Spacer, cultivation pot with spacer, and hydroponic cultivation device using the same

Abstract

To provide a spacer, a cultivation pot with a spacer, and a hydroponic cultivation device using the same, which are suitable not only for small-scale hydroponic cultivation in ordinary homes but also for large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture. [Solution] The mesh pot 10 has a plurality of through holes at least on its peripheral surface 10b, and is provided between the buoyant body 1 that holds the mesh pot 10 in a freely insertable and removable manner, and is provided with a step 10d that separates the peripheral surface 10b of the mesh pot 10 from the buoyant body 1 when the mesh pot 10 is inserted into or removed from the buoyant body 1 together with the mesh pot 10. Therefore, even when the mesh pot 10 has roots of a plant 9 protruding from it, the mesh pot 10 can be removed from the buoyant body 1 or fitted into the buoyant body 1 without damaging the roots of the plant 9. As a result, the mesh pot 10 is suitable not only for small-scale hydroponic cultivation in ordinary homes, but also for large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spacer, a cultivation pot with a spacer, and a hydroponic cultivation device using the same, which is suitable not only for small-scale hydroponic cultivation in ordinary homes but also for large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroponic cultivation is becoming increasingly popular as a hobby and a practical method, as it allows ornamental and edible plants to be easily observed as they grow. One hydroponic cultivation device does not store the nutrient solution in a separate storage tank, but instead supplies it directly to the cultivation tank, dissolving essential nutrients and adjusting the concentration to an appropriate level for growing crops (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This device does not require a circulation pump or piping, requiring only the cultivation tank, and is simple and relatively easy to operate, making it suitable for general household use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] When plants are grown from seeds, it takes at least two weeks before changes can be observed, but when plants are grown from seedlings, changes can be observed immediately. Such plant seedlings are commercially available, for example, planted in soil in a growing pot (polyethylene film pot). However, growing pots have poor ventilation and tend to become humid, so it is preferable to replant plant seedlings planted in such pots as soon as possible.

[0004] For this reason, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the plant seedling is removed from the growing pot, the soil attached to the roots is removed, and the plant is replanted directly into a planting hole drilled through a polystyrene foam cultivation bed. In this case, the plant's roots are exposed, which makes replanting difficult as they touch the periphery of the planting hole, and if replanted too forcefully, there is a risk of damaging the plant's roots. The same applies when a conventional mesh pot 10P in which a plant 9 has been replanted is replaced after the roots of the plant 9 have extended beyond the periphery 10b, as shown in Figure 10(b) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This problem is thought to be one of the factors hindering the spread of small-scale hydroponic cultivation in ordinary households.

[0005] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, the spacing between plant bodies in the cultivation bed needs to be large, taking into consideration the growth of the plants. This results in a small yield per area of ​​the cultivation bed, resulting in poor production efficiency. This problem is thought to be one of the factors hindering the spread of large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a spacer, a cultivation pot with a spacer, and a hydroponic cultivation device using the same that are suitable not only for small-scale hydroponic cultivation in ordinary homes but also for large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The spacer according to the present invention is provided between a cultivation pot having a plurality of through holes at least on its peripheral surface and a cultivation bed that holds the cultivation pot so as to be freely inserted and removed in the vertical direction, and is configured to separate the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot from the cultivation bed when the cultivation pot is inserted and removed from the cultivation bed together with the cultivation pot, and the thickness in the vertical direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the cultivation bed, and the The peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and the cultivation bed The distance is characterized in that it is set to be larger than the projection dimension of the roots of the plant in a plan view when the roots of the plant protrude from the through holes on the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and hang down in the air under their own weight.

