Cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants, hydroponic cultivation unit, and hydroponic cultivation system

Abstract

To provide a cylindrical body for plant hydroponics which makes it possible to suppress partial deviation of flow rate or speed of fluid in a cultivation cylinder, and suppress variation of plant growth to improve cultivation yield.SOLUTION: A cylindrical body for plant hydroponics includes: a main flow cylindrical part 10 which has a flow pass FP through which liquid required for plant cultivation flows inside thereof, and communicates with the flow pass FP, and on a side wall of which an opening 30 for allowing the liquid to flow in or flow out is formed; and a first water leading part 50 which guides at least a part of the liquid flowing through the flow pass FP toward a circumferential direction on an inner wall of the main flow cylindrical part 10. Furthermore, the first water leading part 50 has a first guide surface 52 extending from an inner wall of the main flow cylindrical part 10, and the first guide surface 52 crosses the inner wall at an angle α for the center line CL of the main flow cylindrical part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation technique for cultivating plants, and more specifically to a cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants that suppresses unevenness in the flow rate and speed of liquid such as water passing through it, and a hydroponic cultivation unit and hydroponic cultivation system that include the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional method known as vertical hydroponics is to cultivate plants by arranging them in a vertical direction, i.e., in the direction of gravity. This method allows plants to be cultivated in a relatively small building, since the plants are grown in a vertical or diagonal arrangement using rods or boards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 181848 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6412136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned vertical hydroponic system, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, a plurality of planting members with openings for planting plants are attached alternately to the left and right sides of a vertically erected pipe-shaped cultivation tube. A liquid such as water containing nutrients flows through the cultivation tube, and the plants planted in the planting members grow in the openings of the planting members for several months until harvest.

[0005] Here, in the case of leafy vegetables and the like, it is preferable for the growth rates of the planted plants to be equal in the above-mentioned multiple planting members, as this allows them to be harvested all at once and reduces the effort required for harvesting. Even in the case of fruit vegetables and other vegetables that are harvested in the order in which they ripen, it is important to avoid a shortage of water and nutrients for the plants, and it is preferable from the standpoint of cultivation efficiency to speed up the growth cycle as much as possible and harvest in a short period of time.

[0006] However, in conventional plant cultivation sites, it has been found that imbalances in the flow rate and speed of the liquid flowing inside the pipe-shaped cultivation tube occur due to various factors, such as the inclination of the vertically installed pipe-shaped cultivation tube, and differences in the size and growth rate of the individual plants being grown. These imbalances in flow rate and speed have led to problems such as variations in the growth rate of individual plants and unintentional slowing of plant growth.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one possible measure would be to form a passage for guiding water in the inner wall of the cultivation tube, thereby preventing the liquid flowing inside the cultivation tube from simply falling vertically. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a guide means for guiding a fluid into a container for cultivating plants. However, this technology has problems such as high manufacturing costs and time-consuming cleaning due to the complex shape.

[0008] The present invention has been made with a view to solving such problems as an example, and aims to provide a cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants, a hydroponic cultivation unit, and a hydroponic cultivation system that suppresses imbalances in the flow rate and speed of liquid flowing inside a pipe-shaped cultivation tube and improves plant cultivation yields. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants, which is (1) a cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants composed of cylindrical divided bodies, and the cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants is set upright in a vertical direction, The divided body is a cultivation tube that can be connected along the vertical direction, The aforementioned cultivation tube The container has openings through which the liquid necessary for plant growth flows in and out. On the sideand is connected to the peripheral wall that defines the opening through the opening. planting A fitting protrusion that can fit into the inner wall of the member is formed. and a plant seedling is planted in the planting member. , The inner diameter of the end of the inner wall of the planting member that fits into the opening is expanded, and the fitting protrusion is provided at the tip of the peripheral wall, and the periphery of the fitting protrusion is fitted into the inner wall of the expanded diameter planting member. It is characterized by:

[0010] In addition, the cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to this embodiment is the above (1), (2) The planting member has a detachable other end opening as an end that fits into the opening, and is connected to a connecting opening as the opening in the cultivation tube. It is preferable.

[0011] The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to this embodiment is the above (1), 3 ) The engaging protrusion is also formed at an opening as a connecting portion where the cultivation tube is connected to another cultivation tube. It is preferable.

[0012] The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to this embodiment is 1 ) in ( 4 ) The opening in which the fitting protrusion is provided is made of a material harder than the member to be connected through the opening. It is preferable.

