Grass cultivation equipment

Abstract

To provide a lawn growth device for growing lawn efficiently and properly.SOLUTION: A natural lawn growth device 20 includes illumination frames 24a-24c which support an illuminator 24 to irradiate the natural lawn with light, legs L1 and L2 which support the illumination frames 24a-24c and are movable, an air blower 25 provided at the legs L1 and L2, and a sprinkler 26 that sprays the natural lawn with water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a turf growing device for growing turf on a ground used for sports and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Some stadiums, which are used for soccer, track and field, and other sports, are equipped with turf pitches. Some of these stadiums use natural turf for reasons of compliance with the rules of the game, safety, or the feel it provides when in use. However, natural turf is easily damaged by strenuous exercise, and its growth condition changes depending on the amount of sunlight it receives and the breathability of the air caused by the weather, making it difficult to cultivate. Therefore, methods of irradiating the pitch with artificial light and lighting devices have been investigated to cultivate natural turf (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a natural grass cultivation lighting device that has a light source consisting of red, green, and blue light-emitting elements and a body that can be raised and lowered and moved freely. When in the upright position, the natural grass cultivation lighting device functions as a lighting device for the field, and when in the lying position, it promotes the growth and repair of natural grass.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for supplementing light by bringing a light source installed on the ceiling of a stadium closer to the natural turf. Patent Document 3 discloses a system for growing natural grass on a playing field. This natural grass growing system includes a mobile structure that can move over the playing field where natural grass is planted, a light source that is installed on the mobile structure and can irradiate the playing field with light, and a blower that is installed on the mobile structure and can blow air onto the playing field. Furthermore, the system detects environmental conditions on the playing field that affect the growth of the natural grass, and controls the operation of the light source and blower based on the detection results of the environmental condition detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 147391 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-78573 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-14438 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, grass is greatly affected by the environment, and unless the appropriate environment is created, it is difficult to grow grass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A turf cultivation device that solves the above problem comprises a lighting frame that supports a lighting device that irradiates light onto natural turf, movable legs that support the lighting frame, a blower attached to the legs, and a sprinkler device that sprinkles water onto the natural turf. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention allows grass to be grown efficiently and accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a turf growing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a turf growing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the development of the grass cultivation device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the development of the grass cultivation device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a leg portion of the turf cultivation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a system configuration according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration of the embodiment. [Figure 8]1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of the cultivation conditions of an embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of ventilation and lighting, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of ventilation, lighting, and watering. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A specific embodiment of the turf growing device will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The turf growing device of this embodiment grows natural turf planted on the ground (ground) of a sports field where soccer and other sports are played.

[0011] In this embodiment, a cultivation device 20 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is used. The cultivation device 20 is a device that is placed on a ground to cultivate natural grass. Figs. 1 to 3 show the cultivation device 20. Side view, top view, and development diagram Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the legs stretched out from the bent position, and Fig. 5 is a side view of the legs of the cultivation device.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the cultivation device 20 is erected on two legs L1 and L2. Each of the legs L1 and L2 is erected on the ground by two wheels 20a, allowing it to move. Turf tires or spherical tires (such as Omniwheel (registered trademark)) are used as the wheels 20a. Each wheel 20a is rotatably fixed to a support base 20b. A support column 20c is fixed to the support base 20b in the vertical direction. The support column 20c supports lighting frames 24a, 24b, and 24c at its upper end.

[0013] The lighting frame 24a is, for example, about 10 m long and is spanned between two support columns 20c. As shown in FIG. 2, the support pillars 20c of the leg L1 support the lighting frames 24a and 24b, and the support pillars 20c of the leg L2 support the lighting frames 24a and 24c.

[0014] At the top of the legs L1 and L2, hinges 20d are provided between the lighting frames 24a and 24b and between the lighting frames 24a and 24c. The lighting frames 24b and 24c are each, for example, about half the length (5 m) of the lighting frame 24a.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the hinge 20d allows the angles of the lighting frames 24b and 24c to be changed relative to the lighting frame 24a. As shown in FIG. 4, the illumination frames 24a, 24b, and 24c can also be arranged in a straight line.

[0016] 1 and 2, the leg L2 is provided with a handle 20e, which is used to control the running direction of the growing device 20 when it is moving. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a sensor 23 is provided on the support base 20b.

[0017] The sensor 23 measures the temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, grass condition, and soil condition. Specifically, the sensor 23 includes a thermometer (temperature sensor) that measures the temperature, a hygrometer (humidity sensor) that measures the humidity, an anemometer that measures the wind speed, and an actinometer that measures the amount of light.