[0008] According to the spacer of the present invention, the spacer is provided between a cultivation pot having a plurality of through holes at least on its peripheral surface and a cultivation bed that holds the cultivation pot so as to be freely inserted and removed in the vertical direction, and is configured to separate the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot from the cultivation bed when the spacer is inserted and removed from the cultivation bed together with the cultivation pot, and the thickness in the vertical direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the cultivation bed, and the The peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and the cultivation bed The distance is set to be larger than the projection dimension in a plan view of the roots of a plant when the roots of the plant protrude from the through holes in the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and hang down in the air under their own weight, so even if the cultivation pot has roots protruding from the peripheral surface, the plant can be pulled out of or fitted into the cultivation bed without damaging the roots.

[0009] As in the spacer according to the invention described in claim 2, it is preferable that the spacer is a step portion formed so as to project outward from the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot.

[0010] According to the spacer of the invention described in claim 2, the spacer is a step portion formed so as to protrude outward from the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot, and therefore has a simple structure.

[0011] As in the spacer according to the invention described in claim 3, it is preferable that the spacer is a wing-like body formed so as to protrude outward from the upper part of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot.

[0012] According to the spacer of the invention described in claim 3, the spacer is a wing-shaped body formed so as to protrude outward from the upper part of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot, and therefore has a simple structure.

[0013] As in the spacer according to the invention described in claim 4, it is preferable that the spacer is an annular body formed so as to surround the upper part of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot.

[0014] According to the spacer of the invention described in claim 4, the spacer is an annular body formed so as to surround the upper part of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot, and therefore has a simple structure.

[0015] As in the cultivation pot with spacer of the invention described in claim 5, it is preferable that the cultivation pot has a flange at the upper end of the cultivation pot for holding it in the cultivation bed, and the spacer is integrated below the flange.

[0016] According to the cultivation pot with spacer of the invention described in claim 5, the cultivation pot has a flange at the top end of the cultivation pot for holding it on the cultivation bed, and the spacer is integrated below the flange, so that if the cultivation pot and the spacer are formed integrally, the structure can be further simplified. On the other hand, if the cultivation pot and the spacer are manufactured separately, the spacer can be conveniently attached to the cultivation pot later.

[0017] As in the hydroponic cultivation device according to the invention described in claim 6, it is preferable that the cultivation pots with spacers are immersed in a hydroponic culture solution while being held so as to be insertable into and detachable from the cultivation bed.

[0018] According to the hydroponic cultivation device of the invention described in claim 6, the cultivation pot with spacer is configured to be immersed in the hydroponic cultivation solution while being held so that it can be inserted and removed freely from the cultivation bed, making it easy to replace plants in hydroponic cultivation and to replant them as they grow.

[0019] As in the hydroponic cultivation device according to the invention described in claim 7, the cultivation bed is preferably a buoyant body that floats in the culture solution for hydroponic cultivation.

[0020] According to the hydroponic cultivation device of the invention described in claim 7, the cultivation bed is a buoyant body that floats in the nutrient solution for hydroponic cultivation, so the state of sinking of the cultivation bed represents the level of the nutrient solution, and even an amateur can tell at a glance whether the nutrient solution is running low. This makes it extremely easy to manage the nutrient solution, and ensures that the nutrient solution is reliably supplied when this state occurs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the spacer of the present invention, the spacer is provided between a cultivation pot having a plurality of through holes at least on its peripheral surface and a cultivation bed that holds the cultivation pot so as to be freely inserted and removed in the vertical direction, and is configured to separate the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot from the cultivation bed when the spacer is inserted and removed from the cultivation bed together with the cultivation pot, and the thickness in the vertical direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the cultivation bed, and the The peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and the cultivation bed The distance is set to be larger than the projection dimension in a plan view of the roots of a plant when the roots of the plant protrude from the through holes in the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and hang down in the air under their own weight, so even if the cultivation pot has roots protruding from the peripheral surface, the plant can be pulled out of or fitted into the cultivation bed without damaging the roots.

