Hydroponic cultivation unit and plant cultivation method

Abstract

To provide a water culture unit capable of being mutually coupled in various modes.SOLUTION: There is provided a water culture unit 1 which is used by connecting multiple water culture units in a vertical direction, the water culture unit comprising: an upper tubular part 10; a lower tubular part 20 communicated with the upper tubular part 10; and a planting hole 30 which is formed in the vicinity of a boundary part α between the upper and lower tubular parts 10, 20, and on which a plant is planted, where the upper and lower tubular parts 10, 20 are arranged non-coaxially.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation unit that is used by connecting a plurality of units vertically, and a method for cultivating plants using the hydroponic cultivation unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroponic cultivation is a method of growing plants using only water and fertilizer. In typical hydroponic cultivation, plants are planted in tray-shaped cultivation units and grown in a horizontal (sideways) arrangement. In order to increase the number of plants planted per unit area, the cultivation units are sometimes arranged in multiple layers. This type of hydroponic cultivation, in which plants are planted horizontally (sideways) in the cultivation units, is called "horizontal hydroponic cultivation."

[0003] However, horizontal hydroponic cultivation makes it difficult to water plants efficiently. This is because watering plants arranged horizontally using a handheld watering device such as a watering can requires moving the device over a wide area. Even when watering plants automatically using a pump and water supply pipes, a high-pressure pump is required to ensure that water reaches areas far from the pump.

[0004] In addition, horizontal hydroponic cultivation makes it difficult to grow tall plants or plants with long roots. This is because, when trying to grow tall plants, it is necessary to widen the gap between adjacent cultivation units above and below to ensure the plants have enough space to grow, and when trying to grow plants with long roots, it is necessary to make the cultivation units thicker vertically to ensure the roots have enough space within the cultivation unit. This makes it difficult to increase the number of plants planted per unit area.

[0005] In light of this situation, in recent years, plants have been cultivated in multiple layers in a vertically extending tubular cultivation unit. This cultivation method is called "vertical hydroponic cultivation." In vertical hydroponic cultivation, water is poured into the top of the tubular cultivation unit, and the water flows naturally downwards due to gravity, watering all the plants planted in the cultivation unit. This allows for efficient watering. It is also easy to cultivate plants that grow tall or have long roots.

[0006] Various types of cultivation units (hydroponic cultivation units) for use in vertical hydroponic cultivation have been proposed, including a type in which multiple units are connected vertically. For example, Figures 2 and 3 of Patent Document 1 show a hydroponic cultivation unit 20 including a cultivation tube 21 composed of multiple detachable cylindrical segments 21a and planting members 22 attached to each cylindrical segment 21a. The planting members 22 are cylindrical, with plants planted at one end and connected to the cultivation tube 21 at the other end. This hydroponic cultivation unit 20 is suspended from a suspension support mechanism, and water can be supplied to plants (seedlings P) by flowing water into the cultivation tube 21 from above (see Figure 1 of the same document). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 181848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the hydroponic cultivation unit of Patent Document 1 can only install the cultivation tubes in a straight line. Therefore, for example, if there is an obstacle such as a beam or duct below the ceiling of the room where hydroponic cultivation is performed, the cultivation tubes can only be installed up to the height of the obstacle, making it difficult to effectively utilize the space. In addition, multiple plants planted in the same cultivation tube tend to be planted in a linear vertical arrangement, resulting in a monotonous planting pattern. Furthermore, the appearance of the hydroponic cultivation unit tends to be monotonous, making it difficult to enhance its design.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a hydroponic cultivation unit that can be interconnected in various ways. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for cultivating plants using this hydroponic cultivation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above issues are: A hydroponic cultivation unit used by connecting a plurality of units in the vertical direction, an upper tubular portion; a lower tubular portion provided in communication with the upper tubular portion; A planting opening for planting a plant formed near the boundary between the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion; In addition to providing The upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion are arranged on a non-coaxial basis. A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by This is solved by providing

[0011] Although the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention can be used alone, it is usually used by connecting multiple units vertically. When multiple hydroponic cultivation units are connected together, for example, the lower end of the lower tubular portion of one hydroponic cultivation unit is connected to the upper end of the upper tubular portion of another hydroponic cultivation unit arranged below it. In multiple hydroponic cultivation units connected in this manner (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "cultivation column"), water can be poured into the top hydroponic cultivation unit to water all of the plants in the hydroponic cultivation units arranged below it.

