Planter and support structure for the planter

Abstract

To provide a planter by which culture medium can be easily charged and discharged.SOLUTION: An opening 7 is formed above a storage area (supporting surface 20) of culture medium by side plates 4a,4b and an edge of a connection plate 5, and culture medium is charged and discharged through the opening 7. The opening area of the opening 7 (the area of the opening 7 in a top view) is formed larger than the area of the end plate 6 (the area of the end plate 6 in longitudinal direction view of the planter 1). Thus, the area of the opening 7 can be made larger than the case of forming an inlet / outlet of culture medium on both end sides in a longitudinal direction of a tube body 6 like the prior art. Therefore, culture medium can be easily charged and discharged to / from the planter 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a planter and the support structure of the planter and, in particular, to a planter that can easily fill and discharge a culture medium. and the support structure of the planter It relates to.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for growing a plant with a culture medium 7 filled in a pipeline 5 in a tunnel-shaped (U-shaped) pipe body 6 formed by an outer pipe wall 3 and an inner pipe wall 4. In this technique, a hollow passage 8 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the U-shaped pipe body 6, and a support 10 installed at a position higher than the ground is inserted into this hollow passage 8. Therefore, by planting a plant in the culture medium 7 through a plurality of through holes 2 formed in the outer pipe wall 3, so-called "elevated cultivation" in which the plant is cultivated at a high place becomes possible.

[0003] In such elevated cultivation, since the pipe body 6 is arranged at a high place, the temperature of the culture medium 7 in the pipe body 6 tends to rise. In contrast, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of through holes 2 are formed in each of the outer pipe wall 3 and the inner pipe wall 4. Since the rise in the culture medium temperature can be suppressed by ventilation through this through hole 2, the deterioration of the culture medium environment can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional technology described above, when filling or discharging the culture medium 7 into / from the tubular body 6, it is necessary to take in and out the culture medium 7 from the opening portions on both ends in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the tubular body 6. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to fill and discharge the culture medium 7.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a planter capable of easily filling and discharging a culture medium and the support structure of the planter for this purpose.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve this object, the planter of the present invention has a first vent extending in a first direction and a plurality of second vents connected to the first vent, and a ridge-shaped support surface extending in the first direction above the first vent, and a plurality of third vents, and a pair of side walls facing each other across the support surface in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a storage area for the culture medium is formed by the support surface and the pair of side walls is placed on the mounting table at a position higher than the ground and has a pair of end walls closing both ends of the storage area in the first direction, and an opening formed above the storage area and having an opening area larger than the area of the end wall. a bottom plate covering the lower part of the first ventilation port, It is provided with The bottom plate includes a flat bottom surface placed on the upper surface of the mounting table, and a fitting hole formed in the bottom surface into which a convex portion protruding upward from the mounting table is fitted. The relative movement of the bottom plate with respect to the mounting table is restricted by the fitting of the convex portion and the fitting hole. The fitting hole includes an insertion portion for inserting the convex portion, and a locking portion connected to the insertion portion and having a smaller width dimension than the insertion portion. The fitting holes are formed at both ends of the bottom plate in the first direction inside the first ventilation port this. The support structure of the planter of the present invention is a support structure for supporting a planter having a fifth ventilation port connecting the bottom plate to the outside of the first ventilation port on the mounting table. The mounting table includes a plurality of beams formed with the convex portions on the upper surface and to which the bottom plate is fixed. A gap connecting to the fifth ventilation port is formed between the plurality of beams.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the planter described in claim 1, since both ends of the storage area of the culture medium in the extending direction (first direction) of the ridge-shaped support surface are closed by a pair of end walls, the storage area of the culture medium is surrounded from all four sides by the side walls and the end walls. Since an opening having an opening area larger than the area of the end wall is formed above this storage area, compared with the case of forming an opening for taking in and out the culture medium at both ends in the axial direction (first direction) of the tubular body as in the prior art, the opening area of the opening can be increased. Therefore, there is an effect that filling and discharging of the culture medium into / from the planter can be facilitated. Further, according to the planter described in claim 1, since it includes a bottom plate covering the lower part of the first ventilation port, the bottom plate can be supported on a mounting table (gantry) or the like. Also, by inserting a known support tool into the first ventilation port, the planter can be suspended at a high position. Therefore, there is an effect that the planter can be supported in various ways. Further, according to the planter described in claim 1, the planter is placed on the mounting table at a position higher than the ground, and the bottom plate of the planter includes a fitting hole into which a convex portion protruding upward from the mounting table is fitted. Thereby, the relative movement of the bottom plate with respect to the mounting table can be restricted by the fitting (engagement) of the convex portion and the fitting hole. Therefore, there is an effect that the planter can be stably supported on the mounting table.

[0009] According to the planter described in claim 2, in addition to the effects achieved by the planter described in claim 1, the following effects are achieved. In the opposing direction (second direction) of the pair of side walls, since the opening dimension of the opening is larger than the dimension of the support surface, the opening area of the opening can be formed larger. Therefore, there is an effect that the filling and discharging of the culture medium can be facilitated.

[0010] According to the planter described in claim 3, in addition to the effects achieved by the planter described in claim 1, the following effects are achieved. Since the end wall is provided with a plurality of fourth ventilation holes that connect the storage area of the culture medium to the outside, there is an effect that the rise in the temperature of the culture medium can be suppressed by ventilation through the fourth ventilation holes.

[0011] According to the planter described in claim 4, in addition to the effects achieved by the planter described in claim 1, the following effects are achieved. At the lower end of the support surface and the lower end of the side wall the bottom plate for connection a plurality of drain holes are formed. By draining through these drain holes, it is possible to suppress the excess moisture from bottom plate staying, so there is an effect that the deterioration of the culture medium environment can be suppressed.

[0012]

[0013] Claim 5 According to the planter described, in addition to the effects achieved by the planter described in claim 1 the following effects are achieved. Since the bottom plate is provided with a fifth ventilation hole that connects the first ventilation hole to the outside, the air permeability through the first ventilation hole, the second ventilation hole, and the fifth ventilation hole can be ensured. Therefore, even when the lower part of the first ventilation hole is covered by the bottom plate, there is an effect that the rise in the temperature of the culture medium can be suppressed.

