omit at least one of the right and left left and right blocking portions 32a.

[0049] Next, a cultivation device 1B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The cultivation device 1B differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the cultivation panel 30B. The cultivation device 1B according to the third embodiment has a lower portion 33 that constitutes the lower end of the cultivation panel 30B. The lower portion 33 is formed in a generally plate-like shape with the plate surface facing in the vertical direction. The lower portion 33 is disposed so that its lower surface is located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3. Note that, in the illustrated example, an example is shown in which the lower surface of the lower portion 33 is in contact with the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3, but the lower surface of the lower portion 33 may be located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3.

[0050] In this embodiment, a plurality of planting sections 31 and closing sections 32 are formed so as to protrude upward (be convex) relative to the lower section 33. As shown in Fig. 4, the cultivation panel 30B is formed in an uneven shape with convex sections formed by the planting sections 31 and the closing sections 32 and concave sections formed by the lower sections 33 connecting the lower ends of the closing sections 32 that make up the convex sections.

[0051] A single planting hole 31a is formed in each of the multiple planting sections 31. That is, in this embodiment, one plant 2 is planted in one planting section 31. The planting section 31 and the closing section 32 that constitute the convex section each form an air layer X. Therefore, in this embodiment, one air layer X is formed for one plant 2. The cultivation panel 30B may be fixed to the cultivation bed 10, or may be floated in the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 10.

[0052] In addition, the lower portion 33 is formed with a hole 33a that penetrates the lower portion 33 from top to bottom. A plurality of the hole 33a is formed. In this embodiment, a hole 33a is formed for each recess of the cultivation panel 30B.

[0053] According to this embodiment, one air layer X is formed for one plant 2, so even if a plant 2 is not planted in a certain planting section 31 and the planting hole section 31a is opened, causing a decrease in the temperature and humidity of one air layer X, it is possible to prevent this from affecting other air layers X.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the nutrient solution 3 can be exposed to the outside of the cultivation device 1 through the holes 33a. This allows the heat of the nutrient solution 3 to be supplied to the room without reducing the temperature and humidity of the air layer X. In addition, in this embodiment, the plurality of holes 33a can be used to adjust the room temperature using the heat of the nutrient solution 3 across the entire cultivation panel 30B.

[0055] Next, a cultivation apparatus 1C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The cultivation apparatus 1C differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the end of the cultivation panel 30C. Note that, like the cultivation apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment, the cultivation panel 30C does not include the front and rear closing portions 32b of the closing portion 32A, and only includes the left and right closing portions 32a.

[0056] In this embodiment, a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) cultivation panels 30C are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction for one cultivation bed 10. In the following, the right cultivation panel 30C may be referred to as the "right cultivation panel 30CR," and the left cultivation panel 30C may be referred to as the "left cultivation panel 30CL."

[0057] 7(b), when multiple cultivation panels 30 are arranged side by side, an opening Z1 may be formed between each panel, which is a portion where the nutrient solution 3 is exposed. The opening Z1 can be used to supply heat from the nutrient solution 3 to the room, but if light such as sunlight is irradiated onto the nutrient solution 3 through the opening Z1, algae may grow in the cultivation bed 10.

[0058] The cultivation panel 30C according to the fourth embodiment can suppress the growth of algae as described above. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7(a), the left end of the cultivation panel 30C is provided with a first portion 31b extending leftward relative to the closing portion 32 (the left and right closing portions 32a). The first portion 31b is formed in a shape that extends the planting portion 31 leftward. The first portion 31b is also formed with a communication hole 31c that penetrates the first portion 31b in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the communication hole 31c can be formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the planting hole 31a, for example. It is also possible to form the inner diameter of the communication hole 31c to be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the planting hole 31a.

[0059] The right end of the cultivation panel 30C is provided with a second portion 32c extending rightward relative to the closing portion 32 (the left and right closing portions 32a). The second portion 32c is formed to extend rightward from the lower end of the right-side closing portion 32a. As shown in FIG. 6, when the cultivation panels 30C are arranged side by side, the first portion 31b of the right cultivation panel 30CR and the second portion 32c of the left cultivation panel 30CL overlap each other vertically.

[0060] 6(b), the second portion 32c of the left cultivation panel 30CL is formed so as to leave a gap Z2 with respect to the right cultivation panel 30CR (not abut against the left cultivation panel 30CL) when the first portion 31b of the right cultivation panel 30CR is in abutment against the left cultivation panel 30CL. In addition, the gap Z2 is formed so as not to overlap with the communication hole portion 31c in a plan view.

