Hydroponic cultivation system

Abstract

This invention provides a hydroponic cultivation system that can alleviate the problem of insufficient sunlight for plants planted in cultivation panels. [Solution] A hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 for hydroponically cultivating plants P comprises a cultivation shelf 10 in which a nutrient solution supplied to the plants P is stored, and a cultivation panel 30 provided on the cultivation shelf 10 on which multiple plants P are planted and in which the roots of at least some of the plants P are immersed in the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf 10, wherein the cultivation panel 30 is formed in a stepped shape that becomes higher towards the center of the cultivation panel 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a hydroponic cultivation device for hydroponically cultivating plants.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of a hydroponic cultivation device for cultivating plants by hydroponics is well-known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a hydroponic cultivation device for cultivating plants (crops) using a nutrient solution. The hydroponic cultivation device described in Patent Document 1 includes a seedbed pallet for accommodating plants and a cultivation shelf (cultivation container) containing a nutrient solution into which the roots of the plants drawn out from the lower surface of the seedbed pallet are immersed. In the hydroponic cultivation device described in Patent Document 1, the growth of plants can be promoted by allowing the roots of the plants to absorb the moisture and nutrients of the nutrient solution.

[0004] Here, in a hydroponic cultivation device, when plants are densely planted in order to increase the yield per unit area of plants (crops), the plants in the central part of the cultivation shelf may suffer from insufficient sunlight due to being shaded by the surrounding plants, and may become leggy or die. For this reason, there is a problem that even if the plants are densely planted, the yield cannot be effectively increased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a hydroponic cultivation device capable of eliminating insufficient sunlight of plants planted on a cultivation panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0008] That is, claim 1 is a hydroponic cultivation apparatus for hydroponically cultivating plants, comprising: a cultivation shelf in which a nutrient solution supplied to the plants is stored; and a cultivation panel provided on the cultivation shelf on which a plurality of the plants are planted, and in which the roots of at least some of the plants are immersed in the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf, wherein the cultivation panel is formed in a stepped shape that becomes higher towards the center of the cultivation panel.

[0009] Claim 2 provides an irrigation unit capable of supplying nutrient solution to the plants planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel.

[0010] In claim 3, the cultivation panel is equipped with a guide unit for guiding the nutrient solution supplied from the irrigation unit to the plants planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel.

[0011] Claim 4 provides an absorption unit capable of absorbing the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf and supplying the absorbed nutrient solution to the plants planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel.

[0012] Claim 5 comprises a light-shielding sheet that is formed to be light-shielding and is provided to cover at least the upper portion of the cultivation panel.

[0013] Claim 6 provides that the cultivation panel comprises a first panel formed in the shape of a plate with its surface oriented vertically, and a second panel formed in the shape of a plate with its surface oriented vertically, and placed on the central side of the first panel.

[0014] In claim 7, the first panel is configured to be movable downward so that the upper surface of the first panel and the upper surface of the second panel are substantially at the same height.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] As an effect of the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0016] In claim 1, it is possible to eliminate insufficient sunlight for the plants planted on the cultivation panel.

[0017] In claim 2, even when the roots of the plants planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel do not reach the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf, it is possible to supply the nutrient solution to the plants.

[0018] In claim 3, it is possible to facilitate the supply of the nutrient solution from the irrigation part to the plants planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel.

[0019] In claim 4, it is possible to facilitate the supply of the nutrient solution to the plants planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel.

[0020] In claim 5, it is possible to suppress light from hitting the nutrient solution flowing from the irrigation part to the upper part of the cultivation panel, and thus suppress the growth of algae on the surface of the cultivation panel.

[0021] In claim 6, with a simple structure, the cultivation panel can be formed in a stepped shape.

