Variable structure

Abstract

Achieve energy savings in variable structures. [Solution] The variable structure is installed inside another structure. Inside the variable structure, plants or mushrooms are cultivated, livestock are raised, aquatic organisms are farmed, goods are stored, or servers are installed. The variable structure has a front wall, ceiling, rear wall, left side wall, and right side wall that can be changed and erected inside. The interior is formed by being enclosed by the front wall, ceiling, rear wall, left side wall, and right side wall. A supply port for supplying air-conditioned air from an air conditioner to the interior is provided on the ground inside or on the floor of another structure inside. By changing the configuration of the front wall, the state in which the outside and inside of the variable structure are separated is changed to a state in which the outside and inside are in communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a variable structure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0002]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a greenhouse provided with a lighting device for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. The object of the present disclosure is to achieve energy savings for a variable structure in which plant cultivation and the like are carried out.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The variable structure of the first aspect is provided inside another structure. Inside the variable structure, plants or mushrooms are cultivated, livestock are raised, aquatic organisms are cultured, goods are stored, or servers are installed. The variable structure includes a front wall, a ceiling, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The front wall can be changed in aspect and erected inside. The ceiling is in contact with the front wall. The rear wall is erected inside, faces the front wall, and is in contact with the ceiling. The left side wall is erected inside and is in contact with the front wall, the ceiling, and the rear wall. The right side wall is erected inside, faces the left side wall, and is in contact with the front wall, the ceiling, and the rear wall. The inside is formed by being surrounded by the front wall, the ceiling, the rear wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall. An air supply port for supplying air-conditioned air from an air conditioner to the inside is provided on the ground inside or the floor of another structure inside. By changing the aspect of the front wall, the state where the outside and the inside of the variable structure are blocked can be changed to the state where the outside and the inside communicate with each other.

[0005] The variable structure in the second aspect is installed inside another structure. Inside the variable structure, plants or mushrooms are cultivated, livestock are raised, aquatic organisms are farmed, goods are stored, or servers are installed. The variable structure has a front wall that can be changed in configuration and erected inside. The interior is formed by being enclosed by at least the front wall and at least one of the vertical walls and ceiling of the other structure. A supply inlet for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner to the interior is provided in the ground inside or in the other structure inside. By changing the configuration of the front wall, the state in which the outside and inside of the variable structure are separated is changed to a state in which the outside and inside are in communication.

[0006] The variable structure in the third view is the variable structure in the second view, further comprising a first component adjacent to the front wall. The first component is either the ceiling, the left side wall, or the right side wall. The ceiling is adjacent to the front wall. The left side wall is erected internally and adjacent to the front wall. The right side wall is erected internally and adjacent to the front wall. The interior is formed by being enclosed by at least the front wall, the first component, and at least one of the vertical walls and ceilings of other structures.

[0007] A variable structure in the fourth view is a variable structure in the second or third view, further comprising a rear wall erected inside and facing the front wall. The interior is formed by being enclosed by at least the front wall, the rear wall, and at least one of the vertical walls and ceiling of the other structure.

[0008] The variable structure of the fifth aspect is a variable structure of any aspect from the first aspect to the fourth aspect, further comprising an exhaust port. The exhaust port discharges the internal air from the inside to the outside.

[0009] The variable structure in the sixth aspect is the variable structure in the fifth aspect, wherein the exhaust port is connected to a hose that leads to an air conditioner.

[0010] A variable structure in the seventh aspect is a variable structure in any of the first, fourth, or fourth aspects, further comprising an exhaust port in the ground or another structure inside. The exhaust port discharges the air inside from the inside to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 4] This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 5] This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 6] This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 2. [Figure 18]It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 200A. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 200A. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 200A. [Figure 21] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the facility 3. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 300A. [Figure 23] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the facility 4. [Figure 24] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 400A. [Figure 25] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 400A. [Figure 26] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the facility 5. [Figure 27] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 500A. [Figure 28] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the facility 6. [Figure 29] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 600A. [Figure 30] It is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 600A.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <Current Situation> In recent years, inside structures, plants or mushrooms are cultivated, livestock are raised, aquatic organisms are cultured, goods are stored, servers are installed, and the structures are used. In order to create a predetermined environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) inside the structure where plants or mushrooms, livestock, aquatic organisms, goods, and servers exist, air conditioning for the inside of the structure is being carried out. Therefore, there is a problem that a large amount of energy is used for air conditioning the inside of the structure. Hereinafter, an embodiment of an example of a variable structure that contributes to solving the above problem will be described.

[0013] In the following embodiments, "front" means the X direction, "back" means the negative X direction, "left" means the negative Z direction, "right" means the Z direction, "down" means the negative Y direction, and "up" means the Y direction. Depth is the length in the X direction. Width is the length in the Z direction. Height is the distance in the Y direction from the ground or floor.

[0014] In the following embodiments, the ground and floor are approximately horizontal. Therefore, if something is approximately perpendicular to the ground or floor, it is approximately vertical. If something is approximately parallel to the ground or floor, it is approximately horizontal. An oblique view is a view from diagonally above. A front view is a view from the front. A rear view is a view from the rear. A left side view is a view from the left. A right side view is a view from the right. A top view is a view from above.

[0015] In the following embodiments, a structure includes buildings and structures. A building is a structure fixed to the ground that has a roof and columns or walls. A structure is an artificial object fixed to the ground. A "hose" is a general term for a passage that carries fluids such as air, and includes so-called "ducts" and "air passages". An "air passage" includes underfloor air passages, ceiling air passages, and wall air passages.

[0016] In the following embodiments, the planar components may be curved components that cover the entire plane or a portion thereof. Blocking includes not only complete obstruction but also difficulty in passing through. For example, blocking A and B includes making it difficult to pass from B to A by covering the space between A and B with a wall.

[0017] In the following embodiments, "cultivating plants" does not necessarily mean that plants are always present. "Cultivating plants" includes situations where plants are no longer present after harvesting. It also includes situations where plants are present but not visible to the naked eye. The plants depicted in the drawings are in a fully grown state.

[0018] <First Embodiment> (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of Equipment 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. Equipment 1 mainly consists of a greenhouse 10 and an air conditioner 11.

[0019] (1-1) Greenhouse A greenhouse 10 is a structure in which a frame is assembled and the top is covered with plastic sheeting or similar material, for the purpose of cultivating plants P. Plants P are cultivated inside the greenhouse 10.

[0020] The interior of the greenhouse 10 mainly consists of structure 100A and structure 100B. The interior of the greenhouse 10 is divided into the inner area I1 of structure 100A, the inner area I2 of structure 100B, and space I3. Space I3 is outside of structures 100A and 100B and is the interior of the greenhouse 10. Details of structures 100A and 100B will be described later. The greenhouse 10 mainly has an entrance / exit 101, a passageway 102, and one or more lights (not shown).

[0021] The vinyl greenhouse 10 may also be a greenhouse (such as a glass greenhouse or a plastic film greenhouse). Furthermore, the vinyl greenhouse 10 may or may not be a building.

[0022] (1-1-1) Entrance / exit The entrance / exit 101 is an entrance for people or equipment that will be performing agricultural work to move from the outside of the greenhouse 10 to the inside of the greenhouse 10. The entrance / exit 101 is also an exit for people or equipment that have performed agricultural work to move from the inside of the greenhouse 10 to the outside of the greenhouse 10. The entrance / exit 101 may be a structure that can be opened and closed (opening / closing opening) or a structure that is open (opening). The greenhouse 10 may have multiple entrances / exits 101.

[0023] Agricultural work refers to work performed on plants P by people or equipment. Examples of agricultural work include sowing, which is the work of planting seeds or seedlings of plants P; cultivation, which is the work performed for the growth of plants P (watering, spraying pesticides, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, etc.); harvesting, which is the work of harvesting all or part of plants P; soil work, which is the work of preparing the soil or tilling it; hydroponic work, which is the work of storing or changing nutrient solutions; and other agricultural work.

[0024] (1-1-2) Passageway Passageway 102 is a passageway used by people or equipment when agricultural work is carried out, and is an outside passageway of structures 100A and 100B.

