LED light source device for plant cultivation

Abstract

The present invention provides an LED light source device for plant cultivation that can eliminate structural concerns when adding a UV light source by having a structure that allows a UV light LED to be easily mounted on the main light source. [Solution] An LED light source device used for plant cultivation, consisting of a main body and a bracket, the main body is strip-shaped, has a UV light LED on the bottom that irradiates downward, and has multiple brackets on the top, with the ends of the brackets placed on the top surfaces of other LED light sources adjacent to both sides of the main body, and has a means for holding the main body by the top surfaces of the other LED light sources.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED light source device for plant growth, and more particularly to a structure that adds an auxiliary light source that emits UV light. [Background technology]

[0002] When irradiating plants with an LED light source, a UV light source can be important because UV light promotes plant growth. However, UV LEDs have a problem of rapid degradation due to their short wavelength. One solution would be to make the UV LED a separate unit, but this would require a separate location, taking up space and making the configuration complicated. Therefore, there was a need for a structure in which the UV LED unit could be positioned in the same location as the main light source.

[0003] Various technologies have been proposed to address these problems. For example, a light source for plant growth (see Patent Document 1) has been proposed and is a publicly known technology. More specifically, this structure comprises a main light source unit that irradiates red and blue wavelength light above plants placed in a tray, and an auxiliary light source unit on the side of the plants, with the light-emitting surfaces of both the main light source unit and the auxiliary light source unit facing the plants. However, structurally, a mounting portion separate from the main light source is required, and the structure of the light source becomes complicated, so the above problem has not yet been solved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-97900 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In consideration of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an LED light source device for plant cultivation that has a structure that allows UV light LEDs to be easily mounted on the main light source, thereby eliminating structural concerns when adding a UV light source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the LED light source device for plant cultivation of this invention has a rectangular body, a UV light LED on the bottom that irradiates downward, and multiple brackets on the top, with the ends of the brackets placed on the top surfaces of other LED light sources adjacent to both sides of the body, and a means is adopted to hold the body by the top surfaces of the other LED light sources.

[0007] In addition, the present invention employs a means in which the bracket is fixed to the main body.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means in which the bracket is rotatably fixed to the main body, the width of the bracket is shorter than the width of the main body, and the longitudinal direction of the bracket is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the main body, so that the bracket can be stored in the main body.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means in which the bracket is longitudinally extendable.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means in which the wavelength of the UV LED is 280 to 380 nm.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means for providing the bracket with a height adjustment portion for adjusting the height from the top surface of the other LED light source to the bracket. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With the LED light source device for plant cultivation of the present invention, when cultivating plants, a UV light source can be easily placed relative to the main light source without the need for a dedicated mounting section, eliminating concerns about the installation structure when adding a UV light source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The greatest feature of the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention is that the UV light source can be easily arranged relative to the main light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention is not limited to the examples described below, but can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, i.e., within the scope of the shape, dimensions, structure, etc. that can achieve the same functional effects.

[0015] The present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention, where (a) is an overall perspective view and (b) is a top view. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention, where (a) is a bottom view and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the installation method. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention, in which (a) to (d) show modified brackets, and (e) and (f) show modified brackets that use long holes for moving metal fittings. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention, where (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the tilt of the light source when the LED bar is rotated, and (c) and (d) are cross-sectional views explaining how the height adjustment unit is used to prevent the light source from tilting.

[0016] In plant cultivation using light sources such as LEDs, it is known that irradiating plants with UV light in addition to visible light has an effect. One of its effects is to activate the plant's natural defense mechanism and produce compounds that protect it from harmful light. These compounds consist of about 15 types of defense proteins, and the amount of defense proteins produced increases as UV light increases. The presence of these proteins is said to enhance the plant's fragrance, color, taste, and disease resistance. UV light is also said to help chloroplasts use visible light more efficiently. To achieve these effects, it is conceivable to mount UV LEDs together with regular visible LEDs on the same board to create a light source for plant growth. However, UV LEDs have the disadvantage of deteriorating faster than visible light LEDs due to their short wavelengths, which means that their lifespan is shorter than that of visible light LEDs, and so the entire unit must be replaced even though the visible light LEDs are still usable. In addition, in order to extend the lifespan of UV LEDs, some LEDs with relatively long wavelengths were used, which, while extending the overall lifespan, weakened the effectiveness of the UV light, resulting in inferior performance. Furthermore, when UV LEDs are used independently, they are usually placed in a location separate from the location of the visible light LEDs, which are the main light source. This requires the creation of an extra installation location, which is not only roundabout, but may also make installation impossible if there is insufficient space.

