Plant cultivation containers and plant cultivation methods

Abstract

This invention provides a plant cultivation container that allows for expansion of plant cultivation space and offers excellent transportability and handling, as well as a plant cultivation method using this container. [Solution] The plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are connectable in multiple units and comprise a container base 2 and a pair of container side sections 20 fixed to both sides of the container base 2 in the width direction W. A plant cultivation space is formed by being surrounded by the container base 2 and the pair of container side sections 20, and the container base 2 and each container side section 20 are provided separately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation container for cultivating plants, and a plant cultivation method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Various plant cultivation containers (planters) have been conventionally proposed. The planter disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a rectangular frame-shaped bottom frame, a rectangular frame-shaped upper frame disposed at a position above the bottom frame with a gap therebetween, and side peripheral frame frames connecting the four corners of the bottom frame and the upper frame. On the five surfaces, that is, the four side surfaces and the bottom surface constituted by these frames, plate members are provided which are formed by joining and solidifying a large number of granular natural stones with a resin adhesive to form a large number of through holes. This planter is lightweight and is expected to have the effect of preventing root circling.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional example described above, since all four sides are surrounded by the plate members, the plant cultivation space cannot be expanded. When the planter is configured to have a large plant cultivation space, it is necessary to increase the dimensions of each frame and the plate members in proportion to the size of the plant cultivation space, which leads to the problem of poor transportability and handleability.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation container that allows expansion of the plant cultivation space and is excellent in transportability and handleability, and a plant cultivation method using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a plant cultivation container that can be connected in multiple units, comprising a container base and a pair of container side parts fixed to both sides of the container base in the width direction, wherein a plant cultivation space is formed by being surrounded by the container base and the pair of container side parts, and the container base and each of the container side parts are provided separately.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a plant cultivation method that uses the plant cultivation container described above and involves laying soil in the plant cultivation space to cultivate plants. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to expand the plant cultivation space, and moreover, it is easy to transport and handle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein, including not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a first embodiment, showing a Type A (narrow in width and tall in height) plant cultivation container. [Figure 2] This shows a first embodiment, a perspective view of a Type B (wide and low) plant cultivation container. [Figure 3] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the container base section viewed from above, and (b) is a perspective view of the container base section viewed from below. [Figure 4] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a plan view of the container base, (b) is a right side view of the container base, and (c) is a front view of the container base. [Figure 5] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the inner side of the container side and (b) is a perspective view of the back side of the container side. [Figure 6]The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a side view of the container side, (b) is a view taken along arrow VI(b) in (a) (front view of the first wall section), and (c) is a view taken along arrow VI(c) in (a) (front view of the second wall section). [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the drain cover, showing the first embodiment. [Figure 8] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the A-type end-closure plate and (b) is a perspective view of the B-type end-closure plate. [Figure 9] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of two plant cultivation containers connected together, (b) is an enlarged view of IX(b) of (a), (c) is an enlarged view of IX(c) of (a), and (d) is an enlarged view of IX(d) of (a). [Figure 10] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the first gasket of type A, and (b) is a perspective view of the first gasket of type B. [Figure 11] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the second gasket of type A, and (b) is a perspective view of the second gasket of type B. [Figure 12] The first embodiment is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the container connecting member, (b) is a perspective view of the clip with a hole, and (c) is a perspective view of the clip without a hole. [Figure 13] The first application example is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of a plant cultivation container with multiple units connected together, and (b) is an enlarged view of section XIII(b) of (a). [Figure 14] The second application example is shown, a perspective view of the main parts of a plant cultivation container with multiple units connected together. [Figure 15] This is a disassembled perspective view of a plant cultivation container, showing a second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the assembled state of a plant cultivation container, illustrating a second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiments, descriptions of already known techniques will be omitted. Further, the embodiments are merely illustrative of apparatuses and methods for embodying the technical idea of the invention, and the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the following contents. Various modifications can be made to the technical idea of the present invention within the scope of the matters described in the claims. In particular, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and different from actual objects.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figs. 1 to 12 show the first embodiment of the present invention. The plant cultivation containers 1A, 1B of the first embodiment are configured such that a plurality of containers can be connected in a container connection direction C (direction orthogonal to the width direction). The plant cultivation containers 1A, 1B each include a container base portion 2 and a pair of container side portions 20 fixed on the container base portion 2. The plant cultivation containers 1A, 1B define a plant cultivation space enclosed by the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20.

