JP7174396B2 - Hydroponic cultivation device, hydroponic cultivation system, and plant cultivation and harvesting method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation device, a hydroponic cultivation system, a lift mechanism, and a plant cultivation and harvesting method.

A hydroponic cultivation apparatus capable of hydroponically growing plants such as vegetables is conventionally known.

The hydroponic cultivation apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a cultivation tank (circulation tank) in which liquid fertilizer (culture solution) is stored, and a cultivation panel placed on the cultivation tank so as to float on the liquid fertilizer. In this hydroponic cultivation apparatus, a plant with roots is held in a cultivation panel, and the plant is cultivated by immersing the roots in a culture solution.

Plants cultivated for a certain period of time are removed from the cultivation panel and harvested.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-118

In the conventional hydroponic cultivation apparatus, when harvesting hydroponically cultivated plants, it takes labor to drain the water. This is because the roots of plants are soaked in liquid fertilizer during hydroponics, and the liquid fertilizer adheres to the roots of plants immediately after the plants are removed from the cultivation tank. When harvesting is carried out with liquid fertilizer attached to the roots of plants, the liquid fertilizer not only scatters around and wets the floor, but also adheres to parts other than the roots of surrounding plants (e.g., edible parts of vegetables). Due to this, bacteria may propagate.

Therefore, when harvesting a hydroponically cultivated plant, it is necessary to perform a sufficient draining operation, but this operation requires a great deal of labor for the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to sufficiently perform draining work without requiring labor when harvesting in hydroponics.

A hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to one aspect includes a cultivation tank in which liquid fertilizer is stored, a cultivation panel placed on the cultivation tank and holding a plant to be cultivated in a posture in which the root is positioned downward, and the cultivation panel, a lift mechanism for moving up and down within a range including a lower position and an upper position. The lower position is a position for immersing the roots of the plant in the liquid fertilizer, and the upper position is a draining position for separating the roots upward from the liquid fertilizer.

A hydroponic cultivation system according to one aspect includes the hydroponic cultivation apparatus, and an automatic conveying apparatus that automatically conveys the cultivation panel lifted by the lift mechanism to a location away from the hydroponic cultivation apparatus.

A lift mechanism according to one aspect is a lift mechanism that is installed in a hydroponic cultivation device, and that vertically moves a cultivation panel placed in the hydroponic cultivation device within a range including a lower position and an upper position. is configured to The lower position is a position set for hydroponics, and the upper position is a position set for draining.

A hydroponic cultivation method according to one aspect is a method of cultivating and harvesting a plant using the hydroponic cultivation apparatus, comprising: a cultivation step of cultivating the plant on the cultivation panel located at the lower position; A draining step of holding the cultivation panel at the upper position for a predetermined time, and a harvesting step of harvesting the drained plant together with the cultivation panel after the predetermined time has elapsed.

A hydroponic cultivation method according to another aspect is a method of cultivating and harvesting a plant using the hydroponic cultivation system, comprising a cultivation step of cultivating the plant on the cultivation panel located at the lower position; A draining step of holding the cultivation panel at the upper position for a predetermined time, and a harvesting step of harvesting the drained plants together with the cultivation panel by the automatic conveying device after the predetermined time.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION This invention is effective in the case of harvesting by hydroponic cultivation being able to fully perform water draining work, without requiring labor.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a hydroponic cultivation device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the essential parts viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the portion shown in FIG. 3A at the time of draining. FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view showing a plant factory in which the hydroponic cultivation system of one embodiment is configured. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an automatic conveying device included in the same hydroponic cultivation system. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the same hydroponic cultivation system. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a modified example of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the part shown in FIG. 7A at the time of draining. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a main part of a modified example of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus; FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a modified example of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the part shown in FIG. 9A at the time of draining. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a frame member used in the modification of the same. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing an example of a drive mechanism for lifting the same frame member. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing another example of the drive mechanism of the same. FIG. 13 : is a side view which shows partially broken the principal part of another modification of a hydroponic cultivation apparatus same as the above. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a main part of the same. FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway side view showing the water draining of the main part of the same. FIG. 16 is a schematic side view showing an example of a drive mechanism provided in another modified example of the same.

(hydroponics equipment)
A hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment will be described below based on FIGS. 1 to 3B.

The hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 includes a cultivation shelf 1 and a plurality of cultivation tanks 2 installed on the cultivation shelf 1, as shown in FIG.

The cultivation shelf 1 includes shelf boards 12 arranged vertically in a plurality of stages (five stages in one embodiment), and a plurality of supports 14 that support the shelf boards 12 in the plurality of stages. The number of shelves 12 and supports 14 can be set appropriately. The cultivation shelf 1 is formed long in a predetermined direction D1 in plan view.

