WO2015025409A1 - Plant cultivation apparatus and illumination device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a plant cultivation apparatus that is decorative indoors, in a room, etc. while also being capable of promoting plant growth. The plant cultivation apparatus (1) is provided with: a cultivation tray (3), which has culture medium-holding sections (26) for holding culture medium pots (9) in which a plant is planted; and an illumination device (7) equipped with multiple light sources (50) for irradiating light toward the cultivation tray (3) across a cultivation space (S), at least a portion of which is open. The multiple light sources (50) are disposed at positions such that the intensity or quantity of light irradiated on a first region (A1), which comprises the culture medium-holding sections (26) and the areas surrounding the culture medium-holding sections (26) on the cultivation tray (3), is greater than the intensity or quantity of light irradiated on a second region (A2) on the outside of the first region (A1) on the cultivation tray (3).

Description

Plant cultivation device and lighting device

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation device and a lighting device.

Conventionally, plant cultivation devices for cultivating plants indoors are known. In such a plant cultivation apparatus, a lighting device that irradiates light to a flower pot or a cultivation tray is installed, and the plant is cultivated by artificial light. When artificial light is used, plant growth generally requires a light amount (photosynthesis effective photon flux density) of, for example, 15 to 200 μmol / m ² / s (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The photosynthesis effective photon flux density refers to the number of photons per unit time and unit area included in the wavelength of 400 to 700 nm required for photosynthesis.

As a plant cultivation device, it is known that a cultivating unit for cultivating a plant is provided in a container, and an illumination device for irradiating light to the cultivating unit (plant) is arranged in the container (for example, Patent Documents). 2). In this plant cultivation device, the light emitted from the light source of the lighting device is reflected directly from the direct light reaching the cultivation unit, and the diffused light emitted from the light source is reflected from the inner surface of the container and reaches the cultivation unit. Therefore, it is easy to secure the above-mentioned light quantity.

JP 2005-192517 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-251021

However, in the configuration in which plants are cultivated in a closed container as in the above-described conventional plant cultivation apparatus, the heat of the lighting device is likely to be trapped in the container, and condensation may occur, and indoor and indoor ornamental properties There is a possibility that (interior property) may be impaired. Moreover, if ventilation is insufficient, carbon dioxide is consumed by photosynthesis of the plant, and the oxygen concentration in the container increases. Therefore, in the plant cultivation apparatus with the cultivation space blocked, there is a risk that the plant will die. On the other hand, in the structure where the cultivation part is provided in the open space, light is likely to diverge, and the plant may not be effectively irradiated with light. In order to grow the plant, it is necessary to secure the above-mentioned light amount. However, if the light amount is increased, it is too bright for human eyes, and the interior property of the plant cultivation apparatus may be impaired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation device and a lighting device capable of promoting the growth of a plant while ensuring appreciation in an indoor, indoor or the like.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention radiates light toward a cultivation unit through a cultivation unit having a storage unit that accommodates a medium in which a plant is planted and a cultivation space that is at least partially open. An illumination device including a plurality of light sources, and the plurality of light sources has a light intensity or light quantity value irradiated to a first region including a storage unit on the cultivation unit and the periphery of the storage unit, It arrange | positions in the position which becomes larger than the value of the intensity | strength or light quantity of the light irradiated to the 2nd area | region outside the 1st area | region on a cultivation part. Here, the value of light intensity or light amount is preferably a measured value of the above-described photosynthesis effective photon flux density in order to promote photosynthesis of the leaves of plants. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a value obtained by measuring a photon having a wavelength effective for germination or formation of a leaf stem. The value of the light intensity or light amount may be a value obtained by measuring the unit time of the horizontal plane where the light from the light source reaches and the light amount or intensity per unit area. For example, the magnitude of any one of light energy (W), luminous flux (lm), illuminance (lx), and photon (μmol) per unit time (s) or unit area (m ² ) It is measured whether it becomes a value.

In this plant cultivating apparatus, the plurality of light sources has a light intensity or light amount value applied to the first region including the accommodation unit on the cultivation unit and the periphery of the accommodation unit as a first value on the cultivation unit. The second region outside the region is disposed at a position that is larger than the value of the intensity or the amount of light applied to the second region. Thereby, in a plant cultivation apparatus, light is efficiently irradiated to the culture medium in which a plant is planted. For this reason, light is not radiated unnecessarily to portions other than the region where the plant grows, so that the divergence of light can be suppressed, and the amount of light emitted from the light source does not need to be increased more than necessary. Thereby, in a plant cultivation apparatus, it can suppress that the light which a lighting device radiates | emits becomes too bright (a human eye feels glare), and interior property can be ensured. Moreover, in the plant cultivation apparatus, since at least a part of the cultivation space is opened, it is possible to suppress the heat from being accumulated in the cultivation space and to perform sufficient ventilation. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of dew condensation and the increase in oxygen concentration can be suppressed. Therefore, the plant cultivation apparatus can promote the growth of plants.

In one embodiment, the storage unit of the cultivation unit is disposed at a position where a region of light emitted from one of the plurality of light sources and a region of light emitted from another light source overlap. It is more preferable. Thereby, in a plant cultivation apparatus, the light of a some light source overlaps with the accommodating part in which a culture medium is accommodated, and light is irradiated reliably. Moreover, the value of the intensity | strength of light or the light quantity in the accommodating part of a culture medium can be enlarged more.

In one embodiment, it is more preferable that the optical axis of the light source faces the first region including the accommodating portion. Thereby, in a plant cultivation apparatus, the light of a several light source is collected in the accommodating part in which a culture medium is accommodated, and light is irradiated reliably.

In one embodiment, it is more preferable that the optical axis of the light source is directed to the first region including the accommodating portion by the optical axis direction setting means for setting the direction of the optical axis of the light source. Thereby, irrespective of the arrangement configuration of the light source, the optical axis of the light source is reliably directed to the first region including the accommodating portion by the optical axis direction setting means. Therefore, in a plant cultivation apparatus, light is reliably irradiated to the accommodating part in which a culture medium is accommodated.

In one embodiment, the value of the intensity of light or the amount of light applied to the first region including the housing unit is a horizontal middle layer above the first region and at a height position between the cultivation unit and the lighting device. It is more preferable that it is larger than the value of the intensity of light or the amount of light emitted to the lens. Thereby, in a plant cultivation apparatus, since the value of the intensity | strength of light or the amount of light is large in the accommodating part in which the culture medium which a plant germinates is accommodated on a cultivation part, germination of a plant and formation of a leaf stem can be accelerated | stimulated. At the same time, since the value of the light intensity or the light amount is smaller than that of the first region on the middle layer surface where the grown plant is closer to the light source, it is possible to suppress leaf burning on the plant leaf. Therefore, a plant can be cultivated satisfactorily in the plant cultivation apparatus.

In one embodiment, the intensity or amount of light applied to the horizontal middle layer above the second region and at a height position between the cultivation unit and the lighting device is applied to the second region. More preferably, it is larger than the value of light intensity or light quantity. Thereby, in a plant cultivation apparatus, when a plant grows in a middle layer surface and a leaf spreads from a stem, light is effectively irradiated to the leaf. Therefore, in the plant cultivation apparatus, photosynthesis can be promoted, and good cultivation of plants becomes possible.

In one embodiment, each of the wavelengths of light emitted from a plurality of light sources has a blue component or a red component, and the wavelength of the light irradiated to the first region includes more blue components than the red component. It is more preferable that the wavelength of light applied to the horizontal middle layer surface above the second region and at a height position between the cultivation unit and the lighting device includes more red component than blue component. In plant growth, it is effective to irradiate light of a blue component to promote germination, and it is effective to irradiate light of a red component to promote photosynthesis of leaves. Moreover, it is preferable that both a blue component and a red component exist in the formation of stems, the development of leaves, and the like. Therefore, the wavelength of the light irradiated to the first region contains a lot of blue components, and the wavelength of the light applied to the middle layer surface above the second region contains a lot of red components, so that seeds germinate from stems and leaves. It is possible to effectively promote plant growth, such as formation and development of leaves, and photosynthesis of leaves.

