WO2019244126A1

WO2019244126A1 - Panel for growing plants

Info

Publication number: WO2019244126A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/055263
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Tognon
Original assignee: Manni New Tech S.R.L.
Priority date: 2018-06-22
Filing date: 2019-06-21
Publication date: 2019-12-26
Also published as: IT201800006601A1; EP3809820A1

Abstract

A panel for growing plants along a surface with vertical or tilted extension comprises an upper end (2), upper during use, a lower end (3) and opposite lateral walls (4, 5), and has a thickness delimited between a front surface (6) and a rear surface (7), at least one main duct (10) which is extended passing along its thickness and which is extended between the upper end (2) and the lower end (3), tanks (8) for housing plants along the front surface (6), auxiliary ducts (11) which are extended within the thickness of the panel and which place each of the tanks (8) in fluid communication with the main duct (10) in order to allow the irrigation and nourishing of plants housable in the tanks (8) themselves.

Description

“EQUIPPED PANEL FOR GROWING PLANTS AND COVERING SYSTEM

COMPRISING SUCH A PANEL”

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention regards a panel equipped for growing plants, installable vertically or along a tilted direction.

The present invention also regards a covering system comprising a plurality of such panels associated with each other.

STATE OF THE ART

Devices are known for growing plants in vertical direction for the purpose of attaining a wall covered with vegetation.

Such devices comprise at least one panel bearing a plurality of baskets or the like within which the plants are positioned, as well as an irrigation system.

The panel and the baskets are constituted by a material such as felt or generally a material permeable to the water dispensed by the irrigation system, thus allowing the hydration and nourishing of the plants.

The panel can be connected to a stiffening support plate for the panel itself.

One limit of such device for growing plants regards the deterioration of the felt material constituting the device, which is flexible, deformable and easily damageable. Possible cuts or tears present along the panel compromise the correct operation thereof, since they determine preferred passages, through which the dispensed water of the irrigation system exits outward, and hence such water does not correctly reach the plants present within the single baskets.

A further limit of a similar device for growing plants in vertical direction regards water consumption. In order to ensure correct hydration, in fact, it is necessary to wet the entire panel in a manner such that the water can filter into its interior and reach the baskets where the plants are present.

It is observed that, independent of the modes with which the irrigation occurs through the panel, it is difficult to obtain a uniform distribution of the water, since the same - due to the effect of the force of gravity - tends to be accumulated in the lower portion of the felt panel. There is the need in the field to arrange a system for growing plants along a vertical direction that is practical in use and easy to install as well as such to ensure an optimal and uniform water supply of the plants positioned along the same.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Therefore the main object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art relative to a panel for growing plants along a vertical or tilted surface.

In the scope of such task, one object of the present invention is that of providing a panel equipped for growing plants that is practical to use and install, as well easy to maintain.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a panel equipped for growing plants capable of optimizing the water consumptions necessary for the growth and maintenance of the plants themselves.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a panel equipped for growing plants provided with high mechanical strength.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a panel is provided that is equipped for growing plants according to claim 1.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a covering system is provided that is as sociable with one or more walls of a building according to claim 11.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a panel equipped for growing plants along a vertical or tilted surface, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the enclosed drawing tables in which:

figure 1 is a front view of a panel equipped for growing plants according to the present invention;

figure 2 is a top perspective view of the panel pursuant to figure 1 ; figure 3 is a side view of the panel pursuant to figure 1 ;

figure 4 is a perspective detailed view of the connection between two panels according to the present invention, which are close to each other;

figure 5 is a perspective view of a possible connection scheme of several panels according to the present invention;

figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a panel according to the present invention;

figure 7 is a front schematic view of a possible configuration of a covering system comprising a plurality of panels according to the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the enclosed figures, a panel equipped for housing plants and allowing the growth thereof is overall indicated with the reference number 1.

In general, the panel 1 is installable vertically or along a tilted direction in the scope of a solution suitable for attaining the covering of one or more walls of a building, both external and internal, for the purpose of providing a covering that can be decorated by means of vegetation.

The panel 1 is configured as a thick plate-like body, adapted to resist the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected during use.

According to one version of the present invention, the panel 1 can have a parallelepiped or substantially parallelepiped plate-like shape.

