Plant growth device

Abstract

To provide a plant growing device that effectively utilizes sunlight from outside and does not require a lighting device.SOLUTION: Provided is a plant growing device comprising: a lighting section 4 that takes in sunlight; a light guiding section 6 that guides sunlight from the lighting section 4; and a growing section 16 for growing a plant 22. The light guiding section 6 defines a light guiding space 14 that guides sunlight from the lighting section 4 in a predetermined direction while reflecting sunlight. The inner surface of the light guiding section 6 is provided with a reflective surface that reflects sunlight. The light guiding space 14 in the light guiding section 6 constitutes a growing space for the plant 22. The plant 22 to be grown are grown in this growth space. The light guiding section 6 can be configured to include an enlarged light guiding section that expands sunlight radially in the circumferential direction and a cylindrical light guiding section that guides sunlight from the enlarged light guiding section in a predetermined direction. By doing so, the light guiding space 14 can be enlarged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to plant cultivation for growing plants such as vegetables. In the device

Background Art

[0002] As a plant production system, a plant cultivation unit for growing plants such as rice has been proposed, which has a plurality of plant cultivation rooms (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The plant cultivation room of this plant production system includes a housing having a ceiling and wall surfaces that transmit light, a liquid storage unit disposed in the housing, a culture solution supply unit for supplying a culture solution to the liquid storage unit, and a plant cultivator installed on the liquid surface of the culture solution in the liquid storage unit. The plants are grown in this plant cultivator using the culture solution in the liquid storage unit as a nutrient component.

[0003] The plant cultivation room further includes a light collecting plate for collecting sunlight on the plants grown in the plant cultivator and a lighting device (for example, an LED lighting device) for irradiating artificial light on the plants. The plants in the plant cultivation room are irradiated with sunlight taken in from the outside through the ceiling and wall surfaces (including the sunlight collected by the light collecting plate), and at the same time, artificial lighting light from the lighting device is irradiated. The plants in the plant cultivator are grown using these irradiated lights.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] ​However, while such plant production systems utilize sunlight from outside, sunlight alone is insufficient to obtain the necessary light intensity (lx) for plant growth and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) required for photosynthesis. Therefore, it is necessary to install lighting equipment to compensate for the lack of light.

[0006] When using artificial lighting in addition to sunlight, it becomes necessary to install lighting equipment in the plant cultivation room. This increases the cost of equipment such as lighting, raising the overall equipment cost of the plant production system. Furthermore, there are electricity consumption costs for using the lighting equipment, which increases the operating costs (in other words, the costs required to cultivate plants).

[0007] The objective of this invention is to cultivate plants without the need for lighting equipment by effectively utilizing external sunlight. The device It is about providing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The plant cultivation device of the present invention comprises a light-collecting section for taking in sunlight, a light-guiding section for guiding sunlight from the light-collecting section, and a plant cultivation device Development Department Equipped with The aforementioned light-gathering section protrudes outward through an opening formed in the roof of a detached house. The light guide unit is located from the light collection unit. Incorporated Reflecting sunlight in a predetermined direction Leading to the attic space or plant growing room of the aforementioned detached house. A light guide space is defined, and a reflective surface that reflects sunlight is provided on the inner surface of the light guide section. The light guide space within the light guide section and the light guide space extending from the light guide space constitute a growing space for growing plants, and the plants to be grown are, By utilizing the sunlight taken in from the aforementioned light-gathering section and guided into the attic space or plant cultivation room of the aforementioned detached house It is characterized by being raised in the aforementioned rearing space.

[0009] In such a plant cultivation device, the light guide section preferably comprises an expanding light guide section that radially expands the sunlight taken in from the light collection section in the circumferential direction, and a cylindrical light guide section that guides the sunlight from the expanding light guide section in a predetermined direction. By providing the expanding light guide section in this way, a radially expanded light guide space can be obtained. Furthermore, the space below the light guide extending from the light guide space is preferably the space up to 60 cm from the end of the reflective surface of the light guide section. By making this space the cultivation space, the amount of light necessary for plant growth, i.e., illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), can be obtained. It is more preferable that this space below the light guide extends up to 30 cm from the end of the reflective surface of the light guide section.

[0010] Furthermore, in this plant cultivation device, each of the multiple growing devices arranged in the cultivation section has a columnar growing tool extending in a predetermined direction, and it is preferable to plant plants at intervals along the longitudinal direction around this columnar growing tool. By planting plants in this manner, the cultivation space can be effectively utilized and many plants can be grown. In addition, multiple tiers of growing shelves can be used for growing plants, and in this case, a reflective member is provided in relation to the multiple tiers of growing shelves to irradiate the plants on the growing shelves with sunlight reflected from the inner surface of the light guide section. With this configuration, sunlight can be irradiated almost evenly to the plants on the multiple tiers of growing shelves.

