WO2001087051A1 - Plant cultivating device and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A plant cultivating vessel constituted by using a waterer consisting of a capillary action unit increasing in its mass proportionally and/or stepwise from the top toward the bottom thereof. Continued water feeding to culture soil is ensured by allowing the top of the waterer to face via a pad water feeding holes in the bottom of the plant cultivating vessel.

Description

 Description Plant cultivation apparatus and method

 The present invention relates to a plant cultivation apparatus and a method suitable for cultivating plants such as ornamental plants, flowers and trees, and agricultural crops. Background art

 Many cultivation methods for ornamental plants, flowers and trees, agricultural products, etc., have been proposed as a simple method for supplying water without the need for human intervention. For example, Utility Model Registration Nos. 0261801 and 34082899 pass through a drainage hole in a flower pot through a capillary action body such as a fiber bundle that causes a capillary phenomenon. Water is supplied from a water reservoir located at the bottom.

 On the other hand, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 38-26663, Japanese Utility Model No. 47-250330, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-56991 all disclose water reservoirs on the side of flowerpots. Therefore, water is supplied by a capillary action body such as a fiber bundle that also causes a capillary phenomenon.

 Fiber caps, cords, cotton cloth, and the like are generally used as the capillary action body in such a conventional system, and the amount of cultivation water supplied from the water storage container to the flower pot by the capillary action body is determined by the water storage vessel. The water level was almost proportional to the water level, and when the water level in the water storage container dropped, the amount of water supply also decreased accordingly.

This is because when the capillary action body is, for example, a fiber bundle or a string whose diameter does not change, the cross-sectional area is constant from time to time, so that the water storage container is planted. When the cultivation water level starts to supply water and gradually falls, the surface of the capillary element that has the highest water content also falls, so the capillary action area also gradually falls, As a result, the amount of water supply will also decrease.

 In such a situation, the capillary action body became more likely to dry because the water content decreased toward the tip, and the effect of water supply was limited to a certain limit, and the effect could not be more than expected. Therefore, in the case of conventional water supply by a capillary action body, water supply was interrupted or the water supply amount was reduced, even though cultivation water remained in the water storage container, which sometimes affected plant growth.

 In addition to these problems, there is another problem that is a problem.For example, a general method of cultivating plants in flower pots, using a pot-like container and closing a drain hole formed at the bottom of the pot is used. It is found when cultivation is performed by planting the roots of the plant in the filled culture soil.

 Usually, when cultivating plants planted in flower pots, watering the opening of the flower pots as a daily routine is important.However, it is important to water an appropriate amount of water. Will die.

By the way, lethality due to lack of irrigation is natural, but potted plants may die due to root rot. This means that every time irrigation is performed, fine-grained soil accumulates and accumulates at the bottom of the flower pot and becomes muddy as the water permeates, and the drainage gradually deteriorates. At the bottom of the pot, the remaining water will rot and affect the roots of the plant. In addition, when a pot dish is used, there is a high possibility that water always stays in this pot dish, and the bottom of the flower pot becomes submerged, which causes excessive water content. It becomes vegetative.

 Therefore, in the case of plant cultivation of plants, it is desirable that a stable and appropriate amount of water be supplied for a long period of time. In order to solve such a problem, the present applicant has attempted to improve a cultivation container having a double pot structure. Was. In this method, a water storage container is provided at the bottom of a cultivation container, and cultivation water is stored in the water storage container. The water storage hole is opened at the bottom of the cultivation container. The constructed water supply device was arranged, and the cultivation water in the water storage container was supplied to the cultivation container with the water supply device. The cultivation container is mainly composed of an inner pot in which a plant is planted and an outer pot having a size surrounding the entire inner pot, and the inner pot is mounted on a pedestal. did.

 In the plant cultivation apparatus having the double pot structure configured as described above, the supply of cultivation water into the inner pot by the water supply device can be performed stably for a long period of time, and the inner pot can be used. Since the outer bowl can be covered and concealed, the material of the outer bowl can be arbitrarily selected and the design flexibility can be improved. Purpose of the invention

 The present invention provides a long-term water supply to the cultivation container for plants! : The most important purpose is to provide a so-called maintenance-free plant cultivation device that does not require human intervention. In addition, when cultivating a plant using such a plant cultivation apparatus, an environment similar to that of a plant growing in natural soil is provided, and root rot is prevented from occurring.

