JP6602005B2

JP6602005B2 - Hydroponics equipment

Info

Publication number: JP6602005B2
Application number: JP2014206141A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 慶昌木島
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-07
Filing date: 2014-10-07
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-07
Also published as: JP2016073232A

Description

本発明は、水耕栽培装置、さらに詳しくは、例えば栽培室等の室内において、例えば葉物野菜やハーブ類等の植物を水耕栽培により育成する水耕栽培装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation apparatus, and more particularly, to a hydroponic cultivation apparatus that grows plants such as leafy vegetables and herbs by hydroponics in a room such as a cultivation room.

従来、植物の水耕栽培において、植物を生育する水耕容器を上下方向に所定の間隔で多段状に配置すると共に、各水耕容器の上方部側に照明装置を設けた水耕栽培装置が一般に採用されている（例えば特許文献１参照）。また、水耕容器を上下方向に移動調整可能に構成した水耕装置も提案されている（例えば特許文献２参照）。 Conventionally, in hydroponic cultivation of plants, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus in which hydroponic containers for growing plants are arranged in multiple stages at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and a lighting device is provided on the upper side of each hydroponic container Generally employed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Moreover, the hydroponic apparatus which comprised the hydroponic container so that a movement adjustment to an up-down direction was possible is also proposed (for example, refer patent document 2).

特許文献１及び２の水耕栽培装置によれば、室内において植物を生育することができる。 According to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of patent documents 1 and 2, a plant can be grown indoors.

特開２００１−３４６４５０号公報JP 2001-346450 A 特開２０１３−１６５７０５号公報JP 2013-165705 A

上述したように、特許文献１及び２に記載の水耕栽培装置によれば、室内において植物を生育することが可能になる。しかし、特許文献１の水耕栽培装置は次のような問題を有している。 As described above, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to grow plants indoors. However, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

即ち、照明装置の光による植物の光合成を効果的に行うためには、植物に対する光の照度が重要な要素となる。 That is, the illuminance of light with respect to the plant is an important factor for effectively performing photosynthesis of the plant by the light of the lighting device.

水耕パネルに植え付けた植物（苗）は、初期の段階では小さい。しかるに、特許文献１の照明装置は水耕容器の上方部側は固定して設けてあるため、植物と離れ過ぎて植物に対する光の照度が弱くなり、最適な照度が得られない場合が生じる。その結果、植物を効率よく育成できない問題が生じる。 The plants (seedlings) planted on the hydroponic panels are small at the initial stage. However, since the illuminating device of Patent Document 1 is provided with the upper part of the hydroponic container fixed, the illuminance of light with respect to the plant becomes too weak to obtain the optimum illuminance. As a result, there arises a problem that plants cannot be cultivated efficiently.

一方、特許文献２の水耕栽培装置は、上述したように水耕容器を上下方向に移動して光源と水耕容器との間隔を調整可能に構成されている（公報段落００３７参照）。したがって、特許文献２によれば、特許文献１の上述した問題は一応解消することができる。 On the other hand, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of patent document 2 is comprised so that adjustment of the space | interval of a light source and a hydroponic container can be carried out by moving a hydroponic container up and down as mentioned above (refer gazette paragraph 0037). Therefore, according to Patent Document 2, the above-described problem of Patent Document 1 can be solved.

しかし、特許文献２は公報段落００３７に記載されているように、水耕容器を上下方向に移動して光源と水耕容器との間隔を調整するように構成してあるので、上下移動装置（昇降装置）の構成が煩雑になり、特に大きな水耕栽培装置を採用する場合には、昇降装置が大掛りになり生産コストが高くなる問題を有している。また、水耕容器側を上下方向に移動可能に構成してあるため、光源と水耕容器との間隔が同じになる。そのため、例えば光源（照明器等）を複数に分けて設け各光源と水耕容器との間隔を光源ごとに変えることはできない問題も有している。 However, Patent Document 2 is configured to move the hydroponic container up and down to adjust the distance between the light source and the hydroponic container, as described in paragraph 0037 of the publication. The structure of the lifting device becomes complicated, and particularly when a large hydroponic cultivation device is employed, the lifting device becomes large and the production cost increases. Moreover, since it has comprised so that the water culture container side can be moved to an up-down direction, the space | interval of a light source and a water culture container becomes the same. Therefore, for example, the light source (illuminator or the like) is divided into a plurality of parts, and there is a problem that the distance between each light source and the hydroponic container cannot be changed for each light source.

本発明は上記のような実情に鑑みてなされたもので、上述した問題を解消し、植物の生育ないし育成効率を向上することができることを目的とするものである。 This invention is made | formed in view of the above situations, and it aims at solving the problem mentioned above and improving the growth thru | or breeding efficiency of a plant.

上記目的を達成するため、本発明のうち、１つの発明（第１の発明）は、底壁部と、当該底壁部の周囲から立ち上がり、前後に対向する前後の側壁部及び左右に対向する左右の側壁部とを有し、略長方形の平面形体をもつ浅底皿状に形成され、栽培棚に上下方向に所望間隔で多段状に配置して設けられ、培養液が貯留される所望の複数の水耕容器と、
前記各水耕容器の上部側に設けられ、前記各水耕容器に光を照射する照明部と、
貯留タンク内の培養液を前記タンクと前記各水耕容器との間で循環させる循環手段と、
前記各水耕容器内の培養液の液面上に浮置される所望の複数枚の水耕パネルとを備え、
前記各水耕容器間に形成された空間部で植物を生育する水耕栽培装置であって、
前記各水耕容器間の前記空間部は、前記栽培棚の一端部側の区域を初期生育エリア、他端部側の区域を収穫生育エリア、及び前記両エリア間の区域を中間生育エリアとして区分けして定められ、
前記各照明部は、前記各エリアの前記各空間部ごとに設け、前記水耕容器方向へ光を照射する所望数の照明器を有する照明器ユニットで構成され、
少なくとも、前記初期生育エリアの前記各照明器ユニットは上下方向に移動可能に設けられ、
前記循環手段は、前記タンクの出口部と接続して設けたポンプによって送り出される前記タンク内の培養液を前記各水耕容器へ供給する供給管路部と、前記各水耕容器の前記底壁部の一端部側に、前記前後の側壁部の一方の側壁部の一端部と前記左右の側壁部の一方の側壁部の一端部とにより構成された角部近くに位置させて前記底壁部に設けた排水口部と連通させて設け、前記各排水口部から流出する培養液を前記タンク内に導入する戻し管路とを備え、
前記供給管路部は、
前記ポンプに接続して設けられ、前記ポンプから送られる培養液を供給する供給主管と、前記供給主管から分岐し、前記水耕容器の前記左右の側壁部間の長さの寸法より幾分短尺の所望径の管体で形成され、前記前後の側壁部の前記一方の側壁部と対向する他方の側壁部近くにおける底部側に位置させると共に前記他方の側壁部に沿わせて前記各水耕容器内に配置して設けた前記水耕容器の個数と対応する本数の分流送水管と、
前記各分流送水管の前記左右の側壁部の前記一方の側壁部側と反対側に位置する端部から延設され、先端を閉塞した所望径かつ所望長さの管体で形成され、前記各水耕容器の前記左右の側壁部の前記排水口部側の前記一方の側壁部と対向する他方の側壁部近くにおける底部側に位置させると共に前記管体の閉塞した先端側を前記前後の側壁部の前記一方の側壁部側に位置させて前記前後の側壁部間に配置して設けられ、前記ポンプにより前記供給主管及び分流送水管を介して送られる培養液を前記水耕容器内の所望方向へ向けて流入する所望数の流入孔を有する第１の液流入管と、
前記各分流送水管の前記第１の液流入管と反対側の先端を閉塞し、前記分流送水管の先端部側の部位における管体で形成され、前記分流送水管の前記閉塞した先端部側の所望の部位に、前記ポンプにより前記供給主管を介して送られる培養液を前記水耕容器内の前記排水口部側の方向へ流入する所望数の流入孔を有する第２の液流入管とを有して構成されていることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, one of the present inventions (the first invention) includes a bottom wall part, front and rear side wall parts that rise from the periphery of the bottom wall part, and face each other, and face left and right. A right and left side wall, and is formed in a shallow dish shape having a substantially rectangular planar shape, arranged in a plurality of stages at desired intervals in a vertical direction on a cultivation shelf, and a desired culture solution is stored A plurality of hydroponic containers;
An illumination unit that is provided on the upper side of each hydroponic container and that irradiates light to each hydroponic container;
Circulation means for circulating the culture solution in the storage tank between the tank and each hydroponic container;
A desired plurality of hydroponic panels suspended on the liquid level of the culture solution in each hydroponic container,
A hydroponic cultivation apparatus for growing plants in a space formed between the hydroponic containers,
The space between the hydroponic containers is divided into an area on one end side of the cultivation shelf as an initial growth area, an area on the other end side as a harvest growth area, and an area between the two areas as an intermediate growth area. Determined,
Each illuminating unit is provided for each space portion of each area, and is configured by an illuminator unit having a desired number of illuminators that irradiate light toward the hydroponic container direction,
At least each of the illuminator units in the initial growth area is provided to be movable in the vertical direction,
The circulation means includes a supply line section for supplying the culture medium in the tank sent out by a pump connected to the outlet section of the tank to each hydroponic container, and the bottom wall of each hydroponic container. The bottom wall portion is positioned near one end portion of one of the front and rear side wall portions and a corner portion formed by one end portion of the one side wall portion of the left and right side wall portions A drain pipe provided in communication with the drain port, and a return pipe for introducing the culture solution flowing out from each drain port into the tank;
The supply pipeline section is
A supply main pipe that is connected to the pump and supplies a culture solution sent from the pump, and is branched from the supply main pipe and is somewhat shorter than the length between the left and right side walls of the hydroponic container. Each of the hydroponics containers is formed of a tube body having a desired diameter and is positioned on the bottom side near the other side wall portion opposite to the one side wall portion of the front and rear side walls and along the other side wall portion A number of diversion water pipes corresponding to the number of the hydroponic containers disposed in the interior,
Wherein the side wall portions of the left and right of each shunt water pipe extends from the end located on the side opposite to the side wall portion side of the hand, it is formed by a tube having a desired diameter and a desired length and closing the tip, each The left and right side wall portions of the hydroponic container are positioned on the bottom side near the other side wall portion facing the one side wall portion side of the drainage port portion side, and the front end side of the tubular body closed is the front and rear side wall portions. The one side wall portion is positioned between the front and rear side wall portions, and the culture solution fed by the pump through the supply main pipe and the diversion water pipe is in a desired direction in the hydroponic container. A first liquid inflow pipe having a desired number of inflow holes flowing toward the
The tip of each of the diverting water supply pipes is closed at the tip opposite to the first liquid inflow pipe, and is formed by a tube in a portion on the tip end side of the diversion water supplying pipe, and the closed tip side of the diverting water supply pipe A second liquid inflow pipe having a desired number of inflow holes through which the culture liquid fed by the pump through the supply main pipe flows into the desired portion of the hydroponic container in the direction toward the drainage port. It is characterized by having.

