Cultivation apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a cultivation apparatus that reduces carbon dioxide by using plants in a closed space.　According to the present invention, there is provided a cultivation apparatus (A) for cultivating plants (PL) in a closed space (CS), the cultivation apparatus comprising: a supply apparatus (SA) that supplies a cultivating gas to be used for the cultivation of the plants in the closed space; and at least one enclosure unit (1, 2, 3) demarcating the closed space. The enclosure unit comprises: a channel (L) through which flows cultivating water (W) to be supplied to the plants; a water tank (13) storing the cultivating water that is to flow through the channel; a water tank supply pipe (14) that supplies the cultivating gas to the cultivating water stored in the water tank; a bubble-generating device (BD) that generates bubbles of the cultivating gas in the cultivating water stored in the water tank; and a pump (P) that pumps the bubble-containing cultivating water into the channel. The channel is such that the cultivating gas, which is to be released from the cultivating water, can be released out of the channel on the basis of the bubbles contained in the cultivating water.

Description

Cultivation equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a growing device.

[0002] Conventionally, a method for growing plants involves applying (absorbing) carbon dioxide to plants (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, plants are housed in a closed space (e.g., a plant cultivation room). A supply device (e.g., a green gas cylinder or a DAC (Direct Air Capture) device) supplies carbon dioxide to the closed space. This promotes the growth of plants housed in the closed space.

[0003] However, carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen and nitrogen. Therefore, the carbon dioxide concentration in the lower part of the closed space is higher than the carbon dioxide concentration in the upper part of the closed space. Also, the carbon dioxide concentration near the outlet of the supply device is higher than the carbon dioxide concentration in points away from the outlet. Furthermore, the flow of carbon dioxide supplied from the supply device into the closed space can be obstructed by obstacles such as plant leaves and plant containers (tubs or piping containing soil and water) in the closed space. Therefore, the carbon dioxide concentration becomes uneven within the closed space. Therefore, this method can cause uneven growth conditions (uneven growth) in the plants.

[0004] Furthermore, the number of types of plants in the closed space is not limited to one. Even if the number of types of plants in the closed space is one, the growth condition of the plants may change due to factors other than the carbon dioxide concentration (e.g., amount of water supply, amount of light, oxygen concentration, temperature, humidity, concentration of liquid fertilizer, etc.).

[0005] JP 2015-208296 A

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cultivation device that reduces carbon dioxide by using plants in a closed space.

[0007] The cultivation device of the present invention is a cultivation device for cultivating plants in a closed space, and comprises a supply device that supplies cultivation gas used for cultivating the plants to the closed space, and at least one housing unit that partitions the closed space, and the housing unit comprises a water channel through which cultivation water supplied to the plants flows, a water tank that stores the cultivation water flowing in the water channel, a water tank supply pipe that supplies the cultivation gas to the cultivation water stored in the water tank, a bubble generating device that generates bubbles of the cultivation gas in the cultivation water stored in the water tank, and a pump that sends the cultivation water containing the bubbles to the water channel, and the water channel is characterized in that the cultivation gas released from the cultivation water can be released outside the water channel based on the bubbles contained in the cultivation water.

[0008] The present invention can provide a cultivation device that reduces carbon dioxide by using plants in a closed space.

[0009] 9 is a schematic external view of a growing device showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic external view of the growing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a first unit provided in the growing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the growing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the growing device of FIG. 1, showing a state in which multiple units provided in the growing device are not converged. FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the growing device of FIG. 1, showing a state in which multiple units provided in the growing device of FIG. 1 are converged. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a control device provided in the growing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a schematic enlarged front view of a contact member provided in the growing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the growing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a state identification process included in the operation of FIG. 9. FIG. 17 is a schematic top view of a modified example of the blower provided in the growing device of the present invention.

[0010] An embodiment of a growing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the apparatus") will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same members and elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] In each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually orthogonal. The "X-axis direction" is the direction along the X-axis. The "+X-direction" is one direction along the X-axis. The "-X-direction" is the other direction along the X-axis. The "Y-axis direction" is the direction along the Y-axis. The "+Y-direction" is one direction along the Y-axis. The "-Y-direction" is the other direction along the Y-axis. The "Z-axis direction" is the direction along the Z-axis. The "+Z-direction" is one direction along the Z-axis. The "-Z-direction" is the other direction along the Z-axis. The "-X-direction" is an example of a first direction in the present invention. The "+X-direction" is an example of a second direction in the present invention.

[0012] The device includes a plurality of housing units. The plurality of housing units are arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction. One side of the predetermined arrangement direction is a first direction. The other side of the predetermined arrangement direction is a second direction. The second direction is the opposite direction to the first direction. All or some of the plurality of housing units converge to define a closed space. The device grows plants in the defined closed space.

[0013] The "closed space" houses plants.

[0014] A "plant" is grown in a closed space. The plant absorbs gas (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.) and liquid (e.g., a mixture of water and liquid fertilizer) from the closed space. The plant uses the absorbed gas and liquid from the closed space for its growth. The plant is, for example, a plant that can be grown hydroponically.

[0015] In the following description, "converge" means "a plurality of housing units that define one closed space coming together in the closest state to each other." When each of the plurality of housing units that define one closed space abuts against an adjacent housing unit, the plurality of housing units converge. In other words, the converged plurality of housing units define the closed space.

[0016] In the following description, when one housing unit abuts against an adjacent housing unit, the multiple housing units do not necessarily converge. For example, among three housing units (C, D, E) that define one closed space, when one housing unit (C) abuts against the adjacent housing unit (D) and the same unit (D) does not abut against the adjacent housing unit (E), the three housing units (C, D, E) do not converge.

[0017] In the following description, the "upstream side" means the "upstream side in the flow of gas or liquid." The "downstream side" means the "downstream side in the flow of gas or liquid."

[0018] The following description is an example of the device being used in a plant cultivation factory.

[0019] A "plant growing factory" is a facility where plants are grown indoors.

[0020] Embodiment of the Present Apparatus The configuration of the present apparatus is described below.

[0021] 1 and 2 are schematic external views of the present device, showing an embodiment of the present device. In Figs. 2 and 3, the flow of gas is indicated by thick dashed arrows.

[0022] The device A includes a first unit 1, a second unit 2, a third unit 3, and a rail R. In the following description, when the first unit 1, the second unit 2, and the third unit 3 are not particularly distinguished from one another, the first unit 1, the second unit 2, and the third unit 3 will each be referred to as "each unit."

[0023] The units are arranged along the X-axis direction and are connected to one another via a network using a wired or wireless communication method. The units converge to define a closed space CS.

[0024] The closed space CS accommodates the plant PL. The closed space CS includes three internal spaces S1, S2, and S3. Details of the internal spaces S1, S2, and S3 will be described later.

[0025] The plant PL is grown in the closed space CS. The plant PL absorbs the growth gas and the growth water W. The plant PL uses the absorbed growth gas and the growth water W for growth. The plant PL is a plant that can be grown hydroponically. Details of the growth gas and the growth water W will be described later.

[0026] The network is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0027] The floor surface F is the floor surface on which the device A is placed.

