JP2004141002A - Plant cultivation display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plant cultivation display device enabling a user to readily cultivate plants in a room to appreciate them even though the plants are alpine plants or the like hard to grow in a normal climatic environment. <P>SOLUTION: The plant cultivation display device comprises a sealed box-type showcase 2 provided with a fertile soil sprinkling nozzle 22 and housing plants P together with fertile soil 1, and a glass plate 3 having dewfall preventive function. In the showcase 2, sensors 7, 12 and 15 are provided to detect cultivation environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, illuminance and water content in the soil, and also a means for regulating the cultivation environmental factors according to the kinds of the plants P, and a means for controlling the actions of the factors based on the signals from the sensor. Specifically, a heat exchanger 24 is provided as a temperature regulation means, a humidifier 13 as a moisture regulation means, lamps 16, 17 and an electricity control equipment 29 as illuminance regulation means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a plant growing display device for growing plants by placing them in a showcase that can see through the interior, and more particularly, it is suitable to be installed as an interior decoration in a lobby of a hospital or the like, and it has been difficult to grow conventionally. The present invention relates to a plant growing display device capable of growing alpine plants, tropical plants, and the like in a natural state, and enabling the plants to be viewed from outside a showcase.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when decorating a room with plants, houseplants such as rubber trees are generally placed in pots and installed in a lobby of a hospital or the like so that they can be viewed. In this case, in order to grow and enjoy potted houseplants, regular watering is required, and this work requires much labor.
[0003]
Various techniques have been proposed to eliminate regular watering of houseplants. As this type of growing apparatus, there is an apparatus in which charcoal is placed in a saucer having a water storage function, and a foliage plant is planted on the charcoal to grow the charcoal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-275492 A (pages 1-3, FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned device for growing houseplants, if the houseplants are of a type that can be adapted to a climatic environment (factor) such as normal temperature and humidity, the plants can be easily grown. However, some houseplants are difficult to grow in a climatic environment such as normal temperature and humidity. For example, when growing alpine plants that bloom beautiful flowers, it is often difficult to grow unless the temperature is below a certain level. Conversely, when growing a certain type of cactus, it will be difficult to grow unless a certain temperature is maintained even in winter. For this reason, there is a problem that plants that cannot be grown in a climatic environment such as normal temperatures in spring, summer, autumn and winter cannot be grown indoors and viewed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation display device that allows natural cultivation and appreciation of plants that are difficult to adapt to a climatic environment such as a normal temperature.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the present invention is a plant growing display device for growing plants planted in a soil in a closed type showcase, and for supplying water to the soil in the showcase. A water supply nozzle, a sensor for detecting a growth environment factor such as temperature and humidity in the showcase, and a growth environment factor adjusting means for adjusting the growth environment factor based on the detection signal are provided. The growing environment factor is a light environment factor such as sunshine and lighting, and a sensor for detecting the light environment factor in the showcase, and a light environment factor for adjusting the light environment factor according to the plant based on the detection signal. Adjusting means can be provided.
[0007]
The plant growing display device according to the present invention is used as a display device for viewing plants stored in a showcase. It can be easily installed in general homes, hospitals, welfare and nursing homes, schools, government offices, businesses, stores, and waiting rooms. Target ornamental plants are mainly houseplants and flowers that are difficult to grow under normal climate and environmental conditions, such as alpine plants, carnivorous plants, wildflowers, orchids, cacti, and tropical plants. Can be More specifically, Acalifa, asparagus, ipomea, ilecine, wedelia, cassava, croton, gunnella, palms and the like can be mentioned. The ornamental plants are placed in a closed type showcase and grown under controlled and adjusted to special environmental conditions suitable for the plants. The shape of the showcase is arbitrary, such as a rectangular cylinder, a cylinder, a sphere, a pyramid, and the size can be freely set according to the size of the plant. For example, a size range of 0.5 to 1.3 m in length and width and 0.7 to 2.0 m in height is appropriate. The closed type showcase has a door for taking in and out plants, and a part or all of a side surface including at least a front surface of the showcase is formed of a transparent member which can easily see through the inside. The material of the transparent member may be a glass plate or a synthetic resin plate such as an acrylic plate or a polycarbonate plate. In this case, the transparent member may cause dew condensation due to humidity in the room.To prevent this, it is preferable that the transparent member is formed of a material having a dew condensation preventing function. It is also possible to add a lens function to the transparent member.