[0012] The container base portion 2 and each container side portion 20 are separate members, and the pair of container side portions 20 have the same configuration (that is, are identical parts). Then, two types of plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B, namely Type A and Type B, are constituted using the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the Type A plant cultivation container 1A has a configuration in which the plant cultivation space has a narrow width and a large height, and is suitable for cultivating, for example, fruit trees and root vegetables. As shown in Fig. 2, the Type B plant cultivation container 1B has a configuration in which the plant cultivation space has a wide width and a small height, and is suitable for cultivating, for example, vegetables. The detailed configuration will be described below.

[0013] (Container Base Portion) As shown in detail in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the container base portion 2 has a recessed drainage channel 3 provided at the center position in the width direction W, and a pair of left and right side portion fixing surfaces 4 arranged on the left and right outer sides of the drainage channel 3. The drainage channel 3 extends along the container connection direction C (the direction perpendicular to the width direction). The drainage channel 3 is open at both end faces in the container connection direction C. The drainage channel 3 is provided with lid support protrusions 5 protruding from the bottom surface.

[0014] The left and right side portion fixing surfaces 4 are each provided with a plurality of positioning grooves 6 at a plurality of positions. The positioning grooves 6 of the left and right side portion fixing surfaces 4 are respectively arranged at symmetrical positions on the left and right sides with the drainage channel 3 as a reference. On the bottom surface of the drainage channel 3 and the left and right side portion fixing surfaces 4, base-side fixing holes 7 which are base-side fixing portions are provided in the vicinity of both ends in the container connection direction C. At both ends of the side portion fixing surface 4 in the container connection direction C, nut arrangement grooves 8 are provided at a plurality of positions.

[0015] The container base portion 2 is provided with a central leg portion 2a extending downward from the drainage channel 3, and four corner leg portions 2b extending downward from the four peripheral corner portions. The bottom surfaces of the central leg portion 2a and each of the corner leg portions 2b serve as the installation surfaces for the plant cultivation containers 1A, 1B. The surfaces of the central leg portion 2a and the corner leg portions 2b, which are located at both end positions with respect to the container connection direction C of the container base portion 2, lie on the same plane, and these surfaces are configured as container connection surfaces 9. The container connection surface 9 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 10 that opens to the nut arrangement groove 8. Clip grooves 13 are respectively formed at both end portions of the container base portion 2 in the container connection direction C, specifically on the surfaces of the four corner leg portions 2b that are orthogonal to the container connection surfaces 9. Each of the clip grooves 13 opens to the side portion fixing surface 4.

[0016] Numerous reinforcing ribs 11 are provided on the underside of the container base 2. The reinforcing ribs 11a (shown in Figure 3(b)) on both ends in the width direction W of the container base 2 are formed to be low in height. As a result, a block storage space 12 is formed between the two corner legs 2b of the container base 2 in the container connection direction C and the installation surface. In the A-type plant cultivation container 1A, a block 44 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1; shown in Figure 9(a)) is placed in this block storage space 12. In the B-type plant cultivation container 1B, a block 44 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2) is placed outside the two corner legs 2b of the container base 2 in the container connection direction C, and in the space below the first wall surface 21 of the container side section 20.

[0017] (Container side section) Each container side section 20 has a first wall section 21 and a second wall section 22 of different lengths, which are connected at one end to each other and arranged in substantially perpendicular directions to each other, as shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6. The first wall section 21 has a shorter length dimension L1, and the second wall section 22 has a longer length dimension L2.