In one embodiment, the optical axis of a light source that emits light having a blue component wavelength is directed to the first region, and the optical axis of a light source that emits light having a red component wavelength is the second region. More preferably, it is directed to the middle layer surface above. Thereby, the blue component light is irradiated to the first region, and the red component light is irradiated to the middle layer surface above the second region.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention radiates light toward a cultivation unit through a cultivation unit having a storage unit that accommodates a medium in which a plant is planted and a cultivation space that is at least partially open. The lighting device includes a plurality of light sources that emit light, and a light distribution conversion unit that collects light emitted from the plurality of light sources in the cultivation unit.

This plant cultivation apparatus has light distribution conversion means for collecting light emitted from a plurality of light sources in the cultivation section. Thereby, the light radiated | emitted from the light source is collected by the cultivation part by the light distribution conversion means, without diverging (diffusing). Therefore, in a plant cultivation apparatus, light is efficiently irradiated to the culture medium accommodated in an accommodating part. For this reason, light is not radiated unnecessarily to portions other than the region where the plant grows, so that it is not necessary to increase the amount of light emitted from the light source more than necessary. Thereby, it can suppress that the light which an illuminating device radiates | emits becomes too bright (a human eye feels glare), and can ensure interior property. Moreover, in the plant cultivation apparatus, since at least a part of the cultivation space is opened, it is possible to suppress the heat from being accumulated in the cultivation space and to perform sufficient ventilation. Therefore, the growth of the plant can be promoted.

The lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting device included in any of the plant cultivation devices described above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to promote the growth of plants while ensuring ornamentalness (interior properties) indoors and indoors.

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view showing the plant cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line aa in FIG. 2, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. FIG.8 (c) is a figure of the state which removed the culture medium tray in Fig.8 (a). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the cultivation tray. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a lid and a culture medium. 12A is a view of the cultivation tray as viewed from above, and FIG. 12B is a view showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. 12A. 13 (a) and 13 (b) are perspective views showing a storage part, and FIGS. 13 (c) and 13 (d) are perspective views showing a cover part according to a modification. 14 (a) to 14 (d) are perspective views showing the disassembled frame, and FIGS. 14 (e) and 14 (f) are perspective views showing the bottom of the frame. FIG. 15A is a plan view showing the lighting device, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. 15A. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are perspective views showing a main part of the light distribution conversion unit, and FIGS. 16 (c) and 16 (d) are perspective views showing a transmission plate of the light distribution conversion unit. FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration in a state where the lighting device is attached to the frame. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating the conversion of the light diffusion direction by the light distribution conversion unit. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are diagrams schematically showing light emitted by the illumination device. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an irradiation area of each horizontal plane in the cultivation space of light irradiated by the lighting device. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating light emitted by the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing an irradiation area of each horizontal plane in the cultivation space of the light irradiated by the lighting device. Fig.23 (a) is a top view which shows the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and FIG.23 (b) is the figure which looked at the cultivation tray from upper direction. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the wavelength of light and the relative emission intensity. Fig.25 (a) is a figure which shows typically the light which the illuminating device radiated | emitted, and FIG.25 (b) shows typically the irradiation area | region of each horizontal surface in the cultivation space of the light irradiated with the illuminating device. FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating the light intensity or light amount value of each horizontal plane in the light cultivation space irradiated by the lighting device. Fig.27 (a) and FIG.27 (b) are figures which show the modification of the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Fig.28 (a) is a top view which shows the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and FIG.28 (b) is the figure which looked at the cultivation tray from upper direction. FIG. 29A is a plan view showing the irradiation unit, and FIG. 29B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. 29A. Fig. 30 (a) is a diagram schematically showing light emitted from the lighting device, and Fig. 30 (b) is a schematic diagram showing irradiation regions on each horizontal plane in the cultivation region of light irradiated by the lighting device. FIG. FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing light intensity or light amount values of each horizontal plane in the light cultivation space irradiated by the illumination device. Fig.32 (a) and FIG.32 (b) are figures which show the modification of the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view showing the plant cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear front view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the plant cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line aa in FIG. 2, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. FIG.8 (c) is a state figure which removed the culture medium tray in Fig.8 (a). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line IX-IX in FIG. In the following description, the top, bottom, left and right of the plant cultivation apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are “upper”, “lower”, “left”, and “right”.

A plant cultivation apparatus 1 shown in each figure is a stationary apparatus that is placed on a floor or a table for hydroponically cultivating a plant indoors. The plant cultivation device 1 has a function for cultivating a plant and also has a function as an indoor ornament. As a plant cultivated by the plant cultivation apparatus 1, for example, herb-based plants (basil, parsley, etc.) can be cited as an example.

As shown in each drawing, the plant cultivation device 1 includes a cultivation tray (cultivation unit) 3, a frame body 5, and a lighting device 7.

First, the cultivation tray 3 will be described. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the cultivation tray. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a lid and a culture medium. FIG. 12A is a diagram of the cultivation tray as viewed from above, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. 12A. 13 (a) and 13 (b) are perspective views showing a storage part, and FIGS. 13 (c) and 13 (d) are perspective views showing a cover part according to a modification.

The cultivation tray 3 accommodates a medium pot 9 into which plant seeds or germinated plant roots are planted, and grows plants. The cultivation tray 3 has a storage part 10 and a lid part 12.

The storage unit 10 stores liquid (in this embodiment, nutrient water). The reservoir 10 is made of a material that shields light (not transmitting light). In the present embodiment, the storage unit 10 is white. The storage unit 10 includes a bottom part 14 and side parts 16 extending upward from the edge part of the bottom part 14. The reservoir 10 is open at the upper end side, and an opening 16 a is formed by the side 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the side portion 16 has a substantially trapezoidal shape and spreads upward. The shape of the reservoir 10 is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 10 may be provided with a temperature seal 17 that displays the water temperature.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the lid 12 covers the opening 16 a of the storage unit 10 and is detachable from the storage unit 10. The lid portion 12 includes a main body portion 20, leg portions 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, and projecting portions 24a and 24b.

The main body 20 covers the opening 16a of the reservoir 10. The main body 20 has a shape corresponding to the opening 16 a of the storage unit 10. The main body 20 is made of a material having a shielding property against light. The lid 12 has a lightness other than 0, that is, a color other than black, and is white in this embodiment. The surface 20a of the main body part 20 (lid part 12) is a flat surface and is a reflecting surface that reflects light. The light reflectance of the surface 20a is, for example, 50 to 100%.

The main body part 20 is provided with a culture medium storage part 26. The medium container 26 is a part to which the medium pot 9 is inserted and attached, and has a substantially circular shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the surface of the main body 20. A plurality (three in the present embodiment) of medium containing portions 26 are arranged in a staggered manner in the main body portion 20. There are no particular limitations on the number and location of the medium accommodating portions 26 provided in the main body portion 20.

The main body part 20 is provided with a cylindrical part 30. The cylindrical portion 30 surrounds the culture medium housing portion 26 and protrudes from the back surface 20 b of the main body portion 20. The length of the cylindrical part 30 is appropriately set according to the design. The cylindrical portion 30 is formed of a material having a shielding property against light, like the main body portion 20. The cylindrical portion 30 may be integrally molded with the same material as the main body portion 20.

The leg portions 22a to 22d support the main body portion 20 when the lid portion 12 is placed on a tabletop or the like. For example, when replacing the nutrient solution in the cultivation of hydroponically grown plants, the convenience is improved when the lid 12 is temporarily removed from the storage unit 10 for working. The leg portions 22a to 22d extend from the back surface 20b of the main body portion 20. A plurality (two in this embodiment) of leg portions 22a to 22d are provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 20, respectively. The length of the legs 22a to 22d is the length stored in the storage unit 10 with the lid 12 attached to the storage unit 10, and when the medium pot 9 is attached to the lid 12 It is set longer than the lower end of the medium pot 9.

A pair of protrusions 24 a and 24 b are arranged at positions facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the main body 20. The protrusions 24 a and 24 b are provided to protrude obliquely upward from the main body 20. The protrusions 24a and 24b are portions that are gripped with fingers when the lid 12 is attached and detached.

The medium pot 9 is a member that accommodates a medium (not shown) for planting plant seeds or roots. The culture medium is configured by filling and bundling with a substitute for soil such as urethane resin and fiber. The culture medium pot 9 is inserted into the culture medium storage unit 26 of the lid 12 and is held and stored in the culture medium storage unit 26.