[0022] In claim 7, it is possible to facilitate the harvesting of plants with a harvesting machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing a hydroponic cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front cross-sectional view showing the hydroponic cultivation device. [Figure 3]Perspective view showing a cultivation panel and a watering tube. [Figure 4] (a) Perspective view showing another example of the upper panel. (b) Perspective view showing another example of the upper panel. [Figure 5] Front cross-sectional view showing an example of a hydroponic cultivation device. [Figure 6] (a) Plan view showing an example of the lower panel. (a) Plan view showing an example of the upper panel. [Figure 7] (a) Plan view showing the state where the upper panel is placed on the lower panel. (b) Plan view showing the state where the upper panel is slid forward. [Figure 8] (a) Front cross-sectional view showing the state where the upper panel is placed on the lower panel. (b) Front cross-sectional view showing the state where the upper panel is moved downward.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] In the following description, in accordance with the arrows shown in the figures, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction are defined respectively.

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a hydroponic cultivation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] The hydroponic cultivation device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for cultivating a plant P. The hydroponic cultivation device 1 of the present embodiment is used for facility horticulture for cultivating the plant P using a facility such as a vinyl house. The type of the plant P cultivated by the hydroponic cultivation device 1 is not particularly limited, but for example, leguminous plants such as soybeans can be adopted. The hydroponic cultivation device 1 cultivates the plant P by hydroponic cultivation (nutrient solution cultivation) using a nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is obtained by dissolving fertilizer in water. As the nutrient solution, for example, a liquid containing nutrient components (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, etc.) necessary for the growth of the plant P can be used.

[0027] The hydroponic cultivation system 1 comprises a cultivation shelf 10, spacers 20, cultivation panels 30, a planting section 40, irrigation tubes 50, a light-shielding sheet 60, a nutrient solution storage tank 70, a nutrient solution circulation section 80, and a nutrient solution replenishment section 90.

[0028] The cultivation shelf 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the part on which the cultivation panel 30, described later, is installed. The cultivation shelf 10 (more specifically, the nutrient solution storage space S, described later) stores the nutrient solution supplied to the plants P. The cultivation shelf 10 is formed in a box shape with an open top by a bottom 11 and side walls 12. The cultivation shelf 10 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending in a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the cultivation shelf 10 is positioned with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction and its short direction in the left-to-right direction. The material of the cultivation shelf 10 is not limited and may be made of resin or metal.

[0029] A drain port 13 for draining nutrient solution is formed at the bottom 11 of the cultivation shelf 10. There may be one drain port 13 or two or more. If there is only one drain port 13, it is located at the end of the cultivation shelf 10 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the drain port 13 is formed at the front end of the bottom 11. The bottom 11 is formed to slope gently downward towards the front so that the stored nutrient solution can be easily drained from the drain port 13. For convenience, the bottom 11 is shown as generally horizontal in the illustrated example.

[0030] The spacers 20 shown in Figure 2 are on which the cultivation panels 30, described later, will be placed. The spacers 20 are formed in a rectangular prism shape with their longitudinal direction oriented in the front-to-back direction (the depth direction of the paper in Figure 2). The height of the spacers 20 is lower than the height of the side walls 12 of the cultivation shelf 10. The spacers 20 are provided at both the left and right ends of the bottom 11 of the cultivation shelf 10.

[0031] The cultivation panel 30 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is for planting plants P. The cultivation panel 30 is made of a suitable material. For example, the cultivation panel 30 may be made of general-purpose polystyrene foam. The cultivation panel 30 comprises a lower panel 31 and an upper panel 32.

[0032] The lower panel 31 and the upper panel 32 may be divided into multiple components depending on the size of the cultivation shelf 10, or they may be formed as a single unit. Figure 3 shows an example in which the lower panel 31 and the upper panel 32 are divided into two parts, front and back.

[0033] The lower panel 31 shown in Figures 2 and 3 constitutes the lower section of the cultivation panel 30. The lower panel 31 is formed as a plate with its surface oriented vertically. The lower panel 31 is formed as a rectangular shape in plan view, sized to fit inside the cultivation shelf 10. The lower panel 31 is placed on the left and right spacers 20. This creates a nutrient solution storage space S between the cultivation shelf 10 and the lower panel 31, which is a space for storing nutrient solution.