[0013] The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to this embodiment is the above (1), 5 ) The fitting protrusion is formed into a ring shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction at the opening. It is preferable. In addition, in the cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to this embodiment, in the above (1), (6) it is preferable that the fitting protrusions are formed discontinuously in the circumferential direction of the opening. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants, (7) a cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants composed of cylindrical divided bodies, the cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants is erected vertically, the divided bodies are liquid inlet tubes formed on the side of the main tube section for supplying liquid necessary for plant cultivation, the liquid inlet tube has an opening through which the liquid flows, and the peripheral wall constituting the opening has an engaging protrusion that can engage with the inner wall of a water receiving member connected via the opening, the liquid is supplied to the water receiving member by a liquid supply device, the end of the inner wall of the water receiving member that engages with the opening has an expanded inner diameter, the engaging protrusion is provided at the tip of the peripheral wall, and the periphery of the engaging protrusion is engaged with the inner wall of the expanded diameter water receiving member.

[0017] In order to solve the above problem, the hydroponic cultivation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: 8 ) above (1) ~ ( 7 and the opening Department and a planting member that is detachable from the ground and has a planting opening for planting a plant.

[0018] In order to solve the above problem, the hydroponic cultivation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: 9 )the above( 8 ), a hanging support mechanism that supports the hydroponic cultivation unit, and a liquid supply system that supplies the necessary liquid to plants planted in the planting members of the hydroponic cultivation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a first water guide section is provided inside the hydroponic plant cultivation cylinder to guide the liquid flowing through the flow path in a circumferential direction, and the first water guide section includes a first guide surface that intersects with the inner wall at a predetermined angle. As a result, it is possible to suppress localized imbalances in the flow rate and speed of the fluid inside the cultivation cylinder, thereby suppressing variations in plant growth and preventing problems such as unintended slowing of plant growth, and improving cultivation yields. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hydroponic cultivation unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a water receiving member WP in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a guide tube 90 in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a sealing mechanism between the opening 30 and the planting member 80 in this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hydroponic cultivation system 300 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the direction of gravity is defined as the Z direction, the direction in which fluid flows from the water receiving member into the flow path in the cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction as the Y direction. However, these orientations are used for the sake of convenience and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention in any way.

[0022] Furthermore, for configurations other than those described in detail below, reference may be made as appropriate to, for example, the hydroponic cultivation system described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-120846 and the above-mentioned Patent Document 1.

[0023] [Cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic cross section of a cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation includes a main cylindrical portion 10. The main cylindrical portion 10 is formed with a flow path FP extending in the internal Z direction, through which a liquid necessary for plant cultivation (a liquid containing nutrients and water) flows. Here, the liquid may be water, or may be a liquid in which fertilizer or nutrients are mixed into water.

[0024] An opening 30 that communicates with the flow path FP is formed in a part of the side wall of the main tube 10, allowing the liquid to flow in or out. The opening 30 also allows the liquid inlet tube 20 (described later) and a planting member 80 for planting plants to be attached and detached. Although the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation of this embodiment is illustrated in the drawings as an example of connectable divided bodies, the present invention is not limited to this and may be formed as a single unit. Furthermore, the shapes of components such as the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation in this embodiment, the main cylindrical portion 10, and the cultivation tube 70 described later are not limited to cylindrical shapes, and the cross section may be polygonal or the like as long as a flow path through which liquid can flow can be formed.

[0025] From the viewpoints of preventing leakage of the flowing liquid and reducing costs, the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation of this embodiment is preferably formed by injection molding or the like. There are no particular restrictions on the materials for these members, but examples of applicable materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, and polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, the cylindrical body 100 may partially contain different materials, and the members may be formed from a material with water retention, such as nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the color that each component should be colored, and they may be uncolored, but it is preferable that they be colored, and it is more preferable to use white or pearlescent colors from the viewpoint of improving reflectance. Furthermore, an ultraviolet absorber or an ultraviolet scattering agent may be added to the resin to improve weather resistance, and an additive such as an antibacterial agent may be added to the resin to improve antifouling properties.

[0026] 1, in this embodiment, a first water guide section 50 for guiding at least a portion of the flowing liquid is preferably formed on the inner wall of the main tube section 10. This first water guide section 50 is a convex section that causes the liquid to flow down in a spiral in the circumferential direction along the inner wall of the main tube section 10.