In addition, in cultivation of plants by such natural water supply, Try to improve device compatibility. When the present invention is realized with a cultivation container having a double pot structure, the cultivation water stored at the bottom of the water container serving as the outer pot can be checked from the outside, and the inner pot is taken out from the outer pot. The cultivation water can be replenished without any need, and the cultivation water can be replenished to an appropriate water level. Disclosure of the invention

 The present invention constitutes a plant cultivation container employing a water supply device which is a capillary action body whose mass increases proportionally and Z or stepwise from the top to the bottom. That is, the top of the water supply device is made to face the water supply hole at the bottom of the container in which the plant is planted via the pad, whereby water is continuously supplied to the culture soil.

 Further, in the above configuration, plant roots or seeds are planted in the culture soil of a shallow dish-shaped cultivation container, and the roots of the plant are radially grown in the cultivation container in the horizontal direction.

 In addition, a pad is arranged on the top of the water supply device, a water storage container having the pad facing the opening of the cover plate, and a cultivation container having the pad arranged on a water supply hole formed on the bottom surface. The pad of the cultivation container is arranged so as to face the pad of the water storage container.

A double-pot structure is adopted, and a water supply device composed of a capillary action body is placed facing the water supply hole opened at the bottom of the cultivation container serving as the inner pot, and cultivation is performed at the bottom of the water storage container serving as the outer pot. In a configuration in which water is stored, the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level of the cultivation water in the water storage container can be visually or audibly recognized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of a water supply device used in the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention.

 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a water supply device.

 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an experiment for confirming the function of the water supply device. FIG. 5 is data showing the results of the experiment according to FIG.

 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example in which the form of the water supply device of FIG. 2 is changed.

 FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example in which the form of the water supply device in FIG. 2 is changed.

 FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the water supply device of the form shown in FIG. 2 is formed in a shell form by water-absorbing fibers.

 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

 FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example in which a water supply device is formed by filling a water absorbing fiber into a conical hollow body.

 FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a use state of the water supply device of FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing still another modification of the configuration of the water supply device of FIG.

 FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a use state of the water supply device of FIG. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing another usage state of the water supply device of FIG.

 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a main part of FIG.

 FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example configured by applying the water supply device of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state of use of the water supply device of FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example in which the configuration of the water supply device in FIG. 16 is changed. FIG.

 FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an example in which the configuration of the water supply device in FIG. 16 is changed.

 FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the water supply device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is formed in a shell shape using water-absorbing fibers.

 FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

 FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an example in which a water retention pad is wound around the top to constitute a water supply device.

 FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an example in which a hollow body is filled with water-absorbent fibers to constitute a water supply device.

 FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

 FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an example in which a hollow body is filled with a fine granular material to constitute a water supply device.

 FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

 FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the roots and root carriers of the plants grown by the plant cultivation apparatus of FIG.

 FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an example of a pedestal used in the configuration of FIG.

 FIG. 31 is a sectional view showing still another example of the configuration of the second embodiment.

 FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a configuration for adjusting the opening ratio of the water supply hole of the cultivation container in the second embodiment.

 FIG. 33 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the appearance of FIG. FIG. 35 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 36 is a sectional view of a water level display means employed in the configuration of the embodiment of FIG.

 FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the operating state of the water level display means of FIG. 36 at the lower limit water level.

 FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the operating state of the water level display means of FIG. 36 at the upper limit water level.

 FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an operation state at a middle water level of the water level display means of FIG.

 FIG. 40 is a sectional view showing another example of the structure of the water level display means. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an appearance state of the configuration of FIG. 40 ′. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of still another configuration of the water level display means. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, embodiments shown in the drawings of the present invention will be described in detail.

(First embodiment)

 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a basic mode of a first embodiment of the plant cultivation container of the present invention. A water storage container 3 is arranged at the bottom of the cultivation container 2 so as to be detachable. Cultivation water W is stored. The water supply device 1 is disposed so as to face the water supply hole 2A of the cultivation container 2 via the pad 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply device 1 has an inclined surface 1C, 1D formed from the top 1A to the bottom 1B, so that the mass increases proportionally from the top to the bottom. It is a cone. And this water supply device 1 is a capillary action body, has good water permeability, and contains water. It consists of a high-rate stone material or an open-celled hard foam material.

