Planting base units and cases

Abstract

To provide a planting base unit in which the size and growth of plants are less restricted by the size of a case that contains a planting base.SOLUTION: A planting base unit includes an open case and a planting base. The case has a bottom plate and side plates. The side plates are erected along the outer periphery of the bottom plate. The case has a storage space surrounded by the bottom plate and the side plates. The planting base allows plant roots to extend inside the planting base. The planting base is configured so that the height from the top surface of the bottom plate is higher than the height of the side plates when the planting base is stored in the storage space in a specified storage state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a planting base unit that allows plants to be planted without the need for soil. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, greening on building rooftops and other areas other than soil has been recommended and implemented in many places for various purposes such as environmental protection and landscape improvement. Patent Document 1 discloses a moss greening unit suitable for rooftop greening, etc. This moss greening unit has a structure in which a planting layer is housed within a support. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-100128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the moss greening system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the size of the plants that can be planted and the state of growth of the plants (for example, the range of growth and the growth rate) are restricted by the size of the support. An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a planting base unit in which the size and growth of plants are less restricted by the size of the case that houses the planting base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a planting base unit, comprising an open case and a planting base. The case has a bottom plate and side plates. The side plates are provided along the outer periphery of the bottom plate. The case has a storage space surrounded by the bottom plate and the side plates.

[0006] The planting base is configured such that the roots of plants can extend inside the planting base, thereby enabling the planting of plants. The planting base is accommodated in an accommodation space. The planting base is configured such that when the planting base is accommodated in the accommodation space in a specified accommodation state, the height (length in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface) from the upper surface of the bottom plate is higher than the height of the side plates. The specified accommodation state is a specified state including that the planting base is in contact with the bottom plate.

[0007] The accommodation space may be defined as, for example, a region where a region facing the upper surface of the bottom plate (the surface on the side where the side plates are erected) and a region facing the inner surface of the side plates (the surface facing the central portion of the bottom plate) overlap.

[0008] The specified accommodation state may be defined as, for example, a state where the bottom surface of the planting base (the surface facing the upper surface of the bottom plate) is in contact with the upper surface of the bottom plate, thereby restricting further movement of the planting base toward the bottom plate (movement along a direction perpendicular to the plate surface).

[0009] The "height" of the planting base may, for example, mean the height of the highest part in the planting base. For example, when the side plates as a whole have a constant height h1 and the planting base also has a constant height h2 as a whole, h2 > h1. Also, for example, assume that in the side plates, a part with a height of h1a and a part with a height of h1b (< h1a) are mixed. In this case, h2 > h1a and h2 > h1b may hold. Also, for example, assume that the height of the side plates is a constant h1, while in the planting base, a part with a height of h2a and a part with a height of h2b (< h2a) are mixed. In this case, h2a > h1, but it is not necessarily required that h2b > h1. Of course, h2b > h1 may hold.

[0010] This type of planting base unit is characterized by the fact that the height of the planting base is higher than the height of the side panels of the case. This reduces the constraints on the size of plants that can be planted due to the size of the case (more specifically, the size of the storage space), allowing for a wider variety of plant sizes. Furthermore, because plant roots can grow in a planting base that has a volume larger than the capacity of the case (i.e., the volume of the storage space), the size of the case does not restrict the growth of plants.

[0011] The height of the side surface of the planting base that faces the side panel in the normal storage state may be higher than the height of the opposing portion of the side panel over the entire side surface. If the planting base is configured in this way, the above-mentioned effects can be further enhanced.

[0012] The planting base may include at least two types of substrates with different drainage and / or water retention capabilities. Such a planting base can provide a good environment for growing plants. Drainage performance may refer to, for example, the degree (or capacity) to which water that has flowed in is discharged vertically downward. Specifically, drainage performance may refer to, for example, the amount of water discharged from the planting base (or the amount of water discharged per unit time (e.g., 1 second)) when a certain amount of water has flowed into a planting base of a certain volume. Water retention performance may refer to the degree (or capacity) to which water that has flowed in is retained without being discharged. Specifically, water retention performance may refer to, for example, the amount of water that is retained without being discharged vertically downward from the planting base even after a certain time has passed when a certain amount of water has flowed into a planting base of a certain volume.