[0028] The rails R guide the movement of each unit. The rails R are laid parallel to the floor F.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the first unit 1 included in the device A. In the figure, the flow of liquid is indicated by thick solid arrows. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of each unit.

[0030] The first unit 1 is disposed furthest from the other units in the negative X direction. The first unit 1 is movable in the X-axis direction on rails R. The first unit 1 includes a wall 11, an internal space S1, a contact member 12, a supply device SA, a water tank 13, a supply pipe 14, a water channel L, a pump P, a bubble generation device BD, a filter FL (FL1, FL2, FL3), a communication unit 15, a contact detection unit 16, a supply unit 17, a photographing device C1 (C1b, C1c, C1d), an arm member 18, a power cable PC, inter-unit pipes PP, and a control device 19. The first unit 1 is an example of an end housing unit defined in the present invention.

[0031] The wall portion 11 defines the internal space S1. The wall portion 11 includes an opening 111.

[0032] The internal space S1 accommodates a plant PL. The internal space S1, together with internal spaces S2 and S3 described below, constitutes a closed space CS.

[0033] The opening 111 is disposed on the +X direction side of the wall 11. That is, the wall 11 opens in the +X direction.

[0034] The abutment member 12 can abut against an abutment member 221 provided in the second unit 2. That is, the first unit 1 can abut against the second unit 2. The abutment member 12 is attached to the opening 111. The abutment member 12 is made of, for example, an elastic material. Details of the abutment member 221 will be described later.

[0035] The supply device SA stores the growth gas and supplies the growth gas to the closed space CS via a supply pipe 14. The supply device SA is, for example, a green gas cylinder (carbon dioxide gas cylinder).

[0036] The growth gas is carbon dioxide. The growth gas is absorbed by the plants PL and used for photosynthesis of the plants PL. In other words, the growth gas is used for growing the plants PL.

[0037] The water tank 13 stores the growing water W. The water tank 13 is a substantially sealed bucket-shaped container.

[0038] The growing water W is a mixture of water and liquid fertilizer. The growing water W is absorbed by the plants PL and used for photosynthesis of the plants PL. In other words, the growing water W is used to grow the plants PL.

[0039] The supply pipe 14 supplies the growth gas from the supply device SA to the growth water W in the water tank 13. The supply pipe 14 is disposed between the supply device SA and the bubble generation device BD. The supply pipe 14 is, for example, a urethane tube. The bubble generation device BD will be described in detail later.

[0040] The water channel L is a water channel through which the cultivation water W flows. The water channel L includes partition water channels L1 (L1b, L1c, L1d) and connecting water channels L2 (L21, L22, L23, L24).

[0041] The partition water channel L1 is a channel through which the cultivation water W flows. The partition water channels L1b, L1c, and L1d divide the internal space S1 into small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d. The partition water channel L1 includes an upper wall portion L11, a tub portion L12, a gas passage hole H, and a sponge SP.

[0042] The small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d accommodate plants PL. The small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d constitute the internal space S1.

[0043] The upper wall portion L11 is a lid for the tub portion L12, which is positioned in the +Z direction from the liquid surface of the growing water W flowing through the partition water channel L1. The upper wall portion L11, together with the tub portion L12, defines the water channel space LS.

[0044] The tub portion L12 is disposed in the -Z direction of the partitioned water channel L1. The tub portion L12 is a tub-shaped container that opens in the +Z direction. The tub portion L12, together with the upper wall portion L11, defines the water channel space LS.

[0045] The water channel space LS is the space inside the water channel section L1. The water channel space LS is the space between the liquid surface of the growing water W flowing in the water channel section L1 and the upper wall portion L11.

[0046] The gas passage holes H are holes that penetrate the upper wall portion L11 in the Z-axis direction. The gas passage holes H are connected to the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d that are located in the +Z direction from the upper wall portion L11 and the water channel space LS that is located in the -Z direction from the upper wall portion L11. The gas passage holes H allow the growth gas released from the growing water W to pass through. The growing water W flowing through the partition water channel L1 releases the growth gas contained in the growing water W to the outside of the partition water channel L1 (into the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d) via the water channel space LS. In other words, the partition water channel L1 that includes the gas passage holes H releases the growth gas released from the growing water W to the outside of the partition water channel L1 based on the bubbles contained in the growing water W. The gas passage holes H include a growing hole H1 and a non-growing hole H2.

[0047] The growth hole H1 fixes the sponge SP.

[0048] The sponge SP fixes the plant PL. The sponge SP is placed in the cultivation hole H1. That is, the plant PL is placed in the cultivation hole H1 via the sponge SP.

[0049] The non-growth hole H2 allows the growth gas to pass through. The non-growth hole H2 is disposed near the growth hole H1. The size of the non-growth hole H2 is larger than the size of the growth hole H1.

[0050] The connecting water channel L2 is a water channel through which the cultivation water W flows. The connecting water channel L21 is arranged between the division water channels L1b and L1c. The connecting water channel L22 is arranged between the division water channels L1c and L1d. The connecting water channel L23 is arranged between the division water channel L1d and the aquarium 13. The connecting water channel L24 is arranged between the aquarium 13 and the division water channel L1b.

[0051] The pump P sends the growing water W stored in the aquarium 13 to the division channel L1b via the connecting channel L24. The pump P is disposed in the growing water W stored in the aquarium 13. The growing water W sent from the pump P to the division channel L1b returns to the aquarium 13 via the division channels L1b, L1c, and L1d and the connecting channels L21, L22, and L23. In other words, the growing water W circulates between the aquarium 13, the division channels L1b, L1c, and L1d, and the connecting channels L21, L22, L23, and L24.

[0052] The bubble generation device BD generates bubbles of the growth gas in the growth water W stored in the water tank 13. That is, the growth water W contains bubbles of the growth gas. A portion of the growth gas contained in the growth water W dissolves in the growth water W. The bubble generation device BD is disposed downstream of the supply pipe 14. The bubble generation device BD is disposed in the growth water W stored in the water tank 13. The bubble generation device BD is, for example, an aeration device.

[0053] The filter FL allows the growth water W and air bubbles contained in the growth water W to pass through. The filter FL captures (does not allow passage of) foreign matter (e.g., debris and roots of plants PL) contained in the growth water W flowing through the partition channel L1. The filter FL is disposed between the partition channel L1b and the connecting channel L21. The filter FL2 is disposed between the partition channel L1c and the connecting channel L22. The filter FL3 is disposed between the partition channel L2d and the connecting channel L23.

[0054] The communication unit 15 communicates with the communication unit 25 and the communication unit 35 via the network. The communication unit 25 and the communication unit 35 will be described in detail later.

[0055] The contact detection unit 16 periodically detects whether or not the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are in contact with each other. The specific operation of the contact detection unit 16 will be described later.

[0056] The supply unit 17 is attached to the first unit 1. The supply unit 17 is connected to the supply device SA via the supply pipe 14. The supply unit 17 includes discharge ports 171 (171b, 171c, 171d), supply valves 172 (172b, 172c, 172d), and blowers 173 (173b, 173c, 173d).

[0057] The discharge ports 171b, 171c, and 171d are arranged so as to discharge the growth gas in the +X direction corresponding to the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d, respectively. The discharge port 171 is arranged in the supply pipe 14.