[0008]
The showcase is provided with an environment adjustment / control device, and the environment adjustment / control device can control a growing environmental factor in the showcase according to the type of the plant. Here, the breeding environmental factor is a factor of the climatic environment related to the growth of the plant, such as temperature, air humidity, carbon dioxide gas concentration, soil water content, or the degree of illumination or sunlight (sunshine duration). Light environment factors are included. As a specific means for adjusting the temperature, a hot air blowing duct or a cold air blowing duct for adjusting the temperature is provided at an appropriate place in the showcase. A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature is mounted in the showcase, and the operation of the blow duct is controlled based on the detected signal. For example, when the temperature inside the showcase becomes higher than a predetermined range, the temperature sensor detects the temperature, and based on the detection result, cool air is blown out from the blow duct to lower the temperature inside the showcase to a predetermined range.
[0009]
As a means for adjusting humidity, a steam blow duct for adjusting humidity is provided at an appropriate place in the showcase. A humidity sensor for detecting air humidity is installed in the showcase, and the operation of the steam outlet duct is controlled by the detection signal. For example, when the humidity in the showcase becomes lower than the predetermined range, the humidity sensor detects the humidity, and based on the detection result, water vapor is blown out from the water vapor outlet duct to increase the humidity in the showcase to the predetermined range. It is preferable that the main body portions of the humidity adjusting means and the temperature adjusting means are stored together in one place such as a rear portion or a lower bottom portion of the showcase.
[0010]
In some cases, a light environment factor adjusting means for adjusting sunshine (time), lighting, and the like is provided in the showcase. This is not necessary when installing a showcase in a place with sufficient sunlight, or when growing a negative plant that does not need sufficient sunlight, but it is not necessary to place the device in a place with insufficient sunlight or in a dark place. It is needed when installing and growing positive plants. Originally, the light intensity and light amount required for photosynthesis differ depending on the type of plant, and there are light intensities and light amounts that enable the most efficient photosynthesis. In addition, plants grow according to changes in the sunshine hours according to changes in latitude and season. Therefore, as a light environment factor adjusting means, a sunshine lamp such as a sun light or an illumination lamp is provided in a showcase, or an ultraviolet lamp and an infrared lamp are provided. For example, when the camera is installed at night or in a dark place, if the plants in the showcase are brightly illuminated by a lighting lamp, the plants are lit up and become a showwind, which is optimal as a green interior. Depending on the type of plant, a fluorescent lamp that does not generate excessive heat may be used, or an incandescent lamp that generates excessive heat may not be used. In order to give a clear impression to a person watching the plant, an appropriate color light may be given to the lamp.
[0011]
As a method for storing plants, there are a pot planting method in which potted plants are stored in a showcase, and a direct planting method in which plants are planted in the soil at the bottom of the showcase. Some plants naturally prefer moisture and others prefer drying. The amount of water required for a plant varies greatly depending on the type of plant. Even the same plant varies greatly depending on the growing season and season. In the present invention, as a means for adjusting the water content of the soil (including leaves), a water supply nozzle is provided above the soil or the leaves of the plant, and water is applied to the soil or the leaves from the water supply nozzle by a drip or spray method. So that it can be sprayed. It is desirable to attach a moisture sensor for detecting moisture in the soil to the soil, and the operation of the water supply nozzle can be automatically controlled based on this detection signal. For example, when growing a plant that dislikes drying, when the soil becomes dry and the moisture (humidity) in the soil falls below a predetermined range, the moisture sensor detects this, and based on the detection result, the soil or leaf is used. Activate the water supply nozzle to spray an appropriate amount of water on the soil and leaves to increase the moisture in the soil and prevent drying. The water supply nozzle can also be controlled by a signal from a humidity sensor.
[0012]
If the plant growing display device of the present invention is used, a plant is put in a showcase and a growing environment factor suitable for the type of the plant, that is, a climate condition or an environmental condition that is optimal for the growth of the target plant is constantly controlled. . Therefore, even alpine plants and the like that have been difficult to grow in a normal climatic environment can be easily grown inside a building on a flat ground. Therefore, while rare alpine plants and tropical plants native to overseas are being grown indoors, they can be viewed in a virtual manner in a natural state. For example, Western orchids generally prefer hot and humid, but since winter has a minimum temperature of 7 ° C. to 15 ° C., it is essential to grow indoors in winter. In particular, orchids growing on tree branches in the place of origin grow near 100% in humidity and in the light of tree leakage. However, in order to grow indoors at home, it was impossible to grow because of the difficulty in adjusting the humidity and light, but using the apparatus of the present invention, such kind of orchid can be easily grown. Can bloom.
