Plant cultivation equipment

Abstract

To provide improved, novel plant cultivation equipment. [Solution] The plant cultivation equipment comprises, for example, an endless circular member that moves in a circular path having a first section that moves laterally, a second section that is located above the first section and overlaps with the first section and moves in the opposite direction to the first section, and two third sections that move between the first section and the second section while curving outward in a convex shape; a plurality of movable shelves that each support or hold a plant cultivation container and are attached to the circular member via connecting parts at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the circular member, and move along the circular movement of the circular member while maintaining the cultivation container in a substantially constant position; a first lighting device that irradiates plants held on the movable shelves with cultivation light while the connecting parts and movable shelves move along the first section; and a second lighting device that irradiates plants held on the movable shelves with cultivation light while the connecting parts and movable shelves move along the second section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to plant cultivation equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a plant cultivation facility in which an operator can perform work at the same position for each shelf by transporting along a path that circulates around a shelf for cultivating plants (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of plant cultivation equipment, for example, it would be beneficial if the variation in growth conditions for each shelf could be made smaller, or if the components of the plant cultivation equipment could be arranged more efficiently.

[0005] Therefore, one of the problems of the present invention is to provide a new and improved plant cultivation equipment that can, for example, reduce the variation in growth conditions for each shelf or arrange the components of the plant cultivation equipment more efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The plant cultivation equipment of the present invention comprises, for example, an endless circular member that moves in a substantially oval path having a first section that moves substantially linearly in the lateral direction, a second section that is spaced above the first section and overlaps with the first section and moves substantially linearly in the opposite direction to the first section, and two third sections that move while curving outward between the first section and the second section; a plurality of movable shelves that each support or hold a plant cultivation container, are attached to the circular member via connecting parts at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the circular member, and move along the circular movement of the circular member while maintaining the cultivation container in a substantially constant position; a first lighting device that irradiates the plants held on the movable shelves with cultivation light while the connecting parts and the movable shelves move along the first section; and a second lighting device that irradiates the plants held on the movable shelves with cultivation light while the connecting parts and the movable shelves move along the second section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an illustrative and schematic side view showing the general configuration of the plant cultivation equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of a movable shelf included in the plant cultivation equipment of the embodiment, intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shelf. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of a movable shelf included in the plant cultivation equipment of the embodiment, along the longitudinal direction, showing the state in which the drain plug is closed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of a movable shelf included in the plant cultivation equipment of the embodiment, along the longitudinal direction, showing the state with the drain plug open. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of a modified example of a mobile shelf included in the plant cultivation equipment of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications shown below, as well as the functions and results (effects) obtained from such configurations, are examples only. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derived effects) that can be obtained by the following configurations.

[0009] In each diagram, the X and Y directions are roughly aligned with the horizontal direction and can also be called the transverse direction. The X direction can also be called the longitudinal direction, and the Y direction can also be called the width direction. The Z direction is roughly aligned vertically upward and can also be called the upward direction, vertical direction, or height direction. The opposite direction of the Z direction can also be called the downward direction.

[0010] The embodiments and modifications disclosed below achieve similar functions and effects through similar configurations. Such similar configurations are denoted by common reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0011] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a side view showing a plant cultivation facility 100 according to an embodiment. The plant cultivation facility 100 includes a chain 10, a rail 20, a plurality of connecting parts 30, a plurality of movable shelves 40, a lighting device 50, a gutter 63, and a liquid supply pipe 64.

[0012] [Conveying mechanism] The chain 10 extends substantially along a virtual plane intersecting the Y direction and is an endless member that circulates in a circumferential path having an elongated oval shape in the X direction when viewed from the side in the opposite direction to the Y direction, as shown in Figure 1. The chain 10 is wound around two rotating bodies (not shown), such as sprockets, that are spaced apart in the X direction, and circulates along the elongated oval trajectory as either of the rotating bodies rotates. In this embodiment, the chain 10 circulates mainly in a clockwise direction from the viewpoint in Figure 1, but it may circulate in a counterclockwise direction, or it may rotate alternately in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The chain 10 is an example of a circumferential member.