[0022] According to the cultivation pot with spacer of the invention described in claim 5, the cultivation pot has a flange at the top end of the cultivation pot for holding it on the cultivation bed, and the spacer is integrated below the flange, so that if the cultivation pot and the spacer are formed integrally, the structure can be further simplified. On the other hand, if the cultivation pot and the spacer are manufactured separately, the spacer can be conveniently attached to the cultivation pot later.

[0023] According to the hydroponic cultivation device of the invention described in claim 6, the cultivation pot with spacer is configured to be immersed in the hydroponic cultivation solution while being held so that it can be inserted and removed freely from the cultivation bed, making it easy to replace plants in hydroponic cultivation and to replant them as they grow. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a hydroponic cultivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a partial vertical cross section. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a hydroponic cultivation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mesh pot and a buoyant body of the hydroponic cultivation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]1A to 1D are diagrams showing the configuration of an example of a mesh pot, in which (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing an example of a conventional mesh pot combined with a spacer, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 6] 10A to 10D are diagrams showing the configuration of another example of a mesh pot, in which (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] 10A to 10D are diagrams showing a combination of another example of a spacer with a conventional mesh pot, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 8] 10A to 10D are diagrams showing the configuration of still another example of the mesh pot, in which (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 9] 10A to 10D are diagrams showing a combination of a conventional mesh pot with yet another example of a spacer, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a mesh pot, in which (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a mesh pot, and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a conventional mesh pot. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of a tank and a buoyant body according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line WW in (a), and (c) is a perspective view. [Figure 12] 10A, 10B, and 10C are explanatory diagrams of a buoyant body according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view showing the case of 18 holes, (b) is a plan view showing the case of 11 holes, and (c) is a plan view showing the case of 6 holes. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a planar arrangement of a hydroponic cultivation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a hydroponic cultivation device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a partial vertical cross section; FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof; and FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section of a mesh pot 10 and a buoyant body 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 are structural diagrams of the mesh pots 10, 10', and 10'', where (a) is a perspective view, (b) a plan view, (c) a front view, and (d) a vertical cross section. FIGS. 5, 7, and 9 are diagrams showing a combination of a conventional mesh pot 10P with any of spacers 10X, 10Y, and 10Z, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) a plan view, (c) a front view, and (d) a vertical cross section. In the first embodiment, small-scale hydroponic cultivation in an ordinary home will be described.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, this hydroponic cultivation device 100 includes a growing pot (not shown) containing a plant seedling 9, which is then washed with water to remove the soil without damaging the roots. The roots of the plant seedling 9 are then surrounded by foamed bricks 3 and placed in a mesh pot (an example of a spacer-equipped growing pot) 10. The mesh pot 10 is then surrounded by a buoyant body 1 serving as a growing bed and floated in a culture solution 4 in a tank 5, while air is diffused into the culture solution 4 by an air diffuser 12 in the tank 5. The growth of organic matter (algae) in the culture solution 4 can cause an oxygen deficiency, making it difficult for the plant roots 9 to grow. The diffused air replenishes oxygen into the culture solution 4. The culture solution 4 is, for example, Hyponex (trade name) diluted with water, and the foamed bricks 3 are, for example, Hydroball (trade name). Glass wool, pumice, or other materials may be used instead of the foamed bricks 3.

[0028] The tank 5 is a rectangular parallelepiped with an open top, and transparent glass plates are fitted into the frames 14 on each side of the tank, forming all of the periphery (front, back, left, and right) except for the bottom. The transparent glass plates are used to allow observation of the growth status of the plants, such as the root growth. If this purpose is not required, the tank, including the bottom, may be made of opaque synthetic resin (plastic), extraction polystyrene foam (for example, Styrofoam (registered trademark)), or the like.

[0029] Although the buoyant body 1 is somewhat flattened and irregular in shape, it has a rectangular shape in plan view, and is slightly larger than the opening of the frame 14 at the top of the tank 5. This frame 14 functions as a stopper means at the top of the tank 5, stopping the buoyant body 1 from rising further and preventing the plant seedlings 9 from tilting excessively. In addition, a single through-hole 1a is formed in approximately the center of the buoyant body 1 in plan view, into which a mesh pot 10 can be fitted in an upright position. The through-hole 1a has a diameter that tapers slightly from the top to the bottom, giving it a so-called mortar shape.

