DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a module for hydroponic cultivation, to a modular structure comprising a plurality of exemplars of said module, and to a hydroponic cultivation system including said modular structure.

Notes on the prior art - Technical problem

[0002] Hydroponic cultivation systems are known, in which the plants are fed by an aqueous solution of nutrients, as described for instance in US4334386 or in US2005274073, without using a solid culture medium.

[0003] There are various hydroponics techniques. One of these is the NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) technique, in which a tray, a tube or a channel is used, on the bottom of which a film of nutrient solution is caused to flow. Baskets containing one or more seedlings are supported above the channel. The tray, tube or channel is arranged in a slightly inclined position, in order to avoid water stagnation.

[0004] For instance, in GB2489710, or in US10477786, a tray is described which has a sloping bottom and in which a feeding of a nutrient solution at the uppermost level is provided. The trays can also be used in multi-level cabinets, as described, for instance, in W02020178734 or in US2019230878. In some embodiments, the trays can be arranged one above the other with lighting lamps under the upper trays, as described in WO2019094845 or JP2016036312. In US2017079223 the trays can be supported by larger basins, and a quick coupling is provided, in particular of the magnetic type, between the basins and the trays.

[0005] An example of use of channels or tubes is provided by FR1491459. In US3365840, US4255896 or US2017258022, US2017181393, it is envisaged to serially arrange consecutive tubes or channels, so as to form a single downward path for the nutrient film, for example a spiral path, as described in US2014083007, and even a small size path, as described in US2011067301. [0006] Another hydroponics technique involves alternating root immersion and emersion steps into/from a nutrient solution, by modifying the level of the solution with respect to the roots themselves. This technique is known as the “Ebb and Flow” system, or even as “Flood and Drain” technique. [0007] In these cases, the pipes can be arranged horizontally. In order to convey the liquid from one end portion to the other end portion of the tube sequence, pumps can be used, as described in US2018035627, or a maximum allowable discharge level can be implemented, of fixed type, as in US2011296757 or US2013074408 or US5067275, or of adjustable type, as described in US2017181393, or a distribution systems can be arranged at several points along the pipes, as described in US2015113875, or even the pipes can be pressurized to exploit the thrust of the air on the liquid can be exploited, as described in US5860247.

[0008] There exist also modular cultivation systems, for example, to cover walls with pots and plants, as described in US2014075840, or to build modular hydroponics systems, as described in US4669217 or in US2015040476, or in W0200701 1824, or in KR20130090464.

[0009] Containment structures for hydroponic cultivation trays suitable for domestic use are also known, as disclosed in CN111387039, which assists the user in controlling sunlight exposure, by orienting the trays about a vertical axis.

[0010] Some of the aforementioned systems are modular and adaptable to both domestic use and small farms. Flowever, more versatile and adaptable hydroponic systems for home use are still desirable.

[0011] JP FI0239832 A and GB 2217165 A both disclose a hydroponic cultivation equipment for home use, including a nutrient solution tank, a cultivation tank arranged within an upper portion of the nutrient solution tank, a pump arranged to continuously pump a nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank into the cultivation tank, such that an overflowing nutrient solution drops back to the nutrient solution tank from the cultivation tank once the latter is full. A planting panel also serving as a cover of the cultivation tank includes through holes to hold the root upper side of the cultivated plants, so that the roots can reach and suck the nutrient solution. In an embodiment, JP FI0239832 A includes a main cultivator as the equipment described above and a subcultivator in which a further cultivation tank is arranged to receive nutrient solution overflowing from the cultivation tank of the cultivator and to let in turn the overflowing nutrient solution to drop back into the nutrient solution tank of the main cultivator. GB 2217 165 A discloses improved modifications of the same equipment, for promoting aeration of the nutrient solution before being delivered to the growing plants, and for controlling the nutrient solution temperature.

[0012] The equipment of JP H0239832 A and GB 2217 165 A is a standalone hydroponic cultivation unit, in which the outermost vessel, i.e., the nutrient solution tank, includes all that is needed for the unit to operate, and is not conceived for coupling to other tanks as a module of a hydroponic cultivation plants. In particular, no attachments are provided for connecting both similar units to each other and the single units to a common support.

[0013] US 2020/0267910 A1 discloses a prefabricated stackable modular grow box for general use, not specifically designed for hydroponic cultivation. Summary of the invention

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a module for hydroponic cultivation that allows to build hydroponic systems that can more flexibly and practically used, in comparison to known systems, at home or in any case in a closed place frequented by people. [0015] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a module for hydroponic cultivation that makes it possible to easily build hydroponic systems even in a house in which a limited space is available.

[0016] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a module and a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation that can be easily cleaned and washed, for example, between subsequent plant growth cycles. More specifically, the invention aims at providing a module that can be easily washed in a common dishwasher.

[0017] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a module and a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation that minimizes bad odours emission, or prevents the proliferation of insects, moulds, bacteria and unwanted vegetation, as well as other biological contaminants. [0018] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a module and a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation that allow a lighting that is at the same time suitable for plant growth and compatible with a typical home lighting.

[0019] It is also an object of the invention to provide a module and a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation that allows to easily remove plants having grown to a certain extent, without damaging them, so that the growth of the plants can be continued elsewhere.

[0020] It is also an object of the invention to provide a module for hydroponic cultivation that allows building customized hydroponic systems starting from modular pieces of a reasonably limited number of types.

[0021] It is also an object of the invention to provide a module for hydroponic cultivation that allows building systems that are easy to install and use.

[0022] It is another object of the invention to provide a module and a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation that allow improving the cultivation efficiency and creating ideal conditions for the growth.