 When the water supply device 1 is installed as shown in Fig. 1, the water supply device 1 sucks the cultivation water W from the submerged part, and the cultivation water W sucked by capillary action is put on the top 1A. Pump water for it. Then, the cultivation water reaching the top 1 A is transmitted to the pad 4 and released to the culture soil R.

 It was confirmed that, when the water supply was continued in this way, the cultivation water W in the water storage container 3 reached a state where the cultivation water W runs out. This principle will be described below with reference to FIG. This figure is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the water supply device 1 is disposed in the water storage container 3, and shows a cross-sectional area of the water supply device 1 at a high water level P1 where the cultivation water W injected into the water storage container 3 is filled. Is relatively small, but because of its high water level, the action of capillary action is easily transmitted to the top 1A immediately from the water surface.

 Then, as the water supply is continued and the water level of the cultivation water W reaches the middle water level P2 or the low water level P3, the water surface moves away from the top 1A, but the cross-sectional area of the water supply device 1 at the water surface gradually increases. As a result, even if the water level drops, the water-containing portion of the water supply device 1 on the water surface becomes large, so that the water supply device 1 exposed on the water surface is always full (high water level P 1 A wet state equivalent to that of (1) is obtained. Therefore, the capillarity of the water supply 1 can be maintained at the same level as when the water is full, regardless of the drop in the water level.

Incidentally, the applicant of the present application conducted an experiment as shown in FIG. 4 in order to confirm the above-mentioned functions of the present invention. In this experiment, three kinds of samples were prepared, and the ability to suck up test water under the same conditions was measured. All samples were made of 800 # alumina oxide with a thickness of 0.5 cm and a height of 9.4 cm. And the bottom of sample 辺 The sample ② has a cone shape of 4.0 cm and a top of 0.5 cm, and the sample ② is a thin cone having a bottom of 2.7 cm and a top of 0.5 cm. On the other hand, sample ③ has a constant rod-like shape with a width of 0.5 cm.

 At the top of each of Samples (1) and (3), there is a cotton pad C that absorbs the sample water that has been drawn up. Then, place each sample (1) and (3) in a cylindrical plastic container B with a diameter of 10 cm and stand up. Inject 400 cc of test water into each container. The amount of reduction was measured.

 When such an experiment was performed twice, as shown in FIG. 5, a marked difference was found in the amount of sample water sucked up for the samples (2) and (3). That is, according to this result, the measurement was performed twice, and it can be seen that the amount of sample water sucked up in each measurement result was the largest for sample (2) and about twice the capacity of sample (3). The capacity of the siphoning amount is remarkable when comparing the results of Samples (1) and (2) with the results of Sample (3), and it can be said that the effect is due to the cone shape.

 In addition, the difference between the two measurements of each sample was smallest for sample ①, and was only 0.001 cc. On the other hand, sample ② was 0.17 cc, while sample ③ was 1.0 cc, a relatively large value. This indicates that the stability of the sample water suction is quite high.

 As described above, it is clear that the desired effect can be obtained if the water supply device employed in the present invention has a shape whose mass increases toward the bottom surface. Other examples of the water supply are described below.

Fig. 6 shows the case where the mass increases from the top to the bottom in proportion, and (A) shows a pyramid shape. (B) is a conical shape. FIGS. 7C and 7D are formed by changing the curvature of the surface. In addition, Fig. 7 (Α) · (Β) shows that the mass increases gradually from the top to the bottom.

 Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, which is a cross-sectional view of the figure, show that the water-absorbing fibers 5 that cause capillary action are bundled into a pyramid shape such as a pyramid or a cone, and the surface is so large that it does not hinder the absorption of cultivation water. By forming a surface layer 5 mm that is hardened with an adhesive or the like, the water supply device 1 is configured in the form of a shell as a whole.

 Fig. 10 shows a water supply device 1 in which a water-absorbent fiber is filled in a conical hollow body with an open top and bottom, and Fig. 11 shows a usage state similar to Fig. 1. Show. Fig. 12 shows a water supply device 1 in which a hollow body 8 with a top and bottom opened and a large step is formed, a water-permeable mesh 8Α is arranged, and fine particles 9 are filled with the material. Fig. 13 shows the state of use.

 FIG. 14 shows another use mode of the water supply device 1 of the present invention, in which one or a plurality of through holes 2B are formed at the bottom of the side wall 內 surface of the cultivation container 2, and the water supply device is provided in this through hole. 1 is inserted as shown in Fig. 15, which enables the supply of cultivation water from outside the roots of the plant.