なお、本発明において「培養液」とは、水（通常の水）、及び水に液体肥料や植物育成剤その他の所望の物質を含有する液体を含む用語として使用されている。 In the present invention, the term “culture solution” is used as a term including water (ordinary water) and a liquid containing liquid fertilizer, a plant-growing agent and other desired substances in the water.

本発明の他の１つの発明（第２の発明）は、第１の発明の水耕栽培装置において、前記初期生育エリア、中間生育エリア、及び収穫生育エリアの前記各照明器ユニットは上下方向に移動可能に設けられ、植物の生育度に応じて前記各水耕容器に対する前記各照明器ユニットの高さを前記各エリアの前記各空間部ごとに調整して植物を生育するように構成したことを特徴とする。 Another invention of the present invention (second invention) is the hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to the first invention, wherein each of the illuminator units in the initial growth area, the intermediate growth area, and the harvest growth area is arranged vertically. It was configured to be movable and configured to grow plants by adjusting the height of each illuminator unit with respect to each hydroponic container according to the degree of plant growth for each space portion of each area. It is characterized by.

本発明のさらに他の１つの発明（第３の発明）は、第１又は第２の発明の水耕栽培装置において、前記各照明ユニットは、植物の生育度を判別する判別手段により生育度合を判別し、植物の生育度に応じ、前記各照明ユニットの前記各水耕容器に対する高さを昇降移動手段により自動的に調整可能に構成したことを特徴とする。 Still another invention of the present invention ( third invention) is the hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to the first or second invention, wherein each of the lighting units has a growth degree determined by a discriminating means for discriminating the growth degree of the plant. The height of each lighting unit with respect to each hydroponic container can be automatically adjusted by the lifting / lowering means according to the degree of plant growth.

本発明によれば、次のような作用効果を奏する。
（１）植物の育成効率を向上することができる。
（２）全部の植物を同時に収穫可能になるように成長させないで、各生育エリアごとに分けて段階的に生育ないし育成し、収穫生育エリアで収穫可能に成長させることが可能になる。したがって、植物を分けて収穫して出荷することができる。
（３）第３の発明によれば、植物の生育度に応じて各照明ユニットの各水耕容器に対する高さを自動的に調整するように構成してあるので、前記諸効果に加え、栽培作業を省力化することができる。 According to the present invention, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) Plant growth efficiency can be improved.
(2) It is possible not to grow all plants so that they can be harvested at the same time, but to grow or nurture them in stages for each growing area, and to grow in a harvestable growing area. Therefore, plants can be harvested separately and shipped.
(3) According to the third invention, the height of each lighting unit with respect to each hydroponic container is automatically adjusted according to the degree of growth of the plant. Work can be saved.

本発明の一実施形態の水耕栽培装置の全体構成を概略的に示す図であって、同図（ａ）は説明正面図、同図（ｂ）は説明側面図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows schematically the whole structure of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The figure (a) is an explanatory front view, The same figure (b) is an explanatory side view. 図１の水耕栽培装置を拡大し、その構成を概略的に示す説明正面図である。It is explanatory front view which expands the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows the structure schematically. 前記水耕栽培装置の主に水耕容器の配置構成を概略的に示す説明正面図である。It is explanatory front view which shows roughly the arrangement structure of the hydroponic container mainly of the said hydroponic cultivation apparatus. 前記水耕栽培装置に採用した水耕容器の構成を概略的に示す図であって、同図（ａ）は説明平面図、同図（ｂ）は説明正面図、同図（ｃ）は前記水耕容器の一部を拡大し、その構成を示す説明縦断面図、同図（ｄ）は水耕容器の一部を拡大し、培養液を貯留した状態の構成を示す説明縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the hydroponic container employ | adopted as the said hydroponic cultivation apparatus, Comprising: The same figure (a) is an explanatory plan view, The same figure (b) is an explanatory front view, The same figure (c) is the said figure. Part of the hydroponic container is enlarged and an explanatory vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure thereof. FIG. 4D is an explanatory vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a state where the part of the hydroponic container is enlarged and the culture solution is stored. is there. 前記水耕容器内に水耕パネルを浮置した状態の構成を概略的に示す図であって、同図（ａ）は説明平面図、同図（ｂ）は前記水耕容器の一部を拡大して示す説明縦断面図、同図（ｃ）は一枚の水耕パネルの構成の一例を概略的に示す説明斜視図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the state which floated the hydroponic panel in the said hydroponic container, Comprising: The same figure (a) is explanatory plan view, The same figure (b) shows a part of said hydroponic container. An enlarged explanatory vertical sectional view and FIG. 3C are explanatory perspective views schematically showing an example of the configuration of one hydroponic panel. 前記水耕装置に採用した照明ユニットの構成を概略的に示す説明斜視図である。It is a description perspective view which shows roughly the structure of the illumination unit employ | adopted as the said hydroponic apparatus. 前記水耕装置に採用した照明器ユニットの昇降手段の構成を概略的に示す図であって、同図（ａ）は説明正面図、同図（ｂ）は同図（ａ）のＡ−Ａ線で切断し、その構成を示す説明平面図である。It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the raising / lowering means of the illuminator unit employ | adopted as the said hydroponic apparatus, Comprising: The figure (a) is an explanatory front view, The figure (b) is AA of the figure (a). It is an explanatory top view which cuts with a line and shows the composition. 前記水耕装置に採用した培養液の循環手段の構成を概略的に示す説明正面図である。It is explanatory front view which shows roughly the structure of the circulation means of the culture solution employ | adopted as the said hydroponic apparatus. 前記循環手段の一部の構成を概略的に示す説明斜視図である。It is an explanatory perspective view showing roughly the composition of a part of the circulation means. 前記水耕容器内に前記循環手段の第１及び第２の液流入管を配設した配置構成を概略的に示す説明平面図である。FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view schematically showing an arrangement configuration in which first and second liquid inflow pipes of the circulation means are arranged in the hydroponic container. 前記水耕栽培装置により植物を生育する状態の一例を示す説明正面図である。It is explanatory front view which shows an example of the state which grows a plant with the said hydroponic cultivation apparatus.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態の一例について説明する。 Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１ないし図１１は本発明の一実施形態の水耕栽培装置を示す。 FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 11 shows the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention.