[0013] The case may include legs that allow the case to be placed on a support surface with the bottom plate spaced apart from the support surface on which the case is placed. The bottom plate may be provided with drainage holes, in which case excess water supplied to the planting base can be drained through the drainage holes, thereby providing a better growing environment for plants.

[0014] Furthermore, if the case has legs and the bottom plate is provided with drainage holes, the following additional effect is achieved. Specifically, an air layer (i.e., space) is created between the case and the support surface. Excess moisture in the planting base falls onto the support surface through the drainage holes and the air layer. The excess moisture that falls onto the support surface is appropriately evaporated through the air layer, and the heat of evaporation cools the support surface. In other words, the temperature rise of the support surface can be suppressed. Therefore, if the support surface is, for example, the surface of a building (e.g., a roof), the temperature rise of the building can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the air layer is in a brighter environment than general soil, i.e., an environment that generally makes it difficult for plant roots to grow, plant roots are suppressed from growing downward from the planting base. This prevents plant roots from coming into contact with the support surface and affecting it.

[0015] The side panels may have through-holes that penetrate the side panels. These through-holes may be configured to allow plant roots to extend from the inside of the planting base to the outside of the case through the through-holes. A case configured in this manner is more effective when multiple planting base units are used side by side. In other words, in this case, plant roots can extend through the through-holes into adjacent planting bases. This means that plant roots can extend over a wider area.

[0016] The case may include a connecting portion configured to connect the case to a separate member. The separate member may include a separate case having the same configuration as the case. More specifically, the connecting portion may include a clip. The clip clamps the side panel and the side panel of the separate case in a mutually opposing state. If the case is configured in this manner, the aforementioned use of multiple planting base units lined up can be easily realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the planting base unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a planting base unit in which a plant is planted. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a plan view of two cases connected to each other. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front view of two planting base units connected together and having plants planted in them. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. [1. Embodiment] (1-1) Overview of the planting base unit As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the planting base unit 1 of this embodiment includes a case 2 and a planting base 3.

[0019] The case 2 houses the planting base 3. The case 2 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the planting base 3 is configured so that a plant 4 can be planted therein. The plant 4 can extend roots (including rhizomes) inside the planting base 3. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the plants 4 are planted over the entire upper surface of the planting base 3. The plants 4 shown in FIG. 2 are multiple Tamarix plants. However, the plants 4 may be plants other than Tamarix, and may be planted anywhere and in any way in the planting base 3.

[0020] The planting base unit 1 allows planting in places other than soil without using soil. The planting base unit 1 can be used in any place where the planting base unit 1 can be placed. As will be described later with reference to Figures 10 to 13, multiple planting base units 1 can also be connected together for use.

[0021] For example, rooftop greening is one of the main uses of the planting base unit 1. FIG. 2 shows a schematic example in which the planting base unit 1 is installed on the rooftop surface 101 of a building 100.

[0022] The building 100 may be any type of building. The building 100 may be, for example, one of a variety of buildings, such as a building, a store, an office, a commercial facility (e.g., a theater or a gymnasium), a regular house, a warehouse, or the like. The rooftop surface 101 is horizontal in this embodiment. However, the rooftop surface 101 does not have to be horizontal, and may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0023] (1-2) Case structure The specific structure of the case 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 7. The case 2 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. The case 2 may be made of any material. For example, the case 2 may be made of resin. For example, the case 2 may be formed as a single unit.

[0024] The case 2 includes a bottom plate 10 and four side plates 11 to 14. The bottom plate 10 and the four side plates 11 to 14 form a storage space. That is, the storage space is a space surrounded by the bottom plate 10 and the four side plates 11 to 14. The planting base 3 is stored in this storage space.

[0025] In this embodiment, the bottom plate 10 has a square shape. The bottom plate 10 has a plurality of first drainage hole groups 10a and a plurality of second drainage hole groups 10b. The first drainage hole group 10a has a plurality of (e.g., four) first drainage holes. The second drainage hole group 10b has a plurality of second drainage holes that are different in shape and size from each other. The first drainage hole group 10a and the second drainage hole group 10b penetrate the bottom plate 10 in the vertical direction. The first drainage hole group 10a and the second drainage hole group 10b are provided mainly for the purpose of draining water and other liquids from the inside of the case 2 (i.e., the storage space) to below the bottom plate 10.