[0025] (1-2) Air conditioner The air conditioner 11 provides air conditioning to inner chambers I1 and I2. Examples of air conditioning include cooling, heating, ventilation, air purification, dehumidification, and humidification. The air outlet of the air conditioner 11 is connected to inner chambers I1 and I2 by a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown). The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to inner chambers I1 and I2 via the hose.

[0026] Furthermore, the location where the air conditioner 11 is installed is not limited to the outside of the greenhouse 10. The air conditioner 11 may be installed in at least one of the following spaces: the inner space I1, the inner space I2, and the space I3.

[0027] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configurations of structures 100A and 100B will now be described. Structure 100A is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 100A. Structure 100B is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 100B. A variable structure is a structure whose configuration can be changed. The structure of structure 100A and the structure of structure 100B are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The functions of structure 100A and structure 100B are the same. The structure and function of structure 100A will be described below.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. Figure 3 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. Figure 4 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. Figure 5 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. Figure 6 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. Figure 7 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A.

[0029] Structure 100A mainly consists of a front wall 110, a first guide rail 112, a second guide rail 113, a case 114, a left side wall 120, a right side wall 130, a rear wall 140, and a ceiling 150.

[0030] The first guide rail 112 is installed substantially perpendicular to the ground T. The second guide rail 113 is installed opposite the first guide rail 112 and substantially perpendicular to the ground T.

[0031] The front wall 110 is mainly composed of multiple slats SL. For example, the front wall 110 is mainly composed of nine slats SL. The slats SL are approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The slats SL are connected to other adjacent slats SL. The slats SL are guided by the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 113 and can slide in the Y direction or the negative Y direction (the direction in which the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 113 extend). The appearance of the front wall 110 is changed by the sliding of the slats SL guided by the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 113. The front wall 110 is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The front wall 110 faces the passage 102.

[0032] Case 114 accommodates the slats SL that have been slid in the Y direction. Case 114 is provided to accommodate all of the slats SL that make up the front wall 110.

[0033] The left wall 120 faces the right wall 130 and is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The left wall 120 is in contact with the front wall 110, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150.

[0034] The right-side wall 130 faces the left-side wall 120 and is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The right-side wall 130 is in contact with the front wall 110, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150. The right-side wall 130 is provided with an opening 131 that communicates with the outside of the structure 100A.

[0035] The opening 131 is an example of an exhaust port. The air inside I1 is discharged from inside I1 to the outside of the structure 100A through the opening 131. For example, the opening 131 is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air inside I1 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening 131 and the hose. The opening 131 may be provided in any of the front wall 110, the left side wall 120, the rear wall 140, or the ceiling 150.

[0036] The rear wall 140 faces the front wall 110 and is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The rear wall 140 is in contact with the left wall 120, the right wall 130, and the ceiling 150.

[0037] The ceiling 150 faces the ground T, is approximately parallel to the ground T, and is approximately horizontal. The ceiling 150 is in contact with the front wall 110, the left side wall 120, the right side wall 130, and the rear wall 140.

[0038] An opening O is provided in the ground T inside I1. The opening O is an example of a supply port. The opening O is connected to a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown) that is buried in the ground T and is connected to a hose that is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. Air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the inside I1 through the opening O.

[0039] The area where plant P is cultivated is enclosed by the front wall 110, the left wall 120, the right wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150, thereby forming the interior I1. Specifically, the front wall 110 encloses the front of the area where plant P is cultivated. The left wall 120 encloses the left side of the area where plant P is cultivated. The right wall 130 encloses the right side of the area where plant P is cultivated. The rear wall 140 encloses the rear of the area where plant P is cultivated. The ceiling 150 encloses the upper part of the area where plant P is cultivated.

[0040] The inner space I1 is shielded from the outside of structure 100A and passage 102 by the front wall 110, left wall 120, right wall 130, rear wall 140, and ceiling 150. The inner space I1 is shielded from airflow, human access, and equipment access from the outside of structure 100A and passage 102 by structure 100A. It becomes difficult for people, equipment, and air to pass from the outside of structure 100A and passage 102 into the inner space I1. Therefore, air supplied to the inner space I1 through the opening O does not easily flow from the inner space I1 to the outside of structure 100A. Air in space I3 also does not easily flow into the inner space I1. It becomes difficult for people or equipment to approach the inner space I1. People or equipment cannot secure a workspace. A workspace is the space necessary for agricultural work.

[0041] Plants P are cultivated in the interior I1. Part or all of the ground T in the interior I1 contains soil (not shown) in which plants P can be planted, or a nutrient solution (not shown) in which plants P can be immersed. In the interior I1, plants P are either planted in the soil or immersed in the nutrient solution.

[0042] Examples of the configuration of the left wall 120, right wall 130, rear wall 140, ceiling 150, and slat SL include, but are not limited to, a configuration of a frame and vinyl covering the frame, a configuration of a frame and glass covering the frame, a configuration of a frame and plastic film covering the frame, and a configuration in which the frame and the surface covering the frame are integrated.

[0043] The front wall 110 (with nine slats SL), the left wall 120, the right wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150 include transparent or translucent vinyl, glass, or plastic film so that light from the lighting in space I3 can be transmitted to the interior I1. Because the front wall 110 (with nine slats SL), the left wall 120, the right wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150 are transparent or translucent, the plants P inside I1 can be seen from the outside of the structure 100A.

[0044] The depth of structure 100A is such that D1 and D2 are ensured. D1 is the shortest distance in the X direction from plant P to the front wall 110 when plant P has finished growing. D1 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, but is not limited to this. D2 is the shortest distance in the negative X direction from plant P to the back wall 140 when plant P has finished growing. D2 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0045] The height of structure 100A is the value that ensures D3. D3 is the shortest distance in the Y direction from plant P to ceiling 150 when plant P has finished growing. D3 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0046] The width of structure 100A is such that D4 and D5 are ensured. D4 is the shortest distance in the negative Z direction from plant P to the left wall 120 when plant P has finished growing. D4 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, but is not limited to this. D5 is the shortest distance in the Z direction from plant P to the right wall 130 when plant P has finished growing. D5 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0047] The left wall 120, the right wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150 are components whose configuration cannot be changed. The front wall 110 is a component whose configuration can be changed. Therefore, structure 100A is a variable structure. Note that at least one of the left wall 120, the right wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the ceiling 150 may be a component whose configuration can be changed.

[0048] The structure 100A may also be provided with flooring (not shown). The flooring faces the ceiling 150 and is in contact with the front wall 110, the left side wall 120, the right side wall 130, and the rear wall 140. The opening 131 may be provided in the flooring.

[0049] The following describes various configurations of the structure 100A. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the structure 100A. The configuration in Figure 8 is the same as the configuration in Figure 2, but with the slats SL slid in the Y direction. The nine slats SL are housed in the case 114. The outside and passage 102 of the structure 100A are connected to the inside I1 via the front of the structure 100A. Because a working space is secured, a person or equipment performing agricultural work can perform agricultural work on the plants P via the front of the structure 100A.

[0050] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 2 is also the configuration in which the slat SL is slid in the negative Y direction from the configuration shown in Figure 8. By changing the configuration of the front wall 110, the state in which the outside of the structure 100A and the passage 102 are connected to the inside I1 is changed to a state in which the outside of the structure 100A and the passage 102 are separated from the inside I1.

[0051] (3) Variant Regarding the modified version of the first embodiment, we will omit explanations of points that are the same as those of the first embodiment and focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0052] (3-1) Variation 1A An opening X may be provided in the ground T inside I1. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a structure 100A according to modified example 1A. The opening X is an example of an exhaust port. The air inside I1 is discharged from inside I1 to the outside of the structure 100A through the opening X. For example, the opening X is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of an air conditioner 11. The air inside I1 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening X and the hose.

[0053] (3-2) Modification 1B Structures 100A and 100B may be installed inside the mushroom cultivation facility 20. The mushroom cultivation facility 20 refers to a building or greenhouse in which mushrooms M are cultivated. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of equipment 1 according to modified example 1B.

