JP2017038548A - Plant raising apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to mainly eliminate the trouble of adjusting the supply amount of a nutrient solution to each growth groove and reduce the equipment cost. A plant growing apparatus (1) having a plurality of distribution pipes (5) for distributing and supplying a nutrient solution (3) from a nutrient solution supply pipe (4) to a plurality of growing grooves (2) arranged side by side in the same plane. A header device 31 capable of distributing the nutrient solution 3 is installed between the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the distribution pipes 5 . The header device 31 has a supply port portion 32 connectable to the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and a plurality of discharge port portions 33 individually connectable to the respective distribution pipes 5 . [Selection drawing] Fig. 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a plant growing apparatus.

  In recent years, in order to eliminate the growth of vegetables due to bad weather, etc., and to reduce the production capacity of vegetables due to the aging of agricultural producers and the decline in the farming population, vegetables can be stably supplied at the factory. Attention has been attracted to the technology for mass production.

  And the plant growing apparatus is installed in the factory which produces vegetables (for example, refer patent document 1). Such a plant growing device is provided with a growing groove serving as a medium for growing plants such as vegetables, and a nutrient solution supply pipe for supplying a nutrient solution (or liquid fertilizer) to the growing groove. And in order to mass-produce a plant, the above-mentioned growth groove | channel is arranged in multiple numbers in the same surface. Further, the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution supply pipe is distributed and supplied individually to the plurality of growing grooves arranged in the same plane through the plurality of distribution pipes. The plurality of growing grooves can be stacked and installed in multiple stages in the vertical direction.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-96048

  In order to grow plants such as vegetables uniformly (that is, to make the quality constant) with the plant growing device, it is particularly important to supply the nutrient solution evenly to each growing groove. For this purpose, a flow rate adjusting valve is individually attached between each growth groove and each distribution pipe, and the amount of nutrient solution supplied to each growth groove is individually adjusted. However, adjusting the amount of nutrient solution supplied to each growth groove individually increases equipment costs due to the increased number of flow control valves, and requires a lot of labor and time to adjust each flow control valve. There were problems such as difficulty in managing and operating the training equipment.

  Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
In a plant growing device provided with a plurality of distribution pipes that distribute and supply nutrient solution from a nutrient solution supply pipe to a plurality of growth grooves arranged in parallel in the same plane,
A header device capable of distributing the nutrient solution is installed between the nutrient solution supply pipe and the distribution pipes,
The header device has a supply port portion connectable to the nutrient solution supply pipe and a plurality of discharge port portions individually connectable to the distribution pipes.

  According to the present invention, by providing the header device, the flow rate adjustment valve is eliminated, and the trouble of adjusting the supply amount of the nutrient solution with respect to each growing groove with the flow rate adjustment valve is eliminated, and the flow rate adjustment valve is eliminated. Equipment costs can be reduced.

It is a whole side view of the plant breeding apparatus concerning an Example. It is an end view which shows the part by the side of the water supply of the plant growing apparatus of FIG. It is an end view which shows the part by the side of the waste_water | drain of the plant growing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 2. (A) is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which looked at the header apparatus (double-ended type) from the horizontal direction, (b) is sectional drawing of the direction orthogonal to (a). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the header device of FIG. 5. It is a side view of a single-ended type header device. It is a perspective view of the header apparatus which has the non-distribution area | region for stabilization in which the discharge port part is not formed. It is a figure which shows the state which connected the small header apparatus severally and block | closed the discharge port part located in an edge part, and was set as the non-distribution area | region for stabilization. It is an end view by the side of the water supply of the plant growing apparatus provided with the header apparatus which has a diameter-expansion hole part as an equal supply means. It is an end view which shows the part by the side of the water supply of the plant growing apparatus provided with the header apparatus which has an orifice as an equal supply means. It is an enlarged side view which shows the connection part of a distribution pipe and a growth groove at the time of using an elbow-shaped connection member. It is an end elevation which shows the part by the side of the water supply of the plant growth apparatus similar to FIG. 2 at the time of using a flow regulating valve as a comparative example. It is an enlarged side view which shows the connection part of a distribution pipe and a growth groove at the time of using a straight tubular connection member. It is an expanded sectional view of the broken-line part of FIG.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 15 are for explaining this embodiment.

  <Configuration> The configuration will be described below.