[0026] The four side plates 11-14 stand upright from the outer periphery of the bottom plate 10. More specifically, the outer periphery of the bottom plate 10 includes four edges, and the four side plates 11-14 stand upright from the four edges, respectively. In this embodiment, the four side plates 11-14 stand upright at right angles to the plate surface of the bottom plate 10.

[0027] A plurality of (two in this embodiment) recesses 11a are provided at the upper end of side plate 11. Similarly, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) recesses 12a are provided at the upper end of side plate 12, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) recesses 13a are provided at the upper end of side plate 13, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) recesses 14a are provided at the upper end of side plate 14.

[0028] Furthermore, locking holes 11b are formed below each recess 11a in side plate 11. Locking holes 11b penetrate side plate 11. Similarly, locking holes 12b are formed below each recess 12a in side plate 12, locking holes 13b are formed below each recess 13a in side plate 13, and locking holes 14b are formed below each recess 14a in side plate 14.

[0029] The combination of one recess 11a and its underlying locking hole 11b is used to attach a clip 61 (which will be described later) (and thus to connect multiple cases 2). The same applies to each of the combinations of recesses 12a to 14a and corresponding locking holes 12b to 14b.

[0030] In this embodiment, the four side plates 11 to 14, excluding the recesses 11a to 14a, have a constant height h1 (see FIG. 6). Note that the height h1 is the length from the top surface of the bottom plate 10 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface.

[0031] The case 2 has four first legs 16-19 and four second legs 21-24. Each of the four first legs 16-19 has an L-shaped bent shape. The four first legs 16-19 are provided at the four corners of the bottom plate 10. The four second legs 21-24 are provided at approximately the centers of the four sides of the bottom plate 10. In this embodiment, the heights of the four first legs 16-19 and the four second legs 21-24 (i.e., the length from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 10 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface) are the same. The four first legs 16-19 and the four second legs 21-24 support the case 2 on the rooftop surface 101 while forming an air layer 50 (see FIG. 9 ) between the bottom plate 10 and the rooftop surface 101.

[0032] 5 to 7, the case 2 includes a plurality of (25 in this embodiment) support columns 30. Each of the plurality of support columns 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of support columns 30 have the same height as the four first legs 16 to 19 and the four second legs 21 to 24.

[0033] 7, each of the plurality of support columns 30 has a screw hole 31. The screw hole 31 passes through the support column 30 in the vertical direction. A screw (not shown) is inserted into the screw hole 31 as desired. The support posts 30 are provided to fix the case 2 to the rooftop surface 101. That is, the case 2 can be fixed to the rooftop surface 101 by inserting a screw from the top of the screw hole 31 and tightening it into the rooftop surface 101.

[0034] (1-3) Planting base structure The planting base 3 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 8. The planting base 3 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The planting base 3 functions as soil for plants, and can be said to be artificial soil.

[0035] The planting base 3 is configured to fit snugly (or almost snugly) within the storage space of the case 2. In other words, the front-to-back and left-to-right lengths of the planting base 3 are equal (or almost equal) to the front-to-back and left-to-right lengths of the storage space in the case 2. Therefore, when the planting base 3 is completely fitted into the storage space of the case 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "standard storage state"), almost the entire side of the planting base 3 contacts the inner surfaces of the four side plates 11 to 14, thereby restricting horizontal movement within the storage space. Furthermore, in the standard storage state, the entire (or almost the entire) bottom surface of the planting base 3 contacts the upper surface of the bottom plate 10. Note that Figures 1, 2, and 9 show the planting base 3 in the standard storage state.

[0036] 9, the height h2 of the planting base 3 is higher than the height of the side plates 11 to 14. In other words, the planting base 3 protrudes upward from the storage space of the case 2 in the normal storage state.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, the planting base 3 of this embodiment has a porous structure. In other words, the planting base 3 has the form of a sponge. That is, the planting base 3 has a sponge-like structure and combines elasticity, water retention (in other words, water supply), and drainage.

[0038] The planting base 3 of this embodiment is formed by mixing a first base material 41 and a second base material 42. The first base material 41 and the second base material 42 each have a porous structure. The first base material 41 has better drainage performance than the second base material 42, while the second base material 42 has better water retention performance than the first base material 41.