[0018] Furthermore, the sensor 23 includes a turf condition sensor that measures the turf condition (growing condition) using image processing. For example, a multispectral sensor is used to acquire the spectral reflectance characteristics of natural turf. Plants have the property of absorbing electromagnetic waves in the visible range (weak reflection) due to the action of photosynthetic pigments, and strongly reflecting electromagnetic waves in the near-infrared range (NIR). The distribution and activity of vegetation are calculated using a formula that utilizes the correlation between the red wavelength range, which is the absorption band, and the near-infrared wavelength range, which is less absorbed. The value is expressed as a vegetation index (NDVI: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index).

[0019] The sensor 23 includes a soil moisture meter (soil condition sensor) that measures the dryness of the ground. A sensor that utilizes the dielectric properties of soil (TDR method, TDT method, ADR method, etc.) or a sensor that utilizes matric potential (the ability of soil to absorb moisture) (tensiometer method, etc.) is used. This soil moisture meter measures by inserting a probe or the like into the soil. This insertion may be performed manually or automatically using an actuator. However, the turf condition sensor and the soil condition sensor are not limited to these.

[0020] Eighteen straight-tube lighting devices 24 are suspended from the underside of lighting frame 24a. Nine straight-tube lighting devices 24 are suspended from the underside of lighting frames 24b and 24c, respectively. These lighting devices 24 are arranged in a row with multiple sodium lamps (orange). The lighting devices 24 emit artificial light downward. The use of sodium lamps ensures a distance (space) from the ground. This space can be used for blowing air or sprinkling water.

[0021] Furthermore, on both sides of the support column 20c of each of the legs L1 and L2, an air blower 25 and a water sprinkler 26 are provided so as to be rotatable on a horizontal plane. The air blower 25 is located at different height positions on the left and right. On both sides of the support column 20c, a blower 25 is provided so as to be rotatable on a horizontal plane. The blower 25 is equipped with a fan and uses this fan to blow air onto the ground. The blower 25 changes the wind speed by changing the rotation speed of the fan. The blowers 25 are facing in opposite directions on both sides of the support column 20c, so they can blow air in different directions.

[0022] Further, sprinkler devices 26 are provided on both sides of the support pole 20c. The sprinkler devices 26 have sprinkler nozzles connected to hoses. The sprinkler devices 26 spray water supplied from the hoses onto the ground through the sprinkler nozzles. Sprinkler devices 26 may also spray water as mist. The sprinkler devices 26 are oriented in opposite directions on both sides of the support pole 20c, allowing them to spray water in different directions.

[0023] (Turf cultivation system) As shown in FIG. 6, the cultivation device 20 is used as a grass cultivation system A1 including a management device U1 connected via a network.

[0024] The maintenance device U1 is a computer terminal used by a manager of natural turf (greenskeeper). The growing device 20 includes a control device C1, a growing condition storage unit C2, a movement support unit M1, and a deployment support unit M2.

[0025] (Example of hardware configuration) FIG. 7 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device H10 that functions as the management device U1, the control device C1, and the like.

[0026] The information processing device H10 includes a communication device H11, an input device H12, a display device H13, a storage device H14, and a processor H15. Note that this hardware configuration is an example, and the information processing device H10 may include other hardware.

[0027] The communication device H11 is an interface that establishes a communication path with other devices and executes data transmission and reception, and is, for example, a network interface card or a wireless interface.

[0028] The input device H12 is a device that accepts input from a user, etc., and is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display device H13 is a display, a touch panel, etc. that displays various information.

[0029] The storage device H14 is a storage device that stores data and various programs for executing various functions of the management device U1 and the control device C1. Examples of the storage device H14 include a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk.

[0030] The processor H15 controls each process in the management device U1 and the control device C1 using programs and data stored in the storage device H14. Examples of the processor H15 include a CPU and an MPU. The processor H15 loads programs stored in a ROM or the like into a RAM and executes various processes corresponding to the various processes. For example, when an application program in the management device U1 or the control device C1 is started, the processor H15 runs a process that executes each process described below.

[0031] The processor H15 is not limited to a processor that performs all of its processing using software. For example, the processor H15 may include a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs hardware processing for at least some of the processing it performs. That is, the processor H15 may be configured with the following:

[0032] (System Configuration) The control device C1 uses the cultivation condition memory unit C2 to control the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, and the water sprinkler 26 according to the detection results of the sensor 23. The control device C1, the movement support unit M1, the deployment support unit M2, the sensor 23, the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, and the water sprinkler 26 may be driven by power supplied from an external power line or by power supplied from a battery within the cultivation device 20.

