System for the adaptive cultivation of plants

Abstract

System for the cultivation of plants (2), comprising at least one cultivation tank (3) comprising one or more lateral walls (31) and a bottom wall (32), so as to identify a cultivation space in which to house a cultivation substrate (33), which cultivation tank (3) has at least one support arm (4) mechanically connected to a support element (1), which support element (1) comprises means for generating a light source (11), configured so as to irradiate said cultivation tank (3), and means for delivering a liquid (6, 61) configured to distribute the liquid within said cultivation tank (3). Said support element (1) is rotatably mounted, a drive unit (15) for the rotation of said support element (1) being present, the said cultivation tank (3) being rigidly connected to said support element (1), in such away that the rotation of said support element (1) drives the cultivation tank (3) into rotation in unison, the drive unit (15) comprising means for the automatic regulation of the rotation speed of the support element (1), the at least one support arm (4) consisting of an adjustable-length arm, means for setting the length of the support arm (4) being provided. The said one or more lateral walls (31) of said cultivation tank (3) consist of extendable walls in the direction of the support element (1).

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR THE ADAPTIVE CULTIVATION OF PLANTS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for the adaptive cultivation of plants. The system comprises at least one cultivation tank comprising one or more lateral walls and a bottom wall, so as to identify a cultivation space in which to house a cultivation substrate.

[0004] The cultivation tank has at least one support arm mechanically connected to a support element, which support element comprises means for generating a light source, configured so as to irradiate the cultivation tank, and means for delivering a liquid, configured to distribute the liquid within said cultivation tank.

[0005] The present invention is particularly directed to all systems in the plant field, for the cultivation of any genus of plant, but preferably in low-gravity environments or in the absence of gravity.

[0006] In such environments, in fact, it is particularly complex to manage the growth of plants.

[0007] BACKGROUND ART

[0008] The growth of plants in space or in environments devoid of gravity presents numerous difficulties, due mainly to the absence of gravitational forces which on Earth influence the vital and biological processes of plants.

[0009] Under normal Earth gravity, plants respond specifically to gravitational stimuli through phenomena such as gravitropism: roots grow downwards (positive gravitropism) and stems orient themselves upwards (negative gravitropism).

[0010] In an environment without gravity, this mechanism fails, creating confusion in the correct orientation of roots and leaves even at the cellular level, and compromising the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients in the most efficient way.

[0011] Furthermore, the lack of gravity also affects the movement of fluids within the plants. Capillarity, which on Earth allows the absorption of water from the roots towards the leaves, is hindered by the absence of gravity, creating difficulty in the transport of water and nutritive substances, which are fundamental for the healthy growth of the plant.Plants, in low-gravity space environments, therefore, must face challenges related not only to nutrition, but also to their metabolic cycle and the management of their internal fluids, which makes cultivation in the absence of gravity even more complex.

[0012] Some solutions known in the state of the art provide for generating a sort of artificial gravity, by rotating the cultivation tanks, so that the centripetal force forces the roots to grow outwards with respect to the radius of rotation and forces the stem to orient itself towards its center.

[0013] The state of the art includes solutions suitable for generating an artificial gravitational force, as documented in patent US 5 515 648 A (D1), which discloses a rotating apparatus provided with tanks mounted on arms with variable radial extension to compensate for the height development of the plant canopy.

[0014] Furthermore, in adjacent technological sectors concerning static cultivation, there exist volumetrically adaptable containers, such as those described in US 2016 / 360711A1 (D2), equipped with lateral walls consisting of removable trays aimed at accommodating the increase in biomass of the root system over time, preventing its circling.

[0015] However, none of the known solutions addresses or solves the complex problem deriving from the need to simultaneously optimize, and in a mechanically stable manner, both the aerial development of the plant and the root development in an environment with dynamic and simulated gravity.

[0016] Rotating structures such as D1 do not offer any radial expandability of the container, limiting the development of the root system or forcing the preventive use of oversized tanks that generate fatal inertial imbalances for the motor system.