[0058] The supply valve 172 opens and closes. The supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are arranged midway along the supply pipe 14. The supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d correspond to the discharge ports 171b, 171c, and 171d, respectively. The supply valve 172e corresponds to the bubble generation device BD. When the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are opened, the growth gas supplied from the supply device SA passes through the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d, respectively, and is discharged from the discharge ports 171b, 171c, and 171d into the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d. When the supply valve 172e is opened, the growth gas supplied from the supply device SA passes through the bubble generation device BD and is discharged into the growth water W stored in the water tank 13. The operation of the supply valves 172 is controlled by the control device 19. The supply valve 172 is, for example, a solenoid valve. The operation of the supply valve 172 will be described later.

[0059] The fans 173b, 173c, and 173d are disposed in the corresponding small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d, respectively. The fans 173b, 173c, and 173d correspond to the discharge ports 171b, 171c, and 171d, respectively. The fans 173b, 173c, and 173d blow the growth gas discharged from the discharge ports 171b, 171c, and 171d, respectively, toward the corresponding small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d in the +X direction. The operation of the fans 173 is controlled by the control device 19. The fans 173 are, for example, waterproof fans. The operation of the fans 173 will be described later.

[0060] The photographing device C1 photographs an image of the plant PL housed in the internal space S1. The photographing devices C1b, C1c, and C1d are disposed in the corresponding small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d, respectively.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of the device A showing the units in a non-converged state. Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of the device A showing the units in a converged state. In Fig. 6, the arm members 18 in a non-converged state are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0062] The arm member 18 spans between the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 in the +Z direction.

[0063] The power cable PC supplies operating power to the bubble generating device BD and the photographing device C2 included in the second unit 2. The power cable PC is wired to the arm member 18. The power cable PC is a cable according to the present invention.

[0064] The inter-unit piping PP supplies the growth gas from the supply device SA to the growth water W in the tank 13 provided in the second unit 2. The inter-unit piping PP is disposed between the supply piping 14 of the first unit 1 and the supply piping 24 of the second unit 2. The inter-unit piping PP is connected to the arm member 18. When the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 abut, the arm member 18 deforms so that the bending radius of the inter-unit piping PP does not become equal to or smaller than the minimum bending radius of the inter-unit piping PP. The inter-unit piping PP is, for example, a urethane tube.

[0065] The control device 19 controls the overall operation of the device A. The control device 19 is housed inside the first unit 1.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the control device 19.

[0067] The control device 19 includes a storage unit 191 , a convergence detection unit 192 , a supply valve control unit 193 , an air blow control unit 194 , and a state identification unit 195 .

[0068] The storage unit 191 stores information (e.g., growth state standard deviation value) necessary for the overall operation of the device A. The storage unit 191 is, for example, a recording device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), or a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM).

[0069] The "growth state specification reference value" is a value that indicates a reference for the bias in the growth state of the multiple plants PL housed in the closed space CS.

[0070] The convergence detection unit 192 periodically detects whether or not each unit that defines the closed space CS is converging. When the contact detection units 16, 26, and 36 detect contact between adjacent units, the convergence detection unit 192 detects the convergence of each unit. When at least one of the contact detection units 16, 26, and 36 does not detect contact between adjacent units, the convergence detection unit 192 does not detect the convergence of each unit.

[0071] The supply valve control unit 193 determines the open / closed state ("open" or "closed") of the supply valves 172, 27, and 37. The supply valve control unit 193 controls the operation of the supply valve 172. When the operation of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 is controlled, the operation of the bubble generation device BD is controlled. In other words, the supply valve control unit 193 controls the operation of the bubble generation device BD. Details of the operation of the supply valve control unit 193 will be described later. The supply valve control unit 193 is an example of a bubble control device of the present invention.

[0072] The air blowing control unit 194 determines the air blowing state ("air blowing" or "air not blowing") of the air blower 173. The air blowing control unit 194 controls the operation of the air blower 173. The operation of the air blowing control unit 194 will be described in detail later.

[0073] The condition specifying unit 195 specifies the growth condition of the plant PL based on the images of the plant PL photographed by the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3. Specific operations of the condition specifying unit 195 will be described later. The configuration consisting of the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3 and the condition specifying unit 195 is an example of a sensor unit according to the present invention.

[0074] The growth state includes, for example, leaf area, leaf color, fruit size, and the like.

[0075] The second unit 2 is disposed between the first unit 1 and the third unit 3. The second unit 2 is movable in the X-axis direction on a rail R. The following description of the configuration of the second unit 2 focuses on differences from the configuration of the first unit 1. The second unit 2 includes a wall 21, abutment members 221 and 222, an internal space S2, a water tank 23, a supply pipe 24, a water channel L, a pump P, a bubble generator BD, a filter (not shown), a communication unit 25, a contact detector 26, a supply valve 27, a camera C2 (C2a, C2b, C2c, C2d), an arm member (not shown), a power cable (not shown), and inter-unit pipes (not shown). The second unit 2 is an example of a housing unit according to the present invention. In the following description, reference will be made to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 as appropriate.

[0076] The wall portion 21 defines the internal space S2. The wall portion 21 has openings 211 and 212.

[0077] The internal space S2 accommodates a plant PL. The internal space S2, together with the internal space S1 and an internal space S3 described below, constitutes a closed space CS.

[0078] The opening 211 is disposed on the −X direction side of the wall 21 .

[0079] The opening 212 is disposed on the +X direction side of the wall 21. That is, the wall 21 is open in the −X direction and the +X direction.

[0080] The contact member 221 is attached to the opening 211. The contact member 221 is made of, for example, an elastic material.

[0081] The abutting member 222 can abut against the abutting member 32 included in the third unit 3. That is, the second unit 2 can abut against the third unit 3. The abutting member 222 is, for example, an elastic material. The abutting member 32 will be described in detail later.

[0082] The function of the water tank 23 is the same as that of the water tank 13 .

[0083] The function of the supply pipe 24 is the same as that of the supply pipe 14 .

[0084] The water channel L is a water channel through which the cultivation water W flows. The water channel L includes partition water channels L1 (L1a, L1b, L1c, L1d) and a connecting water channel (not shown).

[0085] The partition channels L1a, L1b, L1c, and L1d divide the internal space S2 into small spaces S2a, S2b, S2c, and S2d.

[0086] The small spaces S2a, S2b, S2c, and S2d accommodate plants PL. The small spaces S2a, S2b, S2c, and S2d constitute the internal space S2.

[0087] The communication unit 25 communicates with the communication unit 15 and the communication unit 35 via the network.

[0088] The contact detection unit 26 periodically detects whether or not the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are in contact with each other. The contact detection unit 26 periodically detects whether or not the second unit 2 and the third unit 3 are in contact with each other. The specific operation of the contact detection unit 26 will be described later.

[0089] The function of the supply valve 27 is the same as that of the supply valve 172e.

[0090] The photographing device C2 photographs an image of the plant PL housed in the internal space S2. The photographing devices C2a, C2b, C2c, and C2d are disposed in the corresponding small spaces S2a, S2b, S2c, and S2d, respectively.

