JP5378262B2 - Hydroponics equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydroponic apparatus promoting photosynthesis in cultivation while simplifying equipment and reducing the number of man-hour required for supply of materials for generating carbon dioxide, and thereby enabling efficient cultivation of plants. <P>SOLUTION: The hydroponic apparatus includes a plurality of culture media 2 for planting plants P, a culture medium-holding body 3 holding the culture media 2, a solution supply mechanism 5 for supplying nutrient solution in a nutrient solution tank 8 to the culture media 2, and a purifier 6 purifying the nutrient solution supplied by the solution supply mechanism 5 by bringing the nutrient solution into contact with a photocatalyst. The purifier 6 is disposed on a position being on the culture medium-holding body 3 and surrounded with the plurality of culture media 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a circulating hydroponic cultivation apparatus for growing plants.

  Conventionally, it is generally known to cultivate plants using soil. In this case, carbon dioxide necessary for the photosynthesis of the plant is supplied to the plant by the action of microorganisms that inhabit the soil. By supplying carbon dioxide, plant photosynthesis is actively performed, and plant growth is also promoted.

  Moreover, the method of cultivating a plant without using soil, such as hydroponics different from such a conventional cultivation method, is also known. In this case, since the cultivation is performed in an environment separated from the soil, carbon dioxide necessary for the photosynthesis of the plant is insufficient as compared with the case described above. Therefore, carbon dioxide is actively supplied to plants by preparing a carbon dioxide supply source (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, there is a problem that it is expensive to install and operate such a supply source.

  By the way, as another technique in hydroponic cultivation, the nutrient solution generated when cultivating plants and the like is once led out of the greenhouse, purified using a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide, and then returned to the greenhouse. The method is known. In such an apparatus, attention is paid to the fact that unnecessary organic substances contained in the nutrient solution are decomposed by the oxidizing action of the photocatalyst.

  As a result of various researches to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have noticed that carbon dioxide is generated when the nutrient solution is purified by the above-mentioned photocatalyst. It has been found that it is possible to eliminate the need for a special carbon dioxide supply source or reduce its capacity.

JP-A-11-275965

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-described circumstances and investigation results, and an object thereof is to provide a hydroponic cultivation apparatus that can easily solve the above-described problems.

  The present invention takes the following means in order to solve the above-described problems. That is, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to the present invention is a circulation type for cultivating a plant using a nutrient solution stored in a nutrient solution tank, and a plurality of culture media for planting these, and these A culture medium holder for holding a culture medium, a liquid supply mechanism for supplying the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank to the culture medium, and a purifier for purifying the nutrient solution supplied by the liquid supply mechanism in contact with the photocatalyst The purifier is arranged on the medium holding body and at a position surrounded by a plurality of mediums.

  Here, the “nutrient solution” means a liquid necessary for culture, and includes pure water and the like.

  Examples of the “medium” include a foam filled with open cells and a porous material such as rock wool or hydrocorn filled in a pot.

  “Photocatalyst” means that when irradiated with light of energy higher than the band gap between the conduction band and valence band of an oxide crystal, electrons and holes are generated by excitation of electrons in the valence band. In addition to titanium oxide that is harmless, chemically stable, can be obtained at low cost, and has high band gap energy, it is possible to use various materials such as tungsten oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide. In addition to sunlight, the light source used for photoexcitation of the photocatalyst may be indoor lighting such as a fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp.

  “On the medium holder” refers to the surface side of the medium holder, and can be on the surface of the medium holder as long as light can hit the photocatalyst provided in the purifier and perform its purification action. It may be separated upward from the surface. Moreover, only the part in which at least the photocatalyst is provided in the entire purifier may appear on the surface side of the culture medium holder.

  In addition, the expression “surrounded” includes not only the case where it is disposed at a position surrounded by three or more culture media, but also the one which is disposed at a position sandwiched between two culture media.

  If it is such, the carbon dioxide which generate | occur | produces by the purification | cleaning effect | action of a photocatalyst can be utilized effectively for the photosynthesis which a plant performs. That is, the carbon dioxide generated by the purification action of the photocatalyst is supplied from the purifier to the vicinity of the culture medium, so that a special supply source for supplying carbon dioxide becomes unnecessary or the scale thereof is increased. It can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to promote photosynthesis during cultivation while simplifying the facilities and reducing the number of man-hours required for supplying materials for generating carbon dioxide, and it becomes possible to grow plants efficiently.