The cultivation tank 2 is supported on the upper surface of at least one shelf 12 (in one embodiment, all four shelves 12) excluding the uppermost shelf 12a among the plurality of shelves 12. .

The cultivation tank 2 is configured to store a liquid fertilizer 20 (culture solution) for cultivation. The liquid fertilizer 20 is a liquid containing nutrients required for hydroponic cultivation, and an appropriate one is selected according to the plant 6 to be cultivated. The cultivation tank 2 is formed long in the predetermined direction D1 in plan view.

In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the cultivation tank 2 adopts a double-row liquid channel format, and the cultivation tank 2 has two rows of liquid channels 25 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). The two lines of liquid passages 25 are each elongated in a predetermined direction D1 and open upward. The two lines of liquid passages 25 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction D1 in plan view (hereinafter, this direction is referred to as "width direction D2").

The hydroponic cultivation device 7 further includes a liquid circulation device 51 , a cultivation panel 3 and a light irradiation section 53 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid circulating device 51 includes a liquid fertilizer tank 511 in which the liquid fertilizer 20 is stored, a first pipeline 513 that connects the cultivation tank 2 of each stage and the liquid fertilizer tank 511, and the liquid fertilizer 20 in the liquid fertilizer tank 511. to the first pipeline 513 , and a second pipeline 517 for connecting an overflow pipe (not shown) provided in each stage of the cultivation tank 2 to the liquid fertilizer tank 511 .

A liquid surface 200 (see FIG. 3A etc.) of the liquid fertilizer 20 stored in the cultivation tank 2 is held at a predetermined height by an overflow pipe installed in each liquid channel 25 .

The cultivation panel 3 has a function of holding a plant 6 to be cultivated in a posture in which the roots 62 of the plant 6 protrude downward. In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the plants 6 to be cultivated are vegetables having roots 62 (more specifically, leaf vegetables such as lettuce). The cultivation panel 3 holds the plants 6 so that the leaves and stems, which are the edible parts of the plants 6, protrude upward.

In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the cultivation panel 3 holds a plurality of plants 6 horizontally apart from each other (see FIG. 2 and the like). The cultivation panel 3 holds a total of eight plants 6 in a matrix so that they are arranged in two rows in the predetermined direction D1 and four rows in the width direction D2.

The cultivation panel 3 is installed so as to partially cover the openings of the two rows of liquid channels 25 . Cultivation panel 3 is formed, for example, using a foamed resin material. The cultivation panel 3 has a rectangular upper plate 31 elongated in the width direction D<b>2 and two bowl-shaped bottom plates 33 joined to the lower surface of the upper plate 31 . The upper plate 31 and the two bottom plates 33 joined thereto can be formed by a vacuum forming technique using a foamed resin material.

A plurality of through holes are formed in the upper plate 31 and the two bottom plates 33 located therebelow. Eight through holes are formed in the upper plate 31 and four through holes are formed in each of the two bottom plates 33 . One through-hole of the upper plate 31 and one corresponding through-hole of the bottom plate 33 constitute a holding portion for holding one plant 6 . A plurality of (eight) holding portions are formed in the cultivation panel 3 at intervals in the horizontal direction.

A plurality (a large number) of cultivation panels 3 are placed in a row along the predetermined direction D1 in each stage of the cultivation tank 2 . In this state, most of the openings of the two rows of liquid channels 25 are covered with the plurality of cultivation panels 3 .

The cultivation panel 3 is configured to float on the liquid surface 200 of the liquid fertilizer 20 . As shown in FIG. 3A , when the cultivation panel 3 is placed in the cultivation tank 2 , the two bottom plates 33 of the cultivation panel 3 are aligned with the liquid surface 200 of the liquid fertilizer 20 stored in the two rows of liquid passages 25 . It is configured to float on each. With the cultivation panel 3 floating on the liquid surface 200, the roots 62 of the eight plants 6 held on the cultivation panel 3 are soaked in the liquid fertilizer 20 respectively.

The light irradiation unit 53 has a function of irradiating a plurality of plants 6 held by each cultivation panel 3 placed on the cultivation tank 2 with light for growing from above (see FIG. 1). The light irradiation unit 53 has a light emitter (not shown) elongated in the predetermined direction D1. The light emitter is, for example, a fluorescent lamp, but may be an LED, an organic EL, or the like.

The light irradiation section 53 is attached to the lower surface of the shelf board 12 . A light irradiation unit 53 attached to the lower surface of the shelf board 12 one level above the level irradiates the cultivation panel 3 of the cultivation tank 2 installed on the shelf board 12 of each level with light.

In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the cultivation shelf 1 is further provided with a lift mechanism 4 . The lift mechanism 4 has a function of automatically raising the cultivation panel 3 just before harvesting and completing draining at the stage of harvesting.