[0023] These objects, as well as others, are achieved by the module for hydroponic cultivation defined by claim 1, by the modular structure for hydroponic cultivation defined by claim 19 and by the system defined by claim 24. Particularly advantageous embodiments and modifications of the module, of the modular structure and of the hydroponic cultivation system are defined by respective dependent claims.

[0024] According to the invention, a module for hydroponic cultivation comprises: a tray configured to hold water; - a container body configured to contain a germinating and/or growing plant, the container body having a grid portion, wherein the tray and the container body are configured to be coupled to each other; wherein the tray comprises a bottom, side walls and at least one water passage duct configured to supply the tray with a predetermined water head above the bottom, wherein the passage duct has a water inlet connection fitting arranged outside of the tray, a support configured to sustain the container body in such a way that the latter is suspended above the tray, with the grid portion facing the bottom of the tray; a modular body configured to support the tray and also configured to sustain the support, wherein the modular body comprises: connection portions configured to connect the modular body to modular bodies of adjacent modules, and attachment portions configured to attach the modular body to structural support elements.

[0025] By the expression “grid portion” of the container body, a surface is meant that has a plurality of holes of a predetermined shape and size and at predetermined mutual distances. For instance, the grid portion can be a basked- shaped surface, a mesh, a micro-perforated surface and the like. The purpose of the grid portion is to allow a substrate such as a growing plant or a plurality of germinating seeds to be retained in the container body, while ensuring a communication with the water contained in the tray. In the former case, the grid portion will have holes small enough to retain a germination substrate, for example a mineral wool substrate, and sustain the growing plant, and wide enough to be pervious to the roots, so that the latter can attain the water contained in the tray. To this purpose, the grid portion will preferably be a glass- or basket-shaped portion.

[0026] In the latter case, the grid portion will have holes small enough to allow seeds of a predetermined size to be retained, and may have, for example, the shape of a preferably flat net or of a perforated tray.

[0027] Moreover, since each modular body has both connection portions and attachment portions, as well as water supply fittings, it is possible to build modular structures of any shape, according to the user’s wish, by modular bodies having an appropriately small number of different shapes, thus obtaining hydroponic cultivation systems in which the trays are spaced apart enough to allow a full development of the plants.

[0028] Actually, as each plant has one’s dedicated module, competition between the plants is prevented, in particular, in connection to nutrient absorption. Moreover, the spacing between the plants prevents the roots of different plants from becoming entangled with each other, which would decelerate the growth and make it difficult to remove the plants.

[0029] Moreover, with the above module structure, in order to take away one plant, for instance, a user just has to remove the container body only, which prevents the plant from being damaged. As an alternative, the user can also remove the support, and even the tray, along with the grid portion and the plant. This is useful if the plant has reached an intermediate stage of growth, and it is desired to move it elsewhere to complete its growth, without damaging it.

[0030] Moreover, the grid portion and/or the support can be removed from the modular body without extracting the tray, which makes it easy to clean the removed components, as well as the whole module.

[0031] Moreover, the grid portion and/or the support can be removed from the modular body together with the tray or without extracting the tray, leaving the modular bodies at their place, which considerably simplifies any maintenance operations of the hydroponic system.

[0032] In particular, the tray has a predetermined depth, the modular body comprises a floor configured to support the tray and the support is arranged at a predetermined height above the bottom of the tray larger than the depth of the tray, so that the grid portion of the container body is arranged at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the tray.

[0033] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the modular body is a box-like modular body comprising a floor configured to sustain the tray and further comprising a plurality of walls configured to sustain the support with the container body, so as to define a substantially closed housing for the tray, wherein the walls have a height selected in such a way that the grid portion of the container body is arranged at a predetermined distance above the bottom of the tray.

[0034] This way, the modular body and the whole module for hydroponic cultivation are particularly resistant to external forces. In addition, the box-like shape of the modular body and the support arranged as a lid on the modular body protect the tray from dust and other soiling factors. Furthermore, such a protection prevents biologic contaminating agents from penetrating into the system and proliferating therein. [0035] Moreover, if container bodies having a predetermined depth are used, modules can be obtained in which the grid portion is arranged at a distance from the bottom of the tray that can be lower, or substantially equal to, or higher than the water head, i.e., modules can be obtained that are appropriate for different cultivation methods, in which the roots are submerged or are not submerged by water.

[0036] According to an aspect of the invention, the modular body can have a flat shape, such as a shelf or platform shape, or can have a box-like shape. In any case, the modular body is not conceived for containing liquids such as water or a nutrient solution for hydroponic cultivation, which is the specific role of the tray, in the present invention. Passage openings can be provided in at least one wall of the modular body through which the passage duct(s), i.e., the inlet/outlet duct(s) are arranged to convey water to/away from the tray.

[0037] Preferably, the modular body is an elongated modular body having in an elongation longitudinal direction and comprising two end walls transversally arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction, wherein the connection portions are arranged at the end walls so as to connect a first exemplar of the module with at least one second exemplar of the module arranging the two respective end walls of the first and of the second exemplars in abutment with each other. The elongated shape of the module allows the plants to be appropriately spaced apart in order to promote their growth.