In general, the panel 1 is delimited between an upper end 2, upper during use, a lower end 3, lower during use, and between two opposite lateral walls 4, 5 (see figures 1 and 2).

The panel 1 has a thickness delimited between a front surface 6, front during use, and a rear surface 7, rear during use.

The rear surface 7 is provided for facing the wall against which it is intended to apply the panel 1 itself and, therefore, during use generally not visible, unlike the front surface 6 which is instead visible.

The panel 1 comprises a plurality of tanks 8 for housing plants.

The tanks 8 are positioned along the front surface 6. The tanks 8 can have a bulk such to be extended outside the panel 1, beyond the front surface 6. Alternatively, the tanks 8 can be included within the thickness of the panel 1, without projecting outside the panel 1, beyond the front surface 6.

The tanks 8 can be made as a single piece with the panel 1 or as inserts connectable in a reversible or permanent manner to the panel 1 itself.

By way of example, the tanks 8 can be configured as containers to be connected to the front surface 6 of the panel 1 by means of connection means of removable or permanent type suitable for such purpose, not illustrated in the enclosed figures. According to a further version, the tanks 8 can be configured as cavities made along the panel 1, which are frontally closed by means of respective separators, not illustrated in detail in the enclosed figures, which can be flush with the front surface 6 or be extended outside the same.

The separators can be formed in a single piece with the panel 1 or connected in a permanent or removable manner to the panel 1 itself according to specific use or attainment needs, without any limitation.

The panel 1 comprises at least one hydraulic circuit, indicated overall with 9 (see figures 4, 6 and 7), for feeding a liquid, generally water possibly added with nourishing substances or with growth accelerant or slowing substances, inside each tank 8 present along the panel 1 itself.

The hydraulic circuit 9 comprises at least one main duct 10, which is extended passing along the panel 1 between the upper end 2 and the lower end 3, and a plurality of auxiliary ducts 11.

The at least one main duct 10 and the auxiliary ducts 11 are extended within the thickness of the panel 1.

The auxiliary ducts 11 place the main duct 10 in fluid communication with the interior of each of the tanks 8, in order to allow the irrigation and nourishing of the plants housed in the tanks 8 themselves.

Each of the tanks 8, therefore, is in fluid communication with the main duct 10 by means of a respective auxiliary duct 11 (see, for example, figures 6 and 7).

If a tank 8 is not used, means can be provided for shutting the auxiliary duct 11 connected to such tank 8, such as a cap or a similar element not illustrated in the enclosed figures.

According to one version of the present invention, each auxiliary duct 11 leads within a respective tank 8 through an opening 12 provided at the bottom of the tank 8 itself, ensuring an optimal irrigation of the plants positionable therein (see figure 2).

It is in any case intended that the auxiliary ducts 11 can lead in proximity to a central portion of the tanks 8 or to an upper portion without any limitation.

The panel 1 is configured for resisting the pressure with which the liquid is made to circulate within the hydraulic circuit 9.

By way of example, the hydraulic circuit 9 can be placed under pressure, with a pressure value on the order of several bars.

The at least one main duct 10 has opposite ends which lead to outside the panel 1 at, respectively, the upper end 2 and the lower end 3.

During use, the main duct 10 acts as a main line for feeding the liquid along the panel 1.

For such purpose, the main duct 10 can have a passage section greater than the passage section of the single auxiliary ducts 11 in order to ensure a useful flow rate sufficient for effectively feeding the single tanks 8 present in the panel 1.

The at least one duct 10 has a first end 13 and a second end 14 complementary with each other (see figure 4) for the purposes that will be described hereinbelow. At least one from between the two ends 13, 14 can be extended beyond the upper end 2 or the lower end 3 of the panel 1 and the other between the two ends 14, 13 can instead be comprised within the panel 1 at the lower end 3 or at the upper end 2, in a manner such that by positioning the panels 1 in succession with respect to each other, one on top of the other, with the lower end 3 of a first panel 1 in abutment against the upper end 2 of a further panel 1, one of the two ends 13, 14 which is extended from the first panel 1 engages the other from between the two ends 13, 14 comprised in the bulk of the further panel 1 stacked on the first.

By way of example, in the enclosed figures, panels 1 are illustrated which have the second end 14 of the main duct 10 which is extended below, being extended beyond the lower end 3, while the first end 13 of the main duct 10 is comprised in the bulk of the panels 1.