When the medium pot 9 is inserted into the medium accommodating part 26 provided on the lid 12 of the cultivation tray 3, a mortar-shaped brim 9a having a neck larger than the hole diameter of the medium accommodating part 26 is caught, and the medium accommodating part 26 is arranged without falling down. On the upper side of the lid portion 12, the collar 9a is visible. The collar 9a is made of a material having a shielding property against light. The collar 9a is a reflecting surface that reflects light. The light reflectance of the reflecting surface is, for example, 50 to 100%. The collar 9a has a lightness other than 0, that is, a color other than black, and is white in the present embodiment. Moreover, the collar part 9b is formed in the lower part of the collar 9a in order to accommodate a culture medium. The flange portion 9b has a truncated cone shape and has openings on the side surface and the bottom surface. Thereby, the root of a plant can extend below and to the side.

As shown in FIGS. 13 (c) and 13 (b), the lid portion 12A may be integrally provided with a medium pot 9A. A plurality (three in this embodiment) of medium pots 9A are arranged in a staggered manner in the main body portion 20. In the lid portion 12A, the culture medium pot 9A constitutes a culture medium storage unit. Similarly to the medium pot 9, the medium pot 9A has a collar 9Aa and a collar 9Ab. The heel part 9Ab is a gate-shaped frame to support the culture medium. The flange portion 9Ab is formed below the collar 9Aa.

Subsequently, the frame 5 will be described. 14 (a) to 14 (d) are perspective views showing the disassembled frame, and FIGS. 14 (e) and 14 (f) are perspective views showing the bottom of the frame. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 and 14, the frame 5 has a mounting portion 40, a pair of side portions 42 and 44, and a ceiling portion 46. The mounting portion 40, the pair of side portions 42 and 44, and the ceiling portion 46 have a lightness other than 0, that is, a color other than black, and are white in this embodiment. The mounting part 40, the pair of side parts 42, 44, and the ceiling part 46 have substantially the same width (the vertical dimension in FIGS. 6 and 7). As shown in FIG. It is said to be more than the width. In the present embodiment, the width of the mounting portion 40, the pair of side portions 42 and 44, and the ceiling portion 46 is substantially equal to the width of the cultivation tray 3.

The frame body 5 which is a frame-like body is formed in an annular shape having an upper side, left and right side sides, and a lower side when viewed from the front or back (see FIGS. 2 and 3 etc.) arranged on a tabletop or the like. . The frame 5 is provided with a mounting portion 40 on the lower side, a pair of side portions 42 and 44 on the left and right sides, and a ceiling portion 46 on the upper side, and is integrally molded with a material such as plastic resin. Yes. The body of the frame 5 has an annular hollow structure (see FIGS. 9 and 14). When viewed from the front side and the back side, the outer shape and the inner shape have a substantially rectangular shape, and have a predetermined finding width (thickness) and a predetermined depth width in the depth direction from the front to the back.

Further, the frame 5 can be regarded as one cube, and the upper surface corresponds to a ceiling portion, the lower surface corresponds to a placement portion, the left side surface, and the right side surface correspond to a pair of side portions. The front surface and the back surface have an opening 5a and an opening 5b without any face material. Further, the frame body 5 includes the cultivation tray 3 in the mounting portion 40 on the lower surface, and the cultivation tray 3 is surrounded by the above-described annular frame body 5 and accommodated inside the frame body 5. A cultivation space S in which plants are cultivated is defined inside the frame body 5.

The cultivation tray 3 is placed on the placement unit 40. The mounting portion 40 is a member having an annular hollow structure (see FIG. 9, FIG. 14, etc.) that constitutes the lower portion of the frame 5. The mounting part 40 has a tray fixing part 41 as shown in FIG. For the purpose of fixing the cultivation tray 3 to the frame body 5 (that is, determining the fixing position of the cultivation tray 3 in the frame body 5 at one place), the tray fixing section 41 is the mounting section of the bottom portion 14 of the cultivation tray 3. It is a part fitted in 40, and it is provided so that the longitudinal direction of the cultivation tray 3 and the longitudinal direction (left-right direction of FIG.3 and FIG.4) of the mounting part 40 may become the same direction, and the cultivation tray 3 may be arrange | positioned. ing. In the present embodiment, the tray fixing portion 41 is an annular protrusion that is continuously projected in an annular shape upward from the placement surface 40a of the placement portion 40 in accordance with the contour shape of the bottom portion 14 of the cultivation tray 3. It has a shape. However, the tray fixing portion 41 is not limited to this, for example, a mode in which protrusions are provided at important points, a concave portion that matches the contour shape of the bottom portion 14 of the cultivation tray 3 is formed on the placement surface 40a of the placement portion 40, It can be set as the aspect which drops the bottom part 14 of the cultivation tray 3 in a recessed part, and makes it fit in the mounting part 40. FIG.

When the cultivation tray 3 is fitted into the tray fixing part 41 (annular protrusion), the bottom edge of the bottom part 14 is inserted into the annular protrusion and fitted. The bottom 14 of the storage unit 10 of the cultivation tray 3 is disposed in the tray fixing unit 41. Thereby, since the cultivation tray 3 is positioned in the mounting part 40 and the movement to a horizontal direction etc. is controlled, it does not remove | deviate from the frame 5 easily. An anti-slip member 45 is provided on the lower surface 40 b of the mounting unit 40 (the surface facing the surface on which the plant cultivation device 1 is mounted). A part (half) of the anti-slip member 45 is disposed on the bottom 43 constituting the frame body 5. The bottom 43 is fitted in a recess 47 provided in the lower part of the frame 5.

The pair of side portions 42 and 44 extend upward from both ends of the mounting portion 40 and are disposed to face each other. The side portions 42 and 44 have curved shapes and are members of an annular hollow structure (see FIGS. 9 and 14 and the like) that constitute the left and right side portions of the frame body 5. The pair of side portions 42 and 44 are arranged on the side portions 42 and 44 side of the cultivation tray 3 when the cultivation tray 3 is placed on the placement portion 40. The inner surfaces of the side portions 42 and 44 (the inner surfaces 42a and 44a of the side portions 42 and 44) are reflection surfaces that reflect light. The reflectivity of the inner surfaces 42a and 44a is, for example, 50 to 100%. In the connection part of the side parts 42 and 44 and the mounting part 40, the inner surfaces 42a and 44a of the side parts 42 and 44 and the mounting surface 40a of the mounting part 40 are curved surfaces C1 and C2 having a predetermined curvature. Smooth and continuous.

The ceiling portion 46 is a member having an annular hollow structure (see FIG. 9, FIG. 14, etc.) that is provided in the horizontal direction by connecting the upper ends of the pair of side portions 42, 44 and constitutes the upper portion of the frame 5. . As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the lighting device 7 is built in the ceiling portion 46. That is, the illumination device 7 is embedded and held in an annular hollow structure. The ceiling part 46 is disposed at a position facing the placement part 40, that is, a position facing the cultivation tray 3 (lid part 12) placed on the placement part 40. That is, the illumination device 7 irradiates light from above the cultivation tray 3. The ceiling portion 46 is arranged at a height position where the distance (interval) between the cultivation tray 3 and the lid portion 12 is, for example, about 200 mm. The distance from the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 is a photon of an artificial light source for the plant. May be set as appropriate in order to ensure the density (the intensity of light or the magnitude of the amount of light).

The inner surface (inner surface 46a) of the ceiling portion 46 is a reflecting surface that reflects light. The reflectance of the inner surface 46a is, for example, 50 to 100%. In the connecting portion between the ceiling portion 46 and the side portions 42, 44, the inner surface 46a of the ceiling portion 46 and the inner surfaces 42a, 44a of the side portions 42, 44 are smoothly continuous by curved surfaces C3, C4 having a predetermined curvature. ing.

A plurality of heat radiation slits 48 are provided on the outer surface (upper surface 46 b) of the ceiling portion 46. The heat radiating slit 48 is a part that dissipates heat generated from the lighting device 7. The heat radiating slits 48 are arranged at a predetermined interval on the upper surface 46 b of the ceiling portion 46.

Subsequently, the lighting device 7 will be described in detail. FIG. 15A is a plan view of the lighting device as viewed from the inside, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. 15A. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are perspective views showing a main part of the light distribution conversion unit, and FIGS. 16 (c) and 16 (d) are perspective views showing a transmission plate of the light distribution conversion unit. FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration in a state where the lighting device is attached to the frame. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating the conversion of the light diffusion direction by the light distribution conversion unit.