[0038] The module can be a straight module, wherein the longitudinal direction is a rectilinear direction. In particular, the modular body, in a top plan view, i.e., if observed from the above, has a rectangular shape and is laterally defined by side walls parallel to each other. As an alternative, the module can be a curved module, wherein the longitudinal direction is a curved direction, and the modular body, in a top plan view, preferably has the shape of a circular crown sector and is laterally defined by internal and external side walls that are preferably cylindrical in shape and coaxially arranged about a common longitudinal axis, the external side wall having a curvature radius longer than the curvature radius of the internal side wall. For instance, the sector can have a central angle, i.e. amplitude, close or equal to 60°. Other possible central angles are, for instance, 30° or 45°, by which central angles multiple thereof can be easily provided. [0039] Actually, s already observed, by a reduced number of module types, e.g., a straight module type and a 60° or 45° or 30° curved module type, modular structures having a large variety of shapes can be obtained, so as to optimize the size of such modular structures even if small installation spaces are available, at a reduced module moulding cost.

[0040] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the modular body comprises a hollow lower longitudinal portion, i.e., a tunnel portion, that is laterally defined by two skirt elements parallel to each other and that is open at both end portions of the module, wherein the at least one passage duct protrudes with its own feed connection fitting into the hollow lower longitudinal portion. As described hereinafter, the tunnel makes it possible to hide and protect the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical connections between the modules of a same system, i.e., of a modular structure comprising a sequence, i.e., a train of modules. [0041] In particular, the ceiling of the tunnel provides a mounting surface for a lower lighting body, in order to illuminate a possible underlying module in the modular structure of a hydroponic cultivation system. This way, thanks to the tunnel structure, the plants that are present in the underlying modules can be correctly illuminated without dispersing light in the surroundings, typically in a domestic environment, which could cause discomfort to people who live there.

[0042] According to an aspect of the invention, the connection portions between the modular bodies are configured to fasten two adjacent exemplars of the module to each other in a relative position selected between: a first relative position, in which the adjacent exemplars, i.e., the respective modules, are arranged at a same height with respect to each other; a second relative position, in which the modules are arranged at respective different heights with respect to each other.

This makes it possible to build modular structures extending on a plurality of floors, and also to connect the modular structure portions of each floor with other structure portions, thus optimizing the overall size of the hydroponic cultivation system including the above structure portions.

[0043] Preferably, the connection portions are configured to be fixed to the modular bodies in a first or in a second mounting configuration, in which the adjacent exemplars have the first and the second relative position, respectively. This way, it is possible to easily change the layout of a hydroponic cultivation modular structure.

[0044] For example, the connection means can comprise, for two adjacent exemplars, at least one couple of right-angled connection elements that have respective longer sides and shorter sides, wherein: in the first mounting configuration, the longer side of each right-angled connection element supports corresponding side portions of both the adjacent exemplars along its own length, while in the second mounting configuration, the longer side supports a side portion of a first exemplar of the two adjacent exemplars on its own end, and the shorter side supports a corresponding side portion of a second exemplar of the two adjacent exemplars along its own length, such that the first exemplar is arranged at an height above the second exemplar, the height difference corresponding to the length of the longer sides of the right- angled connection elements.

[0045] The module can be a growth module or a sowing module. In the former case, the grid portion of the container body is a depth-extended grid portion, in particular a grid portion extending according to a revolution surface, more in particular, a frustoconical, or basket-shaped or bucket-shaped or cup- shaped surface, wherein the container body is preferably arranged at central position of the support in order to facilitate the growth of the plant. In the latter case, the grid portion is a substantially flat grid portion parallel to the bottom of the tray facing the container body, wherein the container body preferably occupies substantially all the surface, in a top plan view, or a maximum portion thereof, in order to maximize the production rate of the sowing module.

[0046] The module components described above can be made of a large variety of materials, but they are preferably made of a plastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the tray can be made of a disposable material, typically cardboard or the like. In another exemplary embodiment, the tray can consist of a material containing nutrients for the plant, which are released into the water during the use of the tray itself.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the module comprises, in addition to the above-mentioned attachment portions for the structural support element, also the structural support element itself, wherein the structural support element is an elongated element extending from said attachment portion made on a side wall of the module.

[0048] In particular, in the case of a curved module, the elongated structural support element preferably extends in the common radial direction of the internal and external curved side walls. In this case, the elongated structural support element can comprise a connection ring at an own end opposite to a connecting end for connection to the attachment seat on the inner wall, the connection ring having an axis coincident with the longitudinal axis mentioned above, so that connection rings of several exemplars of curved module can be stacked on one another, in particular, around a support shaft having a mounting axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of each of the exemplars. This way, as described below, it is possible to create helical modular structure portions, which allow minimizing the overall size and therefore optimizing the use of the space available for the hydroponic cultivation, even in a domestic environment. [0049] Preferably, the at least one passage duct is a water inlet duct that protrudes from the bottom of the tray inside the tray up to a height above the bottom corresponding to the predefined water head, or that opens into the tray from one of the side walls at the aforementioned height.

[0050] In the presence of such a single inlet duct, the module allows a hydroponic cultivation according to a "Flood and Drain" technique, in which root immersion and emersion steps alternate, but in which the frequency of these steps depends on the water consumption rate by the plants themselves and by natural evaporation.

[0051] As an alternative, the water passage duct can open at the level of the bottom of the tank and can be provided with a valve group configured to turn from a filling configuration, in which the valve group allows the water to flow through the passage duct into the tray, so as to reach the aforementioned water head, to an emptying configuration, in which the valve group allows the water to flow away from the tray through the passage duct, thus causing the tray to be emptied. Even in this case, the module allows to perform any kind of hydroponic cultivation and is particularly suitable for the "Flood and Drain" cultivation type, since the duration of the immersion steps of the roots and therefore the frequency by which the aforementioned steps alternate can be established by an operator or by an automatic cultivation control device. [0052] In an advantageous embodiment, the tray comprises a further passage duct configured as a discharge duct, i.e., a water outlet duct that protrudes from the bottom of the tray up to a height, above the bottom, corresponding to the predefined water head, or that opens into the tray at the aforementioned height through one of the side walls.