As stated, the first end 13 and the second end 14 are mutually aligned with respect to a vertical direction, vertical during use, and are complementary with each other, in a manner such to be mutually and sealingly engaged by means of a shape coupling.

With regarding to the nourishing substances, if the plants arranged in the panel are different, then the hydraulic circuit could be structured and fed in a manner such that for each plant or each type of plant, water is dispensed that is added with a respective nourishing substance or growth accelerant or slowing substance. If desired, different plants are fed with different nourishing substances or growth accelerant or slowing substances.

For such purpose, suitable supply ducts could be provided for that lead into the auxiliary ducts or into the tanks 8, and each can be fed, starting from a respective tank of the panel or of the system according to the present invention, with a nourishing substance or growth accelerant or slowing substance.

Clearly, the tanks in which plants of the same type must be placed can be fed with supply ducts which draw a nourishing substance or growth accelerant or slowing substance from the same tank or even from separate tanks.

With regard to the substances for acceleration or slowing of the growth, as will be understood, in some cases it could be desired to accelerate the growth, for example immediately after having installed a panel, while after a first quick growth period, it could be desired to slow the growth.

Clearly, the speed of growth of the plants in the tanks could also be adjusted by means of one or more filters, if desired saturation filters and/or one or more valves placed to intercept the auxiliary or supply ducts.

If valves are provided, then the position of the same could be controlled by means of a suitable control unit, if desired electronic, or even manually.

In fact, by mutually connecting the panels 1 in succession with respect to each other, one on top of the other, in a manner so as to form a row of panels 1 with vertical extension, the single main ducts 10 of the panels 1 are sealingly connected to each other, forming a single feeding duct.

It is observed that the first end 13 and the second end 14 of the panel 1, in addition to carrying out the above-described function, also provide a reference for facilitating the positioning and the mutual connection of the panels 1 in succession with respect to each other along a vertical direction.

The panel 1 can be made by means of forming process in a mold.

According to one version of the present invention, the panel 1 is made as a single body, comprising the single tanks 8 formed integrally with the same. According to such version, the production process of the panel 1 can provide for positioning suitable inserts within the forming mold in order to allow the forming of the single tanks 8 as well as the positioning of tubes for making the main duct 10 and the auxiliary ducts 11, which are trapped within the panel 1 after the forming thereof. According to a further version of the present invention, the single tanks 8 can be made separately with respect to the panel 1 and connected thereto by means of connections that are not illustrated in the enclosed figures.

The connections can be of quick coupling type, or generally adapted to make a connection of removable type.

According to a further version, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the at least one main duct 10 and the auxiliary ducts 11 can be associated with the panel 1 following the forming of the latter.

For example, the panel 1 can have grooves along the rear surface 7, not illustrated in the enclosed figures. Such grooves can be partially extended within the thickness of the panel 1 with a scheme such to define a network for the selective positioning, according to specific use needs, of the at least one main duct 10, of the auxiliary ducts 11 and of possible accessory devices, as is better described hereinbelow.

In the enclosed figures, a panel 1 is illustrated that comprises a first vertical row 15 comprising five tanks 8 and a second vertical row 16 also comprising five tanks 8, which are mutually side-by-side in horizontal direction.

Each vertical row 15, 16 can comprise the same number of tanks 8 or a different number without any limitation.

The panel 1 can be made of a closed-cell material of breathable type, capable of avoiding undesired filtration phenomena.

It is also observed that the material constituting the panel 1 can be of thermally and/or acoustically insulating type, thus allowing the panel 1 to increase the thermal and/or acoustic insulation of the wall with which it is associated during use.

The panel 1 can be made of an inert, fireproof, inorganic, anti-mold, insulating material, for the purpose of preserving the integrity of the panel 1 itself during its use.

As stated, the panel 1 can be connected to other panels 1 for the purpose of making a continuous covering, that can be equipped with vegetation, to be associated with one or more walls of a building.

The panel 1 has - along at least the upper end 2 and the lower end 3 - connection means 17 adapted to facilitate the positioning and mutual connection between multiple panels 1 stacked in succession with respect to each other, along a first connection direction.

The first connection direction, during use, is vertical or substantially vertical, for example having an extension along a direction that is tilted with respect to the vertical.