[0030] The basic shape of the mesh pot 10 is a truncated cone, slightly larger than the above-mentioned growing pot, and its peripheral surface 10b and bottom surface 10c are formed with a plurality of through-holes large enough to allow the roots of the plant seedlings 9 to pass through when they sprout, but not enough to allow the foam bricks 3 to pass through. The mesh pot 10 is made of a material such as synthetic resin. In these respects, it is the same as the conventional mesh pot 10P.

[0031] However, as shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d) and 10(a), the mesh pot 10 has a stepped portion 10d that protrudes outward from the upper portion of its peripheral surface 10b, and a flange 10a is formed at the upper end of the stepped portion 10d. The thickness of the stepped portion 10d in the vertical direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the buoyant body 1, and it is preferable that the protruding dimension of the stepped portion 10 in a plan view be slightly larger than the protruding dimension when the roots of the plant 9 are removed from the culture solution 4 and hang down under their own weight. It is also preferable that no through holes be provided in the stepped portion 10d.

[0032] This step 10d is loosely fitted into the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1, and the flange 10a is placed on the upper surface around the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1. In this way, the flange 10a and the step 10d are engaged with the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1, so that the mesh pot 10 is removably held in the buoyant body 1. In this case, all members are formed integrally, resulting in the simplest configuration. Also, when not in use, multiple mesh pots 10 can be conveniently stacked.

[0033] 5(a) to 5(d), the mesh pot 10 may be replaced with a conventional mesh pot 10P having a spacer 10X fitted thereto, the spacer 10X having a step 10h formed to hang down from a flange 10g having a larger diameter than the flange 10a of the conventional mesh pot 10P, so that the two do not easily come off. The flange 10g and the step 10h are then engaged with the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1, so that the mesh pot 10P and the spacer 10X are held removably on the buoyant body 1. In this case, the spacer 10X can be conveniently attached to the conventional mesh pot 10P.

[0034] As another example, as shown in Figures 6(a) to (d), a mesh pot 10' has eight wing-like bodies 10e that hang down from positions that divide the circumference of the flange 10a into eight equal parts, for example, and that protrude outward from the upper part of the peripheral surface 10b. The thickness of the wing-like bodies 10e in the vertical direction and the protruding dimensions of the wing-like bodies 10e in a plan view are the same as those of the step portion 10d. This flange 10a and the eight wing-like bodies 10e are engaged with the through-holes 1a of the buoyant body 1, and the mesh pot 10’ are held removably and insertably in the buoyant body 1. In this case, too, a simple configuration is achieved by integrally forming all members. The number of wing-like bodies 10e is not limited to eight, and may be any appropriate number determined from the balance of their arrangement.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), the mesh pot 10' may be replaced by a conventional mesh pot 10P in which a spacer 10Y having eight wing-like bodies 10e formed to hang down from positions dividing the circumference of a flange 10g, which has a larger diameter than the flange 10a of the conventional mesh pot 10P, for example, at eight equal divisions, is fitted, so that the two components cannot be easily removed. The flange 10g and the eight wing-like bodies 10e are then engaged with the through-holes 1a of the buoyant body 1, so that the mesh pot 10, together with the spacer 10Y, is removably held on the buoyant body 1. In this case, the spacer 10Y can be conveniently attached to the conventional mesh pot 10P.

[0036] As yet another example, as shown in Figures 8(a) to (d), the mesh pot 10" has a ring-shaped body 10f formed to surround the upper part of its peripheral surface 10b. In this case too, a simple structure is achieved by forming all the members integrally. The flange 10a and the ring-shaped body 10f are engaged with the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1, so that the mesh pot 10" is held in the buoyant body 1 so that it can be inserted and removed freely. In this case too, a simple structure is achieved by forming all the members integrally.