[0017] The LED light source device 1 for growing plants is a light source for growing plants, and is mainly used for the purpose of adding UV light (ultraviolet rays) to the main light source. One of its features is that it can be placed in the same position as the group of LED light sources 50 for plant cultivation, which is the main light source, and it can be used in general when adding a new auxiliary light source, not just for UV light. Furthermore, the LED light source device 1 for growing plants may be used alone, if necessary. The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is composed of a main body 10 and a bracket 20, and both are fixed together by a fixing metal fitting 30. The main body 10 is a strip-shaped LED light source of UV light, and is supplied with power via a power line (not shown) to irradiate UV light. The wavelength of the UV light is, for example, 280 to 380 nm. The bottom surface of the main body 10 is provided with an LED substrate 12 on which UV light LED elements 11 that irradiate downward are arranged, and a plurality of brackets 20 are arranged on the top surface.

[0018] The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is used as a supplementary light source. The main light source is a group of LED light sources 50 for plant cultivation, which is made up of a plurality of LED bars 53. The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is disposed between the LED bars 53. The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation has a structure in which the end of the bracket 20 is placed on the top of the LED bars 53, and the entire LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is supported by the LED bars 53. In other words, the end of the bracket 20 is placed on the upper surfaces of the LED bars 53, which are other LED light sources adjacent to both sides of the main body 10, and the main body 10 is supported by the upper surfaces of the other LED light sources.

[0019] UV light LED elements 11 are arranged in a row on the LED substrate 12. There is no limit to the number of LED elements, but it is, for example, about 50 to 100. The surface of the LED substrate 12 is preferably white so as to reflect the light from the LED elements. The upper part of the main body 10 is provided with a heat dissipation part 14 for dissipating heat from the LEDs into the atmosphere. To facilitate dissipation, the heat dissipation part is dark in color, such as black, and has an uneven surface. A bracket groove 13 is provided near the center of the width of the upper part of the main body 10. The bracket groove 13 is a T-shaped groove. A part of the fixing metal fitting 30 fits into the bracket groove 13 to fix the main body 10 and the bracket 20. Because the bracket groove 13 is dug in the longitudinal direction, the position of the bracket 20 can be changed relative to the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. The bracket groove 13 may be provided, for example, along the entire length of the main body 10, extending to both ends. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the bracket 20 and makes it easier to insert part of the fixing metal fitting 30 into the bracket groove 13.

[0020] The bracket 20 is used to incorporate the LED light source device 1 for growing plants into the group of LED light sources 50 for growing plants, which are the main light sources. The width of the bracket 20 is shorter than the width of the main body 10, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 20 is at least equal to or greater than the spacing between the LED bars 53 of the group of LED light sources for plant cultivation 50. By aligning the longitudinal direction of the bracket 20 with the longitudinal direction of the main body 10, the bracket 20 can be stored in the main body 10. At least two brackets 20 are arranged for one main body 10 . The threaded portion 31 of the fixing bracket 30 is passed through the bracket fixing hole 21 of the bracket 20, and the threaded portion 31 is screwed into the T-groove nut 32 in the bracket groove 13, and the bracket 20 is attached to the main body 10. The bracket 20 is rotatable around the metal fitting fixing hole 21. The bracket 20 supports the weight of the main body 10, and therefore has a rigidity commensurate with the weight. It is also possible to fix the bracket 20 to the main body 10. When the group of LED light sources for plant cultivation 50 to be arranged is decided, the position of the bracket 20 relative to the main body 10 can be determined and fixed, so that the main body 10 can be stably arranged between the LED bars 53.

[0021] The group of LED light sources 50 for growing plants is a general LED light source for growing plants. The group 50 of LED light sources for plant growth has a plurality of LED bars 53 , and both ends of the LED bars 53 are held by holding portions 51 . The LED bar 53 is rectangular, receives power from a power line (not shown), and emits visible light, the wavelength of which is, for example, 380 to 780 nm. An LED substrate 55 is disposed at the bottom of the LED bar 53, and visible light LED elements 54 are arranged in multiple rows on the LED substrate 55. There is no limit to the number of LED elements, but it may be about 100, for example. The surface of the LED substrate 55 is preferably white so as to reflect the light from the LED elements. A heat dissipation portion 56 for dissipating heat from the LEDs into the atmosphere is provided on the top of the LED bar 53. To facilitate dissipation, the heat dissipation portion 56 is dark in color, such as black, and has an uneven surface. The LED bars 53 are connected to the holder 51 via a rotation shaft 52, and are rotatable relative to the holder 51. By making the LED bars 53 rotatable in this manner, the irradiation direction of the LEDs in the outer LED bars 53 can be freely changed, for example, by shifting the irradiation direction of the LEDs toward the center.