本実施形態の水耕栽培装置は、栽培棚１と、栽培棚１に上下方向に所望間隔で多段（図示では４段）に配置して設けた所望の複数（図示では４個）の水耕容器２…２と、各水耕容器２の上部側に設けた照明部３…３と、照明部の昇降移動手段４…４と培養液の循環手段５とを備える。 The hydroponic cultivation apparatus of the present embodiment includes a cultivation shelf 1 and a plurality of desired (four in the drawing) hydroponics provided on the cultivation shelf 1 in a plurality of stages (four stages in the figure) arranged at desired intervals in the vertical direction. 2, lighting sections 3 provided on the upper side of each hydroponic container 2, raising / lowering moving means 4... 4 of the lighting section, and culture medium circulation means 5.

栽培棚１は、図示しない栽培室その他の室内に設置される。前記室内は、例えば空調手段（図示せず）によって室温が調整可能に構成されている。 The cultivation shelf 1 is installed in a cultivation room and other rooms (not shown). The room is configured such that the room temperature can be adjusted, for example, by air conditioning means (not shown).

栽培棚１は、図１ないし図３等に示すように、長方形の平面形体をもつ所望の大きさの多段枠状体であって、正面側及び背面側とに対向させて所望本数（本実施形態では各４本）の主柱１０…１０と、正面側の各主柱１０間及び背面側の各主柱１０間を上端部及び上下方向に所望の間隔で連結する横桁材１１…１１と、図（ｂ）に示すように、栽培棚１の左右の側面部における正面側の主柱１０と背面側の主柱１０間を上端部及び前記横桁材１１…１１で連結した位置で連結する横桁材１２…１２とを備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, the cultivation shelf 1 is a multistage frame-shaped body having a rectangular planar shape and having a desired number (this embodiment) facing the front side and the back side. Four main pillars 10... 10 in the form, and cross beams 11... 11 connecting between the main pillars 10 on the front side and between the main pillars 10 on the back side at desired intervals in the upper end and the vertical direction. And in the position which connected between the main pillar 10 of the front side and the main pillar 10 of the back side in the right and left side part of the cultivation shelf 1 with the upper end part and the said cross-girder material 11 ... 11 as shown in a figure (b). The cross-girder members 12 ... 12 to be connected are provided.

また、栽培棚１は、図２及び図３に示すように、正面側の各横桁材１１と背面側の各横桁材１１同士（但し、上端部の横桁材１１を除く。）を連結する支持桟１３…１３を備えている。 Moreover, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the cultivation shelf 1 is each cross-girder material 11 of a front side, and each cross-girder material 11 of back sides (however, except the cross-girder material 11 of an upper end part). Supporting bars 13... 13 to be connected are provided.

前記各水耕容器２は、前記各支持桟１３上にそれぞれ載置支持させて設けられる。前記栽培棚１は上述したように所望の大きさに形成される。本実施形態の栽培棚１は前後巾（栽培棚１の正面及び背面間の巾）：約１．３５ｍ、左右巾（前記棚１の左右間の長さ）：約４．０ｍ、高さ：約１．８ｍに形成されている。この場合において、栽培棚１の大きさは、所望に応じて任意に変更可能なものである。 Each hydroponic container 2 is provided to be placed and supported on each support bar 13. The cultivation shelf 1 is formed in a desired size as described above. The cultivation shelf 1 of the present embodiment has a front and rear width (width between the front and back of the cultivation shelf 1): about 1.35 m, a left and right width (length between the left and right of the shelf 1): about 4.0 m, and a height: It is formed in about 1.8m. In this case, the size of the cultivation shelf 1 can be arbitrarily changed as desired.

前記各水耕容器２は、図３ないし図５等に示すように、栽培棚１と対応する前後巾（栽培棚１の正面及び背面間の巾）及び左右巾（前記棚１の左右間の長さ）をもつ略長方形の浅底皿状に形成されている。前記各水耕容器２は、底壁部２０ａと、底壁部２０の周囲から立ち上がる前後の側壁部２０ｂ、２０ｃと、左右の側壁部２０ｄ、２０ｅとを備える。なお、水耕容器２は栽培棚１に比べて前後巾を幾分小巾に形成されている。 Each hydroponic container 2 has front and rear widths (width between the front and back of the cultivation shelf 1) and right and left widths (between the left and right sides of the shelf 1), as shown in FIGS. It is formed in a substantially rectangular shallow dish shape with a length). Each hydroponic container 2 includes a bottom wall portion 20a, front and rear side wall portions 20b and 20c rising from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 20, and left and right side wall portions 20d and 20e. The hydroponic container 2 is formed with a slightly smaller width in the front-rear direction than the cultivation shelf 1.

各水耕容器２内には、水又は水に液体肥料その他の物質を含有する培養液Ｗが貯留されると共に培養液Ｗの液面上には植物Ｘが植栽される所望の複数枚の水耕パネル２１が浮置される。各パネル２１には、図５に示すように、所望数の孔２２が所望の間隔で配置して設けてあり、植物Ｘは前記孔２２に植苗して生育ないし育成される。前記水耕パネル２１は、例えば発泡スチロール等の高浮力材で構成されている。水耕パネル２１は長方形の板状に形成されている。水耕パネル２１は水耕容器２の前後巾と対応する長さ、かつ、所望の左右巾に形成されている。 In each hydroponic container 2, a culture solution W containing water or liquid fertilizer and other substances in water is stored, and a desired plurality of plants X are planted on the surface of the culture solution W. The hydroponic panel 21 is levitated. As shown in FIG. 5, each panel 21 is provided with a desired number of holes 22 arranged at a desired interval, and the plant X is planted in the holes 22 to grow or grow. The hydroponic panel 21 is made of a high buoyancy material such as polystyrene foam. The hydroponic panel 21 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The hydroponic panel 21 has a length corresponding to the front-rear width of the hydroponic container 2 and a desired left-right width.

また、本実施形態の各水耕容器２は、図４及び図１０等に示すように、底壁部２０ａの一端部側の角度近くに位置させて設けた排水口部２３を備える。後述する循環手段の戻し管路は各排水口部２３と連通させて設けられる。各水耕容器２の排水口部２３から流出する培養液Ｗは前記戻し管路により循環手段の貯液タンクに導入される。なお、この点については追ってさらに詳細に説明する。 Moreover, each hydroponic container 2 of this embodiment is provided with the drain port part 23 located near the angle of the one end part side of the bottom wall part 20a, as shown in FIG.4 and FIG.10. A return pipe of a circulation means to be described later is provided in communication with each drain port 23. The culture solution W flowing out from the drain port 23 of each hydroponic container 2 is introduced into the storage tank of the circulation means through the return pipe. This point will be described in more detail later.