[0011] Furthermore, the light guide may be configured to include a refracting light guide that refracts and guides sunlight, an expanding light guide that radially amplifies the sunlight from the refracting light guide in the circumferential direction, and a cylindrical light guide that guides the sunlight from the expanding light guide in a predetermined direction. In this configuration, sunlight from the outside can be refracted in a predetermined direction, then expanded radially, and guided to the cylindrical light guide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the plant cultivation device of the present invention, a light-collecting section for taking in sunlight, a light-guiding section for guiding sunlight from the light-collecting section, and a plant cultivation device Development Department Equipped with, The light-gathering section protrudes outward through an opening formed in the roof of a detached house. The light guide section is, The system reflects sunlight taken in through the light-gathering area and directs it in a predetermined direction to the attic space of a detached house or to a plant growing room.Define a light guide space, and the light guide space in this light guide part and the light guide lower space extending from the light guide space are the growth spaces As a result, sunlight is guided through the light guide to this attic space or plant growing room. This plant is sufficiently irradiated with sunlight from the outside and does not require artificial lighting Instead, use the attic space of a detached house or a plant growing room. The plant can be grown. Examples of such plants include vegetables such as lettuce and fruits such as strawberries.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] A perspective view schematically showing a first embodiment of a plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A simplified cross-sectional view showing the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1 in cross-section. <000008I>A partial cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention in cross-section with a part cut away. [Figure 4] A simplified cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention in cross-section. [Figure 5] A simplified cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] A perspective view schematically showing a fourth embodiment of a plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 7] A perspective view schematically showing a first application example of a plant cultivation apparatus. [Figure 8] A perspective view schematically showing a second application example of a plant cultivation apparatus. [Figure 9] A perspective view schematically showing a third application example of a plant cultivation apparatus. [Figure 10] A perspective view schematically showing a fourth application example of a plant cultivation apparatus. [Figure 11] A partially enlarged view showing a part of the cultivation shelf in the fourth application example in an enlarged manner. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view schematically showing a reference form applied to a plant cultivation system [Figure 13] A perspective view showing a first light guide part used in the plant cultivation system of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] A perspective view showing a second light guide part used in the plant cultivation system of FIG. 12. [Figure 15]A simplified cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the light guide section of a plant cultivation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The following describes a plant cultivation apparatus and a plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention. This was applied. Plant cultivation system Implementation Let's describe the morphology.

[0018] <First embodiment of a plant cultivation device> First, a first embodiment of the plant cultivation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 1 and 2, the plant cultivation device 2 comprises a light-collecting section 4 that takes in sunlight and a light-guiding section 6 that extends downward from the light-collecting section 4. The light-collecting section 4 comprises a substantially hemispherical dome-shaped member 8, which is formed from a transparent to translucent resin material and takes in sunlight from the outside.

[0019] An arc-shaped light-concentrating reflector 10 is provided on the inner surface of the dome-shaped member 8, and a reflective surface is formed on the inner surface of this light-concentrating reflector 10. The reflective surface of the light-concentrating reflector 10 is formed, for example, by attaching a reflective film to the surface of an aluminum plate or by vapor-depositing silver. This light-concentrating reflector 10 reflects the sunlight taken in through the dome-shaped member 8 toward the light guide 6.

[0020] Furthermore, the light guide section 6 is constructed by connecting and linking a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) cylindrical members 12 (12a to 12d), and this light guide section 6 (cylindrical members 12a to 12d) defines a light guide space 14 inside. In this embodiment, the light guide section 6 extends from the lower end of the light-gathering section (dome-shaped member 8) in a predetermined direction (in this case, downward in the axial direction), and guides sunlight from the light-gathering section 4 in a predetermined direction (downward).

[0021] The inner circumferential surfaces of the light guide section 6 (cylindrical members 12a to 12d) are formed to be reflective, similar to the light-gathering reflector 10. For example, a reflective film is attached to the inner circumferential surface of an aluminum cylindrical member, or silver is vapor-deposited onto it. In this embodiment, the entire inner circumferential surface of the light guide section 6 is a reflective surface that reflects sunlight. Therefore, sunlight from the light-gathering section 4 is reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the light guide section 6 (cylindrical members 12a to 12d) and guided in a predetermined direction (downward in the axial direction).

[0022] In this embodiment, four cylindrical members 12a to 12d are connected, but for example, two to three or five or more cylindrical members may be connected, or it may be composed of a single cylindrical member. The inner diameter of the lower end of such a light-gathering section 4 (dome-shaped member 8) is formed to be, for example, about 50 to 75 cm, and the inner diameter of the light-guiding section 6 that follows the light-gathering section 4 is formed to be, for example, about 50 to 75 cm, and its length (height) is formed to be, for example, about 100 to 200 cm.

[0023] The plant cultivation unit 16 is equipped with a growing device 18 used for growing plants. This growing device 18 has a columnar growing tool 20, and vegetables 22 (for example, lettuce) are planted on this columnar growing tool 20 at intervals in its longitudinal direction (vertical direction in Figures 1 and 2) and circumferential direction. The columnar growing tool 20 is equipped with a moisture-retaining material that absorbs and retains moisture in the culture solution, and the vegetables 22 to be grown are cultivated so that their roots spread within this columnar growing tool 20.

[0024] In this first embodiment, a nutrient solution is used to grow plants. Although not shown, the nutrient solution is supplied from the upper end of the columnar growing device 20, and as it flows down along the columnar growing device 20, it is absorbed by the device. The nutrient solution that has flowed down to the bottom of the columnar growing device 20 is stored in the growing container 18, and this nutrient solution absorbed by the columnar growing device 20 is supplied to the vegetables 22.