[0037] Mesh Pot 10" is shown in the figure. 9 As shown in (a) to (d), a spacer 10Z having an annular body 10f formed to hang down from a flange 10g having a diameter larger than that of the flange 10a of a conventional mesh pot 10P may be fitted into the conventional mesh pot 10P so that the two do not easily come off. The flange 10g and the annular body 10f are then engaged with the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1, so that the mesh pot 10 and the spacer 10Z are held removably on the buoyant body 1. In this case, the spacer 10Z can be conveniently attached to the conventional mesh pot 10P.

[0038] The following explanation will be given using a mesh pot 10 as a representative example. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the outside of the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1 is a double structure 1b, and the outside of that is a single structure 1c. The double structure 1b is either hollow or filled with expanded polystyrene or extracted polystyrene foam. The buoyant body 1 having such a configuration is capable of supporting only the upper part of the mesh pot 10. This is because if the mesh pot 10 is significantly taller than the buoyant body 1, the center of gravity of the entire structure will be higher, making the buoyant body 1 unstable when floating in the culture solution 4. A water supply and drainage port 11 is provided at one corner of the single structure 1c.

[0039] Although it is not clear from the diagram, the periphery of the transparent glass tank 5 is covered with an opaque, light-blocking insulating material. This is because the light blocking prevents the generation of organic matter, and the insulating effect maintains a nearly constant temperature inside the tank 5. However, the top of the tank 5 is open, so it is covered with an opaque, light-blocking buoyancy cover 2. The light blocking prevents the generation of organic matter.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 100 includes, in addition to the aforementioned air diffusion ball 12, an air hose 7 connected to the air diffusion ball 12 via an air hose joint 8, an air pump 6 that supplies air to the air hose, and a power cord 13 that supplies power to the air pump 6.

[0041] The method of using the hydroponic cultivation device 100 will be explained below, again using the mesh pot 10 as a representative example. First, a commercially available cultivation pot containing a plant seedling 9 planted in soil is prepared. A small amount of foam bricks 3 is then placed in the mesh pot 10. Meanwhile, the seedling 9 is removed from the cultivation pot and washed with water, taking care not to damage the roots, to remove the soil. The seedling 9 from which the soil has been removed is then placed in the mesh pot 10 containing a small amount of foam bricks 3, and more foam bricks 3 are placed around the stem of the seedling 9 to secure the seedling 9 in the mesh pot 10.

[0042] The mesh pot 10 is loosely fitted into the through-hole 1a of the buoyancy body 1, and the surface of the buoyancy body 1 is covered with the buoyancy body cover 2. An air diffuser 12 connected to an external air pump 6 by an air hose 7 is installed at the bottom of the tank 5, and the air hose 7 is fixed to the frame 14 of the tank 5 by an air hose joint 8.

[0043] Pour about half of the culture solution 4 into the tank 5, place the buoyant body 1 in the tank 5, and then pour the culture solution 4 into the tank 5 through the water inlet and outlet 11 to adjust the liquid volume. When the culture solution 4 is poured into the tank 5, the buoyant body 1 rises and eventually comes to a stop when it abuts against the frame 14. At this point, the tank 5 is filled with the culture solution 4 up to the maximum liquid level WL, so pouring should be stopped immediately. Connect the power cord 13 to a power source (not shown) and operate the air pump 6, which will generate air bubbles. Then, replenish the culture solution 4.

[0044] After repotting, the roots 9 of the plant are allowed to extend into the nutrient solution 4, and the buoyant body 1 rises and falls as the nutrient solution 4 increases or decreases, allowing the current amount of nutrient solution 4 to be monitored. Then, by adding more nutrient solution 4 at the appropriate timing, the plants can be harvested once they have fully grown. As a result, small-scale hydroponic cultivation can be fully enjoyed in the average home. For example, if hydroponically grown plants 9 such as lettuce are to be supplied for a barbecue party, when the plants 9 planted in one mesh pot 10 are used up, they can be replaced with another mesh pot 10 in which a different plant 9 has been grown.