FIG. 16 shows another configuration example of the water supply device, in which inclined surfaces 1C and 1D are formed in the main portion from the top 1A to the bottom 1B. Therefore, it is a triangular pyramid whose mass increases proportionally from the neck to the bottom, and the top 1 A is integrated with the top of the rod-shaped water supply leg 10. And the material that constitutes the whole is a stone material with good water permeability and high water content or rigid foam with open cells Employ a capillary action body such as a material.

 The water supply device 1 configured in this way is used as shown in Fig. 17 (Α) · (Β). In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes a cultivation container, and a water storage container 3 is formed so as to surround the cultivation container, and the inside of the water storage container 3 becomes a water storage tank 3Α, which straddles the periphery of the cultivation container 2. Insert water supply unit 1 into water tank 3A and water supply leg 10 into cultivation container 2 cultivation soil. The water supply device 1 arranged in this way sucks the cultivation water W in the water storage tank 3A and pumps it upward due to its capillary action.The water is transmitted from the top 1A to the water supply leg 10 and becomes the culture soil R. Dissipated.

 Fig. 18 (A) shows the main part of the water supply device 1 formed in a conical shape, and Fig. 18 (B) shows the water supply device 1 formed in a pyramid shape. Fig. 19 (Α) · (Β) shows an example in which the main part of the water supply device 1 is formed stepwise. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, which is a cross-sectional view of the same, show that water-absorbing fibers 11 that cause capillary action are bundled in a pyramid shape such as a pyramid or a cone, and the surface is so large that it does not hinder the water absorption of the cultivation water. By forming a surface layer 11A cured with an adhesive or the like, the entire structure is formed as a shell.

 Fig. 22 shows a water supply pad 1 with a water retention pad 12 wound around the top of the water supply device 1. With this arrangement, the pumped cultivation water stays in the water retention pad 12 and causes capillary action. It can encourage the occurrence.

 Next, Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, which is a cross-sectional view of the same, have a hollow body made of synthetic resin or the like, and the inside is filled with water-absorbing fiber 13 and the water-absorbing leg 1 It is formed by forming an opening 14 for distributing cultivation water.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, which is a cross-sectional view of the same, have the whole outer shape similarly formed of a hollow pair made of synthetic resin or the like, and are planted on the water supply leg 10. An opening 15 for distributing culture water is formed, a permeation mesh 16 is arranged in this opening, the end of the water supply unit, and the opening 15 of the water supply leg 10, and the inside is filled with fine particulate material 17 It is configured.

 As described above, each configuration of the water supply device of the plant cultivation apparatus of the first embodiment uses a material that causes a capillary phenomenon in the main portion, and proportionally and / or stepwise from the top to the bottom. Due to the increased mass, even if the water level of the cultivation water drops, the water-containing portion located on the water surface of the cultivation water increases accordingly, so that the water supply unit always has the same wet state as when it is full. can get. Therefore, irrespective of the drop in the water level, the capillary phenomenon can be maintained at the same level as when the water is full. In this way, stable water supply can be continued until the remaining amount of cultivated water in the water storage container reaches the bottom.

(Second embodiment)

 FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a basic mode of the second embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 27, reference numeral 2 denotes a cultivation container having a culture soil R filled therein, which is a shallow dish. It is formed in a shape.

 Next, reference numeral 3 denotes a water storage container for storing the cultivation water W, the open end of which is formed so as to fit into the bottom of the cultivation container 2. Reference numeral 1 denotes a water supply device composed of a capillary action body for supplying water to the culture soil R from the water supply hole 2A of the cultivation container 2. The specific configuration of the water supply device 1 is disclosed in detail in the first embodiment. Reference numeral 4 denotes a pad such as a sponge, a cotton thread, or a hard felt disposed in the water supply hole 2A of the cultivation container 2, which is configured to efficiently absorb the cultivation water W.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a root support arranged at the bottom of the cultivation container 2. As shown in Fig. 28, the roots are entangled according to the growth of the plant, thereby stabilizing the self-sustaining state of the plant being cultivated. The material and shape of the root support 18 are not particularly limited, and a material suitable for a plant to be cultivated can be appropriately selected. Moreover, you may comprise in multiple layers as needed.

 The second embodiment is configured as described above. When cultivating a plant by this, for example, loosening the roots D of the vegetation at the time of replanting, spreading the roots radially in the horizontal direction, and cultivating the soil R To a suitable depth inside. When seeds or young trees are planted, their roots naturally grow radially in the horizontal direction.