  It is preferable that the purifier is held by the medium holder. As a method of holding the purifier, it is conceivable that the purifier is provided integrally with the culture medium holding body, or provided separately from the culture medium holding body and supported.

  As a preferred embodiment of the purifier, there may be mentioned one in which the photocatalyst is disposed in a purifier main body that guides the nutrient solution in a state where it can come into contact with light and air.

  As one specific example of such a purifier, there is one having a cylindrical purifier body that guides the nutrient solution on the inner surface of the translucent peripheral wall, and coating the inner surface with the photocatalyst. . The purifier body may be a bottomed cylinder or a bottomless cylinder. In addition, the coating method may be a method of applying locally over the entire area of the purifier main body or a method of applying locally.

  As another specific example of the purifier, there is a purifier having a purifier body provided with a groove for guiding a nutrient solution provided in the medium holding body, and the photocatalyst coated on the bottom wall of the groove.

  Still another specific example of the purifier comprises a purifier main body that guides the nutrient solution in a state of being exposed to light, and a photocatalyst holder that is removably accommodated in the purifier main body, The thing which hold | maintains a photocatalyst to the photocatalyst holding body is mentioned. If it is such, since it can replace | exchange when the purification | cleaning action of the photocatalyst of a photocatalyst holding body becomes weak, or a photocatalyst holding body becomes dirty, it becomes possible to maintain the purification | cleaning action of a purifier.

  In order to increase the contact area between the photocatalyst holder and the nutrient solution and to make the photocatalyst purifying action more active, the photocatalyst holder is floating along the flow of the nutrient solution, or the nutrient solution A stationary body that disturbs the flow is preferable.

  According to the present invention, photosynthesis at the time of cultivation can be promoted and plants can be efficiently cultivated while simplifying facilities and reducing man-hours required for replenishing materials for generating carbon dioxide. .

1 is an overall perspective view showing a hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The disassembled perspective view of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus concerning the embodiment. XX sectional drawing which abbreviate | omits and shows a part of FIG. Schematic which shows typically the principal part of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The expanded sectional view of the photocatalyst holding body of the embodiment. Schematic which shows typically the principal part of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Schematic which shows typically the principal part of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. Schematic which shows typically the principal part of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the hydroponic cultivation apparatus concerning 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is an end view taken along line YY in FIG. 9.

  Hereinafter, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a circulation type hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 for cultivating a plant P using a nutrient solution N stored in a nutrient solution tank 8. A plurality of mediums 2 for planting the plant P, a medium holding body 3 holding these mediums 2, and the roots of the plants P arranged on the back side of the medium holding body 3 and held in the medium 2 A cultivation bed 4 that allows the nutrient solution N to be touched, a fluid supply mechanism 5 for supplying the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 to the culture medium 2 through the cultivation bed 4, and the fluid supply mechanism. The purifier 6 that purifies the nutrient solution N supplied by 5 by contacting the photocatalyst 62 and the drainage mechanism 7 that circulates the excess nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 back to the nutrient solution tank 8. It has.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the medium 2 is formed by filling a pot 21 with a medium forming member 22, and is attached to a plurality of openings 33 formed in the medium holding body 3. ing. In this embodiment, the pot 21 is made of a natural material such as peat moss formed into a cup shape, and the medium forming member 22 is calcined zeolite.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the culture medium holder 3 is made of a synthetic resin, and a top plate 31 disposed above the cultivation bed 4 at a predetermined interval, and the top plate 31. And a drooping wall 32 depending from each edge. The top plate 31 of the culture medium holding body 3 has a culture medium holding opening 33 for arranging the culture medium 2, a purifier opening 34 for attaching the purifier 6, and the nutrient solution tank 8. And a management opening 35 for injecting or discharging the nutrient solution N. It should be noted that a lid member (not shown) is attached to the opening 35 to prevent evaporation of the nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 from the opening 35 and to prevent entry of dust, dust, and the like. I have to.