[0053] If two distinct inlet and outlet ducts are present, the module allows to perform a hydroponic cultivation according to an NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) type technique, in which the relative position of the grid portion and therefore of the roots, on one hand, and of a streamline liquid film, on the other hand, can be predetermined by appropriately deciding the depth of the container body, since the length of the protruding portion of the passage duct used as discharge duct within the tray is decided in advance and, therefore, also the position of the water head or water film with respect to the bottom of the tray is decide in advance. [0054] In particular, the support has at least one hole, for example a single central hole, to house the container body.

[0055] In one embodiment, in particular in the case of a container body having a grid portion formed on a depth-extended or "basket-like" surface, the container body has a support rim detachably resting on a rest edge of the hole of the support. This makes it easier to remove and handle a cultivation product unit, which can be therefore quickly replaced by a new product unit to be grown in a module.

[0056] In a further embodiment, in particular, in the case of container bodies having a flat grid portion, the support and the container body are made integral to each other, while the support is detachably connected to the modular body, in particular, it simply rests thereon. As anticipated, in this case, an essay is made to maximize the extension of the cultivated surface on the module, so that the grid portion occupies almost the entire surface available on the support, therefore it is not convenient to mould the container body and the support as two distinct pieces, on the contrary it is preferable to remove also the support when withdrawing the germinated / grown product from the module, in order to replace it with a new sowing in the same module. [0057] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation including a plurality of exemplars of the module as described above, serially connected to each other by said connection portions.

[0058] In one embodiment, the water passage duct of the tray of a first exemplar of the sequence is an inlet duct hydraulically connected to a pump arranged to feed the water, and a hydraulic connection is made between the second discharge duct of the tray of one of the exemplars and the water inlet duct of the tray of another adjacent module exemplar, so as to form a water supply circuit from a first exemplar to a last exemplar of the plurality of exemplars of the structure serially connected to each other. In this way, a modular structure is formed suitable for a NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) type technique, to which reference has been made in the opening.

[0059] Preferably, the hollow lower longitudinal portion or tunnel portion of one of the exemplars is in communication with the hollow lower longitudinal portion or tunnel portion of another exemplar of the adjacent exemplars, so that the tunnels of the serially arranged exemplars form a service path from a first exemplar to a last exemplar of the plurality of serially connected exemplars of the structure.

[0060] In particular, electrical connection means can advantageously be provided in this service path to supply a power and/or control current to the lower lighting body that is possibly arranged in the hollow lower longitudinal portion of at least some of the plurality of the serially connected module exemplars, or even to upper lighting bodies hanging above some module exemplars of the structure. This allows a "clean" installation, in which the various connection means are hidden and does not hinder either the introduction / removal / replacement of the cultivated product that is present on the modules, or the normal manual cleaning and maintenance of the modules, besides giving an orderly appearance to the structure.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrical connection means is formed by longitudinal metal tracks made on an internal face of the tunnel wall, in particular extending along the intersections of each internal face and the ceiling of the tunnel portion of the modular body, the latter being preferably made of a non-conductive material, in particular, of a plastic material. The sequence of these tracks of several consecutive modular bodies can be configured to work as a true field bus, in particular, to convey control signals to selectively switch on / off / adjust some of the installed lighting bodies, or even all the lighting bodies simultaneously. As an alternative, the electrical connections can consist of conventional wired means. Advantageously, the connection, i.e., the electrical continuity between the metal tracks of consecutive modules, is ensured by metal connecting elements to mechanical connect the modules, in particular, by the right-angled connection elements described above.

[0062] In one embodiment, the exemplars of at least one group of exemplars adjacent to each other are arranged to form a modular structure or a modular structure portion selected between: a substantially helical modular structure enclosed in a cylindrical shape about a mounting axis, wherein the adjacent exemplars are module exemplars vertically shifted with respect to each other; a planar modular structure, wherein the adjacent exemplars are arranged at the same height as each other.

[0063] The aforementioned purposes are also achieved by a hydroponic cultivation system comprising: a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation as described above, preferably having a cylindrical symmetry and a substantially helical shape; a base structure arranged below the modular structure, in particular enclosed in a continuation of the cylindrical shape, and configured to support the modular structure by a support shaft extending from the base structure, wherein the base structure includes: water collection / feed reservoir, and a control chamber, wherein the base structure is limited at the top by a cover comprising an edge and a water collection plate arranged to receive water from the modular structure and to drain the water into the water collection/feed reservoir, wherein a submerged pump is provided in the water collection/feed reservoir, from which a delivery pipe extends up to the height of at least one upper module of the modular structure in order to feed water to the upper module, wherein a control unit is arranged within the control chamber and is configured to receive data related to the circulating water and / or environmental data and / or image data of plants cultivated in the system from respective sensors, and to control one or more devices selected from the group consisting of: the pump; thermal regulation and/or air exchange elements of said system; - lighting bodies of the modules.

[0064] With such a system, a compact water conveying path can be provided, which prevents water from spilling out, as strictly required for home use.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the reservoir and the control chamber occupy a lower portion and an upper portion, respectively, of the base structure.

[0066] In particular, the delivery pipe is arranged inside the support shaft.

[0067] The stacked arrangement of the base structure makes it possible to minimize the overall size of the system, which is an effect similar to the contribution of the aforementioned helical modular structure.