The lift mechanism 4 is configured to vertically move, within a predetermined range, the cultivation panel 3 at one end in the predetermined direction D1 among the plurality of cultivation panels 3 arranged along the predetermined direction D1. The cultivation panel 3 at one end is the cultivation panel 3a at the harvest time.

Among the plurality of cultivation panels 3 placed in the cultivation tank 2, the cultivation panel 3 located at the end opposite to the cultivation panel 3a at the harvest time in the predetermined direction D1 is the cultivation panel 3 at the start of cultivation in the cultivation tank 2. Panel 3b.

Each cultivation panel 3 is movable along the predetermined direction D1 while floating on the liquid surface 200 of the liquid fertilizer 20 (that is, placed in the cultivation tank 2 via the liquid fertilizer 20). After the harvesting cultivation panel 3a is removed from one end of the cultivation tank 2 in the predetermined direction D1, a new cultivation panel 3 is placed on the opposite end of the cultivation tank 2 in the predetermined direction D1. At this time, all the remaining cultivation panels 3 placed in the cultivation tank 2 are moved toward one end side in the predetermined direction D1.

Since the cultivation panels 3 float on the liquid surface 200, all the remaining cultivation panels 3 floating on the liquid surface 200 are collectively directed toward one end side in the predetermined direction D1 using the cultivation panels 3 newly floated on the liquid surface 200. can be pushed in. Here, the new cultivation panel 3 placed in the cultivation tank 2 becomes the cultivation panel 3b at the start of cultivation.

That is, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, while feeding the cultivation panel 3 placed in the cultivation tank 2 stepwise toward one end side in the predetermined direction D1, the plant 6 held by the cultivation panel 3 is can be hydroponically cultivated, and can be harvested when the cultivation panel 3 reaches one end in the predetermined direction D1.

The lift mechanism 4 is installed at one end of the cultivation shelf 1 in the predetermined direction D1. The lift mechanism 4 has a plurality of cylinders 401 that are driven to extend and retract in the vertical direction, and a plurality of guide posts 402 that can extend and retract in the vertical direction.

More specifically, the lift mechanism 4 includes two cylinders 401 installed at both ends of the upper surface of the shelf board 12 in the width direction D2, and a central part of the upper surface of the shelf board 12 in the width direction D2. It has one cylinder 401 (see FIG. 2). The guide posts 402 are installed at a total of six locations on the upper surface of the shelf plate 12 so as to be positioned on both sides in the predetermined direction D1 with each cylinder 401 interposed therebetween.

Further, the lift mechanism 4 has three tables 409 that are connected to the upper ends of the three cylinders 401 one-to-one. The central portion of each table 409 in the predetermined direction D1 is connected to the upper end of the cylinder 401, and the portions on both sides of the central portion in the predetermined direction D1 are connected to the upper ends of the guide posts 402. FIG.

The three tables 409 contact different points on the lower surface of the upper plate 31 of the cultivation panel 3a during the cultivation period, and support the cultivation panel 3a from below.

Of the three tables 409, the two tables 409 located at both ends in the width direction D2 are located on both ends of the top plate 31 in the width direction D2 (that is, on both sides in the width direction D2 of the two bottom plates 33 of the top plate 31). (flange-shaped part protruding outward) is supported from below.

Of the three tables 409, one table 409 located in the middle in the width direction D2 moves the central portion of the top plate 31 in the width direction D2 (that is, the portion of the top plate 31 between the two bottom plates 33) downward. support from.

In other words, the lift mechanism 4 has cylinder-type elevators 41 at three locations. The three elevators 41 are, namely, the two elevators 41 provided to lift both ends of the cultivation panel 3a in the width direction D2, and the elevators 41 to lift the intermediate portion of the cultivation panel 3a in the width direction D2. It is an elevator 41 provided at one place.

The cylinder-type elevator 41 has a cylinder 401, a pair of guide posts 402 located on both sides of the cylinder 401 in the predetermined direction D1, and a table 409 supported by the cylinder 401 and the pair of guide posts 402. The table 409 is configured to move up and down as the 401 is driven to extend and retract.

Since the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment includes the lift mechanism 4 having the above structure, the cylinder 401 is extended upward to raise the cultivation panel 3a at the harvest time from the cultivation tank 2. In some cases, the drainage of the plant 6 can be completed.

The vertical movement range of the cultivation panel 3a by the lift mechanism 4 includes a lower position P1 shown in FIG. 3A and an upper position P2 shown in FIG. 3B.

When the cultivation panel 3a is at the lower position P1, the roots 62 of the plants 6 held by the cultivation panel 3a are positioned below the liquid surface 200 of the liquid fertilizer 20. As shown in FIG. The lower position P1 is a position for the cultivation process, provided so as to soak the roots 62 of the plant 6 in the liquid fertilizer 20 . In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the lower position P1 of the cultivation panel 3a is the position where the cultivation panel 3a floats on the liquid surface 200 .