  A plant growing apparatus 1 as shown in a side view of FIG. 1, an end view of the water supply side of FIG. 2, and an end view of the drainage side of FIG. 3 is installed inside a factory or the like that produces plants such as vegetables (mainly FIG. 1). The plant growing apparatus 1 includes at least a growing groove 2 serving as a medium for growing plants such as vegetables, a nutrient solution supply pipe 4 for supplying a nutrient solution 3 (or liquid fertilizer) to the growing groove 2, Is provided. And in order to mass-produce a plant, the above-mentioned growth groove | channel 2 is arranged in multiple numbers in the same surface. Furthermore, the nutrient solution 3 from the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 is distributed and supplied individually to the plurality of growing grooves 2 arranged in the same plane through the plurality of distribution pipes 5. The plurality of growing grooves 2 can be stacked and installed in multiple stages (for example, several to tens of stages, etc.) in the vertical direction as necessary.

  Here, the plant growing apparatus 1 includes a shelf-frame-shaped growing apparatus body, and the plurality of growing grooves 2 are installed in parallel to the respective shelf steps 12 of the growing apparatus body. The shelf stage 12 has at least the number of stages according to the number of installation stages of the growth grooves 2 or more. The growing groove 2 circulates the nutrient solution 3 and can be constituted by an elongated bowl-shaped container or the like. A support plate is attached to the opening on the upper surface side of the growing groove 2, and plants to be grown are supported by the support plate. The plurality of growing grooves 2 are basically aligned with the same size for each shelf 12. However, it is structurally possible that the growing grooves 2 having different sizes are partially mixed in the same shelf 12. Each shelf 12 is provided with a plant-growing lamp, a temperature control device, and the like.

  A pump 18 for feeding the nutrient solution 3 is provided in the middle of the nutrient solution supply pipe 4. The nutrient solution 3 sent to the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 is distributed to each distribution pipe 5 at the position of each shelf 12 and is sent from each distribution pipe 5 to one end side of each growth groove 2. A drainage pipe 19 for discharging the nutrient solution 3 is connected to the other end side of each growing groove 2.

  In contrast to the overall configuration as described above, this embodiment has the following configuration.

(1) A header device 31 capable of distributing the nutrient solution 3 is installed between the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the distribution pipes 5 as shown in FIG.
The header device 31 includes a supply port portion 32 that can be connected to the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and a plurality of discharge port portions 33 that can be individually connected to the distribution pipes 5.

  Here, the header device 31 has the above-described supply port portion 32 at its end portion and a plurality of discharge port portions 33 on its side surface with respect to a metal or resin header body having an elongated cylindrical shape. It is supposed to be. The supply port portion 32 and the discharge port portion 33 have a diameter substantially equal to that of the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the distribution pipe 5, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the header device 31 includes a two-port type having two supply port portions 32 at both ends of the header body, and one end of the header body as shown in FIG. There is a one-port type that has only one supply port portion 32 for each portion. When the header device 31 is a double-ended type, for example, a pair (two) of nutrient solution supply pipes 4 are provided, and the nutrient solution 3 is supplied to the header device 31 from both sides (see FIG. 2). Further, when the header device 31 is a single-ended type, for example, at least one nutrient solution supply pipe 4 is provided, and the nutrient solution is provided for the pair of header devices 31 attached to the tip of the nutrient solution supply tube 4. 3 are supplied simultaneously.

  As for the discharge port portion 33, there are a portion that is directly opened with respect to the header body (FIGS. 5 and 6) and a portion that protrudes from the header body (FIG. 7). It may be.

  When there are a plurality of shelves 12, the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 (main pipe) is branched to a branch pipe (branched nutrient solution supply pipe 34, see FIG. 2) at the position of each shelf 12. Also good. A valve 35 is attached to a branch portion between the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34. For example, the valve 35 is used (opening / closing operation) such that the shelf 12 to be used is fully opened and the shelf 12 not to be used is fully closed. Alternatively, the high shelf 12 tends to deteriorate the nutrient solution 3 and the low shelf 12 tends to improve the nutrient solution 3 so that the nutrient solution 3 is uniformly distributed on each shelf 12. Therefore, the valve 35 can be used to adjust the flow rate for each shelf 12. The above-described header device 31 is provided in the middle of the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34, for example, in the central portion. In addition, the simple nutrient solution supply pipe 4 may include a branched nutrient solution supply pipe 34.

  And the joint member 36 as shown in FIG. 5 is used for the connection part of the header apparatus 31, the nutrient solution supply pipe 4, and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34. As shown in FIG. In this case, the joint member 36 includes at least a one-sided outlet portion 36a to which the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branched nutrient solution supply pipe 34 are externally fitted, and a branched nutrient solution supply that is externally fitted to the differential port portion 36a. A compression ring 36b for closing the tube 34 from the outside, and a screwing portion 36c on the other end side for screwing into the supply port portion 32 having a screw hole shape are used.

  At this time, the end portions of the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34 are fitted to the outlet portion 36a until the packing 37 is passed over, and then the compression ring 36b is reduced in diameter with a compression tool to be tightened and fixed. Is done. With this structure, the header device 31 includes a connection portion (joint member 36) to the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34, and a portion 39 (such as an inner portion 36a) whose flow path cross section is reduced. Circumference D2 <D1) is generated. In this case, the inner peripheral portion of the screwing portion 36 c has substantially the same diameter as the central portion of the header device 31, but may have a smaller diameter than the central portion of the header device 31. The compression ring 36b has a confirmation hole for visually confirming that the end of the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 or the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34 has passed the packing 37 in the portion on the screwing portion 36c side. Is formed.

  (2) As shown in FIG. 8, an equal supply means 41 that can supply the nutrient solution 3 evenly to each of the growing grooves 2 is provided in the header device 31 or its periphery.

  Here, the equal supply means 41 may be any type, but it is preferable that the equal supply means 41 be mechanical rather than electrical or controlled. In addition, whether or not it is “equal” is based on whether or not a plurality of plants grown at the same time in different growing grooves 2 on the same shelf 12 are grown to such an extent that they can be regarded as substantially the same quality. . Hereinafter, specific equal supply means 41 will be described.

(3) The uniform supply means 41 is the stabilizing distribution prohibition area 51 set at the end to which the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 of the header device 31 is connected.
And the said discharge port part 33 is connected to each distribution pipe 5 in parts (for example, intermediate part 52) other than the said distribution prohibition area | region 51 for stabilization of the header apparatus 31. FIG.

  Here, the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 is an area having a length necessary for stabilizing the flow of the nutrient solution 3 supplied from the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 inside the header device 31. It is an area that should be regulated so that the nutrient solution 3 is not distributed. In the header device 31, a portion 39 (an inner peripheral portion such as the opening portion 36 a) whose flow path cross-section is reduced is connected to a connection portion (joint member 36) with the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 (branched nutrient solution supply tube 34). Therefore, a portion where the flow of the nutrient solution 3 becomes unstable occurs around the end of the header device 31 due to the influence thereof.

  Therefore, as described above, the portion where the flow becomes unstable is designated as an area for stabilizing the flow of the nutrient solution 3, and the nutrient solution 3 is taken out from the stabilization distribution prohibition region 51. Do not do it. The length of the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 is specifically set after examining the flow rate characteristics of the header device 31. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, it is desirable to use the header device 31 that is not provided with the discharge port portion 33 from the beginning with respect to the stabilization distribution prohibition region 51.

  Then, the intermediate part 52 of the header device 31 having the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 is defined as the stabilized area, the discharge port part 33 is formed intensively at this position, and each distribution pipe 5 is connected. Let the nutrient solution 3 be distributed. In addition, when the header device 31 is a single-ended type or a plurality of connected ones as will be described later, the end opposite to the end to which the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 or the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34 is connected is provided. However, it is not necessary to use the stabilizing distribution prohibition area 51, and a discharge port 33 may be provided to connect the distribution pipe 5 so that the nutrient solution 3 is distributed.

  (4) At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 is formed by closing at least the discharge port portion 33a located at the end of the header device 31 and making it unusable. You may do it.

  Here, the discharge port portion 33a located at the end portion is an end portion on the side to which the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34 are connected. The closing of the discharge port portion 33a located at the end portion to make it unusable is applied when the existing header device 31 is used as it is in the plant growing device 1 as it is. This is because in the existing header device 31, the discharge port portion 33 a is often formed up to the vicinity of the supply port portion 32. The number of discharge port portions 33a located at the end is at least two if the header device 31 is a double-sided type and supplied on both sides, and at least one if the single-sided type is a single-sided type. A closing member 55 such as a water stop cap is attached to the discharge port 33a located at the end so as to be closed. The closed outlet 33 can be extended to a portion adjacent to the outlet 33a located at the end depending on the size of the stabilizing distribution prohibition area 51.

  In addition, since the discharge port part 33a etc. which are located in the edge part of the header apparatus 31 are obstruct | occluded, the header apparatus 31 has the large number of the discharge port parts 33 as much as it is obstruct | occluded with respect to the number used for the growth groove | channel 2. Use things. Alternatively, a plurality of small header devices 31 may be connected and used so that the number of discharge port portions 33 becomes the above-described number. For connection between the small header devices 31, a pipe joint 56 (nipple) having male threads cut at both ends of the linear shaft is used. When there is a portion where the flow of the nutrient solution 3 becomes unstable in the connection portion between the header devices 31 or other portions, the discharge port portion 33 located in that portion is closed and stabilized in the same manner as described above. The distribution prohibition area 51 may be used.

  (5) Or, as shown in FIG. 10, the uniform supply means 41 is configured such that the diameter of the discharge port portion 33 a located at the end of the header device 31 is larger than the diameter of the discharge port portion 33 located at the intermediate portion 52. It is good also as the large diameter hole part 61 made large.

  Here, the discharge port portion 33a located at the end portion is an end portion on the side to which the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34 are connected. The large-diameter hole portion 61 is formed at least with respect to the discharge port portion 33a provided in a region corresponding to the stabilization distribution prohibition region 51 described above. That is, by increasing the distribution amount from the area corresponding to the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 at the large-diameter hole portion 61, the setting of the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 becomes unnecessary, and the stabilization distribution prohibition is prohibited. Distribution from the area corresponding to the area 51 is enabled. The size of the large-diameter hole 61 is appropriately set after specifically examining the flow rate characteristics of the header device 31. Although it differs depending on the situation, the large-diameter hole portion 61 has a diameter that is approximately 15% to 30% larger than the other discharge port portions 33.

  (6) Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the uniform supply means 41 may be an orifice 71 provided between the header device 31 and the growing groove 2 and capable of regulating the flow rate of the nutrient solution 3. .

  Here, the orifice 71 may be a ring-shaped plate with a hole. By using the orifice 71, the setting of the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 described above becomes unnecessary, and distribution from the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 becomes possible. The position where the orifice 71 is provided, the size of the hole, and the like are appropriately determined after specifically examining the flow characteristics of each distribution pipe 5 when the plant growing device 1 is created or when the use is started. In the figure, orifices 71 are attached to all the discharge ports 33.

  A plurality of types of orifices 71 having different hole sizes are prepared in advance, and the orifices 71 can be appropriately selected according to the result of the flow rate characteristic investigation so that the flow rate becomes uniform. At least one or more orifices 71 can be provided for a connection portion of the distribution pipe 5 to the discharge port 33 of the header device 31 and a connection portion of the distribution pipe 5 to the growth groove 2 (a connection member 81 described later). .

  Each of the above-described equal supply means 41 (stabilizing distribution prohibition area 51, large-diameter hole 61, orifice 71, etc.) can be used in appropriate combination depending on the situation.

(7) As shown in FIG. 12, an elbow-shaped connection member 81 is used for a connection portion of each distribution pipe 5 to the growth groove 2.
The connecting member 81 includes a vertical tube portion 82 that can be attached to the bottom portion 2a of the growth groove 2, and a horizontal tube portion 83 that extends along the bottom portion 2a of the growth groove 2.
Then, the distribution pipe 5 has a portion 92 (FIG. 14, FIG. 14) that is inclined downward toward the horizontal pipe portion 83 between the discharge port portion 33 of the header device 31 and the horizontal pipe portion 83 of the connection member 81. 15)).

  Here, the connecting member 81 is attached to any one of the bottom 2a, the side and the top of the growing groove 2. In this case, the growing grooves 2 can be arranged close to each other in the lateral direction. At the same time, the connection member 81 is attached to the bottom 2a of the growth groove 2 so that water splash or the like hardly occurs when the nutrient solution 3 is supplied.

