JPS59205919A - Plant culturing and growing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to horticulture, and more particularly to apparatus for growing plants under controlled conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, there has been rapid development in greenhouse cultivation technology, particularly in the area of early plant development. Various hydroponic and aeroponic techniques are disclosed in patent specifications and known in the market.

Various cultivation pincer systems for greenhouses have been proposed. One example is Rough Brothers Inc.
Ro-Flo Benchi manufactured by p.0.B.16010, Cincinnati, Onojima Io, 45216, USA)
ng System. The system includes a floating channel and a cultivation channel that rests on bearings.

The cultivation system that uses a horizontal shaking table is Intransitpr.
oduct handling aystema (de
hondarrargen6, postbus
87. 2678 ZHdelier, Netherlands). This system uses rolling rods to impart lateral movement to the individual platforms.

A similar type of cultivation system with a self-contained irrigation system and a bottom tubular hydrothermal heating system was developed by Bowman b.
, v, (Jac, Takkade 3.1432, Aa
lsmeer.

Manufactured by the Netherlands).

The bottom electric heating device for plant growth is well known, GeBa1l.
Pacific Inc (P, 0.B, 9055,
Sunnyvale.

Manufactured by California, USA).

Many greenhouse systems, including the advanced systems mentioned above, have a number of significant disadvantages. They can be summarized as follows.

(1) Very energy intensive in maintaining the desired environmental temperature. This limits the types of plants for which it is economical to grow in the system, the seasons in which the cultivation can be carried out, and the geographical locations suitable for the cultivation.

(2) The above-mentioned advanced systems are very expensive and require very expensive underlying support structures.

(3) The advanced systems described above are very complex, costly and require constant high levels of maintenance attention. These cannot be maintained by users.

(4) These advanced systems are designed and constructed primarily for large-scale production and are not suitable for average small-scale production due to complexity, capital costs, and maintenance.

(5) Conventional systems, including the advanced systems mentioned above,
Not designed to confine disease transmission within the system structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provides a device for cultivating and growing plants that is easy to use, relatively simple and inexpensive. A first feature of the invention is that the operating cost of the device is relatively low.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, (A)(i)
(11) a plurality of plant cultivation device components each comprising a heating device and a 6Φ plant tray support; Connect multiple constituent units together,
An extension member for rearranging it as one unit,
and (C) to provide a plant cultivation and development device comprising a device for movably supporting the constituent units.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing is formed from a foamed plastic material and may be of rectangular or square general construction defining side walls, a bottom wall and structural members for supporting the plant tray. Said component also includes a liquid drainage molded plate with an inclined surface that allows substantially complete drainage when desired.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electric heating element is provided for heating the plants. The heating element preferably operates at low voltage and includes a +7, p-type conductor that provides heat within the housing whether or not it is surrounded by water. It is recognized that when the conductor comes into contact with water, a desired steam environment is provided under the plant. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ribbon conductor is woven through a large grid mesh, such as a conventional plastic fence.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned IJ z
The conductor may operate to provide heat transfer primarily by radiation and is preferably formed of aluminum foil approximately 0.11 m thick.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each component unit for plant growth can be selectively associated with a tent, which provides a separate small environment for plant cultivation within the unit. Adequate ventilation of the tent makes it possible to provide the desired separate environments for the roots of the plants and the superstructure in each component.

Providing a plant growth unit in combination with a tent is very economically advantageous. This is because the desired heating environment can be limited to the capacity of the tent and the remainder of the greenhouse can be kept at a lower temperature. This allows less complex greenhouse structures to be used while reducing energy costs.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overhanging member connecting the component units together not only connects the component units, but also provides a mechanically strong outer edge.
It comprises a specially designed profile, typically extruded from aluminum. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said profile defines at least one bearing surface over which the wheeled cart can move. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said profile can also define a bearing surface over which the coupling component can move relative to a movable or fixed support.