本発明の水耕栽培装置は、各水耕容器間に形成された空間部Ｓ…Ｓ（生育用空間部）で植物を生育ないし育成するものである。前記各空間部Ｓは、栽培棚１の一端部側（本実施形態では図２、図３において左端部側）の区域を初期生育エリアＳ_１、他端部側の区域を収穫生育エリアＳ_２、及び両エリアＳ_１及びＳ_２間の区域を中間生育エリアＳ_３として区分して定めてある。本実施形態では両エリアＳ_１及びＳ_２間の区域に１つの中間生育エリアＳ_３を設けた例を開示してあるが、中間生育エリアＳ_３は所望に応じて所望数増やして設けることができるものである。 The hydroponic cultivation apparatus of the present invention grows or grows plants in the spaces S ... S (growth spaces) formed between the hydroponic containers. Each space portion S has an initial growth area S _{1 as} an area on _one end side of the cultivation shelf 1 (the left end side in FIGS. 2 and 3 in the present embodiment), and an area on the other end side as a harvest growth area S _2. , and it is determined by dividing the area between the two areas S ₁ and S ₂ as an intermediate growth area S _3. In the present embodiment, an example in which one intermediate growing area S ₃ is provided in the area between both areas S ₁ and S ₂ is disclosed. However, the intermediate growing area S ₃ may be provided by increasing the desired number as desired. It can be done.

前記各照明部３は、前記各エリアＳ_１、Ｓ_２、及びＳ_３の各空間部Ｓごとに設け、各水耕容器方向へ光を照射する所望数の照明器３１…３１を有する照明器ユニット３０…３０で構成されている。 Wherein each lighting unit 3, an illumination device having a respective area S _1, S _2, and provided for each space S of the S _3, the desired number of illuminators 31 ... 31 for irradiating light to the water culture vessels direction It is composed of units 30.

本実施形態の照明器３１は光源として直管形蛍光灯３２を使用している。そして、照明器ユニット３０は、図６に最も詳細に示すように、所望数（図示では５個）の照明器３１を連結用の取付杆３３に並べて取付けて構成されている。この場合照明器３１の光源は蛍光灯３２に代えて直管形ＬＥＤランプ等を採用してもよい。 The illuminator 31 of this embodiment uses a straight tube fluorescent lamp 32 as a light source. The illuminator unit 30 is configured by arranging a desired number (5 in the drawing) of illuminators 31 side by side on a connecting attachment rod 33 as shown in FIG. 6 in detail. In this case, the light source of the illuminator 31 may be a straight tube LED lamp or the like instead of the fluorescent lamp 32.

前記各照明器ユニット３０の内、少なくとも初期生育エリアＳ_１の各照明器ユニット３０は、上下方向に移動可能に設けてある。本実施形態では、図２に示すように、初期生育エリアＳ_１及び中間生育エリアＳ_３の各照明器ユニット３０を昇降移動手段４…４により上下方向へ移動可能に構成されている。なお、図２において、中間生育エリアＳ_３の昇降移動手段４は、最下段の照明器ユニット３０の昇降移動手段４のみを開示し、他の照明器ユニット３０の昇降移動手段４は省略してある。また、本実施形態では、収穫生育エリアＳ_２の各照明器ユニット３０は水耕容器２の上部側の所望高さの位置に固定して設けてある。この場合、収穫生育エリアＳ_２の前記各ユニット３０も上下方向に移動可能に設ける構成を採用してもよい。 Among the respective lighting unit 30, at least early growth areas each lighting unit 30 of S ₁ is is provided to be movable in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, and is configured to be vertically movable at the initial growth area S ₁ and vertically movable means each lighting unit 30 of the intermediate growing area S ₃ 4 ... 4. In FIG. 2, vertical movement means 4 of the intermediate growing area S ₃ discloses only vertical movement means 4 of the lighting unit 30 lowermost, vertical movement means 4 of the other lighting unit 30 is omitted is there. Further, in the present embodiment, each lighting unit 30 of the crop growing area S ₂ is is provided fixed to the position of the desired height of the upper side of the hydroponic container 2. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the units 30 of the crop growing area S ₂ also provided movably in the vertical direction.

本実施形態の昇降移動手段４は、栽培棚（図示せず）の正面側においては、図７に最も詳細に示すように、栽培棚の正面側の横桁材１１に所望の間隔で固定して設けたギアボックス４０ａ，４０ｂ間に支持させると共に中間部にギアボックス４０ｃを介装して水平方向に設け、ハンドル４１で操作して正逆方向に回転駆動する水平回転駆動軸４２ａを備える。また、前記駆動軸４２ａと延長させ、ギアボックス４０ｄとの間に水平に支持させて設け、前記駆動軸４２ａと一体回転する延長回転軸４２ｂを備える。 In the front side of the cultivation shelf (not shown), the lifting / lowering movement means 4 of the present embodiment is fixed to the cross beam 11 on the front side of the cultivation shelf at a desired interval, as shown in detail in FIG. A horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a that is supported between the gear boxes 40a and 40b provided in the middle and provided in the horizontal direction with a gear box 40c interposed in the middle, and is operated by the handle 41 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. In addition, an extended rotation shaft 42b is provided which extends from the drive shaft 42a and is horizontally supported between the drive shaft 42a and rotates integrally with the drive shaft 42a.

また、一端（上端）を横桁材１１と固定して軸受４３ａ及び４３ｂでそれぞれ軸受すると共に他端（下端）をギアボックス４０ａ及び４０ｂ内で水平回転駆動軸４２ａと係合（歯合）させて鉛直方向に設け、前記駆動軸４２ａの回転運動を伝達して回転駆動する鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ａ及び４４ｂを備える。前記両ネジ軸４４ａ、４４ｂには、照明器ユニット３０の前記取付杆３３に固定して設けられる上下移動用の取付材４５に固定して設けたネジナット部材４６及び４６が螺合して設けてある。これにより、鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ａ、４４ｂを正逆回転することにより、ネジナット部材４６を上下方向に移動するように構成されている。 Further, one end (upper end) is fixed to the cross beam 11 and is supported by bearings 43a and 43b, respectively, and the other end (lower end) is engaged (engaged) with the horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a in the gear boxes 40a and 40b. Vertical rotation screw shafts 44a and 44b which are provided in the vertical direction and transmit the rotational motion of the drive shaft 42a to rotate. Screw nut members 46 and 46, which are fixedly provided on a mounting member 45 for vertical movement provided to be fixed to the mounting rod 33 of the illuminator unit 30, are screwed onto the screw shafts 44a, 44b. is there. Accordingly, the screw nut member 46 is configured to move in the vertical direction by rotating the vertical rotation screw shafts 44a and 44b forward and backward.

一方、栽培棚の背面側においては、背面側の横桁材１１に固定して前記正面側のギアボックス４０ａ、４０ｂと対向させて設けたギアボックス４０ｅ、４０ｆと、前記水平回転駆動軸４２ａと対向させて設けた水平回転軸４２ｃ（受動軸）と、前記鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ａ、４４ｂと対向させて前記ネジ軸４４ａ、４４ｂと同様に設けた鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ｃ及び４４ｄとを備える。また、両ネジ軸４４ｃ、４４ｄには、前記取付材４５の他端側に固定して設けたネジナット部材４６及び４６が前記正面側のネジナット部材４６と対向させて同一高さになるように螺合して設けてある。さらにまた、回転軸４２ｃと延設させて設けた延長回転軸４２ｄと前記ギアボックス４０ｄと対向させて設けたギアボックス４０ｇを備える。 On the other hand, on the back side of the cultivation shelf, the gear box 40e, 40f provided to be fixed to the cross beam 11 on the back side and opposed to the front side gear box 40a, 40b, and the horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a. A horizontal rotation shaft 42c (passive shaft) provided to be opposed to each other and vertical rotation screw shafts 44c and 44d provided to be opposed to the vertical rotation screw shafts 44a and 44b and provided in the same manner as the screw shafts 44a and 44b are provided. Further, screw nut members 46 and 46 fixed to the other end of the mounting member 45 are screwed onto the screw shafts 44c and 44d so as to face the screw nut member 46 on the front side and have the same height. It is provided together. Furthermore, an extended rotary shaft 42d provided to extend from the rotary shaft 42c and a gear box 40g provided to face the gear box 40d are provided.