[0039] Such a planting base 3 allows the plant 4 to extend its roots into the planting base 3. Furthermore, by supplying water and / or nutrients to the planting base 3, the plant 4 can absorb the water and / or nutrients through its roots.

[0040] The ratio of the first substrate 41 to the second substrate 42 in the planting base 3 may be determined appropriately. The planting base 3 may have only the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42, or may contain other materials in addition to the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42.

[0041] The planting base 3 of this embodiment also functions as a filter. More specifically, the first base material 41 functions as a filter. That is, even if water containing soil particles and other tangible particles is provided to the planting base 3, at least some or all of the tangible particles other than water are retained within the planting base 3 by the filtering function of the planting base 3, and are prevented from being discharged (falling) from the planting base 3.

[0042] (1-4) Three-layer structure 9, when the planting base unit 1 with the plant 4 planted therein is placed on the roof surface 101, three layers are formed. The three layers include, from top to bottom, a plant layer, a base layer, and an air layer 50.

[0043] The plant layer corresponds to the entire portion of the plant 4 that is outside the planting base 3. The base layer corresponds to the planting base 3. The air space 5 corresponds to the space between the underside of the bottom plate 10 of the case 2 and the roof surface 101. The air space 5 is formed by the bottom plate 10 being supported by the four first legs 16-19 and the four second legs 21-24.

[0044] Excess moisture and the like can be discharged from the base layer into the air layer 50. That is, when moisture is discharged from the base layer, the moisture is discharged into the air layer 50 through the plurality of first drainage hole groups 10a and the plurality of second drainage hole groups 10b of the case 2, and then falls onto the roof surface 101 through the air layer 50.

[0045] The air space 50 also serves to prevent the roots of the plant 4 from growing downward from the underside of the planting base 3. That is, the roots of common plants, including the Tamarix, tend to wither and die when exposed to a bright environment. Although the air space 50 is somewhat dark because it is covered by the bottom plate 10, light enters and there is no base for the roots to grow. Therefore, roots that have grown within the planting base 3 are prevented from growing further out from the underside of the planting base 3.

[0046] (1-5) Connecting multiple planting base units As described above, in this embodiment, multiple planting base units 1 can be connected to each other for use. Fig. 10 shows two cases 2 connected to each other in the left-right direction. Fig. 13 shows two cases 2 connected as shown in Fig. 10, each containing a planting base 3 and planted with a plant 4.

[0047] It is also possible to connect three or more cases 2 in the left-right direction, or to connect multiple cases 2 in the front-to-rear direction. That is, one or more cases 2 may be connected in the left-to-right direction to the two cases 2 shown in Fig. 10. Alternatively / in addition, one or more cases 2 may be connected in the front-to-rear direction to at least one of the two cases 2 shown in Fig. 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, two adjacent cases 2 are connected by a clip 61. As shown in Fig. 11, the clip 61 in this embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross section. That is, the clip 61 has two clamping plates 62 that face each other and are connected at one end. An insertion space 63 is formed between the two clamping plates 62. Each of the two clamping plates 62 has a protruding locking claw 62a.

[0049] When two cases 2 are placed adjacent to each other as shown in Figure 10, their recesses and locking holes overlap. In Figure 10, the side plate 12 of the left case 2 and the side plate 14 of the right case 2 face each other and are adjacent to each other. In this state, the two recesses 12a and two locking holes 12b formed in the side plate 12 of the left case 2 overlap with the two recesses 14a and two locking holes 14b formed in the side plate 14 of the right case 2, respectively. In this state, the two cases 2 are connected by inserting clips 61 into each of the two overlapping recesses as shown in Figures 10 and 12.

[0050] The two recesses and two locking holes are symmetrically arranged on each of the four side plates 11 to 14. The two recesses and two locking holes on each of the four side plates 11 to 14 are also identical in position, shape, and size. Therefore, no matter how two cases 2 are oriented and placed adjacent to each other in the same state as shown in FIG. 10, the recesses and locking holes on the two side plates that face each other and are adjacent to each other will also face each other. Therefore, any desired number of cases 2 can be freely connected using clips 61.