[0018] The first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22 are each provided with multiple positioning protrusions 23 and side fixing holes 24. The positioning protrusions 23 protrude from the back side of the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22. The positioning protrusions 23 and side fixing holes 24 of the first wall section 21 are set in the same positions as the positioning grooves 6 and base fixing holes 7 of the container base section 2 when the front end surface 21a of the first wall section 21 is installed at the left and right side ends of the drainage channel 3.

[0019] The positioning projections 23 and side fixing holes 24 of the second wall portion 22 are set in the same positions as the positioning grooves 6 and base-side fixing holes 7 of the container base portion 2 when the tip surface 22a of the second wall portion 22 is installed at the left and right side ends of the drainage channel 3.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22 are provided so that they can be selectively fixed to the container base section 2. Furthermore, whether the first wall section 21 or the second wall section 22 is fixed to the container base section 2, the same base-side fixing holes 7 of the container base section 2 can be used for fixing.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, when the first wall section 21 is fixed to the container base section 2, the first wall section 21 constitutes the bottom surface of the plant cultivation space, and the second wall section 22 constitutes the side surface of the plant cultivation space.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, when the second wall section 22 is fixed to the container base section 2, the second wall section 22 constitutes the bottom surface of the plant cultivation space, and the first wall section 21 constitutes the side surface of the plant cultivation space.

[0023] Furthermore, protrusions 25 and recesses 26 are alternately and continuously provided on the entire inner surface of both the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22 along the container connection direction C. Bolt insertion holes 27 for pipe installation and sheet installation members are provided on the inner surface of both the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22.

[0024] Two parallel end plates 28 are provided at both ends of the container side section 20 in the container connection direction C. The outer surfaces of each pair of parallel end plates 28 are located on the same plane as the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22, and these surfaces constitute the container connection surface 29. Each pair of parallel end plates 28 is provided with a bolt insertion groove 30 that opens to the inner side. The ends of the container side section 20 in the container connection direction C, more specifically the inner end plates 28 of the pair of parallel plates, are configured to accommodate the clips 43A described below. Numerous reinforcing ribs 31 (shown in Figure 5(b)) are provided on the back side of the container side portion 20.

[0025] (Drainage channel cover, end closing plate) Figure 7 shows the lid 35. The lid 35 is a perforated board and is placed on the upper surface of the drainage channel 3 (see Figures 1 and 2). The lid 35 rests on the lid support projection 5, and its peripheral edges rest on a pair of container side portions 20. Water from the plant cultivation space falls into the drainage channel 3 through numerous micro-holes (not specifically indicated) in the lid 35.

[0026] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the end-closing plates 36A and 36B and the end-supporting plates 36a and 36b, respectively. The end-closing plate 36A in Figure 8(a) is used in the A-type plant cultivation container 1A. The end-closing plate 36A is a plate-like member whose surface forms the outer contour of the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 of the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20 in the A-type plant cultivation container 1A. The end-supporting plate 36a is a member with the same height dimension as the end-closing plate 36A but with a narrower width. The end-supporting plate 36a is used when the end-closing plate 36A is installed on the end face of the A-type plant cultivation container 1A and it is desired to protrude outward beyond the container base portion 2 and the container side portions 20 as an extended side of the end-closing plate 36A (see Figure 9(a)).

[0027] The end closure plate 36B shown in Figure 8(b) is used in the B-type plant cultivation container 1B. The end closure plate 36B is a plate-like member whose surface forms the outer contour of the container connecting surfaces 9,29 of the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20 in the B-type plant cultivation container 1B. The end auxiliary plate 36b is a member with the same height dimension as the end closure plate 36B, but with a narrower width. The end auxiliary plate 36b is used when the end closure plate 36B is installed on the end face of the B-type plant cultivation container 1A, and it is desired to have the end closure plate 36B protrude outward beyond the container base portion 2 and the container side portions 20 as an extended side of the end closure plate 36B. Multiple fixing holes 37 are provided at the periphery of the end closing plates 36A and 36B, and in the end closing plates 36a and 36b.

