Plant containers and wall greening devices

Abstract

To provide a plant container and a wall greening device capable of preventing the occurrence of root rot of plants. [Solution] The wall greening device 1 includes a container row 10a in which a plurality of plant containers 10, each of which contains a pot filled with culture medium and in which a plant is planted, are stacked vertically. Liquid is supplied to the container row 10a from above downward. The plant container 10 includes a first overflow section 12 that allows liquid that exceeds a first water level L1 in the internal space S of the container body 11 to flow downward to the bottom wall 11b, and a second overflow section 13 that allows liquid that exceeds a second water level L2 that is higher than the first water level L1 to flow downward to the bottom wall 11b. In this way, when the first overflow section 12 is clogged, the second overflow section 13 allows liquid that exceeds the second water level L2 to flow downward to the container body 11 below. As a result, the internal space S of each container body 11 is prevented from being filled with liquid, making it difficult for root rot to occur in plants.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant container and a wall greening device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Wall greening technology is known in which a plurality of pots are arranged on a wall and plants are planted in each pot to green the wall.

[0003] In wall greening, since it is difficult for workers to supply water to each pot, a circulation system is adopted. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a plurality of planting tools are installed on a wall surface, each of which holds a plurality of pots in which plants are planted and inundates the bottoms of the pots with water stored inside, the plurality of planting tools are connected in series by piping, water discharged from the planting tool located at the most downstream is stored in a tank, and the water stored in the tank is pumped up by a pump and supplied to the planting tool located at the most upstream, thereby circulating the water and supplying it to each pot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-125048 A (for example, paragraphs 0019 to 0022 and figures 1 and 3) [Patent Document 2] JP 2002-153132 A (for example, paragraphs 0018 to 0020 and FIG. 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, if the piping becomes clogged, the internal space of the planting tool will fill with water, which may cause the roots of the plant to rot. In response to this, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which an overflow pipe is provided in a water container that holds a pot in which a plant is planted, and the water level in the internal space of the water container is kept constant.

[0006] However, even in the technology of Patent Document 2, there is a problem in that if the overflow pipe becomes clogged, the internal space of the water container becomes filled with water, which may cause the roots of plants to rot.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a plant container and a wall greening device that can prevent the roots of plants from rotting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve this objective, the plant container of the present invention comprises a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall connected to the lower ends of the side wall, which is shaped like a bottomed container that is open at the top and can store liquid in its internal space, and a cylindrical storage section that extends diagonally upward from the outer surface of the side wall of the container body and whose internal space is connected to the internal space of the container body through an opening formed in the side wall of the container body, and is configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, and comprises a first overflow section that allows liquid that exceeds a first water level in the internal space of the container body to flow down the bottom wall, and a second overflow section that allows liquid that exceeds a second water level, which is higher than the first water level, to flow down the bottom wall.

[0009] The wall greening device of the present invention comprises a row of containers formed by stacking a plurality of plant containers vertically, a tank for storing liquid discharged from the plant container located at the bottom of the row of containers, a pump for pumping the liquid stored in the tank, and a supply pipe for supplying the liquid sent from the tank by the pump to the plant container located at the top of the row of containers, and is further provided with an air purification unit accommodated in the storage section of some of the plant containers among the plurality of plant containers, and the storage sections of other plant containers among the plurality of plant containers accommodate pots filled with hydroculture medium, the pots having a plurality of through holes formed in the thickness direction, the plurality of through holes being formed in an area exposed to at least the internal space of the container body when the pot is accommodated in the storage section of the plant container, and the air purification unit is configured to suck in air in the internal space of the container body of the plant container accommodated in the storage section and release the sucked in air to the external space of the plant container. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the plant container described in claim 1, the container body has a bottomed container shape having side walls and a bottom wall connected to the lower ends of the side walls and opening at the top, and is capable of storing liquid in its internal space, and a cylindrical storage section extends diagonally upward from the outer surface of the side wall of the container body, and the internal space is connected to the internal space of the container body via an opening formed in the side wall of the container body, so that the bottom of a pot stored in the storage section can be positioned in the internal space of the container body and submerged in the liquid stored in the internal space of the container body.

[0011] Since the plant containers are configured to be stackable vertically, a row of multiple plant containers stacked vertically is arranged on a wall, and pots with plants planted in them are stored in each storage section, allowing the wall to be greened with multiple plants.

[0012] According to the plant container described in claim 1, a first overflow section is provided that allows liquid that exceeds the first water level in the internal space of the container body to flow below the bottom wall. Therefore, by supplying liquid to the container body of the plant container that is the uppermost in the row of containers, the liquid that exceeds the first water level can be caused to flow below the container body by the first overflow section, and the water level in each container body can be maintained at the first water level.

[0013] Furthermore, since the second overflow section is provided to allow liquid exceeding the second water level, which is higher than the first water level, to flow down the bottom wall, if the first overflow section becomes clogged, the second overflow section allows liquid exceeding the second water level to flow down into the container body below, and the water level in each container body can be maintained at the second water level. This prevents the internal space of each container body from becoming filled with liquid, making it less likely for root rot to occur.

[0014] According to the plant container described in claim 2, in addition to the effects achieved by the plant container described in claim 1, the water level of the liquid stored in the internal space of the container body can be set to a first water level or a second water level depending on the heights of the first overflow wall and the second overflow wall from the bottom wall.

[0015] According to the plant container of any one of claims 3 to 5, in addition to the effect of the plant container of claim 2, the planar shape of the first overflow wall and the planar shape of the second overflow wall are different, the planar shape of the opening at the upper end of the first overflow passage and the planar shape of the opening at the upper end of the second overflow passage are different, or the opening at the upper end of the second overflow passage is larger than the opening at the upper end of the first overflow passage, so that the manner in which clogging occurs in the first overflow section and the manner in which clogging occurs in the second overflow section can be made different. As a result, clogging can be suppressed in both sections.

[0016] According to the plant container of claim 6, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 2, since the second overflow passage is formed by the second overflow wall and the side wall of the container body, the following effects are obtained compared to the case where the second overflow passage is formed only by the second overflow wall. The structure of the inner space of the container body can be simplified. Also, the capacity of the internal space of the container body can be secured.

[0017] According to the plant container described in claim 7, in addition to the effects achieved by the plant container described in claim 2, the first overflow portion and the second overflow portion are positioned widthwise outside the container body relative to the opening in the side wall when viewed from the front, so that the thickness dimension of the container body can be reduced compared to a case in which the first overflow portion and the second overflow portion are positioned on the back side of the container body relative to the pot contained in the storage portion to avoid interference with the bottom of the pot contained in the storage portion.

[0018] According to the plant container of claim 8, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 7, it is provided with a cylindrical extension member bent into an approximately L shape, and the first overflow section is provided with a cylindrical lower tube section that extends downward from the underside of the bottom wall and is connected to the first overflow flow path, and one end side of the extension member is connected to the lower tube section, so that liquid can flow down from the other end side of the extension member to the bottom of the pot (the roots of the plant) contained in the container section.

[0019] According to the plant container described in claim 9, in addition to the effects achieved by the plant container described in claim 8, a cylindrical connecting member is provided with one end side of which is connected to the other end side of the extension member, so that the position at which liquid flows down the bottom wall can be adjusted.

