Hanging device set and spraying device

Abstract

The present invention provides a suspension set that facilitates maintaining the spacing between connecting members and maintaining the orientation of the suspended tubular member in one direction, and a spraying device. [Solution] A suspension device set for a tubular member extending in one direction, comprising a plurality of string members, a plurality of connecting members, and a plurality of tension members, wherein each of the plurality of string members is suspended from above along the tubular member at predetermined intervals, each of the plurality of connecting members is fastened to the string members and arranged at predetermined intervals along the tubular member to support the tubular member from below, and each of the plurality of tension members is a rod-shaped member having one end and the other end, and when each tension member and each connecting member are arranged alternately along the tubular member, one end of one of the plurality of tension members and the other end of another tension member adjacent to that tension member abut with a connecting member in between, in this suspension device set.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hanger set for a tubular member and a spraying apparatus including the hanger set. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a spraying apparatus previously developed by the applicant of the present application. This spraying apparatus is used for spraying liquid onto crops arranged in rows along one direction, and includes at least one tubular member extending in the one direction, the tubular member has a plurality of through holes for spraying the liquid circulated inside, and is provided with a moving mechanism that moves the tubular member up and down. Since the tubular member extends in one direction, the liquid can be efficiently sprayed over a wide area of farmland. Patent Document 1 also describes that since the moving mechanism sprays the liquid while moving the tubular member in the vertical direction, it is excellent in spraying the liquid to the entire crop including the front and back sides of leaves.

[0003] In the spraying apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the moving mechanism includes a support member installed above the tubular member and a string member that suspends the tubular member from the support member, and the support member may have a peripheral surface around which the string member is wound. In this case, since the tubular member can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating the peripheral surface of the support member, the apparatus is relatively simplified, and is particularly suitable for installation in an agricultural house, as described in Patent Document 1. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a spraying apparatus having a plurality of string members and a plurality of connecting members. Further, each connecting member included in the plurality of connecting members is fastened to a string member suspended downward from the support member, arranged at intervals in the depth direction along the tubular member (irrigation tube), and supports the tubular member from below. The tubular member in this type of spraying apparatus is suspended from the upper support member by a combination of a plurality of string members and a plurality of connecting members, and moves in the vertical direction. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7403890 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, repeated use of the above-described spraying device can cause the arrangement of the connecting members to shift in the depth direction along the unidirectional tubular member (irrigation tube), resulting in the spacing between connecting members becoming uneven. In this case, although not shown in the diagram, for example, a string member X2 suspending a certain connecting member X1 may be suspended vertically downward from the support member, while another string member Y2 suspending another connecting member Y1 may be suspended diagonally, significantly deviating from the vertical direction downward from the support member. In such a state, it is difficult to simultaneously and similarly wind up or down the string member X2 suspending connecting member X1 and the other string member Y2 suspending other connecting member Y1 from the support member, making it difficult to move the tubular member up and down properly. Furthermore, it is difficult to maintain the unidirectional orientation of the tubular member, which can lead to the tubular member becoming meandering. If these problems can be improved, it would be desirable to be able to carry out liquid spraying on crops with greater precision.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a suspension device set and a spraying device that make it easy to maintain the spacing between connecting members and to maintain the posture of the suspended tubular member extending in one direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a suspension device set according to one embodiment is a suspension device set for suspending at least one tubular member extending in one direction, It comprises multiple string members, multiple connecting members, and multiple tension members, Each of the string members included in the plurality of string members is suspended from above the at least one tubular member at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member, Each of the plurality of connecting members is fastened to the suspended string member and is configured to be arranged at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member to support the at least one tubular member from below. Each tension member included in the plurality of tension members is a rod-shaped member having a first end and a second end, When each tension member and each connecting member are arranged alternately along the at least one tubular member, the first end of one of the plurality of tension members and the second end of another tension member adjacent to that tension member are configured to abut each other with the connecting member in between.

[0008] With such a suspension device set, it is possible to suspend at least one tubular member from above via multiple string members and multiple connecting members. Furthermore, since each tension member and each connecting member are arranged alternately, and the first end of one tension member and the second end of another tension member abut against each other with a connecting member in between, the spacing between the connecting members is maintained by each tension member. By maintaining this spacing, it is easier to maintain the posture of at least one tubular member extending in one direction. These effects can also be similarly exhibited in the spraying device described below.

[0009] A spraying device according to one embodiment is a spraying device for spraying liquid onto crops arranged in a row along one direction, The at least one tubular member having multiple through holes formed therein for dispersing the liquid circulating inside, The aforementioned suspension device set is provided, The suspension device set is configured to suspend and allow vertical movement of at least one tubular member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, the present invention can provide a suspension set that makes it easy to maintain the spacing between connecting members and to maintain the posture of the suspended tubular member extending in one direction, and a spraying device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a view of a spraying device according to one embodiment, seen from one end of a tubular member. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a view of a spraying device according to one embodiment, as seen from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) of the tubular member. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the electric motor in a spraying device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an irrigation tube, which is a tubular member, and shows an example of the shape of the through-hole. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the liquid supply and drainage mechanism of a spraying device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a modified example of the shape of the through-hole in the irrigation tube. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the shape of the through-hole in the irrigation tube. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the shape of the through-hole in the irrigation tube. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of each connecting member of a suspension device set according to one embodiment, in a closed state with the locking part locked. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of each connecting member of a suspension device set according to one embodiment, in an open state with the locking portion released. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the tension members included in a suspension set according to one embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where an example of each connecting member provided in a hanging tool set according to an embodiment is sandwiched between tension members (one tension member and another tension member) around (below) an irrigation tube. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where an example of a connecting member provided in a hanging tool according to an embodiment is sandwiched between tension members (one tension member and another tension member) viewed from a perspective looking up from below. In FIG. 13, illustration of the tubular member (irrigation tube) is omitted. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of each connecting member included in the hanging tool set according to an embodiment, in a closed state where a lock portion is locked. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where another example of each connecting member provided in the hanging tool set according to an embodiment is sandwiched between tension members (one tension member and another tension member) around (above) an irrigation tube. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing each wrapping member that may be included in the hanging tool set according to an embodiment, in a state where wrapping member pieces are joined to each other. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing each wrapping member that may be included in the hanging tool set according to an embodiment, in a state where wrapping member pieces are not joined to each other. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram of one end of a tubular member (irrigation tube) and a peripheral portion thereof in a sprinkler according to an embodiment, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the tubular member (depth direction D1). [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state where still another example of each connecting member provided in the hanging tool set according to an embodiment is sandwiched between tension members (one tension member and another tension member) respectively below and above an irrigation tube. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing still another example of each connecting member included in the hanging tool set according to an embodiment, in a closed state where a lock portion is locked. [Figure 21]Figure 21 shows the guide members that may be included in a suspension device set according to one embodiment, with the irrigation tube and tensioning material not inserted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following description will mainly focus on a spraying device 1 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a suspension device set 55 provided with this spraying device 1 according to one embodiment. In each figure, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The configurations shown in each figure are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations or their dimensions.