Brief description of the drawings

[0068] The invention will be now shown with the description of some exemplary embodiments thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention, comprising a container body with a basket-shaped grid portion;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention, comprising a container body with a flat grid portion;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module as in Fig. 1 , with a different arrangement of the water passage duct;

- Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section view of a module as in Fig. 1 , in which the water passage duct is associated with proportioning / check / inversion water flow means;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the container body of the module of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module according to the invention, in which a further passage duct is provided, configured as an outlet or drain duct, arranged to define the level of the water in the tray, and a water flow check means is associated to the other passage duct, configured as an inlet duct;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module as in Fig. 6, with a different arrangement of the water outlet duct;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module according to the invention, including interchangeable water inlet and outlet ducts;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section view of a module as in Fig. 8, with a different arrangement of the water inlet and outlet ducts; Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of a rectilinear device or module for hydroponic cultivation, according to an embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of a rectilinear device or module for hydroponic cultivation, according to a modification of the embodiment of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 shows an assembly operation sequence of the device of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the module of Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 , in a modification in which a lower lighting element is provided to illuminate the vegetation of an underlying module, in a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation;

Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of the device or module of Fig. 10, in a modification in which an upper lighting element is provided to illuminate the vegetation on the device itself;

Figs. 15 and 16 are top perspective and side elevation views, respectively, of a tray for a device as in figures 10 and 11, in an embodiment for a container body equipped with a basket-shaped grid portion; figures 17 and 18 are top perspective and side elevation views, respectively, of a tray for a device as in figures 10 and 11, in an embodiment for a container body equipped with a flat grid parallel to the bottom of the tray; Figs. 19 and 20 are top perspective and side elevation views, respectively, of a different tray for a container body equipped with a flat grid parallel to the bottom of the tray;

Figs. 21 and 22 are top perspective and longitudinal cross-section views, respectively, of a curved device or module for hydroponic cultivation, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 23 is a top perspective view of a device or curved module for hydroponic cultivation, according to a modification of the embodiment of figures 21 and 22; - Fig. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the module of Fig. 21 or Fig. 22, in a modification in which a lower lighting element is provided to illuminate the vegetation of an underlying module, in a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation; figures 25 and 27 are top perspective views of the covers of the supports of the devices of figures 10 and 11, respectively, the support of Fig. 27 being shown with the vegetation container mounted; figures 26 and 28 are top perspective views of the covers of the supports of the devices of figures 21 and 23 respectively, the support of Fig. 28 being shown with the vegetation container mounted; - Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of modular structure for hydroponic cultivation comprising a linear module as in Fig. 10 and two curved modules as in Fig. 21 ; figures 30 and 31 are a longitudinal cross-section view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a portion of modular structure for hydroponic cultivation comprising two modules as in Fig. 10, arranged at different heights with respect to each other, in which the hydraulic connection between the trays is shown; figures 32 and 33 are a longitudinal cross-section view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a portion of modular structure for hydroponic cultivation comprising two modules as in Fig. 21, arranged at different heights with respect to each other, in which the hydraulic connection between the trays is shown;

Fig. 34 is a top perspective view of a modular structure or a portion of modular structure for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention, comprising modules as in Fig. 21 arranged at different heights to form a spiral;

Fig. 35 is a bottom perspective view of a modular structure or a portion of modular structure for hydroponic cultivation according to a modification of the embodiment of Fig. 24, in which each module has one or two lower and

/ or upper lighting elements;

Fig. 36 is a top perspective view of a modular structure or a portion of modular structure for hydroponic cultivation according to another embodiment, comprising modules as in Fig. 21 arranged to form spiral- shaped units, and also comprising modules, as in Fig. 10, arranged to form a straight bridge between the spiral-shaped units;

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of a base structure of a hydroponic cultivation system, in which the water and electrical resources control units of the system are enclosed; - Fig. 38 is a side perspective view of a hydroponic cultivation system comprising the base structure of Fig. 37 and modular structure portions as in figures 34 and 35;

Figs. 39 and 40 are diagrammatical longitudinal cross-section views of modules for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention similar to the module of Fig. 8, in which alternative embodiments of the modular body- support assembly are shown.

Description of preferred embodiments

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a module 1 for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention, comprising a tray 10 which has a depth t and is arranged so as to receive and contain water. Tray 10 can have different shapes, as described below, is defined by a plurality of side walls 12 and by a bottom 11, and is generally open at the top.

[0070] hereinafter, the term "water" includes aqueous solutions or dispersions of substances useful for the germination and / or the growth of plants of various types.

[0071] Module 1 further comprises a container body 30 for containing one plant or a plurality of plants. More in detail, container body 30 has a grid portion 31 , wherein holes of various possible shapes are made in the wall of container body 30 so as to put the interior of container body 30, configured to contain one or more plants, into communication with the external environment, i.e., with the inside of tray 10. This way, the roots of the plant or the plants can come into contact with the water contained in tray 10, or also cross the grid portion 31 , or even bind to grid portion 31. [0072] Container body 30 of module 1 of Fig. 1 is shown in greater detail in

Fig. 5. In this case, grid portion 31 extends over a surface, preferably a depth- extended revolution surface. In particular, the case of a frusto-conical surface is shown. Flowever, this shape can be obtained by rotating any flat curve around an axis 39, obtaining for instance a basket-like shape, a bucket-like shape or a cup-like shape. In the shown case, holes 37 of grid portion 31 are arranged along the generating lines of the frusto-conical surface. Flowever, the grid portion can also extend down to a bottom 38 of container body 30.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a module 2 which differs from module 1 substantially by the shape of container body 30. In this case, in fact, grid portion 32 of container body 30, shown in greater detail, for example, in Figs. 27 and 28, has a flat shape and is arranged parallel to bottom 11 of tray 10, while container body 30, as a whole, has a flat shape that follows the shape of tray 10.