When the cultivation panel 3a is at the upper position P2, the roots 62 of the plants 6 held by the cultivation panel 3a are wholly located above the liquid surface 200. As shown in FIG. The upper position P2 is a position for draining water provided so as to separate the entire plant 6 including the roots 62 from the liquid surface 200 upward.

In addition, the cylinder-type lift mechanism 4 is not limited to the above configuration. The lift mechanism 4 may include at least one cylinder 401 as long as the cultivation panel 3a can be raised to the upper position P2 and stably supported. As the cylinder 401, it is possible to use any type of cylinder, such as a pneumatic type, a hydraulic type, an electric type, or the like. Although the guide post 402 is not essential in the lift mechanism 4 , when the guide post 402 is provided, the lift mechanism 4 may be provided with at least one guide post 402 .

Also. The number of cultivation panels 3a lifted by the lift mechanism 4 at one time is not limited to one, and a plurality of cultivation panels 3a can be lifted at one time.

(hydroponics system)
Next, a hydroponic cultivation system S configured using the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. FIG.

The hydroponic cultivation system S is configured in a plant factory (vegetable factory) as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The hydroponic cultivation system S includes a plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 7 installed in the plant factory, an automatic transport device 8 installed in the plant factory, and a control device 9 (see FIG. 6) that controls each device of the plant factory. Prepare. In FIG. 4, the hydroponic cultivation device 7 is simply shown, and the description of the lift mechanism 4 and the like is omitted.

A plurality of hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 7 are installed in parallel with each other with a distance in the width direction D2.
In a plurality of hydroponic cultivation apparatuses 7, the cultivation panels 3a at harvest time are located on the same side in the predetermined direction D1. The harvesting cultivation panels 3a held in each of the plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 7 are positioned side by side in the width direction D2.

In the hydroponic cultivation system S of one embodiment, the automatic transport device 8 is a stacker crane 80 . The stacker crane 80 is installed in the plant factory so as to automatically transport the harvested cultivation panel 3a in each of the plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 7 to a predetermined location away from the plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 7. is set up.

As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the stacker crane 80 includes a travel rail 81 installed on the floor of the plant factory, a rectangular frame-shaped frame 82 movable on the travel rail 81, and a movement guide for the frame 82. A guide rail 83 installed above the running rail 81, a loading platform 84 installed in the frame 82 so as to be vertically movable, a fork device 85 provided on the loading platform 84, and an elevating device for moving the loading platform 84 up and down. 86 and a travel device 87 for moving the frame 82 along the travel rail 81 .

The stacker crane 80 moves the loading platform 84 to the target horizontal position and vertical position, and then inserts the claws 855 of the fork device 85 under the cultivation panel 3a lifted to the upper position P2 (see FIG. 3B). , the fork device 85 lifts and transports the cultivation panel 3a.

In the hydroponic cultivation system S of one embodiment, the stacker crane 80 includes one loading platform 84 and one fork device 85, but it is also possible to provide multiple combinations of loading platforms 84 and fork devices 85, for example, vertically. .

As shown in FIG. 6 , the control device 9 controls the hydroponic cultivation device 7 and the stacker crane 80 . The control device 9 controls the pump 515 of the liquid circulation device 51 provided in the hydroponic cultivation device 7, the light irradiation units 53 of each stage, and the like to cultivate plants (cultivation step). At this time, all of the cultivation panels 3 are in a position floating on the liquid surface 200 (that is, the lower position P1).

In addition, when a predetermined timing is reached, the control device 9 controls the lift mechanism 4 of each stage included in the hydroponic cultivation device 7 to lift the cultivation panel 3a at the harvest time to the upper position P2, and It is held at the position for a predetermined time for draining (draining step). The predetermined time here is set within a range of 0.5 hours to 3 hours, for example, in order to sufficiently drain the liquid fertilizer 20 adhering to the roots 62 . The range of the predetermined time is not limited to this, and may be set within the range of 1 hour to 2 hours, or set within the range of 0.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on conditions such as the type of the plant 6. or may be set within the range of 1 hour to 3 hours.

Next, after a predetermined time for draining has passed, the control device 9 controls the traveling device 87, the lifting device 86, the fork device 85, etc. of the stacker crane 80, and automatically removes the drained plants 6 together with the cultivation panel 3a. (harvesting process).