[0054] Racks R are provided in inner I1 and inner I2. Mycelial culture bottles B are placed on racks R. Mushrooms M are cultivated in mycelial culture bottles B. The mycelial culture bottles B and mushrooms M together are called set MS. Mushrooms M may be cultivated in mushroom bed bags instead of mycelial culture bottles B. Passageway 102 is a passageway in space I3 used by people or equipment when mushroom work (work generally performed on mushrooms M in the mushroom cultivation facility 20) is carried out.

[0055] Mushroom work refers to work performed on mushrooms M by people or equipment. Examples of mushroom work include inoculation, which involves planting mushroom spawn; cultivation, which is the work performed to grow mushrooms M; harvesting, which involves harvesting all or part of the mushrooms M; and other mushroom work. The workspace is the space necessary for mushroom work.

[0056] Rack R has multiple platforms arranged approximately perpendicular to the ground T. For example, Rack R has three platforms arranged approximately perpendicular to the ground T. Mushrooms M are cultivated on each platform.

[0057] (3-3) Modification 1C Structures 100A and 100B may be installed inside the plant factory 30. The plant factory 30 refers to a building in which plants P are cultivated. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of equipment 1 according to modified example 1C.

[0058] Racks R are provided in inner sections I1 and I2. Plants P are cultivated on racks R. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on racks R or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on racks R. Lighting devices (not shown) that serve as a light source for plants P may be provided in structures 100A and 100B, or on racks R. The configuration of rack R is the same as in Modification 1B, so a description is omitted.

[0059] (3-4) Modification 1D Structures 100A and 100B may be located inside the server room 40. The server room 40 is a room where servers are installed. The server room 40 may be located inside other buildings (such as data centers, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, agricultural buildings, or residential buildings). Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of equipment 1 according to modified example 1D.

[0060] Server SVs are installed in inner I1 and inner I2. Passageway 102 is a passageway in space I3 used by people or equipment when server work (work performed by server engineers on server SVs) is carried out.

[0061] Server work refers to work performed on a server (SV) by a person or equipment. Examples of server work include maintenance work to keep the server (SV) in working order, replacement work to replace all or part of the server (SV), testing work to test the server (SV), and other server work. The workspace is the space required for server work.

[0062] Furthermore, the space I3, which is outside structures 100A and 100B and inside the server room 40, may be furnished with desks and chairs and used as a workspace. Alternatively, desks and chairs may be placed in place of either structure 100A or structure 100B and used as a workspace. In addition, other machinery requiring air conditioning may be installed in interior spaces I1 and I2.

[0063] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of structure 100A. An opening O is provided in the floor of the server room 40 in the interior I1. The opening O is an example of a supply port. The opening O is an air passage (not shown) under the floor of the server room 40 and is connected to an air passage that communicates with the outlet of the air conditioner 11. The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I1 through the underfloor air passage and the opening O. In the interior I1, so-called "floor-discharge air conditioning" is performed through the underfloor air passage and the opening O.

[0064] (3-5) Modification 1E Structures 100A and 100B may be installed inside the warehouse 50. Examples of warehouse 50 include, but are not limited to, a cold storage warehouse and a refrigerated warehouse. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of equipment 1 according to modification 1E. Goods G are stored in interior I1 and interior I2.

[0065] Specifically, racks R are provided in inner I1 and inner I2, and goods G are stored in racks R. Goods G include goods packaged in cardboard boxes, etc. Racks R are the same as in Modification 1B, so their explanation is omitted. Passageway 102 is a passageway in space I3 used by people or equipment when warehouse work is performed.

[0066] Warehouse operations are tasks performed by people or equipment (robots, vehicles, etc.) on goods G. Examples of warehouse operations include loading goods G onto racks R, picking goods G from racks R, checking the quantity and condition of goods G, and other warehouse operations. The workspace is the space necessary for warehouse operations. A roller conveyor (not shown) for transporting goods G may be provided inside the warehouse 50.

[0067] An opening (not shown) is provided in the floor of the warehouse 50 in the interior I1. The opening is an example of a supply port. The opening is an air passage (not shown) under the floor of the warehouse 50, and is connected to an air passage that is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I1 through the underfloor air passage and the opening. In the interior I1, so-called "floor-discharge air conditioning" is performed through the underfloor air passage and the opening.

[0068] (3-6) Modification 1F Structures 100A and 100B may be installed inside the livestock shed 60. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of facility 1 according to modified example 1F. Livestock L are raised in interior I1 and interior I2. In Figure 15, livestock L are cattle, but are not limited to cattle. Passageway 102 is a passageway in space I3 used by people or equipment when livestock work is performed.

[0069] Livestock farming operations are tasks performed on livestock L by people or equipment. Examples of livestock farming operations include feeding livestock L, cleaning operations to remove manure and urine from livestock L, health operations such as treatment, prevention, and breeding of livestock L, harvesting operations such as harvesting eggs, wool, meat, and milk from livestock L, and other livestock farming operations. The work space is the space necessary for livestock farming operations.

[0070] (3-7) Modification 1G Structures 100A and 100B may be installed inside the land-based aquaculture farm 70. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of facility 1 according to modified example 1G. Aquatic organisms Q are cultivated in inner I1 and inner I2. Specifically, tanks A are provided in inner I1 and inner I2, and aquatic organisms Q are cultivated in the water W stored in tanks A. The aquatic organisms Q in Figure 16 are fish, but are not limited to fish. Passageway 102 is a passageway in space I3 used by people or equipment when aquaculture work is carried out.

[0071] Aquaculture operations are human or equipment-based operations performed on aquatic organisms Q. Examples of aquaculture operations include feeding aquatic organisms Q, cleaning operations such as removing waste and cleaning tanks A, water operations such as supplying water W, changing water W, and testing water quality, health operations such as treating, preventing, and breeding aquatic organisms Q, harvesting operations such as harvesting eggs and flesh of aquatic organisms Q, and other aquaculture operations. The workspace is the space necessary for aquaculture operations.

[0072] (3-8) Modification 1H The front wall 110 may be modified by control of a control device (not shown). In other words, the slat SL may slide along the first guide rail 112 and the second guide rail 113 by control of the control device.

[0073] (4) Features (4-1) The variable structure is installed inside another structure. Inside the variable structure, I1 and I2, plants P or mushrooms M are cultivated, livestock L are raised, aquatic organisms Q are farmed, goods G are stored, or servers SV are installed. The variable structure comprises a front wall 110, a ceiling 150, a rear wall 140, a left side wall 120, and a right side wall 130. The front wall 110 can be changed in configuration and is erected inside. The ceiling 150 is in contact with the front wall 110. The rear wall 140 is erected inside, facing the front wall 110 and in contact with the ceiling 150. The left side wall 120 is erected inside and is in contact with the front wall 110, the ceiling 150, and the rear wall 140. The right side wall 130 is erected internally, facing the left side wall 120, and is in contact with the front wall 110, the ceiling 150, and the rear wall 140. The interiors I1 and I2 are formed by being enclosed by the front wall 110, the ceiling 150, the rear wall 140, the left side wall 120, and the right side wall 130. A supply port for supplying air-conditioned air from the air conditioner 11 to the interiors I1 and I2 is provided on the ground T in the interiors I1 and I2, or on the floor of another structure in the interiors I1 and I2. By changing the configuration of the front wall 110, the state in which the outside of the variable structure is separated from the interiors I1 and I2 can be changed to a state in which the outside is connected to the interiors I1 and I2.

[0074] When plants are cultivated inside a structure, air conditioning is provided to create an environment suitable for plant cultivation. The amount of energy required for air conditioning correlates with the volume of the structure's interior. Since plant cultivation requires work on the plants, the structure's interior must accommodate the space needed for this work. In non-variable structures whose configuration cannot be changed, the space needed for work is maintained even when no work is being performed. Therefore, air conditioning is provided for unnecessary space during periods when no work is being performed. This increases the amount of energy required for plant cultivation inside the structure, leading to increased costs associated with plant cultivation.

[0075] The variable structure is installed inside another structure, and the cultivation of plants P takes place in the inner I1 and inner I2. The variable structure can reduce the scope of air conditioning from the inside of the other structure to the inner I1 and inner I2. Therefore, the variable structure can achieve energy savings related to the cultivation of plants P and reduce the costs associated with the cultivation of plants P.