[0013] The spraying device 1 is installed in an agricultural greenhouse H. The agricultural greenhouse H has multiple ridges extending in one direction. Crops are planted in each of these ridges R. In other words, crops are planted in the agricultural greenhouse H in such a way that they form multiple rows extending in one direction. Multiple passages A are formed adjacent to each ridge R. In this specification, in the agricultural greenhouse H, the first horizontal direction in which the rows of crops extend is referred to as the "depth direction D1," the second horizontal direction perpendicular to the depth direction D1 is referred to as the "width direction D2," and the direction perpendicular to both the depth direction D1 and the width direction D2 is referred to as the "up and down direction D3." Furthermore, a passage A formed at any position in the width direction D2 of the agricultural greenhouse H is referred to as the "first passage A1," and a passage adjacent to the first passage A1 is referred to as the "second passage A2."

[0014] The spraying device 1 comprises an irrigation tube 10 as a tubular member arranged above passage A so as to extend in the depth direction D1 as shown in Figure 2, a suspension set 55 for suspending the irrigation tube 10, a moving mechanism 20 configured to suspend the irrigation tube 10 via the suspension set 55 and to move in the vertical direction D3, and a liquid supply and discharge mechanism 30 for supplying liquid such as pesticides to the irrigation tube 10 and for discharging the liquid from the irrigation tube 10 after spraying.

[0015] The suspension device set 55 is a set comprising a plurality of string members 60, a plurality of connecting members 70, and a plurality of tension members 80. Each string member 61 included in the plurality of string members 60 is arranged above the irrigation tube 10 at predetermined intervals in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10, and is suspended from above to the irrigation tube 10. Each connecting member 71a included in the plurality of connecting members 70 is fastened to one end (lower end) of the suspended string member 61, is arranged at predetermined intervals in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10, and is configured to support the irrigation tube 10 from below. In other words, the irrigation tube 10 is suspended in the air mainly by the plurality of string members 60 and the plurality of connecting members 70 of the suspension device set 55. Each tension member 81 included in the plurality of tension members 80 is a rod-shaped member. Details of the suspension device set 55 will be described later.

[0016] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the moving mechanism 20 includes a rod-shaped support member 22 installed above the irrigation tube 10 and extending in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10, and an electric motor 23 for rotating the support member 22 around its axis. The other ends (upper ends) of each string member 61 are connected to the rod-shaped support member 22 at predetermined intervals in the depth direction D1. The moving mechanism 20 is configured such that when the electric motor 23 rotates the support member 22 around its axis, each string member 61 is wound up onto the support member 22 or wound down from the support member 22. Therefore, the spraying device 1 is configured to move the irrigation tube 10 in both the vertical direction D3.

[0017] The electric motor 23 illustrated in Figure 3 may have a shaft portion 231 to which one end of the support member 22 is connected. The electric motor 23 may be fixed to the agricultural greenhouse H such that the shaft portion 231 and the support member 22 are coaxial. The electric motor 23 may also be a parallel shaft type in which the axial direction of the shaft portion 231 and the output shaft of the reduction gear are parallel.

[0018] The support member 22 may have a circumferential surface 221 around which each string member 61 is wound as it rotates around its axis. Preferably, this circumferential surface 221 is cylindrical and has a substantially constant circumference along the length direction (depth direction D1) of the support member 22. With one rotation of the support member 22, each string member 61 is wound up onto the circumferential surface 221 by substantially the same length, or wound down from the circumferential surface 221 by substantially the same length. The circumferential surface 221 of the support member 22 may be made of metal, for example. The support member 22 has a length corresponding to at least the length of the irrigation tube 10 (for example, a length greater than or equal to the length of one irrigation tube 10 extending along the depth direction D1).

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the moving mechanism 20 may be configured to move the irrigation tube 10 vertically in D3 to a position at least from the lower end of the crop to a position at or above the height of the crop. It is also preferable that the moving mechanism 20 is configured to move the irrigation tube 10 vertically in D3 to a position at or above the maximum height of the crop, which changes with growth. The moving mechanism 20 may be configured to move the irrigation tube 10 vertically in D3 to at least the position of the lower end of the crop, and even until it touches the ground.

[0020] The irrigation tube 10 may be made of metal, for example, but is preferably made of resin from the viewpoint of lightness. This resin is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention, and for example, polyolefin resin or polyester resin can be used. Examples of polyolefin resins include polyethylene or polypropylene. Examples of polyester resins include polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate. It is preferable to use polyethylene as the constituent resin of the irrigation tube 10. Examples of polyethylene include high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) produced by a catalytic method (medium-low pressure polymerization method) and having almost no branching in the molecule, linear low-density polyethylene (hereinafter referred to as PE-LLD) produced by a catalytic method (medium-low pressure polymerization method) and having comonomers introduced, or low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) produced by a high-pressure polymerization method and having long-chain branching in the molecule. Examples of comonomers that can be used to produce PE-LLD include 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methylpentene-1, or 1-octene. It is preferable to use only one type of polyethylene selected from PE-HD, PE-LLD, and PE-LD as the constituent resin of the irrigation tube 10, or it is also preferable to use a mixture of two or more types.

[0021] From the viewpoint of excellent flexibility, the irrigation tube 10 is preferably constructed by overlapping a pair of long, flexible resin sheets and bonding their edges together along the depth direction D1. The irrigation tube 10 has a cylindrical water passage 11 that forms a flow path for liquids such as water or pesticides. Due to the flexibility of the resin sheets, the water passage 11 is configured to change from a flat state to a cylindrical, bulging state (Figure 4) when liquid is supplied to the flow path. The water passage 11 is configured to change from the bulging state to a flat state when the supply of liquid to the flow path is stopped. As illustrated in Figure 4, the irrigation tube 10 may also have a configuration having a pair of bonded portions 12 extending radially outward from the water passage 11. Alternatively, although not shown, the irrigation tube may be constructed by bonding the edges of a single resin sheet together along the depth direction D1, in which case the irrigation tube will have one bonded portion.

[0022] The irrigation tube 10 has multiple through holes 13 formed therein for spraying the liquid supplied to the water passage 11 to the outside. The multiple through holes 13 are formed at predetermined positions in the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) of the irrigation tube 10 as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, in the radial direction of the irrigation tube 10, the formation positions of the through holes 13 can be determined based on the formation position of the adhesive portion 12 (Figure 4). The irrigation tube 10 is supported by each string member 61 and each connecting member 71a such that the direction in which the adhesive portion 12 extends is along the vertical direction D3.

[0023] As illustrated in Figure 5, one end of the irrigation tube 10 in the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) may be connected to the liquid supply and drainage mechanism 30 via the liquid supply pipe 40. As illustrated in Figure 18, the other end of the irrigation tube 10 in the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) may be closed. The liquid supply pipe 40 may have flexibility to deform, for example from a spiral shape to a straight shape, to follow the movement of the irrigation tube 10 in the vertical direction. It is preferable that the irrigation tube 10 is configured to spray liquid in a mist. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, in the cross-section when the irrigation tube 10 is cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1), at least some of the multiple through holes 13 may be inclined through holes 13a formed such that the center line CL intersects the thickness direction (radial direction when it expands into a cylindrical shape) of the water passage section 11. Alternatively, the multiple through holes 13 may include non-inclined through holes formed such that the center line CL is parallel to the thickness direction of the water passage section 11. Furthermore, the multiple through-holes 13 may include a first through-hole 131 and a second through-hole 132 configured to cause the sprayed liquid to collide with the outside of the irrigation tube 10. The diameter of the through-holes 13 may expand from the inside to the outside in the thickness direction of the water passage 11, as illustrated in Figure 6, or contract, as illustrated in Figure 7, or be constant throughout the thickness direction, as illustrated in Figure 8. The diameter of the through-holes 13 is preferably 0.01 to 3 mm. When the through-holes 13 are expanding or contracting, the diameter represents the average value of the minimum and maximum diameters.