  2 and 3, the cultivation bed 4 is made of a synthetic resin such as foamed styrene, has a flat box shape having a standing wall 41 continuous to the periphery, It is disposed substantially horizontally near the upper surface opening 81. That is, the cultivation bed 4 is supported by the bottom wall 82 of the nutrient solution tank 8 via the spacer 91. The bottom wall 42 of the cultivation bed 4 is provided with an opening 43 for supplying liquid and an opening 44 for draining. The liquid supply opening 43 is provided in such a manner that its axis coincides with or substantially coincides with the purifier opening 34 of the culture medium holder 3. Further, the drainage opening 44 is provided so that its axial center coincides with or substantially coincides with the management opening 35 of the medium holder 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid supply mechanism 5 supplies a liquid pump 51 disposed in the nutrient solution tank 8 and a nutrient solution N discharged from the liquid pump 51 to the purifier 6. And a liquid supply pipe 52 to be supplied onto the cultivation bed 4. One end side of the liquid supply pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the liquid pump 51, and the other end side liquid-tightly penetrates the liquid supply opening 43 provided in the cultivation bed 4, and the culture medium holding body 3. It passes through the central part of the opening 34 for the purifier provided at the top and protrudes toward the upper surface side of the culture medium holder 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the purifier 6 is disposed on the medium holding body 3 at a position surrounded by a plurality of mediums 2. In this embodiment, the purifier 6 is 4 in plan view. It is positioned so as to be equidistant from the two culture media 2 and is held by the culture media holder 3. The purifier 6 includes a cylindrical purifier main body 61 that guides the nutrient solution N on the inner surface of a translucent peripheral wall in a state where the nutrient solution N can be exposed to light and air. Are coated with the photocatalyst 62. The purifier body 61 is made of transparent glass having a cylindrical shape with the upper end closed, and guides the nutrient solution N in a state where it is exposed to light. The purifier main body 61 has a lower end portion opened downward to cover the other end side of the liquid supply pipe 52 and attached to the purifier opening 34 of the culture medium holder 3. In the present embodiment, a net-like positioning member 93 for positioning the lower end portion of the purifier main body 61 at the center of the purifier opening 34 is disposed on the cultivation bed 4. In addition, a reflection plate 92 is provided on the upper surface of the culture medium holder 3 to promote purification so as to surround the purifier body 61.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drainage mechanism 7 includes a drainage pipe 71 fitted in a liquid-tight manner to the drainage opening 44 provided in the cultivation bed 4. The liquid level of the nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 can be changed by adjusting the height position of the drainage pipe 71 with respect to the cultivation bed 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the nutrient solution tank 8 has a box shape opened upward, and the medium holding body 3 can be fitted inside the upper surface opening 81 without a gap. The nutrient solution N is stored in the inside.

  With such a configuration, by operating the liquid pump 51, the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 is sequentially supplied to the purifier 6, and on the inner surface of the purifier body 61 in the purifier 6. It flows down along and is supplied onto the cultivation bed 4. The surplus nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 is circulated by being returned to the nutrient solution tank 8 from the drainage pipe 71. Therefore, the plant P can be cultivated by the hydroponics method by planting the plant P in the medium 2.

  At that time, when the purifier 6 is exposed to the light of the sun or the illumination, the purifying action is exerted due to the strong oxidizing action by the photocatalyst 62 and the organic matter decomposition effect. That is, the nutrient solution N is kept in a relatively suitable state by decomposing and removing contaminants such as harmful microorganisms and fine dust and other impurities contained in the nutrient solution N by the purification action of the photocatalyst 62. Can do.

  Since carbon dioxide generated by this purification action has a higher specific gravity than other gases such as oxygen and nitrogen contained in the atmosphere, it accumulates in the space formed between the cultivation bed 4 and the culture medium holder 3. . The carbon dioxide in the space is supplied to the periphery of the root of the plant P and guided to the periphery of the plant P from the gap 23 between the pot 21 and the opening 33 for holding the medium. As a result, the plant P planted in the culture medium 2 actively performs photosynthesis using the carbon dioxide, and the growth of the plant P is promoted. On the other hand, fresh oxygen generated by photosynthesis diffuses into the atmosphere due to the difference in specific gravity.

  That is, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment, simplification of facilities, such as a special apparatus for supplying the carbon dioxide to the plant P, reduction of the man-hour required for the material supply for carbon dioxide generation, etc. Can be achieved. At the same time, photosynthesis of the plant P can be promoted, and the plant P can be efficiently cultivated. In particular, since the growth of the plant P is most promoted at a carbon dioxide concentration of 1500 ppm, it is preferable to approach this value.

  Moreover, since the hanging wall 32 of the culture medium holding body 3 is arranged outside the standing wall 41 of the cultivation bed 4, the carbon dioxide accumulated between the culture medium holding body 3 and the cultivation bed 4 is separated from the hanging wall 32 side. Escaping from the medium can be suppressed, and the medium 23 can be effectively supplied using the gap 23 or the like. Further, since the drooping wall 32 is housed in the peripheral wall of the nutrient solution tank 8, it is possible to prevent the nutrient solution N or water droplets from leaking outside from the drooping wall 32 side.