[0027] 1, the first water guide section 50 has a first guide surface 52 extending from the inner wall of the main cylindrical section toward the center of the cylinder. It is preferable that water flows on this first guide surface 52 so that the liquid flows down in a spiral in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the first guide surface 52 preferably intersects with the inner wall at an angle α with respect to the center line of the main cylindrical portion.

[0028] There are no particular limitations on the angle α as long as it is an angle that allows water to flow over this first guide surface 52. For example, the angle α may be an elevation angle as shown in Fig. 1(a). In this case, the angle α can be approximately 30° to 90°. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the angle α may be an inclination angle, and in that case, the angle α may be specifically about 90° to 150°.

[0029] 1(b), the first water guide section 50 may further include a first vertical protrusion 53 erected from the end of the first guide surface 52. In this case, the first flow groove 54 formed by the inner wall of the main tube section 10, the first guide surface 52, and the first vertical protrusion 53 can guide the liquid more reliably along the inner wall of the main tube section 10, which is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing partial imbalances in the flow rate and speed of the liquid flowing through the flow path FP. Furthermore, the width and depth of the first flow groove 54 can be changed according to the flow rate and speed of the liquid, and by changing the width and depth of the flow groove, the liquid can be guided more reliably.

[0030] In Figure 1, when the angle α of the first water guide section 50 is an elevation angle, the first vertical convex portion 53 is not formed at the end of the first guide surface 52 (Figure 1(a)), and when the angle α of the first water guide section 50 is a depression angle, the first vertical convex portion 53 is formed at the end of the first guide surface 52 (Figure 1(b)), but this embodiment is not limited to these.

[0031] That is, the angle α of the first water guide section 50 may be an elevation angle, and the first vertical convex section 53 may be formed at the end of the first guide surface 52. Furthermore, the angle at which the first vertical protrusion 53 is erected does not need to be strictly vertical, and there is no problem as long as it has a handrail-like rise that allows the above-mentioned first flow groove 54 to be formed.

[0032] Alternatively, the first guide surface 52 and the first vertical convex portion 53 may be formed smoothly and continuously, so that the cross section has a U-shape.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1(c) to 1(e), the cross section of the first water conducting section 50 may be C-shaped or O-shaped, or may be any other shape so as to control splashing or overflow of the liquid passing through the flow path. In this case, the portion where the liquid flows into the water conducting section may have the structure shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), and the cross-sectional structure shown in Figures 1(c) to 1(e) may be adopted from the middle. Furthermore, the first water conducting section 50 does not need to be integrally formed with the main tubular section 10, but may be fixed to the main tubular section 10. Furthermore, the first water conducting section 50 and the main tubular section 10 do not need to be made of the same material, but may be made of different materials.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the first water guide section 50, a first vertical rib 51 for guiding the fluid in the gravity direction (-Z direction) may be formed on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10. 2, the first vertical rib 51 is formed in combination with the first water guide section 50, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In other words, the flow of liquid can also be controlled by forming the first vertical rib 51 above or below the planting member opening, similar to the guide tube rib 91, without forming the first water guide section 50.

[0035] In the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, a second water guide section 60 may be formed in addition to the above-described first water guide section 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the second water guide section 60 preferably guides at least a portion of the liquid flowing through the flow path FP on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10 in the circumferential direction opposite to that of the first water guide section 50.

[0036] That is, as shown in Fig. 2, when viewed from above, it is preferable that the first water guide section 50 guides the liquid clockwise in the circumferential direction, and the second water guide section 60 guides the liquid counterclockwise in the circumferential direction. Note that the angle at which the liquid is guided (circumferential angle) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing partial imbalances in the flow rate and speed of the liquid in the main cylindrical section 10, it is preferable that it be, for example, about 45° to 315°.

[0037] The second water guide section 60 preferably has a second guide surface 62 extending from the inner wall of the main tube section 10, similar to the first water guide section 50. The second guide surface 62 preferably intersects with the inner wall at an angle β with respect to the center line CL of the main tube section 10.