The lighting device 7 emits light toward the cultivation tray 3. The lighting device 7 has a control device (not shown) and is connected to a power source, and the control device controls on and off (lighting and extinguishing) of the switch. The lighting time of the lighting device 7 is set in consideration of the sunshine hours for each season in the external environment.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the illuminating device 7 includes a light source 50, a substrate 52 on which the light source 50 is arranged, and a light distribution conversion unit (light distribution conversion) that converts the diffusion direction of light irradiated on the cultivation tray 3. Means) 54. The light source 50 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In the present embodiment, the light source 50 is, for example, a white light emitting diode. A plurality of light sources 50 are arranged on one surface 52a of a plate-like substrate 52 having, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, 54 light sources 50 are arranged on the substrate 52. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, 18 light sources 50 are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction of the frame 5 on one surface 52a of the substrate 52. Three rows of light sources 50 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the frame body 5. The number and location of the light sources 50 may be set as appropriate according to the design.

The other surface 52b facing the one surface 52a of the substrate 52 is in contact (surface contact) with the heat radiating plate 55 as shown in FIG. The heat sink 55 is made of a material having a high heat traditional rate, for example, aluminum. The heat of the light source 50 is transmitted to the heat radiating plate 55 through the substrate 52. The heat radiating plate 55 is a plate member having a substantially rectangular shape, for example, and has a larger outer dimension than the substrate 52. That is, the entire other surface 52 b of the substrate 52 is in contact with the heat dissipation plate 55. Thereby, the heat of the substrate 52 is efficiently transmitted to the heat radiating plate 55. The heat radiating plate 55 is disposed in the accommodation space K provided below the heat radiating slit 48 in the ceiling portion 46. The heat of the heat radiating plate 55 is released from the heat radiating slit 48 to the outside of the frame body 5.

The light distribution conversion unit 54 converts the direction of light (diffused light) emitted by the light source 50 and concentrates it on the cultivation tray 3 (medium). The light distribution conversion unit 54 includes a light distribution main body 56, a flange portion 57 that projects outward from the periphery of the light distribution main body 56, and a transmission plate 58. The light distribution main body 56 is a frame-like body and has an opening O. The light distribution main body 56 surrounds the light source 50 by positioning the light source 50 in the opening O when the substrate 52 is attached. The light distribution main body portion 56 has an accommodating portion 56b that fits and accommodates the substrate 52 on one opening end portion 56a side of the opening portion O. When the substrate 52 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 56b of the light distribution main body 56, the other surface 52b of the substrate 52 and one surface 56s of the light distribution main body 56 are substantially flush with each other.

The inner side surface 56f that defines the opening O of the light distribution main body 56 is a reflection surface that reflects light. As shown in FIG. 15 (b), the inner side surface 56f of the light distribution main body portion 56 extends in a tapered shape from the light source 50 side toward the opening end portion 56c. In the present embodiment, the distance (interval) between the lighting device 7 of the ceiling portion 46 and the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 is about 200 mm, the length of the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 of the cultivation tray 3 is about 225 mm, and the width is 150 mm. Since the interval between the culture medium storage portions 26 is about 85 mm, the inner side surface 56 f forms an angle of, for example, about 80 ° with respect to the one surface 56 s of the light distribution main body portion 56. A transmission plate 58 having an emission end face 58 a is disposed at the opening end 56 c of the light distribution main body 56. If this transmission plate 58 is a lens, the diffusion range can be narrowed (condensed) by refracting the diffused light that passes through. As a result, the light irradiation area can be within a specific range (condensed). Moreover, you may print a thing like a Fresnel lens on a flat plate. The transmission plate 58 is formed in a plate shape with a transparent member having light transmittance, such as acrylic. The distance between the light source 50 and the emission end face 58a of the transmission plate 58 is set to about 15 mm, for example. The interval between the light source 50 and the emission end face 58a may be set as appropriate according to the design. Note that the transmission plate 58 can enhance human appreciability by cutting (attenuating) light having a wavelength unnecessary for plant growth in the light emitted from the light source 50.

The flange portion 57 is located on the opening end portion 56 a side of the light distribution main body portion 56, and a plurality (six in this embodiment) projects outward from the light distribution main body portion 56. One surface 57 a of the flange portion 57 is substantially flush with the one surface 56 s of the light distribution main body portion 56. The flange portion 57 is provided with a through hole H through which a screw N that joins the heat dissipation plate 55 and the light distribution conversion portion 54 is inserted. By joining the light distribution conversion unit 54 and the heat radiating plate 55, the substrate 52 on which the light source 50 is arranged, the light distribution conversion unit 54, and the heat radiating plate 55 are integrally provided. The lighting device 7 is an integrated part and is attached to the frame 5.

The light distribution conversion unit 54 corrects the light distribution characteristics of the light source 50, and restricts the light diffused outward while reflecting the light emitted from the light source 50 by the inner side surface 56 f of the light distribution main body 56. The distribution is collected in a specific direction and emitted from the emission end face 58a of the transmission plate 58. Thereby, the light radiated | emitted from the illuminating device 7 is irradiated to the predetermined area | region of the cultivation tray 3. FIG. At this time, it is possible to further concentrate the light distribution using a lens on the transmission plate 58. Thereby, the light radiated | emitted from the illuminating device 7 is collected and irradiated to the predetermined area | region of the cultivation tray 3. As shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the light distribution conversion unit 54 converts the angle of the diffused light by first reflecting the diffused light from the plurality of light beams emitted from one light source by the reflector. A refraction angle when the diffused light beam that has been primarily reflected passes through the lens is set, and a plurality of light beams emitted from the light source are collected in a certain direction. The area | region of the light irradiated to the cultivation tray 3 by the illuminating device 7 is demonstrated in detail below.

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are diagrams schematically showing light emitted from the lighting device. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an irradiation region on each surface of light irradiated by the illumination device. 20A shows a light irradiation region on the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 (lid portion 12) of the cultivation tray 3 (the surface on the cultivation tray 3 along the line aa in FIG. 19A). (B) shows the irradiation region of light on the middle layer surface MS2 of the cultivation space S (the surface along the line bb in FIG. 19A), and (C) shows the middle layer surface of the cultivation space S. A light irradiation region in MS1 (a plane along the line cc in FIG. 19A) is shown. The middle layer surface MS2 of the cultivation space S is above (at least 20 mm or more) the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 (lid portion 12) of the cultivation tray 3, and the transmission plate 58 of the light distribution conversion portion 54 in the lighting device 7. This is a horizontal plane at a substantially intermediate height position between the emission end surface 58a of the main body 20 and the surface 20a of the main body portion 20. The reason why the middle layer surface MS2 is set at least 20 mm or more above the surface 20a is that the plant germinates, expands its leaves, extends, or enters a stage of growth. The middle layer surface MS1 of the cultivation space S is a horizontal plane at a height above the middle layer surface MS2 and closer to the emission end surface 58a than the middle layer surface MS2.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the light emitted from the light source 50 of the lighting device 7 has an irradiation area (irradiation field) that is widened toward the cultivation tray 3. As shown to (A) of FIG. 20, in the surface 20a of the main-body part 20 of the cover part 12 of the cultivation tray 3, the area | region where light is irradiated and the area | region where light is not irradiated exist. Specifically, light is irradiated while aiming at a specific position between the three medium accommodating parts 26 in the medium 20 on the surface 20a or the three medium accommodating parts 26 in the surface 20a. As a result, a first region A <b> 1 is generated around the culture medium storage unit 26 and the culture medium storage unit 26. Here, 1st area | region A1 is an area | region which synthesize | combined each irradiation area | region irradiated with the light radiated | emitted from the several light source 50 which the illuminating device 7 has.