[0091] An arm member (not shown) is bridged between the second unit 2 and the third unit 3 in the +Z direction.

[0092] A power cable (not shown) supplies operating power to the bubble generating device BD and the photographing device C3 included in the third unit 3. The power cable is wired to the arm member included in the second unit 2.

[0093] The inter-unit piping (not shown) supplies the growth gas from the supply device SA to the growth water W in the water tank 33 provided in the third unit 3. The inter-unit piping is disposed between the supply piping 24 of the second unit 2 and the supply piping 34 of the third unit 3.

[0094] The third unit 3 is positioned furthest in the +X direction among the units. The third unit 3 is movable in the X-axis direction on rails R. The configuration of the third unit 3 described below will focus on differences from the first unit 1 and the second unit 2. The third unit 3 includes a wall portion 31, a contact member 32, an internal space S3, a water tank 33, a supply pipe 34, a water channel L, a bubble generation device BD, a communication unit 35, a contact detection unit 36, a supply valve 37, and a photographing device C3 (C3a, C3b, C3c, C3d). The third unit 3 is an example of a housing unit according to the present invention. In the following description, reference will be made to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 as appropriate.

[0095] The wall portion 31 defines the internal space S3. The wall portion 31 includes an opening 311.

[0096] The internal space S3 accommodates a plant PL. The internal space S3, together with the internal spaces S1 and S2, constitutes a closed space CS.

[0097] The opening 311 is disposed on the −X direction side of the wall 31. That is, the wall 31 opens in the −X direction.

[0098] The contact member 32 is attached to the opening 311. The contact member 32 is made of, for example, an elastic material.

[0099] The function of the water tank 33 is the same as that of the water tank 13 .

[0100] The function of the supply pipe 34 is the same as that of the supply pipe 14 .

[0101] The partition channels L1a, L1b, L1c, and L1d divide the internal space S3 into small spaces S3a, S3b, S3c, and S3d.

[0102] The small spaces S3a, S3b, S3c, and S3d accommodate plants PL. The small spaces S3a, S3b, S3c, and S3d constitute the internal space S3.

[0103] The communication unit 35 communicates with the communication unit 15 and the communication unit 25 via the network.

[0104] The contact detection unit 36 ​​periodically detects whether or not the second unit 2 and the third unit 3 are in contact with each other. The specific operation of the contact detection unit 36 ​​will be described later.

[0105] The function of the supply valve 37 is the same as that of the supply valve 172e.

[0106] The photographing device C3 photographs an image of the plant PL housed in the internal space S3. The photographing devices C3a, C3b, C3c, and C3d are disposed in the corresponding small spaces S3a, S3b, S3c, and S3d, respectively.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged front view of the contact members 221 and 32. As shown in FIG.

[0108] The small space S2a includes the space in the -Z direction of the abutting member 221 and the space between the divided water channel L1 of the second unit 2 and the divided water channel L1 of the third unit 3. The small space S3a includes the space in the -Z direction of the abutting member 32 and the space between the divided water channel L1 of the second unit 2 and the divided water channel L1 of the third unit 3.

[0109] Operation of the Device The operation of the device A is described below.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the device A.

[0111] First, the convergence detection unit 192 detects whether or not each unit has converged (ST1).

[0112] When the convergence detection unit 192 detects the convergence of each unit (ST1: Yes), the supply valve control unit 193 determines the open / closed states of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 (ST2).

[0113] When the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 are closed (ST2: No), the supply valve control unit 193 opens the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37. That is, the bubble generation device BD generates bubbles of the growth gas in the growth water W stored in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33 (ST3).

[0114] On the other hand, when the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 are open (ST2: Yes), the operation of the device A proceeds to step ST4, which will be described later.

[0115] Next, the supply valve control unit 193 determines whether the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are open or closed (ST4).

[0116] When the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are closed (ST4: No), the supply valve control unit 193 opens the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d. That is, the growth gas supplied from the supply device SA passes through the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d, respectively, and is released from the release ports 171b, 171c, and 171d into the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d (ST5).

[0117] On the other hand, when the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are open (ST4: Yes), the operation of the device A proceeds to step ST6, which will be described later.

[0118] Next, the air blowing control unit 194 determines the air blowing state of the air blower 173 (ST6).

[0119] When the blower 173 is not blowing air (ST6: No), the blower control unit 194 controls the blowers 173b, 173c, and 173d to blow the growth gases released from the outlets 171b, 171c, and 171d, respectively, toward the corresponding small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d, respectively (ST7).

[0120] On the other hand, when the blower 173 is blowing air (ST6: Yes), the operation of the device A proceeds to processing ST8, which will be described later.

[0121] Next, the device A executes a state determination process (ST8), the details of which will be described later.

[0122] Thereafter, the convergence detection unit 192 detects whether or not each unit has converged (ST1).

[0123] On the other hand, when the convergence detection unit 192 does not detect the convergence of each unit (ST1: No), the supply valve control unit 193 determines the open / closed states of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 (ST9).

[0124] When the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 are open (ST9: Yes), the supply valve control unit 193 closes the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37. That is, the bubble generation device BD does not generate bubbles of the growth gas in the growth water W stored in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33 (ST10).

[0125] On the other hand, when the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 are closed (ST9: No), the operation of the device A proceeds to step ST11, which will be described later.

[0126] Next, the supply valve control unit 193 determines whether the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are open or closed (ST11).

[0127] When the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are open (ST11: Yes), the supply valve control unit 193 closes the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d. That is, the growth gas supplied from the supply device SA does not pass through the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d. Therefore, the growth gas is not released into the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d (ST12).

[0128] On the other hand, when the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d are closed (ST11: No), the operation of the device A proceeds to step ST13, which will be described later.

[0129] Next, the air blowing control unit 194 determines the air blowing state of the air blower 173 (ST13).

[0130] When the fan 173 is blowing air (ST13: Yes), the air blowing control unit 194 stops the fans 173b, 173c, and 173d from blowing air (ST14).

[0131] Thereafter, the convergence detection unit 192 detects whether or not each unit has converged (ST1).

[0132] On the other hand, when the blower 173 is not blowing air (ST13: No), the convergence detection unit 192 detects whether or not each unit has converged (ST1).

[0133] As described above, when the units are converged, the device A supplies the growth gas to the growing water W and the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33. That is, the device A causes the bubble generation device BD to generate bubbles. The device A also blows the released growth gas toward the corresponding small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d using the air blowers 173b, 173c, and 173d. When the units are not converged, the device A does not supply the growth gas to the growing water W and the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33. That is, the device A stops the generation of bubbles using the bubble generation device BD. The device A also stops the release of the growth gas and the blowing of the growth gas using the air blowers 173b, 173c, and 173d.

[0134] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the state identification process (ST8) included in the operation of the device A.

[0135] First, each of the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3 photographs an image of the plant PL in the corresponding small space (ST81).

[0136] Next, the condition identification unit 195 quantifies (identifies) the bias in the growth conditions of the plants PL housed in the small spaces S1b, S1c, S1d, S2a, S2b, S2c, S2d, S3a, S3b, S3c, and S3d (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each small space") based on the images of the plants PL photographed by the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3 (ST81).