[0038] The angle β may be an elevation angle of about 30 to 90°, similar to the angle α, or an inclination angle of about 90 to 150°. In addition, a second vertical protrusion 63 may be formed at the end of the second guide surface 62, thereby forming a second groove communication groove 64.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, when both the first water guide section 50 and the second water guide section 60 are formed in the main tube section 10, the angle α and the angle β may be the same angle or different angles. Furthermore, the heights (positions in the Z direction) at which the first water guide section 50 and the second water guide section 60 are provided may be different as shown in Fig. 3, or they may be provided at the same position. Like the first water conducting section 50, the second water conducting section 60 may have a C-shaped or O-shaped cross section, or may have other shapes so as to control splashing or overflow of the liquid passing through the flow path. In this case, the portion where the liquid flows into the water conducting section may have a structure as shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), and the cross-sectional structure shown in Figs. 1(c) to 1(e) may be adopted midway. Furthermore, the second water conducting section 60 does not need to be integrally formed with the main tubular section 10, but may be fixed to the main tubular section 10. Furthermore, the second water conducting section 60 and the main tubular section 10 do not need to be made of the same material, but may be made of different materials.

[0040] Furthermore, in addition to the second water guide portion 60 described above, as shown in FIG. 2, a second vertical rib 61 for guiding the fluid in the gravity direction (-Z direction) may be formed. 2, the second vertical rib 61 is formed in combination with the second water guide section 60, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In other words, the flow of liquid can also be controlled by forming the second vertical rib 61 above or below the planting member opening, similar to the guide tube rib 91, without forming the second water guide section 60.

[0041] Next, an example in which a liquid inlet tubular portion 20 is formed in the opening 30 in the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic cultivation of plants of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening 30 may be formed with a liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 for supplying liquid. That is, the first end 201 of the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 is connected to the opening 30. The main flow cylindrical portion 10 and the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 may be formed separately and then connected by a known method such as with an adhesive, or may be molded as a single unit by injection molding or the like.

[0042] Liquid may flow into the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 directly from a water line or a pump via a hose, for example, or a removable water receiving member WP may be attached to the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 and liquid may be supplied from a known liquid supply device.

[0043] From the second end 202 of the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20, the liquid flows toward the first end 201 (the X direction in FIG. 1), flows into the main cylindrical portion 10 through the opening 30, and then flows through the flow path FP in the direction of gravity (-Z direction).

[0044] 4, the intersection angle θ between the main tube portion 10 and the liquid inlet tube portion 20 is depicted as approximately 90°, but is not limited to this. That is, as described above, as long as they intersect so that liquid can flow from the liquid inlet tube portion 20 toward the main tube portion 10, there are no particular limitations on the intersection angle θ; for example, the angle may be less than 90°.

[0045] In this embodiment, the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 preferably has a branching portion 40 on its inner wall that branches the liquid.

[0046] The branch section 40 may be formed at any position on at least a part of the inner wall of the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20, as long as the desired effect can be obtained. That is, in this embodiment, the branch section 40 is preferably formed at a position where the flow rate and speed of the liquid flowing from the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20 into the main cylindrical section 10 can be adjusted.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a view showing the A-A' cross section in Fig. 4 from diagonally above. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the branching section 40 is preferably formed on the downstream side (the +X direction side in Fig. 5) of the inner wall of the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20.

[0048] There is also no particular limitation on the height h of the branching section 40 shown in Figure 6(a), but in order to achieve the purpose of adjusting the flow rate and speed of the liquid without interfering with the passage of the liquid through the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20, it is preferable that the height h be 2 mm or more.

[0049] The shape of the branching section 40 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, in view of the problem of adjusting the flow rate and speed of the liquid, it is preferable that the shape has a tapered section in which the circumferential width gradually narrows from the downstream side of the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20 to the upstream side (from the opening 30 side to the water receiving member WP side). In other words, the shape of branching portion 40 is preferably such that the width of branching portion 40 in the Y direction gradually increases from second end 202 toward first end 201 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0050] That is, for example, it is preferable that the branching section 40 has a triangular shape when viewed from above. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the branching section 40 may have a substantially isosceles triangle centered on the center line C of the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20 when viewed from the Z direction, or may have a substantially right-angled triangle as shown in FIG. 7(b). A substantially right-angled triangle as shown in FIG. 7(b) is preferable because the liquid diverted by the branching section 40 can be smoothly guided to the first water guide section 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, when the branching section 40 is a substantially right-angled triangle, the center line C may be positioned so as to pass through the midpoint of the substantially right-angled triangle, but it is more preferable to position the midpoint of the branching section 40 offset from the center line C in terms of adjusting the flow rate of the liquid.

[0051] In addition, although not shown, the shape of the branching portion 40 can be any known shape such as teardrop, rhombus, trapezoid, parallelogram, etc., as long as at least a portion of the width has a tapered portion in which the circumferential width gradually narrows from the opening 30 side toward the water receiving member WP side.