背面側の前記水平回転軸４２ｃ及び両鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ｃ、４４ｄは後述するように正面側の水平回転駆動軸４２ａ及び鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ａ、４４ｂと同調して回転させるように構成されている。これにより、ハンドル４１を操作して水平回転駆動軸４２ａを正逆方向に回転することによりネジナット部材及び取付材４５を介して照明器ユニット３０を上下方向に移動させるように構成されている。 The horizontal rotation shaft 42c and the vertical rotation screw shafts 44c and 44d on the back side are configured to rotate in synchronization with the horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a and the vertical rotation screw shafts 44a and 44b on the front side, as will be described later. . Accordingly, the illuminator unit 30 is moved in the vertical direction via the screw nut member and the attachment member 45 by operating the handle 41 and rotating the horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a in the forward and reverse directions.

上述したように、正面側の水平回転駆動軸４２ａを回転すると、この回転運動は中継手段（符号省略）を介して背面側の水平回転軸４２ｃに伝達され、水平回転軸４２ｃを水平回転駆動軸４２ａと同調して回転させるように構成されている。 As described above, when the front-side horizontal rotational drive shaft 42a is rotated, this rotational motion is transmitted to the rear-side horizontal rotational shaft 42c via the relay means (not shown), and the horizontal rotational shaft 42c is transferred to the horizontal rotational drive shaft. It is configured to rotate in synchronization with 42a.

本実施形態の中継手段は、図７に示すように、栽培棚（図示せず）の正面側のギアボックス４０ｄの上方部側に位置させて所望部に固定して設けたギアボックス４０ｈと、両ギアボックス４０ｄ及び４０ｈ間に鉛直方向に設けた鉛直回転軸４７ａと、栽培棚の背面側のギアボックス４０ｇの上方部側に位置させると共にギアボックス４０ｈと対向させて固定して設けたギアボックス４０ｉと、両ギアボックス４０ｇ及び４０ｉ間に鉛直方向に設けた鉛直回転軸４７ｂと、前記上方部側に設けた両ギアボックス４０ｈ、４０ｉ間に回転自在に支持させて水平方向に設けた中継用の水平回転軸４７ｃとを備える。 As shown in FIG. 7, the relay means of the present embodiment is a gear box 40 h provided on the upper part side of the gear box 40 d on the front side of the cultivation shelf (not shown) and fixed to a desired part, A gear box provided vertically between the gear boxes 40d and 40h and a vertical rotation shaft 47a provided in the vertical direction and positioned on the upper side of the gear box 40g on the back side of the cultivation shelf and facing the gear box 40h. 40i, a vertical rotation shaft 47b provided in the vertical direction between both gearboxes 40g and 40i, and a relay provided in the horizontal direction by being rotatably supported between both gearboxes 40h and 40i provided on the upper side. Horizontal rotation shaft 47c.

上記構成により、水平回転駆動軸４２ａを回転すると、この回転運動は延長回転軸４２ｂを介して鉛直回転軸４７ａに伝達され、鉛直回転軸４７ａを回転する。鉛直回転軸４７ａが回転すると、この回転運動は中継用の水平回転軸４７ｃに伝達され、同軸を回転する。前記水平回転軸４７ｃが回転すると、この回転運動は鉛直回転軸４７ｂに伝達され、同軸４７ｂを回転する。鉛直回転軸４７ｂが回転すると、この回転運動は背面側の水平回転軸４２ｃに伝達され、同回転軸４２ｃを回転する。次いで、水平回転軸４２ｃが回転すると、この回転運動は背面側の両鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ｃ、４４ｄに伝達され、両回転ネジ軸が回転する。そして、両鉛直回転ネジ軸４４ｃ、４４ｄが回転することにより背面側の両ネジナット部材４６を上下方向に移動する。 With the above configuration, when the horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a is rotated, this rotational motion is transmitted to the vertical rotation shaft 47a via the extended rotation shaft 42b, and the vertical rotation shaft 47a is rotated. When the vertical rotation shaft 47a rotates, this rotational motion is transmitted to the horizontal rotation shaft 47c for relay, and rotates coaxially. When the horizontal rotating shaft 47c rotates, this rotational motion is transmitted to the vertical rotating shaft 47b and rotates on the coaxial 47b. When the vertical rotation shaft 47b rotates, this rotational motion is transmitted to the horizontal rotation shaft 42c on the back side, and rotates the rotation shaft 42c. Next, when the horizontal rotation shaft 42c rotates, this rotational motion is transmitted to both vertical rotation screw shafts 44c and 44d on the back side, and both rotation screw shafts rotate. Then, the both screw nut members 46 on the back side are moved in the vertical direction by rotating both the vertical rotation screw shafts 44c and 44d.

上記のように、昇降移動手段４のハンドル４１を操作して水平回転駆動軸４２ａを正逆方向へ回転することにより、各照明器ユニット３０を水耕容器２に対して上下方向に移動して所望の高さに調整するように構成してある。 As described above, each illuminator unit 30 is moved in the vertical direction with respect to the hydroponic container 2 by operating the handle 41 of the elevating / lowering means 4 and rotating the horizontal rotation drive shaft 42a in the forward and reverse directions. It is configured to adjust to a desired height.

なお、前記昇降移動手段４は一例として開示したもので、図示以外の任意の構成に変更可能なものである。また、前記各生育エリアごと或は前記各エリアの各空間部ごとの植物を監視して、その生育状態等を判別する判別手段を設け、植物の生育度等に応じ、昇降手段を駆動手段によって自動的に駆動して前記各照明器ユニットの前記各水耕容器に対する高さを自動的に調整するように構成することもできる。この構成を採用すると、植物の栽培作業を省力化することができる。 In addition, the said raising / lowering moving means 4 is disclosed as an example, and can be changed into arbitrary structures other than illustration. In addition, there is provided a discriminating means for monitoring the plants for each of the growing areas or for the respective space portions of the respective areas and discriminating the growing state thereof, and the lifting means is driven by the driving means according to the degree of growth of the plants. It can also be configured to automatically adjust the height of each illuminator unit relative to each hydroponic container. When this configuration is adopted, plant cultivation work can be saved.

前記循環手段５は、貯液タンク５０内の培養液Ｗを前記タンク５０と前記各水耕容器２との間で循環させるものである。 The circulation means 5 circulates the culture solution W in the storage tank 50 between the tank 50 and each hydroponic container 2.

本実施形態の循環手段５は、図２、図３、図８等に示すように、貯液タンク５０の出口部と接続して設けたポンプ５１によって送り出されるタンク５０内の培養液Ｗを各水耕容器２へ供給する供給管路部６と、各水耕容器２の排水口部２３から流出する培養液Ｗをタンク５０内に導入する戻し管路５２とを備える。 As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 8, and the like, the circulation means 5 of the present embodiment supplies each culture solution W in the tank 50 sent out by a pump 51 connected to the outlet of the storage tank 50. A supply pipe section 6 for supplying the hydroponic containers 2 and a return pipe 52 for introducing the culture solution W flowing out from the drain port 23 of each hydroponic container 2 into the tank 50 are provided.

前記タンク５０は所望容量の培養液を貯留し得る所望容積の容器等で形成されている。前記タンク５０は、栽培棚１に多段状に配置して設けた最下段の水耕容器２より下方部に位置させて設置されている。前記タンク５０内の所望部（例えば出口部）にはフィルター（図示せず）が設けてある。 The tank 50 is formed of a desired volume container or the like that can store a desired volume of culture solution. The tank 50 is installed at a position below the lowermost hydroponic container 2 provided on the cultivation shelf 1 in a multistage manner. A filter (not shown) is provided at a desired portion (for example, an outlet portion) in the tank 50.