[0045] In this case, even if the plant 9 is removed from the buoyant body 1 together with the mesh pot 10, as shown in Figure 10(a), the roots of the plant 9 will sag due to the resistance of movement in the culture solution 4 and their own weight, and will not exceed the step 10d and interfere with the periphery of the through-hole 1a of the buoyant body 1. As a result, there is no risk of damaging the roots of the plant 9, and fresh plants 9 can be continuously supplied.

[0046] As described above, according to this embodiment 1, a step portion 10d is provided between the mesh pot 10 having a plurality of through holes at least on the peripheral surface 10b and the buoyant body 1 that holds the mesh pot 10 so that it can be inserted and removed freely, and separates the peripheral surface 10b of the mesh pot 10 from the buoyant body 1 when the mesh pot 10 is inserted and removed from the buoyant body 1 together with the mesh pot 10.Therefore, even when the mesh pot 10 has roots of a plant 9 protruding from it, the mesh pot 10 can be removed from the buoyant body 1 or fitted into the buoyant body 1 without damaging the roots of the plant 9.

[0047] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a single plant seedling 9 is grown assuming small-scale hydroponic cultivation in a general household, but in large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture, it is desirable to grow multiple plant seedlings 9 simultaneously. This second embodiment takes such a case into consideration. Figure 11 shows a hydroponic cultivation device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a buoyant body 201A is fitted into the upper opening of the tank 205 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line WW in (a), and (c) is a perspective view. 205 The buoyant bodies 201A to 201C can be fitted into the upper openings of the Floor plan In the second embodiment, elements common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as much as possible.

[0048] Figures 11 and 12 ,Figure 13 As shown in Fig. 1, the hydroponic cultivation devices 200A to 200C of this embodiment 2 are each provided with buoyant bodies 201A to 201C as cultivation beds. The buoyant body 201A has a rectangular shape with a total of 18 through-holes 201a arranged in a lattice pattern in a plan view, the buoyant body 201B has a rectangular shape with a total of 11 through-holes 201a arranged in a staggered pattern in a plan view, and the buoyant body 201C has a rectangular shape with a total of 6 through-holes 201a arranged in a lattice pattern in a plan view. The through-holes 201a have a diameter that tapers slightly from the top to the bottom, forming a so-called mortar shape. The buoyant bodies 201A to 201C are all slightly smaller in size than the upper opening of the tank 205.

[0049] Tank 205 is made of extracted polystyrene foam, and buoyancy bodies 201A-C are all made of expanded polystyrene or extracted polystyrene foam. Extracted polystyrene foam is lightweight, has excellent heat insulation and water resistance, and is inexpensive. On the other hand, expanded polystyrene is not as water-resistant as extracted polystyrene foam, but has performance equal to or better than that of extracted polystyrene foam in other respects. However, since both materials are prone to deterioration when exposed to sunlight, it is preferable, especially in the case of outdoor cultivation, to cover the outside of tank 205 and the surfaces of buoyancy bodies 201A-C with a light-blocking material such as black vinyl, or to paint them with water-soluble paint.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a case where hydroponic cultivation devices 200A-C according to the second embodiment are arranged in a plane. First, as shown in FIG. 13, a case where the hydroponic cultivation devices 200A-C are arranged in a plane will be described. Although omitted from FIG. 13, it is assumed that there are a plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 200A-C, and each is arranged in series on a support member laid like a rail on the ground. Then, first, the plant seedlings 9 are transplanted from the growth pots to the mesh pots 10, and the procedure for transplanting into the mesh pots 10 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The plant seedlings 9 transplanted into the mesh pots 10 are fitted into the through-holes 201a of the buoyant body 201A of the hydroponic cultivation device 200A. The tanks 205 of the hydroponic cultivation devices 200A-C and the buoyant bodies 201A-C do not necessarily need to be arranged in a 1:1 correspondence, and the hydroponic cultivation devices 200 A may be a hydroponic cultivation device 200B, C in which the buoyant bodies 201B, 201C have been replaced with the buoyant body 201A. If the plants continue to grow in this state, they will eventually grow to the point where they interfere with each other.