[0028] (Parts used to connect plant cultivation containers) As described above, the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are designed so that multiple units of the same type can be connected together. For example, Figure 9 shows a configuration in which several Type A plant cultivation containers 1A are connected together.

[0029] Next, when connecting two plant cultivation containers of the same type, 1A and 1B, the first gaskets 40A1 and 40A2, the container connecting member 41, the clip with holes 43A, the clip without holes 43B, the rubber sheet (not shown), etc., are used, so these parts will be explained first.

[0030] Figures 10(a) and (b) show the first gaskets 40A1 and 40B1. The first gaskets 40A1 and 40B1 are formed from rubber and resin materials that have excellent adhesion due to their elastic restorative force. The first gasket 40A1 in Figure 10(a) is used in the A-type plant cultivation container 1A. The first gasket 40A1 is set to have approximately the same surface dimensions as the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 of the container base 2 and the pair of container side parts 20 in the A-type plant cultivation container 1A. Multiple holes 40a are provided at both ends of the first gasket 40A1.

[0031] The first gasket 40B1 shown in Figure 10(b) is used in the B-type plant cultivation container 1B. The first gasket 40B1 is set to have approximately the same surface dimensions as the container connecting surfaces 9, 29 of the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20 in the B-type plant cultivation container 1B. Multiple holes 40a are provided at both ends of the first gasket 40B1. Figures 11(a) and (b) show the second gaskets 40A2 and 40B2, respectively. The second gaskets 40A2 and 40B2 are formed from rubber and resin materials that have excellent adhesion due to their elastic restorative force. The gaskets 40A2 and 40B2 are formed to be slightly wider in the width direction than the first gaskets 40A1 and 40B1 described above. Multiple holes 40a and 40b are provided in two rows at both ends of the second gaskets 40A2 and 40B2. The holes 40b in the outermost row are positioned to protrude to the outside when the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are connected.

[0032] Figure 12(a) shows the container connecting member 41. The container connecting member 41 is used to connect the A-type plant cultivation container 1A and the B-type plant cultivation container 1B. The container connecting member 41 is formed in a shape that completely covers the central leg portion 2a and both sides thereof of the container base portion 2 without any gaps. The container connecting member 41 has four rows of screw holes 42 formed along the container connecting direction C, with four screw holes 42 in each row. Screw grooves are formed in the screw holes 42.

[0033] Figure 12(b) shows a clip 43A with a hole, and Figure 12(c) shows a clip 43B without a hole. Both clips 43A and 43B have a connecting plate 43a and a pair of clamping plates 43b extending parallel to each other from both ends of the connecting plate 43a. In clip 43A, each clamping plate 43b is provided with a hole 43c.

[0034] (Transportation of plant cultivation containers) Next, we will explain the transportation of plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B before assembly, the individual assembly procedure for plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B, and the procedure for connecting plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B, in that order.

[0035] For example, the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are transported to the installation site as separate components: the container base 2 and the container side 20. Therefore, compared to when the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are a single unit, they can be transported in a lighter and more compact state, resulting in superior transportability and handling. They can also be transported even if the installation site has a narrow entrance, such as a greenhouse or a solar sharing facility (agricultural solar power generation facility). Furthermore, the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B can be placed on top of the soil or buried in the soil.

[0036] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B may be transported to the installation site in a disassembled state before assembly, or they may be pre-assembled at a factory or similar facility and transported to the installation site as individual plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B.

[0037] (Individual assembly procedure for plant cultivation containers) Next, the assembly procedure for the individual plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B will be explained. When assembling the A-type plant cultivation container 1A, as shown in Figure 1, the first wall portion 21 of each container side portion 20 is positioned on the left and right side fixing surfaces 4 of the container base portion 2, and the positioning projections 23 of the first wall portion 21 are inserted into the positioning grooves 6 of the side fixing surface 4, while the first wall portion 21 of each container side portion 20 is placed on the left and right side fixing surfaces 4.