[0024] In the suspension device set 55, each connecting member 71a as illustrated in Figure 9 has a support portion 73 that supports the irrigation tube 10 from below, a fastening portion 72 that extends upward from the support portion 73 and is fastened to one end (lower end) of the string member 61, and a fixing portion 74a that is sandwiched and fixed between tension members 81, which will be described later. From the viewpoint of easily supporting the irrigation tube 10 (Figure 4), which has a circular cross-section when water flows through it, from below, the support portion 73 may be annular or split annular. From the viewpoint of easily fastening to the string member 61, the fastening portion 72 may be hook-shaped or annular, extending upward from the support portion 73. The fixing portion 74a may be hook-shaped or annular, extending downward from the support portion 73 (on the opposite side from the fastening portion 72). In the suspension device set 55 illustrated in Figure 2, the number of each connecting member 71a included in the multiple connecting members 70 corresponds to the number of each string member 61 included in the multiple string members 60, and may be the same number, for example.

[0025] From the viewpoint of facilitating placement along the irrigation tube 10, each connecting member 71a may further have a locking portion 75 configured to maintain the support portion 73 in a deformed state from the open state illustrated in Figure 10 to the closed state illustrated in Figure 9. The locking portion 75 has a locking projection 75a formed at one end of the support portion 73 and a locking hole 75b formed at the other end of the support portion 73 when the support portion 73 is in the open state (Figure 10) with a split annular (C-shaped) structure. After inserting a flattened irrigation tube 10 (not shown) that is not flowing water into the split annular support portion 73 in the open state (Figure 10), the locking projection 75a is hooked into the locking hole 75b to form a closed state as illustrated in Figure 9, thereby fixing the irrigation tube 10 within the annular (closed state shown in Figure 9) support portion 73 so that the irrigation tube 10 is inserted into the support portion 73 and supported from below. In this case, the adhesive portion 12 of the irrigation tube 10, as illustrated in Figure 4, can be inserted into one or two of the multiple notches (73b, 73t) formed within the annular (Figure 9) or split annular (Figure 10) support portion 73. From the viewpoint of stably maintaining the posture of the irrigation tube 10 extending in the depth direction D1, it is preferable that each connecting member 71a, as illustrated in Figure 9, is formed such that the center of gravity Cg of each connecting member 71a coincides with the axial center Ct (Figure 4) of the irrigation tube 10 when water is flowing through it. For this purpose, it is preferable that each connecting member 71a has a balance weight portion 76a formed on the opposite side of the center of gravity Cg from the lock portion 75 so as to balance the weight with the lock portion 75.

[0026] The method of fastening the string members 61 to the fastening portion 72 is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that allows the irrigation tube 10 to be suspended via each string member 61 and each connecting member 71a, as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention. Figure 12 shows an example in which a cylindrical sleeve 62 made of metal (for example, aluminum) is prepared, and the lower end of the string member 61 is passed through the inside of the sleeve 62 and through the through hole of the fastening portion 72 and back into the inside of the sleeve 62, and the sleeve 62 is crimped, thereby fastening the string member 61 to the fastening portion 72 by compressing and fixing a part of the lower end of the string member 61 inside the sleeve 62, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0027] Each connecting member 71a is not particularly limited in material or size, as long as it has the rigidity to support a portion of the irrigation tube 10 from below when the string member 61 is fastened to the fastening portion 72 as illustrated in Figure 12, as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention. Each connecting member 71a may be made of metal (e.g., iron or aluminum) from the viewpoint of high strength, fiber-reinforced plastic (e.g., glass fiber reinforced plastic or carbon fiber reinforced plastic) from the viewpoint of lightness and excellent weather resistance, or synthetic resin (e.g., the aforementioned polyolefin resin or polyester resin) from the viewpoint of lightness and low cost. From the viewpoint of lightness and low cost, the synthetic resin constituting each connecting member 71a is more preferably polyester resin, and in addition, polycarbonate is more preferably from the viewpoint of easily maintaining the stable position of the irrigation tube 10. Polycarbonate is a type of polyester resin, a thermoplastic amorphous plastic synthesized, for example, by polymerizing bisphenols (e.g., bisphenol A) and phosgene by interfacial polycondensation, or by polymerizing diphenyl carbonate by transesterification. Polycarbonate has superior dimensional stability compared to other synthetic resins. Therefore, even if the irrigation tube 10 expands and contracts due to temperature changes throughout the seasons, the connecting members 71a made of polycarbonate are less prone to distortion, making it easier to maintain a stable posture of the irrigation tube 10 extending in the depth direction D1.

[0028] Conventionally, suspended irrigation tubes sometimes twisted during liquid supply due to differences in water pressure between the side closer to the liquid supply source and the side further away, and differences in the radial formation positions between through holes aligned in the longitudinal direction, making it impossible to maintain a unidirectional extension. In contrast, in the suspension device set 55, each tension member 81, as illustrated in Figure 11, is a rod-shaped member having a first end 86 and a second end 87. As illustrated in Figures 2, 12, and 13, connecting members 71a are placed between the tension members 81, 81 to prevent each connecting member 71a from shifting position in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10. To achieve this, as illustrated in Figure 2, the suspension device set 55 is configured such that each tension member 81 and each connecting member 71a are arranged alternately in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10. When arranged in this manner, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the first end 86 of any one tension member 81a among the multiple tension members 80 and the second end 87 of another tension member 81b positioned adjacent to the tension member 81a are configured to abut each other with a connecting member 71a in between. With this configuration, in the depth direction D1 illustrated in Figure 2, the spacing between the connecting members 71a, 71a is maintained by the tension members 81 interposed between them. Therefore, the connecting members 71a are less likely to shift position in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10. For these reasons, the multiple suspended string members 60 and multiple connecting members 70 in the suspension set 55 maintain a predetermined spacing along the depth direction D1, making it easy to move each string member 61 and each connecting member 71a synchronously and in the same vertical direction D3. For the same reason, the irrigation tubes 10 supported by each connecting member 71a in the spraying device 1 are less prone to twisting, and a stable posture extending in one direction along the depth direction D1 is maintained, making it easier to maintain the direction of liquid spraying from each through hole 13 (Figure 4) in a predetermined direction.