[0022] The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is arranged in the group 50 of LED light sources for plant cultivation so as to fill the gap between adjacent LED bars 53. The bracket 20 of the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation protrudes in the width direction of the main body 10, and the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is placed on the LED bar 53 in such a manner that the bracket 20 rests on top of the LED bar 53 (FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown in Figure 4(a), the LED bar 53 and the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation are arranged in almost the same row. Therefore, although the group of LED light sources for plant cultivation 50 and the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation are separate products, they can irradiate UV light in the same position as visible light LEDs as if they were an integrated product.

[0023] The manner in which the LED light source device 1 for growing plants is attached to and detached from the group of LED light sources 50 for growing plants will be described with reference to FIG. 2(b). FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the process of attaching another LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation to the group 50 of LED light sources for plant cultivation after the attachment of one LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation has been completed. The brackets 20 of the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation are bundled in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10, and are moved from below the group of LED light sources 50 for plant cultivation to a position between the LED bars 53 of the group of LED light sources for plant cultivation 50. Once in an appropriate position, the brackets 20 are rotated to protrude in the width direction of the main body 10. The bracket 20 is placed on the top surface of the LED bar 53. The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is stably placed on the LED bar 53 via the bracket 20. Alternatively, the mounting method may involve first rotating the bracket 20 to protrude in the width direction of the main body 10, then moving the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation from above the group of LED light sources 50 for plant cultivation into the gaps between the LED bars 53, and then placing the bracket 20 on the top surface of the LED bars 53. When removing the LED light source device 1 for growing plants, the LED light source device 1 for growing plants can be easily separated by performing the reverse procedure.

[0024] In this way, by using the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation, an auxiliary light source such as UV light can be easily attached to a general LED light source group 50 for plant cultivation, and when the auxiliary light source reaches the end of its life, it can be easily replaced.

[0025] A modified example will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3(a) shows the basic shape of the above-described LED light source device for plant cultivation 1. The bracket 20 is rotatable relative to the main body 10, and the position of the bracket 20 relative to the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 can be changed. Since the position of the bracket 20 relative to the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 can be changed, when using multiple LED light source devices 1 for plant cultivation, for example as shown in Figure 1(b), even if the brackets 20 are in a position where they come into contact with each other, they can be arranged without any problems by changing the longitudinal position of the brackets 20.

[0026] 3(b) shows a case where the bracket 20 is fixed to the main body 10. The bracket 20 does not rotate and is integrated with the main body 10. The LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation is placed from above the group of LED light sources 50 for plant cultivation. Alternatively, the LED light source device 1 may be moved to a position between the LED bars 53 of the group of LED light sources for plant cultivation 50 with the bracket 20 removed, and then the bracket 20 may be fixed to the main body 10. With this configuration, the LED light source device 1 for growing plants can always be placed stably on the group 50 of LED light sources for growing plants.

[0027] FIG. 3(c) shows a case where three brackets 20 are provided. When the load of the LED light source device 1 for growing plants is large, the number of brackets 20 can be increased to allow the main body 10 to be placed stably. By forming the bracket groove 13 to penetrate in the longitudinal direction, even when many brackets 20 are used, the insertion of the fixing metal fittings 30 and the adjustment of the position of the brackets 20 can be made flexible.

[0028] FIG. 3( d ) shows a case where the bracket 20 is provided with an extendable arm 23 . By providing the extendable arm 23, the length of the bracket 20 can be changed depending on the width of the spacing between the LED bars 53 of the group of LED light sources 50 for plant cultivation. As for the structure, for example, the bracket 20 has a double-tube structure, and the length of the bracket 20 can be adjusted by extending or retracting the inner tube. This allows the bracket 20 to be freely extended or retracted in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] 3(e) and (f) show an example in which the LED light source device for plant cultivation 1 is made more flexible by replacing the metal fitting fixing holes 21 of the bracket 20 with elongated holes for moving the metal fittings 22. FIG. 3(e) shows a case in which the LED light source device for plant cultivation 1 is placed at an angle when the LED bars 53 are spaced widely apart. The elongated holes for moving the metal fittings 22 allow the position of the fixing metal fittings 30 of the bracket 20 to be changed. Therefore, as shown in the figure, it can be placed at an angle. 3(f) shows the case where two LED light source devices 1 for plant cultivation are arranged when the spacing between the LED bars 53 is wide. The long holes 22 for moving the fittings allow the position of the fixing fittings 30 of the bracket 20 to be changed, so the positions of the two LED light source devices 1 for plant cultivation can be freely changed.