[0038] Next, when configuring a plant cultivation space using only one A-type plant cultivation container 1A, bolts 32a are inserted from the inside into each side fixing hole 24 of the first wall section 21, and nuts (not shown) are fastened to the tips of the bolts 32a that protrude from the bottom side of the base-side fixing hole 7 of the container base section 2. This fixes the container base section 2 and each container side section 20.

[0039] Next, end-closing plates 36A are placed on the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 at both ends of the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20, respectively. The end-closing plates 36A1 are then fastened to the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20 using bolts (not shown) and nuts (not shown) via the fixing holes 37 of each end-closing plate 36A (shown in Figure 8(a)), the bolt insertion holes 10 of the container base portion 2, and the bolt insertion grooves 30 of the pair of container side portions 20 (shown in Figures 5(a), (b), etc.).

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when the end closure plate 36A1 is made to protrude outward, the end closure plate 36A1 and the pair of auxiliary closure plates 36a are fastened to the container base portion 2 and the pair of container side portions 20, respectively. Then, the cover 35 is placed above the drainage channel 3 either before or after the installation of each end closure plate 36A.

[0041] When a heat exchange pipe 33 (shown in Figure 9(a)) is installed on the inner surface of the container side section 20, the fixing device (not specifically indicated by a reference numeral) for the heat exchange pipe 33 is attached using bolts (not specifically indicated by a reference numeral) and nuts (not specifically indicated by a reference numeral) through the bolt insertion holes 27 of the container side section 20. Also, when a root barrier sheet (not shown) is placed on the inner surface of the container side section 20, the sheet installation member 34 (shown in Figure 9(a)) is fixed using the bolt insertion holes 27 of the container side section 20. The root barrier sheet (not shown), held by the sheet installation member 34, is then placed over the entire inner surface of the container side section 20.

[0042] (Instructions for connecting plant cultivation containers) When connecting two plant cultivation containers 1A together, the end closing plate 36A is not attached to the connecting surface 9,29 of the container on the connecting side, and the container side portion 20 and the container base portion 2 are not fixed together on the connecting side with bolts (not specifically indicated) and nuts (not specifically indicated). Instead, a container connecting member 41, with a rubber sheet (not shown) laid on its inner side, is placed on the underside of the connecting end of the plant cultivation container 1A. Here, the container connecting member 41 is positioned on the underside of the end of the plant cultivation container 1A on one end only in the container connecting direction C, with the remaining half exposed to the outside (see Figure 9(a)).

[0043] The bolts 32a are inserted into the side fixing holes 24 from the inner side of the first wall portion 21, and the tips of the bolts 32a (shown in Figures 1 and 9(a)) protruding from the bottom side of the base fixing hole 7 of the container base portion 2 are screwed into the screw holes 42 of the container connecting member 41. As a result, the container base portion 2, the container side portion 20, and the container connecting member 41 are fastened together, and the container base portion 2 and the container side portion 20 are fixed in place.

[0044] Next, use the first gasket 40A1 and the second gasket 40A2 of type A. However, if the gaskets do not protrude outward from both sides of the container base 2 and the container side 20, use the first gasket 40A1. In other words, the first gasket 40A1 is interposed between the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 of both plant cultivation containers 1A, and the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 of both containers are aligned. Then, the clips 43A with holes are attached to the clip grooves 13 of the side portions 20 of both containers to be connected (see Figure 9(c)). The clips 43B without holes are attached to the clip grooves 13 of the base portions 2 of both containers to be connected (see Figure 9(d)). This temporarily fixes the two plant cultivation containers 1A to be connected.

[0045] Furthermore, the end plates 28 on the connecting side of the container side portions 20 of both plant cultivation containers 1A are fastened together with bolts 32b and nuts 32c using the bolt insertion grooves 30 and the holes 43c of the perforated clips 43A on both sides (see Figure 9(c)). For the plant cultivation container 1A that will be connected this time, the container base 2, container side 20, and container connecting member 41 are fastened together with bolt 32a in the same manner as described above. This fixing of the container connecting member 41 can be done before the fastening with bolt 32b and nut 32c. The connection work is completed with the above steps.