[0013] The chain 10 has a first section D1, a second section D2, and two third sections D31 and D32. The first section D1 extends in a linear segment shape substantially along the X direction, and is the section in which the chain 10 moves linearly in the opposite direction to the X direction. The second section D2 extends in a linear segment shape substantially along the X direction, and is the section in which the chain 10 moves linearly in the X direction. The second section D2 is approximately the same length as the first section D1 and is approximately parallel to it, and is separated from the first section D1 by a predetermined distance above it.

[0014] The third sections D31 and D32 are both curved outward in a convex shape, forming the curved portion of the oval-shaped chain 10. The third section D31 is adjacent to the first section D1 and the second section D2 in the X direction and has a shape that is convex in the X direction. The third section D32 is adjacent to the first section D1 and the second section D2 in the opposite direction of the X direction and has a shape that is convex in the opposite direction of the X direction. When the chain 10 rotates clockwise, the third section D31 is the section in which the chain 10 moves from the first section D1 to the second section D2, and the third section D32 is the section in which the chain 10 moves from the second section D2 to the first section D1.

[0015] Multiple connecting parts 30 are attached to the chain 10 at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction, for example, at approximately constant intervals. The connecting parts 30 are interposed between the chain 10 and the movable shelf 40 and are the parts that connect the chain 10 and the movable shelf 40. The connecting parts 30 have, for example, multiple members that are rotatably connected to each other. Note that the spacing of the connecting parts 30 on the chain 10 does not have to be constant.

[0016] The rail 20 also extends substantially along a virtual plane intersecting the Y direction, aligns with the chain 10 in the Z direction, and has an elongated oval shape that is long in the X direction in the side view in Figure 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the rail 20 is arranged to surround the chain 10, as shown in Figure 1. The rail 20 also has a channel-like shape that extends with a substantially C-shaped cross section, for example, and guides the connecting portion 30 so that it can move. That is, the rail 20 constitutes an elongated oval movement path (track) on which the connecting portion 30 moves. Note that the size and relative position of the chain 10 and the rail 20 are not limited to the example in Figure 1.

[0017] The plant cultivation equipment 100 comprises two assemblies, each having a chain 10, a rail 20, and a plurality of connecting parts 30 as shown in Figure 1. These two assemblies are spaced apart in the Y direction and are parallel to each other. Hereafter, the chain 10, rail 20, and connecting part 30 located on the left side when viewed in the X direction will be simply referred to as the left chain 10, rail 20, and connecting part 30, and the chain 10, rail 20, and connecting part 30 located on the right side when viewed in the X direction will be simply referred to as the right chain 10, rail 20, and connecting part 30.

[0018] [Mobile shelves (cultivation containers)] Each movable shelf 40 is supported by two connecting parts 30 that are separated in the Y direction, i.e., straddled between the left and right connecting parts 30. In other words, the movable shelf 40 is connected to two chains 10 that rotate synchronously with each other via the two connecting parts 30. In this embodiment, the movable shelf 40 is also configured as the cultivation container for the plant P itself. That is, the movable shelf 40 is an example of a cultivation container. However, it is not limited to this, and the cultivation container may be configured separately from the movable shelf 40 and held by the movable shelf 40.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view intersecting the Y direction of the movable shelf 40, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view intersecting the X direction of the movable shelf 40. The movable shelf 40 is connected to the connection parts 30 (not shown in FIG. 3) on both the left and right sides (a pair) in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable shelf 40 as a whole has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance that extends long in the Y direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of the movable shelf 40 is the Y direction. The movable shelf 40 is provided with a recess 40a that is open upward, and solids such as soil and solid fertilizers for planting the plant P, and liquids such as water and liquid fertilizers are accommodated in the recess 40a. The recess 40a may also be referred to as an accommodation part. The cultivation method of the plant P may be soil cultivation or hydroponics.