前記戻し管路５２は、下端をタンク５０内に開口して立設した戻し主管５３（還流管）と、下端を主管と連通させると共に上端を所定の水耕容器２の排水口部２３とそれぞれ連通させ、各排水口部２３から流出する培養液を排水して戻し主管５３へ合流させる排水管５３ａ…５３ａ（図４ｃ参照）とを備える。 The return pipe 52 has a return main pipe 53 (reflux pipe) standing at its lower end opened in the tank 50, a lower end communicating with the main pipe, and an upper end connected to the drain port 23 of the predetermined hydroponic container 2, respectively. Drain pipes 53a... 53a (see FIG. 4c) that communicate with each other and drain the culture solution flowing out from each drain port 23 to join back to the main pipe 53 are provided.

各排水管５３ａは上端をそれぞれ所定の水耕容器２の排水口部２３とそれぞれ気密に連通させ、固定板５４…５４で各水耕容器２の底壁部２０ａに固定されている。これにより、各排水口部２３から流出する培養液Ｗは各排水管５３ａにより各容器２外へ排出され、主管５３へ合流させてタンク５０へ導入するように構成してある。 Each drain pipe 53a is in airtight communication with the drain port 23 of the predetermined hydroponic container 2 at its upper end, and is fixed to the bottom wall part 20a of each hydroponic container 2 with fixing plates 54. Thereby, the culture solution W flowing out from each drain port 23 is discharged out of each container 2 through each drain pipe 53a, joined to the main pipe 53, and introduced into the tank 50.

なお、本実施形態の各排水口部２３は、図４（ｃ）及び図４（ｄ）に示すように、排水管５３ａの上端と連通させる排水口２３ａと、排水口２３ａへ差し込んで設けられ、水耕容器２内の培養液の水位調節を兼ねた両端開口の所望長さの流水管２３ｂとを備える。そして、水耕容器２内の培養液Ｗは流水管２３ｂの上端から容器２外へ流出するように構成されている。これにより、水耕容器２内の培養液Ｗの水位を流水管２３ｂにより調節できるように構成してある。つまり図４（ｄ）に示すように、培養液Ｗは、液面Ｌ_１が排水管２３ｂの上端の高さにより規制され、仮想線Ｌ_２で示す位置より低位置にならないように調整されている。つまり、図４（ｄ）に示すように、培養液Ｗは、液面Ｌ_１が流水管２３ｂの高さにより規制され、水耕容器２内の培養液の量が仮想線Ｌ_２で示す位置より少量にならないように調整可能に構成されている。 In addition, as shown in FIG.4 (c) and FIG.4 (d), each drain port part 23 of this embodiment is provided by being inserted in the drain port 23a connected with the upper end of the drain pipe 53a, and the drain port 23a. And a flowing water pipe 23b having a desired length at both ends that also serves to adjust the water level of the culture solution in the hydroponic container 2. And the culture solution W in the hydroponic container 2 is comprised so that it may flow out of the container 2 from the upper end of the flowing water pipe 23b. Thereby, it is comprised so that the water level of the culture solution W in the hydroponic container 2 can be adjusted with the flowing water pipe 23b. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the culture fluid W is the liquid level L ₁ is restricted by the height of the upper end of the drain pipe 23b, is adjusted so as not from the position shown in phantom L ₂ to a low position Yes. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the culture fluid W is the liquid level L ₁ is restricted by the height of the water flow tube 23b, the position shown the amount of the culture solution in hydroponic container 2 in phantom L ₂ It is configured to be adjustable so that it does not become smaller.

供給管路部６は、ポンプ５１から送られる培養液Ｗを供給する供給主管６０と、供給主管６０の所定部で分岐し、所定部に配置される所定本数（本実施形態では４本）の分流送水管（分流送液管）６１…６１とを備える。供給主管６０は、ポンプから水耕容器２の背面側方向へ向けて設けた所望長さの水平管６０ａ（図９参照）と、この水平管６０ａの先端から水耕容器２の背面側における外側部に位置させて略鉛直方向に延設した所定長さの鉛直管６０ｂとを備える。 The supply pipeline section 6 branches at a supply main pipe 60 for supplying the culture medium W sent from the pump 51 and a predetermined portion of the supply main pipe 60, and a predetermined number (four in this embodiment) arranged in the predetermined section. And a diversion water supply pipe (diversion liquid supply pipe) 61... 61. The supply main pipe 60 includes a horizontal pipe 60a (see FIG. 9) having a desired length provided from the pump toward the back side of the hydroponic container 2, and an outer side on the back side of the hydroponic container 2 from the tip of the horizontal pipe 60a. And a vertical pipe 60b having a predetermined length that extends in a substantially vertical direction.

各分流送水管６１は、鉛直管６０ｂの所定部から分岐して設ける。各分流送水管６１は水耕容器２の左右巾、即ち容器２の左右の側壁２０ｄ、２０ｅ間の長さより幾分短尺の所望径の管体で形成されている。各分流送水管６１は、水耕容器２の前側の側壁部、即ち排水口部側の側壁部２０ｂと対向する側壁部２０ｃ近くにおける底部側に位置させると共に側壁部２０ｃに沿わせて水耕容器２内の長手方向、即ち、容器２の左右の側壁部２０ｄ、２０ｅ方向に配置して設けてある。 Each diversion water pipe 61 is branched from a predetermined portion of the vertical pipe 60b. Each diversion water pipe 61 is formed of a tubular body having a desired diameter somewhat shorter than the lateral width of the hydroponic container 2, that is, the length between the left and right side walls 20 d and 20 e of the container 2. Each diversion water pipe 61 is located on the bottom side near the side wall part 20c facing the side wall part 20b on the front side of the hydroponic container 2, that is, the side wall part 20b on the drain port side, and along the side wall part 20c. 2 in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the direction of the left and right side wall portions 20d and 20e of the container 2.

各分流送水管６１は、水耕容器２の排水口部２３と反対側に位置する端部、即ち、水耕容器の右側から水耕容器２の前側の側壁部２０ｂ方向へ略直角に延設させて設けた所望径、かつ、所望長さの管体６１ａを備える。この管体６１ａで第１の液流入管６２が形成される。前記管体６１ａは先端を閉塞してある。本実施形態の前記管体６１ａは容器２の前後の側壁部２０ｂ、２０ｃ間の長さより幾分短い長さに形成されている。 Each diversion water pipe 61 extends from the right side of the hydroponic container 2 toward the side wall 20b on the front side of the hydroponic container 2 at a substantially right angle from the end located on the opposite side of the drainage port 23 of the hydroponic container 2. A pipe body 61a having a desired diameter and a desired length is provided. A first liquid inflow tube 62 is formed by the tube body 61a. The tube body 61a has a closed end. The tubular body 61a of the present embodiment is formed to have a length slightly shorter than the length between the front and rear side wall portions 20b and 20c of the container 2.

前記管体６１ａは、排水口部２３側の側壁部２０ｄと対向する側壁部２０ｅの近くにおける底部側に位置させて配置されている。前記管体６０ａはポンプ５１から供給主管６０及び分流送水管６１を介して送られる培養液Ｗを水耕容器２内の所望方向へ向けて流入する所望数の流入孔６１ｂ…６１ｂを有している。本実施形態の前記各孔６１ｂは、左側の側壁部２０ｄ側の斜め下方向へ向けて培養液を流入するように形成してある。各流入孔６１ｂは小径の孔で形成されている。本実施形態では図９に示すように、前記液流入管６２の一端から他端にわたり、所望の間隔で設けてある。そして、上述したように、前記管体６１ａで第１の液流入管６２が構成されている。 The pipe body 61a is disposed on the bottom side near the side wall 20e facing the side wall 20d on the drain outlet 23 side. The pipe body 60a has a desired number of inflow holes 61b ... 61b through which the culture solution W fed from the pump 51 through the supply main pipe 60 and the diversion water pipe 61 flows in a desired direction in the hydroponic container 2. Yes. Each of the holes 61b of the present embodiment is formed so that the culture solution flows in an obliquely downward direction on the left side wall 20d side. Each inflow hole 61b is formed of a small diameter hole. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid inflow pipe 62 is provided at a desired interval from one end to the other end. As described above, the first liquid inflow pipe 62 is configured by the pipe body 61a.