[0052] Furthermore, in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), an example has been described in which one branch section 40 is formed on the inner wall of the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20, but it goes without saying that the number of branch sections 40 is not limited to one, and multiple branch sections 40 may be formed. For example, as shown in Figures 4(c) to 4(e), two or more branching sections may be provided on the inner wall of the liquid inlet cylindrical section along the circumferential direction, with an appropriate gap between them. In this case, the number of water guide sections may be increased or decreased depending on the number of branching sections provided.

[0053] In this embodiment, by forming the branching section 40 as described above, it is possible to divide the liquid flowing from the liquid inlet tube section 20 into the main tube section 10 and reduce the flow rate of the flowing liquid. This also makes it possible to suppress partial imbalance in the amount of liquid flowing around the peripheral wall of the main tube section 10, thereby suppressing variations in the growth of plants planted in multiple planting sections during plant cultivation and preventing problems such as unintended slowing of plant growth rates.

[0054] 5, in this embodiment, the first water guide section 50 is preferably formed on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10 in a spiral shape, starting from the rear end (the side closer to the first end 201) of the branch section 40. In other words, in this embodiment, the first water guide section 50 is preferably formed below the branch section 40 on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10.

[0055] Furthermore, the branching section 40 and the first water guide section 50 may be formed continuously from top to bottom, but it is more preferable to form a separation section G as shown in Fig. 6(a). That is, it is more preferable that the rear end of the branching section 40 and the starting point of the first water guide section 50 are arranged continuously with the separation section G interposed between them in the axial direction (Z direction). In this case, it becomes possible to guide a portion of the fluid divided by the branching section 40 without impeding the flow and to smoothly introduce it into the main tubular section 10.

[0056] That is, as described above, in this embodiment, the flow of liquid flowing from the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20 into the main flow cylindrical section 10 is divided by the branching section 40, and the velocity is reduced. In this case, it is estimated that a portion of the liquid flow split by the branching section 40 flows vertically down along the inner wall of the main tube section 10 after flowing into the main tube section 10 from the opening 30.

[0057] Although the branching section 40 has been described above as being formed on the inner wall of the liquid inlet cylindrical section 20, the present invention is not limited to this and may be formed on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the branching section 40 may be formed in the Y direction and / or -Y direction on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10. Furthermore, when forming the branch section 40 on the inner wall of the main cylindrical section 10 in this manner, it is not necessary to form the above-mentioned first water guide section 50, first vertical rib 51, second water guide section 60, and second vertical rib 61, although this depends on the diameter of the main cylindrical section 10. In other words, when the diameter of the main cylindrical section 10 is relatively large (for example, 30 mm to 500 mm), it is possible to control the flow of liquid by forming the branch section 40 without forming any water guide section. In particular, when the liquid flows in from the upper part of the main flow tubular portion 10 without passing through the liquid inlet tubular portion 20, the branch portion 40 may be formed without forming the first water guide portion 50 or the like.

[0058] On the other hand, when using the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic cultivation of plants of this embodiment by attaching planting members 80 for planting plants to the openings 30, as shown in Figure 8, multiple openings 30 can be arranged in multiple directions (in Figure 8, two directions, left and right (two directions, 0° and 180° when viewed from the Z direction)), and then multiple planting members 80 can be attached.

[0059] Therefore, in the hydroponic plant cultivation cylinder 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable to distribute the liquid flow evenly in the above-mentioned multiple directions on the inner wall of the main tube portion 10. In particular, it is preferable to circulate the liquid as evenly as possible on the inner wall of the main tube portion 10, at least in the direction in which the planting members 80 are installed, from the viewpoint of suppressing variations in the growth of cultivated plants and preventing problems such as unintended slowing of the plant growth rate.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid flowing from the liquid inlet tube section 20 into the main tube section 10 is divided by the branch section 40, and then can form the following ``first flow'' and ``second flow'' within the flow path FP of the main tube section 10.

[0061] First, the "first flow" is a flow that flows down the flow path FP of the main tubular portion 10 in the -Z direction without passing through the first water guide portion 50 (F1 in FIG. 5). Next, the "second flow" is a flow that passes through the first water guide section 50 and wraps around to the inner wall of the main tubular section 10 in the direction facing the opening 30 (the inner wall surface 180° opposite the side where the opening 30 is formed) (F2 in FIG. 5).