[0025] In this plant cultivation device 2, the lower end of the light guide section 6 (in this configuration, the lowest cylindrical member 12d) covers the outer surface of the upper end of the growing container 18. Therefore, sunlight from the light collection section 4 is used for growing vegetables 22 in the growing section 16 without leaking out of the light guide section 6 (cylindrical members 12a to 12d).

[0026] With this configuration, in this first embodiment, the vegetables 22 are grown in the light-guiding space 14 within the light-guiding section 6, and this light-guiding space 14 functions as a growing space. When we say that the vegetables 22 (plants) are grown in the light-guiding space 14 (growing space), it means that the part of the vegetables 22 above the roots (i.e., its stem and leaves) is grown within the light-guiding space 14 (growing space).

[0027] In this plant cultivation device 2, sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section 4 during the day is reflected from the inner surface of the light guide section 6 (cylindrical members 12a to 12d) and guided toward the cultivation section 16 in a predetermined direction. As a result, the illuminance (lx) of sunlight in the light-guiding space 14 of the light guide section 6 is high, and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of sunlight is also high. This provides sufficient illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for the vegetables 22 to perform photosynthesis, and allows the vegetables 22 (plants) to be grown without artificial lighting.

[0028] <Second embodiment of the plant cultivation device> Next, a second embodiment of the plant cultivation device will be described with reference to Figure 3. In this second embodiment, improvements have been made to the light-collecting section, light-guiding section, and cultivation section. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0029] In Figure 3, the illustrated light-gathering section 4A comprises a substantially hemispherical dome-shaped member 8A and a cylindrical connecting member 32 extending from the opening of the dome-shaped member 8A. A light-gathering reflector 10 is disposed inside the dome-shaped member 8A, and a reflective surface that reflects sunlight is formed over the entire inner surface of the cylindrical connecting member 32.

[0030] Furthermore, the illustrated light guide section 6A includes an expanding light guide section 34 that radially expands sunlight from the light-collecting section 4A in the circumferential direction, and a cylindrical light guide section 36 that guides sunlight from the expanding light guide section 34 in a predetermined direction. The expanding light guide section 34 has a conical member 38 that expands in a substantially conical shape, and one end of this conical member 38 (the end with a smaller outer diameter) is connected to the cylindrical connecting member 32 of the light-collecting section 4A. The cylindrical light guide section 36 has a cylindrical member 40, and one end of this cylindrical member 40 is connected to the other end of the conical member 38 (the end with a larger outer diameter). Similar to the first embodiment, a reflective surface that reflects sunlight is formed on the entire inner circumferential surface of the conical member 38 and the cylindrical member 40. In this example, the cylindrical light guide section 36 is composed of one cylindrical member 40, but it may be composed of multiple cylindrical members 40.

[0031] By configuring the light-collecting section 4A and the light-guiding section 6A in this manner, sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section 4A is radially expanded in the circumferential direction by the inner surface of the expanding light-guiding section 34 (conical member 38) of the light-guiding section 6A, and then guided in a predetermined direction (downward in Figure 3) by the inner surface of the cylindrical light-guiding section 36 (cylindrical member 40), thereby defining a large radial light-guiding space 14A within the light-guiding section 6A.

[0032] Furthermore, the illustrated cultivation unit 16A is equipped with a growing container 18A used for growing plants, and a nutrient solution used for growing vegetables 22 is contained within this growing container 18A. The growing container 18A is equipped with a woven fabric-like growing device 42 that is placed on the liquid surface side of the nutrient solution, and vegetables 22 (for example, lettuce) are planted at intervals on this woven fabric-like growing device 42, so that the vegetables 22 to be grown will take root within this woven fabric-like growing device 42. In this case, the nutrient solution is supplied to fill the growing container 18A.

[0033] In this plant cultivation device 2A, the lower end of the light guide section 6A covers the outer surface of the grower 18A, and therefore, sunlight from the light collection section 4A hardly leaks out of the light guide section 6A (magnifying light guide section 34 and cylindrical light guide section 36) and is used for cultivating the vegetables 22 in the growing section 16A. In this second embodiment as well, the vegetables 22 are cultivated in the light guide space 14A within the light guide section 6A, and this light guide space 14A functions as a growing space for cultivating the vegetables 22. In this second embodiment, when we say that the vegetables 22 (plants) are cultivated in the light guide space 14A (growing space), it means that the part of the vegetables 22 from the roots up (i.e., its stem and leaves), in other words, the woven fabric growing device 42 is cultivated while inside the light guide space 14A (growing space). The other configurations of this second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0034] In this second embodiment of the plant cultivation device 2A, sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section 4A during the daytime is reflected from the inner surface of the light-guiding section 6B (magnifying light-guiding section 34 and cylindrical light-guiding section 36) and guided toward the cultivation section 16A in a predetermined direction. As a result, the illuminance (lx) of sunlight in the light-guiding space 14A of the light-guiding section 6A is high, and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of sunlight is also high. This provides sufficient illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for the vegetables 22 to perform photosynthesis, and allows the vegetables 22 (plants) to be grown without artificial lighting.

[0035] In this embodiment, the growth section 16A is housed within the light guide space 14A of the light guide section 6A, and the vegetables 22 of the growth section 16A are grown within this light guide space 14A. However, this configuration is not strictly necessary, and as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, sufficient illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon density (PPFD) for growing vegetables 22 (plants) can be obtained even if the growth section 16A is positioned below the light guide section 6A.

[0036] To explain further, sunlight reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical light guide 36 reaches the light guide space 46 (a space that extends linearly from the light guide space 14A of the cylindrical light guide 36 that extends in a predetermined direction) which extends from the light guide space 14A of the light guide 6A. However, outside of this light guide space 46, sunlight from the cylindrical light guide 36 is diffused into the surroundings and does not reach sufficiently. Therefore, outside of this light guide space 46, it is not possible to secure sufficient illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) to grow vegetables 22, making it difficult to grow vegetables 22 (plants).

[0037] Furthermore, even in the light-guided space 46 extending from the light-guiding space 14A, the illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of sunlight from the light-collecting section 4A decrease as the distance from the cylindrical light-guiding section 36 (the end of its reflective surface) increases. When growing vegetables 22 (plants), it becomes difficult to obtain sufficient illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) when the distance H from the cylindrical light-guiding section 36 (the end of its reflective surface) exceeds 60 cm. Therefore, it is preferable to designate the space from the end of the reflective surface of the cylindrical light-guiding section 36 up to 60 cm as the light-guided space 46 suitable for growing vegetables 22 (plants), and to grow vegetables 22 (plants) in the light-guided space 14A of the light-guiding section 6A and this light-guided space 46. This space (light-guided space 14A and light-guided space 46) suitable for growing vegetables 22 (plants) is referred to as the growing space.

[0038] Preferably, the light-guided space 46 is within a distance H of 30 cm from the cylindrical light-guiding section 36 (the end of its reflective surface). Within this range of the light-guided space 46, sufficient illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) necessary for growing vegetables 22 can be obtained, allowing vegetables 22 (plants) to be grown without the need for artificial lighting.

[0039] <Third embodiment of the plant cultivation device> Next, a third embodiment of the plant cultivation device will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In Figures 4 and 5, improvements have been made to the cultivation section of the plant cultivation device of the third embodiment. The illustrated cultivation section 16B is equipped with a cultivator 18B used for growing plants, and multiple (four in the illustrated example) columnar cultivation devices 20B (20Ba, 20Bb, 20Bc, 20Bd) are provided at intervals in this cultivator 18. The configuration of each columnar cultivation device 20B (20Ba to 20Bd) is the same as that of the columnar cultivation device in the first embodiment. Although not shown, a culture solution is supplied to the upper end of each columnar cultivation device 20B (20Ba to 20Bd), and the supplied culture solution flows downward through each columnar cultivation device 20B (20Ba to 20Bd) to be supplied to the vegetables 22 (plants) before being stored in the cultivator 18B.

[0040] When multiple columnar growing devices 20B (20Ba~20Bd) are arranged in the light guide space 14B of the light guide section 6B of the plant growing device 2B, the sunlight irradiated from the inner surface of the light guide section 6B onto the vegetables 22 of the columnar growing devices 20B (20Ba~20Bd) becomes uneven. For this reason, a rotation control mechanism 52 (52a~52d) can be provided for each columnar growing device 20B (20Ba~20Bd).

[0041] In this case, although not shown in the figure, the rotation control mechanism 52 (52a~52d) includes a rotation support mechanism for rotatably supporting the columnar growing members 20B (20Ba~20Bd) and a rotation control means for controlling the rotation of this rotation support mechanism. At predetermined time intervals, or according to the growth of the vegetables 22 (plants), the rotation support mechanism is rotated by the rotation control means, changing the angular position of the columnar growing tools 20B (20Ba~20Bd) to reduce uneven illumination. Alternatively, instead of rotating each columnar growing tool 20B (20Ba~20Bd), the growing section 16B, including the columnar growing tools 20B and the growing device 18B, may be configured as a growing unit, and the entire growing unit may be rotated by the rotation mechanism.

[0042] The other configurations in this third embodiment are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment described above. Sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section 4B (light-concentrating reflector 10) is guided to the light-guiding section 6B through the cylindrical connecting member 32, expanded in the circumferential direction by reflection from the inner surface of the expanding light-guiding section 34 (conical member 38), and then guided in a predetermined direction by reflection from the inner surface of the cylindrical light-guiding section 36 (cylindrical member 40), illuminating the inside of this light-guiding space 14B. The illumination by sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section 4B can provide the vegetables 22 (plants) in the light-guiding space 14B with sufficient light, i.e., illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), and the vegetables 22 (plants) can be grown without artificial lighting.

[0043] <Fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation device> Next, with reference to Figure 6, a fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation device will be described. In this fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation device, improvements have been made to the light-collecting section and the light-guiding section.

[0044] In Figure 6, the illustrated light-gathering section 4C comprises a dome-shaped member 8C that captures sunlight and a cylindrical connecting member 32C for connecting the dome-shaped member 8C to the light-guiding section 6C. This configuration is substantially the same as that of the second and third embodiments.

[0045] Furthermore, the illustrated light guide section 6C includes a refraction light guide section 62 that refracts and guides sunlight taken in from the light collection section 4C, an expanding light guide section 64 that radially expands the sunlight from the refraction light guide section 62 in the circumferential direction, and a cylindrical light guide section 66 that guides the sunlight expanded by the expanding light guide section 64 in a predetermined direction (axial direction, which is the left-right direction in Figure 6).

[0046] The refracting light guide section 62 is composed of first and second cylindrical inclined members 68 and 70 that are inclined at an angle and rotatably connected to each other. By rotating the first and second cylindrical inclined members 68 and 70 relative to each other, the connection state (in other words, the direction of refraction) can be changed. The open end of the first cylindrical inclined member 68 is connected to the downstream end of the cylindrical connecting member 32C of the light-gathering section 4C. The open end of the second cylindrical inclined member 70 is connected to a cylindrical intermediate connecting member 72, which in turn is connected to the magnifying light guide section 64. The refracting light guide section 62 refracts sunlight from the light-gathering section 4C at a predetermined angle, for example, 90 degrees, and guides it to the magnifying light guide section 64.

[0047] In this embodiment, the magnifying light guide section 64 is composed of a conical member 38, and the cylindrical light guide section 66 is composed of a cylindrical member 40. The entire inner surface of the cylindrical connecting member 32 of the light-gathering section 4C, the entire inner surface of the refraction section 62 (the entire inner surface of the first and second cylindrical inclined members 68, 70 and the cylindrical intermediate connecting member 72), the entire inner surface of the magnifying light guide section 64 (the entire inner surface of the conical member 38), and the entire inner surface of the cylindrical light guide section 66 (the entire inner surface of the cylindrical member 40) are formed to reflect sunlight. The configuration of the magnifying light guide section 64 and the cylindrical light guide section 66 is the same as in the second and third embodiments.

[0048] In this fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation device 2C, sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section 4C is refracted laterally by the refraction light guide section 62, further expanded radially in the circumferential direction by the magnification light guide section 64, and then guided in a predetermined direction within the cylindrical light guide section 66, thereby changing the direction of light guidance of sunlight from the outside. When sunlight from the outside is guided laterally within the light guide space (cultivation space) of the cylindrical light guide section 66, multiple cultivation shelves can be used as the cultivation section for growing vegetables 22 (plants), as will be explained later.

[0049] In this fourth embodiment, the light guide section 6C is composed of a refraction light guide section 62, an magnifying light guide section 64, and a cylindrical light guide section 66. However, for example, the magnifying light guide section 64 may be omitted, and the light guide section may consist only of the refraction light guide section 62 and the cylindrical light guide section 66.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, a culture solution is used to grow the vegetables 22 (plants), but instead of cultivation using a culture solution, the vegetables 22 (plants) may be grown using soil, improved soil, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, a light-collecting reflector 10 is placed inside the light-collecting section 4 (4A to 4C) to guide sunlight from the outside to the light-guiding section 6 (6A to 6C). However, instead of using such a light-collecting reflector 10, it is also possible to laser-cut a predetermined shape onto the inner surface of the dome member 8 (8A to 8C) so that its inner surface functions as a reflective surface.

[0052] <First application example of the plant cultivation device> For example, the plant cultivation device 2 of the first embodiment (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) can be applied as shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, in this first application example, a stationary container 82 is used, and multiple (eight in this application example) plant cultivation devices 2 are housed inside this container 82. The container 82 comprises a box-shaped container body 84, which is grounded.

[0053] When using such a container 82, the upper wall 86 of the container body 84 is provided with circular openings corresponding to each plant cultivation device 2. The light guide section 6 and cultivation section of each plant cultivation device 2 are housed inside the container body 84, and the light-gathering section 4 (dome-shaped member 8) of each plant cultivation device 2 protrudes outward through the opening in the upper wall 86.

[0054] In this first application example, sunlight from outside is taken in through a light-gathering section 4 protruding from the upper wall 86 of the container body 84, and the sunlight taken in irradiates the vegetables 22 (plants) being grown in the plant cultivation device 2. With this configuration, plants such as vegetables 22 can be grown inside the container 82 without using artificial lighting. Furthermore, this plant cultivation device is not limited to the container 82, but can be widely applied to buildings, prefabricated buildings, simple greenhouses, etc.

[0055] <Second application example of the plant cultivation device> Figure 8 shows a second application example of the plant cultivation device, in which case the plant cultivation device 2 of the first embodiment is also used. In Figure 8, in this second application example, a plant cultivation room 85 (for example, a vegetable cultivation room) for growing vegetables (plants) is provided on the second floor of a detached house 83, and multiple (three in this application example) plant cultivation devices 2 are housed in this plant cultivation room 85. If the space of this plant cultivation room 85 is large, four or more may be housed.

[0056] When using a plant cultivation room 85 in such a house 83, the roof 87 is provided with circular openings corresponding to each plant cultivation device 2, the light guide section 6 and cultivation section (not shown) of each plant cultivation device 2 are housed in the attic room 85, and the light-gathering section 4 of each plant cultivation device 2 protrudes outward through the opening in the roof 87.

[0057] <Third application example of the plant cultivation device> Figure 9 shows a third application example of the plant cultivation device, in which the cultivation section of the plant cultivation device is located in the space below the light guide of the light guide section. In Figure 9, in this third application example, the attic space 91 of a detached house 89 is used, and multiple (two in this application example) plant cultivation devices 2D are housed in this attic space 91. In order to make effective use of this attic room 91, vegetables may be grown using multiple cultivation sections 16D for one light-gathering section 4D, in which case one of the multiple cultivation sections 16 is selectively or movably positioned in the space 46D below the light guide of the light guide section 16D of the plant cultivation device 2D.

[0058] When using the attic space 91 of such a house 89, for example, a circular opening is provided in one roof 93 corresponding to the plant cultivation device 2D, and the light guide section 6D and cultivation section 16D of the plant cultivation device 2D are housed on one side of the attic space 91, and the light-gathering section 4D of the plant cultivation device 2D protrudes outward through the opening in this roof 93. Also, a circular opening is provided in the other roof 95 corresponding to the plant cultivation device 2D, and the light guide section 6D and cultivation section 16D of the plant cultivation device 2D are housed on the other side of the attic space 91, and the light-gathering section 4D of the plant cultivation device 2D protrudes outward through the opening in this roof 95.

[0059] Multiple light-gathering sections 4D of the plant cultivation device 2D may be provided on one roof 93 and the other roof 95. In this case, multiple cultivation sections 16D can be provided corresponding to each light-gathering section 4D, thereby enabling the cultivation of many vegetables. Furthermore, by providing a mounting platform 97 on the floor of the attic space 91 and placing the cultivation section 16D on this mounting platform 97, the distance between the lower end of the light-guiding section 16D of the plant cultivation device 2D and the cultivation section 16D can be reduced.

[0060] In this third application example, the plant cultivation device 2D is installed in the attic space 91 under one roof 93 and the attic space 91 under the other roof 95. However, the plant cultivation device 2D may also be installed in either the attic space 91 under one roof 93 or the attic space 91 under the other roof 95 to cultivate vegetables (plants).

[0061] <Fourth application example of the plant cultivation device> For example, this plant cultivation device can be modified and applied as shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, this application example shows the device being applied to a building 92 such as a structure or prefabricated building, where a circular or elliptical light guide unit 94 is housed within the building 92, and this light guide unit 94 extends laterally (from the lower left to the upper right in Figure 10). The inner surface of the circumferential side wall 96 and the inner surfaces of the end wall 98 of this light guide unit 94 are formed as reflective surfaces that reflect sunlight.

[0062] In this fourth application example, two sets of two growing shelves 102 (102a, 102b) are housed as the growing section 100. In this embodiment, a plurality (three in this example) of light-gathering sections 104 (104a, 104b) are arranged corresponding to each growing shelf 102 (102a, 102b). Each light-gathering section 104 (104a, 104b) includes a dome-shaped member 106 (106a, 106b) that takes in sunlight and a cylindrical connecting member 108 (108a, 108b) connected to this dome-shaped member 106 (106a, 106b). These cylindrical connecting members 108 (108a, 108b) are connected to the peripheral side wall 96 of the light guide section 94. The building 92 comprises a box-shaped building body 110, the top wall 112 of the building body 110 having a circular opening, and the cylindrical connecting members 108 (108a, 108b) of the light-gathering section 104 (104a, 104b) protrude outward through this opening in the top wall 112.

[0063] In this fourth application example, sunlight from outside is taken in through the light-gathering section 104 (104a, 104b) protruding from the ceiling wall 112 of the building body 110. The sunlight taken in is guided to the light guide section 94 through the cylindrical connecting member 108 (108a, 108b), and is reflected off the inner surfaces of the surrounding side wall 96 and both end walls 98 to irradiate the vegetables 22 (plants) being grown on the growing shelves 102 (102a, 102b). With this configuration, plants such as vegetables 22 can be grown inside the building 92 without using artificial lighting. The three light-gathering units 104a, which are arranged in conjunction with one of the growing shelves 102a, primarily irradiate sunlight onto the vegetables 22 (plants) grown on that growing shelf 102a, and the three light-gathering units 104b, which are arranged in conjunction with the other growing shelf 102b, primarily irradiate sunlight onto the vegetables 22 (plants) grown on that other growing shelf 102b.

[0064] In an example of applying this configuration, the three light-gathering units 104a corresponding to one growing shelf 102a are placed on one side of the building 92 (the left side in Figure 10), and sunlight from these light-gathering units 104a is refracted as required using the refraction light guide unit (not shown) applied in the fourth embodiment and guided into the light guide unit 94. The three light-gathering units 104b corresponding to the other growing shelf 102b are placed on the other side of the building 92 (the right side in Figure 10), and sunlight from these light-gathering units 104b is refracted as required using the same refraction light guide unit (not shown) and guided into the light guide unit 94.

[0065] When growing plants such as vegetables 22 using a multi-tiered growing shelf 102 (102a, 102b), it can be configured as shown in Figure 11. For example, the odd-numbered shelves 122 and 126 from the top can be configured so that sunlight is shone from, for example, one side of the growing shelf 102 (the right side in Figure 11), and the even-numbered shelves 124 and 128 from the top can be configured so that sunlight is shone from, for example, the other side of the growing shelf 102 (the left side in Figure 11). By configuring it in this way, the plants such as vegetables 22 grown on each shelf 122 to 128 of the growing shelf 102 can be effectively and evenly shone with sunlight.

[0066] For example, for odd-numbered shelf sections 122 and 126, a first protruding reflective plate 130 is provided that protrudes to one side from these shelf sections 122 and 126, and a first inner reflective plate 132 is provided on the ceiling side of these shelf sections 122 and 126. The first protruding reflective plate 130 is curved to reflect sunlight toward the first inner reflective plate 132, and the first inner reflective plate 132 is curved to illuminate the vegetables 22 on the shelf sections 122 and 126. With this configuration, sunlight within the light guide section 94 (light guide space) can be irradiated onto the vegetables 22 (plants) from one side of the shelf sections 122 and 126.

[0067] Furthermore, for even-numbered shelf sections 124 and 128, a second protruding reflective plate 134 is provided that protrudes to the other side from these shelf sections 124 and 128, and a second inner reflective plate 136 is provided on the ceiling side of these shelf sections 124 and 128. The second protruding reflective plate 134 is curved to reflect sunlight toward the second inner reflective plate 136, and the second inner reflective plate 136 is curved to irradiate the vegetables 22 on the shelf sections 122 and 126. With this configuration, sunlight within the light guide section 94 (light guide space) can be irradiated onto the vegetables 22 (plants) from the other side of the shelf sections 122 and 126.

[0068] <Plant cultivation system Reference form > Next, referring to Figures 12 to 14, Plant cultivation equipment applied plant cultivation system Reference form This will be explained. This plant cultivation system is constructed by combining a plant cultivation device and a light guide irradiation device.

[0069] In Figure 12, the illustrated plant cultivation system 201 is composed of a combination of multiple (four in this example) plant cultivation devices 204 for growing plants such as vegetables 202, and multiple (five in this example) light guide irradiation devices 206 (206a, 206b) for guiding sunlight to the plant cultivation devices 204. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the plant cultivation devices 204 and light guide irradiation devices 206 (206a, 206b) are arranged alternately.

[0070] The basic configuration of the four plant cultivation devices 204 is substantially the same, and they each include a light-collecting section (not shown) for taking in sunlight, a light-guiding section 208 for directing sunlight, and a cultivation section 210 for growing vegetables 202 (plants), thus having the same configuration as the plant cultivation device of the first embodiment described above.

[0071] Furthermore, the basic configuration of the five light guide irradiation devices 206 (206a, 206b) is substantially the same, and they are equipped with a light collection section (not shown) that takes in sunlight and a light guide section 212 (212a, 212b) that guides sunlight, and are a configuration in which the cultivation section 210 is omitted from the plant cultivation device 204.

[0072] In this plant cultivation system 201, sunlight from the light guide irradiation device 206 (206a, 206b) is directed to the adjacent plant cultivation device 204. Reference form As shown in Figure 13, the centrally located light guide and irradiation device 206a is provided with four irradiation slits 214 corresponding to the four plant growth devices 204 arranged around it. These irradiation slits 214 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the middle section of the light guide unit 212a, excluding both ends. The four corner light guide and irradiation devices 206b are provided with two irradiation slits 216 corresponding to the two adjacent plant growth devices 204, as shown in Figure 14. These irradiation slits 216 are provided in the middle section of the light guide unit 212b, excluding both ends, so that they are at a 90-degree angle in the circumferential direction.

[0073] The irradiation slits 214 and 216 of the light guide irradiation devices 206a and 206b are preferably configured such that the slit width gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. By configuring them in this way, the lower end of the irradiation slits 214 and 216 of the light guide sections 212a and 212b is illuminated more broadly, and the upper end is illuminated more narrowly, thereby reducing uneven irradiation in the longitudinal direction of these irradiation slits 214 and 216.

[0074] Also, Plant growing device 204 Three light-gathering slits 218 are provided in the plant cultivation device 204, corresponding to the three adjacent light guide irradiation devices 206a and 206b. These light-gathering slits 218 are spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction and are located in the middle section of the light guide 208, excluding both ends. The light-gathering slits 218 of the plant cultivation device 204, although not shown in the figure, are configured to have a gradually decreasing slit width from the lower end to the upper end, similar to the irradiation slits 214 and 216 of the light guide irradiation devices 206a and 206b.

[0075] The irradiation slits 214 and 216 of the light guide irradiation devices 206a and 206b and the light-gathering slit 218 of the plant cultivation device 204 are connected via a light guide connecting member 222, and the entire inner surface of these light guide connecting members 222 is formed as a reflective surface that reflects sunlight. With this configuration, sunlight taken in from the light-gathering section (not shown) of the light guide irradiation devices 206a and 206b is guided to the light guide section 212a and 212b, and then guided to the light guide section 208 through the irradiation slits 214 and 216 of the light guide section 212a and 212b, the light guide connecting member 222, and the light-gathering slit 218 of the plant cultivation device 204. Furthermore, sunlight from its light-collecting section (not shown) is also guided to the light guide section 208 of the plant cultivation device 204, and the vegetables 202 (plants) in the cultivation section 210 are irradiated not only with sunlight taken in through the light-collecting section (not shown) of the plant cultivation device 204, but also with sunlight taken in through the light-collecting section (not shown) of the light guide irradiation device 206 (206a, 206b), thereby providing the vegetables 202 (plants) with sufficient light, i.e., illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), to grow.

[0076] In such a plant cultivation system 201, it is preferable to provide a rotation control mechanism (not shown) for controlling the rotation of the cultivation unit 210 in order to reduce uneven irradiation of the vegetables 202 (plants) in the plant cultivation device 204. This rotation control mechanism (not shown) includes a rotation support mechanism (not shown) that rotatably supports the cultivation unit 210 and a rotation control means for controlling the rotation of this rotation support mechanism. By controlling the rotation of the rotation support mechanism as required by the rotation control means, this uneven irradiation can be reduced.

[0077] For example, the rotation support mechanism may be controlled by a rotation control means at predetermined time intervals, or the growth status of the vegetables 202 may be checked and the rotation control may be set to position poorly growing vegetables 202 facing the light-collecting slit 218 (in other words, the light-guiding connecting member 222) of the light-guiding unit 208. For example, by positioning poorly growing vegetables 202 facing the light-collecting slit 218, they can be irradiated with sunlight taken in through the light-collecting unit (not shown) of the plant cultivation device 204 and sunlight taken in through the light-collecting unit (not shown) of the light-guiding irradiation device 206 (206a, 206b), thereby promoting the growth of vegetables 202 that do not receive sufficient sunlight.

[0078] The light guide section of the plant cultivation device can be configured as shown in Figure 15, for example. In Figure 15, the light guide section 232 in this plant cultivation device is constructed as a cylindrical body that is continuous in a wavy pattern in the circumferential direction by connecting the side edges of a plurality (eight in this example) of semi-cylindrical members 234. By configuring it in this way, the light guide space 236 defined by the light guide section 232 can be made larger, thereby allowing many cultivation units 238 to be accommodated in this light guide space 236.

[0079] To confirm the effectiveness of such a plant cultivation device, the following demonstration experiment was conducted using the plant cultivation device of the first embodiment. The inner diameter of the opening of the light-collecting section and the inner diameter of the light-guiding section of this plant cultivation device were 53 cm, the extension length of the light-guiding section was 500 cm, and the light-guiding section used had an inner surface reflectivity of approximately 98%. The illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) outdoors on a sunny day were measured, as well as the illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) at the light-guiding section of the plant cultivation device.

[0080] In the demonstration experiment, measurements showed that the outdoor illuminance (lx) was 80,000-100,000 (lx), and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 1,500-2,000 (μmolm). -2 S -1At this time, the illuminance (lx) at a distance of 2 cm from the opening of the light guide section of the plant cultivation device was 15,000 to 20,000 (lx), and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 300 to 400 (μmolm). -2 S -1 ) Furthermore, the illuminance (lx) at a distance of 60 cm from the opening of the light guide section of the plant cultivation device was 1000-1500 (lx), and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 20-30 (μmolm). -2 S -1 ) These measurement results confirmed that, when using this plant cultivation device, the illuminance (lx) and photosynthetic photon density (PPFD) necessary for plant growth can be obtained within a range of 60 cm from the opening end of the light guide.

[0081] The above describes plant cultivation according to the present invention. device Although various embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2,2A,2B,2C,2D,204 Plant growing equipment 4,4A,4B,4C,4D,104,104a,104b Lighting section 6,6A,6B,6D,40,94,16B,208,212,212a,212b Light guide part 14,14A,14B Light guide space 16,16A,16B,210 Training Department 18,18A,18B Breeder 22 Vegetables 34,38 Enlarged light guide section 36,66 Cylindrical light guide section 46 Space under light guide 62 Refraction light guide section 102a, 102b Growing shelves 206,206a,206b Light guiding irradiation device

Claims

1. A plant cultivation device comprising a light-collecting section for taking in sunlight, a light-guiding section for guiding sunlight from the light-collecting section, and a cultivation section for growing plants, wherein the light-collecting section protrudes outward through an opening formed in the roof of a detached house, the light-guiding section defines a light-guiding space that reflects the sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section and guides it in a predetermined direction to the attic space or plant cultivation room of the detached house, the inner surface of the light-guiding section is provided with a reflective surface that reflects sunlight, the light-guiding space within the light-guiding section and the light-guiding space extending from the light-guiding space constitute a cultivation space for growing plants, and the plants to be grown are grown in the cultivation space using sunlight taken in from the light-collecting section and guided to the attic space or plant cultivation room of the detached house.

2. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light guide unit comprises an expanding light guide unit that radially expands sunlight taken in from the light collection unit in the circumferential direction, and a cylindrical light guide unit that guides sunlight from the expanding light guide unit in the predetermined direction, the expanding light guide unit and the cylindrical light guide unit define the light guide space, and the space below the light guide extends from the light guide space of the cylindrical light guide unit.

3. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the space below the light guide is the space from the end of the reflective surface of the light guide to 60 cm.

4. The plant cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cultivation unit comprises a plurality of growing devices for growing plants, the plurality of growing devices are arranged at intervals in the cultivation space, each of the plurality of growing devices has a columnar growing tool extending in the predetermined direction, and plants are grown at intervals in the longitudinal direction around the columnar growing tools of the plurality of growing devices.

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