上記構成により、図１０に仮想矢印線７で示すように、培養液Ｗを水耕容器２内の所望の方向へ向けて流入するように構成されている。前記第１の液流入管６２から水耕容器２内へ流入する分単位の流入量は、図８に示すように、各分流送水管６１側に設けた圧力計６３及び流量調節バルブ６４で調節できるように構成されている。この場合において、前記第１の液流入管６２から容器２内へ流入する培養液Ｗは所定方向へ緩やかに流れるように調整して流入させるようにすることが好ましい。流入する培養液の流れが強過ぎると、植物の生育に悪影響を与えるおそれがある。 With the above configuration, as shown by the virtual arrow line 7 in FIG. 10, the culture solution W is configured to flow in a desired direction in the hydroponic container 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the amount of inflow that flows into the hydroponic container 2 from the first liquid inflow pipe 62 is adjusted by a pressure gauge 63 and a flow rate adjustment valve 64 provided on each side of the diversion water supply pipe 61. It is configured to be able to. In this case, it is preferable that the culture medium W flowing into the container 2 from the first liquid inflow pipe 62 is adjusted so as to flow gently in a predetermined direction. If the flow of the flowing culture solution is too strong, there is a risk of adversely affecting plant growth.

前記管体で形成した前記各分流送水管６１の前記第１の培養液注入管６２と反対側の先端は閉塞されている。前記各送水管６１の前記閉塞した先端部側の所望の部位には、図１０に仮想矢印線８で示すように、ポンプ５１から送られる培養液Ｗを水耕容器２内の排水口部２３側の方向へ向けて流入する所望数の流入孔６１ｃ…６１ｃが設けてある。分流送水管６１の前記した側の部位における管体で第２の液流入管６５が形成されている。なお、前記各流入孔６１ｃは前記第１の液流入管６２の流入孔６１ｂと略同径ないし幾分大きい孔で形成されている。 The tip of each of the diverting water supply pipes 61 formed of the pipe body on the side opposite to the first culture solution injection pipe 62 is closed. As shown by a virtual arrow line 8 in FIG. 10, the culture solution W fed from the pump 51 is supplied to the desired portion on the closed tip end side of each water supply pipe 61 with the drain port 23 in the hydroponic container 2. A desired number of inflow holes 61c... 61c that flow in the direction toward the side are provided. A second liquid inflow pipe 65 is formed by a pipe body at the above-described side portion of the diversion water supply pipe 61. Each inflow hole 61c is formed as a hole having substantially the same diameter or somewhat larger diameter than the inflow hole 61b of the first liquid inflow pipe 62.

上記構成により、貯液タンク５０内の培養液Ｗはポンプ５１により送られ、第１の液流入管６２により各水耕容器２内へ流入され、排水口部２３から戻し管路５２を介してタンク５０内へ戻り（還流）、タンク５０と各水耕容器２との間で循環する。 With the above configuration, the culture solution W in the storage tank 50 is sent by the pump 51, flows into each hydroponic container 2 through the first liquid inflow pipe 62, and passes through the return conduit 52 from the drain port 23. It returns to the tank 50 (reflux) and circulates between the tank 50 and each hydroponic container 2.

ところで、上述したように、培養液Ｗは第１の液流入管６２により、所定方向へ緩やかに流れるように調整して水耕容器２内へ流入するように構成してある。そのため、水耕容器２内の排水口部側付近の特に下層培養液は、植物の根や微生物等の繁殖或はゴミの滞留などでよどみ易くなり、植物の生育にばらつきが生じて均一に生育させることができない問題が生じるおそれがある。しかし、本発明によれば、培養液を第２の液流入管６５からも水耕容器２内の排水口部２３側の方向へ向けて注入するように構成されているので、前記「よどみ」に基づく前記問題を解消させることができる。 By the way, as described above, the culture liquid W is adjusted to flow gently in a predetermined direction by the first liquid inflow pipe 62 so as to flow into the hydroponic container 2. Therefore, especially the lower layer culture solution in the vicinity of the drain outlet in the hydroponic container 2 is likely to stagnate due to the propagation of plant roots, microorganisms, etc. or the accumulation of garbage, and the growth of the plants varies and grows uniformly. Problems that cannot be made may occur. However, according to the present invention, the culture liquid is also injected from the second liquid inflow pipe 65 toward the drain port 23 side in the hydroponic container 2. The above-mentioned problem based on can be solved.

本実施形態の水耕栽培装置は上記のように構成したもので、次に上記装置による植物水耕栽培の一例につき説明する。 The hydroponic cultivation apparatus of this embodiment is configured as described above. Next, an example of plant hydroponic cultivation using the apparatus will be described.

循環手段５により培養液を各遂行容器２とタンク５１との間を循環させ、所望の植物Ｘの苗を植えつけた所望枚数の水耕パネル２１を各水耕容器２の初期生育エリアＳ_１に浮かべる（浮置）。そして初期生育エリアの各照明器ユニット３０を下降してパネル上の植物に対する照度を、植物の生育に適する照度（例えば約１万ないし約２万ルクス）に調整し、苗を所望期間生育する。 Circulating means 5 circulates the culture solution between each of the performance containers 2 and the tank 51, so that the desired number of hydroponic panels 21 planted with the seedlings of the desired plant X are placed in the initial growth area S ₁ of each hydroponic container 2. Float in (buoy). Then, each illuminator unit 30 in the initial growth area is lowered to adjust the illuminance on the plant on the panel to an illuminance suitable for the growth of the plant (for example, about 10,000 to about 20,000 lux), and the seedling is grown for a desired period.

次いで、上記により生育した後、前記パネル２１を中間生育エリアＳ_３に移動し、前記エリアＳ_３の各照明器ユニット３０を前記植物の生育に適する位置になるように調整し、所望期間生育する。これと併行して、新しい植物Ｘの苗を植えた所望枚数の水耕パネル２１を各水耕容器の初期エリアＳ_１に浮置し、上記と同様に生育させる。 Next, after growing as described above, the panel 21 is moved to the intermediate growth area S ₃ , and each illuminator unit 30 in the area S ₃ is adjusted to a position suitable for the growth of the plant and grown for a desired period. . In parallel with this,浮置the desired number of hydroponic panel 21 planted new plants X seedlings initial area S ₁ of the hydroponic containers are grown in the same manner as described above.

次いで、中間生育エリアＳ_３で生育ないし育成した植物Ｘの前記各パネル２１を収穫生育エリアＳ_２に移動すると共に初期エリアＳ_１の前記各パネル２１を中間生育エリアＳ_３に移動する。この作業と併行し、上記と同様に新しい苗を植えつけた水耕パネル２１を各水耕容器の初期エリアＳ_１に浮置し、各エリアＳ_１、Ｓ_３、及びＳ_２で植物Ｘを生育ないし育成する。上記した状態が図１１に開示されている。 Then, moving the respective panels 21 of the initial area S ₁ while moving the intermediate growth area S ₃ each panel 21 plants X grown or grown in the crop growing areas S ₂ to an intermediate growing area S _3. In parallel with this operation, a hydroponic panel 21 in which new seedlings are planted is floated in the initial area S ₁ of each hydroponic container in the same manner as described above, and the plant X is placed in each area S ₁ , S ₃ and S _2. Grow or grow. The above-described state is disclosed in FIG.

そして、収穫生育エリアＳ_２で植物を収穫可能に成長させた後、収穫生育エリアＳ_２の各パネルを取り出して植物をパネルから外して収穫し、出荷する。 After the harvestable grown plants in crop growing areas S _2, takes out the respective panels harvest growing area S ₂ were harvested by removing the plants from the panel, to ship.