[0046] On the other hand, when the gasket is to protrude outward from both sides of the container base section 2 and the container side section 20, the second gasket 40A2 is used. In other words, a second gasket 40A2 is interposed between the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 of both plant cultivation containers 1A, and the container connecting surfaces 9 and 29 of both containers are aligned. Since both sides of the second gasket 40A2 protrude outward, the perforated clip 43A cannot be used as described above. Therefore, the end plates 28 on the connecting side of the container side portions 20 of both plant cultivation containers 1A are fastened together with bolts 32b and nuts 32c using the bolt insertion grooves 30 on both sides (see Figure 9(b)). The rest of the connection work is the same as described above, so a redundant explanation is omitted. When connecting three or more plant cultivation containers 1A, this connection work is repeated.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, when connecting Type A plant cultivation containers 1A, both the first gasket 40A1 and the second gasket 40A2 may be used. The usage pattern may be either using the first gasket 40A1 and the second gasket 40A2 according to a predetermined regularity or using them irregularly. The same applies to connecting Type B plant cultivation containers 1A.

[0048] Once the connection of two or more plant cultivation containers 1A is complete, the only remaining steps are to attach the end-closure plate 36A, or the end-closure plate 36A and auxiliary closure plate 36a, to the open end of the last connected plant cultivation container 1A, as described above, and to secure the container base 2 and the container side 20 with bolts and nuts.

[0049] When assembling the Type B plant cultivation container 1B, as shown in Figure 2, the second wall portion 22 of each container side portion 20 is positioned on the left and right side fixing surfaces 4 of the container base portion 2, and the positioning projections 23 of the second wall portion 22 are inserted into the positioning grooves 6 of the side fixing surface 4, while the second wall portion 22 of each container side portion 20 is placed on the left and right side fixing surfaces 4. The following steps are substantially the same as those for Type A described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0050] In the plant cultivation spaces of the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B, which were prepared in this manner, soil (potting mix, etc.) is laid to the desired depth, and plants are cultivated.

[0051] As shown in Figure 13, the plant cultivation space of the plant cultivation container 1A (or 1B) may be partitioned in the container connection direction C by a partition plate 45.

[0052] As shown in Figure 14, a pair of rails 46 may be provided in the container connection direction C of the plant cultivation container 1A (or 1B), so that agricultural machinery 48 mounted on a base 47 can move along this pair of rails 46.

[0053] As described above, the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B that can be connected in multiple units, and each comprises a container base 2 and a pair of container side parts 20 fixed to both sides of the container base 2 in the width direction W, with the plant cultivation space being formed by being surrounded by the container base 2 and the pair of container side parts 20, and the container base 2 and each container side part 20 being provided separately.

[0054] Therefore, since multiple plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B can be connected, the plant cultivation space can be expanded. Moreover, the plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B can be transported and handled separately from the container base section 2 and each container side section 20. As a result, the plant cultivation space can be expanded, and it is also highly portable and easy to handle. Furthermore, it offers excellent storage capabilities.

[0055] Each container side section 20 has a first wall section 21 and a second wall section 22 of different lengths, connected at one end to each other and arranged in substantially perpendicular directions to each other. The first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22 are selectively fixed to the container base section 2. When the first wall section 21 is fixed to the container base section 2, the first wall section 21 constitutes the bottom of the plant cultivation space, and the second wall section 22 constitutes the side of the plant cultivation space. When the second wall section 22 is fixed to the container base section 2, the second wall section 22 constitutes the bottom of the plant cultivation space, and the first wall section 21 constitutes the side of the plant cultivation space.

[0056] Therefore, by fixing the shorter of the two wall sections 21 and 22 (the first wall section 21 in the first embodiment) to the container base section 2, a narrow and tall plant cultivation container 1A can be constructed. By fixing the longer of the two wall sections 22 (the second wall section 22 in the first embodiment) to the container base section 2, a wide and short plant cultivation container 1B can be constructed. Thus, two types of plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B can be constructed using the same container base section 2 and container side sections 20. Furthermore, since the left and right container base sections 2 have the same configuration, the number of parts is reduced.