 FIG. 29 shows another configuration example of the second embodiment, in which the water storage container 3 is formed in a deep bowl shape and accommodated so that the cultivation container 2 is not exposed. The appearance is adjusted by a heavy bowl structure. Therefore, in order to support the cultivation container 2 in the water storage container 3, the pedestal 19 as shown in FIG. 30 is made of, for example, a corrosion-resistant metal, a synthetic resin, or the like.

 As shown in FIG. 31, an appropriate number of flanges 3A may be formed on the inner wall surface of the water storage container 3, and the cultivation container 2 may be placed on the flange 3A. Reference numeral 3B denotes a drain hole, which is used to prevent the water level from reaching a certain level when cultivation water generated by rainwater or irrigation enters the water storage container 3.

Reference numeral 20 shown in FIG. 32 is a shutter that is rotated about the fulcrum P so that the opening ratio of the water supply hole 2A of the cultivation container 2 of the present embodiment can be adjusted. In this way, the opening rate of the water supply hole 2A is adjusted, for example, in the winter season, the opening rate is reduced to reduce the degree of water supply, or in the case of plants that require a large amount of water such as ferns, Opening It is possible to adapt to the situation or the characteristics of the plant to be cultivated, for example, by increasing the rate.

 When plant cultivation is started by the plant cultivation apparatus of the second embodiment configured as described above, the water supply device 1 sucks the cultivation water W in the water storage container 3 and pumps water by capillary action. Then, water is supplied to the culture soil R from the water supply hole 2A in the cultivation container 2. Thereby, the moist state of the culture soil R can be kept constant, and stable plant cultivation can be continued. Therefore, in the case of plant cultivation using the plant cultivation apparatus of the second embodiment, the cultivation container can be made to have a minimum necessary amount of cultivation soil, and an appropriate amount of fresh cultivation water can always be supplied from the bottom of the cultivation container. However, the culture soil can always be kept in an optimal wet state. In addition, the supplied cultivation water should be absorbed from the roots of the plant and evaporate from the surface of the cultivation soil, providing moisture to the underside of the plant, providing an environment closer to the natural state. Can be done.

 Further, according to the plant cultivation apparatus of the second embodiment, the accumulation of the cultivation soil is shallow, and the soil surface is relatively large, so that the absorption rate of oxygen in the atmosphere is high. Therefore, the activation of the culture soil can be enhanced. (Third embodiment)

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a basic mode of a third embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 33, reference numeral 2 denotes a cultivation container filled with a culture soil R, and a bottom portion thereof. Has a flat shape with no protrusion. Reference numeral 4A is a pad made of a water-absorbing material such as sponge, cotton thread, and hard felt, and is arranged so as to cover the water supply hole 2A of the cultivation container 2. Next, reference numeral 3 denotes a water storage container for storing the cultivation water W, which has a stepped portion 3C. A cover plate 21 having a shape following the inner periphery of the step portion is mounted on the step portion 3C, and an opening 21A is formed in the cover plate 21. A pad 4B made of a water-absorbing material such as sponge, cotton thread, or hard felt is arranged at the lower surface position of the opening 21A, and the top of the water supply device 1 made of a capillary action body contacts this pad. It is arranged. Fig. 34 is an external view of the completed state.

 The third embodiment is configured as described above. When plants are cultivated by this, the cultivation water W in the water storage container 3 is first absorbed by the water supply device 1 and pumped. Then, the pumped cultivation water is sucked into the pad 4B, and the cultivation water stays. The cultivation water retained in the pad 4B is sucked into the pad 4A of the cultivation container 1 and released to the culture soil R.

 Thus, according to the plant cultivation apparatus of the third embodiment, water supply is started only by placing the pad of the cultivation container facing the pad of the water storage container, and stable plant cultivation is possible. Becomes Therefore, the need for irrigation can be saved, and plant cultivation with extremely easy maintenance is possible. (Fourth embodiment)

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a basic mode of a fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, and has a double pot structure as a whole. In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes a cultivation container serving as an inner pot, and reference numeral 3 denotes a water storage container serving as an outer pot having a size surrounding the inner pot. The cultivation container 2 is placed on the pedestal 19, but a plurality of flanges may be formed on the inner peripheral wall of the water storage container 3, and the cultivation container 2 may be placed on the flange. No. Pads 4A and 4B made of a water-absorbing material such as sponge, cotton thread, and hard felt are arranged in a water supply hole 2A at the bottom of the cultivation container 2, and the top is brought into contact with the pad. A water supply 1 composed of a capillary action body is arranged. Thereby, the cultivation water W in the water storage container 3 is pumped up by the capillary action of the water supply device 1, and the cultivation water W is diffused to the culture soil R.