[0051] Next, the mesh pots 10 together with the plants 9 are removed from the 18 through-holes 201a of the buoyant body 201A of the hydroponic cultivation device 200A and fitted into the 11 through-holes 201a of the buoyant body 201B of the hydroponic cultivation device 200B. In this case, three hydroponic cultivation devices 200B are used for one hydroponic cultivation device 200A. The tanks 205 and the buoyant bodies 201A-C of the hydroponic cultivation devices 200A-C do not necessarily have to be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; the hydroponic cultivation device B may be a hydroponic cultivation device 200A, C in which the buoyant bodies 201A, C are replaced with the buoyant body 201B. If the plants continue to grow in this state, they will eventually grow to the point where they interfere with each other.

[0052] Next, the mesh pots 10 containing the plants 9 are removed from the eleven through-holes 201a of the buoyant body 201B of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 200B and fitted into the six through-holes 201a of the buoyant body 201B of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 200C. In this case, two hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 200C are used for one hydroponic cultivation apparatus 200B. The tanks 205 and buoyant bodies 201A-C of the hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 200A-C do not necessarily need to be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; the hydroponic cultivation apparatus C may be a hydroponic cultivation apparatus in which the buoyant bodies 201A and 201B of the hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 200A and B are replaced with the buoyant body 201C. If the plants continue to grow in this state, they will eventually grow to the point where they interfere with each other. At this point, the plants 9 can be harvested.

[0053] When plants are grown outdoors by planting them directly in the ground, it is difficult to grow the same plants continuously, but this restriction does not exist in hydroponic cultivation. Also, the period during which hydroponic cultivation is possible outdoors varies depending on the type of plant.

[0054] As described above, in the second embodiment, even when the roots of the plants 9 extend beyond the peripheral surface 10b of the mesh pot 10, as in the first embodiment, the mesh pot 10 can be removed from the buoyant body 201A and fitted into another buoyant body 201B without damaging the roots of the plants 9. Furthermore, the mesh pot 10 can be removed from the buoyant body 201B and fitted into another buoyant body 201C. This eliminates the risk of damaging the roots of the plants 9 during transplantation. Therefore, in the hydroponic cultivation devices 200A-C of the second embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the through-holes 201a of the buoyant bodies 201A-C can be changed according to the growth of the plants 9. Therefore, immediately after transplanting the plants 9 from the growth pots, the spacing between the plants can be reduced to allow as many plants as possible to be transplanted. However, as the plants grow, the spacing between the plants can be increased to avoid impeding their growth. In this way, by changing the spacing between the plants according to their growth, production efficiency is significantly improved. As a result, it is suitable not only for small-scale hydroponic cultivation in ordinary homes, but also for large-scale hydroponic cultivation in agriculture.

[0055] Furthermore, a tank 205 is provided for each of the buoyant bodies 201A to C, which have different patterns of arrangement of the through holes 201a, and the timing of planting and harvesting of the plants 9 can be staggered between each tank 205, so that the same plants 9 can be cultivated continuously, thereby further improving production efficiency.

[0056] In the above embodiment 1, the cultivation pots used contain seedlings 9 of one type of plant planted in soil, but cuttings planted in soil may also be used, and in the above embodiment 2, these may be combined as appropriate.