[0057] In both cases—when fixing the first wall section 21 to the container base section 2 and when fixing the second wall section 22—the base-side fixing holes 7, which are the same base-side fixing parts of the container base section 2, are used for fixing.

[0058] Since the base-side fixing holes 7, which are the base-side fixing parts of the container base section 2, can be shared, there is no need to provide separate base-side fixing parts for the first wall section and the second wall section of the container base section 2, which simplifies the configuration of the container base section 2.

[0059] Whether the first wall section 21 or the second wall section 22 is fixed to the container base section 2, adjacent plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B are connected via the same container connecting member 41. Since the container connecting member 41 can be shared between the two types of plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B, the number of parts is reduced.

[0060] The ends of both plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B in the container connection direction are configured to accommodate clips 43A and 43B. Therefore, when connecting both plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B, the clips 43A and 43B can be used to temporarily secure them, making subsequent connection work easier.

[0061] The perforated clip 43A has a hole 43c through which a bolt 32b is passed to fasten the two plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B together. Therefore, the perforated clip 43A can be used while attached and does not need to be removed, resulting in good connection workability. The perforated clip 43A may be removed when temporary fixing is no longer needed. The non-perforated clip may be removed after the connection work is completed, or it may be left attached.

[0062] On the inner surfaces of both the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22, convex portions 25 and concave portions 26 are provided alternately and continuously along the container connection direction C.

[0063] A root barrier sheet (not shown) is placed on the inner surface of the first wall section 21 and the second wall section 22, and soil (soil, potting soil, etc.) is laid on top. However, the root barrier sheet prevents soil from filling the recessed areas 26 sandwiched between adjacent protrusions 25, creating gaps. These gaps allow oxygen to be supplied to the soil's air layer, thus resolving oxygen deficiency in the soil. Furthermore, this suppresses the root circling phenomenon.

[0064] The container base section 2 is provided with a drainage channel 3 that extends along the container connection direction C. Because of this drainage channel 3, there is no need to construct an underground drain even when installed on land with poor drainage. In addition, fertilization and soil moisture control are easily performed.

[0065] A heat exchange pipe 33 can be installed on the inner surface of the container side section 20. Therefore, the temperature of the soil can be easily controlled by adjusting the temperature of the fluid flowing through the heat exchange pipe 33.

[0066] A partition plate 45 can be provided to divide the plant cultivation space in the direction C of container connection. Therefore, the area in which plant roots can grow can be restricted, making it possible to cultivate plants in a way that brings out their desirable characteristics.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Figures 15 and 16 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the explanation of components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the different components will be described.

[0068] In other words, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the container base portion 2 is integrally provided with auxiliary bottom portions 50 at the left and right outer positions of the drainage channel 3, and the left and right side fixing surfaces 4 are provided further outside of these auxiliary bottom portions 50. On the inner surface of the auxiliary bottom portion 50, convex portions 25 and concave portions 26 are provided alternately in a continuous manner in the container connection direction C.

[0069] The first wall portion 21 or the second wall portion 22 of each container side portion 20 will be installed in a position that abuts against the outer end surface 50a of the auxiliary bottom portion 50. When the first wall portion 21 or the second wall portion 22 of each container side portion 20 is fixed onto the side portion fixing surface 4 of the container base portion 2, the convex portions 25 and concave portions 26 of both are configured to be in the same position. Other components are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted. Note that various holes and other features are omitted in Figures 12 and 13.

[0070] In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the plant cultivation space can be expanded, and it also offers excellent portability and handling. Furthermore, it offers excellent storage capabilities.

[0071] In this second embodiment, since an auxiliary bottom surface 50 is provided on the container base 2, when manufacturing plant cultivation containers 1A and 1B of type A and type B, which have the same width and height dimensions as those of the first embodiment, the length dimensions of the first wall surface 21 and the second wall surface 22 of the container side 20 can be reduced.

[0072] As a modification of this second embodiment, a configuration in which the container base section 2 is divided into two parts, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 16, is conceivable.