In particular, the connection means 17 can be configured for allowing the connection between the single panels 1 according to a vertical line extension, when at least two panels 1 are placed in succession with respect to each other with the lower end 3 of a panel 1 in abutment against and engaging the upper end 2 of a further panel 1.

The panel 1 can have further connection means 18 which are extended along the opposite lateral walls 4, 5 of each panel 1, in order to facilitate the positioning and the connection between the single panels 1 along a second connection direction perpendicular to the first connection direction.

Indeed, the presence of the connection means 17 and/or of the further connection means 18 facilitates the mutual connection between the single panels 1 along a first direction and/or a second direction, allowing the making of a stable covering that can be equipped with vegetation.

The connection means 17 can be of removable or fitting type and comprise at least one projection 19 and a seat 20 complementary with each other, so as to define a shape engagement.

More in detail, the at least one projection 19 can be extended from one from between the upper end 2 and the lower end 3 of the panel 1 and the at least one seat 20 can be made in the other from between the lower end 3 and the upper end 2 of the same panel.

In fact, the at least one projection 19 of a first panel 1 is adapted to engage the at least one seat 20 of a second panel 1, in order to allow their mutual engagement along the first connection direction.

The connection means 17 are configured for preventing the mutual rotation between the panels 1, both during the assembly step and during use, thus facilitating the alignment of the single panels 1, necessary for ensuring a correct alignment of the single main ducts 10 to be mutually connected.

By way of a non-limiting example, the at least one projection 19 can be configured as a prismatic element in relief, adapted to engage at least one seat 20 complementary thereto.

The at least one projection 19 and the respective at least one seat 20 can be shaped differently with respect to that described above, while accomplishing the same aims, without any limitation.

The further connection means 18, if present, can be configured analogous to the connection means 17 and comprise at least one further projection 21 and at least one further seat 22 complementary with each other.

The at least one further projection 21 and the at least one further seat 22 are made along respective opposite lateral walls 4, 5 of the same panel 1 so as to identify the second connection direction for the single panels 1, which, as stated, is orthogonal to the first connection direction identified by the connection means 17. The further connection means 18 can be configured for allowing a mutual engagement, with shape coupling, between the at least one further projection 20 of a first panel 1 and a respective at least one further seat 22 of a second panel 1, allowing their mutual sliding along a direction perpendicular to the second connection direction.

In such a manner, it is possible to mutually lay the single panels 1 along the second connection direction, mutually aligning them.

The connection means 17 and the further connection means 18 can be extended along limited portions of the sides of the panels 1 or for the entire length thereof. With reference to the version of the panel 1 illustrated in the enclosed figures 2 and 5, the connection means 17 and the possible further connection means 18 can be configured as a rabbet.

More in detail, the connection means 17 can comprise at least one projection 19 which departs from the lower end 3, for the entire width of the panel 1, and at least one seat 20 made in proximity to the upper end 2, substantially for the entire width of the panel 1.

The panel 1 can also comprise the further connection means 18 which, in turn, comprise at least one further projection 21 which departs from a lateral wall 4 and a further seat 22 made along the other lateral wall 5.

The connection means 17 and the further connection means 18 then provide unique reference for the correct alignment and mutual connection between the single panels 1, in the scope of a practical installation and use solution.

The panel 1 can comprise further fixing means, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, of type known in the field, for their connection to a wall of a building. According to a further version of the present invention, the panel 1 can comprise at least one electric circuit 23 which is extended within the thickness of the panel 1 (see figure 6) in order to power supply possible electric devices installed or installable in the panel 1 itself for the aims described hereinbelow. The electric circuit 23 comprises at least one wiring 24 and electrical connectors 25 for the electrical connection between the single panels 1.

The electrical connectors 25 can be of quick coupling type, comprising a male element that can be engaged in a corresponding female element according to modes known in the art.

The electric circuit 23 is configured for operating in low voltage conditions, thus reducing the risks deriving from the presence of liquid along the panel 1 itself. With reference to the panel illustrated in figure 6, the wiring 24 is extended along the panel 1 between the upper end 2 and the lower end 3 and has electrical connectors 25 in proximity thereto. In fact, by positioning the single panels 1 in succession with respect to each other along the first vertical direction, not only is the mutual connection between the single main ducts 10 present in the panels 1 determined, but also that of the single wiring 24 is determined by means of the respective electrical connectors 25.