[0020] According to the plant container described in claim 10, in addition to the effects of the plant container described in claim 8, one end of the extension member is rotatably connected to the lower tube portion, so that the position where liquid flows down from the other end of the extension member can be adjusted.

[0021] According to the plant container of claim 11, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 8, the bottom wall of the container body is provided with a recess that is recessed upward from the underside of the bottom wall and forms a space around the lower tubular portion, so that the other end of the extension member can be brought close to the underside of the bottom wall while ensuring a connection allowance for connecting one end of the extension member to the lower tubular portion.

[0022] According to the plant container of claim 12, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 1, the container body has a skirt portion that extends downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall and is formed so as to be able to be fitted into the container body of the other plant container when the plant containers are stacked vertically, so that the stacked state can be stabilized. Also, the skirt portion located below the storage portion has an arc-shaped notch, so that interference with the pot stored in the storage portion of the other plant container can be suppressed.

[0023] According to the plant container of claim 13, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 2, a guide wall is provided that is connected to the lower end of the second overflow wall, and the guide wall is inclined in a direction away from the second overflow flow path as the flow-down surface on the side forming the second overflow flow path extends downward, so that liquid flowing down along the surface of the second overflow wall on the side forming the second overflow flow path can be guided in a direction away from the second overflow flow path by the guide wall.

[0024] Furthermore, since the bottom end of the downflow surface is located outside the opening at the upper end of the second overflow channel in a plan view, liquid guided by the guide wall in a direction away from the second overflow channel can be made to flow easily into the container body of the plant container arranged below, making it easier to store liquid flowing down from the upper plant container in the container body of the lower plant container.

[0025] According to the plant container of claim 14, in addition to the effect of the plant container of claim 13, a nonwoven fabric or woven fabric is arranged over at least a part of the flow-down surface and at least a part of the lower surface of the bottom wall connected to the flow-down surface, so that the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric can absorb the liquid that has flowed down the flow-down surface of the guide wall. This allows the liquid guided by the flow-down surface of the guide wall to be guided to the lower surface of the bottom wall via the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric. As a result, the liquid can be easily made to flow down into the container body.

[0026] According to the plant container of claim 15, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 2, the first overflow wall has at least one of a slit extending downward from the upper edge of the first overflow wall or a small hole penetrating the first overflow wall, so that when the amount of liquid supplied to the container body per unit time exceeds a predetermined value, a state can be created in which the water level in the container body is set to the first water level, and when the predetermined value is not met or the supply of liquid is stopped, a state can be created in which the water level in the container body is set to a level lower than the first water level.

[0027] According to the plant container of claim 16, in addition to the effects of the plant container of claim 15, the second overflow wall has at least one of a slit extending downward from the upper edge of the second overflow wall or a small hole penetrating the second overflow wall, so that even if a blockage occurs in the first overflow section, when the amount of liquid supplied per unit time to the container body exceeds a predetermined value, a state can be created in which the water level in the container body is set to the second water level, and when the predetermined value is not reached or the supply of liquid is stopped, a state can be created in which the water level in the container body is set to a level lower than the second water level.

[0028] Furthermore, the height of the lower end of the slit or small hole opening in the second overflow wall is set to be approximately the same height as the lower end of the slit or small hole opening in the first overflow wall, or a height lower than the lower end of the slit or small hole opening in the first overflow wall.Therefore, even if a clog occurs in the first overflow section, the water level when the amount of liquid supplied per unit time to the container body does not meet a predetermined value or the supply of liquid is stopped can be made to be approximately the same as, or lower than, the water level when the amount of liquid supplied per unit time to the container body due to the slit or small hole in the first overflow wall does not meet a predetermined value or the supply of liquid is stopped.

[0029] According to the wall surface greening device of claim 17, in addition to the effects achieved by the plant container of any one of claims 1 to 16, the following effects are achieved.

[0030] The system includes an air purification unit that is accommodated in the storage section of some of the multiple plant containers, and pots filled with hydroculture medium are accommodated in the storage sections of other of the multiple plant containers, and the pots have a plurality of through holes formed in the plate thickness direction, and the plurality of through holes are formed in an area that is exposed to at least the internal space of the container body when the pot is accommodated in the storage section of the plant container, and the air purification unit is configured to draw in air in the internal space of the container body of the plant container accommodated in the storage section and release the drawn in air into the external space of the plant container, thereby purifying the air in the external space.

[0031] That is, when the air in the internal space of the container body of the plant container in which the air purification unit is housed in the housing section is sucked in by the air purification unit, the air in the internal space of the container body of another plant container stacked above or below the plant container is sucked in through the first overflow section and the second overflow section, and the air in the external space is sucked in through the culture medium in the pot housed in the housing section of the other plant container. As the air in the external space passes through the culture medium, foreign matter is adsorbed and released into the external space by the air purification unit. As a result, the air in the external space can be purified.

[0032] According to the wall greening device of claim 18, in addition to the effects of the wall greening device of claim 17, the air purification unit includes a cylindrical main body with a bottom and an open top, a lid body arranged on the top of the main body, and a blowing means arranged in an internal space formed by the main body and the lid body, the side wall of the main body is formed with a plurality of intake holes for sucking in air in the internal space of the container body of the plant container, and the lid body is formed with a plurality of exhaust holes for expelling the sucked air to the external space of the plant container, the internal space of the main body is stored with an aromatic body, which is a liquid containing aromatic components, and the blowing means is configured as an axial flow fan having a plurality of blades arranged on a drive shaft, which sucks in air from one side of the space between the blades and pushes the air out to the other side of the space between the blades, thereby forming a swirling flow and rippling the liquid surface of the aromatic body, which makes it easier to diffuse the aromatic components into the air.

[0033] According to the wall greening device of claim 19, in addition to the effects of the wall greening device of claim 17, the first overflow section includes a first overflow wall that determines the first water level and a first overflow channel that allows liquid that has overflowed the first overflow wall to flow down the bottom wall, and the height of the lower opening that allows liquid that has exceeded the first water level in the internal space of the container body of the upper plant container among the multiple plant containers constituting the container row to flow down the bottom wall is higher than the upper surface of the first overflow wall of the plant container connected to the lower side of the upper plant container, so that the liquid can be dropped from the lower opening of the upper plant container to the pot contained in the plant container connected to the lower side or onto the liquid surface. This makes it easier to generate the sound of the liquid falling. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the wall greening device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2(a) is a front view of the plant container, and (b) is a plan view of the plant container as viewed from the direction of arrow IIb in FIG. 2(a). [Diagram 3] 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the plant container taken along line IIIa-IIIa in FIG. 2(b), and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the plant container taken along line IIIb-IIIb in FIG. 3(a). [Figure 4] 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the wall greening device in part A of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 1A is a plan view of the air purification unit, FIG. 1B is a side view of the air purification unit, and FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the lid. [Figure 6] 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the wall greening device in a portion B of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a wall surface greening device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A wall greening device 1 in one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the wall greening device 1 in one embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1, the pots 30 housed in the plant container 10 and the air purification unit 40 are omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the wall greening device 1 is used to green the walls of indoor and outdoor structures, and comprises a container row 10a consisting of multiple plant containers 10 stacked vertically, a receiver 2 arranged below the plant container 10 located at the bottom of the container row 10a (hereinafter referred to as the "lowest plant container 10"), a connecting pipe 3 one end of which is connected to the receiver 2, a tank 4 arranged below the receiver 2 and to which the other end of the connecting pipe 3 is connected, a supply pipe 5 connected to the tank 4, and a pump 6 for pumping liquid stored in the tank 4.