[0073] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims.

[0074] Furthermore, the present invention may include at least the following embodiments. These embodiments may be adopted separately or in combination with each other. (1) The container for plant cultivation is characterized in that each container side has a first wall section and a second wall section of different lengths, with one end of each connected to the other and arranged in substantially perpendicular directions to each other, the first wall section and the second wall section are selectively fixed to the container base section, and when the first wall section is fixed to the container base section, the first wall section constitutes the bottom section of the plant cultivation space and the second wall section constitutes the side section of the plant cultivation space, and when the second wall section is fixed to the container base section, the second wall section constitutes the bottom section of the plant cultivation space and the first wall section constitutes the side section of the plant cultivation space. (2) A plant cultivation container characterized in that, in both cases, the first wall portion and the second wall portion are fixed to the container base portion, the same base-side fixing portion of the container base portion is used for fixing. (3) In both cases, when the first wall portion is fixed to the container base portion and when the second wall portion is fixed, adjacent plant cultivation containers are connected via the same container connecting member. (4) The container for plant cultivation is characterized in that the ends of the container base and the container side in the direction of container connection are configured to be able to be fitted with clips. (5) A plant cultivation container characterized in that the inner surfaces of both the first wall portion and the second wall portion are alternately and continuously provided with convex and concave portions along the container connection direction. (6) The container base portion is provided with a drainage channel that extends along the direction in which the containers are connected, making it a container for plant cultivation. (7) A plant cultivation container characterized in that heat exchange pipes are arranged on the inner surface of the container side portion. (8) A plant cultivation container characterized by having a partition plate that divides the plant cultivation space in the direction of container connection. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1A Type A plant cultivation container 1B Type B plant cultivation container 2. Container base section 3 Drainage channel 4. Side fixing surface 7. Base-side fixing holes (base-side fixing parts) 20 Container side section 21. First wall section 22 Second wall section 25 Convex part 26 recesses 33 Heat exchange pipe 41 Container connecting member 43A, 43B clips 45 partition plates

Claims

1. A plant cultivation container that can be connected to multiple units, The container comprises a container base and a pair of container side sections fixed to both sides of the container base in the width direction, and the plant cultivation space is formed by being enclosed by the container base and the pair of container side sections. A plant cultivation container characterized in that the container base and each of the container side sections are provided separately.

2. Each of the container side sections has a first wall section and a second wall section of different lengths, with one end of each being connected and arranged in substantially perpendicular directions to each other, and the first wall section and the second wall section are selectively fixed to the container base section. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first wall portion is fixed to the container base portion, the first wall portion constitutes the bottom portion of the plant cultivation space, and the second wall portion constitutes the side portion of the plant cultivation space, and when the second wall portion is fixed to the container base portion, the second wall portion constitutes the bottom portion of the plant cultivation space, and the first wall portion constitutes the side portion of the plant cultivation space.

3. The plant cultivation container according to claim 2, characterized in that, in both cases—when fixing the first wall portion to the container base and when fixing the second wall portion—the same base-side fixing portion of the container base is used for fixing.

4. The plant cultivation container according to claim 2, characterized in that, in either the case where the first wall portion is fixed to the container base portion or the case where the second wall portion is fixed, adjacent plant cultivation containers are connected via the same container connecting member.

5. The plant cultivation container according to claim 2, characterized in that the ends of the container base and the container side in the direction of container connection are configured to allow clips to be attached.

6. The plant cultivation container according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner surfaces of both the first wall portion and the second wall portion are alternately and continuously provided with convex and concave portions along the container connection direction.

7. The container for plant cultivation according to claim 1, characterized in that the container base portion is provided with a drainage channel extending along the direction in which the containers are connected.

8. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1, characterized in that a heat exchange pipe is arranged on the inner surface of the container side portion.

9. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a partition plate that divides the plant cultivation space in the direction of container connection.

10. A method for cultivating plants using the plant cultivation container described in claim 1, wherein soil is laid in the plant cultivation space and plants are cultivated.

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