[0030] An example in which the bracket 20 is provided with a height adjustment portion 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken widthwise of the group of LED light sources 50 for growing plants and the LED light source device 1 for growing plants. In FIG. 4, "right" and "left" refer to "right" and "left" on the paper. The LED light source device for plant cultivation 1 is located between two LED bars 53, and the brackets 20 of the LED light source device for plant cultivation 1 are placed on both LED bars 53 (FIG. 4(a)). For the sake of explanation, the left LED bar is referred to as 53A, and the right LED bar is referred to as 53B. The LED bar 53 is rotatable about a rotation axis 52 relative to the holder 51. In FIG. 4(b), the LED bar 53B is rotated clockwise by approximately 30 degrees. At this time, because the LED bar 53B rotates around the rotation axis 52, a part of the LED bar 53B rises up compared to the LED bar 53A as the LED bar 53B rotates. As a result, the right side of the bracket 20 also rises, and the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation as a whole tilts to the left. The LED bar 53B may be rotated as shown in the figure when it is desired to increase the illumination of plants on the left side. However, this rotation tilts the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation to the left, which causes the illumination direction to be to the right, unlike the LED bar 53B, and results in less illumination of the plants on the left side.

[0031] 4(c), a height adjustment unit 40 is provided. The height adjustment unit 40 secures a gap between the bracket 20 and the upper part of the LED bar 53, and adjusts the height of the bracket 20 relative to the upper part of the LED bar 53. Holes are provided on both ends of the bracket 20, and height adjustment portions 40 are disposed at positions corresponding to the holes. The height adjustment portion 40 consists of, for example, a screw portion 41 and a nut portion 42, and the nut portion 42 is fixed around the hole in the bracket 20. By screwing the screw portion 41 into the nut portion 42, the tip of the screw portion 41 protrudes from the bottom of the bracket 20, creating a gap between the top of the LED bar 53 and the bracket 20. As shown in Figure 4(d), when the LED bar 53B rotates, the screw portion 41 of the height adjustment portion 40 on the LED bar 53A side is screwed in. By adjusting the amount of screwing, an appropriate gap can be provided between the top of the LED bar 53A and the bracket 20, and the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation can be kept horizontal. Therefore, regardless of the rotation of the LED bar 53B, the position of the LED light source device 1 for growing plants can be kept horizontal, and therefore the LED light source device 1 for growing plants can be used more effectively. Furthermore, regardless of the rotation of the LED bar 53, a height adjustment unit 40 may be used to change the irradiation direction of the LED light source device 1 for plant cultivation.

[0032] In this way, with the LED light source device for plant cultivation according to the present invention, when cultivating plants, the UV light source can be easily positioned relative to the main light source without the need for a dedicated mounting section, thereby eliminating concerns about the installation structure when adding a UV light source.

[0033] In addition, by using multiple brackets to mount the main body, it can be placed stably among other LED light sources.

[0034] Furthermore, by making the bracket rotatable, it can be easily attached to other LED light sources.

[0035] Furthermore, by providing a height adjustment section on the bracket, the main body can be placed stably regardless of the state of the other LED light sources. [Industrial Applicability]

[0036] The present invention relates to technology related to an LED light source as a supplementary light source used in plant cultivation, and is characterized by the fact that it can be placed in the same position as the main light source, and can be applied to adding new supplementary light sources other than UV light. Therefore, it is believed that the LED light source device for plant cultivation related to the present invention has great industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1 LED light source device for plant growth 10 Main Unit 11 UV LED elements 12 LED boards 13 Bracket groove 14 Heat dissipation part 20 Bracket 21 Metal fitting fixing hole 22 Long hole for moving metal fittings 23 Extendable Arm 30 Fixing bracket 31 Threaded part 32 T-slot nut 40 Height adjustment section 41 Threaded part 42 Nut part 50 LED light source group for plant growth 51 Holding part 52 Rotation axis 53, 53A, 53B LED Bar 54 Visible light LED element 55 LED board 56 Heat radiation part

Claims

1. An LED light source device used for plant cultivation, It consists of a main body and a bracket. The main body is rectangular, has a UV LED on the bottom that irradiates downward, and has multiple brackets on the top. The ends of the bracket are disposed on the upper surfaces of other LED light sources adjacent to both sides of the main body, and the upper surfaces of the other LED light sources are An LED light source device for plant cultivation, characterized in that it supports the main body.

2. 2. The LED light source device for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is fixed to the main body.

3. the bracket is rotatably fixed to the main body, and the width of the bracket is shorter than the width of the main body; 2. The LED light source device for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the bracket can be stored in the main body by aligning the longitudinal direction of the bracket with the longitudinal direction of the main body.

4. 2. The LED light source device for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is extendable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.

5. 2. The LED light source device for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of the UV LED is 280 to 380 nm.

6. 2. The LED light source device for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the bracket has a height adjustment portion for adjusting the height from an upper surface of the other LED light source to the bracket.

Images