[0029] Both the first tension member 81a and the other tension member 81b are separate components, but both are examples of tension members 81 included in a plurality of tension members 80 and have similar shapes. For this reason, in Figure 11, the first tension member 81a and the other tension member 81b are explained together in the same way that one tension member 81 is illustrated and explained. As mentioned above, from the viewpoint of easily sandwiching and fixing each connecting member 71a between the tension members 81, 81 (between the first tension member 81a and the other tension member 81b), it is preferable that the fixing portion 74a of each connecting member 71a illustrated in Figure 9 is configured in such a shape that the tension members 81, 81 abut against each other with the fixing portion 74a in between. From a similar viewpoint, it is preferable that the fixing portion 74a on one side of each connecting member 71a in the depth direction D1 (the side illustrated in Figure 9) has a first end insertion opening 74h (Figure 9) configured to allow insertion of the first end 86 (Figure 11) of the tension member 81 (one tension member 81a). Furthermore, it is preferable that the fixing portion 74b (Figures 12, 13) on the opposite side (not shown) of one side of each connecting member 71a (the side illustrated in Figure 9) has a second end insertion opening (not shown) configured to allow insertion of the second end 87 of the tension member 81 (the other tension member 81b) illustrated in Figure 11. It is preferable that the first end insertion opening 74h (Figure 9) and the other end insertion opening (not shown) are formed in overlapping positions when viewing each connecting member 71a from one side in the depth direction D1, as illustrated in Figure 9. In each connecting member 71a illustrated in Figure 9, a first end insertion opening 74h is formed in the fixing portion 74a, and a second end insertion opening (not shown) is formed in the fixing portion 74b (Figures 12 and 13) on the opposite side of the fixing portion 74b, which is hidden at the back of the page in Figure 9 and not shown.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 11, it is preferable that each tension member 81 has a first end return portion 86b to prevent the first end portion 86 of the tension member 81 (one tension member 81a) from falling out of the first end side insertion opening 74h (Figure 9) formed in the fixing portion 74a of the connecting member 71a. In Figure 11, the first end return portion 86b is shown as a shape that extends from the base end portion 86r of the tip portion 86t, along with the tip portion 86t of the first end portion 86 that is inserted into the first end side insertion opening 74h (Figure 9). Similarly, as illustrated in Figure 11, it is preferable that each tension member 81 has a second end return portion 87b to prevent the second end portion 87 of the tension member 81 (the other tension member 81b) from falling out of the second end side insertion opening (not shown) formed in the fixing portion 74b (Figures 12, 13) of the connecting member 71a. Figure 11 illustrates a second end portion 87b, which is a second end return portion 87b that extends from the base end portion 87r of the tip portion 87t, along with the tip portion 87t of the second end portion 87 which is inserted into the second end insertion port (not shown).

[0031] Figure 13 is a view looking up at each connecting member 71a from below, when each connecting member 71a and each tension member 81 are arranged alternately in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 12, and the irrigation tube 10 is not shown. As illustrated in Figure 13, it is preferable that the tip 86t of the first end 86 of one tension member 81a and the tip 87t of the second end 87 of the other tension member 81b abut against each other with the fixing portion (74a, 74b) of the connecting member 71a in between. In this configuration, it is even more preferable that, as illustrated in Figure 13, the fixing portions (74a, 74b) of the connecting members 71a are sandwiched between the first end return portion 86b of one tension member 81a and the second end return portion 87b of the other tension member 81b in the width direction D2 perpendicular to the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10 (not shown in Figure 13). When sandwiched in this manner, each connecting member 71a is less likely to swing in the width direction D2, so the suspended irrigation tube 10 is less likely to meander, and the posture of the irrigation tube 10 extending along the depth direction D1 as illustrated in Figure 2 becomes more stable.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 12, each rod-shaped tension member 81 may rotate (roll) in the direction Ro around its axis of rotation, with its length direction (depth direction D1) as the axis of rotation. From the viewpoint of further stabilizing the posture of the irrigation tube 10, as illustrated in Figure 13, it is preferable that at least one (preferably both) of each connecting member 71a and each tension member 81 (one tension member 81a and the other tension member 81b) has a rolling prevention part 88 that suppresses the rotation (rolling) of each tension member 81. When a rolling prevention part 88 is present, each connecting member 71a and each tension member 81 are fixed more stably so as to be integrated, the irregular swaying of the irrigation tube 10 suspended in the air is mitigated, and the posture of the irrigation tube 10 extending along the depth direction D1, as illustrated in Figure 2, is more easily stabilized.

[0033] As an example of the rolling prevention section 88, in each tension member 81 (one tension member 81a) illustrated in Figures 11 and 13, the tip portion 86t of the first end portion 86 has a semicircular cross-section when cut by a plane having a width direction D2 and a vertical direction D3 perpendicular to the depth direction D1, and is columnar in shape (i.e., semi-cylindrical extending along the depth direction D1). This semi-cylindrical tip portion 86t has a circumferential surface 86c and a flat surface 86f. In addition, in each connecting member 71a illustrated in Figure 9, the first end side insertion opening 74h formed in the fixing portion 74a on one side has a flat wall surface 74f (Figure 9) that is arranged to slide against the flat surface 86f of the tip portion 86t when the semi-cylindrical tip portion 86t of the first end portion 86 of each tension member 81 (one tension member 81a) is inserted, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 13. Therefore, the combination of a semi-cylindrical tip portion 86t (Figure 13) having a flat surface 86f at the first end 86 of each tension member 81 (one tension member 81a), and a fixing portion 74a having a flat wall surface 74f (Figure 9) inside the first end insertion opening 74h of each connecting member 71a, can function as the rolling prevention portion 88. Similarly, the tip portion 87t of the second end 87 of each tension member 81 (other tension member 81b) illustrated in Figures 11 and 13 is semi-cylindrical with a circumferential surface 87c and a flat surface 87f. Furthermore, in each connecting member 71a illustrated in Figure 9, the second end insertion opening (not shown) of the fixing part 74b, formed on the opposite side of the paper in Figure 9 relative to the first end insertion opening 74h of the fixing part 74a, has a flat wall surface (not shown) that slides against the flat surface 87f of the semi-cylindrical tip 87t when the semi-cylindrical tip 87t of the second end 87 of the tension member 81 (other tension member 81b) is inserted, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 13. This combination of the flat wall surface (not shown) and the semi-cylindrical tip 87t can also function as a rolling prevention part 88. The rolling prevention part 88 is not limited to the example given here, and only requires that at least one of the first end 86 and the second end 87 of each tension member 81 and the corresponding fixing parts (74a, 74b) of each connecting member 71a have a shape combination that can interlock to suppress the rolling of each tension member 81.

[0034] The material of each tension member 81 (one tension member 81a and the other tension member 81b) illustrated in Figure 11 is not particularly limited as long as it has rigidity that can suppress the displacement of each connecting member 71a in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10, as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention. The material of each tension member 81 may be any of the materials listed as candidates for the material of each connecting member 71a, preferably synthetic resin, more preferably polyester resin, and even more preferably polycarbonate resin, and the same explanation will not be repeated. The material of each connecting member 71a and the material of each tension member 81 may be the same or different. The materials of the tension members 81, 81 and each other (for example, the material of one tension member 81a and the material of the other tension member 81b) may be different, but it is preferable that they be the same material from the viewpoint of stabilizing the posture of the irrigation tube 10 and suppressing oscillation.

[0035] The length of each tension member 81 in the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention, and may be, for example, 20 cm or more and 200 cm or less. From the viewpoint that the longer the length of each tension member 81 in the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1), the fewer the number of parts of the suspension set 55 can be kept, the less work is required for the worker to attach the suspension set 55 to the agricultural greenhouse H (and its spraying device 1), and the load on the agricultural greenhouse H, the preferably 30 cm or more, and more preferably 40 cm or more. From the viewpoint of stabilizing the posture and suppressing the swinging of the irrigation tube 10, the length of each tension member 81 in the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) is preferably 100 cm or less, and more preferably 70 cm or less. The lengths of the tension members 81, 81 (for example, the length of one tension member 81a and the length of the other tension member 81b) may be different from each other, but from the viewpoint of stabilizing the posture and suppressing the swinging of the irrigation tube 10, it is preferable that they be the same length.