[0051] (1-6) Effects of the embodiment According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. In this embodiment, the height h2 of the planting base 3 is greater than the height h1 of the side panels 11 to 14. This allows the roots of the plants 4 to grow over a range wider than the volume of the case 2. Furthermore, the size of the plantable plants 4 is less restricted by the size of the case 2, which allows for a wider variety of sizes of the plants 4 that can be planted.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the plants 4 from being cut by foot pressure. That is, if the height of the planting base 3 is equal to or lower than the height of the side panels 11-14, when a person steps on the planting base unit 1, the plants 4 may be caught between the upper ends of the side panels 11-14 and the tread surface (e.g., the soles of the shoes) of the person and cut. In contrast, in this embodiment, the height h2 of the planting base 3 is higher than the height h1 of the side panels 11-14, so that cutting of the plants 4 as in the above example can be prevented even if the planting base unit 1 is stepped on by a person.

[0053] Furthermore, because the height h2 of the planting base 3 is greater than the height h1 of the side panels 11 to 14, the roots of the plants 4 can easily climb over the side panels 11 to 14 and grow laterally, which promotes the growth of the plants 4. In other words, the withering and dying of the plants 4 can be prevented.

[0054] In particular, when multiple planting base units 1 are connected as shown in Figure 13, the roots of the plants 4 can easily extend to the adjacent planting base 3 and can further extend by penetrating into the adjacent planting base 3. Therefore, connecting multiple planting base units 1 can further promote the growth of the plants 4.

[0055] The planting base 3 also includes a first substrate 41 and a second substrate 42 which have different drainage and / or water retention properties. Such a structure of the planting base 3 provides a good growing environment for the plants 4.

[0056] The planting base unit 1 of this embodiment also has the aforementioned three-layer structure. This three-layer structure provides various benefits. Specifically, it can suppress temperature increases in the building structure 100. The air layer 50, planting base 3, and plant 4 are all less likely to store heat and have high heat dissipation performance. The plant 4 absorbs moisture in the planting base 3 and evaporates the absorbed moisture. The heat of vaporization generated during this evaporation reduces the ambient temperature. Furthermore, excess moisture in the planting base 3 is discharged to the air layer 50 through the first drainage hole group 10a and / or the second drainage hole group 10b and falls to the rooftop surface 101 through the air layer 50. The excess moisture that falls to the rooftop surface 101 is appropriately evaporated through the air layer 50, and the heat of vaporization cools the rooftop surface 101. As a result, temperature increases in the building structure 100 are suppressed overall.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, the air layer 50 also has the effect of preventing roots that have grown within the planting base 3 from growing further outward from the underside of the planting base 3. This prevents the roots of the plants 4 from coming into contact with the rooftop surface 101 and affecting the rooftop surface 101. This makes it possible to omit the root barrier sheet that is typically used in rooftop greening.

[0058] Furthermore, the presence of the air layer 50 improves the drainage effect of the planting base 3. That is, excess water in the planting base 3 can be smoothly drained through the air layer 50. (1-7) Terminology The roof surface 101 corresponds to an example of a mounting surface in the present disclosure. The first base material 41 and the second base material 42 correspond to an example of two types of base materials in the present disclosure. The four first legs 16-19, the four second legs 21-24, and the multiple supports 30 each correspond to an example of a leg portion in the present disclosure. The combination of the recess 11a provided in the side panel 11, the locking hole 11b below it, and the clip 61 corresponds to an example of a connecting portion in the present disclosure.

[0059] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0060] (2-1) The bottom plate 10 of the case 2 in the above embodiment has a square shape. However, the shape of the bottom plate 10 is not limited to a square. The bottom plate 10 may have any shape other than a square. For example, the bottom plate 10 may have a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape other than a square, or a part or all of the outer periphery may be formed in an arc shape.

[0061] (2-2) The bottom plate 10 of the above embodiment has a plurality of first drainage hole groups 10a and a plurality of second drainage hole groups 10b. However, the bottom plate 10 may have any number of drainage holes. Furthermore, the shape, size, and / or combination thereof of the drainage holes may be determined as appropriate. However, it is not essential to provide drainage holes.

[0062] (2-3) In the above embodiment, the four side plates 11 to 14 are connected to each other to form an annular shape as a whole (hereinafter referred to as "annular side plates"). However, the annular side plates may be missing a portion in the circumferential direction. In other words, the annular side plates do not have to be completely connected around the entire circumference, but may be formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. More specifically, for example, the side plate 11 may be separated into two or more plates that are independent of each other in the left-right direction. The same applies to the other side plates 12 to 14.