The second region A2 outside the first region A1 is hardly irradiated with light emitted from the light source 50 of the illumination device 7. That is, the light source 50 built in the illumination device 7 is directed to the surface 20a of the main body 20 by directing the light axis 50 and the diffused light beam emitted from the light source 50 by performing the orientation of the optical axis and the light distribution conversion of the diffused light beam. The reaching region is gathered in a range of the first region A1 including the medium containing portion 26 and the periphery of the medium containing portion 26. In the lighting device 7 incorporating the light source 50, the value of the intensity or the amount of light applied to the first region A <b> 1 including the culture medium storage unit 26 on the cultivation tray 3 and the surroundings of the culture medium storage unit 26 is the cultivation tray. 3 is attached to the frame 5 so as to be larger than the value of the intensity or the amount of light applied to the second region A2 outside the first region A1 on the top 3. Thereby, in surface 20a of main-body part 20 of lid part 12 of cultivation tray 3, surrounding 1st field A1 containing medium storage part 26 is compared with 2nd field A2 outside this 1st field A1. The effective photon flux density [μmol / m ² / s] is high.

In another point of view, the medium accommodating portion 26 of the medium pot 9 in the cultivation tray 3 is disposed in an area where the light intensity or the light intensity value is large. Thereby, light is effectively irradiated to the medium pot 9 (medium) accommodated in the medium accommodating part 26 of the cultivation tray 3.

As described above, in the present embodiment, on the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, the surrounding first region A1 including the culture medium storage portion 26 is the first outer region outside the first region A1. Compared to the two regions A2, the photosynthetic effective photon flux density [μmol / m ² / s] is higher. Thereby, in the plant cultivation apparatus 1, light is effectively irradiated to the culture medium pot 9 in which a plant is planted. Therefore, light is hardly irradiated to 2nd area | region A2 other than 1st area | region A1 where a plant grows, and since the divergence of light can be suppressed, it is not necessary to increase the quantity of the light which the light source 50 radiates | emits more than necessary. Thereby, in the plant cultivation apparatus 1, it can suppress that the light radiated | emitted from the illuminating device 7 becomes bright too much, and interior property can be ensured. Moreover, since light is hardly irradiated to area | regions (2nd area | region A2 and the peripheral area outside the cultivation tray 3) other than 1st area | region A1 in which a plant grows, irradiation of the useless light which does not contribute to the growth of a plant can be suppressed. Therefore, energy saving can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the plant cultivation apparatus 1, since the cultivation space S is open, it is possible to suppress heat from being accumulated in the cultivation space S. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of condensation can be prevented and it can prevent that interior property is impaired. In addition, since ventilation can be performed sufficiently, an increase in oxygen concentration can be suppressed, and thus plant growth can be promoted.

In this embodiment, a tray fixing portion 41 is provided on the placement portion 40 of the frame 5. Thereby, when the cultivation tray 3 is inserted in the tray fixing part 41, the cultivation tray 3 is positioned in the mounting part 40, and the movement to a horizontal direction etc. is controlled. Therefore, the position at which the cultivation tray 3 is attached to the frame 5 is not changed even after repeated attachment and detachment, and is always determined to be a fixed position, so the light emitted from the lighting device 7 in the cultivation tray 3 One area A1 is always at the same position. Therefore, even if it is the removable cultivation tray 3, it can always irradiate light to a plant effectively.

(Modification)
Subsequently, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. The plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on a modification differs in the structure of a illuminating device from 1st Embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating light emitted by the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing an irradiation area of each horizontal plane in the cultivation space of the light irradiated by the lighting device. In FIG. 22, A shows the light irradiation area | region in the surface 20a (surface along the aa line | wire of Fig.21 (a)) of the main-body part 20 (lid part 12) of the cultivation tray 3, B is cultivation. The light irradiation region in the middle layer surface MS2 of the space S (the surface along the line bb in FIG. 21A) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 21, the lighting device 7 emits light from three light sources (not shown) to the cultivation tray 3. As shown in FIG. 22, in the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, two medium pots 9 (medium accommodating portions 26) are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction in the main body portion 20. As shown in FIG. 22, the culture medium storage unit 26 is arranged so that the light emitted from the three light sources is located in an overlapping region on the surface 20 a of the main body unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 22, by aiming at a specific position between the two medium accommodating portions 26 where the medium pot 9 is accommodated on the surface 20 a and irradiating light, the medium accommodating portion 26 and the medium A first area A <b> 1 is generated around the accommodating portion 26. Here, 1st area | region A1 is an area | region which combined each irradiation area | region irradiated with the light radiated | emitted from three light sources which the illuminating device 7 has.

The second area A2 outside the first area A1 is hardly irradiated with light emitted from the three light sources of the illumination device 7. That is, the three light sources are arranged in a region in which the direct light and diffused light emitted from the light source 50 reach the surface 20a of the main body 20 by directing the optical axis and performing light distribution conversion of the diffused light. It is gathered in the range of 1st area | region A1 including the circumference | surroundings of the accommodating part 26 and this culture medium accommodating part 26. FIG. In the lighting device 7 incorporating the light source, the value of the intensity of light or the amount of light applied to the first region A1 including the culture medium storage part 26 of the lid 12 of the cultivation tray 3 and the periphery of the culture medium storage part 26 is The lid 5 of the cultivation tray 3 is attached to the frame body 5 so as to be larger than the value of the intensity or the amount of light applied to the second region A2 outside the first region A1. Furthermore, the orientation of the optical axes of the three light sources and the distribution of the diffused light so that the two culture medium containing portions 26 are placed in the first region A1 in a range where the irradiation regions of the three light sources overlap each other. Conversion has been done.

The light distribution conversion unit of the lighting device 7 is an angle of diffused light out of the light emitted by the light source so that the light irradiation area of the lid 12 of the cultivation tray 3 is expanded and does not protrude outside the plant cultivation device 1. Adjust. Further, by providing an optical axis direction setting means to be described later, the direction of the light emitted from the light source is set so that the culture medium pot 9 (medium accommodating part 26) is located in a region where the irradiation surfaces of the three light sources overlap. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the light source. Fig.23 (a) is a top view which shows the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and FIG.23 (b) is the figure which looked at the cultivation tray from upper direction.

First, the configuration of the cultivation tray 3 will be described. In the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 of the present embodiment, the medium pot 9 (medium accommodating portion 26) is arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction in the main body portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the cultivation tray 3 may have a configuration in which a lid 12A and a medium pot 9A are integrally provided.

The lighting device 7A includes a first light source 50a that emits a blue component and a second light source 50b that emits a red component. The configurations of the substrate 52 and the light distribution conversion unit 54 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The first light source 50a is a blue light emitting diode that emits blue component light having a wavelength of 420 to 470 nm, for example. The first light source 50a may be a white light emitting diode including a blue component wavelength, as shown in FIG. The second light source 50b is a red light emitting diode that emits red component light having a wavelength of 640 to 690 nm, for example.

In the lighting device 7 </ b> A, the arrangement of the first light source 50 a and the second light source 50 b is set according to the arrangement of the culture medium storage unit 26 in the cultivation tray 3. In this embodiment, the 1st light source 50a and the 2nd light source 50b are arrange | positioned corresponding to the structure by which the culture medium accommodating part 26 is arrange | positioned in the cultivation tray 3 in a line. Specifically, 18 first light sources 50 a are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction of the frame 5 on one surface 52 a of the substrate 52. The 18 second light sources 50 b are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction of the frame 5 on the one surface 52 a of the substrate 52, and the 18 light sources 50 a are arranged in the frame 5. Two rows are arranged across the row of the first light sources 50a in the width direction. The number of the first and second light sources 50a and 50b may be set as appropriate according to the design.

FIG. 25 (a) is a diagram schematically showing light emitted from the lighting device, and FIG. 25 (b) is a diagram illustrating each horizontal plane (A to A) in the cultivation space of light irradiated by the three light sources of the lighting device. It is a figure which shows typically the irradiation area | region of C). FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing light intensity or light amount values of each horizontal plane (A to C) in the cultivation space of light irradiated by the three light sources of the lighting device.

FIG. 25A is a view seen from the side portions 42 and 44 side of the frame body 5. In FIG.25 (b), A shows the irradiation region of the light in the surface 20a of the main-body part 20 (lid part 12) of the cultivation tray 3, B shows the irradiation region of the light in the middle surface MS2 of the cultivation space S. , C indicates a light irradiation region on the middle layer surface MS1 of the cultivation space S. In FIG. 24, the vertical axis indicates the value of light intensity or light quantity, and the horizontal axis indicates each irradiation area (FA1, FA2, FB1, FB2, FC1, FC2) of light emitted by each light source on each horizontal plane (A to C). ).