  Next, the hydroponics apparatus 1 concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5. In the following embodiments, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The liquid supply mechanism 5 of the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid pump 51 disposed in the nutrient solution tank 8 and the nutrient solution N discharged from the liquid pump 51 are placed on the cultivation bed 4 via the purifier 6. And a liquid supply pipe 52 to be supplied. One end of the liquid supply pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the liquid pump 51, and the other end is provided between a hole provided in the upper portion of the nutrient solution tank 8 or between the nutrient solution tank 8 and the hanging wall 32 of the culture medium holding body 3. It is guided onto the medium holding body 3 through a gap or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the purifier 6 of the present embodiment includes a purifier main body 61 that guides the nutrient solution N in a state of being exposed to light, and a photocatalyst holder that is removably accommodated in the purifier main body 61. A63 and the photocatalyst 62 is held by the photocatalyst holder A63. The purifier main body 61 includes a tray part A64 having a lower end opening faced on the cultivation bed 4 through the purifier opening 34 of the culture medium holding body 3, and a lid part A65 covering the upper part of the tray part A64. The other end of the liquid supply pipe 52 is connected to the upper end of the lid A65. A large number of photocatalyst holders A63, which are stationary bodies S that disturb the flow of the nutrient solution N, are arranged in the tray part A64.

  The stationary body S is made of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of the nutrient solution N, and includes, for example, spherical glass balls, stones, nets, porous materials, and the like. When the stationary body S is a glass ball A67 or a stone, the surface of the stationary body S may be coated with a photocatalyst 62 as shown in FIG. When the stationary body S is a net or a porous material, it is desirable to coat the photocatalyst 62 in the vicinity of the surface of the net or the hole. A66 is a net for preventing the stationary body S placed on the tray part A64 from spilling downward. Moreover, the said cover part A65 is provided with respect to the said saucer part A64 so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  If it is a thing of such a structure, the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 will be sequentially supplied on the cultivation bed 4 through the inside of the purifier 6 by operating the liquid pump 51. The surplus nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 is circulated by being returned to the nutrient solution tank 8 from the drainage pipe 71. Therefore, the plant P can be cultivated by the hydroponics method by planting the plant P in the medium 2. More specifically, the nutrient solution N supplied into the purifier 6 is disturbed in flow by a large number of stationary bodies S and falls so as to cut through gaps formed between the stationary bodies S. At that time, the nutrient solution N comes into contact with the photocatalyst 62 coated on the outer surface of the stationary body S, and the nutrient solution N is purified by the purification action of the photocatalyst.

  That is, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the photocatalyst holder A63 can be taken out from the purifier main body 61. Therefore, the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 can be maintained by exchanging the photocatalyst holder A63. Therefore, when the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 is weakened or the photocatalyst holder A63 itself becomes dirty, it is not necessary to replace the entire hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 or the entire purifier 6. Moreover, since the photocatalyst holding body A63 in this embodiment is mainly made of the glass ball A67, the nutrient solution N flows in a complicated manner along the outer surface of the glass ball A67. Therefore, compared with the case where the nutrient solution N flows through the inner surface of the cylindrical purifier main body 61 as described above, the area where the nutrient solution N is in contact with the photocatalyst 62 is increased, and purification can be performed more efficiently.

  Next, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The liquid supply mechanism 5 of the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid pump 51 disposed in the nutrient solution tank 8 and the nutrient solution N discharged from the liquid pump 51 are placed on the cultivation bed 4 via the purifier 6. And a liquid supply pipe 52 to be supplied. One end side of the liquid supply pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the liquid pump 51, and the other end side of the liquid supply pipe 52 liquid-tightly penetrates the liquid supply opening 43 provided in the cultivation bed 4. Protruding.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the purifier 6 of the present embodiment includes a purifier main body 61 that guides the nutrient solution N in a state where it is exposed to light, and a photocatalyst holder that is removably accommodated in the purifier main body 61. B63 and the photocatalyst 62 is held by the photocatalyst holder B63. The purifier main body 61 is made of a transparent material such as glass, and is placed on the cultivation bed 4 with the other end of the liquid supply pipe 52 connected to the lower end, and the upper end is the culture medium holder 3. A guide container B64 having a bottomed cylindrical shape that passes through the central portion of the opening 34 and protrudes onto the culture medium holding body 3, and a protective container B66 that covers the outside of the guide container B64. The purifier main body 61 is disposed so as to form an annular gap B68 between the inner periphery of the opening 34 of the culture medium holding body 3 and the outer periphery of the guide container B64. A large number of photocatalyst holders B63, which are stationary bodies S that disturb the flow of the nutrient solution N, are arranged in the guide vessel B64.