[0137] Next, the state identification unit 195 determines whether the quantified bias in the growth state is greater than or equal to a growth state identification standard value (hereinafter referred to as the "threshold value") pre-stored in the memory unit 191 (whether the bias in the growth state is large or not) (ST82).

[0138] When the quantified deviation in the growth condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value (ST83: Yes), the supply valve control unit 193 closes at least one of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37. That is, the bubble generation device BD does not generate bubbles of the growth gas in the growth water W stored in at least one of the aquariums 13, 23, and 33 (ST84). Specifically, for example, when the growth condition of the plants PL accommodated in the internal space S1 is better than the growth conditions of the plants PL accommodated in the internal spaces S2 and S3, the supply valve control unit 193 closes only the supply valve 172e.

[0139] Next, the supply valve control unit 193 closes at least one of the supply valves 172b, 172c, and 172d. Therefore, the growth gas is not released into at least one of the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d (ST85). Specifically, for example, when the growth conditions of the plants PL accommodated in the small spaces S1b, S2b, and S3b are better than the growth conditions of the plants PL accommodated in the small spaces S1c, S2c, S3c, S1d, S2d, and S3d, the supply valve control unit 193 closes only the supply valve 172b.

[0140] Next, the air blowing control unit 194 stops the air blowing from at least one of the air blowers 173b, 173c, and 173d (ST86).

[0141] On the other hand, when the quantified bias in the growth state is less than the threshold value (ST83: No), the state specification process (ST8) included in the operation of the device A ends.

[0142] In this way, when the quantified deviation in the growth state is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the device A stops the generation of bubbles by the bubble generation device BD in the growth water W stored in at least one of the water tanks 13, 23, and 33. The device A stops the blowing of growth gas by at least one of the blowers 173b, 173c, and 173d. The device A stops the supply of growth gas by at least one of the outlets 171b, 171c, and 171d.

[0143] Summary According to the embodiment described above, the device A cultivates plants PL in a closed space CS. The device A includes a supply device SA and each unit. The supply device SA supplies the closed space CS with a growth gas used to cultivate the plants PL. Each unit defines the closed space CS. Each unit includes a water channel L, water tanks 13, 23, and 33, supply pipes 14, 24, and 34, a bubble generator BD, and a pump P. The water channel L is a water channel through which the growth water W flows. The water tanks 13, 23, and 33 store the growth water W flowing in the water channel L. The supply pipes 14, 24, and 34 each supply the growth gas from the supply device SA to the growth water W stored in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33. The bubble generator BD generates growth gas bubbles in the growth water W stored in the water tank 13, 23, or 33. The pump P pumps the growth water W containing bubbles into the water channel L. The water channel L (separate water channel L1) allows the growth gas released from the growth water W to be released outside the water channel L based on the bubbles contained in the growth water W. With this configuration, the flow of growth gas supplied through the growth water W is less likely to be obstructed by obstacles (such as leaves of the plants PL, supply pipes 14, 24, or 34, or separate water channel L1) than the flow of growth gas supplied through the atmosphere (gas in the closed space CS). Therefore, the device A suppresses uneven carbon dioxide concentration within the closed space CS. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide within the closed space CS. Furthermore, the device A can suppress uneven growth conditions of the plants PL.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, each unit has internal spaces S1, S2, and S3. The internal spaces S1, S2, and S3 house plants PL. The water channel L has a partition water channel L1 and a connecting water channel L2. The partition water channel L1 divides each of the internal spaces S1, S2, and S3 into small spaces. Each small space houses a plant PL. The connecting water channel L2 is arranged between the partition water channels L1. With this configuration, the device A releases the growth gas released from the growth water W approximately evenly to each small space. Therefore, the device A suppresses unevenness in the carbon dioxide concentration within each small space. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide within the closed space CS. Furthermore, the device A can suppress unevenness in the growth state of the plants PL in each small space.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the partition water channel L1 includes an upper wall portion L11 and multiple gas passage holes H. The upper wall portion L11 is positioned in the +Z direction above the liquid surface of the growing water W flowing through the partition water channel L1. The gas passage holes H communicate with each small space positioned in the +Z direction above the upper wall portion L11 and the water channel space LS positioned in the -Z direction above the upper wall portion L11. The gas passage holes H allow the growth gas released from the growing water W to pass through. The gas passage holes H include a growth hole H1 and a non-growth hole H2. The plant PL is placed in the growth hole H1. The non-growth hole H2 allows the growth gas to pass through. With this configuration, even if the growth hole H1 is blocked by the roots of the plant PL, the non-growth hole H2 allows the growth gas released from the growing water W to pass through. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide within the closed space CS. Furthermore, the device A can suppress unevenness in the growth state of the plants PL placed in the cultivation holes H1.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the size of the non-growth hole H2 is larger than the size of the growth hole H1. With this configuration, the amount of growth gas passing through the non-growth hole H2 and released into each small space is greater than the amount of growth gas passing through the growth hole H1 and released into each small space. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide in the closed space CS. Furthermore, the device A can suppress uneven growth conditions of the plants PL placed in the growth hole H1.

[0147] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, each unit includes a filter FL. The filter FL is disposed in the water channel L (between the partition water channel L1 and the connecting water channel L2). The filter FL captures foreign matter contained in the growing water W flowing through the water channel L. The filter FL allows air bubbles to pass through. With this configuration, the device A does not allow foreign matter contained in the growing water W to accumulate in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33. Therefore, the device A prevents malfunctions of the bubble generation device BD and the pump P in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33 caused by foreign matter contained in the growing water W. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide in the closed space CS while preventing malfunctions of the bubble generation device BD and the pump P.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the device A includes a supply valve control unit 193. The units are arranged along the X-axis direction. The supply valve control unit 193 controls the operation of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37. That is, the supply valve control unit 193 controls the operation of the bubble generation device BD. The units include a first unit 1 disposed on the -X-direction side of the units, and a second unit 2 and a third unit 3 disposed on the +X-direction side of the first unit 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "other units"). The other units are movable in the X-direction. When the other units move toward the first unit 1 and the units converge, the units define a closed space CS. The control of the operation of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 by the supply valve control unit 193 when the units are converged differs from the control of the operation of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 by the supply valve control unit 193 when the units are not converged. Specifically, when each unit is converging, the supply valve control unit 193 opens the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37. When each unit is not converging, the supply valve control unit 193 closes the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37. With this configuration, when each unit is converging, the device A generates growth gas bubbles in the growth water W stored in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33. When each unit is not converging, the device A stops generating growth gas bubbles. Therefore, the growth gas released from the growth water W remains in the closed space CS. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide in the closed space CS. Furthermore, the device A can suppress uneven growth conditions of the plants PL.