[0034] The lower panel 31 has a first hole 31a that penetrates it vertically. The shape of the first hole 31a can be any shape, and in this embodiment it is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view (see Figure 3). Multiple first holes 31a are formed. The first holes 31a are formed to be spaced apart along the left-right direction. In this embodiment, four rows of first holes 31a are formed in the left-right direction (the short side direction of the cultivation shelf 10). In addition, the first holes 31a are formed to be spaced apart along the front-back direction. In this embodiment, eight rows of first holes 31a are formed in the front-back direction (the long side direction of the cultivation shelf 10).

[0035] The upper panel 32 shown in Figures 2 and 3 constitutes the upper section of the cultivation panel 30. The upper panel 32 is formed as a plate with its surface oriented vertically. The length of the upper panel 32 in the front-to-back direction is the same as the length of the lower panel 31 in the front-to-back direction. The length of the upper panel 32 in the left-to-right direction is shorter than the length of the lower panel 31 in the left-to-right direction. The upper panel 32 is placed on the center side of the upper surface of the lower panel 31 in the left-to-right direction (the shorter side direction of the cultivation shelf 10).

[0036] The upper panel 32 has a second hole 32a that penetrates it vertically. The second hole 32a is formed in the same shape as the first hole 31a of the lower panel 31. Multiple second holes 32a are formed at positions corresponding to the first hole 31a of the lower panel 31, spaced apart along the left-right and front-back directions. In this embodiment, two rows of second holes 32a are formed in the left-right direction and eight rows in the front-back direction.

[0037] The cultivation panel 30 is composed of a lower panel 31 and an upper panel 32 formed as described above, and is formed in a stepped shape that becomes higher towards the center in the left-right direction (the short side direction of the cultivation shelf 10). In this embodiment, the cultivation panel 30 is formed in two tiers.

[0038] In this embodiment, the upper panel 32 is positioned in the left-right center of the lower panel 31 (the cultivation panel 30 is formed symmetrically), but the upper panel 32 may be positioned offset from the left-right center of the lower panel 31 (the cultivation panel 30 is formed asymmetrically). In other words, the "center side" of the cultivation panel 30 in this specification is not strictly limited to the "center".

[0039] The planting section 40 shown in Figure 2 is the part where the plant P is planted. The planting section 40 is formed from, for example, a sponge. The planting section 40 is formed in a shape that can fit into the first hole 31a and the second hole 32a, and is formed, for example, in a roughly rectangular prism shape corresponding to the size of the first hole 31a and the second hole 32a. However, the planting section 40 may have a different shape from the first hole 31a and the second hole 32a, as long as it can fit into them.

[0040] The planting section 40 is provided so as to fit into the first hole 31a of the lower panel 31 with the plant P inserted through it. The planting section 40 is also provided so as to fit into the second hole 32a of the upper panel 32 with the plant P inserted through it. In this way, the plant P is planted in the upper section (upper panel 32) and lower section (lower panel 31) of the cultivation panel 30 via the planting section 40 so that the above-ground portion is exposed on the upper side of the cultivation panel 30. The roots of the plant P planted in the lower panel 31 are immersed in the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S between the cultivation shelf 10 and the cultivation panel 30.

[0041] In this way, plants P are planted via the planting section 40 into the cultivation panel 30, which is formed in a stepped shape that becomes higher towards the center. Therefore, it is possible to prevent plants P planted on the central side of the cultivation panel 30 (plants P planted on the upper panel 32) from having their sunlight blocked by plants P planted around them (plants P planted on the lower panel 31), and consequently, to prevent plants P planted on the central side of the cultivation panel 30 from suffering from insufficient sunlight.

[0042] In this case, because the upper panel 32 is positioned higher than the lower panel 31, the roots of the plants P planted in the upper panel 32 may not reach the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S. To solve this problem, the hydroponic cultivation device 1 is equipped with irrigation tubes 50.

[0043] The irrigation tubes 50 shown in Figures 1 to 3 are for supplying nutrient solution to plants P planted on the upper part (upper panel 32) of the cultivation panel 30. The irrigation tubes 50 also serve to supply nutrient solution to the nutrient solution storage space S. The irrigation tubes 50 are formed in a tubular shape through which nutrient solution can flow. The irrigation tubes 50 are installed on the upper part (upper panel 32) of the cultivation panel 30. More specifically, the irrigation tubes 50 are installed so as to extend in the front-to-back direction between two rows of plants P planted on the upper panel 32.