[0074] Container body 30 with grid portion 31 of Figs. 1 and 5 is suitable for receiving and allowing the growth of plants that have already been germinated and have reached a certain stage of their growth. On the other hand, container body 30 with grid portion 32 of Figs. 2 and 27,28 is suitable for a true sowing, i.e., for spreading seeds that still have to germinate on grid portion 32, so that these seeds can come into contact with the water of tray 10, and is also suitable for the germination and growth of the plants themselves. In this case, the dimensions and possibly the shape of the holes of grid portion 32 are decided considering the dimensions and possibly the shape and other features of the seeds in use, in a manner that is known to those skilled in the art.

[0075] Moreover, container body 30 with grid portion 31 is located in a preferably central area of tray 10, so as to ensure enough space for the growth of such plants as lettuce, datterino tomatoes, strawberries, but also of ornamental plants, flowers, or any other suitable cultivation. On the contrary, container body 30 with grid portion 32 has a shape and extension that closely follow internal walls 12 of tray 10, so as to maximize the sowing capacity of module 2. [0076] With reference to any of possible embodiments, in order to remove the plants, the user can decide whether to remove container body 30 only, or container body 30 together with a support 40, with or without tray 10, taking into account the actual plant stage of growth, the cultivation type, or for maintenance or cleaning.

[0077] In both modules 1 and 2 of Figs. 1 and 2, container body 30 is positioned so that grid portion 31 or 32 is in contact with the water contained in tray 10 corresponding to a predetermined water head H, measured on the inner surface of bottom 11. [0078] Modules 1 and 2 also comprise a modular body 20. Modular body 20 comprises a support portion 23 for tray 10, in the shown case a lower support portion, i.e., a floor 23. Moreover, modules 1 and 2 comprise a support 40 for container body 30.

[0079] To obtain an appropriate mutual coupling of tray 10 and container body 30, a spacer portion 25 of modular body 20 is interposed between support portion 23 and support 40, so that the bottom of container body 30 is at a predetermined distance from water head H formed by a predetermined quantity of water. This distance can be positive or negative, in other words bottom 38 of container body 30 can be respectively above water head H, or it can be submerged by water, as shown in the figures.

[0080] In Figs. 1 and 2, as an example, support 40 is removable from modular body 20. Moreover, container body 30 comprises a support rim 33 which rests on a resting edge of a hole 42 of support 40, whereby the remaining part of container body 30, including grid portion 31 or 32, is suspended inside modular body 20, above tray 10. Flowever, container body 30 can also be connected to modular body 20 in a different way, for example by mutual rigid joint or by means of fastener elements. Still as an example, the support portion for tray 10 can be a lower support portion or floor portion 23 of modular body 20, on which bottom 11 of tray 10 rests. [0081 ] Flowever, also in this case, tray 10 can be connected to modular body

20 also in a different way, for example it can rest on an intermediate support element, not shown, of modular body 20 with its own rest edge, similarly to container body 30, so that the tray can hang within modular body 20. [0082] In order to feed water into tray 10 until predetermined water head H is obtained, at least one water passage duct 13 is provided, hydraulically connected to a water supply device, not shown, so as have at least the function of an inlet duct. In this case, the water supply device comprises means for predetermining the amount of water to be fed into tray 10, configured to introduce into tray 10 such a quantity of water to obtain desired water head H. In the case of Figs. 1 and 2, passage duct 13 protrudes internally from the bottom into tray 10 for a height substantially equal to water head H, so as to stabilize the water head. In this case, no water flow check means is required along the piping feeding water to inlet duct 13 for the subsequent steps of water supply. Such a configuration of inlet duct 13 allows water to be administered according to a filling-consumption mode, in which a single water-administration cycle includes a filling step and a subsequent consumption step by the plants and by evaporation, the times thereof depending on plant metabolism and environment conditions.

[0083] In the case of Figs. 1 and 2, lower support portion 23 of modular body 20 and bottom 11 of tray 10 have through holes for the passage of passage duct 13. In particular, passage duct 13 is water-tightly mounted about the through hole of bottom 11. As an alternative to water-tight assembly, passage duct 13 can be integrally formed with bottom 11 of tray 10.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows a modification of module 1 , in which inlet duct 13 opens into tray 10 from side wall 12 thereof, with its lower portion arranged at a height at least equal to water head H, so as to stabilize even in this case the initial water level without requiring any flow check means along the pipes feeding inlet duct 13. Moreover, in this modification, it is not necessary to water-tightly mount passage duct 13 to side wall 12 of tray 10.

[0085] In any case, as in the modules of figures 1 and 2, passage duct 13 has a fitting 14 arranged externally to tray 10, for connection to a water supply device. [0086] Fig. 4 shows a modification of module 1 of Fig. 1, in which passage duct 13 has its outlet at a height above bottom 11 lower than the desired water head H, in particular, the outlet is arranged at the same level as the internal surface of bottom 11. With such an arrangement, the water can be administered according to the filling-consumption mode described above, provided that flow check means are present along the pipe feeding passage duct 13, such as a check valve 19 (see also Figs. 6 and 7) or an on-off valve that can be selectively closed at the end of the water supply step. However, in the case of the module of Fig. 4, the administration of the water can also take place according to a filling- consumption-discharge mode, i.e., a mode in which the cycle includes a filling step, a subsequent consumption step by the plants and by evaporation and, after a predetermined time, a water discharge step always through passage duct 13, which in this case has also the function of a discharge duct. To this purpose, water conveying means are provided which can be switched between a direction from the water supply device to module 1 and a direction from module 1 to a storage device, for example a shut-off valve assembly or a three-way valve to be mounted according to an arrangement well known by a person skilled in the art and, for this reason, not shown.