[0062] This is preferable because the liquid flows through the flow path FP in multiple streams, which can reduce variations in the growth of cultivated plants even if planting members 80 are formed in multiple directions on the cultivation tube.

[0063] In addition, although the above example shows the formation of two types of flows, a "first flow" and a "second flow," this is not limited to this, and three or more types of flows may be formed in the flow path FP. For example, even if the direction in which the planting member 80 is installed is more than the two directions mentioned above (three directions of 0°, 60°, and 120°, or four directions of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°), or even if the thickness of the main tube portion 10 is increased, it is preferable to form three or more types of flow in the flow path FP, as this makes it easier to guide the liquid.

[0064] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second water conducting section 60 may enable the formation of a "third flow (F3)," or, although not shown, a third water conducting section and a fourth water conducting section may be provided to enable the formation of further flows.

[0065] An example of use in which a planting member 80 for planting a plant is attached to the opening 30 of the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic cultivation of plants in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, as shown in Figure 8(a), the above-mentioned planting members 80 may be attached to the opening 30 in a staggered arrangement in the X and -X directions along the Z direction, or as shown in Figure 8(b), multiple planting members 80 may be attached at the same position in the Z direction. In addition, Figure 8(b) shows an example in which multiple planting members 80 are attached at the same position in the Z direction and both the first water conducting section 50 and the second water conducting section 60 are provided, but this is not limited to this and the second water conducting section 60 does not have to be formed.

[0066] [Hydroponic Cultivation Unit 200] Next, the detailed structure of the hydroponic cultivation unit 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0067] First, as shown in Figure 9, the hydroponic cultivation unit 200 in this embodiment is composed of the above-mentioned cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic cultivation of plants in this embodiment, a water receiving member WP that is detachably connected to the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20 of the cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic cultivation of plants and receives liquid from the liquid supply system LS, a cultivation tube 70 that is composed of a plurality of detachable cylindrical segments, has one end that can be connected to the rear end E of the main cylindrical portion 10 and has at least one connecting opening on its side, a planting member 80 that has one end opening in which a plant PL is placed and the other end opening that is detachably attached to the connecting opening of the cultivation tube, and a guide tube 90 that is detachably connected to the lower end of the cultivation tube 70, etc.

[0068] There are no particular restrictions on the material of each of these members, but, as with the cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation 100, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, or polyvinyl chloride can be used. Furthermore, some members may contain partially different materials, and for example, the water guide section, ribs, etc., may be formed from a material with water retention such as nonwoven fabric. There are no particular restrictions on the molding method for each member, but from the viewpoint of cost reduction, it is desirable to mold each member into the desired shape by known injection molding, for example.

[0069] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the color of each component, and they may be uncolored, but it is preferable that they be colored. For example, white or pearlescent colors can be used to improve reflectivity. On the other hand, components that come into relatively little contact with plant roots, such as the main flow tube 10, the liquid inlet tube 20, and the guide tube 90, can also be colored in dark colors such as black. Coloring in this way absorbs light, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of blue-green algae and the contamination of the liquid caused by blue-green algae. Furthermore, an ultraviolet absorber or an ultraviolet scattering agent may be added to the resin to improve weather resistance, and an additive such as an antibacterial agent may be added to the resin to improve antifouling properties.

[0070] 9, the planting members 80 are arranged alternately at opposing positions on the lateral side surfaces (X-direction sides) of the tubular body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation in the longitudinal direction (Z-direction) of the hydroponic cultivation unit 200, but the arrangement is not limited to this. That is, the planting members 80 may be arranged on both the X-direction side and the -X-direction side of the tubular body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation (see FIG. 8), or, although not shown, may be arranged in a specific direction such as only on the X-direction side. The arrangement of the water guide parts, vertical ribs, etc. can be changed as appropriate depending on the arrangement of the planting members.

[0071] When the hydroponic cultivation unit 200 of this embodiment is actually used for plant cultivation, in order to improve the cultivation yield, it is preferable that the liquid flowing down the main tubular portion 10 in the plant hydroponic cultivation cylinder 100 flows into all of the plurality of planting members 80. This also preferably reduces the variation in growth of the plants planted in the planting members 80.

[0072] Therefore, it is preferable that the water receiving member WP, guide tube 90, etc. described above also have ribs or water guide portions for guiding the flow of liquid. Each will be explained below.