[0012] In the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention, the upper and lower tubular portions are arranged non-coaxially (the center lines of the upper and lower tubular portions are horizontally offset), allowing multiple connected hydroponic cultivation units to be installed in a variety of ways rather than in a straight line. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 below, multiple connected hydroponic cultivation units can be installed in a zigzag pattern by connecting them while alternating their orientation around the vertical axis by 180° each time. Installation can also be performed in the manner shown in FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) below. Therefore, even if an obstacle is present in the installation space, the hydroponic cultivation units can be installed while avoiding the obstacle. This allows for efficient use of the space in the room where hydroponic cultivation is performed. It also allows for variations in planting patterns. Furthermore, multiple connected hydroponic cultivation units can be configured in a variety of ways.

[0013] In the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention, it is preferable that upper fitting portions are provided at multiple locations on the periphery near the upper side of the upper tubular portion, capable of fitting into the lower end of a lower tubular portion of another hydroponic cultivation unit arranged above the upper tubular portion, and lower fitting portions are provided at multiple locations on the periphery near the lower end of the lower tubular portion, capable of fitting into the upper fitting portions of the upper tubular portion of another hydroponic cultivation unit arranged below the lower tubular portion. By fitting the lower fitting portions of one hydroponic cultivation unit with the upper fitting portions of another hydroponic cultivation unit arranged below it, the hydroponic cultivation units can be firmly connected. This makes it difficult for the first hydroponic cultivation unit to become disconnected. Furthermore, the connected hydroponic cultivation unit can be installed on the floor or suspended. Additionally, by switching the upper and lower fitting portions to be fitted, the orientation of the first hydroponic cultivation unit around the vertical axis relative to the other hydroponic cultivation unit can be changed.

[0014] In this case, it is preferable to provide an insertion portion near the lower end of the lower tubular portion having an outer diameter that can be inserted into the upper tubular portion, and to provide the lower fitting portion on the outer periphery of the insertion portion and the upper fitting portion on the inner periphery near the upper end of the upper tubular portion. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage from the connection portion when water is flowed inside a structure (cultivation column) in which multiple hydroponic cultivation units are connected.

[0015] In the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention, a first water guide portion is preferably provided along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion to guide water that flows into the upper tubular portion from its upper end to the boundary between the upper and lower tubular portions. In the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention, the upper and lower tubular portions are not coaxially arranged, so that when water falls through the hollow portion of the upper tubular portion, the water is received by the upward-facing inner wall surface at the junction between the upper and lower tubular portions and can then be guided to the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion and further to the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion of another hydroponic cultivation unit connected below. Therefore, by providing the first water guide portion along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion, water that flows down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion can be appropriately guided to the boundary (near the roots of a plant planted in the planting opening). [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a hydroponic cultivation unit that can be interconnected in various ways, and also to provide a method for cultivating plants using the hydroponic cultivation unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydroponic unit of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plant supporting cap is attached to the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hydroponic cultivation units of the present invention are connected in the vertical direction. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional perspective views of the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention, showing (a) one side of the hydroponic cultivation unit as viewed from the front side, and (b) the other side of the hydroponic cultivation unit as viewed from the back side. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a view showing the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention as seen from the front of the planting opening. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how one hydroponic cultivation unit arranged on the upper side is connected to another hydroponic cultivation unit arranged on the lower side. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between one hydroponic cultivation unit and another hydroponic cultivation unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connection mode between one hydroponic cultivation unit and another hydroponic cultivation unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration described below is merely a preferred embodiment, and the technical scope of the hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention is not limited to the configuration described below. The hydroponic cultivation unit of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0019] 1. Overview of the hydroponic cultivation unit FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention has a structure in which an upper tubular portion 10 and a lower tubular portion 20 are connected vertically. Each of the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 has a hollow portion that penetrates vertically. The hollow portion of the upper tubular portion 10 and the hollow portion of the lower tubular portion 20 are in communication with each other. Furthermore, in the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention, the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion are arranged non-coaxially (the center line of the upper tubular portion 10 and the center line of the lower tubular portion 20 are arranged with a horizontal offset). A planting opening 30 for planting a plant is provided near a boundary α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plant support cap 31 is attached to the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the plant support cap 31 is attached to the planting opening 30, and a plant is planted in this plant support cap 31. The plant support cap 31a in FIG. 2(a) has multiple notches extending radially from its center. A plant to be hydroponically grown is planted in a culture medium 101 (see FIG. 3 described later) made of a sponge, rock wool, or the like. The plant support cap 31a supports the plant by pushing the culture medium 101 into the notches. This plant support cap 31a has the advantage of allowing a high degree of freedom in the number of plants to be planted and the shape of the culture medium. On the other hand, the plant support cap 31b in FIG. 2(b) has a cup-shaped recess near its center. The plant support cap 31b supports the plant by fitting the culture medium 101 into the cup-shaped recess. This plant support cap 31b has the advantage of not only being able to stably support seedlings but also making it easy to plant and remove plants. In this way, various plant support caps 31 can be attached to the planting opening 30 depending on the type of plant, etc.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing hydroponic cultivation units 1 of the present invention connected vertically. Although the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention can be used alone, it is typically used by connecting multiple units vertically, as shown in FIG. 3. The upper end of the upper tubular portion 10 of one hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is connected to the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20 of another hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged above it. The lower end of the lower tubular portion 20 of one hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is connected to the upper end of the upper tubular portion 10 of yet another hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged below it. By connecting multiple hydroponic cultivation units 1 vertically in this manner, plants 100 can be cultivated side by side vertically. This allows for an increased number of plants 100 planted per unit area. Furthermore, the plants 100 planted in each hydroponic cultivation unit 1 can grow freely upward as long as they do not interfere with the plants 100 above them. Furthermore, the roots of the plants 100 planted in each hydroponic cultivation unit 1 can grow not only within that hydroponic cultivation unit 1, but also into other hydroponic cultivation units 1 below it. This makes it possible to suitably cultivate plants that grow tall or have long roots. Not only one but multiple rows (cultivation columns) can be constructed by connecting multiple hydroponic cultivation units 1.