  The stationary body S is made of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of the nutrient solution N, and includes, for example, spherical glass balls, stones, nets, porous materials, and the like. When the stationary body S is a glass ball or stone, the surface of the stationary body S may be coated with the photocatalyst 62 in the same manner as in the second embodiment. When the stationary body S is a net or a porous material, it is desirable to coat the photocatalyst 62 in the vicinity of the surface of the net or the hole. B67 is a net for holding the stationary body S at a position where light strikes. The protective container B66 is made of, for example, transparent glass, and is detachably provided on the medium holding body 3 so as to cover the guide container B64.

  If it is a thing of such a structure, the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 will be sequentially supplied on the cultivation bed 4 through the inside of the purifier 6 by operating the liquid pump 51. The surplus nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 is circulated by being returned to the nutrient solution tank 8 from the drainage pipe 71. Therefore, the plant P can be cultivated by the hydroponics method by planting the plant P in the medium 2. More specifically, the nutrient solution N supplied into the purifier 6 is disturbed in flow by a large number of stationary bodies S, and rises through the gaps formed between the stationary bodies S. It overflows from the upper end opening B65 of B64. The overflowing nutrient solution N flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the guide vessel B64 and passes through the gap B68 formed between the inner periphery of the opening 34 formed in the culture medium holder 3 and the cultivation bed 4. Supplied on top. At that time, the nutrient solution N comes into contact with the photocatalyst 62 coated on the outer surface of the stationary body S, and the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 is performed.

  That is, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the photocatalyst holder B63 can be taken out from the purifier main body 61. Therefore, the purifying action of the photocatalyst 62 can be maintained by exchanging the photocatalyst holder B63. Therefore, when the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 is weakened or the photocatalyst holder B63 itself is soiled, it is not necessary to replace the entire hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 or the entire purifier 6. Moreover, since the photocatalyst holding body B63 in the present embodiment is made mainly of glass balls, the nutrient solution N flows in a complicated manner along the outer surface of the glass balls. Therefore, compared with the case where the nutrient solution N flows through the inner surface of the cylindrical purifier main body 61 as described above, the area where the nutrient solution N is in contact with the photocatalyst 62 is increased, and purification can be performed more efficiently.

  Next, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The liquid supply mechanism 5 of the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid pump 51 disposed in the nutrient solution tank 8 and the nutrient solution N discharged from the liquid pump 51 are placed on the cultivation bed 4 via the purifier 6. And a liquid supply pipe 52 to be supplied. One end of the liquid supply pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the liquid pump 51, and the other end is provided between a hole provided in the upper portion of the nutrient solution tank 8 or between the nutrient solution tank 8 and the hanging wall 32 of the culture medium holding body 3. It is guided onto the medium holding body 3 through a gap or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the purifier 6 of the present embodiment includes a purifier main body 61 that guides the nutrient solution N in a state of being exposed to light, and a photocatalyst holder that is removably accommodated in the purifier main body 61. The photocatalyst 62 is held by the photocatalyst holder C63. The purifier main body 61 is made of a transparent material such as glass, and is placed on the cultivation bed 4 with the other end of the liquid supply pipe 52 connected to the lower end, and the upper end is the culture medium holder 3. A guide container C64 having a bottomed cylindrical shape that passes through the central portion of the opening and protrudes on the culture medium holding body 3, and a protective container C66 that covers the outside of the guide container C64. The purifier main body 61 is disposed so as to form an annular gap C68 between the inner periphery of the opening of the culture medium holder 3 and the outer periphery of the guide container C64. In the guide container C64, a plurality of photocatalyst holders C63, which are floating bodies M that float along the flow of the nutrient solution N, are placed.