[0073] First, the water receiving member WP in this embodiment is shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, liquid necessary for growing plants is supplied through the water receiving opening O of the water receiving member WP. The supplied liquid flows from the water receiving opening O of the water receiving member WP through the tubular water receiving portion P and into the liquid inlet tubular portion 20 of the tubular body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation. Here, for the reasons mentioned above, it is preferable that the inner wall of the tubular water receiving portion P be formed with straightening ribs R to guide the flow of liquid. The flow straightening rib R may extend along the X direction and be formed over the entire length of the tubular water receiving portion P, or may be formed on a part of the tubular water receiving portion P.

[0074] In addition, in Figure 10(b), a protrusion with a triangular cross section is shown as an example of the straightening rib R, but the shape is not limited to this and there are no particular restrictions as long as the shape can guide the liquid in the water receiving tube portion P into the liquid inlet tube portion 20 of the plant hydroponic cultivation tube 100. For example, it does not have to be a convex protrusion as shown in Figure 10(b) and may be a concave passage. Forming such straightening ribs R is preferable because it allows the liquid to be guided to the branched portion 40 of the above-mentioned cylindrical body 100 for hydroponic plant cultivation.

[0075] Next, the guide tube 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 11(a), the guide tube 90 of this embodiment preferably has guide tube ribs 91 formed on the inner wall for guiding the flow of liquid. With this configuration, for example, when liquid discharged from the main tube portion 10 to the outside through the guide tube 90 lands on a liquid receiving bed B as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to prevent the liquid from splashing outward.

[0076] 11(b), the guide tube 90 in this embodiment is preferably composed of a thick portion 90a and a thin portion 90b on the upper and lower sides of the anti-splash plate 92, and guide tube ribs 91a and 91b are preferably formed on the inner walls of the thick portion 90a and the thin portion 90b, respectively. This configuration makes it possible to more effectively prevent the above-mentioned liquid from splashing outward.

[0077] Next, the sealing mechanism between the opening 30 and the planting member 80 will be described with reference to Figure 12. As mentioned above, liquid frequently flows in and out between the main flow tube 10 and the planting member 80, and as the plants planted in the planting member 80 grow, the planting member 80 is constantly subjected to gravity in the direction of gravity.

[0078] On the other hand, if liquid containing moisture or nutrients leaks between the main tube portion 10 and the planting member 80, the leaked liquid could come into contact with plants, causing disease and potentially adversely affecting hygiene. This could also result in cost issues due to liquid loss and the labor and expense required to clean up the leaked liquid. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent liquid leakage from between the main tube portion 10 and the planting member 80 as much as possible. Therefore, there has been a need to improve the sealing mechanism between the opening 30 of the main tube portion 10 and the planting member 80 so that liquid leakage does not occur even under gravity.

[0079] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that a fitting protrusion PT is formed at the tip of the opening 30. This configuration makes it possible to improve adhesion when the planting member 80 is fitted into the opening 30, and it is possible to prevent liquid leakage from between the opening 30 and the planting member 80 even when gravity acts on the planting member 80 in the gravitational direction as the plant grows. As shown in Figure 12, the fitting protrusion PT in this embodiment is a continuous ring in the circumferential direction at the tip of the opening 30, but is not limited to this form and may be formed, for example, intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0080] In addition, although the fitting protrusion PT has been described above using the tip of the opening 30 in Fig. 12, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the fitting protrusion PT can be applied to any connection portion when the cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation of this embodiment can be separated. For example, although not shown, it may be applied to the connection between the water receiving member WP and the liquid inlet cylindrical portion 20, or the connection between the main cylindrical portions 10 and each other.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above configuration, it is even more preferable to use materials with different hardness for the opening 30 and the planting member 80. For example, by using polyethylene (PE), which has a relatively low hardness, for the planting member 80, and polypropylene (PP), which has a relatively high hardness, for the opening 30, it is possible to make the fitting protrusion PT bite into the planting member 80 at the fitting portion, which is preferable as it is possible to further improve the adhesion between the two.

[0082] Other known methods can be used to fit the opening 30 and the planting member 80, such as friction, hook, screw, snap fit, etc. If a screw type is used, the planting member 80 can be fitted by rotating it less than one turn relative to the opening 30, which is preferable as it improves work efficiency.

[0083] [Hydroponic Cultivation System 300] Next, the structure of the hydroponic cultivation system 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13, the hydroponic cultivation system 300 of this embodiment includes the above-described hydroponic cultivation unit 200 and a suspension support mechanism HS that supports the hydroponic cultivation unit 200. The hydroponic cultivation system 300 further includes a frame FR, a liquid supply system LS, and a liquid receiving bed B. The hydroponic cultivation system 300 of this embodiment may further include a light source LT that emits light necessary for growing plants.