[0014]

[0015] Claim 6 According to the planter described, in addition to the effects achieved by the planter described in claim 1In addition to the effects produced by the described planter, the following effects are achieved. It includes a first resin plate integrally formed with a rectangular bottom plate, a pair of side plates forming side walls, and a pair of end plates forming end walls. By bending each side of the bottom plate, side plates, and end plates of this first plate and fixing the bent state, the outer contour of the planter is formed. Since a support surface for the culture medium is formed by attaching a second resin plate to the bottom plate of the first plate, a planter can be formed from two resin plates. That is, since the planter before assembly consists of two resin plates, there is an effect that the storage space for the planter before assembly can be reduced and the transportation of the planter before assembly can be facilitated.

[0016] Claim 7 According to the planter described in claim 6 In addition to the effects produced by the described planter, the following effects are achieved. Among the sides of the bottom plate, a pair of side plates are foldably connected to the sides extending in the extending direction (first direction) of the support surface, and a pair of end plates are foldably connected to the sides extending in the opposing direction (second direction) of the pair of side plates. Either one of the side plates and end plates has an insertion groove into which the edge of the other is inserted, so that the deformation that would cause the folded plate (the other plate) to return to its original shape can be restricted by the insertion groove. Therefore, there is an effect that the shape of the planter after assembly is easily maintained.

[0017] Claim 8 According to the planter described in claim 7 In addition to the effects produced by the described planter, the following effects are achieved. Either one of the side plates and end plates has elastically deformable claws, and the other has an engagement hole (hole or recess) into which the claws engage due to the elastic deformation of the claws. Since the claws and the engagement hole engage inside the insertion groove, it is possible to suppress the engagement portion between the claws and the engagement hole from being exposed to the outside. As a result, it is possible to suppress an external force from being applied to such an engagement portion, and there is an effect that the engagement between the claws and the engagement hole is difficult to come off.

[0018] Claim 9 According to the planter described in claim 7In addition to the effects exhibited by the described planter, the following effects are achieved. Since the dimension of the side plate in the extending direction of the support surface (the first direction) is formed to be larger than the dimension of the end plate in the facing direction of the pair of side plates (the second direction), the load acting on the side plate due to the weight of the culture medium is more likely to be larger than that on the end plate. That is, it becomes easier for the side plate to be deformed so as to be pushed and expanded by the weight of the culture medium. On the other hand, by inserting the side plate into the insertion groove of the end plate, the above deformation can be restricted by the engagement between the side plate and the insertion groove. Therefore, there is an effect that the shape of the planter after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0019] Claim 1 0 According to the planter described in 9 In addition to the effects exhibited by the described planter, the following effects are achieved. The first plate includes a connecting plate that connects both ends of the pair of side plates in the extending direction of the support surface (the first direction), and the edge of this connecting plate is inserted into the insertion groove of the end plate. Thereby, the deformation such that the above-described side plate is pushed and expanded can be effectively restricted by the connecting plate inserted into the insertion groove. Therefore, there is an effect that the shape of the planter after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0020] The pair of side plates are connected by a connecting plate. Among the pair of side plates, only one side plate is connected to the bottom plate so as to be foldable, and the other side plate is engaged with the bottom plate. Therefore, by folding one side plate while engaging the other side plate with the bottom plate, the planter is assembled. At this time, in the engaged state where the other side plate is engaged with the bottom plate, the connecting plate has a convex upward curved shape, while the insertion groove of the end plate is also formed in a convex upward curved shape in the same manner. Therefore, by bending the end plate with respect to the bottom plate in the state where the other side plate is engaged with the bottom plate, the side plate and the end plate can be easily inserted into the insertion groove simultaneously with the bending. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability of the planter assembly work can be improved. According to the planter described in claim 11, in addition to the effects exhibited by the planter described in claim 1, the following effects are exhibited. Since the end wall includes a holding portion capable of holding the water supply pipe extending in the first direction, there is an effect that moisture from the water supply pipe can be appropriately supplied to the culture medium stored in the planter. According to the planter support structure described in claim 12, the mounting table for supporting the planter described in claim 5 is provided with a plurality of beams having convex portions formed on the upper surface and a bottom plate fixed thereto, and a gap connecting to the fifth vent hole of the bottom plate is formed between the plurality of beams. Therefore, air permeability can be ensured through each vent hole of the planter and the gap of the mounting table. Thus, there is an effect that the temperature rise of the culture medium can be effectively suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall configuration of the tunnel planter 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tunnel planter 1, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel planter 1 taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, a plurality of through holes formed in the ventilation openings 21a, 21b, and 40 are schematically illustrated by dot-like hatching, and in FIG. 2, the illustration of those ventilation openings 21a, 21b, and 40 is omitted. Also, in FIG. 2, a cross-section cut in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (first direction) of the tunnel planter 1 is illustrated (the same applies to FIGS. 5 and 6 described later).

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tunnel planter 1 is a container for holding a medium (for example, cultivated soil) in which plants such as strawberries are planted. The tunnel planter 1 includes a support plate 2 that supports the medium from below.

[0024] The upper surface of the support plate 2 is configured as a support surface 20 for supporting the culture medium. The support surface 20 is formed in an arc shape in a cross-sectional view (the cross-section shown in Fig. 2), and this arc-shaped support surface 20 is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1. That is, the support surface 20 is formed in a ridge shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1.

[0025] Both ends of the support plate 2 in the width direction (the second direction) of the tunnel planter 1 (the left-right direction in Fig. 2) are fixed to the rectangular bottom plate 3 (for the point that the bottom plate 3 is rectangular, refer to Fig. 4). Since the support plate 2 is fixed inside both ends in the width direction of the bottom plate 3, the edge portions 30 on both ends in the width direction of the bottom plate 3 are exposed on both sides in the width direction of the support plate 2. That is, the bottom surface of the storage area of the culture medium is formed by the support plate 2 (support surface 20) and the edge portion 30 of the bottom plate 3.