[0037] The wall greening device 1 includes an air purification unit 40 (see FIG. 6) housed in one of the plant containers 10 in the container row 10a. The remaining plant containers 10 in the container row 10a house pots 30 (see FIG. 6) filled with a hydroculture medium M and planted with a plant P. In the wall greening device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of container rows 10a are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0038] The liquid stored in the tank 4 is supplied by the pump 6 through the supply pipe 5 to the plant container 10 located at the topmost position in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as the "topmost plant container 10"). A certain amount of the liquid supplied to the topmost plant container 10 is stored inside each of the multiple plant containers 10, while flowing down from the topmost plant container 10 to the bottommost plant container 10, and then flowing down to the receiver 2 located below. The tank 4 stores the liquid that flows from the receiver 2 through the connecting pipe 3. The liquid in the tank 4 is supplied by the pump 6 through the supply pipe 5 to the topmost plant container 10.

[0039] In this manner, the liquid is circulated within the wall greening device 1. The total amount of liquid within the wall greening device 1 is maintained by continually replenishing the tank 4 with liquid. In this embodiment, the pump 6 is operated intermittently so that the supply of liquid to the plant container 10 and the cessation of the supply of liquid are repeated at regular intervals.

[0040] The external shape of the plant container 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) is a front view of the plant container 10, and Fig. 2(b) is a plan view of the plant container 10 as viewed from the direction of arrow IIb in Fig. 2(a).

[0041] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the plant container 10 is a bottomed container comprising a container body 11 having a side wall 11a with a rectangular cross section and a bottom wall 11b connected to the lower end of the side wall 11a, an approximately cylindrical storage section 14 extending diagonally upward from the front side of the side wall 11a of the container body 11, and a skirt section 15 connected to the lower end of the container body 11.

[0042] The container body 11 includes a first overflow portion 12 and a second overflow portion 13 that allow liquid stored in the internal space S of the container body 11 to flow downward below the bottom wall 11b.

[0043] Here, in the plant container 10, the pot 30 accommodated in the accommodation section 14 is placed in the internal space S on the container body 11 side via the opening 11c (see FIG. 3(a)). For example, when the first overflow section 12 and the second overflow section 13 are placed on the widthwise inner side of the opening 11c in a front view, the first overflow section 12 and the second overflow section 13 need to be positioned on the rear side of the accommodated pot 30 so as not to interfere with the pot 30 arranged in the internal space S of the container body 11. In this case, an extra thickness dimension is required for the container body 11, and the container body 11 tends to become large.

[0044] In contrast, in the plant container 10 of this embodiment, the first overflow portion 12 and the second overflow portion 13 are positioned, when viewed from the front, on the widthwise outer side of the container body 11 (on the left or right side of the paper in FIG. 2(b)) from the opening 11c of the side wall 11a. This allows the thickness dimension of the container body 11 to be reduced. As a result, the center of gravity when attaching the plant container 10 to a wall surface of a structure or the like can be brought closer to the wall surface. This makes it easier to stabilize the state in which the plant container 10 is held on the wall surface of a structure or the like.

[0045] The first overflow section 12 includes a cylindrical base section 12a that protrudes upward from the bottom surface 11b1 of the bottom wall 11b, a cylindrical upper tube section 12b that protrudes further upward from approximately the center of the base section 12a, and a cylindrical lower tube section 12c that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the base section 12a (see FIG. 3(b)). The upper tube section 12b is a wall that is annular in plan view.

[0046] Next, the inner shape of the plant container 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the plant container 10 taken along line IIIa-IIIa in Fig. 2(b), and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the plant container 10 taken along line IIIb-IIIb in Fig. 3(a). In Fig. 3(a), the pot 30 accommodated in the accommodation portion 14 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), the first overflow part 12 is formed with a first overflow passage 12d, which is a through hole that penetrates linearly in the up-down direction (vertical direction) from the upper surface of the upper cylinder part 12b to the lower surface of the lower cylinder part 12c. The first opening 12d1, which is an opening on the upper end side of the first overflow passage 12d, is circular in a plan view (see FIG. 2(b)). When the liquid level in the container body 11 exceeds the first water level L1 (see FIG. 4), the liquid flows into the first overflow passage 12d from the first opening 12d1 over the upper cylinder part 12b. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the first overflow passage 12d flows down below the bottom wall 11b. That is, the first water level L1 is determined by the height of the upper surface of the upper cylinder part 12b.

[0048] The bottom wall 11b of the container body 11 has a recess 12e recessed upward from a lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b to form a space around the lower cylindrical portion 12c. The recess 12e allows an elbow 20, which will be described later, to be fitted onto the lower cylindrical portion 12c.

[0049] The upper cylinder portion 12b is formed with a vertically long slit 12b1 that extends downward from the upper surface of the upper cylinder portion 12b and penetrates from the outer circumferential surface of the upper cylinder portion 12b to the first overflow passage 12d. The slit 12b1 is for lowering the water level in the container body 11 to the lower end position (the position of the third water level L3 (see FIG. 4)) of the inner surface of the slit 12b1 when the pump 6 is stopped due to intermittent operation. This allows the water level in the container body 11 to be lowered for a certain period of time, making it easier for the roots of the plant P (see FIG. 6) planted in the pot 30 of the storage portion 14 to come into contact with air. This makes it easier for the plant P to grow.

[0050] The amount of liquid supplied per unit time to the container body 11 of the plant container 10 by the intermittent operation of the pump 6 is set to a value exceeding the maximum amount of liquid discharged per unit time (predetermined value) flowing from the slit 12b1 to the first overflow channel 12d. This makes it possible to raise the liquid level in the container body 11 to the first water level L1 when liquid is supplied from the pump 6 to the container body 11 of the plant container 10.

[0051] One end of a cylindrical elbow 20 bent into a substantially L-shape is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylinder portion 12c, and a hole 20a of the elbow 20 forms a passage communicating with the first overflow passage 12d. A lower opening 20b, which is an opening on the other end side of the hole 20a of the elbow 20, is located approximately in the center of the container body 11, and causes liquid that has flowed into the first overflow passage 12d to flow down to the center of the container body 11 of the plant container 10 below (see FIG. 4).

[0052] The elbow 20 is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylinder portion 12c so as to be rotatable around the axis of the lower cylinder portion 12c. This allows the position of the lower opening 20b of the elbow 20 to be changed within the range of the rotation trajectory of the elbow 20. Therefore, the position at which the liquid flows down into the pot 30 of the container body 11 located below can be changed depending on, for example, the season or the type of plant P.

[0053] Since a recess 12e is formed around the lower cylinder portion 12c, the distance by which the elbow 20 protrudes from the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b can be reduced by the depth of the recess 12e. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessarily increasing the height of the side wall 11a of the container body 11 or increasing the horizontal width in order to avoid interference between the elbow 20 and the pot 30 and the air purification unit 40 (see FIG. 6) disposed in the plant container 10 below. As a result, the plant container 10 can be made smaller.

[0054] The second overflow portion 13 is a portion for discharging the liquid in the container body 11 to the plant container 10 below when the first overflow portion 12 is clogged with a foreign object or the like. Therefore, a second opening 13b1 (upper surface of the wall portion 13a) of the second overflow passage 13b described later is formed at a position higher than the first opening 12d1 (upper surface of the upper tube portion 12b).