  And the header apparatus 31 is installed in the position (namely, position below the bottom part 2a of the growth groove | channel 2) lower than the connection member 81 (the horizontal pipe part 83). The horizontal pipe portion 83 of the connection member 81 is installed so as to face the discharge port portion 33 that connects the distribution pipe 5 of the header device 31. Each distribution pipe 5 has an upward slope part (steep slope part 84 and gentle slope part 85) or a horizontal part (horizontal part) from the discharge port part 33 of the header device 31 toward the horizontal pipe part 83 of the connecting member 81. Part), and is installed in a state where no downwardly inclined portion 92 occurs. For each distribution pipe 5, a flexible pipe material can be used as appropriate. For example, a polyethylene pipe, a crosslinked polyethylene pipe, a polybutene pipe, an aluminum three-layer pipe in which aluminum and a crosslinked polyethylene pipe are laminated, or the like is used. Is preferred.

  It is preferable that all the distribution pipes 5 have the same length so that the pressure loss becomes equal. In this case, since the distance between the header device 31 and each growth groove 2 is different, each distribution pipe 5 is unified according to the longest distance. For this reason, an extra length 86 is generated in the distribution pipe 5 at the position where the distance is short. Therefore, the surplus length 86 is absorbed by forming the steep slope portion 84 and the gentle slope portion 85 described above in order from the header device 31 side on the distribution pipe 5 in which the surplus length 86 is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the distribution pipe 5 at a position where the extra length 86 does not need to be formed with a particularly steep slope portion 84, and can have only a gentle slope portion 85 or a horizontal portion. Each distribution pipe 5 can be set to a length that does not cause the extra length 86 (that is, a length corresponding to the distance between each header device 31 and each growth groove 2). Since the pressure loss of each distribution pipe 5 is different, for example, the pressure loss of each distribution pipe 5 is adjusted using the uniform supply means 41 such as the orifice 71 so that the nutrient solution 3 is evenly distributed.

  <Operation> The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

  The nutrient solution 3 is sent to the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branched nutrient solution supply pipe 34 via the pump 18. The nutrient solution 3 sent to the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 or the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34 is distributed to each distribution pipe 5 at the position of each shelf 12, and from each distribution pipe 5 to one end side of each growth groove 2. Sent. The nutrient solution 3 sent to one end side of each growth groove 2 is caused to flow inside each growth groove 2 toward the other end side, and nutrients are supplied to the plant on the way, and used for plant growth. The nutrient solution 3 used for plant growth is discharged through the drainage pipe 19 from the other end side of each growth groove 2. The discharged nutrient solution 3 can be recycled.

  <Effect> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(Operation effect 1)
A header device 31 having a supply port portion 32 and a plurality of discharge port portions 33 was installed between the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and each distribution pipe 5. And the nutrient solution 3 was distributed to each distribution pipe 5 at once by the header apparatus 31. FIG. Thereby, for example, as shown in the comparative example of FIG. 13, a flow rate adjustment valve 91 is individually provided for each distribution pipe 5, or the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and each distribution pipe 5 are connected to a large number of joint members. Since there is no need to use and branch, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the flow rate adjusting valve 91 and the joint member.

  Further, by using the header device 31, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of individually adjusting the supply amount of the nutrient solution 3 to each growth groove 2 by attaching the flow rate adjusting valve 91 to each distribution pipe 5.

  As a result, it is possible to reduce the facility cost by simplifying the structure of the plant growing device 1 and to eliminate the trouble of individually adjusting the supply amount of the nutrient solution 3 to each distribution pipe 5. Therefore, the management and operation of the plant growing device 1 can be greatly facilitated. Moreover, since the header device 31 does not involve power consumption or the like, energy saving can be obtained.

(Operation effect 2)
In the header device 31, the flow rate around the end portion is not stable due to the fact that a portion 39 in which the cross section of the flow path is structurally reduced is formed in the connection portion of the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branch nutrient solution supply pipe 34. There was a tendency that the discharge port portion 33 a located at the position of the nutrient solution 3 is less than the other discharge port portions 33. Thus, when the supply amount of the nutrient solution 3 to each growth groove 2 is unstable and uneven, the plants may not grow evenly, and the product quality may vary.