[0026] A pair of side plates 4a, 4b rise upward from both ends in the width direction of the bottom plate 3, and these pair of side plates 4a, 4b face each other with the support plate 2 sandwiched therebetween. Both ends (upper ends) of the side plates 4a, 4b in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 are connected by a connecting plate 5. By these plates 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5, a storage area for the culture medium extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 is formed, and both ends of this storage area are closed by a pair of end plates 6.

[0027] Above the storage area of the culture medium (support surface 20), an opening 7 is formed by the edges of the side plates 4a, 4b and the connecting plate 5, and the filling and discharging of the culture medium are performed at this opening 7. The opening area of this opening 7 (the area of the opening 7 in a top view) is preferably formed to be larger than at least the area of the end plate 6 (the area of the end plate 6 in a longitudinal view of the tunnel planter 1). Thereby, compared with the case of forming the inlet and outlet of the culture medium at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pipe body 6 as in the prior art (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014 - 217286), the area of the opening 7 can be increased. Therefore, the filling and discharging of the culture medium to the tunnel planter 1 can be facilitated.

[0028] In this embodiment, the opening dimension of the opening 7 in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 is a dimension that extends over substantially the entire length of the support surface 20 in the same direction (for example, 80% or more of the entire length of the support surface 20). Further, the opening dimension of the opening 7 in the width direction of the tunnel planter 1 is larger than the width dimension of the support surface 20 in the same direction. Thus, by providing the opening 7 with a large opening area above the storage area of the culture medium, the filling and discharging of the culture medium into and from the tunnel planter 1 can be facilitated.

[0029] As described above, the larger the area of the opening 7, the easier the filling and discharging of the culture medium. For example, the opening area of the opening 7 is preferably such that, in a top view, the area where 40% or more of the area of the support surface 20 overlaps with the opening 7, more preferably the area where 60% or more of the area of the support surface 20 overlaps with the opening 7. Further, the opening area of the opening 7 is most preferably such that, in a top view, the area where 80% or more of the area of the support surface 20 overlaps with the opening 7.

[0030] The tunnel planter 1 filled with the culture medium from the opening 7 is placed on a mounting table 100 (see FIG. 2) to perform elevated cultivation. This type of mounting table 100 includes a plurality of legs 101 rising from the ground and a plurality of beams 102a, 102b installed on the upper end sides of these plurality of legs 101.

[0031] The beam 102a is a beam extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2). A pair of beams 102a are provided at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the tunnel planter 1 (the left - right direction in FIG. 2), and these pair of beams 102a are connected by the beam 102b.

[0032] On the upper surface of the beam 102a, a plurality of convex portions 103 for fixing the tunnel planter 1 are provided. The convex portion 103 is a bolt including a columnar small - diameter portion 103a extending upward from the beam 102a and a large - diameter portion 103b provided at the upper part of the small - diameter portion 103a and having an outer diameter larger than that of the small - diameter portion 103a. However, it is of course possible to form the convex portion 103 using other known members.

[0033] On the other hand, fitting holes 31 (see FIG. 1) for fitting the convex portions 103 of the mounting table 100 are formed in the bottom plate 3 of the tunnel planter 1, and these fitting holes 31 are arranged at the four corners of the bottom plate 3 (see FIG. 4). The fitting hole 31 includes an insertion portion 31a (see FIG. 1) for inserting the large-diameter portion 103b of the convex portion 103 and a locking portion 31b for hooking the large-diameter portion 103b. The insertion portion 31a is a circular hole having a diameter larger than that of the large-diameter portion 103b of the convex portion 103.

[0034] The locking portion 31b is a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 from the insertion portion 31a, and the width dimension of the locking portion 31b is dimensioned such that the small-diameter portion 103a of the convex portion 103 can be inserted and is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 103b.

[0035] Therefore, when mounting the tunnel planter 1 on the mounting table 100, after inserting the convex portion 103 into the insertion portion 31a of the fitting hole 31, the tunnel planter 1 is slid in its longitudinal direction, and the small-diameter portion 103a of the convex portion 103 is fitted into the locking portion 31b. Thereby, the relative movement of the bottom plate 3 with respect to the mounting table 100 can be restricted by the fitting (hooking) between the fitting hole 31 and the convex portion 103. Therefore, the tunnel planter 1 can be stably supported on the mounting table 100. Note that after fitting the small-diameter portion 103a of the convex portion 103 into the locking portion 31b, the bottom plate 3 may be fixed to the beam 102a by screwing the convex portion 103 (bolt).

[0036] When the tunnel planter 1 is mounted on the beams 102a and 102b higher than the ground, the temperature of the culture medium in the tunnel planter 1 tends to rise. Therefore, ventilation holes 21a and 21b (see FIG. 1) for cooling the culture medium are formed in the support plate 2 (support surface 20). The ventilation hole 21a is formed on the upper surface of the support plate 2, and the ventilation hole 21b is formed on the side surface of the support plate 2.

[0037] The ventilation opening 21a is formed by providing a plurality of through-holes in an oval region extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1, and a plurality of such oval ventilation openings 21a are provided along the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (in this embodiment, at two locations). The ventilation opening 21b is formed by providing a plurality of through-holes in a circular region, and a plurality of such circular ventilation openings 21a are provided along the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (in this embodiment, a total of 12 locations, six at each side surface of the support plate 2). By forming the ventilation openings 21a and 21b in an oval or circular shape, the appearance of the tunnel planter 1 can be improved.

[0038] In addition, a tunnel-shaped ventilation opening 8 penetrating the tunnel planter 1 in the longitudinal direction is formed between the support plate 2 and the bottom plate 3. By ventilating through these ventilation openings 8, 21a, and 21b, an increase in the temperature of the culture medium inside the tunnel planter 1 can be suppressed. Therefore, the culture medium environment can be improved.