[0020] The chain 10, the rail 20, and the plurality of connection parts 30 are configured to move while maintaining the posture shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, that is, the movable shelf 40 extends substantially along the Y direction, the opening end 40a1 of the recess 40a is substantially along a horizontal plane, and the recess 40a opens upward. The plurality of movable shelves 40 are conveyed in a posture substantially parallel to each other.

[0021] [Lighting device] The lighting devices 50 (51, 52) shown in FIG. 1 irradiate the plant P held on the movable shelf 40 with cultivation light. As the cultivation light, light in a wavelength band suitable for the growth of the plant P can be adopted. The lighting device 50 has a support member 50a and a plurality of LED units 50b. The support member 50a has a plate-like shape that intersects the Z direction and extends in the X direction with a predetermined thickness in the Z direction and a predetermined width in the Y direction. Each of the LED units 50b has a rod-like shape that extends in the Y direction with a predetermined height in the Z direction and a predetermined width in the X direction. Each of the LED units 50b includes LED elements arranged at a predetermined interval, for example, at a constant interval in the Y direction. And the plurality of LED units 50b are arranged at a predetermined interval, for example, at a constant interval in the X direction. The LED unit 50b may also be referred to as a light-emitting unit, and the LED element may also be referred to as a light-emitting element.

[0022] The lighting device 50 includes a lower lighting device 51 and an upper lighting device 52. Lighting device 51 faces the upper part of the movable shelf 40 at a distance while the connecting part 30 and the movable shelf 40 move along the first section D1, and irradiates the plants P held on the movable shelf 40 with cultivation light. On the other hand, lighting device 52 faces the upper part of the movable shelf 40 at a distance while the connecting part 30 and the movable shelf 40 move along the second section D2, and irradiates the plants P held on the movable shelf 40 with cultivation light. Lighting device 51 is an example of a first lighting device, and lighting device 52 is an example of a second lighting device.

[0023] With this configuration, for example, compared to a configuration in which only one of the lighting devices 51 and 52 is provided, the time for irradiating with cultivation light can be extended. In other words, the proportion of the section in the path along which the mobile shelf 40 moves that can be irradiated with cultivation light can be increased. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the growth of plants P can be further promoted. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which only one of the lighting devices 51 and 52 is provided, for example, it becomes easier to suppress variations in the total irradiation time for each mobile shelf 40, and consequently, variations in the growth of plants P for each mobile shelf 40 can be suppressed.

[0024] Furthermore, if the lighting device 52 is not provided and the plants P moving along the second section D2 are irradiated with sunlight, it becomes difficult to make the irradiation conditions the same for sunlight and cultivation light from the lighting device 51. Also, in this configuration, at night or during the day when it is not sunny, it becomes impossible to irradiate the plants P held on the movable shelves 40 moving along the second section D2 with sunlight. As a result, the irradiation conditions of the light irradiated to the plants P on each movable shelf 40 tend to vary, and there is a risk that it will become difficult to manage the intensity and duration of the light irradiated to the plants P in order to suppress such variations. In this regard, according to this embodiment, by irradiating both the movable shelves 40 moving substantially along the first section D1 and the movable shelves 40 moving substantially along the second section D2 with cultivation light from the lighting devices 51 and 52, it is possible to suppress variations in the irradiation state of cultivation light for each movable shelf 40.

[0025] During the growth of plant P, the chain 10, i.e., the connecting part 30 and the movable shelf 40, basically moves at a predetermined speed, for example, a nearly constant speed. The movement speed of the movable shelf 40 is set appropriately, taking into consideration the growth conditions of plant P, the irradiation conditions of the lighting device 50, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 1, in this embodiment, with the connecting section 30 stopped approximately midway through the third section D32 and the movable shelf 40 stopped at position Pm2, the worker W can perform maintenance on the plants P held on the movable shelf 40 or on the movable shelf 40 itself, such as maintenance of the plants P during their growth or harvesting. Alternatively, the worker W may perform the work with the connecting section 30 stopped approximately midway through the third section D31 and the movable shelf 40 stopped at position Pm1, or may perform the work at both positions Pm1 and Pm2.