[0061] In this embodiment, a labyrinth-shaped communication path Z3 is formed between the right cultivation panel 30CR and the left cultivation panel 30CL via the gap Z2 and the communication hole 31c, connecting the nutrient solution 3 to the room. According to the above configuration, while it is possible to supply heat from the nutrient solution 3 to the room, the first portion 31b and the second portion 32c block light such as sunlight from reaching the nutrient solution 3, thereby suppressing the growth of algae.

[0062] As described above, the cultivation devices 1 to 1C according to this embodiment are: A cultivation device 1-1C for cultivating a plant 2 by hydroponic cultivation, A cultivation bed 10 (storage section) for storing the nutrient solution 3; Cultivation panels 30 to 30C (supporting parts) are placed in the cultivation bed 10 and support the plants 2 so that the plants 2 can absorb the nutrient solution 3; Equipped with The cultivation panels 30 to 30C are a planting section 31 in which the plant 2 is planted, the planting section 31 being disposed above the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 10 so that an air layer X is formed between the plant 2 and the nutrient solution 3, and the tip side of the roots 2a of the plant 2 is immersed in the nutrient solution 3 and a part of the roots 2a is positioned in the air layer X; a closing portion 32 extending from the planting portion 31 and capable of closing the side of the air layer X; It is equipped with the following.

[0063] This configuration can suppress a decrease in the temperature of the air layer X. That is, according to the cultivation panels 30 to 30C, while the air layer X allows the roots 2a of the plants to directly absorb oxygen, by closing the air layer X with the closing section 32, communication between the air layer X and the outside of the cultivation device 1 can be suppressed, and a decrease in the humidity and temperature of the air layer X can be suppressed. This maintains the temperature and humidity in the root zone of the plants 2, promoting the development of the roots 2a and stabilizing the growth of the plants 2.

[0064] The blocking portion 32 is The tip end in the extending direction is formed so as to be located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 10.

[0065] By configuring it in this manner, the air layer X can be partitioned by the planting section 31, the closing section 32, and the liquid surface of the nutrient solution 3, and a decrease in the temperature and humidity of the air layer X can be effectively suppressed.

[0066] In addition, the planting section 31 is A plurality of the plants 2 can be planted, and the roots 2a of the plurality of the plants 2 are formed so as to be located in the air layer X.

[0067] With this configuration, it is possible to use one air layer X to stabilize the growth of a plurality of plants 2.

[0068] The blocking portion 32 is formed so as to block the entire side of the air layer X.

[0069] By configuring in this way, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the temperature and humidity of the air layer X.

[0070] In addition, the cultivation bed 10 is The cultivation bed 10 includes a side wall portion 12 that defines the side of the internal space thereof, The blocking portion 32 is The air layer X can be closed by a part of the side wall portion 12.

[0071] By configuring in this way, it is possible to omit a part of the blocking portion 32, and to simplify the configuration of the cultivation panel 30A.

[0072] In addition, the planting section 31 is There are multiple The blocking portion 32 is A plurality of the air gaps are provided so as to extend from the plurality of planting sections 31 respectively so as to close the sides of the plurality of air layers X.

[0073] This configuration can effectively prevent a decrease in temperature and humidity in the air layer X. That is, since a plurality of air layers X are formed by the plurality of planting sections 31 and the closing sections 32, even if a plant 2 is not planted in a certain planting section 31 and the planting hole 31a is left open, causing a decrease in temperature and humidity in one air layer X, it is possible to prevent this from affecting other air layers X.

[0074] In addition, the cultivation panel 30B is The plurality of closing portions 32 are connected to each other, and a lower portion 33 (connecting portion) whose lower surface is located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3 in the cultivation bed 10 is provided. The lower portion 33 is formed with a hole 33a that exposes the nutrient solution 3 to the outside of the cultivation apparatus 1B.

[0075] With this configuration, the nutrient solution 3 can be exposed to the outside of the cultivation device 1 through the holes 33a. This allows the heat of the nutrient solution 3 to be supplied to the room without reducing the temperature and humidity of the air layer X.

[0076] In addition, the Cultivation Panel 30C is A plurality of cultivation beds 10 are provided in parallel with each other in the cultivation bed 10, A first portion 31b extending toward one side is formed at one end in the parallel direction, A second portion 32c is formed at the end on the other side in the parallel direction, the second portion 32c having a height different from that of the first portion 31b and extending toward the other side. When the plurality of cultivation panels 30C are arranged in parallel, the second portion 32c of the left cultivation panel 30CL (the support portion on one side) and the first portion 31b of the right cultivation panel 30CR (the support portion on the other side) are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap each other, The first portion 31b and the second portion 32c overlapping each other are In a plan view, the nutrient solution 3 is covered so that it is not exposed to the outside of the cultivation apparatus 1C, and a communication path Z3 is formed that connects the nutrient solution 3 to the outside of the cultivation apparatus 1C.