[0055] The second overflow section 13 includes a plate-like wall section 13a that protrudes upward from the bottom surface 11b1 of the bottom wall 11b and extends to the inner surface of the front side and rear side of the side wall 11a, and a second overflow flow path 13b formed by the wall section 13a and the side wall 11a of the container body 11. The wall section 13a is a wall that is linear in plan view (i.e., the outer edge is linear in plan view) unlike the shape of the upper cylindrical section 12b of the first overflow section 12 (annular in plan view (i.e., the outer edge is curved in plan view)) (see FIG. 2(b)). This allows the manner in which foreign matter overcomes the upper cylindrical section 12b and the wall section 13a to be different from each other. Therefore, clogging can be prevented from occurring in both the first overflow section 12 and the second overflow section 13.

[0056] The second opening 13b1, which is the opening on the upper end side of the second overflow passage 13b, is rectangular in plan view, unlike the first opening 12d1 of the first overflow section 12, which is circular in plan view (see FIG. 2(b)). This allows the types or shapes of foreign matter that clog the first opening 12d1 and the second opening 13b1 to be different. This makes it possible to prevent clogging in both the first overflow section 12 and the second overflow section 13.

[0057] The second opening 13b1 of the second overflow passage 13b is set to have a larger opening area than the first opening 12d1 of the first overflow passage 12d. This allows the types or shapes of foreign matter that clog the first opening 12d1 and the second opening 13b1 to be different. This makes it possible to prevent clogging in both the first overflow section 12 and the second overflow section 13.

[0058] The plant container 10 is resin molded using a mold. In the container body 11 of the plant container 10, the wall portion 13a and the side wall 11a form the second overflow passage 13b, so that the shape of the second overflow portion 13 can be simplified. As a result, when the plant container 10 is molded, it is easy to ensure the fluidity of the resin material in the portion forming the side wall 11a and the wall portion 13a of the container body 11. Therefore, moldability can be improved.

[0059] Here, if the second overflow flow path 13b has the same flow path area and is formed only by the wall portion 13a, the internal space S of the container body 11 will be smaller by the thickness of the wall portion 13a. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second overflow flow path 13b is formed by the wall portion 13a and the side wall 11a, so that the internal space S of the container body 11 can be made larger.

[0060] When the level of the liquid in the container body 11 exceeds the second water level L2 (see FIG. 4), the liquid flows over the wall 13a and into the second overflow passage 13b from the second opening 13b1. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the second overflow passage 13b flows down below the bottom wall 11b. That is, the second water level L2 is determined by the height of the upper surface of the wall 13a. The second water level L2 is set higher than the first water level L1 and the third water level L3.

[0061] In the container body 11, the second opening 13b1 of the second overflow passage 13b is formed at a position higher than the first opening 12d1. Therefore, for example, when a foreign object covers the first opening 12d1 and clogs the first overflow section 12 (first overflow passage 12d), the water level in the container body 11 can be raised to a position (second water level L2) higher than the first water level L1. This makes it possible to float the foreign object covering the first opening 12d1 and eliminate the clogging of the first overflow section 12. Furthermore, since the opening shape of the second opening 13b1 is different from the opening shape of the first opening 12d1, even the foreign object covering the first opening 12d1 can be easily discharged from the second overflow passage 13b.

[0062] The second overflow passage 13b of the second overflow section 13 has a flow-down surface 13c1 that is continuous with the surface of the wall portion 13a on the second overflow passage 13b side, and is provided with a protrusion 13c that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 11b. The flow-down surface 13c1 of the protrusion 13c is linearly inclined in a direction away from the second overflow passage 13b as it goes downward. The protrusion 13c extends linearly to the inner surface of the front side and the back side of the skirt portion 15 in a bottom view. The top 13c2 (see FIG. 4) of the protrusion 13c is formed on the inner side in the width direction of the container body 11 in a plan view (i.e., outside the second opening 13b1) than the opening edge 13a1 (see FIG. 4), which is the edge of the upper surface of the wall portion 13a and the edge on the side forming the second opening 13b1. In this embodiment, the top 13c2 of the protrusion 13c is formed at a position that overlaps with the upper surface of the wall portion 13a in a plan view.

[0063] The liquid flowing down from the second overflow flow path 13b flows downward along the surface of the wall 13a facing the second overflow flow path 13b and the flow-down surface 13c1 of the protrusion 13c, and flows down from the top 13c2. Since the top 13c2 of the protrusion 13c is formed on the inner side in the width direction of the container body 11 relative to the opening edge 13a1, the liquid that has flowed down the second overflow flow path 13b (wall 13a) can be easily caused to flow down toward the upper surface of the wall 13a of the lower plant container 10 and into the container body 11. That is, it is possible to prevent all of the liquid flowing down the second overflow flow path 13b from flowing down into the second overflow flow path 13b of the lower plant container 10. This makes it difficult for a shortage of liquid to occur due to a lack of liquid being supplied to the lower container body 11.

[0064] The storage section 14 has a cylindrical base 14a, one end of which is connected to the container body 11, and a cylindrical upper end 14b, the other end of which is connected to the base 14a. The outer and inner diameters of the base 14a increase from one end to the other. The space surrounded by the base 14a communicates with the internal space S of the container body 11 through an opening 11c formed in the container body 11. A step 14c, the upper side of which is slightly larger in diameter than the lower side, is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end 14b of the storage section 14. A pot 30 filled with a hydroculture medium M and in which a plant P is planted, and an air purification unit 40 are disposed in the storage section 14 (see FIG. 6).

[0065] The pot 30 of this embodiment is a container comprising a cylindrical upper portion 31 and a bottomed cylindrical lower portion 32 that is connected to the upper portion 31 and has a plurality of through holes 34 (see FIG. 6) formed through the outer periphery and bottom in the thickness direction. The diameter of the outer periphery of the upper portion 31 of the pot 30 is set to be approximately the same as (or slightly smaller than) the diameter of the inner periphery of the upper end portion 14b of the storage portion 14. The upper portion 31 of the pot 30 is formed with a flange 33 that protrudes radially outward. The pot 30 is stored in the storage portion 14 with the flange 33 supported by the upper end surface of the upper end portion 14b.

[0066] When the pot 30 is accommodated in the accommodation section 14, the upper portion 31 is disposed at the upper end portion 14b of the accommodation section 14, and a part of the lower portion 32 is disposed in the internal space S of the container body 11. At this time, among the multiple through holes 34 of the pot 30, some of the through holes 34 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion 32 are positioned above the upper surfaces of the upper tube portion 12b and the wall portion 13a. As a result, even when the water level of the liquid stored in the internal space S of the container body 11 is set to the first water level L1 or the second water level L2, some of the through holes 34 of the pot 30 are exposed above the liquid surface.