[0039] Also, a gap 104 surrounded by the respective beams 102a and 102b is formed in the mounting table 100, and a ventilation opening 32 (see FIG. 1) communicating with the gap 104 of the mounting table 100 is formed in the bottom plate 3 of the tunnel planter 1. The ventilation opening 32 is formed in an oval shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (see FIG. 4), and a plurality of such oval ventilation openings 32 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (in this embodiment, at two locations) (see FIG. 4). By forming such a ventilation opening 32 in the bottom plate 3, a ventilation path through the ventilation opening 32 in the bottom plate 3 and the gap 104 of the mounting table 100 can also be formed on the lower side of the ventilation opening 8. Thereby, the air permeability through each of the ventilation openings 8, 21a, 21b, 32 and the gap 104 of the mounting table 100 can be ensured, so that an increase in the temperature of the culture medium can be effectively suppressed.

[0040] In addition, a plurality of ventilation holes 40 are also formed in a pair of side plates 4a and 4b. The ventilation holes 40 are formed by providing a plurality of through holes in a circular region, and a plurality of these circular ventilation holes 40 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (in this embodiment, a total of 12 places, 6 places on each of the side plates 4a and 4b). Ventilation through the ventilation holes 40 in the side plates 4a and 4b can also suppress the rise in the medium temperature. Further, by making the ventilation holes 40 the same shape (circular) as the ventilation holes 21b in the support plate 2, the appearance of the tunnel planter 1 can be improved.

[0041] Note that the end plate 6 of this embodiment is a single plate without ventilation holes, but a plurality of ventilation holes may be formed in the end plate 6. By providing ventilation holes in the end plate 6, the rise in the medium temperature can be more effectively suppressed.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the tunnel planter 1 is placed on the mounting table 100 for planting. However, for example, as in the prior art, by inserting a support tool (rod or string-like object) installed at a position higher than the ground into the ventilation hole 8, it is also possible to perform elevated cultivation with the tunnel planter 1 suspended from the support tool. Since such a support tool can adopt a known configuration, a detailed description is omitted. For example, the support 10 and the suspension cord 13 in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-217286 are exemplified.

[0043] That is, the tunnel planter 1 of this embodiment can be suspended by inserting the above-mentioned known support tool into the ventilation hole 8, or the bottom plate 3 covering the lower part of the ventilation hole 8 can be supported on the mounting table 100 or the like. Therefore, the tunnel planter 1 can be supported in various ways, improving the versatility of the tunnel planter 1.

[0044] In addition, when the tunnel planter 1 is suspended and used by the above-mentioned known support tool, since the lower side of the bottom plate 3 is open (there is no member supporting the bottom plate 3), ventilation through the ventilation hole 32 in the bottom plate 3 can suppress the rise in the temperature of the medium.

[0045] Incidentally, when the posture of the tunnel planter 1 suspended by the above-mentioned known support tool is unstable (for example, the tunnel planter 1 rotates with respect to the support 10), a member that connects both longitudinal ends of the tunnel planter 1 and the suspension cable 13 (a means for restricting the rotation of the tunnel planter 1 with respect to the support 10) may be provided separately.

[0046] Here, moisture such as water and culture solution is supplied to the culture medium held in the tunnel planter 1 from a supply means (not shown) (for example, the irrigation water pipe 200 shown in FIG. 7(b)). Since this moisture tends to stay at the edge 30 (bottom wall) of the bottom plate 3 located between the support plate 2 and the side plates 4a and 4b, in the present embodiment, a plurality of drain holes 33 are formed in the edge 30 of the bottom plate 3. The plurality of drain holes 33 are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1, and drainage through these drain holes 33 can suppress the remaining of excess moisture at the edge 30 of the bottom plate 3. Therefore, deterioration of the culture medium environment can be suppressed. Furthermore, since air permeability through the drain holes 33 can be ensured, an increase in the culture medium temperature can also be suppressed.

[0047] Next, with reference to the drawings from FIG. 3 onwards, the detailed configuration and assembly method of the tunnel planter 1 will be described. First, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the detailed configuration of the support plate 2 and the method of engaging the support plate 2 with the bottom plate 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the support plate 2, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the resin plate 10 forming the outer contour of the tunnel planter 1 unfolded. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel planter 1 showing the method of engaging the support plate 2 with the bottom plate 3.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tunnel planter 1 is assembled from two resin (such as synthetic resin) plates, a flat plate-shaped support plate 2 formed in a rectangle (see FIG. 3), and a resin plate 10 (see FIG. 4) in which the bottom plate 3, the side plates 4a and 4b, the connecting plate 5, and the end plate 6 are integrally formed.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the support plate 2 includes a rectangular engaging piece 22 that protrudes from the long side of the support plate 2 in the width direction of the support plate 2, and a claw 23 (see the enlarged portion in FIG. 1) that protrudes from the engaging piece 22 in the thickness direction of the support plate 2 (towards the support surface 20 side). These engaging piece 22 and claw 23 are integrally formed with the support plate 2.

[0050] A plurality of engaging pieces 22 are arranged at equal intervals along each long side of the support plate 2 (in this embodiment, a total of 10 places, 5 places on each long side). The claws 23 formed on each of these engaging pieces 22 are protrusions that extend linearly in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 2, and the engaging piece 22 is fixed to the bottom plate 3 (see FIG. 4) by these claws 23.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, engaging holes 34 for engaging the engaging pieces 22 are formed in the bottom plate 3. The engaging holes 34 are rectangular long holes that extend in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 3, and a plurality of engaging holes 34 (10 places in this embodiment) are formed at positions where the engaging pieces 22 of the support plate 2 (see FIG. 3) can be inserted. The interval between the engaging holes 34 in the width direction of the bottom plate 3 is smaller than the interval between the engaging pieces 22 in the same direction (the width dimension of the support plate 2 including the engaging pieces 22).

[0052] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when fixing the support plate 2 to the bottom plate 3, while bending the support plate 2 by bending both end portions in the width direction of the support plate 2 downward, each engaging piece 22 of the support plate 2 is inserted into the engaging hole 34 of the bottom plate 3.