[0022] The connection structure of the hydroponic cultivation units 1 constituting the cultivation column is not particularly limited. However, if the hydroponic cultivation units 1 are easily disconnected, the cultivation column may collapse when subjected to impact or vibration. Furthermore, it is difficult to install the cultivation column on the floor when there is no installation space available, the floor is uneven, or the floor is soft. Therefore, the cultivation column must be suspended from above. However, if the hydroponic cultivation units 1 are easily disconnected, such a suspension construction is difficult. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , an upper mating portion β1 is provided near the upper end of the upper tubular portion 10, and a lower mating portion β2 is provided near the lower end of the lower tubular portion 10. The hydroponic cultivation units 1 are connected by engaging the lower mating portion β2 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged above with the upper mating portion β1 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged below (see FIGS. 6 and 7 , which will be described later). The upper mating portions β1 are provided at multiple locations on the periphery near the upper end of the upper tubular portion 10, and the lower mating portions β2 are provided at multiple locations on the periphery near the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20. By adopting such a mating structure, the hydroponic cultivation units 1 constituting the cultivation column can be firmly connected. This not only makes the cultivation column less likely to collapse, but also makes it possible to install the cultivation column in a suspended state.

[0023] In the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention, the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are arranged non-coaxially, thereby increasing the flexibility in the configuration of the cultivation column (the flexibility in the construction of the hydroponic cultivation units 1). For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a zigzag cultivation column can be formed by connecting the hydroponic cultivation units 1 while changing the orientation of the hydroponic cultivation units 1 around the vertical axis by 180° at a time. In this case, the orientation of the planting openings 30 of the hydroponic cultivation units 1 in each stage alternates. In contrast, a stepped cultivation column can be formed by connecting the hydroponic cultivation units 1 while aligning the orientation of the hydroponic cultivation units 1 around the vertical axis. In this case, the orientation of the planting openings 30 of the hydroponic cultivation units 1 in each stage is aligned. The orientation of the stepped portion of the cultivation column (the orientation around the vertical axis) can also be changed every predetermined number of stages.

[0024] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8 (to be described later), if the orientation of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 around the vertical axis can be changed by an angle smaller than 180° (in the example of FIG. 8, the orientation is changed by 90°), the shape of the cultivation column can be made even more complex. Therefore, even if there are obstacles such as beams or ducts below the ceiling of the room where hydroponic cultivation is performed, the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 can be installed while avoiding the obstacles. This allows for effective use of the space in the room where hydroponic cultivation is performed. It also allows for variations in the planting pattern of the plants 100. Furthermore, the appearance of the cultivation column can be made more interesting.

[0025] Incidentally, water and fertilizer are necessary for the growth of the plants 100, and in the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention, water flows inside the hydroponic cultivation unit 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, water flows into the upper end of the upper tubular part 10 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged at the top among the multiple hydroponic cultivation units 1 connected in the vertical direction (indicated by arrow A 11 ) Then, arrow A in the figure 12As shown in the figure, water flows down from the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1. This allows multiple plants 100 planted in the same cultivation column to be watered at once. Furthermore, if fertilizer (liquid fertilizer, etc.) is mixed into this water, it is also possible to fertilize the plants 100. In this embodiment, the water discharged from the lowest hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is pumped up (as indicated by arrow A) by a pumping means such as a pump (not shown). 13 ) and then pour it into the top hydroponic cultivation unit 1 again.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4(a) shows one side of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4(b) shows the other side of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 as viewed from the back. As described above, the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 waters the plants 100 (see FIG. 3; the same applies below) by flowing water therein. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a structure for guiding water (such as a first water guide portion γ1) is provided along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10. Therefore, when a small amount of water flows down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10, the water is guided to the vicinity of the boundary portion α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 (near the roots of the plants 100 planted in the planting opening 30). Therefore, even if the amount of water flowing into the upper tubular portion 10 is kept small, water can be distributed to all of the plants 100 planted in the same cultivation column. Therefore, the pumping means can be made smaller. In addition, when fertilizer (liquid fertilizer) is mixed with the water, the amount of fertilizer used can be reduced. In this embodiment, in addition to the first water guiding section γ1, a second water guiding section γ2, a third water guiding section γ3, and a fourth water guiding section γ4 are also provided within the hydroponic cultivation unit 1.