[0017] Conversely, static extensible pots such as D2 are not engineeringly conceived to withstand continuous rotational centripetal forces, and the manual extraction of lateral inserts would be catastrophic in a rapidly rotating hub.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The objective technical problem solved by the present invention consists in realizing a mechatronic system for cultivation in conditions of absent or simulated gravity that allows for dynamically adapting the spatial footprint of the system in an independent manner,compensating for the phototropic distancing of the canopy from the light source via the telescopic arm, and accommodating the gravitropic volumetric increase of the root biomass via the extension of the walls of the tank, all while optimizing the cultivation density and guaranteeing the dynamic inertial balancing of the rotating eccentric loads.

[0020] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by realizing an adaptive system as previously described, in which the support element is rotatably mounted.

[0021] There is also a drive unit for the rotation of the support element, the cultivation tank being rigidly connected to the support element, in such a way that the rotation of the support element drives the cultivation tank into rotation in unison.

[0022] The drive unit comprises means for the automatic regulation of the speed of rotation of the support element.

[0023] Furthermore, the at least one support arm consists of an adjustable-length arm, means for setting the length of the support arm being provided.

[0024] The lateral walls of the cultivation tank consist of walls extendable in the direction of the support element.

[0025] Unlike the systems known in the state of the art, the combination of the regulation of the rotation speed and the length of the support arm allow for optimizing the yield of the cultivation system object of the present invention.

[0026] First of all, the rotation allows for the realization of an artificial gravity, thanks to the centripetal force that directs the growth of the roots towards the bottom wall of the cultivation tank.

[0027] The regulation of the length of the support arms, on the other hand, allows for regulating the footprint volume of the cultivation tank-support element assembly, also on the basis of the instantaneous state of growth of the plants, so as to limit the footprint volume.

[0028] An optimization of the dimensions is obtained not only, but also an energy saving, both from the point of view of the volume of the environment to be climatized to guarantee the optimal growth of the cultivated plants, and of the current consumption for the power supply of the light source which is always close to the canopy of the cultivated plants, andalso from the point of view of the delivery of the liquid into the cultivation tanks.

[0029] By varying and appropriately setting the length of the support arm and the angular velocity of rotation, it is possible to provide for maintaining at a certain point on the axis of rotation a specific centripetal force, or a specific level of artificial gravity force optimal for plant growth.

[0030] The system object of the present invention thus allows for increasing productivity per unit of volume with adaptive rotary systems that allow for optimizing the cultivation volume of simulated-gravity rotary systems as a function of the instantaneous stage of growth of the plants.

[0031] The optimization is provided by the regulation of the extension of the support arms and of the angular velocity, as well as by the value of the artificial gravity at specific points of the plants to improve the growth thereof in a low-gravity environment.

[0032] As will be evident from the illustration of some embodiments, the central position of the support element ensures that the upper part of the plants will tend to develop towards the light, i.e., towards the illumination source present in the support element.

[0033] The realization of an adaptive system such as the system object of the present invention demonstrates that the system itself presents advantages even in environments in the presence of gravity, such as the Earth.

[0034] In fact, even in the case of installation in environments in the presence of gravity, the system object of the present invention allows for obtaining the advantages set forth above, optimizing the occupied space and the energy consumption with respect to the yield of the crops.

[0035] Starting from this generic concept, it is possible to provide for different variants of the system object of the present invention, which present particularly advantageous aspects.

[0036] In fact, according to a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of cultivation tanks arranged radially with respect to the support element and distributed angularly equispaced.

[0037] Preferably, the support element consists of a tubular element configured to diffuse the light source radially in all directions.As is evident, the increase in cultivation tanks allows, first of all, to increase the number of plants that it is possible to cultivate.

[0038] Furthermore, since elements that rotate eccentrically are present, i.e., the cultivation tanks with respect to the axis of rotation of the support element, the homogeneous distribution of the cultivation tanks allows for obtaining a more regular rotation, without subjecting the support element to excessive stresses that could cause damage or breakage of the components of the system.

[0039] As will be described subsequently, according to some improvements, the system object of the present invention modifies its behavior based on the state of growth of the plants, in such a way as to set the operation of the system itself in order to allow for optimal growth of the plants and minimize the volume and consumption necessary during their cultivation.

[0040] The evaluation of the state of growth of the plants can be performed visually, by a specialized operator, or, alternatively or in combination, automatically, through appropriate means for detecting the state of growth.

[0041] Such detection means can be realized according to any of the ways known in the state of the art, for example through sensors aimed at detecting the height of the plants, the development of the roots, or similar.

[0042] Regardless of the implementation, it is possible to provide that the growth state of the plants influences the setting of the various components of the system object of the present invention.

[0043] According to a possible embodiment, the length of the support arm is regulated on the basis of the instantaneous growth state of the plants.

[0044] Thus, according to an improvement, it is possible to provide that the means for setting the length of the arm are controlled based on the state of growth of the plants, so as to lengthen the support arm or arms to prevent the plants inside the cultivation tank from being crushed by the support element during their growth.

[0045] In addition to the length of the support arm, it is possible to provide that also the rotation speed, and therefore the consequent artificially generated gravity force, is regulated based on the growth state of the plants.For example, in order to create the best conditions for plant growth, one could identify a certain rotation speed value to which a specific point of the plant must be subjected to guarantee a specific value of induced artificial gravity.

[0046] As anticipated, the combination of the modification of the length of the arm and of the rotation speed could allow for maintaining this point always at the desired rotation speed throughout all the evolutionary stages of the plant.

[0047] This aspect is particularly relevant since even minimal variations of a few centimeters in the length of the arm cause significant variations in angular velocities, variations that can have repercussions, even significant ones, on the correct growth of the plants.

[0048] The regulation of the speed and the length of the support arm are not the only parameters that are modified taking into account the state of growth of the plants.

[0049] As is known, during the evolutionary phases of a plant, root growth represents an important factor and the increase in the size of the roots also requires an increase in the volume of cultivation substrate to be used.

[0050] In order to optimize the spaces, also the cultivation tanks of the system object of the present invention provide for the possibility of increasing their dimensions, to house a greater volume of cultivation substrate and roots.

[0051] As will be evident from the illustration of some exemplary embodiments, the support element, in addition to being responsible for the diffusion of light radiation, is also responsible for the distribution of water.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the system object of the present invention may have means for introducing a flow of air directed towards the tanks of cultivation.

[0053] Such means for introducing a flow of air can be integrated within the support element.

[0054] Also the generation of light radiation and / or the flow of air and / or the quantity of liquid distributed can be regulated based on the state of growth of the plants.

[0055] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the means for delivering a liquid comprise a distribution unit and at least one distribution tube.

[0056] The distribution unit is positioned at the support element and the distribution tubehas an inlet portion connected to the distribution unit, an intermediate portion arranged at the support arm and an outlet portion arranged at the cultivation tank.

[0057] Just like the cultivation tanks, the distribution unit and the distribution tube will also be integral in rotation with the support element, i.e., they will be driven in rotation by the rotation of the support element.

[0058] According to an improvement, means for the removable fixing of the support arm to the support element are present.

[0059] According to this improvement, the support arm, or the support arms in the case of the presence of two support arms for a single cultivation tank and / or more cultivation tanks with one support arm and / or more support arms, are mounted removably from the support element.

[0060] This characteristic does not have advantageous aspects only from the point of view of the maintenance of the system object of the present invention and of the assembly / disassembly thereof, but facilitates the harvesting of the cultivated plants, during the growth process or once their growth is finished.

[0061] Furthermore, the possibility of disassembling the cultivation tanks with respect to the support element facilitates operations should it be desired to treat the plants with particular substances that cannot be distributed through the described liquid distribution system.

[0062] As described, the rotation speed ofthe support element can be controlled, however, even at limited speeds, it is possible that the plants lose leaves or other products, such as for example soil.

[0063] In a zero-gravity environment this dispersion of elements (leaves, soil, etc.) represents a significant problem, as such elements would float in the environment and would not be easily collected.

[0064] For this reason, according to an improvement, the system object of the present invention provides for an external elastic enclosure configured to surround the support element and said at least one cultivation tank.

[0065] The external enclosure can, for example, consist of a net whose meshes are configured so as not to allow the passage of objects even of small dimensions but thepassage of air, so as to avoid leakage of material from the cultivation tanks.

[0066] The elastically deformable nature of the external enclosure allows for adapting the enclosure itself to the variations in the dimensions of the system, due to the lengthening of the support arms.

[0067] According to a further advantageous embodiment, aimed at maximizing the volumetric yield and solving the problems of logistic positioning of systems with dynamic footprint, the present invention provides that the aforesaid system for the cultivation of plants further comprises a cabinet, which has a housing seat for a plurality of modular units, which modular units each comprise a rotating system provided with at least one plant cultivation tank as described above.

[0068] The modular units have variable dimensions based on the state of growth of the plants and based on the telescopic extension of the arms and of the expandable lateral walls.

[0069] Furthermore, there are means for the removable hooking of the modular units to the internal walls of said cabinet.

[0070] In particular, the system comprises a control unit, which control unit comprises processor means for the execution of a logic program, the execution of which provides for identifying at any instant the optimal positioning of each modular unit within the cabinet on the basis of the dimensions and the instantaneous footprint related to the instantaneous extension of the support arms of each modular unit and / or on the typology of plants cultivated within the modular units.

[0071] This logic cabinet inherits all the advantages and the essential technical characteristics described above for the main rotating system.

[0072] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS

[0073] Figure 1 a illustrates an exploded view of a possible embodiment of the system object of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 1b illustrates a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the system object of the present invention;

[0075] Figures from 2a to 2c illustrate three different configurations of a possibleembodiment of the system object of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of cultivation tanks belonging to the system object of the present invention, in an open configuration, i.e., with the various support arms detached from the support element;

[0077] Figures from 4a to 4c illustrate three sections of a possible embodiment of the system object of the present invention, according to three different configurations;

[0078] Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the system object of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the cabinet belonging to the system object of the present invention.

[0080] It is specified that the figures attached to the present patent application illustrate only some possible embodiments of the system for the nursery cultivation of plants object of the present invention, to better understand the advantages and characteristics described.

[0081] Such embodiments are therefore to be intended purely for illustrative and not limiting purposes for the inventive concept of the present invention, i.e., that of optimizing the production yield of the system itself, limiting its energy consumption, so as to realize rotary systems even with simulated gravity as a function of the growth stage of the plants.

[0082] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0083] Con With particular reference to Figures 1a and 1b, a possible preferred embodiment of the system object of the present invention is illustrated.

[0084] The system comprises a support element consisting of a tubular cylinder 1 which presents on its external surface a plurality of light elements 11.

[0085] The light elements 11 can consist of elements of the LED type or similar which diffuse a light radiation into the environment surrounding the tubular cylinder 1.

[0086] The light elements 11 can be powered by a power source preferably placed inside the tubular cylinder 1.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the external surface of the tubular cylinder 1 has a plurality of holes 12 suitable for the diffusion of an air flow aimedat maintaining the ideal conditions for the environmental cultivation of that specific plant species by supplying or removing moisture, generated by a specific unit provided, preferably, inside the tubular cylinder 1.

[0088] For illustrative simplicity, with reference to Figures 1a and 1b, the black elements on the external surface of the tubular cylinder 1 represent the light elements, while the white elements on the external surface of the tubular cylinder 1 represent the holes for the diffusion of air.

[0089] Based on what has been described, both the light elements 11 and the holes 12 allow to diffuse, respectively, the light radiation and a flow of air in all radial directions with respect to the central axis A of the tubular cylinder 1.

[0090] As will be described subsequently, the tubular cylinder 1 is mounted in a rotatable way around its own longitudinal axis A.

[0091] Furthermore, fixed to the tubular cylinder 1 are a plurality of cultivation tanks 3 through corresponding support arms 4.

[0092] As illustrated in the figures, the cultivation tanks 3 consist of parallelepiped-shaped elements with four lateral walls 31 and a bottom wall 32, so as to identify a cultivation zone suitable for housing the cultivation substrate 33 on which to grow the plants 2.

[0093] In particular, each cultivation tank 3 is fixed to the tubular cylinder 1 through two support arms 4, respectively on the head sides and on the tail sides of the cultivation tanks 3.

[0094] It is obviously possible to provide both any number and any arrangement of the support arms 4.

[0095] The cultivation tanks 3 are fixed to the tubular cylinder 1 so as to be rigidly connected to said tubular cylinder 1 , in such a way that the rotation of the tubular cylinder 1 drives the cultivation tanks 3 into rotation in unison.

[0096] The support arms 4 are fixed to the cultivation tanks 3 in such a way that the tanks of cultivation 3 do not present relative movement with respect to the support arms 4.

[0097] According to the variant illustrated in the figures, the system object of the present invention is configured like a carousel, in which the tubular cylinder 1 acts as a hub, which rotates around axis A and presents a radial arrangement of the cultivation tanks 3, whichare radially arranged with respect to the tubular cylinder 1 and angularly equi-spaced from each other.

[0098] Furthermore, the support arms 4 of each cultivation tank 3 are connected to the support arms 4 of the adjacent cultivation tanks 3 through connection brackets 41 placed proximal to the tubular cylinder 1 and distal with respect to the cultivation tanks 3.

[0099] The function of the connection brackets 41 is related to a stiffening of the entire structure, especially of the cultivation tanks 3 during the rotation of the entire system.

[0100] Furthermore, the connection brackets 41 perform a specific function relative to the disassembly of the system and the harvesting of the cultivated plants 2.

[0101] In fact, preferably, the support arms 4 are removably fixed to the tubular cylinder 1, thanks to the presence of removable fixing means.

[0102] The ends of the support arms 4 proximal to the tubular cylinder 1 are inserted within suitable housing seats 14 provided on the tubular cylinder 1, provided in the head and tail portions of the tubular cylinder 1.

[0103] Once inserted into the housing seats 14, the ends of the support arms 4 can be fixed to the tubular cylinder 1 in any of the ways known in the state of the art.

[0104] The removable fixing of the support arms 4 allows for the disassembly of the cultivation tanks 3 with respect to the tubular cylinder 1, for example for maintenance or for the harvesting of the plants 2 cultivated in the tanks themselves.

[0105] In this regard, Figure 3 illustrates a configuration of the system object of the present invention in which the cultivation tanks 3 have been disassembled and positioned on a horizontal plane, to allow for the harvesting of the plants 2.

[0106] The presence of connection brackets 41, in this case, is particularly advantageous in that it allows for keeping the various cultivation tanks 3 fixed to each other through the connection between connection brackets 41 and support arms 4 of each cultivation tank 3.

[0107] Thanks to the presence of the connection brackets 41, as illustrated in Figure 3, the assembly of cultivation tanks 3-support arms 4-connection brackets 41 presents itself like a tank tread, with the various cultivation tanks 3 articulated with each other.

[0108] It follows that, if the cultivation tanks 3 do not present relative movement withrespect to the support arms 4, the connection brackets 41 can oscillate with respect to the support arms 4 around the point of connection with the same.

[0109] As discussed previously, the cultivation tanks 3 are rigidly connected to the tubular cylinder 1 in rotation, i.e., they rotate around axis A, driven in unison by the tubular cylinder 1.

[0110] This does not mean that the cultivation tanks 3 are fixed with respect to the tubular cylinder 1.

[0111] In fact, according to a preferred embodiment, the cultivation tanks 3 present a movement of distancing / approach with respect to the tubular cylinder 1 thanks to the peculiar realization of the support arms 4, consisting of arms adjustable in length.

[0112] According to the illustrated variant embodiment, the support arms 4 consist of two parts, of which a first part 42 proximal to the cultivation tank 3 and a second part 43 proximal to the tubular cylinder 1.

[0113] The two parts 42 and 43 slide over each other along their longitudinal axis, so as to allow for the approach or distancing of the cultivation tank 3 from the tubular cylinder 1.

[0114] The two parts 42 and 43 can be realized according to any of the ways known in the state of the art, since the support arms can consist of actuator cylinders, as well as telescopic arms or similar technologies.

[0115] This movement of the cultivation tanks 3 allows for leaving sufficient space for the plants 2 whose height varies based on the growth state.

[0116] Figures from 2a to 2c illustrate three different configurations of the system object of the present invention, which configurations differ precisely for a different condition of extension of the support arms 4.

[0117] In fact, based on the length of the support arms 4 it is possible to identify a condition of maximum approach of the cultivation tanks 3 with respect to the tubular cylinder 1, Figure 2a, a condition of maximum distancing of the cultivation tanks 3 with respect to the tubular cylinder 1 , Figure 2c, and an intermediate condition, Figure 2b.

[0118] As is evident from Figures 2a-2c, the increase in the length of the support arms 4 corresponds to an increase in the height and dimensions of the plants 2 within each cultivation zone.Preferably, the support arms of each cultivation tank 3 increase / decrease by the same length in the same period, but it is also possible to provide length increases of the support arms 4 different for each cultivation tank 3 fixed to the same tubular cylinder 1.

[0119] Based on what has been described, the system object of the present invention therefore provides for a movement relative to the rotation of the cylinder around axis A, with the consequent rotation of the cultivation tanks 3, and a linear movement of the cultivation tanks 3 with respect to the tubular cylinder 1.

[0120] Advantageously, both movements are regulated on the basis of the growth state of the plants 2.

[0121] It is therefore possible to provide sensors for detecting the growth state of the plants 2, sensors which can consist of, for example, optical sensors and / or image acquisition devices.

[0122] Alternatively or in combination, it is possible to identify the growth timing of the plants 2, variable based on the species cultivated within the cultivation tanks 3, to regulate in temporal terms the rotation of the tubular cylinder 1 and / or the lengthening / shortening of the support arms 4.

[0123] The regulation of the rotation speed can occur, for example, by identifying a point of the cultivation tank or of the support arms that remains always at constant angular velocity, regardless of the distance of such point from the axis of rotation A of the tubular cylinder 1.

[0124] In Figures 1a and 1b the activation unit 15 of the rotation of the tubular cylinder 1 around the axis A is illustrated, which can be realized according to any of the ways known in the state of the art, for example through the use of an electric motor.

[0125] The activation unit 15 transmits the signals to the tubular cylinder 1 through a sliding electrical contact obtained from the cooperation between conductive elements 151 placed on the end of the tubular cylinder 1 with corresponding conductive tracks 152 placed on the actuation unit.

[0126] It is possible to provide a control unit that oversees the operation of the entire system, a control unit that can be integrated within the activation unit 15.

[0127] The control unit can also generate automation signals for thelengthening / shortening of the support arms 4, preferably through the sliding contacts 151-152.

[0128] The presence of the light elements 11 on the surface of the tubular cylinder 1 and the rotation thereof cause the growth of the plants 2 so that the upper part, i.e., the portion of the plants above the cultivation substrate, extends towards the tubular cylinder 1, thanks to the presence of light, while the root part develops growing inside the cultivation substrate in the direction of the bottom wall 32 of the cultivation tanks 3.

[0129] The growth of the root part requires a continuous increase in the dimensions of the cultivation tanks 3, as well as in the amount of cultivation substrate.

[0130] For this reason, according to the illustrated embodiment, the lateral walls 31 of the cultivation tanks 3 consist of extendable walls.

[0131] In particular, the lateral walls 31 consist of at least a first part 311 and a second part 312, mounted so that one part can slide over the other in order to increase the volume of the cultivation tanks.

[0132] Also in this case the increase in volume can be regulated based on the growth state of the plants.

[0133] Furthermore, also in this case the movement of the second part 312 with respect to the first part 311 can be managed by the control unit, through the sliding contacts.

[0134] The sliding contacts allow to distribute both the electrical power and the transmission of data to all the components of the system object of the present invention.

[0135] The electrical power supply can consist of an electrical power source, such as for example a battery, provided integrated within the tubular cylinder 1 and / or external to said cylinder.

[0136] Figures from 2a to 2c and Figures from 4a to 4c illustrate three different configurations of extension of the lateral walls 31, from a condition of minimum extension, Figures 2a and 4a, to a condition of maximum extension, Figures 2c and 4c, passing through an intermediate condition, Figures 2b and 4b.

[0137] With particular reference to the variant embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 a and 1 b, the system object of the present invention also provides for a liquid delivery system, so as to allow for the irrigation of the cultivation substrate of the cultivation tanks 3.Such delivery circuit may comprise a distribution unit, such as for example a pump, not illustrated in the figures, and configured to pump the liquid inside a distribution tube.

[0138] The distribution tube may comprise an inlet portion connected to the distribution unit, an intermediate portion 6 and an outlet portion embedded within the cultivation substrate and not illustrated in the figure.

[0139] The intermediate portion 6 is placed at at least one of the support arms 4, for each cultivation tank 3.

[0140] As illustrated in the figures, the distribution tube, and in particular the intermediate portion, is arranged so as to generate one or more loops, so as to present a certain slack in order to be able to follow the lengthening of the support arms 4 without creating tensions within the distribution tube that could create malfunctions of the system.

[0141] The liquid distribution unit can be provided inside the tubular cylinder 1 or can be integrated in a head terminal 61 of the tubular cylinder 1.

[0142] Regardless of the realization, the distribution unit pumps the liquid that it draws from a tank, which can be provided either internally to the tubular cylinder 1 or, preferably, in an external unit, as will be described subsequently.

[0143] According to a further embodiment, illustrated in Figure 5, the system object of the present invention provides for an external enclosure 7 made of elastic material and configured to surround, preferably entirely, the tubular cylinder 1 -cultivation tanks 3 assembly.

[0144] Such external enclosure can for example consist, as illustrated in Figure 5, of an elastic sleeve, which presents a sufficiently dense weave not to let out leaves or other residues that spread from the plants 2 and from the cultivation tanks 3, even following the rotation of the system around axis A.

[0145] As discussed previously, the system is rotated around axis A, so it is preferable to provide a support structure configured to support the tubular cylinder 1 at the head and tail terminals, i.e., at the activation unit 15 and the head terminal 61, illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b.

[0146] Such support structure can also be used to support or integrate a liquid tank that will then be delivered by the distribution unit into the cultivation tanks 3, according to themethods described above.

[0147] As illustrated in Figure 6, the support structure can consist of a cabinet 8.

[0148] In this case, the carousels consisting of the assembly of tubular cylinder 1 -support arms 4-cultivation tanks 3 realize modular units, indicated with reference number 9, housed within the cabinet 8.

[0149] In fact, the cabinet 8 can act as a housing compartment for a plurality of modular units 9.

[0150] Furthermore, the cabinet 8, in addition to the housing function for the modular units 9, can perform several functions.

[0151] According to a first embodiment, in the back 81 of the cabinet 8 it is possible to provide all the connections and the units that allow for regulating the rotation of the tubular cylinders 1 of the various modular units 9.

[0152] Furthermore, in the door 82 of the cabinet 8 it is possible to provide a system of gaskets and valves that, when the cabinet is closed, connect with the distribution unit, to allow the aeraulic connection of the air and hydraulic connection of a possible tank integrated within the cabinet 8 with the various distribution units of each modular unit 9.

[0153] According to a further embodiment, within the cabinet 8 it is possible to integrate an air recovery system 81 which is expelled from the holes 12 present on the external surface of the tubular cylinder 1.

[0154] Such air recovery circuit may have means for connection to the tubular cylinder 1, so as to allow for delivering again through the holes 12 the recovered air.

[0155] Finally, according to a preferred embodiment, each modular unit 9 has removable fixing means to the internal walls of the cabinet 8.

[0156] Such removable fixing means are not illustrated in the figure, but can be realized according to any of the ways known in the state of the art.

[0157] Thanks to the presence of the removable fixing means, it is possible to assemble / disassemble the modular units as desired by an operator.

[0158] In particular it is possible to obtain, preferably through the help of suitable algorithms of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a positioning of the modular units 9 that allows for optimizing space, i.e., to contain the greatest possible number of modular units9 housed within the cabinet 8.

[0159] The algorithm must consider the state of growth of the plants of each modular unit 9, related to the instantaneous footprint (i.e., to the extension of the support arms 4) of each modular unit 9, as well as the maximum footprint that each modular unit 9 will present in the condition of maximum expansion of the support arms 4, as well as the periods of lengthening of the support arms 4.

[0160] The algorithm will process such inputs both on the basis of the dimensions of the cabinet, and on the basis of the plants cultivated at any instant within each modular unit 9, which present not only different heights, but also different growth periods.

[0161] The algorithm will then generate outputs including the timing of sowings and harvests to be carried out for each modular unit 9 and the typologies of plants to be inserted therein in order to maximize the production yield per unit of volume.

[0162] Regardless of the realization of removable fixing means, it is evident that the cabinet will present connection seats for the terminals of each tubular cylinder 1 of the modular units 9.

[0163] According to an embodiment, such connection seats can be provided movable along the walls of the cabinet 8, so that the machine learning algorithm suggests the correct positioning thereof in order to obtain a further optimization of the exploitation of the space inside the cabinet 8.

[0164] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, some preferred embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail.

[0165] It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, it intends to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0166] The use offer example," "etc.," or "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise indicated.

[0167] The use of "includes" means "includes, but is not limited to" unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMSreceived by the International Bureau on 18 August 2026 (18.08.2026)1. A system for the cultivation of plants (2), comprising:a support element (1);at least one cultivation tank (3) comprising one or more lateral walls (31) and a bottom wall (32), so as to identify a cultivation space in which to house a cultivation substrate (33),which cultivation tank (3) has at least one support arm (4) mechanically connected to said support element (1),which support element (1) comprises means for generating a light source (11), configured so as to irradiate said cultivation tank (3), and means for delivering a liquid (6, 61) configured to distribute the liquid within said cultivation tank (3),wherein said support element (1) is rotatably mounted, a drive unit (15) for the rotation of said support element (1) being present, wherein said cultivation tank (3) is rigidly connected to said support element (1), in such a way that the rotation of said support element (1) drives the cultivation tank (3) into rotation in unison,the drive unit (15) comprising means for the automatic regulation of the rotation speed of the support element (1),the at least one support arm (4) consisting of an adjustable-length arm, means for setting the length of the support arm (4) being provided,characterized in thatsaid one or more lateral walls (31) of said cultivation tank (3) consist of extendable walls in the direction ofthe support element (1).

2. The system according to claim 1, in which a plurality of cultivation tanks (3) is present, arranged radially with respect to said support element (1) and distributed angularly equi-spaced, said support element (1) being constituted by a tubular element configured to diffuse the light source radially in all directions.

3. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which means for detecting the state of growth of the plants (2) are present, the rotation speed and the length of the support arm (4) being regulated on the basis of the state of growth of theplants (2).

4. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said means for delivering a liquid (6, 61) comprise a distribution unit and at least one distribution tube, the distribution unit (61) being positioned at said support element (1) and said distribution tube having an inlet portion connected to said distribution unit, an intermediate portion (6) arranged at said support arm (4) and an outlet portion arranged at the cultivation tank (3).

5. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which means for the removable fixing of said support arm (4) to said support element (1) are present.

6. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which an external elastic enclosure (7) is present, configured to surround the support element (1) and said at least one cultivation tank (3).

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of said support elements (1) and corresponding cultivation tanks (3) defining a plurality of modular units (9) with variable dimensions, said system further comprising a cabinet (8) presenting a housing seat for containing said plurality of modular units (9), each modular unit (9) having means for removable hooking to the internal walls of said cabinet (8), wherein the system comprises a control unit equipped with processor means for the execution of a logic program, configured to identify instant by instant the optimal positioning of each modular unit (9) within the cabinet (8) on the basis of the instantaneous extension of the support arms (4) of each modular unit (9), as well as on the typology of plants cultivated.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said support arms (4) of each cultivation tank (3) are connected to the support arms (4) of adjacent cultivation tanks (3) through connection brackets (41), arranged proximal to said support element (1) and distal with respect to the cultivation tanks (3).

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said support element (1) comprises on its own external surface a plurality of holes (12) configured for the emission and diffusion of an air flow in radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the support element (1) towards said cultivation tanks (3).

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said drive unit (15) is configured to transmit electrical power and automation signals to said rotating support element (1) via a sliding electrical contact, said sliding electrical contact being preferably obtained from the cooperation between conductive elements (151) arranged on a terminal of said support element (1) and corresponding conductive tracks (152) arranged on said drive unit (15).STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1)The amendment to Claim 10 replaces the term "activation unit (15)" with "drive unit (15)" to align the claim language strictly with independent Claim 1, which defines component (15) as a "drive unit".This modification addresses a minor typographical discrepancy, establishing proper antecedent basis and structural consistency throughout the claim set. The amendment is fully supported by original Claim 1 and the description as filed, and does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as originally filed.

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