[0053] An engaging piece 35 for hooking the claw 23 of the support plate 2 is integrally formed with the bottom plate 3 at the edge on the outer side (the right side in the enlarged portion of FIG. 5) of the engaging hole 34 in the width direction of the bottom plate 3. The engaging piece 35 covers a part of the engaging hole 34 from above, and when the engaging piece 22 is inserted into the engaging hole 34, the claw 23 (engaging piece 22) elastically deforms so that the claw 23 engages with the engaging piece 35. Due to the engagement between these claws 23 and the engaging piece 35, it is possible to prevent the engaging piece 22 from coming out of the engaging hole 34.

[0054] Since the support plate 2 is engaged with the bottom plate 3 in a state where it is bent into a convex curved shape upward, a restoring force that the support plate 2 tries to return to its original flat plate shape (before being engaged with the bottom plate 3) from its curved shape acts on the engaging portion between the support plate 2 and the bottom plate 3. Since this restoring force acts in a direction to increase the engaging margin between the claw 23 and the engaging piece 35 (pushing the claw 23 in the enlarged portion of FIG. 5 to the right), the engaging state between the claw 23 and the engaging piece 35 becomes difficult to be disengaged.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the detailed configuration of the side plates 4a and 4b and the method of engaging the side plate 4b with the bottom plate 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel planter 1 showing the method of engaging the side plate 4b with the bottom plate 3.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, one of the long sides of the bottom plate 3 of the resin plate 10 (the left side in FIG. 4) is integrally connected to one of the pair of substantially rectangular side plates 4a and 4b, which is the side plate 4a. Of the two long sides of the side plate 4a, the side connected to the bottom plate 3 is defined as the long side 41a, and the side opposite thereto (the side that becomes the upper end of the side plate 4a after assembly) is defined as the long side 42a for description.

[0057] At both ends of the long side 42a in the longitudinal direction of the side plate 4a, strip-shaped connecting plates 5 are integrally connected, and the side plate 4b is integrally connected to the side plate 4a via this connecting plate 5. That is, in the state before assembling the tunnel planter 1, the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5 are integrally formed into a substantially rectangular plate shape as a whole, and an opening 7 is formed by cutting out a rectangular shape from the central portion of this plate.

[0058] Of the two long sides of the side plate 4b, the side connected to the connecting plate 5 (the side that becomes the upper end of the side plate 4b after assembly) is defined as the long side 41b, and the side opposite thereto is defined as the long side 42b for description. An engaging piece 43b that protrudes in the width direction of the side plate 4b from the long side 42b is integrally formed on the side plate 4b. The engaging pieces 43b are formed in a plurality (five places in this embodiment) at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the side plate 4b, and these engaging pieces 43b are engaged with the engaging holes 36 of the bottom plate 3. The engaging holes 36 are rectangular long holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 3, and are formed in a plurality (five places in this embodiment) at positions where the engaging pieces 43b of the side plate 4b can be inserted.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, when engaging the engaging piece 43b of the side plate 4b with the engaging hole 36 of the bottom plate 3, while bending the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5, the side plate 4a is bent with respect to the bottom plate 3. In order to enable such bending of the side plate 4a with respect to the bottom plate 3, the bottom plate 3 and the side plate 4a are integrally connected via a strip-shaped bending side 11 (see the enlarged portion at the lower left of FIG. 6) that is thinner than their respective plates 3 and 4a.

[0060] At the tip of the engaging piece 43b, a claw 44b that protrudes in the thickness direction (the outer surface side of the side plate 4b after assembly) is integrally formed. When the engaging piece 43b is inserted into the engaging hole 36, the claw 44b (engaging piece 43b) elastically deforms and passes through the engaging hole 36, whereby the claw 44b engages with the lower surface of the bottom plate 3. Due to the engagement between the lower surface of this bottom plate 3 and the claw 44b, it is possible to prevent the engaging piece 43b from coming out of the engaging hole 36.

[0061] Since the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5 are fixed to the bottom plate 3 in a state of being bent into a tunnel shape (a curved shape convex upward), a restoring force that attempts to return from the curved shape to the original flat plate shape (before being engaged with the bottom plate 3) acts on the engaging portion between the bottom plate 3 and the side plate 4b. This restoring force acts in a direction that increases the engagement force between the lower surface of the bottom plate 3 and the claw 44b (pushes the claw 44b in the enlarged portion on the right side of FIG. 6 to the right), so that the engagement state between the lower surface of the bottom plate 3 and the claw 44b becomes difficult to come off.

[0062] Inside the engaging hole 36 in the width direction of the bottom plate 3 (the left - right direction in FIG. 6) (the left side of the engaging hole 36 in the enlarged portion at the lower right of FIG. 6), a guide wall 37 that extends vertically from the engaging hole 36 is formed. Since the guide wall 37 is longer vertically than the engaging hole 36 and is formed along the inner peripheral surface of the engaging hole 36, the insertion of the engaging piece 43b directed toward the engaging hole 36 can be guided by the guide wall 37. Therefore, the operation of inserting the engaging piece 43b into the engaging hole 36 (engaging the bottom plate 3 and the claw 44b) can be facilitated. Note that a wall corresponding to such a guide wall 37 may be formed at the engaging portion between the engaging piece 22 (see FIG. 5) of the support plate 2 and the bottom plate 3.

[0063] After engaging the side plate 4b with the bottom plate 3, the end plate 6 is engaged with the support plate 2, the side plates 4a and 4b, and the connecting plate 5 (see Fig. 7(a)), thereby completing the assembly of the tunnel planter 1.