  The floating body M is made of a material having a specific gravity slightly larger than the specific gravity of the nutrient solution N, and includes, for example, a spherical synthetic resin, a porous material such as a foam. Although the floating body M floats with the flow of the nutrient solution N, it is preferable that it slowly sinks to the bottom of the guide container C64 when there is no flow of the nutrient solution N. C67 is a net for preventing the floating body M from spilling from the upper end opening C65 of the guide container C64 due to the flow of the nutrient solution N, and C69 holds the floating body M at a position where the light hits. It is a net for. The protective container C66 is made of, for example, transparent glass, and is detachably provided on the medium holding body 3 so as to cover the guide container C64.

  If it is a thing of such a structure, the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 will be sequentially supplied on the cultivation bed 4 through the inside of the purifier 6 by operating the liquid pump 51. The surplus nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 is circulated by being returned to the nutrient solution tank 8 from the drainage pipe 71. Therefore, the plant P can be cultivated by the hydroponics method by planting the plant P in the medium 2. More specifically, the nutrient solution N supplied into the purifier 6 is disturbed in flow by a large number of floating bodies M, comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the floating bodies M and rises while floating the floating bodies M, It overflows from the upper end opening C65 of the guide container C64. The overflowing nutrient solution N flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the guide container C64 and passes through the gap C68 formed between the inner periphery of the opening 34 formed in the culture medium holder 3 and the cultivation bed 4. Supplied on top. At that time, the nutrient solution N comes into contact with the photocatalyst 62 coated on the outer surface of the floating body M, and the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 is performed.

  That is, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the photocatalyst holder C63 can be taken out. The cleaning action of the photocatalyst 62 can be maintained by replacing the photocatalyst holder C63 when the cleaning action is weakened or the photocatalyst holder C63 itself becomes dirty. In addition, since the photocatalyst holder C63 is actively moved by the flow of the nutrient solution N, the nutrient solution N flows in a complicated manner along the outer surface of the photocatalyst holder C63. Therefore, compared with the case where the nutrient solution N flows through the inner surface of the cylindrical purifier body 61 as described above, the area where the nutrient solution N contacts the photocatalyst 62 is increased, and the purification action is performed more effectively. Moreover, since the floating body M actively moves by the momentum of the nutrient solution N discharged from the other end side of the liquid supply pipe 52, the contact between the nutrient solution N and the photocatalyst 62 is actively performed.

  Furthermore, the flow of the nutrient solution N can be visually recognized by the moving body M moving in the guide container C64. If the floating body M is colored, the floating body M floats softly in the guide container C64 and can be visually beautiful.

  If the area of the nutrient solution N near the upper end opening C65 of the guide container C64 is relatively large, the floating body M may have a specific gravity slightly smaller than the specific gravity of the nutrient solution N.

  When the floating body M has a specific gravity smaller than that of the nutrient solution N, the other end portion of the liquid supply pipe 52 may be disposed above the floating body M in a state where the floating body M is floating in the guide container C64. Good. In this case as well, the floating body M is pushed downward and floats in the nutrient solution N with the momentum of the nutrient solution N discharged from the supply pipe 52 flowing out. Therefore, the contact area between the nutrient solution N and the floating body M can be increased, and the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 can be activated.

  Next, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The liquid supply mechanism 5 of the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid pump 51 disposed in the nutrient solution tank 8 and the nutrient solution N discharged from the liquid pump 51 are placed on the cultivation bed 4 via the purifier 6. And a liquid supply pipe 52 to be supplied. One end side of the liquid supply pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the liquid pump 51, and the other end side of the liquid supply pipe 52 liquid-tightly penetrates the liquid supply opening 43 provided in the cultivation bed 4. Protruding.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the purifier 6 of the present embodiment includes a purifier body 61 that guides the nutrient solution N in a state where it is exposed to light, and a photocatalyst holder that is removably accommodated in the purifier body 61. D63 and the photocatalyst 62 is held by the photocatalyst holder D63. The purifier main body 61 is made of a transparent material such as glass, and is placed on the cultivation bed 4 with the other end of the liquid supply pipe 52 connected to the lower end, and the upper end holds the medium. A guide container D64 having a bottomed cylindrical shape that passes through the central portion of the opening of the body 3 and protrudes on the medium holding body 3 and a protective container D66 that covers the outside of the guide container D64 are provided. The purifier body 61 is arranged so as to form an annular gap D68 between the inner periphery of the opening 34 of the culture medium holder 3 and the outer periphery of the guide container D64. In the guide container D64, a photocatalyst holder D63, which is a floating body M that floats along the flow of the nutrient solution N, is placed.