 Reference numeral 21 denotes upper limit water level display means. As shown in FIG. 36, a light operating rod 23 is loosely fitted in a cylindrical body 22 fixed integrally with or separately from the water storage container 3. It is communicated by. The operating rod 23 is configured to move up and down by a float 24 formed of a hollow body or the like. The operating rod 23 is colored (for example, red) so that the upper end 23A functions as an indicator, so that visual confirmation is easy.

 Reference numeral 25 is a lower limit water level display means. Like the upper limit water level display means 21, a light operating rod 27 is loosely fitted in a cylinder 26 integrally or separately fixed to the water storage container 3. It has been inserted. The operating rod 27 is configured to move up and down by a float 28 formed of a hollow body or the like. The operating rod 27 is colored (for example, blue) so that the upper end thereof functions as an indicator, so that visual confirmation is facilitated.

When the cultivation of the plant is continued by the plant cultivating apparatus of the present invention provided with the display means of this configuration, and the cultivation water W in the water storage container 3 runs out, the upper limit water level display means 21 and the lower limit water level display means 25 Floats 24 and 28 of the tank land on the bottom of the water storage container as shown in Fig. 37. At this time, since the operating rods 23 and 27 are descending in the cylinders 22 and 26, the upper ends 23A and 27A are not exposed from the open end of the water storage container 3. Such a condition is that the cultivation water W has reached the lower limit and is running out of water, which indicates that the supply of cultivation water W is encouraged. Therefore, when cultivation water W is injected from between cultivation container 2 and water storage container 3 and replenishment is started, floats 24 and 28 rise in proportion to the amount of cultivation water W injected. The float 28 is prevented from rising at the lower end of the cylindrical body 26.

 On the other hand, when the supply of the cultivation water W is continued, the float 24 continues to rise, and when the upper end 23 A of the operating rod 23 is exposed from the open end of the water storage container 3, the cultivation water W is supplied to the water storage container. It is possible to recognize that the water level has reached the upper limit, and the injection of the cultivation water W can be stopped. At this time, the upper ends 23 A and 27 A of the operating rods 23 and 27 are all exposed from the open end of the water storage container 3 as shown in FIG.

 In this way, when the supply of the cultivation water W to the upper limit water level is completed and left unattended, the cultivation water W is supplied into the cultivation container 2 by the water supply device 1, and the cultivation water W is gradually supplied. As the water level drops, as shown in Fig. 39, first, the upper end 23A of the operating rod 23 is hidden below the open end of the water storage container 3, and the cultivation water W is again discharged. When the water is drained, the condition shown in Fig. 37 is reached again, and it is possible to know the timing of replenishment of the cultivation water W.

Next, an example in which the display means of the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level are electrically configured will be described with reference to FIGS. 40 to 41. In the figure, reference numeral 29 denotes a control circuit composed of electronic components such as a semiconductor integrated circuit and driven by a small-sized button battery or the like. The output from the upper limit water level sensor 130 and the lower limit water level sensor 31 Light emitting diode LD 1 for displaying the upper limit water level of cultivation water W based on the signal (example For example, a light emitting diode LD 2 (for example, blue light emitting) for displaying a red water level and a lower limit water level is made to emit light.

 In the case of the above configuration, when the cultivation water W in the water storage container 3 is at the upper limit water level, the upper limit water level sensor 30 and the lower limit water level sensor 31 react together to activate the control circuit 29 with the output signal. Then, the light emitting diodes LD 1 and LD 2 emit light. Then, when the cultivation water W reaches a water level lower than the upper limit water level sensor 30, the reaction of the upper limit water level sensor 30 stops, and the light emission of the light emitting diode LD 1 stops. In this state, that is, only the light emitting diode LD 2 continues to emit light, and when the cultivation water W reaches the lower limit water level, the reaction of the lower limit water level sensor 31 stops, and the light emission of the light emitting diode LD 2 stops. .