[0064] Next, with reference to Figs. 4 and 7(a), the detailed configuration of the end plate 6 and the method of engaging the end plate 6 with the support plate 2, the side plates 4a and 4b, and the connecting plate 5 will be described. Fig. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel planter 1 showing the method of engaging the end plate 6 with the support plate 2, the side plates 4a and 4b, and the connecting plate 5. Note that Fig. 7(a) shows a cross-section cut along a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the tunnel planter 1 and cut at the center in the width direction of the tunnel planter 1.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 4, the end plate 6 is foldably connected to the two short sides of the bottom plate 3 via the bending sides 12. The bending side 12 is a strip-shaped plate thinner than the bottom plate 3 and the end plate 6. The end plate 6 is provided with a through-hole 60 formed so as to cut out a part of the connection portion with the bending side 12 (the side of the end plate 6 connected to the bending side 12). The through-hole 60 has an inner peripheral surface in the shape of a convex arc in a direction away from the bending side 12, and the arc shape of the inner peripheral surface of this through-hole 64 substantially coincides with the curved shape of the support plate 2 when the support plate 2 is engaged with the bottom plate 3 (the state shown in Fig. 5 or Fig. 6) (i.e., the semi-circular shape of the ventilation hole 8).

[0066] Further, an insertion groove 61 extending semi-elliptically along the edge is formed in the end plate 6. The semi-elliptical shape of this insertion groove 61 substantially coincides with the curved shape of the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5 in a state where the side plate 4b is engaged with the bottom plate 3 (see Fig. 6).

[0067] Therefore, in a state where the support plate 2 and the side plate 4b are engaged with the bottom plate 3 (the state shown in Fig. 6), as shown in Fig. 7(a), by bending the end plate 6 along the bending side 12, while bending, the support plate 2 can be easily fitted into the inner peripheral side of the through-hole 60, and the edges of the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5 can be easily inserted into the insertion groove 61.

[0068] When the side plates 4a, 4b and the connecting plate 5 are inserted into the insertion groove 61, the deformation of each of these plates 4a, 4b, 5 attempting to return to their original flat plate shape (before the assembly of the tunnel planter 1) is restricted by the insertion groove 61. Therefore, the shape of the tunnel planter 1 after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0069] As shown in the enlarged portion at the lower side of FIG. 7(a), on the outer peripheral surface (upper surface) of the support plate 2, claws 24 for engaging the end plate 6 are formed. The claws 24 are protrusions protruding toward the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 60 of the end plate 6, and on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 60, engaging holes 62 (recesses) are formed at positions corresponding to the claws 24. Therefore, when the support plate 2 is fitted into the inner peripheral side of the through hole 60, the claws 24 (support plate 2) elastically deform so that the claws 24 engage with the engaging holes 62. Due to the engagement between the claws 24 and the engaging holes 62, it is possible to prevent the engagement between the support plate 2 and the end plate 6 from coming off. Therefore, the shape of the tunnel planter 1 after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0070] Also, as shown in the enlarged portion at the upper side of FIG. 7(a), inside the insertion groove 61, claws 63 for hooking the edge of the connecting plate 5 are formed. The claws 63 are protrusions protruding toward the outer peripheral surface of the connecting plate 5 inserted into the insertion groove 61, and on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting plate 5, a plurality of engaging holes 50 are formed at positions corresponding to the claws 63.

[0071] Thereby, when the connecting plate 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 61, the claws 63 elastically deform so that the claws 63 engage with the engaging holes 50. Although not shown, the engagement by the engaging holes 50 and the claws 63 is also provided at the insertion portions of the side plates 4a, 4b in the insertion groove 61. Therefore, due to the engagement of the engaging holes 50 and the claws 63, it is possible to prevent the side plates 4a, 4b and the connecting plate 5 from coming out of the insertion groove 61. Therefore, the shape of the tunnel planter 1 after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0072] In the region where the claw 63 is formed, a through hole 64 penetrating the insertion groove 61 (end plate 6) is formed. In this case, for example, the engaging hole 50 and the claw 63 are omitted, and an engaging piece extended so as to penetrate the through hole 64 (pass through the right side in Fig. 7(a)) is formed on the connecting plate 5, and the claw provided on the engaging piece is engaged with the outer surface of the end plate 6. However, with such a configuration, since the engaging portion between the end plate 6 and the claw is exposed to the outside, an external force is likely to be applied to such an engaging portion.

[0073] On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, by engaging the engaging hole 50 and the claw 63 inside the insertion groove 61, it is possible to suppress an external force from being applied to the engaging portions of the engaging hole 50 and the claw 63. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the disengagement of their engagement, and thus the shape of the tunnel planter 1 after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0074] Here, the dimensions of the side plates 4a and 4b in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (the left - right direction in Fig. 7(a)) are formed larger than the dimensions of the end plate 6 in the width direction of the tunnel planter 1 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in Fig. 7(a)). Therefore, the load acting on the side plates 4a and 4b due to the weight of the culture medium is likely to be larger than that on the end plate 6. That is, a load that deforms the side plates 4a and 4b so as to push them apart from the state bent from the bottom plate 3 is likely to act on the side plates 4a and 4b.

[0075] On the contrary, by inserting the side plates 4a and 4b into the insertion groove 61 formed in the end plate 6, the deformation of the side plates 4a and 4b as described above can be restricted by the engagement between the insertion groove 61 and the side plates 4a and 4b. Therefore, the shape of the tunnel planter 1 after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0076] Also, it is possible to omit the connecting plate 5 and insert only the side plates 4a and 4b into the insertion groove 61. However, in this embodiment, both longitudinal ends of the pair of side plates 4a and 4b are connected by the connecting plate 5, and this connecting plate 5 is also inserted into the insertion groove 61. Thus, compared with the case of omitting the connecting plate 5 and inserting only the side plates 4a and 4b into the insertion groove 61, the deformation of the side plates 4a and 4b as described above can be effectively restricted by the connecting plate 5. Therefore, the shape of the tunnel planter 1 after assembly is likely to be maintained.

[0077] As described above, the tunnel planter 1 of this embodiment is formed by assembling two resin plates, i.e., the support plate 2 and the resin plate 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the storage space of the tunnel planter 1 before assembly and facilitate the transportation of the tunnel planter 1 before assembly. Also, the tunnel planter 1 can be disassembled into two plates by removing the engaging portions of the respective plates of the support plate 2 and the resin plate 10.

[0078] Next, with reference to FIG. 7(b), a modified example of the tunnel planter 1 will be described. FIG. 7(b) is a partially enlarged front view of the tunnel planter 1 showing the modified example. Note that FIG. 7(b) corresponds to the front view of the tunnel planter 1 as viewed in the direction of arrow VIIb in FIG. 7(a), and only the upper end portion of the end plate 6 is partially enlarged and shown.