[0044] The irrigation tube 50 has holes on its sides (left and right), allowing nutrient solution to be sprayed from these holes in a left-right direction. A portion of the nutrient solution sprayed from the irrigation tube 50 travels along the surface of the upper panel 32 and is absorbed by the planting section 40 provided in the second hole 32a. The nutrient solution absorbed by the planting section 40 in the second hole 32a is then absorbed by the roots of the plants P planted in the planting section 40. This allows nutrient solution from the irrigation tube 50 to be supplied to the plants P planted in the upper panel 32. In addition, any nutrient solution not absorbed by the plants P planted in the upper panel 32 travels along the surface of the lower panel 31 and is absorbed by the planting section 40 provided in the first hole 31a, and is then absorbed by the roots of the plants P planted in the lower panel 31. Furthermore, any nutrient solution that is not absorbed by the plants P planted on the upper panel 32 and the lower panel 31 is supplied to the nutrient solution storage space S through the second hole 32a and the first hole 31a, as well as the gap between the lower panel 31 and the cultivation shelf 10.

[0045] By providing the irrigation tube 50 in this manner, the problems with nutrient solution supply caused by the stepped arrangement of the cultivation panel 30 can be solved. However, in the method of supplying nutrient solution to the plants P from the irrigation tube 50 installed on the upper part of the cultivation panel 30, the nutrient solution flows along the surface of the cultivation panel 30, making it easier for light to reach the nutrient solution. Exposure to light to the nutrient solution leads to the growth of algae on the surface of the cultivation panel 30, which is undesirable. To prevent this, the hydroponic cultivation device 1 is equipped with a light-shielding sheet 60.

[0046] The light-shielding sheet 60 shown in Figure 2 is intended to suppress light from reaching the nutrient solution. For convenience, in the example figure, the light-shielding sheet 60 is shown with a dashed line. The light-shielding sheet 60 is formed in the shape of a sheet. The light-shielding sheet 60 is formed to block light. Specifically, the light-shielding sheet 60 is formed to reflect light, for example, by forming the surface to be white or by applying aluminum vapor deposition to the surface. The light-shielding sheet 60 is provided so as to cover at least the upper part (upper panel 32) of the cultivation panel 30, and preferably so as to cover the entire cultivation panel 30. By providing the light-shielding sheet 60 in this way, light from reaching the nutrient solution is suppressed, and consequently, the growth of algae on the surface of the cultivation panel 30 can be suppressed.

[0047] The nutrient solution storage tank 70 shown in Figure 1 stores nutrient solution for supply to the irrigation tube 50. The nutrient solution storage tank 70 is formed in the shape of a container capable of storing nutrient solution.

[0048] The nutrient solution circulation unit 80 shown in Figure 1 circulates the nutrient solution between the nutrient solution storage tank 70 and the irrigation tube 50. The nutrient solution circulation unit 80 comprises a first duct 81, a drainage path 82, a pump 83, a switching valve 84, and a second duct 85.

[0049] The first duct 81 is a pipe through which nutrient solution can flow, and is provided to connect the nutrient solution storage tank 70 and the irrigation tube 50. The drainage path 82 is connected to the middle of the first duct 81 and is provided to allow drainage of nutrient solution from the first duct 81. The pump 83 is provided upstream of the drainage path 82 on the nutrient solution storage tank 70 side of the first duct 81 and is configured to pump nutrient solution from the nutrient solution storage tank 70 to the irrigation tube 50. The switching valve 84 is provided at the junction of the first duct 81 and the drainage path 82 and is configured to switch between supplying nutrient solution from the nutrient solution storage tank 70 to the irrigation tube 50 and draining nutrient solution from the nutrient solution storage tank 70 to the drainage path 82. The second duct 85 is a pipe through which nutrient solution can flow, and is provided to connect the drainage port 13 of the cultivation shelf 10 and the nutrient solution storage tank 70.

[0050] The nutrient solution replenishment unit 90 shown in Figure 1 replenishes the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage tank 70. The nutrient solution replenishment unit 90 comprises a concentrated nutrient solution tank 91, a third duct 92, a pump 93, a water supply route 94, and a valve 95.