[0027] Here, as shown in Figure 1, the length of the lighting device 52 in the X direction, i.e., in the direction of movement of the movable shelf 40, is shorter than that of the lighting device 51. Specifically, the lighting device 52 is configured not to be located above the fourth section D4 (D41, D42) near the ends on both sides of the second section D2 in the X direction.

[0028] [Water supply and drainage mechanism] As shown in Figure 2, a groove 40c is provided in the approximate center of the bottom 40b of the recess 40a in the X direction, recessed in the opposite direction to the Z direction (downward) and open in the Z direction (upward). The groove 40c has the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 2 and extends in the Y direction as shown in Figure 3. The groove 40c is also slightly inclined downward in the Y direction. A drain port 40d is provided near the lower end of the groove 40c, i.e., the end in the Y direction. The drain port 40d is sealed by a drain plug 61 that can be opened and closed. The drain port 40d is provided at the lower end of the groove 40c, but the lower end of the groove 40c is not limited to the end in the Y direction, and may be provided at the end of the bottom 40b in the opposite direction to the Y direction, or at an intermediate position in the Y direction of the bottom 40b. Alternatively, instead of a groove 40c, the bottom 40b may be provided with a valley that extends in the Y direction and is recessed in a V-shape or U-shape overall in a cross-section viewed in the Y direction, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, the valley is provided with a slope that goes downward along the Y direction as it approaches a single point in that Y direction, and the drain port 40d is provided at that single point in the valley (i.e., the lower end of the valley).

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as Figure 3, showing the state after removing the drain plug 61 from the drain port 40d. As shown in Figure 4, the drain plug 61 is provided with an operating part 61d, such as a wire or handle, for the operator W to open and close the drain port 40d. By using their hands or tools to lift the drain plug 61 upward via the operating part 61d, the operator W can open the drain port 40d and discharge the liquid in the recess 40a through the groove 40c and the drain port 40d. The drain plug 61 is an example of a manual drainage mechanism, and the drain port 40d is an example of an opening.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a filter 62, such as a mesh filter, is provided within the recess 40a to cover the groove 40c. The filter 62 allows liquids and solids smaller than the mesh size to pass through, but prevents solids larger than the mesh size from passing through. Therefore, even if solids such as soil or stones are contained within the recess 40a, these solids can be retained on the filter 62, i.e., within the recess 40a.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the drain plug 61 has a configuration that allows the liquid level L in the recess 40a to be set. Specifically, in the example in Figure 3, the drain plug 61 is provided with a cavity 61a extending in the vertical direction, and an inlet 61b is provided in the side wall constituting the cavity 61a, penetrating the side wall, and an outlet 61c is provided at the lower end of the cavity 61a. The inlet 61b is provided at a position above the outlet 61c. In addition, one or more inlets 61b are provided, and if two or more are provided, they are provided so that the positions of their lower ends in the Z direction are approximately the same. With this configuration, when the drain port 40d is closed, liquid present above the lower end of the inlet 61b enters the cavity 61a from the inlet 61b and is discharged outside the movable shelf 40 from the outlet 61c. Therefore, the liquid level L in the recess 40a is maintained at the position of the lower end of the inlet 41b. In other words, the liquid level L (maximum liquid level) in the recess 40a is determined by the position in the Z direction of the lower end of the inlet 41b when the drain plug 61 is installed, that is, when the drain plug 61 is blocking the drain port 40d. That is, as described above, the drain plug 61 functions as a manual draining mechanism, as well as an automatic draining mechanism that discharges liquid when it exceeds a predetermined liquid level L. In this configuration, multiple drain plugs 61 with different Z-direction positions (height positions) of the inlet 41b are prepared and installed interchangeably, thereby changing, or adjusting, the liquid level L in the recess 40a as needed.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid supply pipe 64 is located above the inner region of the open end 40a1 of the recess 40a, at a position spaced apart from the drain port 40d in the Y direction, and in this embodiment, on the end of the open end 40a1 opposite to the Y direction. However, as in this embodiment, when a predetermined liquid level L is secured in the recess 40a, the position of the liquid supply pipe 64 is not limited to a position spaced apart from the drain port 40d in the Y direction, and only needs to be above the inner region of the open end 40a1. The liquid supply pipe 64 is part of the liquid supply mechanism and is an example of a liquid supply section.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the liquid supply pipe 64 is positioned above the fourth section D4 (D41, D42) near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second section D2. The supply and cessation of liquid from the liquid supply pipe 64 are switched according to the operation of a manual valve by the operator W or a switch that controls the opening and closing of the electric valve. Alternatively, using the function of the automatic drainage mechanism of the drain plug 61, a computer may control the opening and closing of the electric valve to supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a movable shelf 40 located in a position where liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply pipe 64, such that liquid flows out from the outlet 61c via the inlet 61b and cavity 61a when the drain plug 61 is closed. This predetermined amount is set in advance by experiment or calculation. In addition, in the case of hydroponics, a computer may control the opening and closing of the electric valve to set the liquid level to L according to the detection value of a sensor (e.g., a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor) that detects the liquid level in the recess 40a. An electric valve is, for example, a valve that has an electromagnetic solenoid to open and close the valve body.