[0033] The cultivation condition memory unit C2 stores data on lighting conditions, ventilation conditions, and watering conditions for temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, turf condition, and soil condition. Lighting conditions are set using lighting intensity, etc. Lighting intensity is adjusted, for example, by the number of sodium lamps turned on. Ventilation conditions are set using wind speed and ventilation time. Watering conditions are set using the amount of water sprayed per unit time and watering time, etc. For example, in the case of a vegetation index corresponding to the turf condition immediately after sowing or repair, conditions are set to increase watering. Also, in the case of insufficient sunlight, such as in winter, lighting conditions that increase illuminance are used. In this case, in the case of soil conditions, conditions are set to increase watering even when the soil is dry.

[0034] For example, as shown in Fig. 8(a), strong airflow conditions are used during high temperature and humidity such as summer, etc. This airflow is directed to both sides of the support column 20c. 8(b), the air blowing condition and the water sprinkling condition may be used in combination. The air blowing and the water sprinkling are also performed on both sides of the support column 20c.

[0035] The control device C1 then transmits information about the turf condition, soil condition, and control status to the management device U1. The movement support unit M1 drives the wheels 20a using an electric motor, and when the movement support unit M1 detects rotation of the wheels 20a due to the operator pulling the handle 20e, the movement support unit M1 assists the rotation.

[0036] The deployment support unit M2 rotates the lighting frames 24b and 24c in a horizontal plane. When the deployment support unit M2 detects the rotation of the lighting frames 24b and 24c due to the deployment operation by the operator, it drives the electric motor to assist the rotation. This rotation changes the lighting frames 24b and 24c from a folded state to an extended state, or from an extended state to a folded state.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In this embodiment, straight-tube lighting devices 24 are suspended from lighting frames 24a to 24c. By emitting artificial light downward, the sodium lamp light can be efficiently irradiated onto the natural grass on the field. This ensures that the lighting devices 24 are positioned at a certain distance from the field, and that the light intensity can be adjusted to be suitable for growing natural grass. Furthermore, ventilation within the cultivation device 20 can be ensured.

[0038] (2) In this embodiment, hinges 20d are provided between the lighting frames 24a and 24b and between the lighting frames 24a and 24c. The hinges 20d allow the angles of the lighting frames 24b and 24c to be changed relative to the lighting frame 24a. The lighting frames 24b and 24c can be closely attached to the lighting frame 24a, allowing for storage in a small area. Furthermore, the lighting frames 24b and 24c can be separated from the lighting frame 24a, allowing for illumination of a large area.

[0039] (3) In this embodiment, the air blowers 25 are provided on both sides of the support columns 20c of each of the legs L1 and L2 so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane. This allows air to be blown laterally onto the natural grass in the space from the ground to the height of the lighting devices 24, similar to natural wind.

[0040] (4) In this embodiment, the sprinkler devices 26 are provided on both sides of the support columns 20c of each of the legs L1 and L2 so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane. This allows water to be sprinkled from the side onto the natural grass in the space from the ground to the height of the lighting devices 24.

[0041] (5) In this embodiment, the growing device 20 includes a movement support unit M1 and an unfolding support unit M2. This reduces the workload of using the growing device 20. (6) In this embodiment, the sensor 23 detects the temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, turf condition, and soil condition. The control device C1 uses the cultivation condition memory unit C2 to control the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, and the water sprinkler 26 in accordance with the various measurements and other information from the sensor 23. This allows for an environment suitable for growing natural turf to be achieved in accordance with not only the surrounding environment but also the turf condition and soil condition.

[0042] (7) In this embodiment, the control device C1 transmits information about the turf condition, soil condition, and control status to the management device U1. This allows the manager of the natural turf (greenskeeper) to understand the growing status, including the turf condition and soil condition.

[0043] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility. In the above embodiment, the sprinkler devices 26 are provided on both sides of the support pillars 20c of each of the legs L1, L2. The placement of the sprinkler devices 26 is not limited to the support pillars 20c of each of the legs L1, L2. For example, instead of or in addition to the legs L1, L2, the sprinkler devices 26 consisting of a plurality of sprinkler nozzles may be provided on the lighting frames 24a to 24c.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the straight-tube lighting devices 24 are suspended from the lighting frames 24a to 24c. Here, a top plate may be provided above the lighting frames 24a to 24c. This can prevent the lighting frames 24a to 24c from getting wet during rain. In addition, the lighting light that would otherwise be scattered upward can be reflected, allowing for effective use of the lighting light.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the lighting frames 24a, 24b, and 24c are supported by the support columns 20c of the legs L1 and L2. Here, the support columns 20c may be made extendable up and down. This allows the height of the lighting device 24 from the ground to be changed, thereby changing the lighting conditions (e.g., lighting intensity).