[0079] In the tunnel planter 1 of the modified example shown in FIG. 7(b), the irrigation water pipe 200 is held by the end plate 6. The irrigation water pipe 200 is a pipe that supplies moisture such as water or a culture solution to the culture medium stored in the tunnel planter 1. The irrigation water pipe 200 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7(b)).

[0080] At the upper end of the end plate 6, an arcuate recess 65 is formed, and from both ends of the recess 65 in the width direction of the tunnel planter 1 (the left - right direction in FIG. 7(b)), a pair of locking pieces 66 project upward. The locking piece 66 includes an arcuate portion 66a formed in an arc concentric with the arcuate recess 65, and a bent portion 66b that bends from the upper end of the arcuate portion 66a. These arcuate portion 66a and bent portion 66b are integrally formed with the end plate 6.

[0081] The distance between the upper ends of the pair of arcuate portions 66a is formed to be narrower than the diameter of the irrigation pipe 200, while the pair of bent portions 66b are inclined upward so as to be away from the opposing space between the pair of arcuate portions 66a. Therefore, by inserting the irrigation pipe 200 between the bent portions 66b, each locking piece 66 is elastically deformed so as to widen the distance between them, and by this elastic deformation, the irrigation pipe 200 can be fitted inside the arcuate portion 66a of each locking piece 66. Thereby, the irrigation pipe 200 can be fixed to the tunnel planter 1, so that water can be appropriately supplied from the irrigation pipe 200 to the culture medium stored in the tunnel planter 1.

[0082] In this modification, the locking piece 66 is formed at the edge of the recess 65, but the locking piece 66 may be omitted and the irrigation pipe 200 may simply be hooked (placed) on the recess 65.

[0083] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the above - mentioned embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above - mentioned forms at all, and it can be easily inferred that various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0084] In the above - mentioned embodiment, the case where the tunnel planter 1 is used for elevated cultivation has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the tunnel planter 1 may be placed on the ground or other known supporting means for use.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the relative displacement of the tunnel planter 1 with respect to the mounting table 100 is restricted by the fitting of the fitting hole 31 of the bottom plate 3 and the convex portion 103 of the mounting table 100 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a fitting hole (hole or recess) may be provided on the mounting table 100 side, and a convex portion to be fitted into the fitting hole may be provided on the bottom plate 3 side. Further, a fitting hole (recess) for fitting the beams 102a and 102b of the mounting table 100 itself may be formed in the bottom plate 3, and the fitting hole (recess) and the beams 102a and 102b (convex portions) may be fitted together. Also, the fitting hole 31 may be omitted.

[0086] The shapes and numbers of the ventilation holes and drain holes described in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be set as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the ventilation hole 8 may be formed into a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or other polygonal shapes, or two or more ventilation holes 8 may be formed. Also, either (or both) of the ventilation hole 32 and the drain hole 33 of the bottom plate 3 may be omitted.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the case where the shape of the support surface 20 of the support plate 2 (the cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1) is a semi-circle has been described, but the shape of the support surface 20 may be a rectangular shape or other polygonal shapes.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the case where the support plate 2 is fixed inside both ends in the width direction of the bottom plate 3, and the bottom surface of the medium storage area is formed by the support plate 2 (support surface 20) and the edge portion 30 of the bottom plate 3 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, one end in the width direction of the support plate 2 may be fixed to either one of the pair of side plates 4a and 4b. Also, both ends in the width direction of the support plate 2 may be fixed to the side plates 4a and 4b, and the bottom surface of the medium storage area may be formed only by the support plate 2 (support surface 20).

[0089] In the above embodiment, the case where the ventilation hole 8 is covered from below by the bottom plate 3 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the bottom plate 3 may be omitted and the entire ventilation hole 8 may be opened. When the bottom plate 3 is omitted, the support plate 2 may be a part of the resin plate 10, and the tunnel planter 1 may be configured to be assembled from a single plate.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the case where the tunnel planter 1 is assembled by bending or engaging each plate of the support plate 2, the bottom plate 3, the side plates 4a and 4b, the connecting plate 5, and the end plate 6 (hereinafter referred to as "each plate") has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. Instead of assembling each plate to form the tunnel planter 1, for example, the tunnel planter 1 may be integrally die-formed (that is, a tunnel planter having the shape shown in FIG. 1 is integrally formed by die-forming, and it is substantially impossible to disassemble the tunnel planter).

[0091] Also, the portions constituting the bottom wall, side walls, and end walls of the tunnel planter 1 (each part surrounding the culture medium storage area) do not necessarily have to be flat plates, and as long as they are formed in a wall shape surrounding at least the culture medium storage area, the thickness (cross-sectional shape) of each of these walls can be set as appropriate.

[0092] Further, a configuration in which a part or all of each plate is formed separately and connected by engaging the engaging piece (claw) and the engaging hole described in the above embodiment is also acceptable, or each plate may be connected by a known joining method such as adhesion or welding. Also, a part of each plate surrounding the storage area (for example, the end plate) may be replaced with another known material such as a mesh instead of a resin plate (as long as it can hold the culture medium).