[0034] As described above, the lighting device 52 is not provided above the fourth section D4. In other words, the liquid supply pipe 64 is provided in a location where the lighting device 52 is not provided. With this configuration, the lighting device 52 and the liquid supply pipe 64 can be arranged more efficiently in the plant cultivation facility 100. In addition, since the liquid supply pipe 64 and the lighting device 52 can be arranged at a distance from each other in the X direction, it is possible to avoid adverse effects on the lighting device 52 if the liquid discharged from the liquid supply pipe 64 splashes or scatters around. In this case, from the viewpoint of preventing liquid from getting on the lighting device 52, it is preferable that the liquid supply pipe 64 be provided on the side of the movable shelf 40 that is further from the lighting device 52 than the center in the X direction, when the movable shelf 40 is in the position where the liquid is supplied by the liquid supply pipe 64.

[0035] The liquid supply pipe 64 located on the fourth section D41 near the X-direction end of the second section D2 can supply liquid to the movable shelf 40 after it has been irradiated with cultivation light by the lighting device 51 but before it is irradiated with cultivation light by the lighting device 52. On the other hand, the liquid supply pipe 64 located on the fourth section D42 near the opposite X-direction end of the second section D2 can supply liquid to the movable shelf 40 after it has been irradiated with cultivation light by the lighting device 52 but before it is irradiated with cultivation light by the lighting device 51. With this configuration, the liquid evaporating from the recesses 40a of the movable shelf 40 or from the plants P due to the irradiation of cultivation light by the lighting devices 51 and 52 can be efficiently replenished.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the plant cultivation equipment 100 is provided with a liquid recovery structure, such as a trough 63, that extends in the X direction at a distance from the bottom surface of the movable shelf 40 that moves along the first section D1 and the bottom surface of the movable shelf 40 that moves along the second section D2, in the opposite direction to the Z direction. Liquid discharged from the drain port 40d due to overflow of the supply liquid or shaking of the movable shelf 40 is collected via the trough 63 and guided to a predetermined drain pipe, etc., via a drain pipe, etc. (not shown).

[0037] The drain plug 61 is provided so as to be detachable from the drain port 40d, for example, when the movable shelf 40 is positioned on the gutter 63, specifically when the connection part 30 is stopped in the fourth section D4. Specifically, for example, the drain plug 61 is provided with the aforementioned operating part 61d, and the plant cultivation equipment 100 is provided with space to allow the worker W to open and close the drain plug 61 using the operating part 61d.