[0057] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the power source for the air pump 6 is not particularly specified, but it is possible to save energy by using, for example, a solar power source.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments, the mesh pot 10 is used as a representative example, but a slit structure or a punching board may be used instead. The same applies to another example, the mesh pot 10', and yet another example, the mesh pot 10", and a combination of the conventional mesh pot 10P with the spacers 10X, Y, and Z. The basic shape of the combination of the mesh pots 10, 10', 10", and 10P with the spacers 10X, Y, and Z is not limited to a truncated cone, but may also be a truncated quadrangular pyramid, and it goes without saying that the shape of the through hole 1a of the buoyant body 1 is determined accordingly.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, the hydroponic cultivation devices 100, 200A-C are described as finished products, but they may also be so-called hydroponic cultivation kits that are completed by assembling individual parts such as tanks 5, 205A-C, buoyant bodies 1, 201A-C, and mesh pots 10.

[0060] In addition, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, buoyant bodies 1,201A-C are used as cultivation beds to float the mesh pots 10 in the culture solution 4 in the tank 5,205, but a fixed-position cultivation bed can also be used by, for example, providing an automatic water supply device.

[0061] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the number of through-holes 1a in the buoyant body 1 is one, and in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the numbers of through-holes 201a in the buoyant bodies 201A to 201C are 18, 11, and 6, respectively, but any other number may be used as long as it is an arrangeable number, and the arrangement method may also be arbitrary. For example, if the through-holes 201a in the buoyant body 201A are arranged in a staggered pattern, a total of 28 through-holes 201a can be arranged. However, of course, this depends on the sizes of the tank 205, the buoyant body 201A, and the mesh pot 10.

[0062] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the hydroponic cultivation devices 200A to 200C are arranged in a plane, but they may also be arranged three-dimensionally.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, since the capacity of the tank 5 is small, it is sufficient to provide the water supply and drainage port 11 in one corner of the buoyant body 1 and perform water supply and drainage from there, but in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, since the capacity of the tank 205 is large, it is preferable to be able to drain water from the bottom as much as possible, especially in order to reduce the remaining amount when draining. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100,200A~C Hydroponic cultivation equipment 1,201A~C Buoyancy body (equivalent to cultivation bed) 1a,201a~c Through hole 2 Buoyancy cover 3. Foamed bricks 4 Culture solution 5,205 tanks 205a Through hole 6. Air pump 7 Air Hose 8 Air hose joint 9. Plants (seedlings or cuttings, stems, roots) 10, 10', 10" mesh pots (equivalent to examples of spacer-equipped cultivation pots) 10P Conventional mesh pot (equivalent to conventional cultivation pot) 10X, 10Y, 10Z spacers 10a, 10g flange 10b Peripheral surface 10c bottom 10d, 10h stepped section 10e Pterygoid 10f cyclic body 11 Water supply and drainage outlet 12 Air diffuser [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0065] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-199548 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-199548

Claims

1. A cultivation pot having a plurality of through holes at least on its peripheral surface and a cultivation bed that holds the cultivation pot so that it can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction are provided between the cultivation pot and the cultivation bed. A spacer configured to separate the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot from the cultivation bed when the spacer is inserted into or removed from the cultivation bed together with the cultivation pot, A spacer characterized in that its thickness in the vertical direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the cultivation bed, and the distance between the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and the cultivation bed in a planar view is set to be greater than the protrusion dimension in a planar view of the roots of a plant when the roots protrude from the through holes in the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot and hang down in the air under their own weight.

2. 2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is a step formed so as to project outward from the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot.

3. 2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is a wing-like body formed so as to protrude outward from the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot.

4. 2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is an annular body formed so as to surround the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the cultivation pot.

5. A cultivation pot with spacers as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cultivation pot has a flange at the upper end of the cultivation pot for holding it in the cultivation bed, and the spacer is integrated below the flange.

6. 6. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 5, wherein the cultivation pots with spacers are immersed in a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation while being held in a detachable manner on the cultivation bed.

7. 7. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 6, wherein the cultivation bed is a buoyant body that floats in a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation.

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