[0077] By configuring it in this manner, it is possible to supply heat from the nutrient solution 3 into the room using the communication path Z3, while the first part 31b and the second part 32c block light such as sunlight from reaching the nutrient solution 3, thereby suppressing the growth of algae.

[0078] The cultivation bed 10 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a storage unit. Moreover, the cultivation panels 30 to 30C according to this embodiment are an embodiment of the support portion. The lower portion 33 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a connecting portion.

[0079] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configurations, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0080] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the lower end (lower part 33) of the closing part 32 is separated from the bottom 11 of the cultivation bed 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower end (lower part 33) of the closing part 32 may be in contact with the bottom 11. In this case, the closing part 32 (left and right closing parts 32a) may be formed with a notch through which the nutrient solution 3 can flow. According to the above-described configuration, the cultivation panels 30 to 30C can be placed on the bottom 11 of the cultivation bed 10.

[0081] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been shown in which the lower end (lower part 33) of the closing part 32 is positioned below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower end (lower part 33) of the closing part 32 may be positioned to a certain extent (e.g., slightly) above the liquid level of the nutrient solution 3. In this case, a gap will be formed between the lower end (lower part 33) of the closing part 32 and the liquid level, which will affect the temperature and humidity of the air layer X to some extent. However, by closing off the upper and lateral sides of the air layer X with the planting part 31 and the closing part 32, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature and humidity of the air layer X.

[0082] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the cultivation apparatuses 1 to 1C are configured by the cultivation bed 10, the nutrient solution supplying unit 20, and the cultivation panels 30 to 30C, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the nutrient solution supplying unit 20 may not be included in the cultivation apparatuses 1 to 1C.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, lettuce and other agricultural products that are generally suitable for hydroponic cultivation are used as an example of the plant 2, but the plant 2 is not limited to this. Various plants that can be grown hydroponically can be used as the plant 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1~1C cultivation equipment 10 grow beds 20 Nutrient solution supply unit 30~30C cultivation panel

Claims

1. A cultivation device for cultivating plants by hydroponics, a storage section for storing nutrient solution; a support portion disposed in the reservoir portion and supporting the plant so that the plant can absorb the nutrient solution; Equipped with The support portion is a planting section in which the plant is planted, the planting section being disposed above the nutrient solution in the storage section so that an air layer is formed between the nutrient solution and the plant, and the tip side of the roots of the plant are immersed in the nutrient solution and a part of the roots are positioned in the air layer; a closing portion extending from the planting portion and capable of closing a side of the air layer; Equipped with Cultivation equipment.

2. The blocking portion is The extension direction tip portion is formed so as to be located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution in the storage portion, The cultivation device according to claim 1.

3. The planting section includes: A plurality of the plants can be planted, and the roots of the plurality of the plants are formed so as to be located in the air layer. The cultivation device according to claim 1.

4. The blocking portion is formed so as to block the entire side of the air layer. The cultivation device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The storage section is A side wall portion that partitions the side of the internal space of the storage portion is provided, The blocking portion is The air layer is formed so as to be able to be closed by a part of the side wall portion. The cultivation device according to claim 1.

6. The planting section includes: There are multiple The blocking portion is A plurality of the air gaps are provided so as to extend from the plurality of planting sections respectively so as to close the sides of the plurality of air gaps. The cultivation device according to claim 1.

7. The support portion is The storage section includes a connecting section that connects the plurality of closing sections to each other and has a lower surface that is located below the liquid level of the nutrient solution in the storage section, The connection portion has a hole formed therein for exposing the nutrient solution to the outside of the cultivation device. The cultivation device according to claim 5.

8. The support portion is A plurality of the nozzles are provided in parallel with each other in the storage section, a first portion extending toward one side is formed at an end portion on one side in the parallel direction; a second portion extending toward the other side at a height different from that of the first portion is formed at an end portion on the other side in the parallel direction; The plurality of support portions are arranged in parallel such that the second portion of the support portion on the one side and the first portion of the support portion on the other side at least partially overlap each other, The first portion and the second portion overlapping each other, The nutrient solution is covered so that the nutrient solution is not exposed to the outside of the cultivation device in a plan view, and a communication path is formed to communicate the nutrient solution with the outside of the cultivation device. The cultivation device according to claim 1.

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