[0038] Furthermore, the drain plug 61 may be provided so as to be detachable from the drain port 40d when the movable shelf 40 is stopped at position Pm2 or Pm1. In that case, a movable drain recovery pipe 65A may be provided that can move, for example, laterally inside and outside the movement path Pt of the movable shelf 40 (cultivation container) and the plant P as they move through the third sections D31 and D32. With this configuration, the worker W can, for example, when the movable shelf 40 is stopped at position Pm2, move the drain recovery pipe 65A to a position within the movement path Pt, that is, a position below the drain port 40d which interferes with the movement path Pt, and then perform the drain operation described above by removing the drain plug 61 from the drain port 40d. After the completion of the drain operation, the worker W can move the drain recovery pipe 65A outside the movement path Pt. The drain recovery pipe 65A is an example of a drain recovery unit. Furthermore, a movable liquid supply pipe 64A that can move, for example, laterally, inside and outside the movement path Pt may be provided. In this case, the worker W can, for example, move the liquid supply pipe 64A to a position within the movement path Pt, that is, a position above the mobile shelf 40 that interferes with the movement path Pt, while the mobile shelf 40 is stopped at position Pm2, and perform the liquid supply work. After the liquid supply work is completed, the worker W can move the liquid supply pipe 64A outside the movement path Pt. Note that the direction of movement of the drainage recovery pipe 65A and the liquid supply pipe 64A is not limited to the laterally direction, but may be upward, downward, diagonally upward, diagonally downward, etc. Also, a movable drainage recovery pipe 65A and a liquid supply pipe 64A having a similar configuration may be provided corresponding to the mobile shelf 40 located at position Pm1. The movable liquid supply pipe 64A may supply liquid to the mobile shelf 40 when the connection part 30 is located in the third section D31, D32.

[0039] Figure 5 is a side view showing a part of a modified mobile shelf 40 of the embodiment. In the modified embodiment shown in Figure 5, a drain valve 65 is provided that allows drainage from a drain port 40d1 separate from the drain port 40d. The drain valve 65 may be a manual valve or an electric valve. With this configuration, the worker W can drain the liquid in the recess 40a without removing the drain plug 61 from the drain port 40d by operating the drain valve 65. The drain valve 65 is an example of a manual drainage mechanism.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the plant cultivation equipment 100 includes a lighting device 51 (first lighting device) that irradiates cultivation light onto the plants P held on the movable shelf 40 while the connecting part 30 and the movable shelf 40 move along the first section D1, and a lighting device 52 (second lighting device) that irradiates cultivation light onto the plants P held on the movable shelf 40 while the connecting part 30 and the movable shelf 40 move along the second section D2. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to further promote the growth of plants P, and to suppress variations in the irradiation state and irradiation time of cultivation light for each movable shelf 40, and consequently variations in the growth state of plants P.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lighting device 52 is positioned so as not to be located above the fourth section D4 near the ends on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second section D2, and the liquid supply pipes 64, 64A (liquid supply mechanism) are provided to supply liquid to the movable shelf 40 (cultivation container) when the connection part 30 is located in the third section D31, D32 or the fourth section D4. With this configuration, for example, the lighting device 52 and the liquid supply pipes 64 can be arranged more efficiently in the plant cultivation equipment 100. In addition, for example, the liquid supply pipes 64 and the lighting device 52 can be positioned spaced apart in the X direction, so it is possible to avoid adverse effects on the lighting device 52 if the liquid discharged from the liquid supply pipes 64 splashes or scatters around.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plant cultivation equipment 100 has a liquid supply pipe 64A (liquid supply section) as a liquid supply mechanism, which is movably provided inside and outside the moving path Pt. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to supply liquid to the movable shelf 40 from a position more suitable for liquid supply while preventing interference between the liquid supply pipe 64A and the movable shelf 40 or the plants P.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plant cultivation equipment 100 is equipped with a drain plug 61 (manual drainage mechanism) that drains liquid from the movable shelf 40 by operation by the worker W when the connection part 30 is located in the third section D31, D32 or the fourth section D4. With this configuration, for example, since the liquid can be drained at a position away from the lighting devices 51, 52, it is possible to suppress the liquid discharged from the movable shelf 40 from acting on the lighting devices 51, 52 and causing adverse effects.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plant cultivation equipment 100 has a drainage recovery pipe 65A (drainage recovery section) that is movable both inside and outside the movement path Pt. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to collect drainage at a more suitable location while preventing interference between the drainage recovery pipe 65A and the movable shelf 40 or plants P.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable shelf 40 has an automatic drainage mechanism that discharges the liquid when the liquid contained in the movable shelf 40 exceeds a predetermined liquid level L. With this configuration, for example, the liquid level L in the movable shelf 40 can be maintained at a level suitable for the growth of plants P.