[0093] In the above embodiment, the case where an engaging piece (claw) is formed on one member (for example, the support plate 2) and an engaging hole is formed on the other member (for example, the bottom plate 3) has been described, but it is naturally possible to reverse their relationship (for example, forming an engaging piece on the bottom plate 3 and an engaging hole on the support plate 2). Also, the direction in which the claw projects can be set as appropriate (for example, the claw 23 shown in the enlarged part of FIG. 5 can also project to the left side of FIG. 5 or in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 5), and the engaging hole may be a recess instead of a through hole.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the case where the side plates 4b and the end plate 6 are foldably connected to the bottom plate 3 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, each of the side plates 4a and 4b may be foldably connected to the bottom plate 3. Further, instead of the bottom plate 3 (or in addition to the bottom plate 3), a configuration in which the end plate 6 is foldably connected to the side plates 4a and 4b, or a configuration in which the side plates 4a and 4b are foldably connected to the end plate 6 may be employed.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the case where the side plates 4a and 4b are connected by the connecting plate 5 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, instead of (or in addition to) the connecting plate 5, a connecting portion for connecting the side plates 4a and 4b may be provided on the central side in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 rather than the connecting plate 5. Such a connecting portion may be integral with the side plates 4a and 4b, or a configuration in which a connecting portion separate from the side plates 4a and 4b is attached after the assembly of the tunnel planter 1 may be employed. Further, the connecting plate 5 may be omitted. When the connecting plate 5 is omitted, each of the side plates 4a and 4b may be foldably connected to the bottom plate 3.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the case where the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5 are inserted into the insertion groove 61 of the end plate 6 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an insertion groove into which the end plate 6 can be inserted may be formed on the side of the side plates 4a and 4b and the connecting plate 5, or the insertion groove 61 may be omitted.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the case where the engaging hole 50 and the claw 63 are engaged inside the insertion groove 61 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an engaging piece extending so as to penetrate the through hole 64 of the insertion groove 61 (to the right side in Fig. 7(a)) may be formed on the connecting plate 5, and a claw provided on the engaging piece may be engaged with the outer surface of the end plate 6.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the tunnel planter 1 is formed in a rectangular shape in top view (the dimensions of the side plates 4a and 4b in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel planter 1 are larger than the dimensions of the end plates 6 in the width direction of the tunnel planter 1) has been described. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the tunnel planter 1 may be configured to be square in top view. Further, the shape of the tunnel planter 1 in top view is not limited to a rectangle and can be set as appropriate.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the end plate 6 is semi-elliptical has been described. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the end plate 6 may be formed in a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or other polygonal shapes.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0100] 1 Tunnel planter (planter) 2 Support plate (second plate) 20 Support surface 21a, 21b Vent holes (second vent holes) 3 Bottom plate 30 Edge of the bottom plate Part 31 Fitting hole 31a Insertion part 31b Locking part 32 Vent hole (fifth vent hole) 33 Drain hole 4a, 4b Side plates (side walls) 40 Vent hole (third vent hole) 5 Connecting plate 50 Engagement hole 6 End plate (end wall) 61 Insertion groove 63 Claw 64 Through hole 65 Recess (holding part) 66 Locking piece (holding part) 7 Opening 8 Vent hole (first vent hole) 10 Resin plate (first plate) 100 Mounting table 102a, 102b Beam 103 Convex part 104 Gap 200 Irrigation pipe

Claims

1. A planter having a first ventilation opening extending in a first direction and a plurality of second ventilation openings connected to the first ventilation opening, a ridge-shaped support surface extending in the first direction above the first ventilation opening, and a plurality of third ventilation openings, and a pair of side walls facing each other across the support surface in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The storage area for the culture medium is formed by the support surface and the pair of side walls, and the planter is placed on a mounting table at a position higher than the ground. A pair of end walls closing both ends of the storage area in the first direction; An opening formed above the storage area and having an opening area larger than the area of the end wall; A bottom plate covering the lower part of the first ventilation opening; The bottom plate includes a flat bottom surface placed on the upper surface of the mounting table, and a fitting hole formed in the bottom surface into which a convex portion protruding upward from the mounting table is fitted. The relative movement of the bottom plate with respect to the mounting table is restricted by the fitting of the convex portion and the fitting hole. The fitting hole includes an insertion portion for inserting the convex portion, and a locking portion connected to the insertion portion and having a smaller width dimension than the insertion portion. A planter, characterized in that the fitting holes are formed at both ends of the bottom plate in the first direction inside the first ventilation opening.

2. The planter according to claim 1, characterized in that in the second direction, the opening dimension of the opening is larger than the dimension of the support surface.

3. The planter according to claim 1, characterized in that the end wall includes a plurality of fourth ventilation openings connecting the storage area to the outside.

4. The planter according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of drain holes are formed in the bottom plate connecting the lower end of the support surface and the lower end of the side wall in the second direction.

5. The planter according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom plate includes a fifth ventilation opening connecting the first ventilation opening to the outside.

6. A first resin plate in which a rectangular bottom plate, a pair of side plates constituting the side walls, and a pair of end plates constituting the end walls are integrally formed; A second resin plate attached to the bottom plate to form the support surface; The planter according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer contour is formed by bending each side of the bottom plate, the side plates, and the end plates of the first plate and fixing the bent state.

7. The pair of side plates are connected to the side of the bottom plate extending in the first direction so as to be foldable. The end plate is connected to the side of the bottom plate extending in the second direction so as to be bendable. The planter according to claim 6, wherein either one of the side plate and the end plate is provided with an insertion groove into which the edge of the other is inserted.

8. Either one of the side plate and the end plate is provided with an elastically deformable claw, and the other is provided with an engagement hole into which the claw engages due to elastic deformation of the claw. The claw and the engagement hole engage with each other inside the insertion groove. The planter according to claim 7, wherein a through hole penetrating the insertion groove is formed in a region where the claw and the engagement hole engage with each other.

9. The dimension of the side plate in the first direction is formed to be larger than the dimension of the end plate in the second direction. The planter according to claim 7, wherein the end plate is provided with the insertion groove.

10. The first plate connects both ends of the pair of side plates in the first direction and is provided with a connecting plate whose edge is inserted into the insertion groove. Of the pair of side plates, only one of the side plates is connected to the bottom plate so as to be bendable, and the other side plate is engaged with the bottom plate. The planter according to claim 9, wherein the insertion groove has an upwardly convex curved shape.

11. The planter according to claim 1, wherein the end wall is provided with a holding portion capable of holding a water supply pipe extending in the first direction.

12. A support structure for supporting the planter according to claim 5 on the mounting table, wherein the mounting table is provided with a plurality of beams on which the convex portions are formed on the upper surface and to which the bottom plate is fixed. A support structure for a planter, characterized in that a gap communicating with the fifth ventilation port is formed between the plurality of beams.

Images