  The floating body M is made of a material having a specific gravity slightly larger than the specific gravity of the nutrient solution N, and includes, for example, a spherical synthetic resin, a porous material such as a foam. Although the floating body M floats with the flow of the nutrient solution N, it is preferable that the floating body M slowly sinks to the bottom of the guide vessel D64 when there is no flow of the nutrient solution N. D67 is a net for preventing the floating body M from spilling from the upper end opening D65 of the guide container D64 due to the flow of the nutrient solution N, and D69 holds the floating body M at a position where the light hits. It is a net for. The protective container D66 is made of, for example, transparent glass, and is detachably provided on the medium holding body 3 so as to cover the guide container D64.

  If it is a thing of such a structure, the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 will be sequentially supplied on the cultivation bed 4 through the inside of the purifier 6 by operating the liquid pump 51. The surplus nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 is circulated by being returned to the nutrient solution tank 8 from the drainage pipe 71. Therefore, the plant P can be cultivated by the hydroponics method by planting the plant P in the medium 2. More specifically, the nutrient solution N supplied into the purifier 6 is disturbed in flow by a large number of floating bodies M, comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the floating bodies M and rises while floating the floating bodies M, It overflows from the upper end opening D65 of the guide container D64. The overflow nutrient solution N flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the guide container D64, and passes through the gap D68 formed between the inner periphery of the opening 34 formed in the medium holding body 3 and the cultivation bed 4 Supplied on top. At that time, the nutrient solution N comes into contact with the photocatalyst 62 coated on the outer surface of the floating body M, and the purification action of the photocatalyst 62 is performed.

  That is, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, since the photocatalyst holder D63 can be taken out, The cleaning action of the photocatalyst 62 can be maintained by replacing the photocatalyst holding body D63 when the cleaning action is weakened or the photocatalyst holding body D63 itself becomes dirty. In addition, since the photocatalyst holder D63 is actively moved by the flow of the nutrient solution N, the nutrient solution N flows in a complicated manner along the outer surface of the photocatalyst holder D63. Therefore, compared with the case where the nutrient solution N flows through the inner surface of the cylindrical purifier body 61 as described above, the area where the nutrient solution N contacts the photocatalyst 62 is increased, and the purification action is further increased. Moreover, since the floating body M actively moves by the momentum of the nutrient solution N discharged from the other end side of the liquid supply pipe 52, the contact between the nutrient solution N and the photocatalyst 62 is actively performed.

  Furthermore, when this floating body M moves, the flow of the nutrient solution N can be visually recognized. If a color is given to the floating body M, the floating body M floats softly in the guide container D64 and can be made visually beautiful.

  Moreover, if the area of the nutrient solution N near the upper end opening D65 of the guide container D64 is relatively large, the floating body M may have a specific gravity slightly smaller than the specific gravity of the nutrient solution N.

  Next, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In the following embodiments, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the culture medium holder 3 of the present embodiment is made of a synthetic resin having a relatively large thickness, for example, a foamed polystyrene.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the purifier 6 of the present embodiment includes a purifier main body 61 provided with the groove E36 provided in the culture medium holder 3 for guiding the nutrient solution N. The bottom wall E38 is coated with the photocatalyst 62. Specifically, the groove E36 is formed integrally with the medium holding body 3 by recessing a portion surrounded by the plurality of mediums 2 in the medium holding body 3. The nutrient solution N is supplied to the one end side of the groove E36 from the other end of the supply pipe 52, and the nutrient solution N flowing in the groove E36 is cultivated on the other end side of the groove E36. An opening 34 for flowing down on the bed 4 is provided. It is desirable to provide a transparent lid such as a glass plate E37 on the groove E36. In this case, a slight gap is formed between the lower surface of the glass plate E37 and the upper surface of the medium holding body 3, and the carbon dioxide generated in the groove E36 is directly leaked onto the medium holding body 3. Also good.

  In such a configuration, by operating the liquid pump 51, the nutrient solution N in the nutrient solution tank 8 is sequentially supplied to the purifier 6, and the bottom wall E 38 of the groove E 36 in the purifier 6 is supplied to the purifier 6. It flows down along and is supplied onto the cultivation bed 4. The surplus nutrient solution N on the cultivation bed 4 is circulated by being returned to the nutrient solution tank 8 from the drainage pipe 71. Therefore, the plant P can be cultivated by the hydroponics method by planting the plant P in the medium 2.