[0036] The outer diameter of each tension member 81 is smaller than the outer diameter of the irrigation tube 10, for example, it may be φ5 mm or more and φ10 mm or less. From the viewpoint of increasing rigidity, a plurality of grooves (projections) extending parallel to the length direction (depth direction D1) of each tension member 81 may be formed on the outer surface of each tension member 81. For example, in each tension member 81 illustrated in Figure 11, the rod-shaped elongated portion 85 extending along the depth direction D1 between the first end 86 and the second end 87 is formed to have a cross-shaped cross section (Figure 12 (in other words, four grooves and four projections extending parallel to the length direction (depth direction D1) on the outer surface of each tension member 81)) when cut by a plane having a width direction D2 and a vertical direction D3 perpendicular to the depth direction D1), thereby increasing rigidity.

[0037] The multiple connecting members 70 in the suspension device set 55 illustrated in Figure 2 may include the connecting members 71c illustrated in Figure 14 instead of the connecting members 71a described using Figure 9, etc. Similar to the connecting members 71a illustrated in Figure 9, each connecting member 71c illustrated in Figure 14 comprises a fastening portion 72, a support portion 73, a fixing portion (74c, 74d (Figure 15)), a locking portion 75, and two balance weight portions (76a, 76c), and the same explanation of these configurations will not be repeated. However, compared to the fixing portions (74a, 74b (Figure 12)) of each connecting member 71a described using Figure 9, etc., the only difference is that the fixing portions (74c, 74d) of each connecting member 71c illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 are formed on the same side as the fastening portion 72 (upper side relative to the support portion 73). The balance weight portion 76c is preferably formed on the opposite side of the center of gravity Cg (below the support portion 73) from the fastening portion 72 and the fixing portions (74c, 74d (Figure 15)), as illustrated in Figure 14, so as to balance the weight of the fastening portion 72 and the fixing portions (74c, 74d). As illustrated in Figure 15, when each tension member 81 and each connecting member 71c are arranged alternately in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10, the fixing portions (74c, 74d) are positioned above the irrigation tube 10. For this reason, one tension member 81a and other tension members 81b (multiple tension members 80) that are arranged so as to sandwich the fixing portions (74c, 74d) are also positioned above the irrigation tube 10 together with the fixing portions (74c, 74d). In this configuration, since the multiple tension members 80 are not positioned below the irrigation tube 10, it is easier to lower the irrigation tube 10 so that it touches the ground, and it is easier to spray liquid onto crops from a low position.

[0038] The multiple connecting members 70 may include, instead of each connecting member (71a, 71c) having a substantially circular annular support portion 73 as illustrated in Figures 9 and 14 or a C-shaped split annular support portion as illustrated in Figure 10, each connecting member having a different shape of annular support portion, although these may not be shown. The other shape of the annular support portion can be any annular shape that can be configured such that, with the irrigation tube 10 inserted into the ring of the support portion, an unillustrated axis of symmetry extends vertically D3 through the axial center Ct of the irrigation tube 10 as illustrated in Figure 4, and the other shape of the annular support portion is arranged so that the overall shape is relatively symmetrical in the width direction D2 with respect to this axis of symmetry, with a fastening portion positioned above the irrigation tube 10 on this imaginary axis of symmetry, and at least one fixing portion positioned below this fastening portion. Examples of other shapes of annular support portions include, but are not limited to, polygonal annular shapes such as triangles, squares, pentagons, or hexagons, or split polygonal annular shapes. Furthermore, it is preferable that each connecting member has four or more fixing parts so that tension members can be arranged along the length direction (depth direction D1) of the irrigation tube 10 at two or more positions selected from the group consisting of above, below, and to the side of the irrigation tube 10. An example of a case where each connecting member has four fixing parts will be described in detail later.

[0039] Compared to the axial center Ct of the irrigation tube 10 illustrated in Figure 4, the lower position D3 and the position directly above are positions that are outside the trajectory of the discharged liquid when the liquid is discharged from each through-hole 13 of the irrigation tube 10 at any elevation angle between the horizontal direction (width direction D2 (0°)) and the upward direction (upward direction D3 (90°)). In other words, these are positions where the placement of each tension member 81 is less likely to obstruct the flight of the liquid. Therefore, it is preferable that each connecting member (for example, the connecting member 71a illustrated in Figure 9, the connecting member 71c illustrated in Figure 14, or each connecting member having another form of annular support portion as described above) is configured such that when the irrigation tube 10 is inserted into the ring of the support portion (for example, the support portion 73 shown in Figures 9 and 14, or another form of annular support portion not shown), at least one fixing portion (for example, the fixing portion 74a shown in Figure 9 or the fixing portion 74c shown in Figure 14, or an unillustrated fixing portion) is positioned at a position selected from a lower position in the vertical direction D3 and a position directly above the axial center Ct of the irrigation tube 10 illustrated in Figure 4.

[0040] For example, although not shown in the figures, each connecting member having an isosceles or equilateral triangle-shaped annular support can be configured such that a fastening portion is located at the apex corner and fixing portions are located at each of the two base corners. The fixing portions located at each of the two base corners of the isosceles or equilateral triangle, and the tension members 81 that fix these fixing portions, are located at a lower position in the vertical direction D3 compared to the axial center Ct of the irrigation tube 10 shown in Figure 4, which has the advantage of not hindering the flow of liquid. Furthermore, each connecting member having an isosceles or equilateral triangle-shaped annular support is symmetrical in the width direction D2 as described above, so not only is the balance stable, but the fixing portions located at each of the two base corners are sandwiched and fixed between the first end 86 of one tension member 81a and the second end 87 of the other tension member 81b, which has the advantage of making it easier to maintain the distance between connecting members and to further maintain the posture of the irrigation tube 10. Furthermore, if the support portion is not limited to a triangle but has an annular or split annular shape of another form, the same advantages can be obtained by providing the fastening portion and at least one fixing portion of each connecting member at a desired position on the annular or split annular support portion. For example, if each connecting member has a regular hexagonal annular or split annular support portion, the fastening portion can be provided at one of the six corner portions of this regular hexagon that is positioned directly above the axis center Ct of the irrigation tube 10 shown in Figure 4, and the other three corner portions can be positioned lower in the vertical direction D3 compared to the axis center Ct. It is possible to provide one, two, or three fixing portions at these three lower corner portions.

[0041] The multiple string members 60 illustrated in Figure 2 are not particularly limited in material, as long as they have the strength and flexibility to suspend the irrigation tube 10 via multiple connecting members 70 and move vertically in D3, as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention. The material of each string member 61 may be, for example, a string made of natural fibers such as hemp fibers, or a string made of any synthetic resin fiber. Each string member 61 is preferably a metal wire. The string members 61, 61 may be made of different materials from each other, but it is preferable that they be made of the same material from the viewpoint of stabilizing the posture of the irrigation tube 10 and suppressing oscillation. The upper end of each string member 61 may be fixed to the support member 22 by fixing means such as a crimping fitting or a clip. The wire diameter of each string member 61 may be φ0.5 mm or more and φ5 mm or less. Because each string member 61 is thin, vibrations are suppressed when winding multiple string members 60 onto the support member 22 or unwinding them from the support member 22, thereby reducing the load on the agricultural greenhouse H.