[0084] The frame FR supports the hanging support mechanism HS on the top surface using a known method, and has the function of accommodating the hydroponic cultivation unit 200, liquid supply system LS, liquid receiving bed B, etc. in the storage space formed inside it.

[0085] Seedlings of the above-mentioned plants PL to be cultivated are planted in the planting members 80 in the hydroponic cultivation unit 200. Liquids such as water and nutrients necessary for the growth of the plants PL planted in the hydroponic cultivation unit 200 are supplied by a liquid supply system LS via known pumps and valves. The liquid supplied to the water receiving member WP flows through the hydroponic cultivation unit 200 and then flows out into the liquid receiving bed B.

[0086] The hydroponic cultivation system 300 of this embodiment may be configured so that the liquid circulates through a liquid supply system LS using a liquid receiving bed B. Alternatively, the liquid may be poured over the system without being circulated.

[0087] The embodiment described above is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The hydroponic plant cultivation cylinder, hydroponic cultivation unit, and hydroponic cultivation system of the present invention are suitable for cultivating a variety of plants. For example, they are particularly suitable for cultivating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, green leaf vegetables, salad greens, mizuna, spinach, and herbs, fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers, and fruits such as strawberries, melons, and watermelons. However, they are not limited to the cultivation of the above plants and can be widely applied to a wide range of plant cultivation fields. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation 10 Main cylinder part 20 Liquid inlet tube 30 aperture 40 Branch 50 First Water Convection Section 52 First guide surface 53 First vertical convex part 60 Second Water Convection Section 62 Second guide surface 63 Second vertical convex part 80 Planting material 90 Guide tube WP water receiving member 200 Hydroponic Units 300 Hydroponic Cultivation System

Claims

1. A cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation composed of cylindrical divided bodies, The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation is arranged vertically, The divided body is a cultivation tube that can be connected along the vertical direction, The cultivation tube has an opening formed on its side through which liquid necessary for plant cultivation flows in and out, and a fitting protrusion formed on the peripheral wall of the opening that can fit into the inner wall of the planting member connected through the opening, and plant seedlings are planted in the planting member, The inner diameter of the end of the inner wall of the planting member that fits into the opening is expanded, The fitting protrusion is provided at a tip of the peripheral wall, A cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation, characterized in that the peripheral edge of the fitting protrusion is fitted into the inner wall of the expanded diameter planting member.

2. 2. A cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants as described in claim 1, wherein the planting member has a detachable other end opening as an end that fits into the opening and is connected to a connecting opening as the opening in the cultivation tube.

3. 2. The cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants according to claim 1, wherein the engaging protrusion is also formed at an opening serving as a connection portion where the cultivation tube is connected to another cultivation tube.

4. 2. The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the opening provided with the fitting protrusion is formed of a material harder than a member connected through the opening.

5. The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to claim 1 , wherein the fitting protrusion is formed as a continuous ring in the circumferential direction of the opening.

6. The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to claim 1 , wherein the fitting protrusions are formed discontinuously in the circumferential direction of the opening.

7. A cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation, comprising cylindrical divided bodies, The cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation is arranged vertically, The partition is a liquid inlet tube formed on the side of the main tube for supplying liquid necessary for plant cultivation, an opening for the liquid to flow into the liquid inlet tube is formed in the cylindrical liquid inlet portion, and a fitting protrusion is formed on a peripheral wall of the opening so as to be able to fit into an inner wall of a water receiving member connected via the opening; the liquid is supplied to the water receiving member by a liquid supply device; an end portion of the inner wall of the water receiving member that is fitted into the opening portion has an expanded inner diameter; The fitting protrusion is provided at a tip of the peripheral wall, A cylindrical body for hydroponic cultivation of plants, characterized in that the peripheral edge of the fitting protrusion is fitted into the inner wall of the expanded diameter water receiving member.

8. A cylindrical body for hydroponic plant cultivation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a planting member that is detachable from the opening and has a planting opening for planting a plant; A hydroponic cultivation unit comprising:

9. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 8; a suspension support mechanism for supporting the hydroponic cultivation unit; a liquid supply system for supplying liquid necessary for plants planted in the planting members of the hydroponic cultivation unit; A hydroponic cultivation system comprising:

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