[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each configuration and specification (structure, type, orientation, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate.

[0047] For example, a manual drainage mechanism and an automatic drainage mechanism may be provided separately. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 10…Chain (circular component) 20... Rails 30…Connection part 40… Mobile shelves (cultivation containers) 40a…recess 40a1…Open end 40b…Bottom 40c…Groove 40d, 40d1... Drain port 41b,61b...Inlet 50…Lighting devices 50a...Support member 50b…LED unit 51...Lighting device (first lighting device) 52...Lighting device (second lighting device) 61…Drain plug (manual drainage mechanism, automatic drainage mechanism) 61a…Cavity 61c…Discharge port 61d...Operation unit 62…filter 63… Gutter 64,64A…Liquid supply pipe (liquid supply mechanism) 65…Drain valve (manual drainage mechanism) 65A... Drainage recovery pipe 100…Plant cultivation equipment D1...First section D2...Second section D31, D32... Third section D4, D41, D42... Fourth section L…Liquid level P...plant Pm1,Pm2…Position Pt... Travel route W...Worker

Claims

1. An endless circumferential member that moves in a circular path having a first section that moves in a substantially linear manner in the horizontal direction, a second section that moves in a substantially linear manner in the opposite direction to the first section at a position above and overlapping with the first section, and two third sections that move in an outwardly curved manner between the first section and the second section, Each of the following movable shelves supports or holds a plant cultivation container, and is attached to the circumferential member via connecting parts at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the circumferential member, and moves along with the rotation of the circumferential member while maintaining the cultivation container in a substantially constant position, While the connecting portion and the movable shelf move along the first section, a first lighting device irradiates the plants held on the movable shelf with cultivation light, While the connecting part and the movable shelf move along the second section, a second lighting device irradiates the plants held on the movable shelf with cultivation light, Plant cultivation equipment equipped with these features.

2. The cultivation container is equipped with a liquid supply mechanism, The first lighting device is installed so as not to be located above the fourth section near the ends on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second section. The plant cultivation equipment according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply mechanism is provided to supply liquid to the cultivation container when the connection portion is located in the third section or the fourth section.

3. The plant cultivation equipment according to claim 2, further comprising a manual drainage mechanism for draining liquid from the cultivation container by operation of an operator when the connection portion is located in the third section or the fourth section.

4. The plant cultivation equipment according to claim 2, further comprising a movable shelf, a cultivation container, and a drainage collection unit that is movable inside and outside the movement path of the plants, for collecting drainage from the cultivation container.

5. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cultivation container has an automatic drainage mechanism that discharges the liquid when the liquid contained in the cultivation container exceeds a predetermined liquid level.

6. The plant cultivation equipment according to claim 2, wherein the liquid supply mechanism has a liquid supply unit that is movable inside and outside the movement path of the movable shelf, the cultivation container, and the plant.

Images