[0042] The hanging device set 55 illustrated in Figure 2 preferably further comprises a plurality of winding members 90. Each winding member 91 included in the plurality of winding members 90 is installed above the irrigation tube 10 at a position where the other end (upper end) of each string member 61 is connected to the support member 22. In other words, each winding member 91 is installed on the support member 22 positioned above the irrigation tube 10 at a predetermined interval in the depth direction D1 along the irrigation tube 10. As illustrated in Figure 16, each winding member 91 has a cylindrical portion 95 having a circumferential surface 93 around which the string member 61 (Figure 2) can be wound, and a side wall portion 96 that rises from at least one of the end edges of the circumferential surface 93. Figure 16 illustrates the case where the side wall portions 96, 96 rise from each of the end edges of the circumferential surface 93. When multiple winding members 90 are provided in this manner, a string member 61 (not shown in Figure 16) can be wound around the circumferential surface 93 of each winding member 91. Furthermore, since the string member 61 (not shown in Figure 16) wound around the circumferential surface 93 is supported by the side wall portion 96, it is less likely to unravel and spread out in the depth direction D1 on the circumferential surface 93. As a result, more precise winding and unwinding of the multiple string members 60 becomes possible, and the vertical movement D3 of the irrigation tube 10 can be controlled more precisely.

[0043] Each winding member 91 illustrated in Figure 16 may be constructed by joining together multiple (for example, two) winding member pieces 92, 92, as illustrated in Figure 17. For this purpose, it is preferable that each winding member piece 92 has a joint portion 97 including a joint projection 97a and a joint recess 97b. By inserting the joint projection 97a of one winding member piece 92 into the joint recess 97b of the other winding member piece 92 and joining them (for example, snap-fitting), one winding member 91 as illustrated in Figure 16 can be formed from multiple (two) winding member pieces 92, 92 as illustrated in Figure 17. In this case, each winding member 91 can be formed by sandwiching a part of the support member 22 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 between the two winding member pieces 92, 92. For example, the inner circumferential surface 94 on the opposite side of the circumferential surface 93 in the cylindrical portion 95 may compress and clamp a part of the support member 22 as illustrated in Figure 2, thereby forming and fixing each winding member 91 on the circumferential surface 221 of the support member 22. Alternatively, although not shown, the configuration may be such that three or more arbitrary numbers of winding member pieces are joined together to form a single winding member. In the suspension device set 55, it is preferable that the number of each winding member 91 (Figure 16) included in the plurality of winding members 90 corresponds to the number of each string member 61 included in the plurality of string members 60, or the number of each connecting member 71a included in the plurality of connecting members 70 (for example, the same number).

[0044] The material of each winding member 91 (Figure 16) and winding member piece 92 (Figure 17) is not particularly limited as long as it has sufficient strength to withstand repeated winding of the string member 61 around the circumferential surface 93 and unwinding from the circumferential surface 93 without damage, as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention. The material of each winding member 91 and winding member piece 92 may be any of the materials listed as candidates for the material of each connecting member 71a, preferably synthetic resin, more preferably polyester resin, and even more preferably polycarbonate resin, and the same explanation will not be repeated. The material of each winding member 91 and winding member piece 92 may be the same as the material of each connecting member 71a, or they may be different from each other. The materials of the winding members 91, 91 or the winding member pieces 92, 92 may be different from each other, but from the viewpoint of stabilizing the posture of the irrigation tube 10 and suppressing oscillation, it is preferable that they be the same material.

[0045] From the viewpoint of more stably maintaining the posture of the irrigation tube 10 extending in the depth direction D1, it is preferable that the multiple tension members 80 be arranged in a line extending along the length direction of the irrigation tube 10, both above and below the irrigation tube 10, as shown in Figure 18. For this purpose, it is preferable that the multiple tension members 80 include at least one tension member 81 (hereinafter also referred to as "lower tension member 81e") arranged below the irrigation tube 10 along the longitudinal direction of the irrigation tube 10, and at least one tension member 81 (hereinafter also referred to as "upper tension member 81f") arranged above the irrigation tube 10 along the longitudinal direction of the irrigation tube 10, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. The lower tension member 81e and the upper tension member 81f can be the tension members 81 (one tension member 81a and the other tension member 81b) described with reference to Figure 11, respectively. Furthermore, it is preferable that the multiple connecting members 70 include the connecting members 71e shown in Figures 19 and 20, so that they can be easily fixed by the lower-positioned tension member 81e and the upper-positioned tension member 81f, respectively.

[0046] Compared to the connecting members (71a, 71c) described using Figures 9, 10, and 12 to 15, the connecting members 71e shown in Figures 19 and 20 have a similar configuration and perform similar functions and effects, except for the matters described below. Each connecting member 71e has fixing parts (74a and 74b) provided on the lower side of each connecting member 71e (below the support part 73) and fixing parts (74c and 74d) provided on the upper side of each connecting member 71e (fastening part 72). When the multiple tension members 80 include one tension member 81a and other tension members 81b used as downward-positioned tension members 81e, as shown in Figure 19, each connecting member 71e is sandwiched and fixed between the one tension member 81a and other tension members 81b used as downward-positioned tension members 81e below the irrigation tube 10 by the lower fixing parts (74a and 74b). Furthermore, when the multiple tension members 80 include one tension member 81a and other tension members 81b used as upper-positioned tension members 81f, each connecting member 71e is sandwiched and fixed above the irrigation tube 10 between the one tension member 81a and the other tension members 81b used as upper-positioned tension members 81f by its upper fixing portion (74c and 74d). Compared to using each connecting member (71a or 71c) which is fixed only below or above the irrigation tube 10 as shown in Figures 12 and 15, using each connecting member 71e which is fixed both below and above the irrigation tube 10 as shown in Figure 19 provides more fixing points, thus enabling more stable maintenance of the irrigation tube 10's position.

[0047] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, each connecting member 71e has a notch 72e in a portion of the peripheral wall of the through hole formed in the fastening portion 72. When a user of the suspension set 55 attaches each connecting member 71e to a suspended string member 61, they can hook the loop portion formed at one end (lower end) of the string member 61 into the through hole of the fastening portion 72 through the notch 72e, thereby enabling the easy and quick attachment of each connecting member 71e to each string member 61. In addition, each connecting member 71e has a slope 77 formed on the side of the lower fixing portion (74a and 74b) and the upper fixing portion (74c and 74d). For example, if a tension member 81a shown in Figure 11 is used as the upper tension member 81f, and the first end 86 of this tension member 81a is inserted into the first end insertion opening 74h of the fixing portion 74c of the connecting member 71e shown in Figure 20, the slope 77 formed on the side of the fixing portion 74c makes it easier for the first end return portion 86b of the tension member 81a to be inserted into the side of the fixing portion 74c.

[0048] Furthermore, considering the operating environment of the spraying device 1, the irrigation tube 10 is often placed in a location susceptible to external temperature changes, such as near the ceiling inside the agricultural greenhouse H. Due to this placement and material, the irrigation tube 10 expands and lengthens due to high external temperatures in summer and contracts and shortens due to low external temperatures in winter, thus undergoing significant expansion and contraction throughout the year. On the other hand, the multiple tension members 80 hardly expand or contract throughout the year, depending on their material. Therefore, as the seasons progress, while the multiple tension members 80 maintain an extended posture in the depth direction D1, the irrigation tube 10 is prone to some distortion of its posture, such as becoming meandering. To resolve this problem, as shown in Figure 18, it is preferable that the suspension set 55 further includes at least one guide member 65 that guides the expansion and contraction direction DS of the irrigation tube 10 so that it aligns with the depth direction D1.