 When the light-emitting diode LD2 stops emitting light in this way, it means that the cultivation water W has run out. Therefore, the cultivation water W is to be replenished.In this case, the cultivation water W can be replenished at the appropriate upper limit water level by interrupting the replenishment when the light emitting diode LD 1 turns on. Become.

The above configuration is an example in which the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level are displayed by light emission. The configuration in the case of performing voice display will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 29 denotes a control circuit, which emits sound from a small speaker or the like disposed on the upper rear surface of the water storage container 3 based on signals from the upper limit water level sensor 30 and the lower limit water level sensor 31. It is configured such that the body 32 is driven and the sound is generated from the sound guide hole 33 to the outside. The control circuit 29 can include not only various buzzer sounds but also a bird sound, a melody sound, and the like by providing a sound source circuit. With this configuration, the control circuit 29 is activated based on an output signal from the upper limit water level sensor 30 or the lower limit water level sensor 31 to output a sound for reporting the upper or lower limit of the cultivation water W. Can be generated. In this case, the output signals sent from the upper limit water level sensor 30 and the lower limit water level sensor 31 are processed in the control circuit 29 by, for example, a logical product, so that the upper and lower limits of the water level are obtained. Can be generated as different sounds. In addition, sound that reports the upper or lower limit of the water level is temporarily generated using, for example, a one-shot multipipulator, or is periodically generated at an arbitrary time interval using a timer circuit. It is also possible. It is also possible to easily provide a reset button to stop the sound generation when the voice is recognized.

 As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, the level of the cultivation water in the water storage container can be visually or audibly recognized. Anxiety peculiar to the heavy bowl structure can be dispelled. In addition, since the appropriate upper limit water level for replenishing the cultivation water can be easily recognized, the bottom of the cultivation container is not submerged in the cultivation water. Furthermore, the present invention does not require a complicated work such as taking out a cultivation container serving as an inner pot when replenishing cultivation water as in the related art, and the objective can be achieved simply by injecting cultivation water.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. A plant cultivation apparatus characterized in that the top of a water supply device composed of a capillary action body whose mass increases proportionally and / or stepwise from the top to the bottom faces the water supply hole of the cultivation container. . 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the water supply device is a water supply device formed in a crustal shape by water-absorbing fibers. 3. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water cultivation apparatus is a water supply device having a hollow body filled with a water-absorbing fiber or a fine-grained material. 4. The main body consists of a capillary action body whose mass increases proportionally and stepwise or stepwise from the top to the bottom, and into the cultivation container by means of a water supply device with a rod-shaped water supply leg integrated at the top. A plant cultivation device characterized by supplying water. 5. The plant cultivation device according to claim 4, wherein the water supply device is a water supply device formed in a shell shape using water-absorbing fibers. 6. The plant cultivation device according to claim 4, wherein the water supply device has a water retention pad on a top portion. 7. The plant plant according to claim 4, characterized in that the water plant is constituted by filling a hollow body with a water-absorbing fiber or a fine-grained material. 8. Plant cultivation, wherein plant roots or seeds are planted in the culture soil of a shallow dish-shaped cultivation container, and the roots of the plant are radiated horizontally in the cultivation container. Method. 9. A shallow dish-shaped cultivation container for planting plant roots or seeds, a water storage container for storing cultivation water and disposed at the bottom of the cultivation container, and supplying cultivation water from the water storage container to the cultivation container. A plant cultivation device comprising: a water supply device comprising a capillary action body; 10. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a shutter for adjusting an opening ratio of a water supply hole at a bottom portion of the cultivation container. 1 1. For the hole in the cover plate that covers the front of the opening, a water supply device consisting of a capillary action body is placed, and a pad is placed in a water storage container placed on the top via a pad and a water supply hole formed on the bottom surface. A plant cultivation device, comprising: a cultivation container, wherein the pad of the water storage container and the pad of the cultivation container are arranged to face each other. 1 2. A double-pot structure, in which a water supply device composed of a capillary action body is placed facing the water supply hole opened at the bottom of the cultivation container serving as the inner pot, and placed at the bottom of the water storage container serving as the outer pot. In a configuration in which cultivation water is stored, an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level of the cultivation water in the water storage container can be visually or audibly recognized. 13. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level of the cultivation water in the water storage container are displayed by an indicator operated by a float. 1 4. The upper and lower water levels of the cultivation water in the water storage container are detected by the water level sensor 1, and the control circuit is activated based on the output signal of the water level sensor to sound or emit light. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that: