Greening module

Abstract

The invention relates to a greening module, wherein the module has a distance-keeping, in particular open-pored structure filled with seed (10), wherein the distance-keeping structure is configured such that roots of plants can penetrate into intermediate spaces in the distance-keeping structure. The module may also include a 2D structure, for example a woven fabric, which is stretched over a nonwoven, substrate, resin etc.

Description

[0001] Greening module

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a greening module.

[0004] Technical area:

[0005] The present invention relates to the greening of facades, walls, roofs and three-dimensional figures.

[0006] State of the art:

[0007] Previous greening methods require planting perennials in pre-made pockets or cut holes, requiring a high number of plants per square meter to achieve a closed area.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a greening module to promote and facilitate plant growth.

[0009] Summary of the invention:

[0010] The present invention provides a greening module that has an open-pore structure or covering layer (e.g., a textile structure, a mesh, a knitted fabric, a spacer fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a scrim, etc., as well as all other forms of pores and similar structures) to promote and facilitate plant growth. The open-pore structure allows roots to penetrate its interstices. This also enables the use of seeds (e.g., grass, turf), thereby promoting extensive and virtually seamless growth.

[0011] In the following, the spacer fabric is cited as an example, but this does not limit the invention.

[0012] Grasses are monocotyledonous, herbaceous plants with inconspicuous flowers and long, narrow leaves. Grasses have a round, hollow stem or stalk. On the one hand, a grass is a single such plant or a non-specific category for the biological classification of such plants. On the other hand, grass is the extensive plant cover on the ground (as a meadow or lawn) or the entirety of grass-like plants that are eaten by animals or harvested by farmers during mowing (see also grassland).

[0013] Grass is the basis of life for many animals, especially ruminants and equines. A closed plant cover on the soil greatly reduces denudation, reducing soil erosion and promoting the formation of humus.

[0014] Botanically, grasses belong to the order Poaceae; the two most important groups are porous grasses and sedges. Grasses first appeared in the Cretaceous period, after which the erosion behavior of the affected land changed dramatically.

[0015] Botanically, all plants referred to as grass in German (with the exception of the seagrass family) belong to the order of the sweet grasses (Poales), namely to the following groups:

[0016] - Grasses (Poaceae) are a family of monocotyledonous plants distributed throughout the world in many species and genera. They have a stem divided by nodes and long, narrow, and distinctive inflorescences formed as spikes or panicles with inconspicuous flowers. Bamboo species belonging to this family are also referred to as grasses, although they have a different growth habit.

[0017] - Sedges are also often simply called grasses. Their stems are not divided by nodes. Sedges are plant species from two families:

[0018] - Sedges (Cyperaceae)

[0019] - Rushes (Juncaceae), e.g., woodrushes

[0020] - Restionaceae, a family widespread in the Southern Hemisphere - Lawn species. Since there are no legal standards, any seed producer can sell lawn seeds under any name they like; therefore, low-priced mixes often contain forage grass, which is often replaced by wild herbs such as dandelions the following year. Typical lawn grass species are perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), meadow grass (Poa), fescue (Festuca), and bent grass (Agrostis).

[0021] The most commonly used type of lawn is the utility lawn, often in the special form of sports and play lawn, which is robust but requires weekly mowing. A sheared lawn or ornamental lawn, such as the so-called English lawn, cannot be subjected to stress for the first two years after sowing, but is particularly hardy after that. It requires a mowing interval of five to seven days and a high application of fertilizer. Shade lawns can cope with little sunlight and do not tolerate direct sunlight well.

[0022] - The only quality standard for lawn seed in Germany is standard seed mixtures (RSM), which were developed for tenders and public construction projects (DIN 18917 and DIN 18035, Part 4, Sports Fields - Lawns). These mixtures are classified according to the intended use of the lawns.

[0023] Ecological significance

[0024] The ecological significance of the lawns (in the form of the English lawn) that dominate German gardens is minimal. A trimmed lawn contains at most a dozen grass species per square meter. These provide no habitat for the vast majority of insects and animals. In contrast, one square meter of a flower-rich meadow can accommodate up to 3,000 individual plants representing 60 plant species, providing a valuable habitat for numerous insects (including endangered butterfly species).

[0025] For ecological reasons, it is particularly advantageous to use wild grasses. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a greening module having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the greening module are set out in subclaims 2.

[0026] The invention provides for the use of a spacer structure, in particular an open-pore structure, preferably a spacer fabric, for a greening module for the greening of facades, walls, roofs, and three-dimensional figures. The structure (e.g., a spacer fabric) allows roots to penetrate into its interstices, thereby promoting extensive and virtually seamless growth.

[0027] Further advantages, special features and expedient developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following representation of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0028] The invention thus provides that at least one open-pore structure (e.g. spacer fabric) is integrated into a greening module.

[0029] Preferably, the invention provides a greening module, wherein the module has an open-pore structure, in particular a spacer fabric, wherein the spacer fabric is designed such that roots of plants can penetrate into the spaces between the spacer fabric.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that, for example, the spacer fabric consists of a first knitted fabric layer, a second knitted fabric layer and monofilament spacer threads which extend between the first and second knitted fabric layers.

[0031] A particularly advantageous development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that the open-pored surface of the module serves as a covering layer.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module further comprises a planting medium, for example, soil, substrate, wool, resin, for example: synthetic resin foam (for example, phenol-formaldehyde resin or material combinations that provide the same properties), and / or fleece. A particularly advantageous development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that it comprises a water reservoir, for example: phenol-formaldehyde resin.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module has a water-conducting element.

[0034] A particularly advantageous development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that it has a water-distributing element.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module further comprises a water-repellent layer.

[0036] A particularly advantageous development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that it has at least one shaping element.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module can further comprise cladding elements.

[0038] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that the module still has connecting and fastening elements.

[0039] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module has a three-dimensional, geometric and / or organic shape.

[0040] A particularly advantageous development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that the open-pored structure contains substrate, soil, cellulose, air, resin or another medium that can be used for planting.

[0041] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module is used to green a facade, wall, roof or street furniture.

[0042] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that the pores of the open-pored structure allow the establishment of wild plants and herbs.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the open-pore structure allows water to penetrate and / or store water. A particularly advantageous development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that the module is prefabricated and can be assembled on-site.

[0044] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module has a system for supplying water and draining away excess water.

[0045] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is characterized by the fact that the module uses biodegradable and / or recycled materials or can be manufactured from such materials.

[0046] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is that the module can be adapted for different climate zones or environmental conditions.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module can have additional layers or fittings that contribute to thermoregulation.

[0048] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is that the greening module serves as a habitat for insects or small animals and thus contributes to biodiversity.

[0049] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module is capable of filtering and / or binding pollutants from the ambient air.

[0050] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is that the module can be reused or recycled.

[0051] A preferred embodiment of the greening module provides that the module is used in combination with other modules as a modular system to green larger areas or structures.

[0052] A particularly advantageous further development of the greening module is that it can take on additional functions, such as the integration of lighting, sensors or other technologies.

[0053] The invention further includes the use of a greening module for greening a facade. The invention further includes the use of a greening module for greening a wall.

[0054] The invention further includes a use of a greening module for greening a roof.

[0055] The invention further includes the use of a greening module as street furniture.

[0056] The invention further includes a use in the agricultural sector or in agricultural areas.

[0057] Detailed description of the invention:

[0058] Greening module:

[0059] The Greening Module is an advanced and environmentally friendly unit that can be used in urban and suburban environments to green areas while providing functions such as air filtration, habitat provision, and thermoregulation.

[0060] Preferred components:

[0061] Spacer fabric: A preferably flexible yet stable fabric. It serves not only as a support structure for plants, but also as a protective layer against UV rays and provides a habitat for small animals and insects. The module can be equipped with sensors that detect humidity and temperature within the spacer fabric. These sensors can be read via a smartphone app and provide the user with feedback on the module's condition.

[0062] Pockets: Pockets are preferably located at freely selectable points on the spacer fabric, which can be filled with soil and seeds.

[0063] Manufacturing process: Knitted fabric production: The spacer fabric is produced by a combination of weaving and knitting to achieve the desired structure and strength.

[0064] Sensor installation: The sensors are manually inserted into the spacer fabric and connected electronically.

[0065] Pocket attachment: The pockets are then hung, sewn or glued onto the fabric.

[0066] Applications:

[0067] Urban roof gardens: The inventive greening module can be installed on the roofs of buildings to transform them into green oases.

[0068] Roadsides and sidewalks: In urban environments, it can serve as a green dividing strip.

[0069] Balconies and terraces: For private households, it offers an easy way to create a green space without much maintenance.

[0070] Advantages:

[0071] Environmental friendliness: The optional use of recycled materials makes the module environmentally friendly and reduces waste.

[0072] Biodiversity: The module provides habitat for various species of insects and small animals.

[0073] Climate regulation: Plants in the module can contribute to temperature regulation and bind CO2, thereby improving air quality.

[0074] Modularity: It can be easily adapted to different environments and combined with other modules.

[0075] The present invention relates to a greening module / system / process that, in addition to greening facades / walls / roofs, is also suitable for greening three-dimensional figures geometrically and / or organically. The greening can be applied to one or more sides.

[0076] The greening module according to the invention preferably includes an open-pored surface (e.g. a textile structure, a mesh, a knitted fabric, a spacer fabric, a woven fabric, a fleece, a scrim, etc.) as well as all other forms of pores and similar structures.

[0077] The greening module according to the invention can consist of textiles, synthetic and natural fibers, stone, concrete, steel, metal, plastic, chemical organic, inorganic substances or other materials or of a combination of the listed materials.

[0078] The greening module according to the invention can contain the following elements:

[0079] - open-pored top layer

[0080] - Planting medium (soil, substrate, wool, fleece, etc.)

[0081] - Water storing / conducting / distributing element)

[0082] - water-repellent layer (e.g. tar paint, plastic layer, etc.)

[0083] - Forming elements (e.g. polystyrene, styrofoam, etc.)

[0084] - Cladding elements (e.g. metal, concrete, plaster, wood, etc.)

[0085] - Connecting and fastening elements

[0086] - Seeds, plants

[0087] The open-pored surface preferably serves as a covering layer. The inventive greening module also includes a three-dimensional figure, a geometric and / or organic figure. The figure can stand alone as a green sculpture or be attached to / on / into facades, walls, roofs, or street furniture.

[0088] The open-pored structure can contain substrate, soil, cellulose, air or any other medium suitable for planting.

[0089] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a panel (plant panel).

[0090] Plants can have the following influence on their environment:

[0091] - Cooling by evaporative cooling (water) - Dust reduction

[0092] - CO2 binding

[0093] - Oxygen production

[0094] - Reduction of sound reflection

[0095] - Reduction of heat radiation (reflection)

[0096] - Habitat for insects and microorganisms

[0097] - The open-pored structure allows the establishment of wild plants and herbs

[0098] The present invention further relates to a panel which can be attached to, on or in facades, walls, roofs, street furniture or integrated.

[0099] The open-pored structure enables the absorption and storage of rainwater.

[0100] The present invention counteracts surface sealing.

[0101] The open-pored structure acts primarily as a kind of membrane; the pores allow plant and other organic materials to escape over a large area, but at the same time prevent soil, substrate, etc. from escaping or the plants from falling out completely.

[0102] The open-pored structure allows water, such as rainwater, to penetrate and store it.

[0103] The planting panel can be filled with seeds such as grass, perennials or cuttings.

[0104] The panel can be prefabricated and completely assembled on site.

[0105] The panel contains one or more open-pore layers, which can include soil, substrate, etc., as well as one or more water-storing, conductive areas and layers. A barrier layer prevents moisture and stored water from penetrating into undesired areas. The inventive greening module can consist of a form-forming structure made of textiles, synthetic and natural fibers, stone, concrete, steel, Styrofoam, Styrodur or other solid foams, metal, plastic, chemical, organic, or inorganic substances, or other materials, entirely or from a combination of the listed materials. The panel has the ability to supply and drain water. So-called gray water could also be filtered through the panel.

[0106] The greening module according to the invention can be available as panels or rolls

[0107] The invention further relates to a method for producing a planting panel for planting useful, ornamental, and / or other botanical species. This can be made of textile, steel, concrete, stone, or another material.

[0108] Currently, products specifically designed for vertical facade greening are used in the form of bags or plant containers.

[0109] These are either mounted on a support or a corresponding hole is cut into the structure to be greened (see figure).

[0110] The greening module according to the invention preferably comprises a structure consisting of at least one to several layers. The first layer is open-pored and allows for comprehensive vegetation. It can be filled with or without soil, substrate, cellulose, or other vegetation-enabling materials.

[0111] The inventive greening module preferably includes water-conducting and / or water-storing elements. These can consist of a pressed bale, a fleece, a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, or sponges made of natural (e.g., coconut, hemp, flax, cotton, sheep's wool, etc.) or synthetic materials (rock wool, glass wool, synthetic fibers, plastics, etc.), or a combination of these materials.

[0112] The inventive greening module can be filled with seeds, perennials, cuttings, and all other types of plant propagation. These can be both wild plants and cultivated plants.

[0113] The thickness of the greening module according to the invention can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the design.

[0114] The greening module according to the invention can further comprise an insulating layer / casing / housing. This can be made of natural materials such as straw, hay, grass, clay, wood, stone, or synthetic materials such as metal, plastic, Styrofoam, glass wool, or rock wool, etc.

[0115] The inventive greening module features irrigation via a hose or similar irrigation system. Excess water can be drained away via a second hose channel or pipe.

[0116] As a further aspect of the invention, this invention solves a method for producing a vertical planting module, wherein an open-pore structure (e.g., a spacer fabric with or without soil, substrate, cellulose, or a similarly functioning material) is introduced. By introducing seeds, which grow outward through the open-pore structure, a flat vegetation can be achieved.

[0117] The planting panel can be used as a green facade. Planting grass seeds, for example, will result in extensive and almost seamless vegetation within a few weeks.

[0118] Pores are defined by small cavities or small openings in a solid or loose material or tissue, etc.

[0119] The pores and spaces, for example between the surfaces of a spacer fabric, can be filled with soil, substrate or a material suitable for plant growth.

[0120] The porous covering layer through which the plants grow outwards can be made of concrete, wood, stone, plastic, textiles or steel / metal, e.g. woven, knitted or warp-knitted fabrics, or contain these materials.

[0121] The porous structure not only allows water to be absorbed (e.g., from rain), but also allows freely flying pollen and seeds to dock onto the module and penetrate it, settle, and grow there. This further promotes biodiversity and contributes to the desealing of surfaces.

[0122] Depending on the design, the described planting module can be used indoors, as an exterior facade, for greening street furniture, or for green roofs. The described planting panel can also be made from recycled, natural, biodegradable, or organic materials.

[0123] The planting model can be integrated and combined with common and currently installed facades, such as Styrofoam facades or other suspended facades.

[0124] The modules can be fully pre-assembled, planted, and installed like standard facade elements. This saves time and money.

[0125] Damaged modules can preferably be replaced quickly and easily using a plug & play system.

[0126] The open-pored structure prevents waterlogging.

[0127] The inventive greening module does not require continuous drip irrigation; the water-storing elements are charged within minutes, thus saving energy.

[0128] An open-pored structure, e.g. a knitted fabric, which, when filled with seeds, creates a planted area

[0129] An open-pored structure which is used for planting with soil, substrate, cellulose

[0130] As a green facade element

[0131] As green roofs

[0132] Wall decoration

[0133] For sound insulation

[0134] To reduce sound reflection

[0135] As insulation

[0136] To reduce heat reflection

[0137] For greening street furniture

[0138] For greening sculptures

[0139] For greening vertical and horizontal surfaces The panels can be flexibly expanded and replaced using Click & Connect.

[0140] The greening module according to the invention can be used in agriculture.

[0141] This section will provide a detailed explanation of the invention, its components, and its operation, supported by drawings and examples. Specific materials, manufacturing methods, applications, and advantages of the invention will be explained.

[0142] This is only an example and should not be understood as a limitation

[0143] From the pictures shows:

[0144] Fig. 1 shows a cross section through a greening module according to the invention.

[0145] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through a greening module according to the invention and its integration into a facade;

[0146] Fig. 3 a conventional wall and

[0147] Fig. 4 a wall with a greening module according to the invention.

[0148] Fig. 1 shows a greening module, wherein the module has a space-maintaining, in particular open-pored structure 20 filled with (grass) seeds 10, wherein the space-maintaining structure 20 is designed such that roots of plants can penetrate into spaces between the space-maintaining structure and wherein the space-maintaining structure 20 has a braided structure, wherein the braided structure is designed such that the roots of the plants can penetrate into spaces between the braided structure.

[0149] Here, the spacing structure comprises a spacer fabric, wherein the spacer fabric is designed as an open-pored structure 30 so that the roots of the plants can penetrate into the spaces between the spacer fabric. The open-pored structure 30 comprises a planting medium consisting of a selection of soil, substrate, wool, and fleece and is preferably filled with seeds and / or pollen 40.

[0150] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through a greening module according to the invention and its integration into a facade with shaping elements 1, water-conducting elements 2, water-storing / water-distributing elements 3, cladding elements 4, an open-pore cover layer 5, a planting medium 6 and seeds and / or plants 7.

[0151] The facade preferably also has a water-repellent layer (not shown in the figure) and connecting and / or fastening elements (also not shown in Fig. 2).

[0152] Fig. 3 shows a conventional - KS-faced - wall with interior plaster 50, a load-bearing KS inner shell 60, thermal insulation 70, dowel anchor 80 with clamping washer and a KS facing brick 90.

[0153] Fig. 4 shows a wall with a greening module according to the invention with interior plaster 50, a load-bearing KS inner shell 60, thermal insulation 70, dowel anchors 80 with clamping disc and an open-pore structure 100 with plants 110.

[0154] The embodiments shown here are merely examples of the present invention and should therefore not be considered limiting. Alternative embodiments contemplated by those skilled in the art are equally encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A greening module, wherein the module comprises a seed-filled, in particular open-pore, spacer structure, wherein the spacer structure is designed such that plant roots can penetrate into the spaces of the spacer structure. It can also include a 2D structure, for example, a fabric stretched over a nonwoven, substrate, resin, etc.

2. The greening module according to claim 1, wherein the spacing structure has a braided structure, wherein the braided structure is designed such that the roots of the plants can penetrate into the spaces between the braided structure.

3. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer structure comprises a spacer fabric, wherein the spacer fabric is designed such that the roots of the plants can penetrate into spaces between the spacer fabric.

4. The greening module according to claim 3, wherein the spacer fabric consists of a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and monofilament spacer threads extending between the first and second fabric layers.

5. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the open-pored surface of the module serves as a covering layer.

6. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module further comprises a planting medium selected from the group consisting of soil, substrate, wool and fleece.

7. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a water storage, conducting or distributing element.

8. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module further comprises a water-repellent layer.

9. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising shaping elements.

10. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module further comprises cladding elements.

11. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module further comprises connecting and fastening elements.

12. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module has a three-dimensional, geometric and / or organic shape.

13. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the open-pored structure contains substrate, soil, cellulose, air or another medium suitable for planting.

14. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is used for greening a facade, wall, roof or street furniture.

15. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pores of the open-pore structure allow the establishment of wild plants and herbs.

16. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open-pore structure allows the penetration and storage of water.

17. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module can be prefabricated and assembled on site.

18. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module has a system for supplying water and draining excess water.

19. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module uses or is made from recycled and / or biodegradable materials.

20. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the open-pore structure is coated with a catalytic material, in particular a photocatalytic material, preferably titanium dioxide, so that fine dust and / or carbon dioxide can be filtered from the ambient air, so that the greening module is used as an air filter and / or as a fertilizer dispenser. 21 . The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module can be adapted for different climate zones or environmental conditions.

22. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module may comprise additional layers or internals that contribute to thermoregulation.

23. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer fabric serves as a habitat for insects or small animals and thus contributes to biodiversity.

24. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is capable of filtering and / or binding pollutants from the ambient air.

25. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module can be reused or recycled.

26. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is used in combination with other modules as a modular system in order to be able to green larger areas or structures.

27. The greening module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the open-pore structure takes on additional functions, such as the integration of lighting, sensors or other technologies.

28. The greening module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module comprises pockets that can be filled with one or more of the following materials: -Earth -Plant substrate -Seeds -Plant 29. The greening module according to claim 28, wherein the pockets have an open-pore structure at least in sections.

30. Use of a greening module according to one of the preceding claims for greening a facade, wall, roof or street furniture.

31. Use of a greening module according to one of claims 1 to 29 as a panel which can be attached to, on or in facades, walls, roofs, street furniture or integrated.

32. Wall with a greening module according to one of claims 1 to 29.

33. A wall according to claim 32, comprising a greening module according to the invention with interior plaster, a load-bearing KS inner shell, thermal insulation, and an open-pore structure with plants.

34. A greening module, wherein the module contains at least one grass.

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