[0049] As described above, from the viewpoint of easily guiding the expansion and contraction direction DS, it is preferable that the guide member 65 is fixed at any point on the irrigation tube 10, and that the guide member 65 is configured to slide relative to the multiple tension members 80 along the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) of the multiple tension members 80 in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the irrigation tube 10. With this configuration, any point on the irrigation tube 10 to which the guide member 65 is fixed slides relative to the multiple tension members 80 along the longitudinal direction (depth direction D1) of the multiple tension members 80 together with the guide member 65, so that the expansion and contraction direction DS of the irrigation tube 10 is easily guided in the direction along the depth direction D1. For this purpose, the guide member 65 is a member that is fixed on a tubular member (irrigation tube 10) and is provided with at least one slide hole 66 into which a tension member 81 is inserted. The number of slide holes 66 provided in the guide member 65 may be one, but preferably two or more. For example, the guide member 65 shown in Figure 21 is a plate-shaped member having a pipe insertion hole 67 into which the irrigation tube 10 is inserted, a lower slide hole 66e into which the downwardly positioned tension member 81e is inserted, and an upper slide hole 66f into which the upwardly positioned tension member 81f is inserted. The irrigation tube 10, the downwardly positioned tension member 81e, and the upwardly positioned tension member 81f are inserted in this order into the pipe insertion hole 67, the lower slide hole 66e, and the upper slide hole 66f shown in Figure 21, along the direction perpendicular to the plane of Figure 21 (depth direction D1). From the viewpoint of easily fixing the guide member 65 at any point on the irrigation tube 10, it is preferable that the diameter and shape of the pipe insertion hole 67 are designed so that the peripheral wall of the pipe insertion hole 67 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of any point on the irrigation tube 10 into which it is inserted. Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter and shape of the lower slide hole 66e are designed such that a gap is formed between the peripheral wall of the lower slide hole 66e and the outer peripheral surface of the lower tension member 81e into which it is inserted, so that the guide member 65 can easily slide and move relative to the lower tension member 81e. It is also preferable that the diameter and shape of the upper slide hole 66f are similarly designed in relation to the upper tension member 81f.Furthermore, the at least one slide hole 66 provided in the guide member 65 is not limited to the combination of the lower slide hole 66e and the upper slide hole 66f shown in Figure 21, but from the viewpoint of easily guiding the expansion and contraction direction DS of the irrigation tube 10, it is preferable to include the upper slide hole 66f.

[0050] The location where the guide member 65 is fixed on the irrigation tube 10 is not particularly limited, but as described above, from the viewpoint of easily guiding in the expansion / contraction direction DS, it is preferable that it be at the end (other end) of the irrigation tube 10 extending in the depth direction D1, as shown in Figure 18. For example, a stopcock member 19 may be provided at the other end of the irrigation tube 10 to close the liquid flow path inside the irrigation tube 10, and the guide member 65 may be fixed to the other end of the irrigation tube 10 so as to engage with or be supported by the stopcock member 19. Furthermore, the means for fixing the guide member 65 at any location on the irrigation tube 10 is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention, and is not limited to the pipe insertion hole 67 or the stopcock member 19; for example, an adhesive may be used. The suspension device set 55 preferably comprises two or more connecting members (71e, 71e, ...), at least one lower tension member 81e, at least one upper tension member 81f, and a guide member 65, so that a guide member 65 fixed to the other end of the irrigation tube 10 can slide and move relative to the lower tension member 81e and the upper tension member 81f, as shown in Figure 18.

[0051] From the viewpoint of efficiently spraying liquid, it is preferable that the spraying device 1 is equipped with a plurality of irrigation tubes, as illustrated in Figure 1. For example, it is preferable that the spraying device 1 is equipped with a plurality of irrigation tubes, including a first irrigation tube 10a that moves vertically in the direction D3 above the first passage A1, and a second irrigation tube 10b that moves vertically in the direction D3 above the second passage A2. The first irrigation tube 10a and the second irrigation tube 10b may be arranged parallel to each other across rows of crops.

[0052] The moving mechanism 20 may also include a plurality of first string members 60a that suspend the first irrigation tube 10a from the support member 22, and a plurality of second string members 60b that suspend the second irrigation tube 10b from the support member 22. In the spraying device 1 in this configuration, the first irrigation tube 10a, together with the support member 22 and the plurality of first string members 60a, is arranged in a straight line along the depth direction D1 above the first passage A1. In this configuration, the moving mechanism 20 includes a guide member 27 that guides the plurality of second string members 60b connected to the support member 22 to the upper part of the second passage A2, as illustrated in Figure 1. The guide member 27 is a rod having a cylindrical side surface 271, and is arranged to extend along the depth direction D1 above the second passage A2, and is positioned at a height greater than or equal to the height of the crop (the maximum height). The side surface 271 of the guide member 27 may be made of metal, for example. Guided by the guide member 27 and the multiple second string members 60b, the second irrigation tube 10b is positioned above the second passage A2. The moving mechanism 20 connects multiple first string members 60a and multiple second string members 60b to a single rod-shaped support member 22, making it easy to synchronize the winding up and down of each string member 61, thus facilitating the synchronized vertical movement D3 of each irrigation tube 10. Furthermore, compared to the case where each string member 61 is individually supported and guided, the number of parts can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing the load on the agricultural greenhouse H.

[0053] The moving mechanism 20 may be supported by the agricultural greenhouse H. For example, the moving mechanism 20 may include a support column that is part of a plurality of members constituting the agricultural greenhouse H and extends along the depth direction D1 above the support member 22, and a second connecting member (not shown) that connects the support member 22. The moving mechanism 20 may include a plurality of the second connecting members so as to support the support member 22 at a plurality of positions in the length direction (depth direction D1). The second connecting member may be a hooking member having a hook-shaped or annular support portion that supports the support member 22 from below. Preferably, the portion of the support portion that contacts the circumferential surface 221 of the support member 22 is curved along the circumferential surface 221. This allows the support member 22 to rotate smoothly within the support portion, thereby suppressing vibrations of the irrigation tube 10 moving in the vertical direction D3.

[0054] As illustrated in Figure 5, the water supply and drainage mechanism 30 may include a first pipe 31 directly connected to a water or pesticide supply source. The first pipe 31 may have a main first valve 311 for switching its open and closed states. The water supply and drainage mechanism 30 may include a plurality of branch pipes 32 that branch off from the first pipe 31 downstream of the first valve 311. The plurality of branch pipes 32 may consist of a first branch pipe 321 connected to the irrigation tube 10 via a water supply pipe 40 and a second branch pipe 322 connected to a drain pipe 50. The number of first branch pipes 321 may correspond to the number of irrigation tubes 10. The water supply and drainage mechanism 30 may include a water supply valve 33 for switching the fluid connection state between the first branch pipe 321 and the irrigation tube 10, and a drain valve 34 for switching the fluid connection state between the second branch pipe 322 and the drain pipe 50. At the start of spraying, the first valve 311 and the liquid supply valve 33 are opened, and the drain valve 34 is closed, so that liquid is supplied to the irrigation tube 10 and the liquid is discharged from each through hole 13. After spraying is complete, the first valve 311 is closed, and the liquid supply valve 33 and the drain valve 34 are opened, so that the liquid in the irrigation tube 10 is discharged to the outside of the spraying device 1 via the liquid supply pipe 40 and the drain pipe 50. To facilitate this discharge, the second branch pipe 322 may be positioned below the irrigation tube 10.