[0067] The positional relationship of each part of the plant container 10 when stacked vertically will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the wall greening device 1 at part A in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a cross section cut along a plane that includes the central axis of the upper cylinder portion 12b and is along the width direction of the plant container 10.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, liquid flows down from the lower opening 20b of the elbow 20 of the upper plant container 10 to the widthwise center of the container body 11 of the lower plant container 10. The storage section 14 (i.e., the pot 30) is located at the widthwise center of the front side wall 11a (see FIG. 2(a)). This allows the liquid flowing down from the lower opening 20b of the elbow 20 to be supplied to the roots of the plant P not only from the through-holes 34 on the outer periphery or bottom of the pot 30 immersed in the liquid stored in the container body 11, but also from the through-holes 34 on the outer periphery of the pot 30 (lower part 32) exposed above the liquid surface. As a result, the total area of ​​the roots to which the liquid is supplied can be increased, and the plant P can grow well.

[0069] A roughly C-shaped notch 14d is formed on the front side of the upper end portion 14b to facilitate removal of the pot 30 or the air purification unit 40 housed in the housing portion 14 (see Figures 2(a) and 2(b)).

[0070] The skirt portion 15 is a rectangular tubular portion that is inserted into the inside of the upper end of the container body 11 of the lower plant container 10 when the plant containers 10 are stacked vertically.

[0071] An arc-shaped cutout 15a is formed on the front side of the skirt portion 15 so that the pot 30 or the air purification unit 40 of the lower plant container 10 does not interfere (see FIG. 2(a)). This allows the pot 30 or the air purification unit 40 of the lower plant container 10 to be positioned higher than the lower end of the skirt portion 15 of the upper plant container 10 (see FIG. 6). As a result, the plant container 10 can be made smaller.

[0072] Furthermore, by forming the notch 15a, it is possible to avoid shortening the entire skirt portion 15. This ensures a length for the skirt portion 15 to be fitted inside the container body 11 of the lower plant container 10. As a result, the stability of the stacked state of the plant containers 10 can be improved.

[0073] A plurality of ribs 16 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the inner surface of the container body 11. The lower ends of the skirt portions 15 of the plant containers 10 stacked above are abutted against the upper surfaces of the ribs 16, thereby supporting the plant containers 10 stacked above.

[0074] In the wall greening device 1, a container lid 17 is provided only on the topmost plant container 10 to cover the upper opening of the container body 11 (see FIG. 1). The container lid 17 is intended to prevent air from flowing into the container row 10a from the upper opening of the topmost plant container 10. The container lid 17 has an opening for inserting the supply pipe 5 therethrough.

[0075] According to the wall greening device 1, the liquid flowing down the row of containers 10a generates a flowing sound, which has a soothing effect when heard and a masking effect that reduces noise. In this embodiment, an elbow 20 is connected to the upper tube portion 12b, which extends the flow path of the liquid, making it easier to generate the flowing sound.

[0076] In the wall greening device 1, the vertical height of the lower opening 20b of the elbow 20 of the upper plant container 10 among the multiple plant containers 10 constituting the container row 10a is set higher than the upper surface of the upper cylinder portion 12b of the plant container 10 below. This makes it possible to generate a falling sound (flowing water sound) when the liquid flowing down from the lower opening 20b of the elbow 20 falls onto the liquid surface below or into the pot 30. As a result, the wall greening device 1 can provide a soothing effect by hearing the sound of the liquid falling and a masking effect that reduces noise.

[0077] Since the recess 12e is formed around the lower cylinder portion 12c of the plant container 10 in the wall greening device 1, even if the elbow 20 is fitted around the lower cylinder portion 12c, it is easy to ensure the distance between the lower end of the lower opening 20b of the elbow 20 and the first water level L1 of the lower plant container 10. Therefore, compared to a case where the recess 12e is not formed, it is easy to generate a falling sound of liquid when liquid flows down from the upper plant container 10 to the lower plant container 10.

[0078] The air purification unit 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) is a plan view of the air purification unit 40, Fig. 5(b) is a side view of the air purification unit 40, and Fig. 5(c) is a bottom view of the cover 42.

[0079] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the air purification unit 40 comprises a main body 41 which is a cylindrical container with a bottom and an open top, a substantially disk-shaped lid body 42 which is removably arranged above the main body 41, and a fan 43 (see Figure 5(c)) which is arranged on the back surface of the lid body 42 (the surface facing the main body 41) and is bolted to the lid body 42.

[0080] The main body 41 has a cylindrical base 41a with a bottom, in which a plurality of elongated suction holes 41a1 are formed through the side wall of the main body 41 in the thickness direction and communicate between the internal space and the external space, and an upper end 41b extending radially outward from the outer surface of the upper end of the base 41a. Aromatic body 44 containing aromatic components is placed in the main body 41 (see FIG. 6).

[0081] The lid 42 includes a base 42a that covers the upper opening of the main body 41, and a cylindrical peripheral portion 42b (see FIG. 5(c)) that extends downward from the lower surface of the base 42a. The base 42a includes a protruding portion 42c that protrudes radially outward from the peripheral portion 42b. The lid 42 is attached to the main body 41 by fitting the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion 42b into the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the main body 41 (see FIG. 6). The base 42a of the lid 42 is formed with a plurality of emission holes 42a1 that penetrate in the thickness direction. The plurality of emission holes 42a1 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumferences of two circles that are centered on the same point.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5(c), the fan 43 includes a drive shaft 43a and a plurality of blades 43b that rotate around the rotation axis of the drive shaft 43a. The fan 43 is an axial fan in which the suction direction and the discharge direction are the same as the direction of the rotation axis. The fan 43 is disposed on the back surface of the cover 42 with the rotation axis direction of the drive shaft 43a aligned with the thickness direction of the cover 42 and the blades 43b facing the plurality of discharge holes 42a1. When the fan 43 is operated with the cover 42 covering the opening of the main body 41, it sucks in air from the internal space of the main body 41 and discharges the air to the front surface side of the cover 42 (i.e., the external space side), generating a swirling flow in the internal space of the main body 41.

[0083] With reference to Fig. 6, an air purification method using the air purification unit 40 in the wall greening device 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the wall greening device 1 at part B in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows a cross section cut by a plane that includes the central axis of the storage part 14 and runs along the thickness direction of the plant container 10, and shows a state in which a pot 30 with a plant P planted therein is disposed in the upper plant container 10, and an air purification unit 40 is disposed in the lower plant container 10.

[0084] 6, the air purification unit 40 is fitted into the housing part 14 with the lower end surface of the upper end part 41b of the main body 41 of the air purification unit 40 abutting the entire periphery against the upper end surface of the housing part 14. This prevents air from flowing into the internal space S of the container main body 11 through a gap between the lower end surface of the upper end part 41b of the main body 41 and the upper end surface of the housing part 14, ensuring airtightness of the internal space S of the container main body 11 against the external space.

[0085] As described above, the pot 30 is fitted into the storage section 14 with the inner peripheral surface of the storage section 14 (upper end 14b) in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 31 of the pot 30 over the entire circumference. Therefore, it is difficult to remove the stored pot 30 or air purification unit 40 from the storage section 14. However, since the upper end 14b of the storage section 14 of the plant container 10 of this embodiment has a notch 14d, it is possible to easily remove the pot 30 or air purification unit 40 from the storage section 14. This makes it possible to simultaneously improve the airtightness of the internal space S and ensure ease of removal of the pot 30 or air purification unit 40 fitted into the storage section 14.