[0051] The concentrated nutrient solution tank 91 is configured to store concentrated nutrient solution. The third duct 92 is a pipe through which nutrient solution can flow and is provided to connect the concentrated nutrient solution tank 91 and the nutrient solution storage tank 70. The pump 93 is provided in the third duct 92 and is configured to pump nutrient solution from the concentrated nutrient solution tank 91 to the nutrient solution storage tank 70. The water supply path 94 is configured to supply water to the nutrient solution storage tank 70. The valve 95 is provided in the water supply path 94 and is configured to switch between supplying water to the nutrient solution storage tank 70 and not supplying water to the nutrient solution storage tank 70.

[0052] The following describes the operation of the hydroponic cultivation device 1 when supplying nutrient solution to plant P.

[0053] By setting the switching valve 84 to a state where nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution storage tank 70 to the irrigation tube 50, and operating the pump 83, nutrient solution can be sent from the nutrient solution storage tank 70 to the irrigation tube 50. The nutrient solution sent to the irrigation tube 50 is sprayed outwards from the holes on the sides of the irrigation tube 50 and supplied to the plants P planted on the upper panel 32. The nutrient solution sprayed from the irrigation tube 50 also flows to the cultivation shelf 10 via the surface of the cultivation panel 30 and the planting area 40, and is stored in the nutrient solution storage space S between the cultivation shelf 10 and the cultivation panel 30. The nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S is returned to the nutrient solution storage tank 70 via the drain port 13 and the second duct 85.

[0054] Then, by appropriately adjusting the operation of the pump 93 and valve 95, concentrated nutrient solution from the concentrated nutrient solution tank 91 and water from the water supply route 94 can be supplied to the nutrient solution storage tank 70, thereby replenishing the nutrient solution storage tank 70 with a solution whose concentration and nutritional components have been adjusted.

[0055] In the hydroponic cultivation system 1 configured as described above, the cultivation panels 30 are formed in a stepped shape, becoming higher towards the center. This prevents plants P planted in the center of the cultivation panels 30 (upper panel 32) from having their sunlight blocked by plants P planted around them (lower panel 31). Therefore, even when plants P are densely planted, it is possible to prevent plants P in the center of the cultivation panels 30 from suffering from insufficient sunlight, and consequently, to prevent plants P in the center of the cultivation panels 30 from becoming leggy or dying. Thus, the yield of plants P can be effectively increased.

[0056] Furthermore, if the plants P on the central side of the cultivation panel 30 are planted at a higher position, there is a risk that the roots of the plants P may not reach the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S. However, by installing irrigation tubes 50 in the upper part of the cultivation panel 30, nutrient solution can be supplied to the plants P on the central side of the cultivation panel 30 whose roots cannot reach the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S. Therefore, the growth of the plants P can be promoted.

[0057] Furthermore, since the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a hydroponic cultivation system that does not use growing medium, it is possible to maintain the quality of the nutrient solution and improve cleaning and maintenance.

[0058] As described above, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is A hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 for hydroponic cultivation of plant P, A cultivation shelf 10 in which the nutrient solution supplied to the plant P is stored, A cultivation panel 30 is provided on the cultivation shelf 10 such that multiple plants P are planted on it and at least some of the roots of the plants P are immersed in a nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf 10, It is equipped with, The aforementioned cultivation panel 30 is The cultivation panel 30 is formed in a stepped shape, becoming higher towards the center.

[0059] This configuration makes it possible to eliminate insufficient sunlight for the plants P planted in the cultivation panel 30.

[0060] Furthermore, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is The cultivation panel 30 is equipped with an irrigation tube 50 (irrigation section) capable of supplying nutrient solution to the plants P planted in the upper section (upper panel 32).

[0061] With this configuration, even if the roots of a plant P planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel 30 do not reach the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf 10, the nutrient solution can still be supplied to the plant P.

[0062] Furthermore, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is The system comprises a light-shielding sheet 60 that is formed to block light and is provided to cover at least the upper portion of the cultivation panel 30.