  Therefore, the uniform supply means 41 is provided in the header device 31 or its periphery. Thereby, when individual flow rate adjustment is made unnecessary using the header device 31, the flow of the nutrient solution 3 in or around the header device 31 is stabilized by the uniform supply means 41. In contrast, the nutrient solution 3 can be supplied evenly. Therefore, it becomes possible to grow plants uniformly and to make the quality constant. Moreover, since only the uniform supply means 41 is provided, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

(Operation effect 3)
As a uniform supply means 41, a stabilizing distribution prohibition area of a length necessary for stabilizing the flow of the nutrient solution 3 is provided at the end of the header device 31 to which the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 and the branched nutrient solution supply pipe 34 are connected. 51 (undistributed area) was set. Then, the discharge port portion 33 was connected to each distribution pipe 5 at a portion other than the stabilization distribution prohibition region 51 (a stabilized region such as the intermediate portion 52).

  In this way, the flow of the nutrient solution 3 from the nutrient solution supply pipe 4 is stabilized in the stabilization distribution prohibition region 51, and the nutrient solution 3 with the stabilized flow is provided in the intermediate portion 52 of the header device 31 or the like. By distributing to each distribution pipe 5 from each discharged outlet 33, it becomes possible to obtain a substantially equal distribution state of nutrient solution 3.

(Operation effect 4)
The normal header device 31 is often provided with a discharge port portion 33 a located at an end portion in the immediate vicinity of the supply port portion 32 due to space reasons. Therefore, the discharge port portion 33a located at the end portion is positioned in the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 described above. Therefore, at least the discharge port portion 33a located at the end portion of the header device 31 is blocked and cannot be used.

  In this way, at least the discharge port portion 33a positioned at the end of the header device 31 is intentionally closed to disable the use, thereby preventing the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 from being set. On the other hand, the stabilization distribution prohibition area 51 can be set. Thereby, the distribution prohibition area | region 51 for stabilization can be ensured using the existing header apparatus 31 which has the discharge port part 33a in the edge part as it is, and the equal distribution of the nutrient solution 3 can be aimed at.

(Operation effect 5)
As the uniform supply means 41, the discharge port portion 33 a located at the end portion of the header device 31 is a large-diameter hole portion 61. As a result, the discharge amount of the nutrient solution 3 from the discharge port 33 at the end, which tends to become unstable and the flow rate of the nutrient solution 3 becomes unstable as described above, is partially reduced by the large-diameter hole 61. Therefore, the nutrient solution 3 can be evenly distributed to the distribution pipes 5 as a whole. Moreover, since all the discharge port parts 33 can be used by the said large diameter hole part 61, the (existing) header apparatus 31 can be used efficiently.

(Operation effect 6)
An orifice 71 is provided between the header device 31 and the growth groove 2 as the uniform supply means 41. Thereby, it becomes possible to equalize the supply amount of the nutrient solution 3 to each of the growing grooves 2 by optimally adjusting the passing amount of the nutrient solution 3 with the orifice 71. And since all the discharge port parts 33 can be used now by the said orifice 71, the (existing) header apparatus 31 can be used efficiently.

(Operation effect 7)
Each distribution pipe 5 was connected to the bottom 2 a of the growth groove 2 using an elbow-shaped connection member 81 having a vertical pipe portion 82 and a horizontal pipe portion 83. The distribution pipe 5 is connected between the discharge port portion 33 of the header device 31 and the horizontal pipe portion 83 of the connection member 81 in a state where there is no portion 92 that is downwardly inclined toward the horizontal pipe portion 83. It was to so. Thereby, when the surplus length 86 is present in the distribution pipe 5, for example, the surplus length 86 of the distribution pipe 5 is handled in a random manner, so that a portion 92 that has a downward slope in the middle of the distribution pipe 5 is obtained. (Refer to FIGS. 14 and 15), and it is possible to prevent the air pool 93 from being generated in the downwardly inclined portion 92.

  In particular, as shown in the comparative examples of FIGS. 14 and 15, the connecting member 81 a is a straight pipe having only a vertical pipe portion extending in the vertical direction, and the distal end portion of the distribution pipe 5 is raised right above to be substantially L-shaped. In the case of connection in the shape, the intermediate portion 52 of the distribution pipe 5 hangs down by its own weight, so that it becomes easy to form a downwardly inclined portion 92 in the middle of the distribution pipe 5, but an air pool (air pool 93 in FIG. 15). Is likely to occur at the top of the portion 92 having such a downward slope.