[0076] The state in which the outside of the variable structure is separated from the inside I1 and inside I2 can be changed to a state in which the outside of the variable structure is connected to the inside I1 and inside I2. The state in which no workspace is secured can be changed to a state in which workspace is secured. As a result, the variable structure enables people or devices to work on plants P, etc., in the inside I1 and inside I2.

[0077] When the configuration of a structure can be changed, the structure may be vulnerable to physical external forces. Therefore, the structure may be damaged by external forces such as strong winds, typhoons, or snow accumulation. Variable structures are installed inside other structures. Therefore, variable structures can protect plants P, etc., from physical external forces. In addition, the inner layers I1 and I2 are double-insulated from the outside. Therefore, variable structures can achieve energy savings in the cultivation of plants P, etc., and reduce the costs associated with cultivating plants P, etc.

[0078] (4-2) The variable structure further includes exhaust ports that discharge the air inside I1 and inside I2 from inside I1 and inside I2 to the outside.

[0079] Because air is supplied to the inside of the structure, air inside the structure may be expelled through gaps in the structure. In this case, problems may arise where the air is not expelled smoothly, causing the internal air pressure to rise. Furthermore, problems may arise where gaps in the structure widen over time. In addition, the flow of air inside the structure becomes random depending on the location of the gaps, which may result in uneven temperature or humidity.

[0080] The variable structure expels the air from inside I1 and inside I2 to the outside of the variable structure. Therefore, the variable structure can maintain stable air pressure and airflow inside I1 and inside I2. In addition, the variable structure can maintain its airtightness for a longer period of time.

[0081] (4-3) The variable structure has an exhaust port that is connected to a hose that leads to the air conditioner 11.

[0082] The air supplied from the air conditioner 11 to the inner parts I1 and I2 via the supply unit is discharged again to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air circulating between the air conditioner 11 and the inner parts I1 and I2 is less likely to flow into the space I3. The air conditioner 11 can limit the air it conditioned to the air circulating between the air conditioner 11 and the inner parts I1 and I2. Therefore, the variable structure can achieve energy savings related to the cultivation of plants P, and reduce the costs associated with the cultivation of plants P.

[0083] (4-4) The variable structure is further provided with exhaust ports on the ground T in the inner I1 and inner I2 or on other structures in the inner I1 and inner I2. The exhaust ports discharge the air in the inner I1 and inner I2 from the inner I1 and inner I2 to the outside.

[0084] Therefore, the variable structure can maintain stable air pressure and airflow in the inner I1 and inner I2. Furthermore, the variable structure can maintain its airtightness for a longer period.

[0085] <Second Embodiment> (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of equipment 2 according to the second embodiment will now be described. Hereinafter, similarities between the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the differences between the first and second embodiments will be the focus of the description. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of equipment 2 according to the second embodiment. Equipment 2 mainly comprises a greenhouse 10 and an air conditioner 11.

[0086] (1-1) Greenhouse The interior of the greenhouse 10 mainly consists of structure 200A and structure 200B. The interior of the greenhouse 10 is divided into the inner area I4 of structure 200A, the inner area I5 of structure 200B, and space I6. Space I6 is outside of structures 200A and 200B and is part of the interior of the greenhouse 10. Details of structures 200A and 200B will be described later.

[0087] (1-2) Air conditioner The air outlet of the air conditioner 11 is connected to inner chambers I4 and I5 by a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown). The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to inner chambers I4 and I5 via the hose.

[0088] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configurations of structures 200A and 200B will now be described. Structure 200A is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 200A. Structure 200B is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 200B. The structure of structure 200A and the structure of structure 200B are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The functions of structure 200A and structure 200B are the same. The structure and function of structure 200A will be described below. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 200A.

[0089] Structure 200A mainly consists of a front wall 210, a third guide rail 211, a fourth guide rail 212, and a ceiling 250.

[0090] The third guide rail 211 is installed approximately parallel to the ground T. The left and right ends of the third guide rail 211 are fixed to the vertical wall V of the greenhouse 10. The third guide rail 211 includes two rows of rails aligned in the X direction and extending in the Z direction. Of the two rows of rails, the front rail is referred to as the "third front rail." Of the two rows of rails, the rear rail is referred to as the "third rear rail."

[0091] The fourth guide rail 212 is positioned opposite the third guide rail 211 and is installed approximately parallel to the ground T. The left and right ends of the fourth guide rail 212 are fixed to the vertical wall V of the greenhouse 10. The fourth guide rail 212 includes two rows of rails aligned in the X direction and extending in the Z direction. Of the two rows of rails, the front rail is referred to as the "fourth front rail." Of the two rows of rails, the rear rail is referred to as the "fourth rear rail." The third front rail and the fourth front rail face each other. The third rear rail and the fourth rear rail face each other.

[0092] The front wall 210 is mainly composed of two slats SL. The two slats SL are substantially perpendicular to the ground T. The two slats SL are guided by a third guide rail 211 and a fourth guide rail 212 and can slide in the Z direction or the negative Z direction (the direction in which the third guide rail 211 and the fourth guide rail 212 extend). The appearance of the front wall 210 is changed by sliding the two slats SL guided by the third guide rail 211 and the fourth guide rail 212.

[0093] Of the two slats SL that make up the front wall 210, the left slat SL is referred to as the "left slat SL," and the right slat SL is referred to as the "right slat SL." The left slat SL can move left and right by sliding between the third front rail and the fourth front rail. The right slat SL can move left and right by sliding between the third rear rail and the fourth rear rail. The two slats SL are not connected to each other and can slide independently of each other. The two slats SL are arranged so that they do not overlap (collide) with each other even when moving left and right.

[0094] The front wall 210 is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The front wall 210 faces the passage 102. The left and right ends of the front wall 210 may be in contact with the vertical wall V. In other words, the left end of the left slat SL may be in contact with the vertical wall V. The right end of the right slat SL may be in contact with the vertical wall V.

[0095] The ceiling 250 faces the ground T, is approximately parallel to the ground T, and is approximately horizontal. The ceiling 250 is adjacent to the front wall 210 and is an example of the first component. The left end, right end, and rear end of the ceiling 250 are fixed to the vertical wall V. The ceiling 250 is provided with an opening 252 that communicates with the outside of the structure 200A.

[0096] The opening 252 is an example of an exhaust port. The air inside I4 is discharged from inside I4 to the outside of the structure 200A through the opening 252. For example, the opening 252 is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air inside I4 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening 252 and the hose. The opening 252 may also be provided in the front wall 210.

[0097] An opening O is provided in the vertical wall V in the interior I4. The opening O is an example of a supply port. The opening O is connected to a hose (not shown) that is embedded in the vertical wall V or exposed from the vertical wall V to the outside of the structure 200A. This hose is an example of a first hose and is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. Air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I4 through the opening O. The opening O may also be provided in the ground T.

[0098] The area where the plant P is cultivated is enclosed by the front wall 210, the ceiling 250, and the vertical wall V, thereby forming the interior I4. Specifically, the front wall 210 encloses the front side of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The vertical wall V encloses the left, right, and rear sides of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The ceiling 250 encloses the upper side of the area where the plant P is cultivated.

[0099] The interior space I4 is shielded from the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 by the front wall 210, the ceiling 250, and the vertical wall V. The interior space I4 is shielded from airflow, human access, and equipment access from the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 by the structure 200A, etc. It becomes difficult for people, equipment, and air to pass from the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 into the interior space I4. Therefore, air supplied to the interior space I4 through the opening O does not easily flow from the interior space I4 to the outside of the structure 200A. Air in space I6 also does not easily flow into the interior space I4. It becomes difficult for people or equipment to approach the interior space I4. People or equipment cannot secure working space.

[0100] Plants P are cultivated in the interior I4. A portion of the ground T in the interior I4 contains either soil (not shown) in which plants P can be planted or a nutrient solution (not shown) in which plants P can be immersed. In the interior I4, plants P are either planted in soil or immersed in nutrient solution.