[0063] This configuration makes it possible to suppress light from reaching the nutrient solution flowing from the irrigation tube 50 to the upper part of the cultivation panel 30, and consequently, to suppress the growth of algae on the surface of the cultivation panel 30.

[0064] Furthermore, the cultivation panel 30 is A lower panel 31 (first panel) is formed in the shape of a plate with its surface oriented vertically, The upper panel 32 (second panel) is formed in a plate shape with its surface oriented vertically and is placed on the central side of the lower panel 31, It is equipped with the following features.

[0065] With this configuration, the cultivation panel 30 can be formed in a stepped pattern with a simple structure.

[0066] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cultivation panel 30 is formed in two tiers, but it may be formed in three or more tiers. When the cultivation panel 30 is formed in three or more tiers, the irrigation tube 50 is preferably provided at least in the uppermost tier, but it may also be provided in any tier other than the lowermost tier. In other words, the "upper tier" of the cultivation panel 30 in this invention is not limited to the uppermost tier, but includes any tier other than the lowermost tier.

[0068] Furthermore, although the cultivation panel 30 is formed to rise in a stepped manner toward the center in the short direction of the cultivation shelf 10, it may also be formed to rise in a stepped manner toward the center in the long direction of the cultivation shelf 10. Alternatively, the cultivation panel 30 may be formed in a stepped pyramid shape (square pyramid shape) that widens toward the bottom.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nutrient solution is supplied to the nutrient solution storage space S by the irrigation tube 50, but the nutrient solution may also be supplied to the nutrient solution storage space S by a supply means other than the irrigation tube 50.

[0070] Furthermore, the upper panel 32 may have guide sections for guiding the nutrient solution supplied from the irrigation tube 50 to the plants P planted on the upper panel 32. For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), the upper panel 32 may have grooves 33 extending in the left-right direction between the left and right second holes 32a. Preferably, the grooves 33 are formed to connect the left and right second holes 32a. By forming the grooves 33 in this way, it is possible to easily guide the nutrient solution sprayed from the irrigation tube 50 to the second holes 32a. Also, as shown in Figure 4(b), the upper panel 32 may have grooves 34 extending in the front-rear direction between the left and right second holes 32a. Preferably, the grooves 34 are formed to connect the left and right second holes 32a. By forming the grooves 34 in this way, it is possible to easily guide the nutrient solution sprayed from the irrigation tube 50 in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the cultivation shelf 10). Furthermore, the number of holes (holes for spraying nutrient solution) provided on the side of the irrigation tube 50 can be reduced.

[0071] As described above, the cultivation panel 30 is The cultivation panel 30 is equipped with grooves 33 and 34 (guiding sections) for guiding the nutrient solution supplied from the irrigation tube 50 to the plants P planted in the upper section of the cultivation panel 30.

[0072] This configuration makes it easier to supply nutrient solution to the plants P planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel 30.

[0073] Furthermore, while the plants P planted on the upper panel 32 can be supplied with nutrient solution by the irrigation tube 50, means for supplying nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S may also be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 5, an absorbent part 100 may be fitted into the first hole 31a of the lower panel 31 (and the second hole 32a of the upper panel 32). The absorbent part 100 is provided such that the roots of the plants P are inserted through it, and the lower part is immersed in the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage space S. The absorbent part 100 is made of a material that can absorb and retain nutrient solution and allows the roots of the plants P to grow, such as rock wool or sponge. Alternatively, the cultivation panel 30 itself may be made of rock wool or sponge (i.e., the cultivation panel 30 itself may be the absorbent part 100). By providing the absorbent part 100 in this way, it is possible to easily supply nutrient solution to the plants P planted on the upper panel 32.

[0074] As described above, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is The system includes an absorption unit 100 that can absorb the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf 10 and supply the absorbed nutrient solution to the plants P planted in the upper section of the cultivation panel 30.

[0075] This configuration makes it easier to supply nutrient solution to the plants P planted in the upper part of the cultivation panel 30.