[0055] Examples of liquids sprayed by the irrigation tube 10 include water, pesticides, fertilizers, biostimulants, or microbial materials.

[0056] The spraying device 1 is capable of exhibiting similar effects to the invention described in Patent Document 1 (see Patent Document 1 for details), while the suspension set 55 has been improved. In other words, the spraying device 1 makes it easier to maintain the spacing between the connecting members 71a, 71a (or the spacing between the connecting members 71b, 71b) and further makes it easier to maintain the posture of the suspended irrigation tube 10 extending in one direction.

[0057] The disclosures herein include the following: (1) A suspension device set for suspending at least one tubular member extending in one direction, It comprises multiple string members, multiple connecting members, and multiple tension members, Each of the string members included in the plurality of string members is suspended from above the at least one tubular member at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member, Each of the plurality of connecting members is fastened to the suspended string member and is configured to be arranged at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member to support the at least one tubular member from below. Each tension member included in the plurality of tension members is a rod-shaped member having a first end and a second end, A suspension device set in which, when each tension member and each connecting member are arranged alternately along the at least one tubular member, the first end of one of the plurality of tension members and the second end of another tension member adjacent to that tension member abut against each other with the connecting member in between. (2) Each of the connecting members has a fixing portion formed with a first end insertion opening into which the first end of one tension member is inserted, and a second end insertion opening into which the second end of the other tension member is inserted. The suspension device set described in (1) above, wherein each tension member has a first end return portion for preventing the first end from falling out of the first end insertion opening and a second end return portion for preventing the second end from falling out of the second end insertion opening. (3) The aforementioned first end return portion extends so as to branch off from the base end of the first end, The aforementioned second end return portion extends so as to branch off from the base end of the second end, The suspension device set described in (2) above, wherein when the first end of the first tension member and the second end of the other tension member abut with the connecting member in between, the fixing portion is sandwiched between the first end return portion of the first tension member and the second end return portion of the other tension member in a width direction perpendicular to the direction along the at least one tubular member. (4) A hanging device set according to any one of (1) to (3) above, further comprising a plurality of winding members, each of the plurality of winding members being installed above the at least one tubular member at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member, and having a circumferential surface on which the string member can be wound, and a side wall portion erected from at least one end edge of both end edges of the circumferential surface. (5) A suspension device set according to any one of (1) to (4) above, further comprising a guide member having at least one slide hole into which the tensioning material is inserted and fixed to the tubular member. (6) A spraying device for spraying liquid onto crops arranged in rows along one direction, The at least one tubular member having multiple through holes formed therein for dispersing the liquid circulating inside, A hanging device set as described in any of (1) to (5) above, A moving mechanism configured to suspend and move vertically the at least one tubular member via the aforementioned suspension set, A spraying device equipped with [a specific feature].

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various improved, modified, or altered forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention may also be implemented in a form in which any specific feature is replaced with another technology, as long as the same function or effect is produced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...spreading device, 10...Tubular member (irrigation tube), 10a...First irrigation tube, 10b...Second irrigation tube, 11...Water passage part, 12...Adhesive part, 13...Through hole, 13a...Inclined through hole, 131...First through hole, 132...Second through hole, 19...Water stopper member, 20...Moving mechanism, 22...Support member, 221...Circumferential surface, 23...Electric device, 231...Shaft section, 27...Guide member, 271...Side surface, 30...Liquid supply and drainage mechanism, 31...First piping, 311...First valve, 32...Branch piping, 321...First branch piping, 322...Second branch piping, 33...Liquid supply valve, 34...Drainage valve, 40... Fluid supply piping, 50... Drainage piping, 55… Hanging device set, 60...Multiple string members, 60a...Multiple first string members, 60b...Multiple second string members, 61...(Each) string member, 62...Sleeve, 65...Guide member, 66...Slide hole, 66e...Lower slide hole, 66f...Upper slide hole, 67...Tube insertion hole, 70...Multiple connecting members, 71a, 71c, 71e...(Each) connecting member, 72...Fastening part, 72e...Notch, 73...Support part, 73b, 73t...Notch, 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d...Fixing part, 74f...Flat wall surface, 74h...First end insertion opening, 75...Locking part, 75a...Locking projection, 75b...Locking hole, 76a, 76c...Balance weight part, 77...Slope, 80...Multiple tension members, 81...(Each) tension member, 81a...One tension member, 81b...Other tension members, 81e...Lower tension member, 81f...Upper tension member, 85...Long section, 86...First end, 86b...First end side return section, 86c...Circumferential surface, 86f...Flat surface, 86r...Base end, 86t...Tip, 87...Second end, 87b...Second end side return section, 87c...Circumferential surface, 87f...Flat surface, 87r...Base end, 87t...Tip, 88...Rolling prevention section, 90...Multiple winding members, 91...(Each) winding member, 92...Wrapping member piece, 93...Circumferential surface, 94...Inner circumferential surface, 95...Cylindrical part, 96...Side wall part, 97...Joint part, 97a...Joint protrusion, 97b...Joint recess A1…First aisle, A2…Second aisle, Cg…Center of gravity, Ct…Axis center, CL…Centerline, D1…Depth direction, D2…Width direction, D3…Up / down direction, DS…Expansion / contraction direction, H…Agricultural greenhouse, P…Intersection, R…(Each) furrow, Ro…Axis direction

Claims

1. A suspension device set for suspending at least one tubular member extending in one direction, It comprises multiple string members, multiple connecting members, and multiple tension members, Each of the string members included in the plurality of string members is suspended from above the at least one tubular member at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member, Each of the plurality of connecting members is fastened to the suspended string member and is configured to be arranged at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member to support the at least one tubular member from below. Each tension member included in the plurality of tension members is a rod-shaped member having a first end and a second end, A suspension device set in which, when each tension member and each connecting member are arranged alternately along the at least one tubular member, the first end of one of the plurality of tension members and the second end of another tension member adjacent to that tension member abut against each other with the connecting member in between.

2. Each of the connecting members has a fixing portion formed with a first end insertion opening into which the first end of one tension member is inserted, and a second end insertion opening into which the second end of the other tension member is inserted. The suspension device set according to claim 1, wherein each tension member has a first end return portion for preventing the first end from falling out of the first end insertion opening and a second end return portion for preventing the second end from falling out of the second end insertion opening.

3. The aforementioned first end return portion extends so as to branch off from the base end of the first end, The aforementioned second end return portion extends so as to branch off from the base end of the second end, The suspension device set according to claim 2, wherein when the first end of the first tension member and the second end of the other tension member abut with the connecting member in between, the fixing portion is sandwiched between the first end return portion of the first tension member and the second end return portion of the other tension member in a width direction perpendicular to the direction along the at least one tubular member.

4. The suspension device set according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of winding members, each of which is installed above the at least one tubular member at predetermined intervals along the at least one tubular member, and has a circumferential surface on which the string member can be wound, and a side wall portion erected from at least one end edge of both end edges of the circumferential surface.

5. The suspension device set according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member having at least one slide hole into which the tensioning material is inserted and fixed to the tubular member.

6. A spraying device for spraying liquid onto crops arranged in rows along one direction, The at least one tubular member having multiple through holes formed therein for dispersing the liquid circulating inside, A hanging device set as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, A moving mechanism configured to suspend and move vertically the at least one tubular member via the aforementioned suspension set, A spraying device equipped with [a specific feature].

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