Furthermore, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, the device for movably supporting the connected units is arranged such that the device for movably supporting the connected units is capable of rolling bearing surfaces defining internal slots formed in the bottom surfaces of the unit housing songs of some of the connected units. It comprises a bearing support matingly attached to the support device. A further slot may be formed across said slot to allow repositioning of the coupling unit along an axis at an angle of 90° to said initial axis of movement. This allows rectangular (non-square) units in two different width configurations to be connected for movement together.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figure IA and Figure I showing two typical types of greenhouse layouts
Please refer to B. Figure IA shows one row of central supports (10)
It provides a layout suitable for use with structures that have . As is clear from the figure, the cultivation unit) (13)
The unit row (12) is typically arranged to move as a unit along the axial direction indicated by the arrow (14). A movable and selectable small passageway (16) between the
provide. Unit row (12) of cultivation unit) (13)
It is clear that by moving the position of each cultivation unit it is possible to approach each cultivation unit from at least two sides.

Main moving cart (18) and secondary moving cart) (19),
along the central aisle (20) and the minor aisles (16) respectively.
It is shown in combination with a cultivation unit.

Figure IB shows another embodiment of a greenhouse layout with two rows of spaced apart building supports (22). In Figure IB, a unit row (24) of cultivation units (26) is arranged to move in and out of the main passageway (30) along the axial direction indicated by the arrow (28). Main passage (3
In 0), the unit rows (24) can also be transported to different locations by suitable carts [see (32)].

In this embodiment, a fixed small passageway (34) is provided.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cultivation unit constructed and operated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in partial cross-section. The cultivation unit shown in FIG. 2 comprises a fixed pace (40) comprising legs (42) and lateral buffs (44).

The legs (42) are ordinary square IJ, --shaped leveling device (46)
It is equipped with Cultivation 22. The support bearing (48) that movably supports the housing (50) is connected to the leg portion (42).
Attach and place directly on top. Support bearing (4
It is an important feature of the invention that 8) is located directly on top of the leg (42). This is because the legs of the movable Howsong (50) can be directly supported by the legs, and therefore the fixed pace (40)
design because it requires less structure, weight and cost compared to prior art configurations using nine rollers that require lateral support across the pace width. be.

a movable housing (50) is a constituent unit;
It typically has a rectangular or square overall external shape and is formed from an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene. The housing (50) is integrally molded and defines a sidewall (52) having a generally uniform cross-sectional shape.

The bottom surface (54) of the movable one-71 Uzing (50) is
The arrangement of horizontal slits (56) and (58) arranged at right angles to each other is defined. The slit (56) is a support bearing (48)
3, and is reinforced with a metal or other hard lining (60) as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a stop member (
62), which engage each leg (42) to limit the range of movement of the housing (50) relative to the pace (40) along the axial direction indicated by arrow (64).

The sleeve (58), by engaging the support bearing, for example in the manner shown in FIG. Place for. This makes it possible to connect rectangular rather than square units with two different width shapes to each other for a common movement.

The housing (50) is shaped to define a structural support (66) that supports a liquid drainage surface (68). A liquid drainage surface (68) communicates with a water supply and drainage unit (70), which in turn communicates with a liquid connection (72) defined by one side of the nozzle (50). The drainage surface (6
8) Place an electric heating unit (74) on top, and place a plant cultivation container (76) on top of this electric heating unit (74), which can be suitably of any desired size and shape.

The arrangement of devices related to the housing (50) is shown in Figures 5 and 6.
and shown in FIG. It is clear from these figures that the drainage surface (68) is formed with one or more liquid supply ports (75) in the foot 1, and the liquid supply ports (75) are located in the sloped drainage groove (78). In communication with the arrangement, said inclined drain (78) is led to a liquid return filter (79) which serves to trap material so as not to clog the system. The outlet of the filter (79) communicates with the liquid outlet (81).

Filter (79) can be any suitable type of filter, including, of course, biological filters. The fluid systems of the individual housings (50) may be separate, or alternatively, typically connected within a unit array to mechanically connect the housings. Such absolute or relative separation is effective in controlling the spread of disease or other contamination.

Connecting members (80), typically extruded sections formed from aluminum, engage side edge portions of each of the plurality of housings (50). This connecting member (80) has multiple functions. First, when provided on both opposing side edges of each housing (50), it serves to connect a large number of housings (50), typically up to 10 or more, as one unit. There is. Second, it provides a mechanically strong and wear-resistant edge surface for the assembled unit. Furthermore,
One or more bearing surfaces (82) may be provided on which a cart or other element may be held and moved. This cart will be described later.

The overall structure of the housing (50) is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 40. Figures 4A and 4B show the substructure of the lower housing part (84), and Figure 40 shows the shape of the side wall part (52) of the housing and its position offset upwardly from the lower housing part (84). .

A marten (90) is positioned in sealing relationship over the housing (50) to provide a controllable microenvironment for the plant superstructure growing within the housing (50). Ten)
(90) is also shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Ten) (9
0) is typically formed from a plastic sheet (92) supported on a pair of curved arm members (94) connected by a central joint member (96). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said curved arm member (94) comprises a supply conduit (94).
8) - also serves as a gas conduit from a source of pressurized gas, for example cooling air (not shown), which is connected via the. In this embodiment, a large number of outlets (99) are connected to the arm member (
94) toward the inside of the tent. This method allows the environment and temperature inside the tent to be changed without requiring removal or replacement of the tent. Alternatively, cooling air or other cooling means may be circulated within the controllable microenvironment by any other means.

Figures 9A and 9B show a car mounted so as to move along the bearing surface (82) of the overhanging profile connecting element (80).
100). The cart is useful for collecting plants from or distributing plants to housing units. The cart (100) is usually mounted by providing a bracket (102) on the underside of the cart. a grooved wheel (10) engaging said surface (82);
4) The second recessed bearing surface (io
s) a lower wheel (106) that engages with said bladder. It is rotatably mounted on the 2-piece (102).

Figures 1OA and 10B show a cart similar to the cart (100), but supported on bearing surfaces (82) of two adjacent spaced connection members (80) in adjacent rows of cultivation units. The cart (110) arranged for movement is shown.The electric heating unit and its electrical connections are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. It is clear from the drawing,
The heating unit comprises a ribbon-type conductor (12), which is typically a commercially available aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.1M. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ribbon conductor (112) is woven into an insulating grid, such as a commercially available plastic fence grid. The conductor (
The free end of 112) is connected to the contact terminal (114) and further to the conductor (1
16) to a low voltage (typically 12 volt) power source.

heating unit) (74) to the plant cultivation container (76),
It is an important feature of the invention that heat is provided by conduction and convection when liquid is present in the irrigation cycle, and by radiation when no liquid is present during the irrigation cycle.

The device of the invention may be based on downward irrigation, which intermittently supplies water from the opening of the plant cultivation container (76) to the roots of the plants within the container. In the middle of irrigation,
Drain the water as completely as possible from the drainage surface (68). Alternatively, the device of the invention may be used in any other suitable cultivation technique.

FIG. 13 is now a cross-sectional view of the coupling element (80), showing the special features of the coupling element (80). The coupling elements (80) each define a dowel bearing surface (82) and a cage bearing surface (108). It further defines stop members (120) (122) provided for positioning a connecting plate (not shown) for connecting two extended length elements (80) in a coaxial series arrangement. do.

It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments particularly detailed above. The present invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures IA and IB are illustrations of the layout of a 2u greenhouse according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a plant cultivation and development unit assembled and operated in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line lll-'In in FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C are a plan view, a side view, and a partial cross-sectional view, respectively, of a housing forming part of the plant cultivation and development unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a partially sectional plan view of the plant cultivation unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a liquid drainage surface used in the cultivation unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a partial side sectional view of the movable bearing mount for the cultivation unit shown in FIG. 2. 9A and 9B are a side view and a plan view, respectively, of a movable cart arranged in engagement with a single connecting section in the structural unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 1OA and 10B are a side view and a bottom view, respectively, of a movable cart positioned in engagement with a pair of spaced adjacent connecting sections in the component shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view of an electric heating element used in the component shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing electrical connections to the electric heating elements in the component unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an overhanging connecting section used to connect the structural units shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 14A and 14B are a bottom view and a partial cross-sectional view, respectively, of the tent shown in FIG. 2. 13.26 Cultivation unit, 48 Support bearing, 50 Housing, 68 Liquid drainage surface, 74
... Electric heating unit, 76 ... Plant cultivation container, 80
...Connection member. Below margins FIG, 4A FIG, 48 FIG, 4C FIG, 6 FIG, 5 FIG, 7 FIG, 9A FIG, 9B FIG, l0A FIG, n FIG, 12 FIG, 13 FIG, +4A FIG, 14B

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. (A) (ri) each comprising: a housing formed from an insulating material and defining a connection for a liquid flow system; (11) a heating device; and (iii) a plant tray support. , a plurality of plant cultivation and growth device constituent units; (B) the plurality of constituent units are connected together;
A device for cultivating and growing plants, comprising an overhanging member for relocating the component unit as a unit, and a device for supporting the component unit in a movable direction. 3. A device according to claim 1, formed from a foamed plastic material in a rectangular general shape defining a structural member for supporting the plant tray.3. Claims 1 and 2, comprising a liquid drainage molded plate, sometimes arranged with an inclined surface providing substantially complete drainage of the liquid. 4. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating device comprises an electric heating element providing bottom heating to plants placed thereon. 5. The electric heating element comprises a z-shaped conductor that operates at low voltage and provides bottom heating whether or not the conductor is surrounded by water. 4. The device of claim 4. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the threaded conductor is woven into a supporting insulating grid mesh. 7. The device of claim 5. According to any one of claims 1 to 6, each of the constituent units further comprises a tent providing a separate small environment for cultivating plants therein. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the component unit further comprises a device for providing a selected gas environment to the small environment. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus for providing an environment comprises apparatus for providing a cooling gas for cooling the small environment.10. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the provided apparatus comprises a gas conduit arrangement defining a structural support for the tent.11. 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the ejection device comprises a profile connecting the component units and providing a mechanically strong outer edge. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the profile defines at least one bearing surface over which a wheeled cart can move. 13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the material defines a bearing surface over which the connecting component can move relative to a fixed or movable support. 14. A device for movably supporting the connecting component units is mounted on the supporting device such that bearing surfaces defining internal slots formed in the bottom surfaces of some unit housings of the connecting units are movably engaged with each other. 14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a bearing support. 15. The component unit is formed with a first and second pair of slots on the bottom surface arranged orthogonally to each other so as to allow rearrangement of the component units along mutually orthogonal axes. Claims 1 to 14
The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. 16. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said liquid drainage forming plate defines a flat support surface. 17. A plant cultivation and growth device component comprising: (i) a housing made of a thermally insulating material and defining the connection of a liquid flow system; (11) a heating device; and (iii) a plant support. 18. A unit according to claim 17, wherein the housing is formed from a foamed plastic material in a rectangular general shape defining side walls, a bottom wall and a structural member for supporting the plant. 19. Claims 17 and 19, wherein said component further comprises a liquid drainage molded plate disposed with an inclined surface providing substantially complete drainage of liquid when desired; The unit according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 19. 20. The liquid drainage molded plate comprises at least one liquid solar eclipse located at the top of the slope and at least one liquid solar eclipse located at the bottom of the slope. A unit according to claim 19. 21. The liquid drainage molded plate has at least one of the above
Claim 2 further comprising a filter positioned in fluid communication with the two liquid outlets.
The unit described in item 0. 22. The heating device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the heating device comprises an electric heating element providing bottom heating to plants placed thereon. unit. 23. Does the electric heating element operate at low voltage and provide bottom heating regardless of whether the conductor is surrounded by water? Claim 22 comprises a conductor of the same type.
Units listed in section. 24. The ribbon-type conductor is a supporting insulating grid. The second claim is incorporated into the above patent claim.
The unit described in Section 3. 25. According to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the component unit further comprises a tent providing a separate microenvironment for the cultivation of plants therein. Units listed. 26. The unit of claim 25, wherein the component further comprises a device for providing a selected gas environment to the microenvironment. 27. The device providing the selected gas environment is
27. A unit as claimed in claim 26, comprising a device for providing cooling gas for cooling the microenvironment. 28. A unit according to claim 26, wherein the device for providing a selected gas environment comprises a gas conduit device defining a structural support for the tent. 29. The housing is formed with first and second pairs of slots arranged orthogonally to each other in the bottom surface to permit repositioning of the housing along mutually orthogonal axes. The unit according to any one of items 17 to 28. 30. A liquid drainage molded plate for use in a plant cultivation device having an inclined surface that provides substantially complete drainage of liquid when desired. 31. The liquid drainage molded plate comprises at least one liquid sunrise located at the apex of the slope and at least one liquid sunrise located at the bottom of the slope. A molded plate according to claim 30. 32. The molded plate of claim 30, wherein said liquid drainage molded plate further comprises a filter positioned in liquid communication with said at least one liquid outlet.