[0046] In the above embodiment, the control device C1 uses the cultivation condition memory unit C2 to control the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, and the water sprinkler 26 in accordance with the detection results of the sensor 23. Here, the cultivation condition memory unit C2 is used to specify the lighting conditions, air blowing conditions, and water sprinkler conditions for the temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, grass condition, and soil condition. The lighting conditions, air blowing conditions, and water sprinkler conditions are not limited to the temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, grass condition, and soil condition. Some of these or other conditions may also be used.

[0047] For example, field usage information may be used. The field usage information specifies the type of event being held on the field, such as a soccer, rugby, or baseball match. Then, lighting conditions, ventilation conditions, and watering conditions may be set according to the type of event.

[0048] Furthermore, for each event type, location information may be used to set the training conditions. For example, in the case of soccer or rugby, the areas may be divided into goals, corners, and other areas. In the case of baseball, the training conditions may be set according to the area near the base, the infield, and the outfield. Furthermore, the cultivation conditions may be set according to the season (date period).

[0049] In the above embodiment, the cultivation device 20 includes a movement support unit M1 and an unfolding support unit M2. These units assist the rotation of the wheels 20a and the rotation of the lighting frames 24b and 24c operated by an operator. Alternatively, the cultivation device 20 may be self-propelled. For example, the cultivation device 20 receives cultivation instructions input to the management device U1. These cultivation instructions include information regarding the location (destination position) where the natural grass will be cultivated. In this case, the control device C1 drives the wheels 20a using the electric motor of the movement support unit M1 to move the cultivation device 20 from the current position to the destination position. When the cultivation device 20 reaches the destination position, the control device C1 rotates the lighting frames 24b and 24c using the electric motor of the unfolding support unit M2. The control device C1 then controls the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, and the sprinkler 26 based on the measurement values ​​and other information acquired by the sensor 23. Furthermore, the training instruction may be scheduled in advance. In this case, the management device U1 of the training device 20 acquires the scheduled training instruction according to the current date and time.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the lighting devices 24 are arranged in a row, each having a straight tube shape. However, the lighting devices 24 of the cultivation device 20 may be arranged in multiple rows. Furthermore, they may be arranged in a cross shape or a matrix shape. This allows the area illuminated with artificial light at one time to be wide, allowing for a wide area to be cultivated for natural grass.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the growing device is equipped with a control device C1. Alternatively, centralized management may be performed by a management device U1. In this case, a growth condition information storage unit is provided in the management device U1, and the operating conditions of the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, and the sprinkler 26 are determined based on sensor information acquired from the control device C1. The management device U1 then controls the lighting device 24, the air blower 25, the sprinkler 26, etc. of the growing device 20 according to the determined operating conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 20...cultivation device, 20a...wheel, 20b...support base, 20c...support column, 20d...hinge, 20e...handle, 23...sensor, 24...lighting device, 24a-24c...lighting frame, 25...air blower, 26...watering device, A1...grass cultivation system, C1...control device, C2...cultivation condition memory unit, M1...movement support unit, M2...deployment support unit, L1, L2...legs, U1...management device.

Claims

1. a lighting frame that supports a lighting device that irradiates light onto natural turf; a movable leg that supports the lighting frame; A blower provided on the leg portion; a water sprinkler device that sprinkles water on the natural turf, A turf growing device characterized in that the water sprinkler device is provided on the leg portion.

2. a lighting frame that supports a lighting device that irradiates light onto natural turf; a movable leg that supports the lighting frame; A blower provided on the leg portion; a water sprinkler device that sprinkles water on the natural turf, Acquire usage information of the ground where the natural grass is planted, A turf growing device that controls at least one of the lighting device, the air blower device, and the water sprinkler device in accordance with the usage information.

3. 3. The turf growing device according to claim 1, wherein the water sprinkler device is further provided on the lighting frame.

4. Further provided is a turf condition sensor that detects the turf condition, A turf cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the lighting device, the air blower device and the water sprinkler device is controlled according to the turf condition detected by the turf condition sensor.

5. Further provided is a soil condition sensor that detects the condition of the ground on which the natural turf is planted, A turf cultivation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the lighting device, the air blower device, and the sprinkler device is controlled according to the soil condition detected by the soil condition sensor.

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