[0076] Here, because the cultivation panel 30 is formed in a stepped shape, when harvesting the plants P with a harvesting machine, it is necessary to harvest each step separately, which increases the effort required for harvesting. To solve this problem, the lower panel 31 may be formed to be movable downwards so that the upper surface of the lower panel 31 and the upper surface of the upper panel 32 are at approximately the same height. This configuration will be described below.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6(a), the lower panel 31 is divided into left and right sections, with a gap between them. The lower panel 31 has first protrusions 31c that project toward the other lower panel 31. Multiple first protrusions 31c are formed so as to be equally spaced in the front-to-back direction (four in this embodiment). The distance between the first protrusions 31c in the front-to-back direction is the same length as the width of the first protrusions 31c in the front-to-back direction. In this way, the opposing surfaces of the lower panel 31 are formed in an uneven, concave-concave shape.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6(b), second protrusions 32c projecting to the right and left are formed on the right and left sides of the upper panel 32, respectively. Multiple second protrusions 32c are formed (three in this embodiment) so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back width of the second protrusions 32c is formed to be approximately the same length (or slightly shorter) as the front-to-back spacing of the first protrusions 31c of the lower panel 31. Similarly, the front-to-back spacing of the second protrusions 32c is formed to be approximately the same length as the front-to-back width of the first protrusions 31c of the lower panel 31. In this way, the left and right sides of the upper panel 32 are formed in an uneven, concave-concave shape.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7(a), the second projection 32c of the upper panel 32 is placed on the first projection 31c of the lower panel 31. In this way, as shown in Figure 8(a), the cultivation panel 30 is formed in a stepped shape that becomes higher towards the center in the left-right direction of the cultivation panel 30. Plants P are cultivated in this stepped cultivation panel 30.

[0080] When harvesting plants P using a harvesting machine, as shown in Figure 7(b), the upper panel 32 is slid forward until the second projection 32c of the upper panel 32 fits into the recess between the first projections 31c of the lower panel 31. This allows the upper panel 32 to be moved downward, as shown in Figure 8(b), eliminating the step between the upper surface of the lower panel 31 and the upper surface of the upper panel 32. By moving the lower panel 31 downward so that the upper surfaces of the lower panel 31 and the upper panel 32 are at approximately the same height, the base of the plant P can be easily and quickly cut with the harvesting machine. Therefore, the harvesting of plants P can be made easier. In this way, the decrease in work efficiency during harvesting caused by the stepped shape of the cultivation panel 30 can be suppressed.

[0081] As described above, the lower panel 31 is The upper surface of the lower panel 31 and the upper surface of the upper panel 32 are formed to be movable downward so that they are at approximately the same height.

[0082] This configuration makes it easier to cut the plant P with a mowing machine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 Hydroponic cultivation system 10 cultivation rack 30 cultivation panels 31 Lower panel 32 Upper panel 33 Groove 34 Groove 50 Irrigation tubes 60 Light-blocking sheet 100 Absorbent part

Claims

1. A hydroponic system for cultivating plants hydroponically, A cultivation shelf in which the nutrient solution supplied to the aforementioned plants is stored, A cultivation panel is provided on the cultivation shelf on which multiple plants are planted, and on which at least some of the roots of the plants are immersed in a nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf, It is equipped with, The aforementioned cultivation panel is The aforementioned cultivation panel is formed in a stepped shape, becoming higher towards the center. Hydroponic cultivation system.

2. The cultivation panel is equipped with an irrigation unit capable of supplying nutrient solution to the plants planted in the upper section. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned cultivation panel is The system includes a guide unit for directing the nutrient solution supplied from the irrigation unit to the plants planted in the upper section of the cultivation panel. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The system includes an absorption unit that absorbs the nutrient solution stored in the cultivation shelf and supplies the absorbed nutrient solution to the plants planted in the upper section of the cultivation panel. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 2.

5. It comprises a light-shielding sheet that is formed to block light and is provided to cover at least the upper portion of the cultivation panel, The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned cultivation panel is A first panel formed in the shape of a plate with its surface oriented vertically, A second panel is formed in a plate shape with its surface oriented vertically, and is placed on the central side of the first panel, Equipped with, A hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first panel is, The upper surface of the first panel and the upper surface of the second panel are formed to be movable downward so as to be at approximately the same height. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 6.

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