[0086] When the fan 43 is operated with the air purification unit 40 housed in the housing section 14, the air in the internal space S of the plant container 10 housing the air purification unit 40 is sucked in by the fan 43, and the air in the internal spaces S of the plant containers 10 arranged above and below and connected to the internal space S via the first overflow passage 12d and the second overflow passage 13b is sucked in. Next, the air between the particles of the medium M filled in the pot 30 is sucked in through the through holes 34 of the pot 30 housed in the plant containers 10 arranged above and below. When the air between the particles of the medium M is sucked in, the air in the external space is sucked in between the particles of the medium M from the surface of the medium M.

[0087] As a result, when the fan 43 is operated, air passes through the external space of the wall greening device 1, between the particles of the medium M, the through hole 34 of the pot 30, the internal space S of the container body 11 of the plant container 10 in which the pot 30 is housed, the first overflow flow path 12d and the second overflow flow path 13b, the internal space S of the container body 11 of the plant container 10 in which the air purification unit 40 is housed, the intake hole 41a1 of the body 41 of the air purification unit 40, the internal space of the body 41, the fan 43, the discharge hole 42a1 of the lid 42, and the external space in that order. Note that an air suction path by the fan 43 is also formed in the plant container 10 that is not directly connected to the plant container 10 in which the air purification unit 40 is housed, via the first overflow flow path 12d and the second overflow flow path 13b of the plant container 10 that is directly connected to the plant container 10 in which the air purification unit 40 is housed.

[0088] At this time, bacteria and foreign matter in the air passing through medium M are physically adsorbed by medium M, and are further absorbed and decomposed by the roots of plant P in medium M and the rhizosphere microorganisms around the roots, thereby purifying the air. Furthermore, since aromatic body 44 is placed inside main body 41 of air purification unit 40, aromatic body 44 is diffused as air passes through the internal space of main body 41, adding aromatic components to the air.

[0089] When the fan 43 is operated, a swirling flow is generated in the internal space of the main body 41, which makes it easier to ripple the liquid surface of the aromatic substance 44. As a result, the aromatic substance 44 is more easily dispersed into the air, and the aromatic components are more easily added to the air.

[0090] The present invention has been described above based on an embodiment, but the present invention is in no way limited to the above embodiment, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the second overflow portion 13 is provided with the protrusion 13c, but the second overflow portion 113 may be provided with a connecting wall 113c instead of the protrusion 13c. This embodiment will be described as a modified example (wall surface greening device 101) with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the wall surface greening device 101 in the modified example. Fig. 7 is a cross section corresponding to Fig. 4. Note that the same parts as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the following description will be omitted.

[0092] 7, the second overflow section 113 of the plant container 110 in the wall surface greening device 101 has a connecting wall 113c that connects the lower end of the wall section 13a to the bottom wall 11b. The connecting wall 113c has a flow down surface 113c1 that is a curved surface that gently connects the surface of the wall section 13a on the second overflow flow path 13b side to the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b and is inclined in an arc shape in the direction away from the second overflow flow path 13b as it extends downward.

[0093] The connection portion 113c2, which is a portion where the downflow surface 113c1 and the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b are connected, is located inward in the width direction of the container body 111 in plan view (i.e., outside the second opening 13b1) from the opening edge 13a1, which is the edge of the upper surface of the wall portion 13a on the side forming the second opening 13b1. In detail, the connection portion 113c2 is formed at a position overlapping the upper surface of the wall portion 13a in plan view. This makes it easier for the liquid that has flowed down from the downflow surface 113c1 to the connection portion 113c2 to flow down toward the inside of the container body 111 from the second opening 13b1 of the second overflow passage 13b of the plant container 110 below.

[0094] In this case, a protrusion 13c (see FIG. 4) having a flow-down surface 13c1 connected to the connection portion 113c2 of the flow-down surface 113c1 may be further provided. The liquid that has flowed down from the flow-down surface 113c1 to the connection portion 113c2 can be caused to flow from the flow-down surface 13c1 of the protrusion 13c to the top portion 13c2. This makes it easier to guide the liquid into the container body 111.

[0095] A cylindrical elbow 120 bent into a substantially L-shape is fitted to the bottom tube 12c of the plant container 110 in the wall greening device 101. The bottom opening 120b of the elbow 120 is located at the substantially center of the width of the container body 111. An external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the elbow 120 opposite to the side fitted to the bottom tube 12c, and a cylindrical connecting member 150 is screwed to the external thread. The liquid that flows into the first overflow passage 12d of the first overflow section 12 flows downward from the bottom opening 150b of the connecting member 150. Therefore, the position where the liquid flows downward from the first overflow section 12 can be changed from the center side of the container body 111 to the left side in the width direction. This allows the position where the liquid flows downward to be changed depending on the type of plant P and the season.

[0096] Furthermore, since the connecting member 150 is screwed into the elbow 120, the position of the lower opening 150b of the connecting member 150 in the width direction of the container body 111 relative to the pot 30 located below can be finely adjusted by adjusting the amount by which the connecting member 150 is screwed into the elbow 120 (the amount of screwing). The connecting member 150 may be fitted externally or internally into the elbow 120. In this case, the external thread of the elbow 120 may be omitted.

[0097] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), a case has been described in which an elbow 20, 120 of a length such that the lower opening 20b, 120b is positioned in the widthwise center of the lower container body 11, 111 when attached to the lower tube portion 12c is used. However, it is also possible to prepare a number of elbows 20, 120 of different lengths and replace them with an elbow 20, 120 of a length corresponding to the position where you want the liquid to flow down from the first overflow portion 12.

[0098] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), a case has been described in which an air purification unit 40 is provided in one of the plant containers 10, 110 in one container row 10a of the wall greening device 1, 101, but the air purification unit 40 may also be provided in two or more plant containers 10, 110 in one container row 10a.

[0099] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the air purification unit 40 may be omitted. In this case, a soil culture medium may be used as the culture medium M filled in the pot 30 instead of a hydroculture culture medium. Also, the wall greening device 1, 101 may be provided with the air purification unit 40 in two or more rows of containers 10a.

[0100] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the case where the container lid 17 is disposed on the uppermost plant container 10 has been described, but the container lid 17 may be omitted.

[0101] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall surface greening device 101), a cylindrical connecting member bent into an approximately L-shape or a cylindrical connecting member shaped like an approximately I-shape may be connected to the upper tube portion 12b. By connecting the connecting member to the upper tube portion 12b, the first overflow passage 12d of the first overflow portion 12 is extended upward, and the height of the first opening 12d1 formed on the upper surface thereof (i.e., the height of the first water level L1) can be changed. In addition, when a connecting member is connected to the upper tube portion 12b, it is preferable that an internal thread or an external thread is formed on the upper tube portion 12b, and the connecting member is screwed into the internal thread or the external thread. In this case, the height of the first opening 12d1 of the first overflow passage 12d can be easily fine-tuned by the amount to which the connecting member is screwed (the amount of screwing).

[0102] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), an elbow 20, 120 may be attached to the second overflow portion 13, 113. In this case, the second overflow portion 13, 113 has a lower cylinder portion having the same shape as the first overflow portion 12. By fitting a cylindrical elbow 20, 120 bent into a substantially L-shape onto the lower cylinder portion, the liquid flowing down from the second overflow passage 13b can be caused to flow down to the center of the container body 11, 111 of the plant container 10, 110 below.