[0063] Furthermore, the annular side plate may have any overall shape. If the bottom plate 10 has a shape other than a square, an annular side plate may be provided that matches the shape of the bottom plate 10 (especially, for example, the shape of the outer periphery).

[0064] (2-4) In the above embodiment, the height of the side plate 11 is constant (i.e., h1) except for the portion where the recess 11a is formed. However, the height of the side plate 11 does not have to be constant. For example, the side plate 11 may have a portion having a height different from h1. In other words, the side plate 11 may have a portion whose height varies. The same applies to the other side plates 12 to 14.

[0065] In this case, the height h2 of the planting base 3 may be higher than the lowest part of the entire annular side plate, or may be higher than the highest part of the entire annular side plate. (2-5) The four side plates 11 to 14 do not have to have the same shape. At least one of the four side plates 11 to 14 may have a curved surface. The four side plates 11 to 14 may be erected at an angle other than a right angle to the plate surface of the bottom plate 10. At least one of the four side plates 11 to 14 may be erected from a position on the bottom plate 10 that is shifted inward from the outer peripheral edge. In other words, the annular side plate does not necessarily have to be erected from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 10 along the entire circumference.

[0066] (2-6) One or more through holes may be provided in at least one of the side plates 11 to 14. Figure 14 illustrates the side plate 11 in which three through holes 71a, 71b, and 71c are formed.

[0067] By connecting two planting base units 1 each having such through-holes so that the through-holes face each other, the plant 4 in one planting base unit 1 can extend its roots through the through-hole into the planting base 3 of the other planting base unit 1. This further promotes the growth of the plant 4.

[0068] (2-7) In the above embodiment, four first legs 16-19 and four second legs 21-24 are provided. However, the position, number, shape, and / or combination thereof of the legs may be determined in any manner. The same applies to the position, number, shape, and / or combination thereof of the support 30. Note that providing the legs and providing the support 30 are not essential, and at least one of them may be omitted.

[0069] (2-8) In the above embodiment, the planting base 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the planting base 3 may have any shape. Furthermore, the height h2 of the planting base 3 does not necessarily have to be constant throughout the planting base 3. That is, the planting base 3 may have multiple regions of different heights. That is, the upper surface of the planting base 3 may be, for example, inclined or have inclined portions, or may be curved or have curved portions. In such cases, the planting base 3 may have at least a portion that is higher than the height h1 of the side plates 11-14, or the entire planting base 3 may be higher than the height h1 of the side plates 11-14.

[0070] (2-9) In the above embodiment, the planting base 3 is configured to fit snugly (or almost snugly) within the storage space of the case 2, but this is not essential. The planting base 3 may be allowed to shift horizontally within the storage space.

[0071] (2-10) In the above embodiment, two recesses 11a are formed in the side plate 11. However, any number of recesses 11a may be formed in the side plate 11. Furthermore, it is not important where and how the recesses 11a are formed in the side plate 11. The recesses 11a may have any shape or size. The same applies to the other side plates 12 to 14. Note that there may be a side plate in which no recesses are formed.

[0072] (2-11) In the above embodiment, the planting base 3 is freely detachable from the case 2. However, the planting base 3 may be fixed to the case 2 so as not to be detachable. (2-12) The use of the planting base unit of the present disclosure is not limited to installation on the rooftop 101 of the building 100. The planting base unit of the present disclosure can be installed anywhere other than the rooftop 101 of the building 100. For example, the planting base unit can be installed on various types of land (in other words, various types of ground). Specifically, the planting base unit can be installed on land, roads, bridges, etc. within the premises of various facilities. Furthermore, the planting base unit is not limited to being fixed to the land, and can also be installed on, for example, a mobile object. Furthermore, the planting base unit can be set on a vertical surface, such as the wall surface of a building.