According to a further version not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the electric circuit 23 could comprise - in addition to the electrical connectors 25 - further electrical connectors at the lateral walls 4, 5 of the single panels 1, in order to allow an electrical connection also along the second connection direction (horizontal during use).

The panel 1 can comprise at least one device for emitting a light radiation 26, such as a LED or a lamp or the like, along the front surface 6, for the purpose of emitting a light radiation outside the panel 1.

The light radiation emitting device 26 is operatively connected or connectable to the wiring 24, in order to be electrically power supplied.

In particular, the panel 1 can comprise at least one light radiation device 26 in proximity to each tank 8 so as to signal, by means of the emission of a specific light radiation, the use conditions of the tank 8 itself and possible failures or malfunctions.

Alternatively, the light radiation device 26 can be used as lighting or decoration element, according to specific use requirements. In the enclosed figures, the light radiation device 26 is illustrated as a circular element, even if it is intended that the same can assume any further strip, curve or panel configuration, without any limitation.

According to a further version of the present invention, the panel 1 can comprise means for adjusting the flow of the liquid to be fed to the single tanks 8 present along the panel 1 itself.

Such adjusting means, which are not illustrated in detail in the enclosed figures, can comprise electrovalves operatively associated with a respective auxiliary duct 11.

In particular, each electrovalve is adapted to selectively intercept a respective auxiliary duct 11 in order to vary the useful passage section thereof and thus adjust the flow of the liquid to be fed within the tank 8 associated with such auxiliary duct 11.

Each electrovalve is connected or connectable to the wiring 24 in order to be electrically power supplied.

By way of example, the electrovalve could be installed in proximity to the connection between the auxiliary duct 11 and the main duct 10 or it could be placed along the auxiliary duct 11 in proximity to the tank 8 in order to be accessible if the maintenance thereof is required.

According to one version of the present invention, if the use is provided for of at least one light radiation device 26, the same can be operatively connected to one or more electrovalves, for example in order to signal their operating state.

According to one version of the present invention, the panel 1 can comprise means for the thermoregulation of each of the tanks 8 present along the panel.

The thermoregulation means can be configured for heating each tank 8 and for such purpose they comprise at least one electrical resistance operatively connected or connectable to the wiring 24 and associated with the tank 8.

The presence of means for heating the tanks 8 is particularly useful if the panel 1 is installed in environments exposed to low temperatures.

The thermoregulation means could also comprise means for allowing the cooling of each tank 8, not illustrated in detail in the enclosed figures.

The cooling means could comprise ducts within or in proximity to the single tanks 8 for the circulation of a fluid at a temperature lower than that of the installation environment of the panel 1. In such case, the panel 1 could comprise a further hydraulic circuit for the circulation of the cooling fluid, not illustrated in the enclosed figures and means for the forced circulation of such cooling fluid within the further hydraulic circuit.

A covering system to be applied to the walls of a building comprising a plurality of above-described panels 1 also forms the object of the present invention.

Hereinbelow, such covering system will be indicated overall with the reference number 27.

The covering system 27 comprises a plurality of panels 1 mutually laid along a first (vertical) connection direction and along a second (horizontal) connection direction and a hydraulic network 28 operatively connected to the single panels 1 in order to feed a pressurized liquid or liquid mixture to the interior thereof (see figure 7).

The hydraulic network 28 comprises pump means 29 for the forced circulation of the liquid along the same and the single panels 1 associated therewith.

The covering system 27 can comprise a frame-like framework 30 adapted to delimit the external sides of the covering made by the mutually-laid panels 1.

The frame-like framework 30, in addition to conferring a pleasant appearance to the covering system 27, firmly retains the single panels 1 in position with respect to each other, thus also accomplishing a technical function.

The frame-like framework 30 can comprise openings, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, for allowing the passage of ducts for connecting between the hydraulic network 28 and the vertical rows of panels 1.

The hydraulic network 28 can comprise a delivery line 31 which, in turn, comprises a manifold 32 for the connection of the delivery line 31 itself to the single main ducts 10 of the panels 1.

The delivery line 31 is arranged downstream of the pump means 29. In particular, it is observed that the panels 1 mutually associated along the same vertical row have the respective main ducts 10 sealingly connected to each other. Therefore, in order to feed a liquid within the panels 1 stacked along the same vertical row, it is sufficient to provide for a respective feeding duct 33 along the manifold 32.