[0149] Furthermore, if the growth conditions of the plants PL are uneven, even if the carbon dioxide concentration in the closed space CS is uniform, uneven carbon dioxide absorption by the plants PL may occur. However, according to the embodiment described above, the present device A includes the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3 and the state determination unit 195. The configuration consisting of the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3 and the state determination unit 195 determines the growth conditions of the plants PL housed in each unit. The supply valve control unit 193 controls the operation of the supply valves 172e, 27, and 37 corresponding to each unit based on the growth conditions (for example, the bubble generation device BD in the tank of the unit containing slow-growing plants PL generates bubbles, while the bubble generation device BD in the tank of the unit containing fast-growing plants PL does not generate bubbles). With this configuration, the present device A controls the amount of growth gas released from the growth water W for each of the internal spaces S1, S2, and S3 based on the growth conditions. Therefore, the device A can accurately suppress unevenness in the growth conditions of the plants PL housed in the internal spaces S1, S2, and S3 while promoting the growth of the plants PL. When unevenness in the growth conditions of the plants PL is suppressed (the growth conditions of the plants PL housed in each small space are made approximately uniform), unevenness in the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants PL is suppressed (the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants PL housed in each small space is made approximately uniform). When the growth gas is supplied uniformly, carbon dioxide in the closed space CS is efficiently absorbed. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide in the closed space CS.

[0150] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the device A includes a power cable PC, an inter-unit piping PP, and an arm member 18. The power cable PC supplies operating power to the bubble generation device BD of the other unit. The inter-unit piping PP supplies a growth gas to the other unit. The arm member 18 is bridged in the +Z direction between the adjacent first unit 1 and second unit 2. The power cable PC is wired to the arm member 18. The inter-unit piping PP is connected to the arm member 18. When the units converge, the arm member 18 deforms so that the bending radius of the inter-unit piping PP is not equal to or smaller than the minimum bending radius of the inter-unit piping PP. With this configuration, the inter-unit piping PP does not collapse when the units converge. As a result, when the units converge, the device A can supply a growth gas to the other unit via the inter-unit piping PP.

[0151] Blower Modifications Next, blower modifications 173 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above. In the following description of the modifications, for the sake of convenience, the same components as in the embodiment and components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, and their description will be omitted. In the following modifications, reference will be made to Figures 1 and 2 as appropriate.

[0152] 11 is a schematic top view of a blower 173α according to a modified example, in which the blower 173α is shown by a two-dot chain line when the units are not converged.

[0153] The supply unit 17 includes a discharge port 171 and a blower 173α. The blower 173α is disposed in a corresponding small space (not shown). The blower 173α corresponds to the discharge port 171. The blower 173α blows the growth gas discharged from the discharge port 171 toward the corresponding small space (not shown). The blower 173α is rotatable around the Z-axis.

[0154] The control device 19 includes a convergence detection unit 192 and an air blowing control unit 194α. The air blowing control unit 194α controls the air blowing direction of the air blower 173α. Specifically, when the convergence detection unit 192 detects the convergence of each unit, the air blowing control unit 194α controls the air blowing direction of the air blower 173α to the +X direction. When the convergence detection unit 192 does not detect the convergence of each unit, the air blowing control unit 194α rotates the air blower 173α to change the air blowing direction of the air blower 173α to the +Y direction.

[0155] According to the modified example described above, the device A supplies the growth gas to the internal spaces S1, S2, and S3 when the units are converged. When the units are not converged, the device A supplies the growth gas only to the internal space S1. Therefore, when the units are not converged (the closed space CS is not partitioned), the device A suppresses the release of the growth gas outside the closed space CS. As a result, the device A can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide in the closed space CS. Furthermore, the device A can suppress uneven growth conditions of the plants PL.

[0156] Other Embodiments In the embodiments described above, the first unit 1 was equipped with a supply unit 17. However, this device does not need to be equipped with a supply unit as long as it can release the growth gas released from the growth water to the outside of the waterway based on the bubbles contained in the growth water.

[0157] In the embodiment described above, the device A is equipped with rails R. However, as long as the other housing units in the present invention are movable, the number of rails in the present invention is not limited to "1." That is, for example, the number of rails in the present invention may be "0" or "2" or more. The device may be a railless growing device that does not have rails, or may be a growing device that has anchorless rails.

[0158] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the device A includes each unit. However, the plurality of housing units in the present invention need only be able to partition a closed space in which plants are grown, and the number of housing units in the present invention is not limited to "3." That is, for example, the number of housing units in the present invention may be "2," or "4" or more.

[0159] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the arrangement direction of the units was the X-axis direction. However, the multiple housing units of the present invention only need to be able to define, when converged, a closed space in which plants are grown, and the arrangement direction of the multiple housing units of the present invention is not limited to the first direction and the second direction. In other words, for example, the multiple housing units of the present invention may be arranged in an arrangement direction other than the predetermined arrangement direction.

[0160] Furthermore, the shape of the multiple housing units in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the shape of the housing unit in the present invention may be a rectangular box or a hemispherical shape. The housing unit may be a movable shelf unit having multiple movable shelves. In this case, the end housing unit in the present invention is a movable shelf or a fixed shelf. The other housing unit in the present invention is a movable shelf. The movable shelf may be, for example, a manual, hand-pulled movable shelf or an electrically operated movable shelf.

[0161] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, all of the units included in the device A are movable. However, as long as the other housing units in the present invention are movable in the arrangement direction, there is no particular limitation as to whether each of the multiple housing units is movable. That is, for example, the end housing unit in the present invention may be fixed so as not to be movable.

[0162] Furthermore, the material of the wall portion in the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, the wall portion in the present invention may be made of vinyl, resin, sheet metal, or a reflective material that can reflect light.

[0163] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the device A includes a power cable CP. However, the device A may include any cable used for supplying operating power to other housing units and / or for communication with other housing units. The cable in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the cable in the present invention may be a power cable that supplies power to lighting placed in a small space, a power cable that supplies power to a control device (a bubble control device, a convergence detection unit), a power cable that supplies power to a sealing detection device that detects the sealing of a closed space or a warning device that notifies the sealing, a power cable that supplies power to a liquid level sensor that measures the amount of water stored in the aquarium, a power cable that supplies power to a concentration sensor that measures the carbon dioxide concentration in the closed space, or a communication cable that enables communication between multiple housing units.

[0164] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the control device 19 including the supply valve control section 193 is housed (disposed) inside the first unit 1. However, the location of the bubble generation device in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the bubble generation device in the present invention may be housed inside another housing unit disposed on the second direction side of the end housing unit, or may be disposed outside the housing unit.

[0165] In the above-described embodiments, the supply device SA is a green cylinder. However, the supply device in the present invention does not have to be a green cylinder as long as it supplies the growth gas to the closed space. That is, for example, the supply device in the present invention may be a DAC device that separates carbon dioxide using a concentration membrane, a DAC device that recovers carbon dioxide by physical adsorption, a DAC device that recovers carbon dioxide by cryogenic separation, a pipeline, a dry ice supply device, or a combustion-type carbon dioxide applicator.

[0166] In the embodiment described above, the present apparatus A for growing plants PL in the closed space CS is equipped with a supplying device SA. However, the supplying device in the present invention is only required to be able to supply a growth gas to the closed space, and the number of supplying devices in the present invention is not limited to one. That is, for example, the present apparatus may be equipped with two or more supplying devices.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the growth gas is carbon dioxide. However, the growth gas in the present invention may be any gas that is used for growing plants, and does not have to be carbon dioxide. For example, the growth gas in the present invention may be a gas containing a volatile component such as acetoin or butanediol, oxygen, or a mixture of these with carbon dioxide.