As shown to Fig.25 (a), the optical axis of the 1st light source 50a is orient | assigned to the culture medium accommodating part 26 in the surface 20a of the main-body part 20 of the cultivation tray 3, and the optical axis of the 2nd light source 50b is the surface. It is directed to a specific position on the surrounding surface 20a from which the medium accommodating portion 26 is removed. Thereby, 1st area | region A1 arises in the circumference | surroundings of the culture medium accommodating part 26 and this culture medium accommodating part 26. FIG.

On the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, the first region A1 including the culture medium storage portion 26 is irradiated with the blue component light from the first light source 50a and the red component light from the second light source 50b. Is done. That is, the first area A1 is a combined area in which the irradiation area FA1 of light emitted from the first light source 50a and the irradiation area FA2 of light emitted from the second light source 50b overlap.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the irradiation area of each light source gradually expands in the horizontal direction as a whole while expanding the overlapping area of the irradiation areas as it goes down to the horizontal planes C, B, A. It is happening to do. This is because the optical axis of each light source is directed to the medium accommodating portion 26 on the horizontal plane A, the optical axis of the first light source 50a is directed to the center of the hanging medium accommodating portion 26, and the optical axis of the second light source 50b is directed to the medium accommodating portion. This is because it is directed to a specific position around the area 26 removed. Thereby, in the surface 20a (horizontal surface A) of the main-body part 20 of the cover part 12 of the cultivation tray 3, blue light (1st light source 50a) and red light (2nd light source 50b) are irradiation of 1st area | region A1. Since it overlaps at the center of the area FA1, it is effective in the formation of stems and leaves during the germination of plants.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the overlapping portion of the combined region of the irradiation region FA1 and the irradiation region FA2 in the surrounding first region A1 including the culture medium storage portion 26 on the surface 20a of the main body 20 is the first region. Compared with the second area A2 outside A1 and each of the other surfaces MS1, MS2, the value of the light intensity or light quantity is large. That is, in the surface 20a (horizontal plane A) of the main body 20 of the lid 12 of the cultivation tray 3, the central area of the irradiation area FA1 of the first area A1 is the irradiation area FC1 of the middle layer surface MS1 of the horizontal plane C, and the horizontal plane B. The value of light intensity or light quantity is larger than the central region of the irradiation region FB1 of the middle layer surface MS2.

As shown in FIG. 25, in the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), the first light source 50a and the second light source than the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 which is the horizontal plane A. The area where the irradiation areas FB1, FB2 and the irradiation areas FC1, FC2 of the light irradiated from 50b overlap becomes smaller. As a result, on the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), the red light that is effective for the growth of the leaves is mainly emitted from the second light source 50b to the leaves that spread outward from the stem in the plant. Is done.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, in the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), in the irradiation regions FB1, FB2, FC1, FC2, the surface of the main body portion 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 The intensity of light or the amount of light is smaller than the overlapping portion of the combined area of the irradiation area FA1 and the irradiation area FA2 in the first area A1 in 20a. Further, in the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), a region having a large light intensity or light amount value is enlarged in the horizontal direction. That is, in the middle layer surfaces MS1 and MS2, the light irradiation range can be expanded, so that the leaves that expand in the horizontal direction are sufficiently exposed to light to promote photosynthesis. On the surface 20a (medium surface) of the main body 20 which is the lowermost layer, a plurality of light irradiation ranges are concentrated to increase the intensity of light or the value of the amount of light, thereby promoting the formation of stems and leaves during germination.

In the plant cultivation apparatus 1 arranged indoors, it is desirable to realize an environment similar to the outdoor situation where sunlight is irradiated in order to promote plant growth. Here, it is known that a light blue component is required for the growth of plant buds and stems, and a light red component is required for the growth of plant leaves. For example, a white light emitting diode that obtains white as one light source using light emitting diode chips of red, green, and blue components is used, or an illumination device that combines colors of blue light emitting diodes and red light emitting diodes is used. is doing.

However, in the white light-emitting diode having the above-described structure, it is necessary to increase the amount of light when trying to obtain a blue component or a red component suitable for plant growth, and it is too bright for human eyes. For this reason, it cannot withstand indoor ornamentation, and the interior property is impaired. Moreover, in the conventional plant cultivation apparatus provided with a blue light emitting diode and a red light emitting diode, the blue light emitting diode emits light at the time of plant germination and the red light emitting diode emits light at the time of leaf growth. Therefore, it is necessary to control the lighting timing of the blue light emitting diode and the red light emitting diode, and the operation is complicated.

In the present embodiment, the same operational effects as in the first embodiment are achieved. In the present embodiment, the lighting device 7A includes a first light source 50a that emits a blue component and a second light source 50b that emits a red component, and the optical axis of the first light source 50a is mainly that of the cultivation tray 3. The optical axis of the second light source 50b is mainly directed to a region outside the medium accommodating part 26 on the surface 20a (a specific position on the surface 20a from which the medium accommodating part 26 is removed). ing. Thereby, in the plant cultivation apparatus 1, the light of a blue component and a red component can be irradiated to a plant with high intensity | strength at the germination time, and when a plant grows and a leaf spreads, the leaf is mainly irradiated with the light of a red component. be able to. Therefore, the growth of the plant can be promoted.

Further, unlike the conventional plant cultivation apparatus, it is not necessary to switch the light source according to the growth of the plant, so that the user operability can be improved.

(Modification)
Subsequently, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. Fig.27 (a) and FIG.27 (b) are figures which show the modification of the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27A, in the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, three medium pots 9 (medium containing portions 26) are arranged in a staggered manner in the main body portion 20. For such a configuration of the cultivation tray 3, the light sources 50a and 50b of the lighting device 7A are configured as follows.

One of a group of light sources (first light source group) composed of a plurality of first light sources 50a and one of the culture medium storage portions 26 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and between the first light source group and the first light source group. By arranging a group of light sources (second light source group) consisting of a plurality of second light sources 50b, the first light source group and the second light source group are arranged in a staggered manner.

As shown in FIG. 27 (b), in the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, four medium pots 9 (medium accommodating portions 26) are arranged in a staggered manner in the main body portion 20. For such a configuration of the cultivation tray 3, the light sources 50a and 50b of the lighting device 7A are configured as follows.

The 18 second light sources 50b are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction of the frame 5 on the one surface 52a of the substrate 52. The 18 first light sources 50 a are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction of the frame 5 on one surface 52 a of the substrate 52, and the 18 light sources 50 a are arranged in the frame 5. Two rows are arranged across the row of the second light sources 50b in the width direction.

[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the illumination device. Fig.28 (a) is a top view which shows the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and FIG.28 (b) is the figure which looked at the cultivation tray from upper direction.

First, the configuration of the cultivation tray 3 will be described. In the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 of the present embodiment, three medium pots 9 (medium storage portions 26) are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals along the left-right direction in the main body portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the cultivation tray 3 may have a configuration in which a lid 12A and a medium pot 9A are integrally provided.

The illumination device 7B has an illumination unit 60. The illumination part 60 is provided according to the number of the culture medium accommodating parts 26 provided in the cultivation tray 3, and three pieces are arrange | positioned in this embodiment. Each illumination unit 60 includes a first light source 50a that emits a blue component and a second light source 50b that emits a red component. The first light source 50 is a blue light emitting diode that emits blue component light having a wavelength of, for example, 420 to 470 nm. The second light source 50b is a red light emitting diode that emits red component light having a wavelength of 640 to 690 nm, for example. The first light source 50a and the second light source 50b are, for example, bullet-type light emitting diodes.

In the lighting device 7B, the arrangement of the illumination unit 60 is set according to the arrangement of the culture medium storage unit 26 in the cultivation tray 3. In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 60 is arranged as an example along the left-right direction of the frame 5 in correspondence with the configuration in which the culture medium storage units 26 are arranged in a row in the cultivation tray 3.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration of the irradiation unit. FIG. 29A is a plan view showing the irradiation unit, and FIG. 29B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line bb in FIG. 29A. As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the illumination unit 60 includes a first light source 50a, a second light source 50b, a substrate 62, and a fixing unit (optical axis direction setting means) 64. I have.