[0013]
For long-day plants (sunshine time 13 hours or more) that bloom when the sunshine time is long, for example, snapdragon, carnation, betunia, calendula, etc., it is sufficient to grow the sunshine time by turning on a sunshine lamp. Conversely, short-day plants (sunshine hours of less than 9 to 13 hours) that bloom when the sunshine time is shorter, such as morning glory, marigold, cosmos, chrysanthemum, etc., can be grown without using a sunshine lamp.
[0014]
There are many tropical flowering trees, such as Intelmedia, Electa, and Passiflora, but they can bloom all year round if there is enough moderate sunlight and temperature. In addition, there are a positive plant of a kind that prefers sunshine and a negative plant of a kind that prefers shade. The former can be grown by irradiating strong light using a lamp. There are many plants that prefer strong light (50,000 lux) or more, such as Zinnia, Hanasbergi, sunflower and canna. Furthermore, as a growth environment factor, there is soil pH, and in the present invention, a soil pH adjusting means capable of introducing an acidic or basic solution into the soil can be provided. For example, plants that prefer acidic soil include bromeliads, hydrandia, asiaticum, camellia, and the like. Conversely, plants that prefer basic soil include cacti, primula, polyantha, and the like.
[0015]
The plant growing display device of the present invention can artificially create a climatic environment close to the place of origin of the plant, and thus can function as a virtual case for plant growing. Even plants that are not suitable for cultivation in Japan can create a dream space where they can be brilliantly cultivated. For example, Beconia can be enjoyed indoors by blossoming all year round. Short-day plants such as poinsettia can be grown by artificially changing the flowering date by adjusting the lighting, and tulips can be grown by artificially changing the flowering date by adjusting the amount of light and the temperature. Furthermore, even in Japan, where the climate is bad, plants that are treated as biennials can be treated as perennials by artificially changing the climatic conditions such as lighting and temperature. By using the apparatus of the present invention, tropical or alpine flowers and potted flowers can be enjoyed all year round, and can also be used in experimental research on plant ecology, adaptability, etc. A plant growing display device for creating a virtual space for use.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples shown in the drawings.
1 is a perspective view showing a plant growing display apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG.
[0017]
【Example】
In this plant growing display device, the front and both sides of a closed type showcase 2 in which a potted plant P is placed are formed of a glass plate (transparent member) 3 having a dew condensation preventing function, and the temperature is adjusted in the case. 4, 6 and heat exchanger 24 for controlling humidity, steam blowing duct 11 and humidifier 13 for adjusting humidity, sunshine lamp 16 and lighting lamp 17 for adjusting light environment factors, and adjusting soil moisture. And a sprinkling nozzle (water supply nozzle) 22 for controlling the operation of these growth environment (climate environment) factor adjusting means, which can be automatically controlled by the electric control device 29 through the detecting means 7, 12, 15 and the like. It is.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, an ornamental plant P such as Saintpaulia is planted in a cylindrical pot 5 containing the soil 1, and is put in a showcase 2 having a hermetically sealed structure as a potted plant. The showcase 2 has a caster 9, and its shape and size are a box having a plane square of about 1 m on a side and a height of about 1.8 m. The showcase 2 has an opening / closing door (not shown) on the back side for putting the plant P in and out. The interior of the showcase 2 can be adjusted and controlled to a growth environment factor suitable for the type of the plant P by various means for adjusting and controlling the growth environment factors such as temperature, humidity, light environment, and soil moisture. It has been.
[0019]
The front and both left and right sides of the showcase 2 are formed of a transparent glass plate 3 having a U-shaped cross section so that the inside of the showcase 2 can be easily seen from the outside. The glass plate 3 is made of a material having a dew condensation preventing function. Therefore, even when the humidity inside and outside the case is high, dew condensation does not occur on the surface of the glass plate 3 so that the inside of the showcase 2 can always be seen well.
[0020]
The showcase 2 includes a breeding environment adjusting means for adjusting the factor of the indoor growing (climate) environment, and a control device capable of setting an operation program for controlling the cultivating environment factor adjusting means according to the type of the plant P. Is provided. Specifically, means for adjusting the temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light environment factors are provided in the showcase 2. The temperature adjusting means adjusts the temperature inside the case using warm air / cold air as a medium. As shown in FIG. 4, a heat exchanger 24 which is stored in the upper part on the rear side of the case and produces air at a set temperature, and The air conditioner includes a connected cool air compressor (air conditioner) 14, a hot air / cold air supply port 8 to which hot air / cold air is supplied, a duct 4 for blowing hot air, and a duct 6 for blowing cold air. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot-air outlet duct 4 supplies hot air from the heat exchanger 24 into the case, and opens upward on the floor of the showcase 2. On the other hand, the cool air blowing duct 6 supplies cool air from the cool air compressor 14 into the case, and opens downward on the side of the top plate of the showcase 2. Further, a temperature sensor 7 for detecting a temperature is mounted in the showcase 2, and the operation of the hot air blowing duct 4 and the cold air blowing duct 6 is automatically controlled by a detection signal of the temperature sensor 7. I have.