[0087] Fig. 6 shows a further modification of module 1 of Fig. 1 , in which two passage ducts 13 and 15 are provided, both having respective fittings 14 and 16 arranged externally to tray 10. In particular, passage duct 13 is configured as an inlet duct, while duct 15 is configured as an outlet duct, i.e., a discharge duct. Outlet duct 15 protrudes inside tray 10, above bottom 11, by a length at least equal to desired water head H, while inlet duct 13 is associated with water flow check means 19, of the type described above, so as to stabilize water head H in tray 10. With such an arrangement of inlet and outlet ducts 13,15, the administration of the water can take place according to a continuous passage mode, in which a single water supply step is provided, or a plurality of water supply steps alternate with steps in which the water is not supplied, i.e., water consumption steps.

[0088] Fig. 7 shows a modification of module 1 of Fig. 6, in which outlet duct 15 opens into tray 10 from a side wall 12 thereof, with its lower portion arranged at a height substantially equal to water head H.

[0089] Obviously, both module 1 of Fig. 6 and module 1 of Fig. 7 can operate in the same way as described for the modules of figures 1 and 2, without using passage duct 15.

[0090] In an advantageous embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, both passage duct 13 and passage duct 15 protrude into tray 10 by a length substantially equal to water head H. In this way, each of passage ducts 13, 15 can be used indifferently as an inlet duct or as an outlet duct. Preferably, passage ducts 13 and 15 are symmetrically arranged with respect to a median transverse plane p of modular body 20, which in this case contain axis 39 of container body 30.

[0091] Fig. 9 shows a modification of module 1 of Fig. 8, in which passage ducts 13 and 15 open into tray 10 from the same or respective side wall 12, with their lower portions arranged at a height substantially equal to water head H. [0092] Even if, between aforementioned modules 1 and 2, only module 2 of Fig. 2 has a grid portion 32 that is flat and parallel to bottom 11 of tray 10, modifications of the modules of Figs. 3,4 and 6-9 are possible in which container body 30 has a flat grid portion 32 arranged parallel to bottom 11 of tray 10.

[0093] Moreover, modular body 20 can have a box-like shape, having for instance a rectangular cross-section, in which the spacing portions between lower support portion 23 and support 40 are formed by end walls 25 opposite to each other, and at least two other opposite side walls 27 are provided, as indicated, as an example, only in Fig. 8. In this case, end walls 25, side walls 27 and lower support portion 23 along with support 40 define a substantially closed housing 21 for tray 10.

[0094] As exemplary shown in Fig. 8, support 40 is arranged at a predetermined height T above bottom 11 of tray 10 larger than depth t of tray 10, so that grid portion 31 of container body 30 is located at a predetermined distance from bottom 11 of tray 10. In this case, the desired height of support 40, having a flat shape, is obtained with a vertical extension or height T of end walls 25 of modular body 30. Flowever, the desired height of support 40 can also be reached in the way diagrammatically shown in Fig. 39, in which modular body 20 has the shape of a flat plate and support 40 has a box-like shape open at a support base intended for resting on modular body 20, and comprises sides of height T ,or in the way diagrammatically shown in Fig. 40, in which both modular body 20 and support 40 have a box-like shape open at respective mutual support bases, and the sum of the vertical extensions or heights of the sides of modular body 20 and of support 40 is equal to T.

[0095] Still with reference to Figs. 1-4 and 6-9, modular body 20 comprises connection portion or elements 55 for connecting modular body 20 with the modular bodies of adjacent modules 1 ,2. In particular, connection elements 55 are arranged at the ends of modular body 20, more precisely at the external faces of spacer portions 25, i.e., of end walls 25. Modular body 20 also comprises attachment portions 29 configured to attach modular body 20 to structural supporting elements 50, see in this connection, for instance, Fig. 21.

[0096] Figs. 10 and 11 show two linear modules 3,4 for hydroponic cultivation according to an embodiment of the invention, having a longitudinal direction L, which distinguish from each other in that they comprise container bodies 30 with a basket-shaped grid portion 31 and with a flat grid portion 32, respectively. In straight modules 3 and 4, modular body 20 comprises a box-like upper portion 20’ which defines a housing 21 (Fig. 12a, b) for tray 10 (Fig. 12b) and for container body 30, and a lower tunnel portion 20", in other words modular body 20 defines at the bottom a lower longitudinal cavity or tunnel 24 open at its own ends spaced along longitudinal direction L. Therefore, two parallel lateral walls 26 extend from the longitudinal sides of lower portion 23 of box-like upper portion 20’ for a predetermined height, and laterally define longitudinal cavity or tunnel 24, the role of which will be explained below. Attachment portions or seats 29 for supports are visible externally to lateral walls 26 in the case of a raised installation of modules 3,4, as described later.