  That is, according to the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the medium holder 3 is projected upward by the installation of the purifier 6. Therefore, the nutrient solution N can be purified without the purifier 6 interfering with the growth of the plant P. Moreover, since the groove | channel E36 is opened to the upper side of the culture medium holding body 3, the carbon dioxide generated by the purification | cleaning effect | action can be efficiently leaked out to the culture medium 2 vicinity.

  In addition, the medium holder is not limited to the above-described one having a relatively large thickness. If the medium holder is relatively thin, a separate member that forms a groove is placed on the medium holder. What is necessary is just to provide.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  In each embodiment, in order to supply each medium with carbon dioxide accumulated in the space formed between the cultivation bed and the medium holder, a large number of small holes may be provided in the medium holder. Good. In the sixth embodiment, in order to supply carbon dioxide accumulated in the groove to each medium, instead of a gap formed between the glass plate and the medium holder, the medium holder or the glass plate A large number of small holes for carbon dioxide leakage may be provided.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the purifiers are arranged equidistant from the four culture media, and more specifically, purification is performed at the intersection of virtual diagonal lines connecting the media arranged at substantially square corners. However, the position of the purifier is not limited to this, and the position of the culture medium is not limited to this.

  The number of purifiers is not limited to one, and it may be used in combination with other purifiers described in each embodiment.

  The culture medium holder may be made of a material such as styrene foam.

  The shape of the photocatalyst holder is not limited to a spherical shape, and can be variously changed.

  As in the third to fifth embodiments, when the nutrient solution is transmitted on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the guide container, the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface of the guide container may be coated with a photocatalyst. If it is such, it is possible to purify a nutrient solution with a photocatalyst in the way a nutrient solution raises a guide container, or a nutrient solution overflows and it reaches on a cultivation bed.

  Further, the lid in the second embodiment, the protective container in the third to fifth embodiments, and the glass plate in the sixth embodiment are not necessarily required for the present invention, but such a lid, protective container If there is a glass plate, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from the outside from entering the nutrient solution, and it is possible to cultivate plants without scattering the nutrient solution above the medium holder. In addition, since the lid, the protective container, and the glass plate are detachably provided to the saucer part or the culture medium holder, respectively, the saucer part, the guide container, the photocatalyst holder, and the groove contained therein Etc. are easy to manage.

  As a modified example of the culture medium, the culture medium may be formed only with a foam made of plastic, for example, without a pot. In addition, for example, plant chips containing phytoncide components such as cypress and hiba may be used as a medium forming member or mixed in the medium. If it is such, while the insect pesticide of a phytoncide can carry out the pest control of the plant grown hydroponically, the human body can be refreshed by the pharmacologically active substance.

  Other specific configurations of the respective parts are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

P ... Plant N ... Nutrient solution 1 ... Hydroponic cultivation device 2 ... Medium 3 ... Medium holder 5 ... Liquid supply mechanism 6 ... Purifier 61 ... Purifier body 62 ... Photocatalyst A63, B63, C63, D63, E63 ... Photocatalyst hold Body 8 ... Nutrient solution tank E36 ... Groove E38 ... Bottom wall

Claims (8)

  A circulation type hydroponic cultivation apparatus for cultivating a plant using a nutrient solution stored in a nutrient solution tank, a plurality of culture media for planting the plant, a culture medium holding body for holding these media, A liquid supply mechanism for supplying the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution tank to the culture medium; and a purifier for purifying the nutrient solution supplied by the liquid supply mechanism in contact with a photocatalyst. A hydroponic cultivation apparatus, wherein the vessel is disposed on the medium holding body and at a position surrounded by a plurality of mediums.   The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the purifier is held by the culture medium holding body.   The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the photocatalyst is disposed in a purifier body that guides the nutrient solution in a state where the purifier can be exposed to light and air.   The said purifier has a cylindrical purifier main body which guides a nutrient solution with the inner surface of the surrounding wall which has translucency, The said inner surface coats the said photocatalyst. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.   The said purifier has a purifier main body provided with the groove | channel which is provided in the said culture medium support body and guides a nutrient solution, The said photocatalyst is coated on the bottom wall of the groove | channel. Hydroponics equipment.   The purifier comprises a purifier main body that guides the nutrient solution in a state where it is exposed to light, and a photocatalyst holder that is removably accommodated in the purifier main body, and the photocatalyst is placed on the photocatalyst holder. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.   The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the photocatalyst holding body is a floating body that floats along the flow of the nutrient solution.   The hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the photocatalyst holder is a stationary body that disturbs the flow of the nutrient solution.

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