[0021]
The humidity adjusting means includes a humidifier 13 which is stored in the upper portion on the rear side of the case and produces steam at an appropriate temperature, and a steam blowing duct 11 connected to the humidifier. The steam outlet duct 11 opens upward at the rear of the floor of the showcase 2. Further, a humidity sensor 12 for detecting humidity in the case is attached to a lower portion in the showcase 2, and the operation of the steam blowing duct 11 is automatically controlled by a detection signal of the humidity sensor 12. . The humidifier 13 is stored compactly in the upper part of the storage room R on the rear side of the case, as shown in FIG. 4, together with the cool air compressor 14 as the temperature adjusting means.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, a sunshine lamp (sunlight light) 16 and a lighting lamp 17 are provided as light environment factor adjusting means (sunlight / illumination adjusting means). As shown in FIG. 3, the sunshine lamp 16 and the illumination lamp 17 are arranged close to each other on the top plate of the showcase 2 so that the plant P can be irradiated with light from above. A light environment detection sensor (sunlight sensor, illumination sensor, etc.) 15 with a built-in timer for detecting the light environment such as the sunshine time and brightness in the case is attached below the top plate of the showcase 2. Although the sunshine lamp (sunlight light) 16 and the illumination lamp 17 can be automatically turned on, it is of course possible to turn on the light manually and in a timely manner. The sunshine lamp 16 is turned on periodically or irregularly to mainly compensate for the shortage of sunshine time in the case. The lighting lamp 17 is turned on as appropriate when the showcase 2 is used in a dark place, but is also turned on especially when the plant P is lit up at night. In addition, both or one of an ultraviolet lamp and an infrared lamp can be used as appropriate instead of both or one of the sunshine lamp 16 and the illumination lamp 17. When an ultraviolet lamp or an infrared lamp is used, a sterilizing ability, a photosynthetic ability, a heat retaining ability, and the like for the plant P can be promoted.
[0023]
As a water supply means (moisture adjusting means) for preventing drying of the soil 1 and the plant P, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of watering nozzles 22 for adjusting soil and leaf moisture are provided in the showcase 2 as shown in FIG. It is arranged around the guest soil 1 and above the plant P. The nozzle 22 allows water to be manually or automatically sprayed on the soil 1 or the leaves of the plant P. In the case of automatic watering, electric watering can be performed regularly or irregularly by timer control. The type of the nozzle 22 includes a type that sprays water by a drip method and a type that sprays water by a spray method. A moisture sensor (not shown) for detecting moisture (dryness) in the soil is attached to the soil 1, and the operation of the watering nozzle 22 is automatically controlled by a detection signal of the moisture sensor. Here, the sprinkling nozzle 22 detects and operates the dry state of the soil 1 or the plant P, and operates it. Therefore, the operation can be controlled by the detection signal of the humidity sensor 12 instead of the moisture sensor. As shown in FIG. 2, the hose-side ends of the plurality of watering nozzles 22 are removably attached to nine irrigation hose connection ports 18 formed on the rear front side of the showcase 2.
[0024]
In addition, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 19 denotes an exhaust port for discharging air in the showcase 2, and reference numeral 21 denotes a discharge port of the humidifier 13 which is opened at an upper portion of the showcase 2. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 23 denotes a fan for introducing air into the showcase 2 through the air inlet 27. Further, in FIG. 4, reference numerals 26 and 28 denote a water supply sub-tank and a water supply main tank, respectively, connected to a water supply member such as the watering nozzle 22. 29 is an operation program for controlling the operation of the growth environment factor adjusting means, an electric control device incorporating an electric circuit, etc., 31 is a water pump for sending water to the watering nozzle 22, and 32 is a compressor for producing compressed air for watering. It is.
[0025]
In the above configuration, when the temperature in the showcase 2 becomes higher than a predetermined range, the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7 and the cool air is blown out from the cool air blowing duct 6 to lower the temperature to the predetermined temperature. Conversely, when the temperature in the showcase 2 becomes lower than a predetermined range, the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7 and hot air is blown out from the hot air blowing duct 4 to increase the temperature to the predetermined temperature. Further, when the humidity in the showcase 2 becomes lower than a predetermined range, the humidity sensor 12 detects this, and the appropriate temperature steam supplied from the humidifier 13 is blown out from the steam blow-out duct 11 to reach the predetermined humidity range. Enhance.