[0101] Examples of configurations for the ceiling 250 and slat SL include, but are not limited to, a configuration of a frame and vinyl covering the frame, a configuration of a frame and glass covering the frame, a configuration of a frame and plastic film covering the frame, and a configuration in which the frame and the surface covering the frame are integrated.

[0102] The front wall 210 (with two slats SL) and the ceiling 250 include transparent or translucent vinyl, glass, or plastic film so that the light from the lighting in space I6 is transmitted to the interior I4. Because the front wall 210 (with two slats SL) and the ceiling 250 are transparent or translucent, the plants P in the interior I4 are visible from the outside of the structure 200A.

[0103] The depth of structure 200A is such that D6 (not shown) is secured. D6 is the shortest distance in the X direction from plant P to the front wall 210 when plant P has finished growing. D6 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0104] The height of structure 200A is such that D7 is maintained. D7 is the shortest distance in the Y direction from plant P to ceiling 250 when plant P has finished growing. D7 is preferably between 1 and 10 centimeters, but is not limited to this. The width of structure 200A is the same as the width inside greenhouse 10.

[0105] The ceiling 250 is a component whose configuration cannot be changed. The front wall 210 is a component whose configuration can be changed. Therefore, the structure 200A is a variable structure. Note that the ceiling 250 may also be a component whose configuration can be changed.

[0106] The following describes various configurations of structure 200A. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 200A. The configuration in Figure 19 is the same as the configuration in Figure 18, but with the left slat SL slid in the Z direction.

[0107] The left slat SL has slid in the Z direction, so it is roughly aligned with the right slat SL in the X direction. The inner wall I4 is connected to the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 via the left front side of the structure 200A. The configuration of the front wall 210 has been changed from a state where the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 were separated from the inner wall I4 to a state where the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 are connected to the inner wall I4. As a working space has been secured, a person or equipment performing agricultural work can perform agricultural work on the plants P via the front side of the structure 200A.

[0108] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 200A. The configuration in Figure 20 is the same as the configuration in Figure 18, but with the right slat SL slid in the negative Z direction.

[0109] The right slat SL has been slid in the negative Z direction, so it is roughly aligned with the left slat SL in the X direction. The inner wall I4 is connected to the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 via the right front side of the structure 200A. The configuration of the front wall 210 has been changed from a state where the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 were blocked from the inner wall I4 to a state where the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 are connected to the inner wall I4. As a working space has been secured, a person or equipment performing agricultural work can perform agricultural work on the plants P via the front side of the structure 200A.

[0110] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 18 is also the configuration shown in Figure 19 in which the left slat SL is slid in the negative Z direction. By changing the configuration of the front wall 210, the state in which the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 are connected to the inside I4 is changed to a state in which the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 are separated from the inside I4.

[0111] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 18 is also the configuration shown in Figure 20 in which the right slat SL is slid in the Z direction. By changing the configuration of the front wall 210, the state in which the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 are connected to the inside I4 is changed to a state in which the outside of the structure 200A and the passage 102 are separated from the inside I4.

[0112] The structure 200A may further include at least one of a right-side wall (not shown), a rear wall (not shown), and flooring (not shown). The right-side wall and flooring are examples of the first component. The right-side wall is in contact with the front wall 210 and the ceiling 250. The rear wall is opposite the front wall 210 and is in contact with the ceiling 250. The flooring is opposite the ceiling 250 and is in contact with the front wall 210.

[0113] (3) Variant Regarding the modified version of the second embodiment, we will omit explanations of points that are the same as those of the second embodiment and focus on explaining the differences from the second embodiment.

[0114] (3-1) Modification 2A An opening X may be provided in the ground T in the interior I4 or in the vertical wall V in the interior I4. The opening X is an example of an exhaust port. The air in the interior I4 is discharged from the interior I4 to the outside of the structure 200A through the opening X. For example, the opening X is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air in the interior I4 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening X and the hose.

[0115] (3-2) Modification 2B Structures 200A and 200B may be installed inside any of the following: the mushroom cultivation facility 20, the plant factory 30, the server room 40, the warehouse 50, the livestock shed 60, or the land-based aquaculture farm 70.

[0116] (3-3) Modification 2C The front wall 210 may be modified by control of a control device (not shown). In other words, the slat SL may slide along the third guide rail 211 and the fourth guide rail 212 by control of the control device.

[0117] (4) Features (4-1) The variable structure is installed inside another structure. Inside the variable structure, I4 and I5, plants P or mushrooms M are cultivated, livestock L are raised, aquatic organisms Q are farmed, goods G are stored, or a server SV is installed. The variable structure has a front wall 210 that can be changed in configuration and erected inside. Inside I4 and I5 are formed by being enclosed by at least the front wall 210 and at least one of the vertical wall V of the other structure and the ceiling of the other structure. A supply port for supplying air-conditioned air from an air conditioner 11 to inside I4 and I5 is provided on the ground T inside I4 and I5 or on the other structure inside I4 and I5. By changing the configuration of the front wall 210, the state in which the outside of the variable structure is separated from inside I4 and I5 is changed to a state in which the outside is connected to inside I4 and I5.

[0118] The inner sections I4 and I5 are formed by the vertical walls V of other structures. The variable structure uses less material to form the inner sections I4 and I5 compared to forming them without utilizing other structures. Therefore, the variable structure can reduce material costs while achieving energy savings in plant cultivation, etc., and reduce the costs associated with plant cultivation, etc.

[0119] Other structures may be vulnerable to physical external forces. Therefore, external forces from strong winds, typhoons, or snow accumulation can damage these other structures. The variable structure and other structures are interconnected, forming inner sections I4 and I5. When other structures are subjected to external forces, these forces are also distributed to the variable structure. Therefore, the variable structure can protect other structures and plants P, etc., from physical external forces.

[0120] (4-2) The variable structure further comprises a first component adjacent to the front wall 210. The first component is either the ceiling 250, the left side wall, or the right side wall. The ceiling 250 is adjacent to the front wall 210. The left side wall is erected internally and is adjacent to the front wall 210. The right side wall is erected internally and is adjacent to the front wall 210. The interior I4 and interior I5 are formed by being enclosed by at least the front wall 210, the first component, and at least one of the vertical wall V of the other structure or the ceiling of the other structure.

[0121] The variable structure, in addition to the front wall 210, can be separated from the outside of the variable structure by the ceiling 250, which separates the outside from the inside I4 and inside I5. Therefore, the variable structure can further reduce the scope of air conditioning. The variable structure can achieve energy savings in the cultivation of plants P, etc., and reduce the costs associated with the cultivation of plants P, etc.

[0122] When other structures are subjected to external forces, these forces are distributed not only to the front wall 210 but also to the ceiling 250. Therefore, the variable structure can protect other structures and plants P, etc., from physical external forces.

[0123] <Third Embodiment> (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of the equipment 3 according to the third embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, similarities between the second and third embodiments will be omitted, and the differences between the second and third embodiments will be the focus of the description. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the equipment 3 according to the third embodiment. Equipment 3 mainly comprises a greenhouse 10 and an air conditioner 11.

[0124] (1-1) Greenhouse The interior of the greenhouse 10 mainly consists of structure 300A and structure 300B. The interior of the greenhouse 10 is divided into the inner area I7 of structure 300A, the inner area I8 of structure 300B, and space I9. Space I9 is ​​outside of structures 300A and 300B and is part of the interior of the greenhouse 10. Details of structures 300A and 300B will be described later.

[0125] (1-2) Air conditioner The air outlet of the air conditioner 11 is connected to inner chambers I7 and I8 by a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown). The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to inner chambers I7 and I8 via the hose.

[0126] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configurations of structures 300A and 300B will now be described. Structure 300A is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 300A. Structure 300B is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 300B. The structure of structure 300A and the structure of structure 300B are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The functions of structure 300A and structure 300B are the same. The structure and function of structure 300A will be described below. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 300A.

[0127] Structure 300A mainly comprises a front wall 310, a third guide rail 211, and a fourth guide rail 212. The structure and function of the third guide rail 211 and the fourth guide rail 212 are the same as in the second embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0128] The front wall 310 is mainly composed of two slats SL and an upper plate 311. The structure and function of the slats SL are the same as in the second embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0129] The lower end of the upper plate 311 is in contact with the fourth guide rail 212. The upper end of the upper plate 311 is in contact with the ceiling C of the greenhouse 10. The left and right ends of the upper plate 311 are in contact with the vertical wall V.

[0130] The upper plate 311 is provided with an opening 352 that communicates with the outside of the structure 300A. The opening 352 is an example of an exhaust port. The air inside I7 is discharged from inside I7 to the outside of the structure 300A through the opening 352. For example, the opening 352 is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that communicates with the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air inside I7 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening 352 and the hose. The opening 352 may also be provided on the slat SL.

[0131] The front wall 310 is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The front wall 310 faces the passageway 102.

[0132] An opening O is provided in the ceiling C of the interior I7. The opening O is an example of a supply port. The opening O is connected to a hose (not shown) that is embedded in the ceiling C or exposed from the ceiling C to the outside of the structure 300A. This hose is an example of a first hose and is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. Air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I7 through the opening O. The opening O may also be provided in the ground T or the vertical wall V.

[0133] The area where the plant P is cultivated is enclosed by the front wall 310, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V, thereby forming the interior I7. Specifically, the front wall 310 encloses the front of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The vertical wall V encloses the left, right, and rear sides of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The ceiling C encloses the upper part of the area where the plant P is cultivated.

[0134] The interior space I7 is shielded from the outside of the structure 300A and the passage 102 by the front wall 310, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V. The interior space I7 is shielded from airflow, human access, and equipment access from the outside of the structure 300A and the passage 102 by the structure 300A, etc. It becomes difficult for people, equipment, and air to pass from the outside of the structure 300A and the passage 102 to the interior space I7. Therefore, air supplied to the interior space I7 through the opening O does not easily flow from the interior space I7 to the outside of the structure 300A. Air in space I9 also does not easily flow into the interior space I7. It becomes difficult for people or equipment to approach the interior space I7. People or equipment cannot secure working space.

[0135] Plants P are cultivated in the inner I7. Some of the bed F in the inner I7 is filled with soil (not shown) in which plants P can be planted, or with a nutrient solution (not shown) in which plants P can be immersed. In the inner I7, plants P are either planted in soil or immersed in nutrient solution.

[0136] The front wall 310 is a component whose configuration can be changed. Therefore, the structure 300A is a variable structure.

[0137] The structure 300A may further include at least one of the following: a left wall (not shown), a right wall (not shown), a rear wall (not shown), and flooring (not shown). The left wall, the right wall, and the flooring are adjacent to the front wall 310 and are examples of the first components. The rear wall faces the front wall 310.

[0138] (3) Variant Regarding the modified version of the third embodiment, we will omit explanations of points that are the same as those of the third embodiment and focus on explaining the differences from the third embodiment.

[0139] Structures 300A and 300B may be installed inside any of the following: the mushroom cultivation facility 20, the plant factory 30, the server room 40, the warehouse 50, the livestock shed 60, or the land-based aquaculture farm 70.

[0140] <Fourth Embodiment> (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of the equipment 4 according to the fourth embodiment will now be described. Hereinafter, similarities between the second and fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the differences between the second and fourth embodiments will be the focus of the description. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the equipment 4 according to the fourth embodiment. Equipment 4 mainly comprises a greenhouse 10 and an air conditioner 11.

[0141] (1-1) Greenhouse The interior of the greenhouse 10 mainly consists of structure 400A and structure 400B. The interior of the greenhouse 10 is divided into the inner area I10 of structure 400A, the inner area I11 of structure 400B, and space I12. Space I12 is outside of structures 400A and 400B and is the interior of the greenhouse 10. Details of structures 400A and 400B will be described later.

[0142] (1-2) Air conditioner The air outlet of the air conditioner 11 is connected to the inner I10 and inner I11 by a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown). The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the inner I10 and inner I11 via the hose.

[0143] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configurations of structures 400A and 400B will now be described. Structure 400A is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 400A. Structure 400B is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 400B. The structure of structure 400A and the structure of structure 400B are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The functions of structure 400A and structure 400B are the same. The structure and function of structure 400A will be described below. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 400A.

[0144] Structure 400A mainly consists of a front wall 410, a third guide rail 411, a fourth guide rail 412, a case 413, and a right-side wall 430.

[0145] The third guide rail 411 is installed approximately parallel to the ground T. The fourth guide rail 412 is installed opposite the third guide rail 411 and approximately parallel to the ground T.

[0146] The front wall 410 is mainly composed of a plurality of slats SL and an upper plate 414. For example, the front wall 410 is mainly composed of 14 slats SL and an upper plate 414. The slats SL are connected to other adjacent slats SL. The slats SL are substantially perpendicular to the ground T. The slats SL can be slid in the Z direction or the negative Z direction (the direction in which the third guide rails 411 and the fourth guide rails 412 extend), guided by the third guide rail 411 and the fourth guide rail 412. The appearance of the front wall 410 is changed by the sliding of the slats SL guided by the third guide rail 411 and the fourth guide rail 412.

[0147] The lower end of the top plate 414 is in contact with the fourth guide rail 412. The upper end of the top plate 414 is in contact with the ceiling C. The left end of the top plate 414 is in contact with the vertical wall V. The right end of the top plate 414 is in contact with the right side wall 430.

[0148] The front wall 410 is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The front wall 410 faces the passageway 102.

[0149] Case 413 accommodates the slats SL that are slid in the Z direction. Case 413 is provided to accommodate all of the slats SL that make up the front wall 410.

[0150] The right-side wall 430 is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The right-side wall 430 is in contact with the front wall 410, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V. The right-side wall 430 is an example of the first component. The right-side wall 430 is provided with an opening 452 that communicates with the outside of the structure 400A.

[0151] The opening 452 is an example of an exhaust port. The air inside I10 is discharged from inside I10 to the outside of the structure 400A through the opening 452. For example, the opening 452 is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air inside I10 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening 452 and the hose. The opening 452 may also be provided in the front wall 410.

[0152] An opening O is provided in the vertical wall V in the interior I10. The opening O is an example of a supply port. The opening O is connected to a hose (not shown) that is embedded in the vertical wall V or exposed from the vertical wall V to the outside of the structure 400A. This hose is an example of a first hose and is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. Air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I10 through the opening O. The opening O may also be provided in the ground T or ceiling C.

[0153] The area where plant P is cultivated is enclosed by the front wall 410, the right side wall 430, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V, thereby forming the interior I10. Specifically, the front wall 410 encloses the front of the area where plant P is cultivated. The vertical wall V encloses the left and rear sides of the area where plant P is cultivated. The right side wall 430 encloses the right side of the area where plant P is cultivated. The ceiling C encloses the upper side of the area where plant P is cultivated.

[0154] The interior space I10 is shielded from the outside of the structure 400A and the passage 102 by the front wall 410, the right side wall 430, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V. The interior space I10 is shielded from airflow, human access, and equipment access from the outside of the structure 400A and the passage 102 by the structure 400A, etc. It becomes difficult for people, equipment, and air to pass from the outside of the structure 400A and the passage 102 into the interior space I10. Therefore, air supplied to the interior space I10 through the opening O does not easily flow from the interior space I10 to the outside of the structure 400A. Air in space I12 also does not easily flow into the interior space I10. It is difficult for people or equipment to approach the interior space I10. People or equipment cannot secure working space.

[0155] Plants P are cultivated in the interior I10. Part or all of the ground T in the interior I10 contains soil (not shown) in which plants P can be planted, or a nutrient solution (not shown) in which plants P can be immersed. In the interior I10, plants P are either planted in soil or immersed in nutrient solution.

[0156] The right-side wall 430 is a component whose configuration cannot be changed. The front wall 410 is a component whose configuration can be changed. Therefore, structure 400A is a variable structure. Note that the right-side wall 430 may also be a component whose configuration can be changed. Various configurations of structure 400A will be described below.

[0157] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 400A. The configuration in Figure 25 is the same as the configuration in Figure 24, but with the slats SL slid in the Z direction. The 14 slats SL are housed in case 413. The outside and passage 102 and the inside I10 of structure 400A are connected via the front of structure 400A. Because a working space is provided, a person or equipment performing agricultural work can perform agricultural work on plants P via the front of structure 400A.

[0158] Note that the configuration of structure 400A in Figure 24 is also a configuration in which the slat SL is slid in the negative Z direction from the configuration of structure 400A in Figure 25. By changing the configuration of the front wall 410, the state in which the outside of structure 400A and the passage 102 and the inside I10 are in communication is changed to a state in which the outside of structure 400A and the passage 102 and the inside I10 are blocked off.

[0159] The structure 400A may further include at least one of a rear wall (not shown), a ceiling (not shown), and flooring (not shown). The left wall, ceiling, and flooring are adjacent to the front wall 410 and are examples of the first components. The rear wall is adjacent to the right wall 430 and faces the front wall 410.

[0160] (3) Variant Regarding the modified version of the fourth embodiment, we will omit explanations of points that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment and focus on explaining the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[0161] Structures 400A and 400B may be installed inside any of the following: the mushroom cultivation facility 20, the plant factory 30, the server room 40, the warehouse 50, the livestock shed 60, or the land-based aquaculture farm 70.

[0162] <Fifth Embodiment> (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of the equipment 5 according to the fifth embodiment will now be described. Hereinafter, similarities between the third and fifth embodiments will be omitted, and the differences between the third and fifth embodiments will be the focus of the description. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the equipment 5 according to the fifth embodiment. Equipment 5 mainly comprises a greenhouse 10 and an air conditioner 11.

[0163] (1-1) Greenhouse The interior of the greenhouse 10 mainly consists of structure 500A and structure 500B. The interior of the greenhouse 10 is divided into the inner area I13 of structure 500A, the inner area I14 of structure 500B, and space I15. Space I15 is outside of structures 500A and 500B and is the interior of the greenhouse 10. Details of structures 500A and 500B will be described later.

[0164] (1-2) Air conditioner The air outlet of the air conditioner 11 is connected to the interior I13 and interior I14 by a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown). The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I13 and interior I14 via the hose.

[0165] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configurations of structures 500A and 500B will now be described. Structure 500A is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 500A. Structure 500B is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 500B. The structure of structure 500A and the structure of structure 500B are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The functions of structure 500A and structure 500B are the same. The structure and function of structure 500A will be described below. Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 500A.

[0166] Structure 500A mainly consists of a front wall 310, a third guide rail 211, a fourth guide rail 212, and a rear wall 540. The structure and function of the third guide rail 211 and the fourth guide rail 212 are the same as in the third embodiment, so their description is omitted. The structure and function of the front wall 310, other than the opening 352, are the same as in the third embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0167] The rear wall 540 faces the front wall 310 and is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The rear wall 540 is in contact with the ceiling C and the vertical wall V.

[0168] An opening O is provided in the ground T inside I13. The opening O is an example of a supply port. The opening O is connected to a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown) that is buried in the ground T and is connected to a hose that is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the inside I13 through the opening O. The opening O may also be provided in a vertical wall V or ceiling C.

[0169] An opening X is provided in the ceiling C of the interior I13. The opening X is an example of an exhaust port. The air in the interior I13 is discharged from the interior I13 to the outside of the structure 500A through the opening X. For example, the opening X is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air in the interior I13 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via the opening X and the hose. The opening O may also be provided in the vertical wall V or the ground T.

[0170] The area where the plant P is cultivated is enclosed by the front wall 310, the back wall 540, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V, thereby forming the interior I13. Specifically, the front wall 310 encloses the front side of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The vertical wall V encloses the left and right sides of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The back wall 540 encloses the rear side of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The ceiling C encloses the upper side of the area where the plant P is cultivated.

[0171] The interior space I13 is shielded from the outside of the structure 500A and the passage 102 by the front wall 310, the rear wall 540, the ceiling C, and the vertical wall V. The interior space I13 is shielded from airflow, human access, and equipment access from the outside of the structure 500A and the passage 102 by the structure 500A. It becomes difficult for people, equipment, and air to pass from the outside of the structure 500A and the passage 102 into the interior space I13. Therefore, air supplied to the interior space I13 through the opening O does not easily flow from the interior space I13 to the outside of the structure 500A. Air in space I15 also does not easily flow into the interior space I13. It becomes difficult for people or equipment to approach the interior space I13. People or equipment cannot secure working space.

[0172] Plants P are cultivated in the interior I13. A portion of the ground T in the interior I13 contains either soil (not shown) in which plants P can be planted, or a nutrient solution (not shown) in which plants P can be immersed. In the interior I13, plants P are either planted in soil or immersed in nutrient solution.

[0173] The front wall 310 is a component whose configuration can be changed. Therefore, structure 500A is a variable structure.

[0174] Furthermore, structure 500A may further include at least one of a left wall (not shown) and a right wall (not shown). The left wall and the right wall are adjacent to the front wall 310 and are examples of the first component.

[0175] (3) Variant Regarding the modified version of the fifth embodiment, we will omit explanations of points that are the same as those of the fifth embodiment and focus on explaining the differences from the fifth embodiment.

[0176] Structures 500A and 500B may be installed inside any of the following: the mushroom cultivation facility 20, the plant factory 30, the server room 40, the warehouse 50, the livestock shed 60, and the land-based aquaculture farm 70.

[0177] (4) Features The variable structure is erected internally and further comprises a rear wall 540 facing the front wall 310. The interior I13 and interior I14 are formed by being enclosed by at least the front wall 310, the rear wall 540, and at least one of the vertical walls V of the other structure and the ceiling C of the other structure.

[0178] The variable structure, in addition to the front wall 310, can be separated from the outside of the variable structure by the rear wall 540, which separates the inside I13 and inside I14. Therefore, the variable structure can further reduce the scope of air conditioning. The variable structure can achieve energy savings in the cultivation of plants P, etc., and reduce the costs associated with the cultivation of plants P, etc.

[0179] When other structures are subjected to external forces, these forces are distributed not only to the front wall 310 but also to the rear wall 540. Therefore, the variable structure can protect other structures and plants P, etc., from physical external forces.

[0180] <Sixth Embodiment> (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of the equipment 6 according to the sixth embodiment will now be described. Hereinafter, similarities between the second and sixth embodiments will be omitted, and the differences between the second and sixth embodiments will be the focus of the description. Figure 28 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the equipment 6 according to the sixth embodiment. The equipment 6 mainly comprises a greenhouse 10 and an air conditioner 11.

[0181] (1-1) Greenhouse The interior of the greenhouse 10 mainly consists of structure 600A and structure 600B. The interior of the greenhouse 10 is divided into the inner area I16 of structure 600A, the inner area I17 of structure 600B, and space I18. Space I18 is outside of structures 600A and 600B and is the interior of the greenhouse 10. Details of structures 600A and 600B will be described later.

[0182] (1-2) Air conditioner The air outlet of the air conditioner 11 is connected to the interior I16 and interior I17 by a hose (an example of a first hose, not shown). The air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I16 and interior I17 via the hose.

[0183] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configurations of structures 600A and 600B will now be described. Structure 600A is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 600A. Structure 600B is a variable structure whose configuration can be changed by the operation of structure 600B. The structure of structure 600A and the structure of structure 600B are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The functions of structure 600A and structure 600B are the same. The structure and function of structure 600A will be described below. Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 600A.

[0184] Structure 600A mainly consists of a front wall 610, a rear wall 640, a ceiling 650, and a rotating shaft AX.

[0185] The front wall 610 is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The front wall 610 faces the passageway 102. The upper end of the front wall 610 is connected to the front end of the ceiling 650.

[0186] The rear wall 640 faces the front wall 610 and is erected approximately perpendicular to the ground T. The rear wall 640 is in contact with the vertical wall V and the ceiling 650.

[0187] The rotation axis AX is provided along the rear end of the ceiling 650 and is approximately parallel to the ground T.