With reference to the version illustrated in the enclosed figure 7, the covering system 27 comprises eight panels 1 arranged in four vertical rows that are horizontally laid with respect to each other.

According to such version, the manifold 32 comprises four feeding ducts 33, for the above-described purposes. It is intended that the overall number of rows and of panels 1 comprised in the covering system 27 can vary with respect to that described as a function of the size of the wall to be covered, without any limitation.

The hydraulic network 28 can comprise mixing means 34, of known type, for the addition of additives to the liquid circulating within the hydraulic network 28 itself.

The mixing means 34 can be interposed between the pump means 29 and the manifold 32 and can be selectively in fluid communication with the manifold 32 itself by means of the delivery line 31.

The hydraulic network 28 can comprise a collection tank 35 which is extended below the panels 1 comprised in the covering system 27.

The collection tank 35 is configured for recovering the liquid that exits outward below the first lower horizontal row of panels 1.

The liquid thus recovered may be newly introduced into the hydraulic network 28. For such purpose, the collection tank 35 is in fluid connection with the pump means 29 and is positioned upstream of the same.

The hydraulic network 28 can be operatively connected to least one water tank or to a water system not illustrated in the enclosed figures, by means of a feeding line 36.

By way of example, the hydraulic network 28 can comprise a feeding line 36 connected downstream of the pump means 29 and operatively associated with the same by means of valve means 37 adapted to adjust or intercept the flow rate of the liquid to be introduced within the hydraulic network 28.

The valve means 37 can be of manual or automatic actuation type as a function of the specific use requirements.

Analogously, the mixing means 34 can be of manual or automatic type.

By way of example, mixing means 34 of automatic type can comprise a programmable timer adapted to release one or more additives within the hydraulic network 28 at pre-established intervals.

The hydraulic network 28 could also comprise sensors operatively connected with the mixing means 34, not illustrated in detail in the enclosed figures, adapted to monitor the composition of the liquid that circulates within the hydraulic network 28 itself and to drive the mixing means 34, of automatic actuation type, as a function of the detected composition of the liquid.

A covering system 27 according to the present invention is easy to install, comprising single panels 1 bearing connection means 17 and possibly further connection means 18, configured for example as rabbets, which as described above facilitate the positioning and the mutual connection of the panels 1 themselves.

The covering system 27 can comprise at least one electronic control unit 38 operatively connected to the electric circuit 23 of each panel 1, in order to manage the activation of the single devices for the emission of a light radiation 26, if present, or of flow adjustment means if present, according to parameters settable by a user.

The single covering panels 1, like the entire covering system 27, are configured for being usable within a home automation system for the purpose of remotely controlling and programming the operation thereof, with reference to the possibility to activate and adjust the irrigation in the single tanks 8, the dispensing of possible additive substances to be fed to the single tanks, as well as the activation of possible devices for emitting a light radiation 26 present in the single panels 1.

The panels 1 have a high structural stability for the purpose of making a mechanically strong cover, adapted to provide a reliable support for the plants housable in the single tanks 8.

The panels 1, unlike the solutions of conventional type that provide for the use of a layer made of felt or the like for allowing the diffusion of liquid at their interior, have a high resistance to mechanical stresses and high resistance to deterioration due to aging phenomena.

The strength of the panels 1 ensures the integrity thereof even following impact that can occur during mounting.

In addition, the panels 1 can be made of sound-absorbent and thermally-insulating material, thus allowing the covering system 27 to increase the insulation of the walls with which it is associated.

The main duct 10 and the auxiliary ducts 11 comprised in the single panels 1 allow an optimal circulation and management of the quantity of liquid actually necessary for the correct hydration and nourishing of the plants housed in the single tanks 8.

The auxiliary ducts 11, in fact, allow directing a predefined quantity of liquid towards the respective tanks 8 with which they are connected, avoiding waste or accidental leaks of liquid from the single panels 1.

With reference to that set forth above, it is observed that the panel 1 is capable of carrying out the proposed objects in the scope of an extremely flexible solution regarding its design and use. The panel 1 can in fact be made of various sizes and equipped with a plurality of tanks 8 whose positioning can be optimized as a function of specific use needs.

According to one version of the present invention, the tanks 8 can be configured for housing plants of limited size, such as vines, flowers, bushes etcetera.