[0168] In the embodiment described above, the dividing waterway L1 is provided with a bucket-shaped container, i.e., a bucket portion L12. However, the dividing waterway in the present invention only needs to divide the internal space into small spaces, and the material and shape of the dividing waterway are not particularly limited. That is, for example, the dividing waterway in the present invention may be a pipe-shaped container made of resin.

[0169] Furthermore, the number of sectional water channels in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the number of sectional water channels in the present invention may be "1" or "4" or more.

[0170] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, one partition channel L1b divides the two small spaces S1b and S1c. However, the number of partition channels that divide the small spaces in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the small spaces in the present invention may be divided by two or more partition channels arranged on the same XY plane.

[0171] Furthermore, the number of growth holes and non-growth holes in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the number of growth holes in the present invention may be the same as or different from the number of non-growth holes.

[0172] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the partition water channel L1 was provided with gas passage holes H. The gas passage holes H were connected to the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d located in the +Z direction from the upper wall portion L11 and the water channel space LS located in the -Z direction from the upper wall portion L11. In other words, each of the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d was connected to the corresponding water channel space LS through the corresponding gas passage hole H. However, the partition water channel of the present invention may also be provided with gas passages connecting one small space to another small space. The gas passages may be holes penetrating the partition water channel in the Z-axis direction, or may be notches cut out at one end of the partition water channel. Furthermore, the notches may be semicircular notches. With this configuration, the present device can suppress uneven carbon dioxide concentrations within each small space. As a result, the present device can suppress uneven growth conditions of plants housed in each small space.

[0173] Furthermore, the sizes of the growth holes and non-growth holes in the present invention are not particularly limited. That is, for example, the size of the growth holes in the present invention may be larger than or the same as the size of the non-growth holes.

[0174] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the filter FL included in the first unit 1 is disposed between the partition water channel L1 and the connecting water channel L2. However, the filter in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed in the water channel and can capture foreign matter contained in the cultivation water flowing through the water channel. That is, for example, the number of filters in the present invention may be "1" or "4" or more.

[0175] Furthermore, the number of bubble generating devices in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the number of bubble generating devices provided in each of the multiple housing units in the present invention may be "2", or may differ for each housing unit.

[0176] In the above-described embodiments, the bubble generation device BD is an aeration device. However, the bubble generation device of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can generate bubbles of a growth gas in the growth water stored in the water tank. That is, for example, the bubble generation device of the present invention may be a fine bubble generation device that generates microbubbles, nanobubbles, etc.

[0177] In the embodiment described above, the device A supplies the growing gas to the growing water W and the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33 when the units are converged. The device A does not supply the growing gas to the growing water W and the small spaces S1b, S1c, and S1d in the water tanks 13, 23, and 33 when the units are not converged. However, the difference in control is not particularly limited as long as the control of the operation of the bubble generation device by the bubble control device when the multiple housing units are converged differs from the control of the operation of the bubble generation device by the bubble control device when the multiple housing units are not converged. That is, for example, the device may change the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generation device depending on whether the multiple housing units are converged. In this case, for example, the device changes the aperture of a supply valve connected to the water tank supply pipe.

[0178] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the device A does not supply growth gas to the growth water W stored in at least one of the water tanks 13, 23, and 33 when the quantified deviation in the growth state is equal to or greater than a threshold value. However, the bubble control device of the present invention only needs to control the operation of the bubble generation device corresponding to each housing unit based on the growth state, and the control content by the bubble control device is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the device may change the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generation device in response to the quantified deviation in the growth state. In this case, for example, the device changes the opening degree of the supply valve connected to the water tank supply pipe.

[0179] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the supply valve control unit 193 controls the operation of the supply valve 172. However, this device does not need to include a supply valve as long as the operation of the bubble generation device can be controlled by the bubble control device. That is, for example, the bubble control device in the present invention may control the power supply of the bubble generation device.

[0180] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the supply valve 172 is an electromagnetic valve. However, the supply valve controlled by the bubble control device of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the supply valve controlled by the bubble control device of the present invention may be a control valve or a motor valve.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the condition determination unit 195 quantifies (determines) the unevenness of the growth conditions of the plants PL housed in each small space based on images of the multiple plants PL captured by the photographing devices C1, C2, and C3. However, the sensor unit of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can determine the growth conditions of the plants housed in the housing unit. That is, for example, the sensor unit may output information representing the luminance value of each pixel in the image of the plant as an RGB value (red, green, blue value). In this case, for example, the sensor unit determines the growth conditions based on this information. The bubble generation device may control the operation of the bubble generation device corresponding to the housing unit based on this information. Furthermore, the device may perform image analysis based on machine-learned data and plant images to determine the growth conditions.

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, the sensor unit of the present invention is composed of the image capturing devices C1, C2, and C3 and the condition identifying unit 195. However, the sensor unit of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can identify the growth condition of the plant housed in the housing unit. That is, for example, the sensor unit may be a measuring device such as a weight scale, a carbon dioxide concentration meter, a thermometer, a hygrometer, or a light meter. In this case, the device identifies (estimates) the growth condition of the plant based on the measurement results of the measuring device.

[0183] ●Features of this device● The features of this device that have been explained so far are summarized below. This device is a growing device (e.g., this device A) for growing a plant (e.g., plant PL) in a closed space (e.g., closed space CS), and comprises: a supply device (e.g., supply device SA) that supplies a growing gas used for growing the plant to the closed space; and at least one housing unit (e.g., first unit 1, second unit 2, third unit 3) that partitions the closed space, wherein the housing unit comprises: a water channel (e.g., water channel L) through which growing water (e.g., growing water W) supplied to the plant flows; a water tank (e.g., water tank 13, 23, 33) that stores the growing water flowing in the water channel; a water tank supply pipe (e.g., supply pipe 14, 24, 34) that supplies the growing gas to the growing water stored in the water tank; and a bubble generator (e.g., bubble generator BD) that generates bubbles of the growing gas in the growing water stored in the water tank. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a pump (e.g., pump P) that sends the growth water containing the bubbles to the water channel, and the water channel is capable of releasing the growth gas released from the growth water outside the water channel based on the bubbles contained in the growth water.

[0184] In this device, the housing unit may have an internal space (e.g., internal spaces S1, S2, S3) capable of accommodating the plants, and the waterway may have dividing waterways (e.g., dividing waterway L1) that divide the internal space into a plurality of small spaces (S1b, S1c, S2a, S2b, S2c, S2d, S3a, S3b, S3c, S3d) capable of accommodating the plants, and connecting waterways (e.g., connecting waterway L2) that are arranged between the dividing waterways.

[0185] In this device, the dividing water channel has an upper wall portion (e.g., upper wall portion L11) positioned above the liquid level of the growth water flowing through the dividing water channel, and a plurality of gas passage holes (e.g., gas passage holes H) through which the growth gas released from the growth water can pass, and the gas passage holes may be connected to the small space positioned above the upper wall portion and a water channel space (e.g., water channel space LS) between the liquid level of the growth water flowing through the dividing water channel and the upper wall portion.