The fixing part 64 has a plurality of (here, 13) recesses 66 for accommodating the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b. The recess 66 is arranged according to the arrangement of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b. As shown in FIG. 29A, in the illumination unit 60, a plurality of (here, eight) first light sources 50a are arranged on the virtual circle at equal intervals. A plurality of (here, five) second light sources 50b are arranged, one at the center of the virtual circle where the first light source 50a is arranged, and outside the virtual circle where the first light source 50a is arranged. Four pieces are arranged at opposing positions. Specifically, the second light sources 50b arranged outside the virtual circle are arranged on straight lines that pass through the center of the virtual circle and are orthogonal to each other. The recess 66 is disposed corresponding to the arrangement of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b.

Returning to FIG. 29 (b), the first light source 50 a and the second light source 50 b accommodated in the recess 66 are connected to the substrate 62 via the wiring 51. Each recess 66 sets the optical axis of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b. Specifically, the recess 66 that is the optical axis direction setting means has a central portion of the surrounding first region A1 in which each of the optical axes of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b includes the culture medium storage portion 26 of the cultivation tray 3. It is formed to face. That is, the optical axes of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b are set by disposing the first light source 50a or the second light source 50b in the recess 66 of the fixed portion 64. The optical axis direction setting means sets the direction of the optical axis of each of the plurality of light sources 50a and 50b of the illuminating device 7B (radial axis of the light beam traveling straight forward of the light sources 50a and 50b) below the cultivation tray 3 and the medium pot 9 (medium What is necessary is just to set so that it may go to the accommodating part 26). As the optical axis direction setting means, for example, a configuration in which a socket of a light source fixed to the illuminating device is inclined, or a rotation (swinging) mechanism may be provided on the socket. Other forms of the optical axis direction setting means will be described later.

FIG. 30 (a) is a diagram schematically showing light emitted from the lighting device, and FIG. 30 (b) is a diagram illustrating each horizontal plane (A to A) in the cultivation space of light irradiated by the three light sources of the lighting device. It is a figure which shows typically the irradiation area | region of C). FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing the light intensity or light intensity value of each horizontal plane (A to C) in the light cultivation space irradiated by the lighting device.

In FIG.30 (b), A shows the irradiation region of the light in the surface 20a of the main-body part 20 (lid part 12) of the cultivation tray 3, B shows the irradiation region of the light in the middle surface MS2 of the cultivation space S. , C indicates a light irradiation region on the middle layer surface MS1 of the cultivation space S. In FIG. 31, the vertical axis indicates the value of light intensity or light quantity, and the horizontal axis indicates each irradiation area (FA1, FA2, FB1, FB2, FC1, FC2) on each horizontal plane (A to C).

As shown in FIG. 30 (a), the optical axes of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b are directed to the central portion of the medium containing portion 26 on the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 of the cultivation tray 3. Thereby, 1st area | region A1 arises in the circumference | surroundings of the culture medium accommodating part 26 and this culture medium accommodating part 26. FIG. That is, the optical axis of each light source is directed to the medium accommodating part 26 on the horizontal plane A, the optical axis of the first light source 50a is directed to the center of the hanging medium accommodating part 26, and the optical axis of the second light source 50b is directed to the medium accommodating part 26. The positions of the points where the optical axes intersect on the horizontal plane A are made to substantially coincide with each other.

On the surface 20a of the main body portion 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, the first region A1 including the culture medium storage portion 26 is irradiated with the blue component light from the first light source 50a and the red component light from the second light source 50b. Is done. That is, the first area A1 is a combined area in which the irradiation area FA1 of light emitted from the first light source 50a and the irradiation area FA2 of light emitted from the second light source 50b overlap.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 30B, the irradiation area of each light source gradually expands in the horizontal direction as it falls to the horizontal planes C, B, A, and does not overlap on the horizontal plane C, but overlaps on the horizontal plane B. In the horizontal plane A, the irradiation areas overlap substantially concentrically. This is because the positions of the points where the optical axes of the light sources intersect on the horizontal plane A are substantially the same. The overlap of the irradiation areas of the respective light sources does not exist on the middle layer surface MS1 of the horizontal plane C, and on the middle layer surface MS2 of the horizontal plane B, becomes smaller than the surface 20a of the main body 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3 that is the horizontal plane A. ing. That is, the region where the light irradiation region FB1 and the irradiation region FB2 are irradiated from the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b is smaller than the region where the light irradiation region FA1 and the irradiation region FA2 overlap. Thereby, in the surface 20a (horizontal surface A) of the main-body part 20 of the cover part 12 of the cultivation tray 3, blue light (1st light source 50a) and two red light (2nd light source 50b) are 1st area | region A1. Since it overlaps in the center of FA1, it is effective in the formation of stems and leaves that extend during plant germination.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 31, the overlapping portion of the synthesis region of the irradiation region FA1 and the irradiation region FA2 in the surrounding first region A1 including the medium containing portion 26 on the surface 20a of the main body 20 is the first region. Compared with the second area A2 outside A1 and each of the other surfaces MS1, MS2, the value of the light intensity or light quantity is large. That is, on the surface 20a (horizontal plane A) of the main body portion 20 of the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, the central region of FA1 in the first region A1 is FC1 of MS1 in the irradiation region C1, and FB1 of MS2 in the irradiation region B. The intensity of light or the value of the amount of light is larger than that of the central region.

As shown in FIG. 30, in the middle layer surface MS2, the irradiation areas FB1 and FB2 of light irradiated from the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b overlap each other than the surface 20a of the main body 20 of the lid 12 of the cultivation tray 3. The area becomes smaller, and the irradiation areas FC1 and FC2 of the light emitted from the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b do not overlap on the middle layer surface MS1.

As shown in FIG. 31, in the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), a region having a large light intensity or light quantity value is expanded in the left-right horizontal direction. In the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), in the irradiation regions FB2 and FC2 corresponding in the vertical direction of the second region A2, the value of light intensity or light amount is larger than that of the surface 20a of the main body 20. Thereby, in the middle layer surface MS1 and the middle layer surface MS2 (horizontal planes B and C), the red light component having high light intensity is irradiated from the second light source 50b to the leaves spreading outward from the stem in the plant. In other words, the light irradiation range can be expanded on the middle layer surface, so that light is sufficiently exposed to the horizontally expanding leaves to promote photosynthesis. On the surface 20a (medium surface) of the main body 20 which is the lowermost layer, a plurality of light irradiation ranges are concentrated to increase the intensity of light or the value of the amount of light, thereby promoting the formation of stems and leaves during germination.

As described above, this embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 60 of the illumination device 7B includes the first light source 50a that emits a blue component and the second light source 50b that emits a red component, and the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b are provided. While being arranged as shown in FIG. 29A, the optical axes of the first light source 50 a and the second light source 50 b are directed to the culture medium storage portion 26 of the cultivation tray 3. Thereby, in the plant cultivation apparatus 1, while the value of the intensity | strength or light quantity of 1st area | region A1 in the surface 20a of the main-body part 20 of the cultivation tray 3 becomes large, above 2nd area | region A2 outside 1st area | region A1. The light intensity or light intensity value of the irradiation areas FB2 and FC2 irradiated on the middle layer surfaces MS1 and MS2 is the light intensity of the irradiation area FA2 irradiated on the second area A2 of the surface 20a of the main body 20 of the cultivation tray 3. It is larger than the value of intensity or light quantity. Therefore, at the germination time, the light of the blue component and the red component can be irradiated to the plant with high intensity. When the plant grows and the leaf spreads, the leaf can be irradiated mainly with the light of the red component. Therefore, the growth of the plant can be promoted. Moreover, since the intensity | strength or light quantity value of irradiation area | region FB2, FC2 light in middle layer surface MS1 and middle layer surface MS2 is large, promotion of the photosynthesis of a leaf of a plant can be aimed at.

In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 60 includes a fixed unit 64 that is an optical axis direction setting unit. Thus, the layout of the culture medium pot 9 (medium accommodation part 26) arrange | positioned at the cover part 12 of the cultivation tray 3 is comprised by comprising the structure which sets the direction of the optical axis of the 1st and 2nd light sources 50a and 50b. There are a plurality of patterns, and the optical axis of each of the light sources 50a and 50b can be used in accordance with the position of the medium pot 9 (medium containing part 26) without replacing the illumination device 7B even when the lid 12 is used after replacement. Can be set to the optimum light emission direction.