  On the other hand, the tip portion of the distribution pipe 5 is piped to the horizontal pipe portion 83 of the elbow-shaped connecting member 81 with the steep slope portion 84 and the gentle slope portion 85, so that the extra length 86 is provided. Since the pipe 5 is substantially S-shaped when viewed from the side and is properly routed so as not to generate the downwardly inclined portion 92, the extra length 86 naturally settles into a shape that does not easily cause the air reservoir 93. It becomes like this. Therefore, generation | occurrence | production of the air pool 93 in the distribution pipe 5 can be prevented, and the malfunction that the supply amount of the nutrient solution 3 to the growth groove | channel 2 can be prevented by the air pool 93 can be prevented.

  Furthermore, the connecting member 81 is formed in an elbow shape, and the distribution pipe 5 is arranged in an approximately S shape in a side view between the horizontal pipe portion 83 of the connecting member 81 and the discharge port portion 33 of the header device 31. Since the height difference between the header device 31 and the growth groove 2 can be reduced, the number of installable stages of the shelf stage 12 can be increased accordingly.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been explained in full detail with drawing, embodiment is only an illustration of this invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the configuration of the embodiment, and it goes without saying that design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. Further, for example, when each embodiment includes a plurality of configurations, it is a matter of course that possible combinations of these configurations are included even if not specifically described. In addition, in the case where a plurality of examples and modifications are disclosed in the embodiment as those of the present invention, possible combinations of combinations extending over these are included even if not specifically described. Of course. Further, the configuration depicted in the drawings is of course included even if not particularly described. Further, when there is a term of “etc.”, it is used in the sense that the equivalent is included. In addition, when there are terms such as “almost”, “about”, “degree”, etc., they are used in the sense that they include those in the range and accuracy recognized by common sense.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Plant growing apparatus 2 Growing groove 2a Bottom part 3 Nutrient solution 4 Nutrient solution supply pipe 5 Distribution pipe 31 Header device 32 Supply port part 33 Discharge port part 33a Discharge port part located at the end 41 Equal supply means 51 Prohibition of distribution for stabilization Area 52 Middle part 61 Large diameter hole part 71 Orifice 81 Connection member 82 Vertical pipe part 83 Horizontal pipe part 84 Steep slope part 85 Slow slope part 92 The part which becomes a downward slope

Claims (7)

In a plant growing device provided with a plurality of distribution pipes that distribute and supply nutrient solution from a nutrient solution supply pipe to a plurality of growth grooves arranged in parallel in the same plane,
A header device capable of distributing the nutrient solution is installed between the nutrient solution supply pipe and the distribution pipes,
The plant growing device, wherein the header device has a supply port portion connectable to the nutrient solution supply pipe and a plurality of discharge port portions individually connectable to the distribution pipes. The plant growing device according to claim 1,
A plant growing device characterized in that an equal supply means capable of supplying a nutrient solution equally to each of the growing grooves is provided at or around the header device. The plant growing device according to claim 2,
The equal supply means is a stabilizing distribution prohibition region set at an end to which the nutrient solution supply pipe of the header device is connected,
The plant growing device, wherein the discharge port portion is connected to each distribution pipe at a portion other than the stabilization distribution prohibition region of the header device. The plant growing device according to claim 3,
The plant distribution device, wherein the stabilizing distribution prohibition region is formed by closing at least a discharge port portion located at an end portion of the header device and making it unusable. A plant growing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The uniform supply means is a large-diameter hole portion in which the diameter of the discharge port portion located at the end portion of the header device is larger than the diameter of the discharge port portion located in the intermediate portion. Plant growing equipment. A plant growing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The plant growing device, wherein the uniform supply means is an orifice provided between the header device and the growing groove and capable of regulating a flow rate of a nutrient solution. The plant growing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
As the elbow-shaped connection member is used for the connection part to the growth groove of each distribution pipe,
The connecting member has a vertical tube portion that can be attached to the bottom portion of the growth groove, and a horizontal tube portion that extends along the bottom portion of the growth groove,
The distribution pipe is connected between the discharge port portion of the header device and the horizontal pipe portion of the connection member in a state having no downward slope toward the horizontal pipe portion. Plant growing equipment.