[0188] The ceiling 650 faces the ground T, is substantially parallel to the ground T, and is substantially horizontal. The ceiling 650 is in contact with the front wall 610, the rear wall 640, and the vertical wall V. The ceiling 650 is an example of the first component. The ceiling 650 can be moved by rotating it around the rotation axis AX. The ceiling 650 is rotatably mounted in a plane extending in the X and Y directions with the rotation axis AX as the center of rotation. The front end of the ceiling 650 is connected to the upper end of the front wall 610. Therefore, when the ceiling 650 is rotated around the rotation axis AX, the front wall 610 also rotates along with the ceiling 650. This changes the configuration of the front wall 610.

[0189] Openings O and X are provided in the vertical wall V in the interior I16. Opening O is an example of a supply port. Opening O is connected to a hose (not shown) that is embedded in the vertical wall V or exposed from the vertical wall V to the outside of the structure 600A. This hose is an example of a first hose and is connected to the outlet of the air conditioner 11. Air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to the interior I16 through opening O. Note that opening O may also be provided in the ground T.

[0190] Opening X is an example of an exhaust port. The air inside I16 is discharged from inside I16 to the outside of the structure 600A through opening X. For example, opening X is connected to a hose (an example of a second hose, not shown) that is connected to the intake port of the air conditioner 11. The air inside I16 flows to the intake port of the air conditioner 11 via opening X and the hose. Note that opening X may be provided in the ground T.

[0191] The area where the plant P is cultivated is enclosed by the front wall 610, the back wall 640, the ceiling 650, and the vertical wall V, thereby forming the interior I16. Specifically, the front wall 610 encloses the front side of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The vertical wall V encloses the left and right sides of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The back wall 640 encloses the rear side of the area where the plant P is cultivated. The ceiling 650 encloses the upper side of the area where the plant P is cultivated.

[0192] The interior space I16 is shielded from the outside of the structure 600A and the passage 102 by the front wall 610, the rear wall 640, the ceiling 650, and the vertical wall V. The interior space I16 is shielded from airflow, human access, and equipment access from the outside of the structure 600A and the passage 102 by the structure 600A. It becomes difficult for people, equipment, and air to pass from the outside of the structure 600A and the passage 102 into the interior space I16. Therefore, air supplied to the interior space I16 through the opening O does not easily flow from the interior space I16 to the outside of the structure 600A. Air in space I18 also does not easily flow into the interior space I16. It becomes difficult for people or equipment to approach the interior space I16. People or equipment cannot secure working space.

[0193] Plants P are cultivated in the interior I16. A portion of the ground T in the interior I16 contains either soil (not shown) in which plants P can be planted, or a nutrient solution (not shown) in which plants P can be immersed. In the interior I16, plants P are either planted in soil or immersed in nutrient solution.

[0194] The rear wall 640 is a component whose configuration cannot be changed. The front wall 610 and the ceiling 650 are components whose configuration can be changed. Therefore, structure 600A is a variable structure. The following describes configurations of structure 600A that differ from the configuration shown in Figure 29. Figure 30 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of structure 600A.

[0195] The configuration shown in Figure 30 is a configuration in which the ceiling 650 has been rotated around the rotation axis AX, as opposed to the configuration in Figure 29. The ceiling 650 has been rotated by slightly less than 90 degrees in the planes extending in the X and Y directions, with the rotation axis AX as the center of rotation. Because the ceiling 650 has been rotated, the front wall 610 has also been rotated along with the ceiling 650.

[0196] The interior I16 of structure 600A is in communication with the exterior of structure 600A and passage 102 via the front and top. By changing the configuration of the ceiling 650 and front wall 610, the interior I16 of structure 600A is separated from the exterior and passage 102, and is now in communication with the exterior and passage 102. As a working space is secured, people or equipment performing agricultural work can perform agricultural work on plants P via the front and top of structure 600A.

[0197] Furthermore, the configuration shown in Figure 29 is also the configuration shown in Figure 30 in which the ceiling 650 is rotated around the rotation axis AX. The ceiling 650 is rotated by slightly less than 90 degrees in the planes extending in the X and Y directions, with the rotation axis AX as the center of rotation. Because the ceiling 650 has rotated, the front wall 610 is also rotated along with the ceiling 650.

[0198] The configuration of the ceiling 650 and the front wall 610 has been changed, altering the state from one in which the outside of the structure 600A and the passage 102 are connected to the inside I16, to one in which the outside of the structure 600A and the passage 102 are separated from the inside I16.

[0199] (3) Variant Regarding the modified version of the sixth embodiment, we will omit explanations of points that are the same as those of the sixth embodiment and focus on explaining the differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0200] Structures 600A and 600B may be installed inside any of the following: the mushroom cultivation facility 20, the plant factory 30, the server room 40, the warehouse 50, the livestock shed 60, or the land-based aquaculture farm 70.

[0201] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 11. Air conditioner 110 Front wall 120 Left side wall 130 Right side wall 140 Back wall 150 ceiling 210 Front wall 250 ceiling 310 Front wall 410 Front wall 430 Right side wall 540 Back wall 610 Front wall 640 Back wall 650 ceiling AX rotation axis G product M Mushroom L Livestock I1 Inside I2 Inside I4 Inside I5 Inside I7 inside I8 inside I10 inner side I11 inner side I13 inner side I14 inner side I16 inner side I17 inner side P plant Q Aquatic life SV サーバー T ground V wall

Claims

1. A variable structure installed inside another structure, wherein, inside (I1, I2), plants (P) or mushrooms (M) are cultivated, livestock (L) are raised, aquatic organisms (Q) are farmed, goods (G) are stored, or servers (SV) are installed. The configuration can be changed, and a front wall (110) is erected inside, The ceiling (150) adjacent to the aforementioned front wall, A rear wall (140) is erected inside the aforementioned interior, facing the front wall and in contact with the ceiling, A left-side wall (120) is erected inside the aforementioned interior and is in contact with the front wall, the ceiling, and the rear wall, A right-side wall (130) is erected within the interior, facing the left-side wall, and in contact with the front wall, the ceiling, and the rear wall. Equipped with, The interior is formed by being enclosed by the front wall, the ceiling, the rear wall, the left wall, and the right wall. A supply port for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner (11) to the interior is provided in the ground (T) inside or in the floor of the other structure inside. By changing the configuration of the front wall, the state in which the outside and inside of the variable structure are separated is changed to a state in which the outside and inside are in communication. Variable structure.

2. A variable structure installed inside another structure, wherein, on its interior (I4, I5, I7, I8, I10, I11, I13, I14, I16, I17), plants or mushrooms are cultivated, livestock are raised, aquatic organisms are farmed, goods are stored, or servers are installed. The configuration can be changed, and front walls (210, 310, 410, 610) are erected inside, Equipped with, The aforementioned interior is at least, The aforementioned front wall and, At least one of the vertical wall (V) of the other structure and the ceiling (C) of the other structure, It is formed by being surrounded by A supply port for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner to the interior is provided in the ground or other structure within the interior. By changing the configuration of the front wall, the state in which the outside and inside of the variable structure are separated is changed to a state in which the outside and inside are in communication. Variable structure.

3. The first component in contact with the front wall, Furthermore, The first component is, The ceiling (250, 650) adjacent to the aforementioned front wall, The left side wall, which is erected inside the aforementioned interior and is adjacent to the front wall, The right side wall (430) is erected inside the aforementioned interior and is in contact with the front wall, It is one of the following: The aforementioned interior is at least, The aforementioned front wall and, The first component and, At least one of the vertical walls of the other structure and the ceiling of the other structure, Formed by being surrounded, The variable structure according to claim 2.

4. A rear wall (540, 640) is erected inside the aforementioned interior and faces the front wall, Furthermore, The aforementioned interior is at least, The aforementioned front wall and, The aforementioned rear wall and, At least one of the vertical walls of the other structure and the ceiling of the other structure, Formed by being surrounded, The variable structure according to claim 2.

5. An exhaust port for discharging the air inside from the inside to the outside, Furthermore, A variable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The exhaust port is connected to a hose that leads to the air conditioner, The variable structure according to claim 5.

7. An exhaust port for discharging the air inside from the inside to the outside is further provided in the ground inside or in the other structure inside. A variable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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