上記作業を繰返して植物を成育し、収穫する。これにより、植物を所望量づつ分けて連続的に生育ないし育成して、収穫可能に成長させるように栽培することができる。 Repeat the above process to grow and harvest plants. Thereby, a plant can be cultivated so that it can be grown and harvested continuously by dividing it into desired amounts and growing continuously.

また、他の栽培例として、次のような栽培方法も可能である。この例においては、収穫生育エリアＳ_２の各照明器ユニットも上下方向に移動可能に設けてある。そして、植物の苗を植えた水耕パネル２１を各水耕容器２の各エリアＳ_１、Ｓ_２、及びＳ_３に浮置する。 Moreover, the following cultivation methods are also possible as another cultivation example. In this example, each lighting unit of harvested growth area S ₂ also is provided to be movable in the vertical direction. Then,浮置the hydroponic panel 21 planted seedlings of plants in each respective area _S 1 of the hydroponic container 2, _{S 2,} and _{S 3.}

上記状態で各エリアＳ_１、Ｓ_２、Ｓ_３の各照明器ユニット３０を苗の生育に適した高さになるように下降して生育する。そして、植物の生育度に応じて前記各ユニット３０の高さを調整し、植物Ｘを各エリアで収穫可能に育成する。 In the above state, each illuminator unit 30 in each area S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ is lowered and grown to a height suitable for seedling growth. And the height of each said unit 30 is adjusted according to the growth degree of a plant, and it grows so that the plant X can be harvested in each area.

上記のように、植物の苗を各エリアＳ_１、Ｓ_３、及びＳ_２で同時に生育して収穫可能に成長させ、収穫可能に成長させた後、各エリアの各パネルを取り出して植物をパネルから取外して収穫する。この方法によると、植物を各エリアで収穫可能に成長させるように栽培することができる。 As described above, plant seedlings are grown in each area S ₁ , S ₃ , and S ₂ at the same time to grow to be harvestable. After growing to be harvestable, each panel in each area is taken out and the plant is paneled. Remove from and harvest. According to this method, a plant can be cultivated so that it can be harvested in each area.

なお、本実施形態では、上述したように、栽培棚に水耕容器を４段配置して構成した、例を開示したが、水耕容器の段数は任意に増減可能なものである。また、初期生育エリアＳ_１及び収穫エリアＳ_２間の区域に１つの中間生育エリアＳ_３を設けた例を開示したが、中間生育エリアＳ_３は任意に増やすことができる。この場合には、栽培棚１の左右巾の長さを長く構成し、中間生育エリアＳ_３の区域を例えば第１、第２、第３等のように、さらに区分けして植物を中間生育エリアＳ_３で段階的に生育ないし育成させるように構成することもできる。 In the present embodiment, as described above, an example in which four stages of hydroponics containers are arranged on the cultivation shelf is disclosed, but the number of stages of hydroponics containers can be arbitrarily increased or decreased. Also it has disclosed an example in which a single intermediate growing area S ₃ in the area between the Early Growth areas S ₁ and harvested area S _2, intermediate growing area S ₃ can be increased arbitrarily. In this case, the length of the left and right width of cultivation racks 1 long constituted, areas for example, a first intermediate growing area S _3, the second, as in the third, etc., intermediate growing area of plants and further divided It may be configured to stepwise growth or development in S _3.

また、本実施形態の昇降移動手段４は、ハンドルを手動で操作するように構成した例を開示したが、上述したように、自動的に駆動する構成を採用することもできる。 Moreover, although the example which comprised the handle | steering-wheel moving means 4 of this embodiment so that a handle was operated manually was disclosed, as above-mentioned, the structure driven automatically can also be employ | adopted.

なお、上記した実施形態は一例として開示したもので、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲に記載の技術思想を越脱しない範囲内において任意に変更可能なものである。 The above-described embodiment is disclosed as an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the technical idea described in the claims. It is.

１栽培棚
２水耕容器
３照明部
４昇降移動手段
５循環手段
２１水耕パネル
３０照明器ユニット
３１照明器
Ｓ空間部
Ｓ_１初期生育エリア
Ｓ_２収穫生育エリア
Ｓ_３中間生育エリア
Ｗ培養液
Ｘ植物 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cultivation shelf 2 Hydroponic container 3 Illumination part 4 Lifting / moving means 5 Circulation means 21 Hydroponic panel 30 Illuminator unit 31 Illuminator S Space part S ₁ Initial growth area S ₂ Harvest growth area S ₃ Intermediate growth area W Culture solution X plant

Claims

It has a bottom wall portion, a front and rear side wall portion that rises from the periphery of the bottom wall portion, and front and rear side wall portions and left and right side wall portions that face left and right, and is formed in a shallow dish shape having a substantially rectangular planar shape. A plurality of desired hydroponic containers that are arranged in a multistage shape at desired intervals in the vertical direction on the cultivation shelf, and in which the culture solution is stored;
An illumination unit that is provided on the upper side of each hydroponic container and that irradiates light to each hydroponic container;
Circulation means for circulating the culture solution in the storage tank between the tank and each hydroponic container;
A desired plurality of hydroponic panels suspended on the liquid level of the culture solution in each hydroponic container,
A hydroponic cultivation apparatus for growing plants in a space formed between the hydroponic containers,
The space between the hydroponic containers is divided into an area on one end side of the cultivation shelf as an initial growth area, an area on the other end side as a harvest growth area, and an area between the two areas as an intermediate growth area. Determined,
Each illuminating unit is provided for each space portion of each area, and is configured by an illuminator unit having a desired number of illuminators that irradiate light toward the hydroponic container direction,
At least each of the illuminator units in the initial growth area is provided to be movable in the vertical direction,
The circulation means includes a supply line section for supplying the culture medium in the tank sent out by a pump connected to the outlet section of the tank to each hydroponic container, and the bottom wall of each hydroponic container. The bottom wall portion is positioned near one end portion of one of the front and rear side wall portions and a corner portion formed by one end portion of the one side wall portion of the left and right side wall portions A drain pipe provided in communication with the drain port, and a return pipe for introducing the culture solution flowing out from each drain port into the tank;
The supply pipeline section is
A supply main pipe that is connected to the pump and supplies a culture solution sent from the pump, and is branched from the supply main pipe and is somewhat shorter than the length between the left and right side walls of the hydroponic container. Each of the hydroponics containers is formed of a tube body having a desired diameter and is positioned on the bottom side near the other side wall portion opposite to the one side wall portion of the front and rear side walls and along the other side wall portion A number of diversion water pipes corresponding to the number of the hydroponic containers disposed in the interior,
Wherein the side wall portions of the left and right of each shunt water pipe extends from the end located on the side opposite to the side wall portion side of the hand, it is formed by a tube having a desired diameter and a desired length and closing the tip, each The left and right side wall portions of the hydroponic container are positioned on the bottom side near the other side wall portion facing the one side wall portion side of the drainage port portion side, and the front end side of the tubular body closed is the front and rear side wall portions. The one side wall portion is positioned between the front and rear side wall portions, and the culture solution fed by the pump through the supply main pipe and the diversion water pipe is in a desired direction in the hydroponic container. A first liquid inlet pipe having a desired number of inlet holes flowing into
The tip of each of the diverting water supply pipes is closed at the tip opposite to the first liquid inflow pipe, and is formed by a tube in a portion on the tip end side of the diversion water supplying pipe, and the closed tip side of the diverting water supply pipe A second liquid inflow pipe having a desired number of inflow holes through which the culture liquid fed by the pump through the supply main pipe flows into the desired portion of the hydroponic container in the direction toward the drainage port. Configured with
Hydroponic cultivation apparatus characterized by that.

The illuminator units in the initial growth area, intermediate growth area, and harvest growth area are provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the height of each illuminator unit with respect to each hydroponic container according to the degree of plant growth. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein plants are grown by adjusting for each space portion of each area.

Automatic wherein each lighting unit discriminates the growth degree by discriminating means for discriminating the degree of growth of the plant, depending on the degree of growth of the plant, the height for each hydroponic containers of each lighting unit by vertical movement means The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to be adjustable.