[0103] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the top 13c2 of the projection 13c or the connection part 113c2 of the connection wall 113c may be inclined from the front to the back or from the back to the front. In this case, the liquid that has flowed from the flow-down surface 13c1 of the projection 13c to the top 13c2, or from the flow-down surface 113c1 of the connection wall 113c to the connection part 113c2 can be made to flow from the front to the back or from the back to the front. This allows the liquid that flows on the flow-down surface 13c1 of the projection 13c or the flow-down surface 113c1 of the connection wall 113c to flow to the inner surface of the skirt part 15 located on the back or front side.

[0104] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the case where the inner shape of the upper end 14b of the accommodating section 14 is circular has been described, but the inner shape of the upper end 14b of the accommodating section 14 may also be polygonal, elliptical, or star-shaped.

[0105] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the case where the notch 14d is formed in the upper end portion 14b of the accommodation portion 14 has been described, but the notch 14d may be omitted.

[0106] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the case where the notch 15a is formed in the skirt portion 15 has been described, but the notch 15a may be omitted.

[0107] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall surface greening device 101), the pump 6 is operated intermittently, but the pump 6 may be operated continuously.

[0108] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), in addition to or instead of the slits 12b1 in the upper cylinder portion 12b, slits may be formed in the wall portion 13a of the second overflow portion 13, 113. In this case, the slits formed in the wall portion 13a of the second overflow portion 13, 113 may have a shape different from that of the slits 12b1 formed in the upper cylinder portion 12b of the first overflow portion 12. Also, small holes may be formed in the second overflow portion 13, 113 instead of slits.

[0109] In either case, the amount of liquid supplied per unit time to the container body 11, 111 of the plant container 10, 110 by the intermittent operation of the pump 6 is set to a value exceeding the maximum amount of liquid discharged per unit time (predetermined value) flowing into the second overflow passage 13b from the slit or small hole formed in the second overflow part 13, 113. This makes it possible to create a state in which the water level in the container body 11, 111 is set to the second water level L2 even if the first overflow part 12 is clogged with a foreign object or the like. Also, when the amount of liquid supplied to the container body 11, 111 by the intermittent operation of the pump 6 does not reach a predetermined value or when the supply of liquid is stopped, it is possible to create a state in which the water level in the container body 11, 111 is set to a water level lower than the second water level L2. As a result, it is possible to easily expose the roots of the plant P to air.

[0110] When a slit or small hole is formed in the wall portion 13a of the second overflow portion 13, 113, it is preferable that the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit or small hole in the second overflow portion 13, 113 is set to be approximately the same as the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit 12b1 in the first overflow portion 12, or to be located lower than the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit 12b1.

[0111] When the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit or small hole of the second overflow portion 13, 113 is set to be substantially the same as the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit 12b1, even if the first overflow portion 12 is clogged with a foreign object or the like, the water level can be lowered to the same water level (third water level L3) as when the first overflow portion 12 is not clogged. In addition, by setting the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit or small hole of the second overflow portion 13, 113 lower than the height of the lower end of the opening of the slit 12b1, it is possible to prevent too much liquid from being supplied to the roots of the plant P when the supply of liquid from the pump 6 is stopped for the roots of the plant P to which a large amount of liquid has been supplied up to the second water level L2. In addition, it is possible to easily expose the roots of the plant P to air. This can suppress root rot of the plant P.

[0112] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the positions of the slits 12b1 in the upper cylinder portion 12b and the slits in the wall portion 13a can be set to any positions. For example, in a plan view (see FIG. 2(b)), the slits 12b1 may penetrate the upper cylinder portion 12b in a direction diagonally downward and to the left at 45° from the center of the upper cylinder portion 12b. Furthermore, the slits 12b1 in the upper cylinder portion 12b may be formed in multiple numbers, and the slits in the wall portion 13a may be formed in multiple numbers.

[0113] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), a case where a vertically long slit 12b1 is formed in the upper cylinder portion 12b has been described, but instead of the slit 12b1, a small hole may be formed.

[0114] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the case where fan 43 is an axial fan has been described, but fan 43 may also be a centrifugal fan or blower fan whose suction direction is the same as the rotation axis direction and whose discharge direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis direction. In this case, for example, a recessed portion is provided in base 42a of lid 42, recessed in a direction away from main body 41 and protruding toward the surface side of lid 42, and a centrifugal fan or blower fan is disposed inside the recessed portion so that the discharge direction faces the inner circumferential surface of the recessed portion, and discharge hole 42a is formed in the portion of the recessed portion corresponding to the discharge portion of the fan.

[0115] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the case where the container body 11, 111 is provided with two overflow parts has been described, but the container body 11, 111 may be provided with three or more overflow parts.

[0116] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall surface greening device 101), the first opening 12d1 of the first overflow passage 12d and the second opening 13b1 of the second overflow passage 13b have different planar shapes and opening areas. However, the planar shapes and opening areas may be substantially the same. The first opening 12d1 and the second opening 13b1 may have substantially the same opening area but different planar shapes. For example, one of the first opening 12d1 and the second opening 13b1 is circular, and the other opening is a square with substantially the same area as the circle of the one opening. The first opening 12d1 and the second opening 13b1 may have substantially the same planar shapes but different opening areas. For example, the second opening 13b1 is a circle similar to the circle of the first opening 12d1, which is circular, and larger than the first opening 12d1.

[0117] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the upper cylindrical portion 12b of the first overflow portion 12 and the wall portion 13a of the second overflow portion 13, 113 have different shapes when viewed in plan, but the shapes when viewed in plan may also be approximately the same.

[0118] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall surface greening device 101), the top 13c2 of the projection 13c or the connection part 113c2 of the connection wall 113c may be located on the opposite side of the second overflow passage 13b from the wall part 13a (i.e., on the inner side in the width direction of the container body 11, 111 from the inner edge in the width direction of the upper surface of the wall part 13a). In this case, the liquid that has flowed down the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 can be made to flow further downward toward the inside of the container body 11, 111 (the space on the opposite side of the second overflow passage 13b from the wall part 13a) from the second opening 13b1 of the second overflow passage 13b of the lower plant container 10, 110.

[0119] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the container body 11, 111 may be provided with a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric. In this case, the nonwoven fabric or the woven fabric is arranged over at least a part or all of the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 of the protrusion 13c or the connecting wall 113c and at least a part or all of the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b connected to the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1. The liquid that has flowed down the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 is absorbed by the nonwoven fabric or the woven fabric, so that the liquid can be guided from the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 to the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b. This makes it easier for the liquid to flow down into the container body 11, 111.

[0120] In addition, the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric may be further extended from the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 of the protrusion 13c or the connecting wall 113c to at least a part (the surface on the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 side) or the entire surface of the wall portion 13a on the second overflow passage 13b side. In this case, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing downward on the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1. Therefore, it is possible to easily guide the liquid guided to the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 to the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b. As a result, it is possible to easily guide the liquid further down into the container body 11, 111.

[0121] Also, a nonwoven fabric or woven fabric may be hung from the flow-down surface 13c1, 113c1 of the protrusion 13c or the connecting wall 113c of the upper plant container 10, 110 toward the inner surface in the width direction of the container body 11, 111 of the wall portion 13a of the lower plant container 10, 110. In this case, it is possible to make it easier for liquid to flow down into the container body 11, 111.