[0027] Furthermore, as described above, the roots of a plant 100 planted in a hydroponic cultivation unit 1 can grow not only within that hydroponic cultivation unit 1, but also into another hydroponic cultivation unit 1 below it. Roots growing from an upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 invade the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 through the upper tubular portion 10 of the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1. If roots that invade from the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "invaded roots") become entangled with the roots of a plant 100 planted in the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1, it becomes difficult to pull out the plant 100. This makes it difficult to replant or harvest the plant 100. Even if the plant 100 can be pulled out, the roots of other plants 100 may be attracted to the roots of the plant 100 and may grow out, which may require a lot of effort to return the roots that have grown out into the hydroponic cultivation unit 1. For this reason, in this embodiment, a root guide section δ is provided within the upper tubular section 10 to guide the invading roots from the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to a section ε1 of the plant 100 planted in the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 where the roots are not densely packed.

[0028] 2. Details of the hydroponic cultivation unit The detailed configuration of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention will be described below in more detail.

[0029] 2.1 Hydroponic unit configuration As described above, the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention has a structure in which the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are connected in the vertical direction, and a planting opening 30 is provided near the boundary α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20. The horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are not particularly limited and may be polygonal such as a square or elliptical, but are usually circular. The dimensions of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 are determined appropriately depending on the type of plant 100 to be hydroponically cultivated, etc. The height of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 (the height from the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20 to the upper end of the upper tubular portion 10) is generally in the range of 10 to 50 cm (approximately 16 cm in this embodiment), and the vertical lengths of the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are generally in the range of 5 to 30 cm (in this embodiment, the vertical length of the upper tubular portion 10 is approximately 9 cm, and the vertical length of the lower tubular portion 20 is approximately 10 cm). In addition, the outer diameters (outer diameter of the thickest portion) of the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are generally in the range of 3 to 20 cm (approximately 6 to 7 cm in this embodiment).

[0030] As described above, in the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention, the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are arranged on a non-coaxial line, as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the lower end section of the upper tubular portion 10 (the connecting portion between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20) is formed as a bent portion 11 that bends toward the lower tubular portion 20. This makes it possible to receive water on the upward inner wall surface of the bent portion 11 and then guide it to the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20, even if the water falls through the hollow portion of the upper tubular portion 10 without running down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10. Therefore, downstream of the bent portion 11, the water can flow along the desired path (arrow A in FIG. 4). 21 ~A 25 ) and can guide water along the lower tubular portion 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent any plants 100 from going unwatered. The bent portion 11 is formed in a funnel shape so that the diameter of the pipe becomes smaller as it goes downward, and water is collected at the bent portion 11 and can be smoothly guided into the lower tubular portion 20.

[0031] The horizontal offset of the upper tubular portion 10 relative to the lower tubular portion 20 is not particularly limited. However, if the offset is small, the above-mentioned effect is less likely to be achieved. For this reason, it is preferable to set the horizontal distance from the center line of the lower tubular portion 20 to the center line of the upper tubular portion 10 equal to or greater than the radius of the lower tubular portion 20. The horizontal distance is more preferably equal to or greater than 1.5 times the radius of the lower tubular portion 20, and even more preferably equal to or greater than 2 times. However, if the horizontal distance is too large, the installation area of ​​the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 will increase, making it difficult to increase the number of plants planted per unit area. Furthermore, the weight balance of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 will be poor, reducing the installation stability of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1. For this reason, it is preferable to set the horizontal distance equal to or less than 3 times the radius of the lower tubular portion 20.

[0032] 2.2 Planting opening As already mentioned, the planting opening 30 is a portion for planting a seedling of a plant 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , this planting opening 30 is provided near the boundary α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 in the hydroponic cultivation unit 1. In the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention, the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 are arranged non-coaxially so that the upper tubular portion 10 is not located directly above the lower tubular portion 20, and the upper end (upper open end) of the lower tubular portion 20 serves as the planting opening 30. The upper end of the lower tubular portion 20 is bent toward the opposite side from the side where the upper tubular portion 10 is arranged, so that the planting opening 30 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. This allows the seedling of the plant 100 to be planted diagonally above the planting opening 30, making it easier to plant and remove the plant 100. The inclination angle of the planting opening 30 (the inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane) is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 10 to 60°. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the planting opening 30 is set to approximately 30°. The part where the roots of the plant 100 planted in the planting opening 30 are densely packed (the above-mentioned culture medium) is placed near the center of the planting opening 30. Specifically, the above-mentioned culture medium is placed on the center P4 (see Figure 5) of the inclined plate-like portion 50 (the inclined plate-like portion 50 having a fan shape with a central angle greater than 180°) described below.

[0033] 2.3 Water guide section (first water guide section, second water guide section, third water guide section and fourth water guide section) As described above, water guide portions for guiding water are provided within the hydroponic cultivation unit 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a first water guide portion γ1, a second water guide portion γ2, a third water guide portion γ3, and a fourth water guide portion γ4 are provided. Of these, the first water guide portion γ1 is provided along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10. The second water guide portion γ2 and the third water guide portion γ3 are provided near the boundary portion α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 or at the upper portion of the lower tubular portion 20. Furthermore, the fourth water guide portion γ4 is provided along the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20. These water guide portions γ1, γ2, γ3, and γ4 allow water that flows into the upper tubular portion 10 along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10 to flow in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 4. 21 ~A 24 The water is guided as shown in the arrow A and stored in the water storage section 70. The water overflowing from the water storage section 70 is 25 As shown in FIG. 1, the water runs along the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20 and is discharged from the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20 .

[0034] 2.3.1 First water guide section The first water guide portion γ1 guides the water flowing into the upper tubular portion 10 and running down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10 to the vicinity of the boundary portion α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 (arrow A in FIG. 4(a)). 21 4. The first water guide portion γ1 is provided along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first water guide portion γ1 is provided as one-side first water guide portion γ 1A (Fig. 4(a)) and the other side first water guide section γ 1B (Fig. 4(b)) The first water guide section γ 1A The first water guide portion γ is formed on the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10 with a downward slope from a predetermined point (point P1) on the opposite side of the planting opening 30 to one side (back side). 1A is provided from point P1 to point P2. On the other hand, the other side first water guide portion γ 1Bis formed with a downward slope from point P1 to the other side (front side). 1B is provided from point P1 to point P3. Therefore, the first water guide portion γ1 is in an inverted U shape (see FIG. 5, which will be described later). This allows the water flowing down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10 to flow through the one-side first water guide portion γ 1A and the other side first water guide section γ 1B Therefore, the amount of water guided to the vicinity of the boundary portion α can be ensured while suppressing the amount of water flowing into the upper tubular portion 10.

[0035] This first water guide portion γ1 may be provided in the shape of a groove along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10. However, in this case, there is a risk that water running down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10 will pass over the first water guide portion γ1 and flow downward without being trapped by the first water guide portion γ1. In addition, it becomes necessary to increase the thickness of the upper tubular portion 10. For this reason, in this embodiment, the first water guide portion γ1 is formed in the shape of a strip protruding inward from the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10. This makes it easier for water running down the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion 10 to be trapped by the first water guide portion γ1. In addition, the thickness of the upper tubular portion 10 can be reduced.

[0036] 2.3.2 Second water guide section The second water guide portion γ2 guides the water guided by the first water guide portion γ1 to the vicinity of the boundary portion α between the upper tubular portion 10 and the lower tubular portion 20 (points P2 and P3 in FIG. 4) to a location where the roots of the plant 100 planted in the planting opening 30 are densely packed (arrow A in FIG. 4(a)). 224(a) , an inclined plate-like portion 50 is provided on the upper portion of the lower tubular portion 20, and a portion of the upper surface of the inclined plate-like portion 50 (the area shown by the cross-hatching in FIG. 5 described later) functions as the second water guide portion γ2. The inclined plate-like portion 50 is provided continuous with the first water guide portion γ1 at points P2 and P3, and is inclined so as to become lower as it becomes farther from points P2 and P3 (farther from the upper tubular portion 10). The inclination angle of the inclined plate-like portion 50 (the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane) is not particularly limited, but is usually set to 10 to 60°. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the inclined plate-like portion 50 is set to approximately 30°, so that the inclined plate-like portion 50 is approximately parallel to the planting opening 30.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a view showing the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention as viewed directly from the planting opening 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the inclined plate-like portion 50 is lotus-leaf shaped (a fan-like shape with a central angle greater than 180°). The upper peripheral edge of the inclined plate-like portion 50 is connected to the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20. A triangular notch 52 is provided in the lower portion of the inclined plate-like portion 50 (the side of the lower tubular portion 20 farther from the upper tubular portion 10). The space above the inclined plate-like portion 50 and the space below the inclined plate-like portion 50 within the lower tubular portion 20 are connected through this notch 52. As already mentioned, the densely rooted portion (culture medium 101) of the plant 100 is placed near the center P4 of the inclined plate-like portion 50, and the second water guide portion γ2 guides water to the center P4 of the inclined plate-like portion 50. A pair of V-shaped water collecting projections 51 are provided on both sides of the second water guide portion γ2. These water collecting projections 51 enable the water flowing through the second water guide portion 51 to be collected at the center P4 of the inclined plate portion 50.

[0038] 2.3.3 Third water induction section As shown in FIG. 4, the third water guide portion γ3 guides the water that has been guided by the second water guide portion γ2 and has flowed to the vicinity of the center P4 of the inclined plate-like portion 50 (the area where the roots of the plants 100 are concentrated) to predetermined points (points P5 and P6) on the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20 (arrow A in FIG. 4(a)). 23 ). In this embodiment, as described above, the inclined plate-shaped portion 50 having the notches 52 is provided inside the lower tubular portion 20, and the lower edge of this inclined plate-shaped portion 50 (a pair of inverted V-shaped notch edges) functions as the third water guide portion γ3. That is, water that reaches the vicinity of the center P4 of the inclined plate-shaped portion 50 then flows along the lower edges P4P5 and P4P6 of the inclined plate-shaped portion 50 (third water guide portion γ3) and reaches points P5 and P6 on the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20.

[0039] The inclination angle θ ( FIG. 5 ) of the lower edges P4P5, P4P6 (third water guide portion γ3) of the inclined plate-like portion 50 relative to the horizontal line L1 passing through the center P4 of the inclined plate-like portion 50 is set to be greater than 0°. This allows the lower edges P4P5, P4P6 of the inclined plate-like portion 50 to be inclined downward, allowing water to be guided by the third water guide portion γ3. In consideration of ease of water guidance, the inclination angle θ is preferably 10° or greater, and more preferably 20° or greater. However, if the inclination angle θ is set too large, the width of the cutout portion 52 becomes narrow, making it easier for the roots of the plant 100 to become clogged in the cutout portion 52. That is, when the roots of the plant 100 planted in the planting opening 30 grow, the cutout 52 also functions as a passageway for the roots to reach the space below the inclined plate-like portion 50 within the lower tubular portion 20. However, if the width of the cutout 52 is narrow, it becomes difficult for the roots of the plant 100 to pass through the cutout 52. For this reason, the inclination angle θ is preferably 60° or less, and more preferably 50° or less. In this embodiment, the inclination angle θ is set to approximately 30°.

[0040] 2.3.4 Fourth water guide section The fourth water guide portion γ4 guides the water flowing along the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20 (mainly the water guided by the third water guide portion γ3 to points P5 and P6 on the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20) to point P7 on the same side of the inner wall surface as the planting opening 30 (the side farther from the upper tubular portion 10) (arrow A in FIG. 4(b)). 24 (See FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b).) This fourth water guide portion γ4 is provided along the inner wall surface of the lower tubular portion 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), the fourth water guide portion γ4 is provided along the inner wall surface of the one-side fourth water guide portion γ 4A and the fourth water guide section γ on the other side 4B The fourth water guide section on one side γ 4A is formed with a downward slope from point P5 to point P7. 4B is formed with a downward slope from point P6 to point P7. The water guided to the vicinity of point P7 by the fourth water guide section γ4 flows down into the water storage section 70 provided below point P7 and is stored in the water storage section 70.

[0041] 2.4 Water storage section The water storage section 70 is a section for storing water flowing within the hydroponic cultivation unit 1. This water storage section 70 is provided below the cutout section 52 (see FIG. 5 ) of the inclined plate-shaped section 50. When the plant 100 planted in the planting opening 30 grows and its roots extend, the roots pass through the cutout section 52 and reach the water storage section 70. A plant 100 that has grown to this extent requires more water, and by immersing the roots of the plant 100 in the water in the water storage section 70, it can absorb more water. The structure of the water storage section 70 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the water storage section 70 is provided by providing a water stop plate 71 at an angle on the inner wall surface of the lower tubular section 20.

[0042] 2.5 Root guide part As already mentioned, the root guiding portion δ is intended to guide the invading roots from the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to a portion ε1 where the roots of the plant 100 planted in the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 are not densely packed (see FIG. 4(a)). This root guiding portion δ is provided inside the upper tubular portion 10.

[0043] The destination of the invading roots guided by the root guide portion δ varies depending on the configuration of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 (e.g., the positional relationship between the upper tubular portion 10 through which the invading roots penetrate and the planting opening 30 through which the plant 100 is planted), and is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the planting opening 30 through which the plant 100 is planted is oriented opposite the side on which the upper tubular portion 10 is disposed, and the notch 52 (see FIG. 5) through which the roots of the plant 100 pass is disposed on the side opposite the side on which the upper tubular portion 10 is disposed. For this reason, the roots of the plant 100 planted in the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 tend to gather densely in the space ε2 below the notch 52 in the lower tubular portion 20. Conversely, the roots of the plant 100 planted in the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 are less likely to gather densely in the space ε1 on the side without the notch 52 (the space in the lower tubular portion 20 closer to the upper tubular portion 10). Therefore, in this embodiment, the invading roots from the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 are guided to the space ε1 in the lower tubular portion 20 as shown by the arrow A3.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b), the space 12 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "distal space") farther from the bending center of the bent portion 11 within the internal space of the bent portion 11 in the upper tubular portion 10 functions as the root guide portion δ. The root guide portion δ is located below the first water guide portion γ1 within the upper tubular portion 10 and communicates with the lower tubular portion 20 below the inclined plate portion 50. The inclined plate portion 50 also functions as a partition that prevents invading roots that reach the lower tubular portion 20 from moving into the space ε2 below the notch 52 (a location where the roots of the plant 100 planted in the planting opening 30 of the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 are densely packed). This partition (the inclined plate portion 50) presses the invading roots from above and guides them downward.

[0045] 2.6 Connection structure of hydroponic cultivation unit As already mentioned, in this embodiment, the hydroponic cultivation units 1 constituting the cultivation column are connected by fitting. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper fitting portion β1 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged on the lower side is fitted with the lower fitting portion β2 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged on the upper side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how one hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged on the upper side is connected to another hydroponic cultivation unit 1 arranged on the lower side. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection portion between one hydroponic cultivation unit 1 and another hydroponic cultivation unit 1. This not only makes the cultivation column less likely to collapse, but also allows the cultivation column to be installed in a suspended state.

[0046] The upper mating portion β1 and the lower mating portion β2 may adopt various shapes that can be fitted to each other. In this embodiment, the upper mating portion β1 is a convex portion and the lower mating portion β2 is a concave portion. However, the upper mating portion β1 may be a concave portion and the lower mating portion β2 may be a convex portion. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper mating portion β1 is provided on the inner periphery near the upper end of the upper tubular portion 10, and the lower mating portion β2 is provided on the outer periphery near the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20. However, the upper mating portion β1 may be provided on the outer periphery near the upper end of the upper tubular portion 10, and the lower mating portion β2 may be provided on the inner periphery near the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20. The lower mating portion β2 (concave portion) is formed by a first concave portion β extending upward from the lower end of the lower tubular portion 20. 2A and the first recess β 2A The second recess β extends horizontally (in the circumferential direction of the lower tubular portion 20) from the upper end of the 2B Therefore, the lower mating portion β2 (recess) is in an inverted L shape (see FIG. 1). The upper mating portion β1 (protrusion) of the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is fitted into the first recess β of the lower mating portion β2 of the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1. 2AAfter inserting the hydroponic cultivation units 1 from below, the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is rotated horizontally (around the vertical axis) relative to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1, so that the hydroponic cultivation units 1 are connected in the vertical direction. By performing the horizontal rotation described above, the engagement between the upper mating portion β1 and the lower mating portion β2 does not come loose even if the connected hydroponic cultivation units 1 are pulled in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to hang the cultivation column from above.

[0047] The upper mating portions β1 and the lower mating portions β2 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction. The number of upper mating portions β1 and the number of lower mating portions β2 may be different, but are usually the same. It is preferable to provide three or more upper mating portions β1 and three or more lower mating portions β2, and more preferably four or more of each. This allows for a balanced and strong connection between the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 and the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1. There is no particular upper limit to the number of upper mating portions β1 and lower mating portions β2, but taking into consideration the molding of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1, they are usually limited to 10 or less each.

[0048] Preferably, the upper fitting portion β1 is arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about the center line of the upper tubular portion 10, and the lower fitting portion β2 is arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about the center line of the lower tubular portion 20. This allows the orientation (orientation around the vertical axis) of the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 connected to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to be switched by switching the upper fitting portion β1 and the lower fitting portion β2, which are fitted together. In this embodiment, the four upper fitting portions β1 are arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about 90° about the center line of the upper tubular portion 10, and the four lower fitting portions β2 are arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about 90° about the center line of the lower tubular portion 20. This allows the orientation (orientation around the vertical axis) of the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 connected to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to be switched in 90° increments.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows the connection mode of the hydroponic cultivation units 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 8(a) shows a state in which the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 and the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 are connected in the same orientation. FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is connected with its orientation rotated by −90° (90° counterclockwise as viewed from above) relative to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1. FIG. 8(c) shows a state in which the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is connected with its orientation rotated by +90° (90° clockwise as viewed from above) relative to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1. Furthermore, when the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is connected with its orientation rotated by +180° relative to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1, the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. By combining these connection modes, the cultivation column can be bent in various directions. As such, the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of this embodiment offers a high degree of flexibility in construction.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the hydroponic cultivation units 1 are connected vertically, the lower tubular portion 20 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 connected above is arranged to cover the inside of the upper tubular portion 20 of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 connected below at the connection portion. Specifically, an insertion portion 21 having an outer diameter large enough to be inserted into the upper end (upper open end) of the upper tubular portion 10 is provided near the lower end (lower open end) of the lower tubular portion 20. When the hydroponic cultivation units 1 are connected, this insertion portion 21 is inserted into the inside of the upper open end of the upper tubular portion 10. The lower fitting portion β2 is also provided on the outer periphery of this insertion portion 21. This makes it possible to prevent water flowing from the upper hydroponic cultivation unit 1 to the lower hydroponic cultivation unit 1 from leaking from the connection portion, as indicated by arrow A4.

[0051] 3. Modified Hydroponic Unit The above describes a case where one hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is configured with one upper tubular portion 10 and one lower tubular portion 20. However, one hydroponic cultivation unit 1 may be provided with two or more upper tubular portions 10 or two or more lower tubular portions 20. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a modified example of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of the present invention. This hydroponic cultivation unit 1 is provided with two lower tubular portions 20. Accordingly, the lower end section of the upper tubular portion 10 is bifurcated. The upper tubular portion 10 is in communication with both lower tubular portions 20. The rest of the configuration is substantially the same as that of the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 shown in FIG. 1. By combining the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 with a hydroponic cultivation unit 1 of a different configuration (such as the hydroponic cultivation unit 1 shown in FIG. 9), it is possible to branch or merge the cultivation column midway. This further increases the flexibility of the cultivation column configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Hydroponic Cultivation Unit 10 Upper tubular portion 11 Bend 12. Centrifugal space (root guidance section) 20 Lower tubular part 21 Insertion part 30 Planting opening 31 Plant support cap 50 Inclined plate-shaped portion 51 Water collection protrusion 52 Notch 70 Water storage section 71 Waterstop 100 plants 101 Culture medium α Boundary between the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion β1 upper fitting part β2 lower fitting part β 2A First recess β 2B Second recess γ1 First water induction part γ 1A First water induction section on one side γ 1B The first water induction section on the other side γ2 Second Water Induction Section γ3 Third water induction part γ4 fourth water induction part γ 4A Fourth water induction section on one side γ 4B The fourth water induction section on the other side δ root induction part ε1 non-root intensive place ε2 root intensive place

Claims

1. A hydroponic cultivation unit used by connecting a plurality of units in the vertical direction, an upper tubular portion having an open upper end for guiding water; a lower tubular portion that is provided in communication with the upper tubular portion and has an open lower end for guiding water that has been guided through the upper tubular portion; A planting opening for planting a plant formed near the boundary between the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion; Equipped with A bent portion is formed in the lower end section of the upper tubular portion, and the bent portion is connected to the circumferential portion of the lower tubular portion, so that the upper end side of the upper tubular portion is arranged on a non-coaxial line with the entire section of the lower tubular portion, and The upper end of the lower tubular portion is an open end, and the open end serves as the planting opening. A hydroponic cultivation unit characterized by:

2. upper fitting portions are provided at a plurality of positions on a circumferential portion near the upper side of the upper tubular portion, the upper fitting portions being capable of fitting into the vicinity of a lower end of a lower tubular portion of another hydroponic cultivation unit disposed above the upper tubular portion; The lower tubular portion is provided with lower fitting portions at a plurality of locations on the periphery near the lower end thereof, the lower fitting portions being capable of fitting into upper fitting portions of an upper tubular portion of another hydroponic cultivation unit disposed below the lower tubular portion. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1.

3. an insertion portion having an outer diameter that can be inserted into the upper tubular portion is provided near a lower end of the lower tubular portion; The lower fitting portion is provided on the outer circumferential side of the insertion portion, The upper fitting portion is provided on the inner periphery near the upper end of the upper tubular portion.

3. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 4. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 3, wherein a first water guide portion is provided along the inner wall surface of the upper tubular portion for guiding water that flows into the upper tubular portion from the upper end thereof to the boundary between the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion.

5. A method for cultivating plants using the hydroponic cultivation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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