[0026]
When the illumination becomes dark at night or when the plant growing display device is used in a dark place, the light environment factor detection sensor (illuminance sensor) 15 detects this, and the illumination lamp 17 is turned on based on this detection signal. Then, the lighting in the virtual showcase 2 is performed. Therefore, the plants P for viewing in the showcase 2 are illuminated, so that the plants P are fantastically lit up to produce a show window effect, and function as a high-grade interior. Further, when the daylight hours become short due to cloudy weather or the like and the daylight becomes insufficient, the light environment detection sensor (sunlight sensor) 15 with a built-in timer detects this, and the sunshine lamp 16 is turned on to turn on the plant P. A light component equivalent to sunlight is irradiated to the leaves for a predetermined time.
[0027]
When the water content of the soil 1 or the plant P is less than a predetermined value and the water is approaching a dry state, the water sensor (or the humidity sensor 12) detects this and the water pump 31 is operated, and a plurality of watering nozzles are operated. Water is supplied from 22 for a predetermined time. That is, by operating the watering compressor 32, water is forcibly supplied from the water supply main tank 28 to the sprinkling nozzle 22 for soil and leaves, and a required amount of water in the form of droplets or mist is sprayed on the soil 1 and the leaves of the plant P. . Therefore, water is sprayed and supplied to the soil 1 and the plant P from the watering nozzle 22, so that the moisture in the soil 1 is maintained in a predetermined range, and soil drying can be prevented beforehand.
[0028]
If this plant growing display device is used, an operation program for setting the environment according to the plant P in the showcase 2 is provided, and it is possible to control and grow to a climatic environment factor suitable for the type of the plant P. Therefore, even alpine plants and rare plants native to foreign countries, which were difficult to grow under normal climatic and environmental conditions, can be successfully grown in hospitals and government offices. Therefore, an observer M, such as a visitor or a staff member, who has visited a hospital or government office, can enjoy beautiful alpine plants P and the like in a virtual space case in the same state as when naturally growing outdoors.
[0029]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various application modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a plurality of plants P may be arranged in the showcase 2, and in this case, the plurality of plants P can be arranged vertically or horizontally. The front of the showcase 2 may be formed of the glass plate 3 only if necessary, or the front, side and top surfaces of the showcase 2 may be entirely formed of the glass plate 3.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the temperature and humidity in the showcase are controlled and grown according to the type of plant, so that even alpine plants that are difficult to grow under normal climate and environment can be grown indoors well. This is an excellent effect that beautiful alpine plants and the like can be viewed in real life as they are.
[0031]
In the case where a light environment factor adjusting means such as a sun light or a lighting lamp is provided in the showcase, the plants can be clearly lit up, and the interior can be decorated as a high-grade green interior. Further, even when the present apparatus is installed in a place with poor sunshine, it is possible to reliably prevent plant growth failure due to insufficient sunlight.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plant growing display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Guest soil 2 Showcase 3 Glass plate (transparent material)
4 Hot air outlet duct 5 Pot 6 Cold air outlet duct 7 Temperature sensor 8 Hot / cold air supply port 9 Caster 11 Steam outlet duct 12 Humidity sensor 13 Humidifier (humidity adjusting means)
14 Cold air compressor (air conditioner, temperature adjusting means)
15 Light environment detection sensor (illuminance sensor, sunshine sensor)
16 Lamps for sunlight (sunlight, light environment factor adjustment means)
17 Lighting lamps (light environment factor adjustment means)
18 Hose connection port 19 Exhaust port 21 Spout port 22 Sprinkling nozzle (water supply nozzle, moisture adjusting means)
23 fan 24 heat exchanger (temperature adjusting means)
26 Water supply sub-tank 27 Inlet 28 Water supply main tank 29 Electric control equipment 31 Water pump 32 Watering compressor P Appreciation plant R Storage room

Claims (2)

A plant growing display device for growing plants planted in a soil in a closed type showcase, wherein a water supply nozzle for supplying water to the soil, a temperature and a humidity in the showcase are provided in the showcase. A plant growing display device comprising: a sensor for detecting a growing environmental factor such as the above; The growing environment factor is a light environment factor such as sunshine and lighting, and a sensor for detecting the light environment factor and a light environment factor adjusting means for adjusting the light environment factor based on the detection signal are provided in the showcase. The plant growing display device according to claim 1, wherein:

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