[0186] In this device, the multiple gas passage holes may include a cultivation hole in which the plant is placed (e.g., cultivation hole H1) and a non-cultivation hole in which the plant is not placed (e.g., non-cultivation hole H2).

[0187] In this device, the size of the growth holes may be different from the size of the non-growth holes.

[0188] In this device, the housing unit may include a filter (e.g., filter FL) that is placed in the water channel and that captures foreign matter contained in the cultivation water flowing through the water channel, and the filter may allow the air bubbles to pass through.

[0189] This device comprises a plurality of the casing units arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction (for example, the X-axis direction); and a bubble control device (for example, a supply valve control unit 193) that controls the operation of the bubble generation device, wherein one direction of the arrangement direction is a first direction (for example, the -X direction), and the direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction (for example, the +X direction), and the plurality of casing units include: an end casing unit (for example, a first unit 1) of the plurality of casing units that is arranged on the first direction side; and other casing units (for example, a second unit 2, a third unit 3) that are arranged on the second direction side of the end casing unit, and the other casing units are movable in the arrangement direction, and when the other casing units move towards the end casing unit and the plurality of casing units converge, the plurality of casing units partition the closed space, The control of the operation of the bubble generation device by the bubble control device when the multiple housing units are converged may be different from the control of the operation of the bubble generation device by the bubble control device when the multiple housing units are not converged.

[0190] In this device, the bubble control device may be configured to cause the bubble generation device to generate bubbles when the multiple housing units are converged, and to cause the bubble generation device to stop generating bubbles when the multiple housing units are not converged.

[0191] This device comprises a plurality of housing units arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction, a bubble control device (e.g., a supply valve control unit 193) that controls the operation of the bubble generation device, and a sensor unit (e.g., photographing devices C1, C2, C3 and a state determination unit 195) that identifies the growth state of the plants contained in the housing units, and the bubble control device may be configured to control the operation of the bubble generation device corresponding to each housing unit based on the growth state.

[0192] This device may comprise a cable (e.g., a power cable PC) used to supply operating power to the other housing units and / or communicate with the other housing units, an inter-unit pipe (e.g., an inter-unit pipe PP) that supplies the growth gas to the other housing units, and an arm member (e.g., an arm member 18) that is suspended above two adjacent housing units, wherein the cable is wired to the arm member, the inter-unit pipe is piped to the arm member, and when the multiple housing units converge, the arm member deforms so that the bending radius of the inter-unit pipe is not equal to or smaller than the minimum bending radius of the inter-unit pipe.

[0193] A This device PL Plant W Growing water 1 First unit 11 Wall portion 111 Opening 12 Abutment member SA Supply device 13 Water tank 14 Supply piping (water tank supply piping) L Water channel L1 Divided water channel L11 Upper wall portion L12 Tub portion LS Water channel space L2 Connecting water channel H Gas passage hole H1 Growing hole H2 Non-growing hole P Pump BD Bubble generating device FL Filter 15 Communication unit 16 Contact detection unit 17 Supply unit 171 Discharge port 172 Supply valve 173 Blower C1 Photography device 18 Arm member PC Power cable (cable) PP Piping between units 2 Second unit 21 Wall portion 211 Opening 212 Opening 221 Abutment member 222 Abutment member 23 Water tank 24 Supply pipe 25 Communication unit 26 Contact detection unit 27 Supply valve 3 Third unit 31 Wall unit 311 Opening 32 Contact member 33 Water tank 34 Supply pipe 35 Communication unit 36 ​​Contact detection unit 37 Supply valve 4 Control device 41 Communication unit 42 Memory unit 43 Convergence detection unit 44 Supply valve control unit 45 Air blow control unit 46 State identification unit CS Closed space S1 Internal space S2 Internal space S3 Internal space

Claims

1. A cultivation device for cultivating plants in a closed space, comprising: a supply device that supplies a cultivation gas used for cultivating the plants to the closed space; and at least one housing unit that partitions the closed space, wherein the housing unit comprises: a water channel through which cultivation water supplied to the plants flows; a water tank that stores the cultivation water flowing in the water channel; a water tank supply pipe that supplies the cultivation gas to the cultivation water stored in the water tank; a bubble generation device that generates bubbles of the cultivation gas in the cultivation water stored in the water tank; and a pump that sends the cultivation water containing the bubbles to the water channel, wherein the water channel enables the cultivation gas released from the cultivation water to be released outside the water channel based on the bubbles contained in the cultivation water.

2. A cultivation device as described in claim 1, wherein the housing unit has an internal space capable of accommodating the plants, and the waterway has dividing waterways that divide the internal space into a plurality of small spaces capable of accommodating the plants, and connecting waterways that are arranged between the dividing waterways.

3. A cultivation device as described in claim 2, wherein the dividing water channel comprises an upper wall portion positioned above the liquid level of the cultivation water flowing through the dividing water channel, and a plurality of gas passage holes through which the cultivation gas released from the cultivation water can pass, and the gas passage holes are connected to the small space positioned above the upper wall portion and the water channel space between the liquid level of the cultivation water flowing through the dividing water channel and the upper wall portion.

4. The cultivation device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of gas passage holes include cultivation holes in which the plants are placed and non-cultivation holes in which the plants are not placed.

5. The growth device according to claim 4, wherein the size of the growth holes is different from the size of the non-growth holes.

6. The cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the housing unit is provided with a filter disposed in the water channel to capture foreign matter contained in the cultivation water flowing through the water channel, and the filter allows the air bubbles to pass through.

7. A cultivation device as described in claim 1, comprising: a plurality of casing units arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction; and a bubble control device that controls the operation of the bubble generation device, wherein one direction of the arrangement direction is a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction, the plurality of casing units include: an end casing unit of the plurality of casing units that is arranged on the first direction side; and another casing unit that is arranged on the second direction side of the end casing unit, the other casing units being movable in the arrangement direction, and when the other casing units move toward the end casing unit and the plurality of casing units converge, the plurality of casing units partition the closed space, and control of the operation of the bubble generation device by the bubble control device when the plurality of casing units are converged is different from control of the operation of the bubble generation device by the bubble control device when the plurality of casing units are not converged.

8. The growth device according to claim 7, wherein the bubble control device causes the bubble generation device to generate bubbles when the plurality of housing units are converged, and causes the bubble generation device to stop generating bubbles when the plurality of housing units are not converged.

9. A cultivation device as described in claim 1, comprising: a plurality of housing units arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction; a bubble control device that controls the operation of the bubble generation device; and a sensor unit that identifies the growth state of the plants contained in the housing units, wherein the bubble control device controls the operation of the bubble generation device corresponding to each housing unit based on the growth state.

10. A growth device as described in claim 7, comprising: cables used to supply operating power to other housing units and / or communicate with other housing units; inter-unit piping that supplies the growth gas to other housing units; and arm members that are suspended above two adjacent housing units, wherein the cables are wired to the arm members, the inter-unit piping is piped to the arm members, and when a plurality of housing units converge, the arm members deform so that the bending radius of the inter-unit piping is not less than the minimum bending radius of the inter-unit piping.

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