[0122] In the above-mentioned modified example in which the container body 11, 111 includes a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, the protrusion 13c and the connecting wall 113c may be omitted. In this case, the nonwoven fabric or the woven fabric is disposed over at least a part or all of the surface of the wall portion 13a on the second overflow passage 13b side, and at least a part or all of the lower surface 11b2 of the bottom wall 11b, or at least a part or all of the surface of the wall portion 13a of the lower plant container 10 on the inner side in the width direction of the container body 11, 111.

[0123] In the above embodiment and modified example (wall greening device 101), the flow-down surface 13c1 of the projection 13c may be inclined in an arc shape, or the flow-down surface 113c1 of the connection wall 113c may be inclined in a straight line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1,101 Wall greening device 4. Tank 5 Supply pipe 6. Pump 10,110 Plant containers 10a Container Row 11,111 Container body 11a side wall 11b Bottom wall 11c aperture 12 First overflow section 12b Upper cylinder section (first overflow wall) 12b1 Slit 12d First overflow channel 12d1 1st opening (opening) 13,113 Second overflow section 13a Wall section (second overflow wall) 13b Second overflow channel 13b1 2nd opening (opening) 13c Protrusion (guide wall) 13c1,113c1 Flowing surface 13c2 Top (bottom end) 14 Storage section 15 Skirt Club 15a Cutout 20,120 Elbow (extension member) 20b,120b,150b Lower opening 30 Pots 34 Through hole 40 Air Purification Unit 41 Main unit 41a1 Suction hole 42 Lid 42a1 Discharge hole 43 Fan (air blowing means) 43a Drive shaft 43b Wings 44 Aromatic bodies (fragrance means) 113c Connecting wall (guide wall) 113c2 Connection part (bottom end) 150 Connection parts L1 1st water level L2 2nd water level L3 3rd water level S interior space M medium P plant

Claims

1. A container for plants includes a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall connected to the lower end of the side wall, and is shaped like a bottomed container with an open top and an internal space capable of storing liquid, and a cylindrical storage section extending obliquely upward from an outer surface of the side wall of the container body, the internal space of which is connected to the internal space of the container body via an opening formed in the side wall of the container body, and is configured to be stackable vertically, a first overflow portion that allows liquid that exceeds a first water level in an internal space of the container body to flow downwardly to a position below the bottom wall; A second overflow portion that allows liquid that exceeds a second water level, which is higher than the first water level, to flow down below the bottom wall.

2. the first overflow portion includes a first overflow wall that defines the first water level, and a first overflow flow path that allows liquid that has flowed over the first overflow wall to flow downward to the bottom wall, The plant container according to claim 1, characterized in that the second overflow portion comprises a second overflow wall that determines the second water level, and a second overflow flow path that allows liquid that has overflowed the second overflow wall to flow down below the bottom wall.

3. 3. The plant container according to claim 2, wherein the first overflow wall and the second overflow wall have different shapes in plan view.

4. 3. The plant container according to claim 2, wherein a shape of an opening at an upper end of the first overflow channel in a plan view is different from a shape of an opening at an upper end of the second overflow channel in a plan view.

5. 3. The plant container according to claim 2, wherein an opening at an upper end of the second overflow passage is larger than an opening at an upper end of the first overflow passage.

6. 3. The plant container according to claim 2, wherein the second overflow passage is formed by the second overflow wall and a side wall of the container body.

7. The plant container according to claim 2 , wherein the first overflow portion and the second overflow portion are positioned widthwise outside the opening of the side wall in a front view of the container body.

8. A cylindrical extension member bent into a substantially L-shape is provided, The first overflow portion includes a cylindrical lower tube portion that extends downward from a lower surface of the bottom wall and is connected to the first overflow flow path, 8. The plant container according to claim 7, wherein one end of the extension member is connected to the lower tube portion.

9. 9. The plant container according to claim 8, further comprising a tubular connecting member, one end of which is connected to the other end of the extension member.

10. 9. The plant container according to claim 8, wherein one end of the extension member is rotatably connected to the lower tube portion.

11. 9. The plant container according to claim 8, wherein the bottom wall of the container body is provided with a recess that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall to form a space around the lower tubular portion.

12. The container body includes a skirt portion extending downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall and formed so as to be able to be fitted into the container body of the other container for plants when the containers for plants are stacked in the vertical direction; 2. The plant container according to claim 1, wherein the skirt portion located below the storage portion has an arc-shaped notch formed therein.

13. a guide wall connected to a lower end of the second overflow wall, the guide wall is inclined such that a flow-down surface on a side forming the second overflow passage is inclined downward in a direction away from the second overflow passage, 3. The plant container according to claim 2, wherein the lowermost end of the downflow surface is located outside an opening at an upper end of the second overflow passage in a plan view.

14. (Adjust the flow position using non-woven or woven fabric) The plant container according to claim 13, wherein a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric is provided over at least a portion of the downflow surface and at least a portion of the lower surface of the bottom wall connected to the downflow surface.

15. 3. The plant container according to claim 2, wherein the first overflow wall has at least one of a slit extending downward from an upper edge of the first overflow wall and a small hole penetrating the first overflow wall.

16. the second overflow wall includes at least one of a slit extending downward from an upper edge of the second overflow wall or a small hole penetrating the second overflow wall; A plant container as described in claim 15, characterized in that the height of the lower end of the slit or small hole opening of the second overflow wall is set to be approximately the same height as the lower end of the slit or small hole opening of the first overflow wall, or to a height lower than the lower end of the slit or small hole opening of the first overflow wall.

17. A row of containers formed by stacking a plurality of plant containers according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in a vertical direction; a tank for storing liquid discharged from the plant container located at the bottom of the row of containers; A pump for pumping the liquid stored in the tank; A supply pipe that supplies the liquid pumped from the tank to the plant container located at the top of the row of containers, an air purification unit accommodated in an accommodation portion of a part of the plant containers among the plurality of plant containers; A pot filled with a medium for hydroculture is accommodated in the accommodation portion of another of the plurality of plant containers, The pot has a plurality of through holes formed in a plate thickness direction, The plurality of through holes are formed in an area exposed to at least the internal space of the container body when the pot is accommodated in the accommodation portion of the plant container, A wall greening device characterized in that the air purification unit is configured to suck in air from the internal space of the container body of the plant container housed in the storage section and release the sucked in air to the external space of the plant container.

18. The air purification unit includes a cylindrical main body having an open top surface and a closed bottom surface, a lid body disposed on the top surface of the main body, and a blower means disposed in an internal space formed by the main body and the lid body, A plurality of intake holes are formed on the side wall of the main body for sucking in air from the internal space of the container body of the plant container, and a plurality of exhaust holes are formed on the lid for exhausting the sucked air to the external space of the plant container, An aromatic liquid containing an aromatic component is stored in the internal space of the main body, The wall greening device according to claim 17, characterized in that the air blowing means is configured as an axial fan having a plurality of blades arranged on a drive shaft, sucking in air from the space on one side between the blades and pushing the air out to the space on the other side between the blades, thereby moving air along the axial direction of the drive shaft.

19. the first overflow portion includes a first overflow wall that defines the first water level, and a first overflow flow path that allows liquid that has flowed over the first overflow wall to flow downward to the bottom wall, A wall greening device as described in claim 17, characterized in that the height of a lower opening for allowing liquid that exceeds the first water level in the internal space of a container body of a plant container located at the upper side of the plurality of plant containers to flow down the bottom wall is higher than the upper surface of a first overflow wall of a plant container connected to the lower side of the plant container located at the upper side.

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