According to a further version of the present invention, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the tanks 8 can be configured for housing bushes or plants with trunk/stem like a tree. According to such version, each tank 8 delimits a useful volume for housing the plant with trunk/stem. In addition, the panel 1 can have suitable stiffening means for ensuring a high structural strength of the panel 1 itself, for the purpose of resisting the highest stresses to which the same is subjected.

The panel 1 for growing plants along a vertical direction or substantially vertical direction and the covering system 27 comprising a plurality of such panels 1 described above are susceptible of numerous modifications and variations within the protective scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Panel for growing plants along a surface with vertical or tilted extension, said panel comprising an upper end (2), upper during use, a lower end (3) and opposite lateral walls (4, 5), said panel having a thickness delimited between a front surface (6) and a rear surface (7), at least one main duct (10) which is extended passing through said panel to the interior of said thickness and which is extended between said upper end (2) and said lower end (3), tanks (8) for housing plants along said front surface (6), front during use, of said panel, auxiliary ducts (11) which are extended within the thickness of said panel and are adapted to place said tanks (8) in fluid communication with said main duct (10) in order to allow the irrigation and nourishing of plants housable in said tanks (8).

2. Panel for growing plants according to claim 1, configured as a single plate-like body.

3. Panel for growing plants according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one first vertical row (15) of said tanks (8) and at least one second vertical row (16) of said tanks (8) mutually side-by-side in horizontal direction.

4. Panel for growing plants according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein said tanks (8) are extended outside said panel or flush with said front surface (6).

5. Panel for growing plants according to any previous claim, wherein said tanks (8) are made separately with respect to said panel (1) and are connectable thereto by means of connections.

6. Panel for growing plants according to any previous claim, comprising connection means (17) adapted to facilitate the positioning and the mutual connection between two or more of said panels that follow each other along a first connection direction.

7. Panel for growing plants according to the preceding claim, wherein said connection means (17) comprise at least one projection (19) and at least one respective seat (20) complementary with each other, wherein said at least one projection (19) can be extended from one between said upper end (2) and said lower end (3) and said at least one seat (20) can be made in the other between said lower end (3) and said upper end (2) of the same panel.

8. Panel for growing plants according to claim 6, comprising further connection means (18) adapted to facilitate the positioning and the mutual connection between two or more of said panels that follow each other along a second connection direction, perpendicular to said first connection direction.

9. Panel for growing plants according to the preceding claim, wherein said further connection means (18) comprise at least one further projection (21) and at least one further seat (22) made opposite along respective of said lateral walls (4, 5) of the same panel in a manner so as to identify said second connection direction for said panels.

10. Panel for growing plants according to any previous claim, comprising at least one low voltage electric circuit (23) which is extended within the thickness of said panel in order to power supply possible electrical devices installed or installable in said panel.

11. Panel for growing plants according to any previous claim, comprising at least one hydraulic circuit (9) for feeding water added with nourishing substances or with growth accelerant or slowing substances inside at least one tank (8) or each tank (8).

12. Panel according to claim 11, wherein said hydraulic circuit (9) comprises supply ducts leading into the auxiliary ducts (11) or into the tanks (8), and each can be fed with a nourishing substance or growth accelerant or slowing substance, so that each plant or each type of plant can be fed with water added with a respective nourishing substance or growth accelerant or slowing substance.

13. System for covering walls of a building comprising a plurality of said panels for growing plants according to one of the claims 1 to 12 connected together in a position side-by-side along said first connection direction and/or said second connection direction and a hydraulic network (28) operatively connected to said panels, in order to feed a pressurized liquid along said panels.

14. System for covering walls of a building according to claim 13, wherein said hydraulic network (28) comprises pump means (29) for the forced circulation of a pressurized fluid.

15. System for covering walls of a building according to claim 13 o 14, wherein said hydraulic network (28) comprises at least one delivery line (31) downstream of said pump means (29), wherein said delivery line (31) comprises a manifold (32) for connecting said delivery line (31) to respective of said main ducts (10) of said panels.

16. System for covering walls of a building according to claim 14, comprising a collection tank (35) provided below said panels for the recovery of the liquid that flows out from said lower end (2) of said panels placed in the lower portion of said covering system, wherein said collection tank (35) is in fluid communication with said pump means (29).