[0073] (2-13) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0074] [3. Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Present Specification] The present disclosure may be understood to disclose the following technical ideas. [Item 1] an open case having a bottom plate and side plates extending along the outer periphery of the bottom plate, the case having an accommodation space surrounded by the bottom plate and the side plates; a planting base configured to allow roots of plants to grow therein, thereby enabling the plant to be planted, configured to be accommodated in the accommodation space, and configured so that when the planting base is accommodated in the accommodation space in a specified accommodation state in contact with the bottom plate, the height from the top surface of the bottom plate is higher than the height of the side plates; A planting base unit comprising: [Item 2] The planting base unit according to item 1, The planting base unit is configured so that the height of the side surface facing the side panel in the specified storage state is higher than the height of the opposing portion of the side panel over the entire side surface. [Item 3] The planting base unit according to item 1 or 2, The planting base unit includes at least two types of substrates having different drainage and / or water retention properties. [Item 4] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 3, The planting base unit includes a base having legs for placing the case on a support surface with the bottom plate spaced apart from the support surface on which the case is placed. [Item 5] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 4, The bottom plate of the planting base unit has drainage holes. [Item 6] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 5, The side plate includes a through hole passing through the side plate, The through-holes are configured so that roots of the plants can extend from inside the planting base to outside the case through the through-holes. Planting base unit. [Item 7] A planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 6, the case includes a connecting portion configured to connect the case to a member separate from the case; The separate member includes a separate case having the same configuration as the case. Planting base unit. [Item 8] Item 7: The planting base unit according to item 7, The planting base unit, wherein the connecting portion includes a clip configured to clamp the side panel and the side panel of the separate case in a state where they face each other. [Item 9] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 8, The planting base unit has a bottom plate with a polygonal plate surface. [Item 10] Item 9. The planting base unit according to item 9, The bottom plate has a rectangular plate surface, and the planting base unit. [Item 11] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 10, The side plates are erected on the outer periphery of the bottom plate, forming a planting base unit. [Item 12] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 11, The side plates are erected perpendicular to the surface of the bottom plate. [Item 13] The planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 12, The side plates are circularly and continuously erected along the outer periphery of the bottom plate, forming a planting base unit. [Item 14] 14. The planting base in the planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 13 (or included in the planting base unit or used in the planting base unit). [Item 15] The case in the planting base unit according to any one of items 1 to 13 (or included in the planting base unit or used in the planting base unit). [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...planting base unit, 2...case, 3...planting base, 4...plant, 10...bottom plate, 10a...first drainage hole group, 10b...second drainage hole group, 11-14...side plates, 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a...recesses, 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b...locking holes, 16-19...first leg, 21-24...second leg, 41...first base material, 42...second base material, 50...air layer, 61...clip, 62a...locking claw, 71a-71c...through holes, 100...building, 101...rooftop surface.

Claims

1. an open case having a bottom plate and side plates extending along the outer periphery of the bottom plate, the case having an accommodation space surrounded by the bottom plate and the side plates; a planting base configured to allow roots of plants to grow therein, thereby enabling the plant to be planted, configured to be accommodated in the accommodation space, and configured so that when the planting base is accommodated in the accommodation space in a specified accommodation state in contact with the bottom plate, the height from the top surface of the bottom plate is higher than the height of the side plates; Equipped with The planting base is Does not contain soil It has a sponge-like structure, The first substrate and the second substrate each have a porous structure and have different drainage performance and / or water retention performance, The case is a support column extending downward from the bottom plate in a direction opposite to the direction in which the side plate is erected; a screw hole penetrating the support column together with the bottom plate downward, and configured to receive a screw for fixing the case to a mounting surface on which the case is placed; A planting base unit comprising:

2. 2. The planting base unit according to claim 1, The planting base unit is configured so that the height of the side surface facing the side panel in the specified storage state is higher than the height of the opposing portion of the side panel over the entire side surface.

3. 2. The planting base unit according to claim 1, The planting base unit includes a base having legs for placing the case on a support surface with the bottom plate spaced apart from the support surface on which the case is placed.

4. 2. The planting base unit according to claim 1, The bottom plate of the planting base unit has drainage holes.

5. 2. The planting base unit according to claim 1, The side plate includes a through hole passing through the side plate, The through-holes are configured so that roots of the plants can extend from inside the planting base to outside the case through the through-holes. Planting base unit.

6. 2. The planting base unit according to claim 1, the case includes a connecting portion configured to connect the case to a member separate from the case; The separate member includes a separate case having the same configuration as the case. Planting base unit.

7. 7. The planting base unit according to claim 6, The planting base unit, wherein the connecting portion includes a clip configured to clamp the side panel and the side panel of the separate case in a state where they face each other.

8. The case used in the planting base unit described in claim 1.

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