According to the hydroponic cultivation system S of one embodiment, the hydroponic cultivation of the plant 6 can be automatically performed, and the draining work and the harvesting work of the plant 6 that have reached the harvest time can also be automatically performed. It is possible to prevent the liquid fertilizer 20 from scattering and wetting the floor during harvesting and from adhering to parts other than the roots 62 of the surrounding plants 6.例文帳に追加

Although the hydroponic cultivation system S of one embodiment includes a plurality of hydroponic cultivation devices 7 , at least one hydroponic cultivation device 7 may be provided. Further, the automatic conveying device 8 is not limited to the stacker crane 80, and other devices may be used as long as the cultivation panels 3a can be stably conveyed.
(Modification)
Next, further modifications of the hydroponic cultivation device 7 and the hydroponic cultivation system S of the above embodiment will be described. In addition, in description of a modification, detailed description is abbreviate|omitted about the structure similar to the structure already demonstrated.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a modification in which the cultivation tank 2 on each stage of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 employs a single-row liquid channel format instead of a double-row liquid channel format.

In the case of this modification, the liquid path 25 of the cultivation tank 2 is provided independently. Correspondingly, the bottom plate 33 of the cultivation panel 3 is provided independently. Eight through-holes corresponding to the through-holes of the upper plate 31 are formed in the bottom plate 33 .

In this modification, the lift mechanism 4 is provided with cylinder-type elevators 41 at two locations. The two elevators 41 are the two elevators 41 provided so as to lift both ends of the cultivation panel 3a in the width direction D2. The lift mechanism 4 in this modified example does not include the elevator 41 that lifts the intermediate portion of the cultivation panel 3a in the width direction D2.

FIG. 8 shows a modification in which the elevator 41 of the lift mechanism 4 is of a jack type instead of a cylinder type. The elevator 41 operates a pair of arms 404 and 405 which are connected in an X-shape so as to be rotatable between the shelf 12 and the table 409, and moves the pair of arms 404 and 405 to move the table 409. A driving unit (not shown) for raising and lowering is provided. Even when a lift mechanism 4 such as a table lift is used, the cultivation panel 3a can be lifted to the draining position (upper position P2).

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a modification in which the cultivation panel 3a is lifted using a metal (for example, stainless steel) frame member 45 submerged in the liquid fertilizer 20 in the liquid path 25 and the driving mechanism 46. FIG. In this modification, as in the modification shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cultivation tank 2 adopts the single-line liquid channel format, and the bottom plate 33 of the cultivation panel 3 is provided independently.

As shown in FIG. 10, the frame member 45 that constitutes part of the lift mechanism 4 includes a comb-shaped support frame 451 for supporting the cultivation panel 3a from below and both ends of the support frame 451 in the width direction D2. It has a pair of arms 453 extending upward.

As shown in FIG. 9A , the frame member 45 is normally submerged in the liquid fertilizer 20 so that the support frame 451 is positioned below the roots 62 of the plant 6 . By lifting the frame member 45 by a lever-type drive mechanism 46 that constitutes a part of the lift mechanism 4 (see FIG. 11), the cultivation panel 3a can be raised to the upper position P2 via the frame member 45. can.

The drive mechanism 46 includes an L-shaped lever 461 rotatably connected to the upper end of the arm 453 of the frame member 45 , a support shaft 462 rotatably supporting the lever 461 , and the arm 453 of the lever 461 . A cylinder-type drive unit 463 is provided for reciprocating the end on the side opposite to the receiving side in a predetermined direction D1.

In this modification, since the support frame 451 is comb-shaped, the claws 855 of the fork device 85 are inserted into the portions between the comb teeth of the support frame 451 (see FIG. 9B), and the fork device 85 is used as it is for cultivation. It is possible to transport the panel 3a.

FIG. 12 shows a drive mechanism 46 formed in a manner different from that of FIG. The driving mechanism 46 of this example includes a lower pulley 465 rotatably supported, an upper pulley 466 rotatably supported above the lower pulley 465 , and suspended between the lower pulley 465 and the upper pulley 466 . It includes a belt 467 , a connector 468 fixed to a portion of the belt 467 in the circumferential direction, and a drive unit (not shown) that drives the upper pulley 466 to rotate. The connector 468 is connected to the upper end of the arm 453 of the frame member 45 .

In the drive mechanism 46 of this example, the upper pulley 466 is rotationally driven to move the belt 467 in the circumferential direction and move the connector 468 up and down, thereby moving the frame member 45 up and down.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show modifications in which the cultivation panel 3a is lifted using a metal (for example, stainless steel) grasping member 47 capable of grasping the edge of the cultivation panel 3a and a drive mechanism 48. there is

As shown in FIG. 13 and the like, the gripping member 47 has a clip-like structure in which an upper plate 471, a lower plate 472, and an intermediate plate 473 are connected in a U-shape. A groove portion surrounded by the upper plate 471, the lower plate 472, and the intermediate plate 473 is a groove portion into which the edge portion of the cultivation panel 3a is fitted.

The gripping member 47 has elasticity that allows the upper plate 471 and the lower plate 472 to bend to some extent, and the tip portions of the upper plate 471 and the lower plate 472 guide the edge portion of the cultivation panel 3a to the groove portion. It has a shape that opens in directions away from each other (in a V shape) so that it can be The amount of protrusion of the lower plate 472 from the intermediate plate 473 is set larger than the amount of protrusion of the upper plate 471 from the intermediate plate 473 .

In this example, a plurality of U-shaped gripping members 47 are provided, specifically, three gripping members 47 are provided so as to be aligned in the width direction D2 (see FIG. 14). The three gripping members 47 are integrally connected by a connecting shaft 49 . The connecting shaft 49 is a shaft extending linearly in the width direction D2, and is rotatably supported with respect to the shelf plate 12 by bearings.

As shown in FIG. 16, the drive mechanism 48 is configured to integrally rotate the three gripping members 47 about the connecting shaft 49 . The drive mechanism 48 includes an arm 481 having a first end fixed to the connecting shaft 49 and a cylinder-type drive portion 483 connected to a second end of the arm 481 . The first end and the second end of the arm 481 are located on opposite sides of the arm 481 in the longitudinal direction. As the drive unit 483, any type of cylinder, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric, can be used.

The drive unit 483 reciprocates the second end of the arm 481 in the predetermined direction D1. As a result, each of the three gripping members 47 is reciprocated between a first posture indicated by solid lines in FIG. 16 and a second posture indicated by imaginary lines.

The first posture of the gripping member 47 is a posture in which both the upper plate 471 and the lower plate 472 are horizontal. The term "horizontal" used in the text is not limited to "horizontal" in a strict sense, but also includes "substantially horizontal". When the gripping member 47 is in the first posture, the edge portion of the cultivation panel 3a placed in the cultivation tank 2 in a horizontal posture is inserted into the groove portion of the gripping member 47 in that posture.

The second posture of the gripping member 47 is a posture in which the tip portions of both the upper plate 471 and the lower plate 472 are directed obliquely upward. When the gripping member 47 is in the second posture, the cultivation panel 3a supported by the gripping member 47 is lifted so as to be positioned above the liquid surface 200 of the liquid fertilizer 20 .

Therefore, in the lift mechanism 4 of this example, when the plurality of cultivation panels 3 floating on the liquid surface 200 are collectively pushed toward one end side of the predetermined direction D1, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. The end edge portion of the cultivation panel 3a at the harvesting time located on one end side is fitted into the three gripping members 47 .

Next, when the cylinder-type driving portion 483 is actuated by a harvesting schedule command from the control device 9, each gripping member 47 rotates from the first posture to the second posture. As a result, the cultivation panel 3a moves from the position (lower position P1) at which the roots 62 of the plants 6 are soaked in the liquid fertilizer 20 to the draining position (upper position P2) at which the roots 62 are separated above the liquid fertilizer 20. Rotate around 49.

The cultivation panel 3a is held at an obliquely inclined upper position P2 for a predetermined period of time in order to sufficiently drain the water. Here, since each holding member 47 has a long lower plate 472, the cultivation panel 3a is stably held in an inclined posture.

The plant 6 sufficiently drained at the upper position P2 is harvested together with the cultivation panel 3a. After harvesting, the control device 9 operates the driving portion 483 to return each gripping member 47 to the first posture. Next, when the plurality of cultivation panels 3 floating on the liquid surface 200 are collectively pushed toward one end side in the predetermined direction D1, the edges of the cultivation panels 3a at the next harvesting time are held by the holding members 47. be fitted.

Although three gripping members 47 are provided in this example, the number of gripping members 47 is not limited to this, and at least one gripping member 47 may be provided. When the number of gripping members 47 is one, it is preferable that one gripping member 47 holds the central portion of the edge portion of the cultivation panel 3a in the width direction D2. When the number of gripping members 47 is two, it is preferable that the two gripping members 47 hold both end portions in the width direction D2 of the edge portion of the cultivation panel 3a.

Although various modifications of the lift mechanism 4 have been described above, it is also possible to form the lift mechanism 4 in another manner. For example, an inclined rail may be installed at the bottom of the liquid path 25, and when the cultivation panel 3a floating on the liquid fertilizer 20 reaches one end in the predetermined direction D1, the cultivation panel 3a may climb onto the rail. According to this structure, the cultivation panel 3a at harvest time can be lifted to the upper position P2 for draining by the force of pushing the plurality of cultivation panels 3 floating on the liquid fertilizer 20 in the predetermined direction D1.

In addition, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the cultivation panel 3 is provided so as to float on the liquid surface 200 of the liquid fertilizer 20, but it is not limited to this, and the cultivation panel 3 is placed in the cultivation tank 2. In this state, the bottom plate 33 of the cultivation panel 3 may be positioned above the liquid surface 200 .

In addition, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment is configured to perform cultivation while sequentially feeding a plurality of cultivation panels 3 in a predetermined direction D1, but is not limited to this. It may also be configured such that only one seed is placed on the cultivation tank 2 for cultivation and harvesting.

In addition, in the hydroponic cultivation system S of one embodiment, the harvesting work is automatically performed using the automatic conveying device 8, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to manually perform the harvesting work. Even in this case, the draining work is automatically and sufficiently performed using the lift mechanism 4, so that the labor of the operator is greatly reduced.

Further, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 of one embodiment, the lift mechanism 4 is installed on one end side of the shelf board 12 in the predetermined direction D1, and this lift mechanism 4 is used for draining the cultivation panel 3a at the harvest time. However, for example, a similar lift mechanism 4 is installed on the side opposite to one end side of the shelf board 12 in the predetermined direction D1, and the cultivation panel 3b at the cultivation start time (the cultivation panel 3b holding the plant 6 at the seedling stage). It is also possible to use it for the work of putting it into the cultivation tank 2.

In this case, the lift mechanism 4 for loading work moves the cultivation panel 3b up and down within a predetermined range. The predetermined range includes the upper position at the start of charging and the lower position at the completion of charging. The cultivation panel 3b is preferably located entirely above the liquid surface 200 when it is in the upper position. When the cultivation panel 3b is in the lower position, the roots 62 of the plants 6 held by the cultivation panel 3b are soaked in the liquid fertilizer 20. - 特許庁The cultivation panel 3b preferably floats on the liquid surface 200 when the cultivation panel 3b is in the lower position.

As with the lift mechanism 4 for draining work, various modifications can be adopted for the lift mechanism 4 for loading work. That is, the lift mechanism 4 used for the loading operation is not limited to the cylinder type mechanism shown in FIGS. A mechanism using a frame member or a mechanism using a gripping member as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 can be employed.

(Effect)
As described above based on the embodiment and its modifications, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 is characterized by having the following configuration.

That is, the hydroponic cultivation device 7 includes the cultivation tank 2 , the cultivation panel 3 , and the lift mechanism 4 . A liquid fertilizer 20 is stored in the cultivation tank 2 . The cultivation panel 3 is placed on the cultivation tank 2 and holds the plant 6 to be cultivated with its root 62 positioned downward. The lift mechanism 4 vertically moves the cultivation panel 3 within a range including the lower position P1 and the upper position P2. The lower position P1 is a position where the roots 62 of the plant 6 are soaked in the liquid fertilizer 20 . The upper position P2 is a position for draining that separates the roots 62 upward from the liquid fertilizer 20 .

According to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 having the above configuration, hydroponic cultivation can be performed with the roots 62 of the plants 6 immersed in the liquid fertilizer 20, and when the plants 6 reach the harvest time, the cultivation panel 3 is lifted. It can be lifted by the mechanism 4 and drained automatically. Therefore, the draining work can be sufficiently performed without requiring labor, and the liquid fertilizer 20 scatters and wets the floor when harvesting, and the liquid fertilizer 20 adheres to the parts other than the roots 62 of the surrounding plants 6. is prevented.

Further, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 is further characterized by having the following configuration.

That is, in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7, the plurality of cultivation panels 3 are arranged in the cultivation tank 2 along the predetermined direction D1 in plan view. The lift mechanism 4 vertically moves the cultivation panel 3 positioned at the end in the predetermined direction D1 among the plurality of cultivation panels arranged in the predetermined direction D1.

According to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 having the above configuration, cultivation is performed while sequentially feeding the plurality of cultivation panels 3 in the predetermined direction D1, and the cultivation panel 3 at the harvest time reaching the end of the predetermined direction D1 is lifted to drain water. Then, the plant 6 can be harvested together with the cultivation panel 3.

Further, as described based on the embodiment and its modifications, the hydroponic cultivation system S is characterized by having the following configuration.

That is, the hydroponic cultivation system S includes the hydroponic cultivation device 7 having the above configuration and the automatic transfer device 8 that automatically conveys the cultivation panel 3 lifted by the lift mechanism 4 to a location away from the hydroponic cultivation device 7. Prepare.

According to the hydroponic cultivation system S having the above configuration, the hydroponic cultivation device 7 performs hydroponic cultivation of the plant 6, and when the plant 6 reaches the harvest time, the cultivation panel 3 is lifted by the lift mechanism 4 and automatically lifted. In addition, the drained plants 6 can be automatically harvested together with the cultivation panel 3.

Further, as described based on the embodiment and its modification, the lift mechanism 4 is installed in the hydroponic cultivation device 7 and moves the cultivation panel 3 placed on the hydroponic cultivation device 7 between the lower position P1 and the upper position P1. It is configured to move up and down within a range including the position P2. The lower position P1 is a position set for hydroponics, and the upper position P2 is a position set for draining.

According to the lift mechanism 4 having the above configuration, by installing it in the hydroponic cultivation device 7, it is possible to automatically drain the cultivation panel 3 at the harvest time.

Moreover, as described based on the embodiment and its modifications, the method for cultivating and harvesting plants is characterized by having the following configurations.

That is, the method for cultivating and harvesting plants is a method for cultivating and harvesting plants 6 using the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 7 having the above configuration, and is a cultivation process of cultivating plants 6 on the cultivation panel 3 at the lower position P1. , a draining step of holding the cultivation panel 3 at the upper position P2 for a predetermined time for draining, and a harvesting step of harvesting the drained plants 6 together with the cultivation panel 3 after the predetermined time.

According to the method for cultivating and harvesting plants having the above configuration, hydroponics can be performed with the roots 62 of the plants 6 immersed in the liquid fertilizer 20, and when the plants 6 reach the harvest time, the cultivation panel 3 is lifted. can automatically drain the water. Therefore, it is possible to harvest the plant 6 which has been sufficiently drained without labor, and the liquid fertilizer 20 may scatter and wet the floor during harvesting, and the surrounding parts of the plant 6 other than the roots 62 may be prevented. is prevented from adhering to the liquid fertilizer 20.

Moreover, as described based on the embodiment and its modifications, the method for cultivating and harvesting plants may be characterized by having the following configuration.

In other words, the plant cultivation and harvesting method is a method of cultivating and harvesting the plants 6 using the hydroponic cultivation system S having the above configuration, and is a cultivation process of cultivating the plants 6 on the cultivation panel 3 at the lower position P1. , a draining step of holding the cultivation panel 3 at the upper position P2 for a predetermined time for draining, and a harvesting step of harvesting the drained plants 6 together with the cultivation panel 3 by the automatic conveying device 8 after the predetermined time. Prepare.

According to the method for cultivating and harvesting plants having the above configuration, hydroponics can be performed with the roots 62 of the plants 6 immersed in the liquid fertilizer 20, and when the plants 6 reach the harvest time, the cultivation panel 3 is lifted. can automatically perform draining and harvesting operations. Therefore, it is possible to harvest the plant 6 which has been sufficiently drained without labor, and the liquid fertilizer 20 may scatter and wet the floor during harvesting, and the surrounding parts of the plant 6 other than the roots 62 may be prevented. is prevented from adhering to the liquid fertilizer 20.

1 Cultivation Shelf 2 Cultivation Tank 20 Liquid Fertilizer 200 Liquid Surface 3 Cultivation Panel 4 Lift Mechanism 6 Plant 62 Root 7 Hydroponic Cultivation Device 8 Automatic Transfer Device 9 Control Device S Hydroponic Cultivation System D1 Predetermined Direction P1 Lower Position P2 Upper Position

Claims (4)

a cultivation shelf;
A cultivation tank installed on the cultivation shelf and in which liquid fertilizer is stored;
a cultivation panel that is placed on the cultivation tank and holds a plant to be cultivated in a posture with its roots positioned downward;
a lift mechanism that vertically moves the cultivation panel within a range including a lower position and an upper position;
The lower position is a position where the roots of the plant are immersed in the liquid fertilizer,
The upper position is a draining position that separates the roots upward from the liquid fertilizer,
The lift mechanism is installed on the cultivation shelf ,
In the cultivation tank, a plurality of the cultivation panels are arranged along a predetermined direction in plan view,
The lift mechanism moves only the cultivation panel positioned at the end in the predetermined direction among the plurality of cultivation panels arranged in the predetermined direction to the upper position for a period of time within the range of 0.5 hours to 3 hours. configured to hold
A hydroponic cultivation apparatus characterized by: The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1;
an automatic transport device that is provided separately from the lift mechanism and automatically transports the cultivation panel lifted by the lift mechanism to a location away from the hydroponic cultivation device.
A hydroponics system characterized by: A method for cultivating and harvesting plants using the hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1,
a cultivation step of cultivating the plant on the cultivation panel in the lower position;
a draining step of holding the cultivation panel at the upper position by the lift mechanism for a predetermined draining time in the range of 0.5 hours to 3 hours;
a harvesting step of harvesting the drained plant together with the cultivation panel after the predetermined time has elapsed.
A plant cultivation and harvesting method characterized by: A method for cultivating and harvesting plants using the hydroponic cultivation system according to claim 2,
a cultivation step of cultivating the plant on the cultivation panel in the lower position;
a draining step of holding the cultivation panel at the upper position by the lift mechanism for a predetermined draining time in the range of 0.5 hours to 3 hours;
a harvesting step of harvesting the drained plants together with the cultivation panel by the automatic transport device separate from the lift mechanism after the predetermined time has elapsed.
A plant cultivation and harvesting method characterized by:

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