(Modification)
Subsequently, a modification of the third embodiment will be described. Fig.32 (a) and FIG.32 (b) are figures which show the modification of the illuminating device of the plant cultivation apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32A, in the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, three medium pots 9 (medium accommodating portions 26) are arranged in a staggered manner in the main body portion 20. In such a configuration of the cultivation tray 3, three illumination units 60 are arranged so as to be positioned above the culture medium storage unit 26.

32 (b), in the lid portion 12 of the cultivation tray 3, four medium accommodating portions 26 are arranged in a staggered manner in the main body portion 20. In such a configuration, four illumination units 60 </ b> A are arranged so as to be located above the culture medium storage unit 26. In the illuminating unit 60A, three first light sources 50a arranged at predetermined intervals in a line along the left-right direction, and a line along the left-right direction at a position sandwiching the first light sources 50a in the width direction. And two second light sources 50b arranged at a predetermined interval. The 1st light source 50a and the 2nd light source 50b are arrange | positioned at zigzag form.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, it replaces with the 1st light source 50a and the 2nd light source 50b, and the light source 50 which is a white light emitting diode may be provided.

Further, in the present embodiment, the optical axes of the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b (light source 50) are directed to the first region A1 by the concave portion 66 of the fixed portion 64, but the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b are used. For example, the direction of the optical axis of the (light source 50) may be set by tilting or rotating (turning) the direction of the light source unit of the lighting fixture. The means for directing the optical axis toward the first region A1 may be a reflector or other configuration. Further, the first light source 50a and the second light source 50b (light source 50) may be arranged so that the optical axes thereof face the first region A1.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the outer shape and the inner shape of the frame 5 are substantially rectangular has been described as an example, but the outer shape and the inner shape of the frame are not particularly limited.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the frame body 5 has the openings 5a and 5b and the frame body 5 opens on both sides has been described as an example. However, the frame body may have a configuration in which one side is closed. . The frame body should just be provided with the opening which can replace the cultivation tray 3 at least.

In the above embodiment, the frame 5 is described as an example of an annular configuration, but the frame may have a U-shape or an L-shape, for example. When the frame body is U-shaped, the cultivation tray 3 may be placed on the frame body, or the frame body may be disposed so as to cover the cultivation tray 3.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the inner surfaces 42a and 44a of the side portions 42 and 44 and the inner surface 46a of the ceiling portion 46 are reflection surfaces has been described as an example, but the reflection is reflected inside the side portions 42 and 44 and the ceiling portion 46. A member such as a sheet having a high rate (for example, a reflectance of 50 to 100%) may be disposed.

The optical axis direction setting means is provided in a hollow portion in the ceiling portion 46 of the frame 5 as a fixing means for fixing the lighting fixture to the inner surface 46a of the ceiling portion 46 of the frame 5 and as a fixing means of the lighting fixture. It can be set as various modes, such as a mode built in accommodation space K. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33, the illumination device 7C is provided with a light distribution conversion portion 54A that can swing (turn) about the shaft member AX1. The light distribution conversion unit 54A and the shaft member AX1 constitute an optical axis direction setting unit. The shaft member AX1 extends along the left-right direction of the frame body 5. By the optical axis direction setting means, the illuminating device 7C can incline the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 50 and irradiate the predetermined position on the cultivation tray 3 with light.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 34, the illuminating unit 60B is provided with a fixing unit 64 that can swing (rotate) about the shaft member AX2. The fixed portion 64 and the shaft member AX2 constitute optical axis direction setting means. By the optical axis direction setting means, the illuminating unit 60B can irradiate light at a predetermined position on the cultivation tray 3 by tilting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light sources 50a and 50b.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 35, the illumination unit 60 </ b> C is provided with a spherical protrusion 68 on the upper portion of the fixed unit 64. The protrusion 68 is inserted into the recess 70 of the frame 5 and is pivotally supported by the recess 70. Accordingly, the illumination unit 60C is provided so as to be pivotable about the protrusion 68 (turnable about the protrusion 68). The projecting portion 68 and the recessed portion 70 of the fixed portion 64 constitute an optical axis direction setting means. By the optical axis direction setting means, the illumination unit 60C can irradiate light at a predetermined position on the cultivation tray 3 by tilting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light sources 50a and 50b.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 36, the lighting device 7 </ b> D includes a light source 72, a substrate 74 on which the light source 72 is disposed, and a light distribution conversion unit 76 that converts a diffusion direction of light applied to the cultivation tray 3. . The light distribution conversion unit 76 has a curved reflecting surface 76 f and radiates light from the transmission plate 80. A spherical protrusion 82 is provided on the top of the substrate 74. The protrusion 82 is inserted into the recess 84 of the frame body 5 and pivotally supported by the recess 84. Thereby, the light distribution conversion unit 76 is provided so as to be pivotable about the projection 82. The projecting portion 68 and the recessed portion 70 of the fixed portion 64 constitute an optical axis direction setting means. By the optical axis direction setting means, the illuminating device 7D can incline the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 72 and irradiate the predetermined position on the cultivation tray 3 with light.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting device of the plant cultivation device according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 37, the illuminating device 7E includes a light distribution conversion unit 86 that converts the diffusion direction of light emitted from a light source (not shown) on the distal end side of the main body unit 88. The illumination device 7E is supported by the support unit 90. The lighting device 7E is provided so as to be pivotable with respect to the support portion 90. The light distribution conversion unit 86 (main body unit 88) and the support unit 90 constitute an optical axis direction setting unit. By the optical axis direction setting means, the illuminating device 7E can illuminate a predetermined position on the cultivation tray 3 by tilting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Plant cultivation apparatus, 3 ... Cultivation tray (cultivation part), 7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E ... Illumination device, 26 ... Medium accommodation part, 50, 50a, 50b ... Light source, 54 ... Light distribution conversion part (Light distribution conversion means), 64 ... fixed part (optical axis direction setting means), A1 ... first region, A2 ... second region, MS1, MS2 ... middle layer surface, S ... cultivation space.

Claims (10)

A cultivating unit having a storage unit for storing a medium in which plants are planted;
A lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources that emit light toward the cultivation unit, through a cultivation space that is at least partially open;
As for the said several light source, the direction of the intensity | strength of the said light irradiated to the 1st area | region containing the said accommodating part on the said cultivation part, and the circumference | surroundings of the said accommodating part or the value of the light quantity is the said 1st on the said cultivation part. The plant cultivation apparatus arrange | positioned in the position which becomes larger than the value of the intensity | strength or light quantity of the said light irradiated to the 2nd area | region outside an area | region. The said accommodating part of the said cultivation part is arrange | positioned in the position where the area | region of the light irradiated from one light source among the several said light sources and the area | region of the light irradiated from another light source overlap. The plant cultivation apparatus according to 1. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an optical axis of the light source faces the first region including the accommodating portion. The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the optical axis of the light source is directed to the first region including the accommodating portion by an optical axis direction setting unit that sets an orientation of the optical axis of the light source. The value of the intensity of light or the amount of light applied to the first region including the accommodating portion is a horizontal intermediate layer above the first region and at a height position between the cultivation unit and the lighting device. The plant cultivation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plant cultivation apparatus is larger than a value of an intensity or a light amount of the light irradiated on the surface. The light intensity or amount of light irradiated on the horizontal middle layer above the second region and at a height position between the cultivation unit and the lighting device is applied to the second region. The plant cultivation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plant cultivation apparatus is larger than a value of light intensity or light quantity. Each of the wavelengths of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources has a blue component or a red component,
The wavelength of the light applied to the first region includes the blue component more than the red component,
The wavelength of the light irradiated on the horizontal middle layer above the second region and at a height position between the cultivation unit and the lighting device includes the red component more than the blue component. The plant cultivation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An optical axis of the light source that emits light having a wavelength of the blue component is directed to the first region;
The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an optical axis of the light source that emits light having a wavelength of the red component is directed to the middle layer surface above the second region. A cultivating unit having a storage unit for storing a medium in which plants are planted;
An illuminating device that emits light toward the cultivation unit, through a cultivation space that is at least partially open;
The lighting device includes:
A plurality of light sources that emit the light;
The plant cultivation apparatus which has the light distribution conversion means which collects the said light which the said some light source radiates | emits to the said cultivation part. An illumination device included in the plant cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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