Cultivation containers and cultivation devices

Abstract

To simplify structure of a cultivation device to thereby facilitate cleaning of the cultivation device.SOLUTION: A cultivation device 1 has: a cup 41 comprising a plant mounting portion which comprises a first opening and on which a plant is mounted, a nutrient solution guiding portion which guides nutrient solution falling from a flow channel of a cultivation pot supporting portion to the plant mounting portion, a pond which stores the solution flowing in from the nutrient solution guiding portion 41c, a second opening which drains the nutrient solution overflowing from the pond into the flow channel; and a pot body 42 comprising a bottom supporting portion and a side supporting portion in which the cup 41 engages with a convex portion attached to the cultivation pot supporting portion which forms the flow channel; and an opening 42b1 which communicates with the first opening when the cup 41 is engaged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cultivation container and a cultivation device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a plant cultivation device in which plant placement sections (or cultivation pots) for planting plants are arranged vertically. For example, the device comprises a nutrient solution pipe extending vertically for supplying nutrient solution, a plant pipe extending vertically for planting the cultivated plants, and a growth light source extending vertically for irradiating the cultivated plants with artificial light. The plant pipe has a plant placement section for placing the cultivated plants installed inside its tip. The plant pipe extends obliquely upward at an angle of 20 to 60 degrees relative to the plant pipe so as to form a space between the plant pipe and the upper surface of the branch pipe. One or more nutrient solution supply pipes are provided in a vertical line at every predetermined height width. A known plant cultivation device is equipped with a supply means, and the growth light source, branch pipe, plant pipe, and nutrient solution pipe are arranged in a straight line in this order so that artificial light from the growth light source is irradiated onto the branch pipe, with the plant pipe and nutrient solution pipe being installed at a distance from each other.The nutrient solution supply means is a nutrient solution supply pipe connecting the nutrient solution pipe and branch pipe, one end of the nutrient solution supply pipe is connected to the nutrient solution pipe, and the other end of the nutrient solution supply pipe, which is located in the space between the plant pipe and the upper surface of the branch pipe, is connected to the upper surface of the branch pipe.The nutrient solution in the nutrient solution pipe flows into the branch pipe arranged on the plant pipe via the nutrient solution supply pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6249153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vertical plant cultivation device such as that described in Patent Document 1, the plant placement base and the outflow section through which water falls are integrated, so there is a problem in that cleaning requires disassembly from the connection section, which is time-consuming. In one aspect, the present invention aims to simplify the structure and make it easy to attach and detach the flow path and the plant placement base, making cleaning easy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above object, the disclosed cultivation container includes a first part including a mounting portion having a first opening and on which a plant is placed, a water conducting portion including a water conducting plate that guides fluid falling from a flow path to the mounting portion, a storage portion that stores the fluid that has flowed in from the water conducting portion, and a second opening that drains fluid overflowing from the storage portion into the flow path, and a second part including an engagement portion that engages the first part with an attachment portion that is attached to a member that forms the flow path, and a third opening that communicates with the first opening when the first part is engaged with the engagement portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In one aspect, the structure can be simplified to facilitate cleaning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cultivation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a cultivation pot support part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a support portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a nutrient solution distribution unit and a rotation drive unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a cultivation pot according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a cultivation pot according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cup according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cup according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a pot body according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a pot body according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement and structure of the cultivation pot according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the flow of nutrient solution according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the flow of nutrient solution according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement and structure of a modified example of the cultivation pot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the cultivation device of the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the following drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings, etc. In the embodiments, elements expressed in the singular include the plural unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cultivation device according to an embodiment.

[0010] The cultivation device 1 of the first embodiment has a support 2, a nutrient solution distribution unit 3, a plurality of cultivation pots 4, a cultivation pot support unit 5, a liquid storage unit 6, a rotation drive unit 7, and a frame body 8. 1, for ease of understanding, some of the cultivation pots 4 and cultivation pot supports 5 are omitted from the illustration. The inside of the support 2 is also shown in a see-through manner. The cultivation device 1 utilizes free fall due to the action of gravity to supply a nutrient solution, which is a mixture of water and nutrients that are favorable for plant growth, to the cultivation pots 4.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, in a plan view (viewed from the top to the bottom of the paper in FIG. 1), the cultivation device 1 has a support post 2 arranged in the center, and a plurality of cultivation pot supports 5 arranged around it (in a ring shape in a plan view). For example, eight cultivation pot supports 5 can be arranged at equal intervals. The number of cultivation pot supports 5 is not limited to eight. The intervals at which the cultivation pot supports 5 are arranged are not limited to equal intervals, but arranging them at equal intervals is preferable in terms of lighting and appearance. The support pillar 2 is hollow and is made of, for example, resin or metal such as stainless steel. The diameter of the support pillar 2 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 40 mm. The cultivation pot support portion 5 is a long member that supports the cultivation pot 4. The cultivation pot support portion 5 also forms a flow path for supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation pot 4.

[0012] A plurality of cultivation pots 4 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation pot support portion 5. Plants to be cultivated are placed in the cultivation pots 4. The structure of the cultivation pots 4 will be described in detail later. 2 is a diagram illustrating the cultivation pot support part of the embodiment, in which the cultivation pot 4 is not shown.

[0013] The cultivation pot support part 5 is a hollow, elongated member that resembles a horseshoe in plan view, with three of its four longitudinal sides enclosed and one side open. Examples of materials that can be used for the cultivation pot support part 5 include resin. The cultivation pot support part 5 of this embodiment is flexible. It is preferable that it be able to contract slightly in the left-right direction of the page. The open side of each cultivation pot support part 5 is located on the opposite side (i.e., the front side) from the side facing the support 2.

[0014] The cultivation pot support part 5 is placed on a pedestal 9. The pedestal 9 has a hole 91 in the center through which the support 2 passes. A bearing is placed in the hole 91, and the pedestal 9 can rotate around the support 2 while the support 2 is fixed. In this embodiment, the support 2 does not rotate, but the pedestal 9 and the cultivation pot support part 5 rotate around the support 2.

[0015] Furthermore, the portion of the base 9 where the cultivation pot support part 5 is placed has a frame 92 that surrounds the end of the cultivation pot support part 5 to support the end of the cultivation pot support part 5. Inside the frame 92, a hole 93 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the end of the cultivation pot support part 5 is provided, and liquid that passes through the inside of the cultivation pot support part 5 passes through this hole 93 and falls into the liquid storage part 6. A support part 21 for supporting the cultivation pot support part 5 is attached to the support pole 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a support portion according to the embodiment.

[0016] The support part 21 has a bearing part 211 that surrounds the support pole 2 and is fixed to the support pole 2, and clips 212 that extend from the bearing part 211 and clamp each cultivation pot support part 5. By providing the support part 21, the stability of the cultivation pot support part 5 is increased. Returning to FIG. 1 for further explanation.

[0017] A supply pipe 22 through which nutrient solution to be supplied to the plants flows is arranged inside the support 2. The diameter of the supply pipe 22 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 13 mm. The inner diameter of the supply pipe 22 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 9 mm. A relay pipe 23 is arranged at the upper end 22a of the supply pipe 22. The diameter of the relay pipe 23 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 18 mm. The inner diameter of the relay pipe 23 is slightly larger than the diameter of the supply pipe 22, 13 mm. This allows the end of the relay pipe 23 to be inserted into the supply pipe 22. Furthermore, when the supply pipe 22 is inserted into the relay pipe 23, the relay pipe 23 can rotate around the supply pipe 22. A nutrient solution distribution unit 3 is arranged at the other end of the relay pipe 23.

[0018] A gutter 51 is arranged at the end 5a of the cultivation pot support part 5. The nutrient solution that has passed through the supply pipe 22, the relay pipe 23, the nutrient solution distribution part 3, and the gutter 51 is supplied to the cultivation pot support part 5.

[0019] The liquid reservoir 6 is filled with nutrient solution. A pump 61 is disposed in the liquid reservoir 6. The pump 61 pumps up the nutrient solution filled in the liquid reservoir and supplies it to the supply pipe 22. The rotation drive unit 7 drives the nutrient solution distribution unit 3 to rotate. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a nutrient solution distribution unit and a rotation drive unit according to the embodiment. The nutrient solution distribution section 3 supplies the nutrient solution flowing out from the relay pipe 23 to the upper end of the culture pot support section 5. The nutrient solution distributing section 3 has an inlet 31 , a branching section 32 , and a supported section 33 .

[0020] The inlet 31 is fixed to the end of the relay pipe 23. The nutrient solution that is pumped up by the pump 61 and reaches the upper end of the support 2 after passing through the supply pipe 22 and the relay pipe 23 flows into this inlet 31. The inlet 31 and the branch section 32 are internally connected.

[0021] The branching portions 32 are provided in accordance with the number of the cultivation pot supports 5. In this embodiment, eight cultivation pot supports 5 are arranged, and therefore eight branching portions 32 are provided, but the number of branching portions 32 is not limited to eight. The nutrient solution that flows into the inlet 31 passes through each of the eight branching portions 32 and flows out from the outlet 321 of each branching portion 32.

[0022] It is also possible to provide a valve or the like midway through the branching parts 32 so that the supply of nutrient solution to the cultivation pot support parts 5 is stopped for some of the branching parts 32. This makes it possible to provide both branching parts 32 that supply nutrient solution to the cultivation pot support parts 5 and branching parts 32 that do not supply nutrient solution. A gear shaft 74 that transmits the power of the rotation drive unit 7 is attached to the supported portion 33. The rotation drive unit 7 has a motor 71 . The motor 71 is supported by a drive unit support part 81 attached to the frame 8, and is thereby located above the nutrient solution distributing part 3. A gear 73 is attached to the motor 71. The gear 73 is engaged with a gear shaft 74. The gear shaft 74 is inserted into the supported portion 33. The motor 71 of this embodiment transmits power to the supported part 33 of the nutrient solution distributing part 3 via a gear 73 and a gear shaft 74. The rotation speed of the nutrient solution distributing section 3 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 3 revolutions / m. Returning to FIG. 1 for further explanation.

[0023] The frame body 8 supports a drive unit support part 81. The frame body 8 also has a light source support part 82 that supports the light source 10. The light sources 10 in this embodiment are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation pot support part 5 so as to surround the cultivation pot support part 5. The arrangement interval of the light sources 10 in this embodiment is not particularly limited, but for example, is at 90 degree intervals around the support 2. The light sources 10 are not particularly limited, but examples include fluorescent lamps and LEDs. The light sources 10 may be omitted. <Cultivation pot> As described above, a plurality of cultivation pots 4 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation pot support portion 5. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the cultivation pot according to the embodiment. The cultivation pot 4 is supported by a cultivation pot support part 5 and takes in a part of the nutrient solution flowing through the cultivation pot support part 5. The cultivation pot 4 has a cup (plant placement portion) 41 and a pot body 42. The cup 41 is detachable from the pot body 42. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the cup according to the embodiment.

[0024] The cup 41 has a first opening 41a, a plant placement portion 41b, a nutrient solution guide portion 41c, a pond 41d, a second opening 41e, and an engagement portion 41f. In this embodiment, the plant placement portion 41b and the pond 41d are integrally formed without any boundary. A partition of some kind may be provided between the plant placement portion 41b and the pond 41d.

[0025] Plant seedlings are placed on the plant placement section 41b. When cultivating plants, seeds may be planted in a sponge medium (not shown) placed inside the plant placement section 41b, and the plants may then be cultivated. The nutrient solution dripping from the nutrient solution guide section 41c permeates the sponge medium, supplying the nutrient solution to the plants.

[0026] The nutrient solution guide portion 41c is a portion that is held by the user when attaching or detaching the pot body 42 to the cup 41. The nutrient solution guide portion 41c also functions as a flow path that supplies the nutrient solution to the plant placement portion 41b.

[0027] The pond 41d is a portion for storing the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution overflowing from the pond 41d flows out from the second opening 41e. The volume of the pond 41d is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 50 cc.

[0028] The engaging portion 41f has a spherical dowel 41f1 and a plate-like protruding portion 41f2 protruding from the nutrient solution guide portion 41c. The engaging portion 41f engages with a slit (engaged portion) of a shape provided in the pot body 42, thereby forming a simple locking mechanism. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the pot body of the embodiment. The pot body 42 has a protrusion 42a, a storage portion 42b, a connecting portion 42c, and a protrusion 42d.

[0029] The protrusion 42a is provided along the longitudinal direction of the pot body 42. It fits into a guide rail (described later) of the cultivation pot support part 5. This allows the pot body 42 to be supported movably along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation pot support part 5.

[0030] The storage portion 42b is provided to correspond to the shape of the cup 41 and stores the cup 41. The storage portion 42b has an opening 42b1 that corresponds to the opening 41a of the cup 41, a bottom support portion 42b2 that supports the bottom of the cultivator, and a side support portion 42b3 that supports the side of the cultivator.

[0031] The accommodating portion 42b also has a slit (engaged portion) 42b4 shaped to correspond to the engaging portion 41f of the cup 41. The slit 42b4 includes an insertion portion 42b41 through which the dowel 41f1 and the protruding portion 41f2 pass, an abutting portion 42b42 against which the protruding portion 41f2 abuts, a step portion 42b43 that the dowel 41f1 overcomes as the protruding portion 41f2 slides toward the abutting portion 42b42 and approaches the abutting portion 42b42, and a dowel accommodating portion 42b44 that accommodates the dowel 41f1 when the protruding portion 41f2 abuts the abutting portion. The dowel 41f1 is accommodated in the dowel accommodating portion 42b44 by the abutting of the protruding portion 41f2 against the abutting portion 42b42 due to the sliding movement, thereby forming a simple locking mechanism. This prevents the cup 41 from easily coming off the pot body 42. Furthermore, when the cultivation device 1 is used, the slits 42b4 are positioned obliquely when the cultivation pot 4 is placed on the cultivation pot support part 5. This makes it possible to prevent the cup 41 from easily coming off the pot body 42.

[0032] When it is desired to remove the cup 41 from the pot body 42, the dowel 41f1 is released from the dowel receiving portion 42b44 by applying a certain amount of force in a direction parallel to the slit. This allows the cup 41 to be removed from the pot body 42. The connecting portion 42c is shaped so as to be connectable to the upper portion of the cultivation pod 4 disposed below the cultivation pot 4.

[0033] The protrusion 42d is provided along the longitudinal direction of the pot body 42. The length of the protrusion 42d in the protruding direction is, for example, 2 mm. The function of the protrusion 42d will be described later. Returning to FIG. 6, the explanation will be given again.

[0034] When the cup 41 is attached to the main body, an opening 44 is formed between the upper part of the nutrient solution guide part 41c and the pot main body 42. A part of the nutrient solution flowing through the cultivation pot support part 5 flows from this opening 44 into the plant placement part 41b. Next, the arrangement and structure of the cultivation pots 4 will be described. FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement and structure of the cultivation pot according to the embodiment.

[0035] Guide rails (grooves) 52 are provided along the longitudinal direction at both ends of the opening of the cultivation pot support part 5. The convex part 42a of the pot body 42 fits into the guide rails 52, thereby supporting the cultivation pot 4 on the cultivation pot support part 5. When the convex part 42a is fitted into the guide rails 52, the guide rails 52 clamp the convex part 42a, allowing the cultivation pot support part 5 to fasten the cultivation pot 4. Friction generated between the guide rails 52 and the convex part 42a prevents the cultivation pot 4 from moving against its own weight even when a plant is placed in the cultivation pot 4 and the pond 41d is filled with nutrient solution. The above-described structure allows the cultivation pot 4 to be placed at any position on the cultivation pot support part 5. <Example of usage> Next, an example of how to use the plant cultivation device 1 will be described.

[0036] The user attaches the cup 41 to the pot body 42. Then, the convex portion 42a of the pot body 42 is fitted into the guide rail 52. Examples of fitting methods include a method of inserting the convex portion 42a into the guide rail 52 from the end of the cultivation pot support part 5, a method of slightly bending the guide rail 52 of the cultivation pot support part 5 and a method of screwing the convex portion 42a therein, etc. Next, the user places the plant seedling on the plant placement portion 41b of the cup 41. Next, the user drives the motor 71. As a result, the nutrient solution distributing section 3 and the cultivation pot supporting section 5 rotate around the support pole 2.

[0037] Next, the user operates the pump 61. This causes the pump 61 to pump up the nutrient solution stored in the liquid storage section 6 and supply it to the lower end of the supply pipe 22 via a pipe or the like. The nutrient solution passes through the supply pipe 22 and the relay pipe 23, and flows into the inlet 31 of the nutrient solution distribution section 3. As described above, the nutrient solution that flows into the inlet 31 passes through each of the eight branch sections 32 and flows out from the outlets 321 of the branch sections 32. The nutrient solution that flows out from each outlet 321 passes through the troughs 51 and flows into the cultivation pot support section 5. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the nutrient solution according to the embodiment. In FIG. 12, an example of the flow of the nutrient solution is indicated by dotted arrows.

[0038] A part of the nutrient solution that has flowed into the cultivation pot support part 5 flows down the nutrient solution guide part 41c of the uppermost cultivation pot 4 arranged on the cultivation pot support part 5 into the plant placing part 41b and the pond 41d.

[0039] 12 shows a container 11 that can accommodate a plant. The shape of the side of the container 11 corresponds to the opening 42b1 of the pot body 42, and the side of the container portion 10 engages with the opening 42b1. This allows the plant to be stably placed on the plant placement portion 41b. Furthermore, a portion of the nutrient solution flows down the cultivation pot support portion 5 into the cultivation pot 4 below.

[0040] When a certain amount of nutrient solution flows into the pond 41d, the nutrient solution overflows from the pond 41d. The overflowing nutrient solution flows out from the second opening 41e, runs down the outer surface 41g of the cup 41, and falls to the bottom.

[0041] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the nutrient solution in the embodiment. For ease of understanding, in Fig. 13, the upper cultivation pot is designated as cultivation pot 4a, and the lower cultivation pot is designated as cultivation pot 4b.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the cultivation pots 4a and 4b are attached to the cultivation pot support member 5, the nutrient solution guide member 41c shields the outer surface 41g in a plan view (viewed from the top to the bottom of the drawing) (see also FIG. 11 ; in FIG. 11 , the positions of the second opening 41e and the outer surface 41g are indicated by dotted lines). Therefore, a portion or most of the nutrient solution that flows out of the second opening 41e of the upper cultivation pot 4a, trickles down along the outer surface 41g, and falls to the bottom strikes the nutrient solution guide member 41c of the lower cultivation pot 4b, then trickles down along the nutrient solution guide member 41c of the cultivation pot 4b and flows into the plant placement member 41b and the pond 41d. Furthermore, a portion or most of the nutrient solution that flows out of the second opening 41e of the cultivation pot 4b, trickles down along the outer surface 41g, and falls to the bottom strikes the nutrient solution guide member 41c of the lower cultivation pot 4 (not shown). In this way, the nutrient solution is supplied in order from the upper cultivation pot 4a to the lower cultivation pot 4b.

[0043] The nutrient solution that has reached the lower end of the cultivation pot support part 5 passes through the hole part 93 and flows into the liquid storage part 6. The nutrient solution that has flowed into the liquid storage part 6 is pumped up again by the pump 61 and supplied to the supply pipe 22.

[0044] As described above, the cultivation device 1 of the embodiment includes a cup 41 having a first opening 41a, a plant placement portion 41b on which a plant is placed, a nutrient solution guide portion 41c that guides nutrient solution dropping from a flow path of the cultivation pot support portion 5 to the plant placement portion 41b, a pond 41d that stores fluid flowing from the nutrient solution guide portion 41c, and a second opening 41e that drains nutrient solution overflowing from the pond 41d into the flow path. The pot body 42 includes a bottom support portion 42b2 and a side support portion 42b3 that engage with a convex portion 42a attached to the cultivation pot support portion 5 that forms the flow path, and an opening 42b1 that communicates with the first opening 41a when the cup 41 is engaged. This simplifies the structure and allows the nutrient solution to be distributed to the plants. Furthermore, the cup 41 is detachable from the pot body 42. Because the cup 41 is detachable from the pot body 42, cleaning the cup 41 is easy. Moreover, the pot body 42 can also be removed from the cultivation pot support part 5, which makes cleaning of the pot body 42 easy.

[0045] In addition, the volume of the pond 41d of the cup 41 is increased, for example, to 50 cc, which prevents the roots of the plant from jumping out of the pond 41d or coming into contact with the cultivation pot support part 5. This allows the roots of the plant to grow sufficiently.

[0046] In addition, a nutrient solution guide portion 41c is provided so that overflowing nutrient solution falls into the next pond 41d. As a result, when water overflows, it falls and is supplied to the lower pond 41d, so that the nutrient solution is evenly supplied to each cultivation pot 4. Furthermore, when the cultivation pot 4 is attached to the cultivation pot support portion 5, the nutrient solution guide portion 41c is structured to block the second opening 41e and the outer surface 41g in a plan view. As a result, the nutrient solution that falls down along the outer surface 41g can be reliably supplied to the lower nutrient solution guide portion 41c.

[0047] When the cup 41 is attached to the pot body 42, the dowel 41f1 is housed in the dowel housing portion 42b44, forming a simple locking mechanism. This prevents the cup 41 from coming off the pot body 42.

[0048] Furthermore, guide rails 52 are arranged on the cultivation pot support part 5, and convex parts 42a are provided on the cultivation pot 4 so as to fit into the guide rails 52. This allows the cultivation pot 4 to be easily attached to the cultivation pot support part 5. The guide rails 52 are also structured so that the cultivation pot support part 5 clamps the cultivation pot 4 by sandwiching the convex parts 42a. Due to friction generated between the guide rails 52 and the convex parts 42a, even when a plant is placed in the cultivation pot 4 and the pond 41d is filled with nutrient solution, the cultivation pot 4 stops against its own weight. With the above-described structure, the cultivation pot 4 can be placed at any position on the cultivation pot support part 5.

[0049] Furthermore, one open surface of each cultivation pot support part 5 is arranged on the opposite side (i.e., the front side) from the surface facing the support 2, and the cultivation pots 4 are arranged on the front side. This makes it easy to install the cultivation pots 4, care for the plants, harvest them, etc. Also, the plants are more likely to be exposed to light.

[0050] In addition, a nutrient solution distribution unit 3 is provided that can distribute the nutrient solution supplied from one supply pipe 22 to multiple pipes (eight in this embodiment). This increases the number of cultivations per unit area. Furthermore, since the nutrient solution is circulated between the supply pipe 22 and the cultivation pot support unit 5 by the pump 61, only a small number of cultivations are required. Furthermore, the structure does not require a storage unit above the cultivation pot support unit 5, which increases the stability of the device and makes maintenance easier.

[0051] In addition, a rotary drive unit 7 is provided, and the support column 2 is set as the center of the rotation axis around which the cultivation pot support unit 5 rotates. This allows airflow to be generated without the need for a separate fan or the like. Furthermore, because the liquid storage unit 6 does not rotate, the power consumption of the motor 71 can be reduced, allowing for a more compact design.

[0052] In this embodiment, the nutrient solution is supplied to the nutrient solution distribution unit 3 using the supply pipe 22 and relay pipe 23 that pass through the support 2 arranged in the center of the cultivation device 1. However, the method of supplying the nutrient solution to the nutrient solution distribution unit 3 is not limited to this, and for example, a supply pipe may be provided above the nutrient solution distribution unit 3 to supply the nutrient solution to the nutrient solution distribution unit 3. This allows for centralized management of nutrient solution in, for example, a large-scale factory.

[0053] In this embodiment, the cultivation pot support parts 5 are arranged so as to surround the support 2. However, this is not limiting, and the cultivation pot support parts 5 may be arranged in one or more rows. In this case, it is preferable that the nutrient solution distribution part 3 is also structured so as to be able to guide the nutrient solution to the top of each of the cultivation pot support parts 5 lined up in the row direction (in accordance with the arrangement of each cultivation pot support part 5).

[0054] In this embodiment, the first opening 41a is disposed on the opposite side of the support 2 (rotation axis) across the cultivation pot support 5. However, this is not limiting, and the first opening 41a may be disposed on the side opposite the support 2, with one open surface of the cultivation pot support 5 facing the support 2. In this case, it is preferable to dispose the light source 10 on the first opening 41a side (i.e., near the support 2). This reduces the number of light sources 10, thereby saving power. Furthermore, when the plants placed in the cultivation pots 4 are small seedlings, the light is concentrated, so energy is not wasted. For this reason, for example, when growing seedlings (the period from sowing seeds to growing seedlings), the seedlings may be grown with one open surface of the cultivation pot support 5 facing the support 2, and after they have grown to a certain extent, the first opening 41a may be disposed on the opposite side of the support 2 (rotation axis) across the cultivation pot support 5.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the position of the light source 10 is fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position of the light source 10 relative to the plant may be changed depending on the growth state of the plant. For example, when the plant is small, the positions of the plant and the light source 10 may be brought closer together, and as the plant grows, the positions of the plant and the light source 10 may be moved further apart.

[0056] In this embodiment, the motor 71 is disposed above the nutrient solution distributing unit 3. However, the location of the motor 71 is not particularly limited as long as it can rotate the nutrient solution distributing unit 3 and the cultivation pot supporting unit 5. By changing the positions of the rotation drive unit 7 and the light source 10 or omitting the light source 10, the frame 8 can be omitted. <Modification> Next, a modified example of the cultivation apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement and structure of a modified cultivation pot.

[0057] In the modified example, the convex portion 42a is not fitted to the guide rail 52. The convex portion 42a is located outside the guide rail 52. Instead, a protrusion 42d is located outside the guide rail 52. When a user holds the cultivation pot 4 and moves it up and down, the protrusion 42d comes into contact with the outer surface 52a of the guide rail 52, thereby preventing the cultivation pot 4 from coming off the cultivation pot support part 5.

[0058] When the projection 42d is positioned outside the guide rail 52, the guide rail 52 abuts against the outside of the convex portion 42a (the right side in FIG. 14), and the cultivation pot support portion 5 clamps the cultivation pot 4. Therefore, although the frictional force is smaller than in the example shown in FIG. 11, the friction generated between the guide rail 52 and the outside of the convex portion 42a causes the cultivation pot 4 to stop against its own weight even when a plant is placed in the cultivation pot 4 and the pond 41d is filled with nutrient solution.

[0059] The method for attaching the cultivation pot 4 to the cultivation pot support part 5 of the modified example is to grip the cultivation pot 4 and press it against the cultivation pot support part 5 from the left side in FIG. 14. As a result, the protrusion 42d climbs over the guide rail 52 and is positioned on the right side of the outer surface 52a. The method for detaching the cultivation pot 4 from the cultivation pot support part 5 of the modified example is to grip the cultivation pot 4 and pull it toward the left side in FIG. 14. As a result, the protrusion 42d climbs over the guide rail 52 and is detached from the cultivation pot support part 5.

[0060] According to the arrangement structure when the modified cultivation pot 4 is attached to the cultivation pot support part 5, the cultivation pot 4 can be more easily attached to the cultivation pot support part 5. In addition, the cultivation pot 4 can be more easily removed from the cultivation pot support part 5.

[0061] While the cultivation container and cultivation device of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. In addition, any other components or steps may be added to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Cultivation equipment 2 pillars 22 Supply pipe 23 Relay pipe 3 Nutrient solution distribution section 31 Inlet 32 Branch 321 Outlet 33 Supported part 4 cultivation pots 41 cups 41a 1st opening 41b Plant placement part 41c Nutrient solution guide section 41d pounds 41e 2nd opening 41f Engagement part 41f1 Double 41g external surface 42 Pot body 42a Convex part 42b Storage section 42b1 opening 42b2 Bottom support 42b3 Side support 42b4 Slit 42b41 Insertion part 42b42 Contact part 42b43 Step 42b44 Dowel housing 42c connection part 42d protrusion 5 Cultivation pot support 51 Gutter 52 guide rail 52a Exterior 6 Liquid reservoir 61 Pump 7 Rotation drive unit 8 Frame 71 Motor 8 Frame 9. Pedestal 91 Hole 92 slots 93 Hole 10 light source 11 Container

Claims

1. a first part including: a placement section having a first opening and on which a plant is placed; a water guide section having a water guide plate that guides fluid dropping from a flow path to the placement section; a storage section that stores the fluid that has flowed in from the water guide section; and a second opening that drains fluid overflowing from the storage section into the flow path; a second part including: an attachment portion attached to a member forming the flow path; an engagement portion with which the first part engages; and a third opening portion communicating with the first opening portion when the first part engages with the engagement portion; A cultivation container comprising:

2. A cultivation container as described in claim 1, wherein a locking mechanism is provided in the water guide portion to prevent the first part from detaching from the second part when the first part is engaged with the engagement portion.

3. A long body having a flow path and standing in a vertical direction; a first part including: a placement section having a first opening and on which a plant is placed; a water guide section having a water guide plate that guides fluid dropping from a flow path to the placement section; a storage section that stores the fluid that has flowed in from the water guide section; and a second opening that drains fluid overflowing from the storage section into the flow path; a second part including an attachment portion attached to the elongated body, an engagement portion with which the first part engages, and a third opening that communicates with the first opening when the first part is engaged with the engagement portion; A cultivation device comprising:

4. A cultivation device as described in Claim 3, wherein the elongated body has a guide rail along the longitudinal direction to which the mounting portion is attached.

5. When the attachment portion is attached to the elongated body, The cultivation device according to claim 3, wherein the water guide plate forms a slope facing the placement portion.

6. A plurality of the elongated bodies are arranged in a ring shape in a plan view. The cultivation device of claim 3 further comprises a fluid distribution section having an inlet section into which a fluid flows, a branching section that branches the fluid flowing in from the inlet section, and an outlet section that directs the branched fluid to the end of the elongated body.

7. A cultivation device as described in Claim 6, further having a rotating section that rotates the multiple elongated bodies around a predetermined rotation axis.

8. A cultivation device as described in Claim 7, wherein the first opening is positioned on the opposite side of the rotation axis, sandwiching the elongated body.

9. A cultivation device as described in Claim 7, wherein the first opening is arranged on the side of the elongated body opposite the rotation axis.

10. A plurality of the second parts, with the first parts engaged with the engaging portions, are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the elongated body, The cultivation device according to claim 3, wherein the fluid flowing out from the second opening on the upstream side falls into the water guide portion of the first part on the downstream side.

11. A cultivation device as described in Claim 3, wherein when the first part engages with the engaging portion and the mounting portion is attached to a member forming the flow path, the water guide plate blocks the second opening in a planar view.

Images