[0097] Fig. 12a-e shows an operation sequence for assembling straight module 3 of Fig. 10, in which a) modular body 20 is prearranged, having a through hole 22 at lower support portion or wall 23 to allow the passage of passage duct 13 (see Fig. 1), then b) tray 10 is positioned into modular body 20 in such a way that that through hole 18 of bottom 11 coincides with through hole 22 of modular body 20, c) passage duct 13 is inserted into through holes 22 and 18, forming a seal on the latter, d) support 40 with hole 42 is positioned in modular body 20 and, finally, e) container body 30 is positioned by resting one of its rest rims 33 on the edge of hole 42. As already mentioned, and as better described with reference to figures 15-20, as an alternative, tray 10 can have passage ducts 13 and 15 formed integrally with itself.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 13, inlet and outlet ducts 13 and 15 protrude into lower longitudinal cavity or tunnel 24 by respective own fittings 14 and 16, which are available for connection with a water supply device or with a water collection device and / or with outlet and inlet ducts 15 and 13, respectively, of another module or other modules serially connected to form a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation, as described later. [0099] Moreover, in the modification of module 3 or 4 of Fig. 13, tunnel 24 houses a lower lighting body 64 to illuminate the vegetation of an underlying module, in a modular structure for hydroponic cultivation lying on several floors as described later. [0100] Moreover, in another modification of module 3, shown in Fig. 14, an upper lighting body 61 is provided to illuminate the plants of the module itself. Preferably, upper lighting body 61 is arranged with its own central part at axis 39 of container body 30, in any case at such a height above module 3 that no contact is possible with the growing plant and that a predetermined distance is left from the plant. To this purpose, module 3 comprises a support 60 for upper lighting body 61 , formed by an upright 65 that has a lower portion inserted in a seat formed, for instance, by two central vertical grooves 28 (Fig. 13) of two side- by-side arranged end faces 25 of two contiguous supports 20, as shown in Fig. 35. Support 60 also comprises an upper arm 66 extending in the longitudinal direction of module 3, and a lamp support 67 connected to the end of arm 66 and arranged above container body 30, upper lighting body 61 being mounted on a lower surface of the lamp support.

[0101] Figs. 15-20 show in more detail trays 10 of the modules for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention, in a modification in which inlet / outlet ducts 13 and 15 are integrally formed in bottom 11 of tray 10. Passage ducts 13 and 15 extend externally to tray 10 with their fittings 14 and 16 at a predetermined distance from the external face of bottom 11 , so as to be inserted in the through hole of lower support portion or wall 23 of modular body 20 and protrude below it into tunnel 24 by an appropriate length, to facilitate the connection with elements of the water supply / conveyance / discharge piping.

[0102] In particular, tray 10 of Figs. 15 and 16 is suitable for module 3 of Figs. 10 and 14, which has a parallelepiped shape with a rectangular cross- section, and comprises a container body 30 having a basket-shaped grid portion 31. On the other hand, tray 10 of figures 17-20 is suitable for module 4 of Fig. 11, which also has a rectangular cross-section parallelepiped shape, but comprises a container body 30 with a grid portion 32 that is flat and parallel to bottom 11 of tray 10. In order to ensure interchangeability of the trays of figures 15 and 17 in a same modular body 20, spacers 17 are arranged externally to passage ducts 13,15 of tray 10 of Fig. 17, for example in the form of sleeves, so that the sum of the height of spacers 17 and of tray 10 is the same as the height of tray 10 of figures 15 and 16. Tray 10 of figures 19 and 20 has the same height as tray 10 of figures 17 and 18, but distinguishes therefrom in that it has a substantially trapezoidal plan shape, suitable for a module 6 with a curved shape, as described later, in particular, with reference to Fig. 23.

[0103] Figs. 21 and 22 show a curved module 5 for hydroponic cultivation that is structurally similar to linear module 3 of Fig. 10, in other words modular body 20 thereof comprises a box-like upper portion 20’ which defines a housing 21 for tray 10 and for container body 30, and a lower tunnel portion 20" that defines a cavity open at the ends of tunnel 24. Modular body 20 is defined by two internal and external curved side walls 27’, 27", which extend along the curved surfaces of cylindrical sectors of predetermined amplitude, for example, as shown in Fig. 21, sectors of amplitude a, in this case equal to 60°. Other values of the amplitude a of the cylindrical sectors, along which modular body 20 extends, can be 30° or 45°.

[0104] Module 5 also comprises connection elements 55 at the outer faces of end walls 25 to rigidly connect module 5 with other modules for hydroponic cultivation, for example with straight modules 3 or 4 (Figs. 10 and 11) or with other curved modules 5 and 6 (Figs. 23 and 24). In particular, in this case connection elements 55 have the shape of scalene squares. In this way, it is possible to arrange two rectilinear or curvilinear modules at the same height, as shown in figures 32 and 33, or at different heights, as shown in figures 30 and 31 , according to a predetermined height pitch, as described more in detail below.

[0105] Module 5 can optionally comprise a structural support or support element 50 which extends from attachment portion 29 of internal side wall 27’ perpendicularly to the latter, i.e., in the radial direction common to internal and external curved side walls and 27’, 27", at attachment portion 29. Support element 50 can comprise a connection ring or bushing section 51 centred about a mounting axis 69 common to internal and external curved side walls 27’, 27” and a connecting arm 52 between attachment portion 29 and connection ring 51 , in this case formed by two arm elements 53 spreading towards connection ring 51. As shown in Fig. 34, connection rings 51 of support elements 50 of several modules 5 can be stacked on one another by causing respective mounting axes 69 to coincide. In this way, a spiral-shaped modular structure is formed, possibly about a support or central shaft that is not shown here but it is, for instance, in Fig. 38, as shaft 68 arranged around an axis that coincides with mounting axes 69 of single modules 5.

[0106] Fig. 23 shows a module 6 in which modular body 20 has substantially the same shape as the modular body 5 of Fig. 21, but comprises a container body 30 with a flat grid portion 32 that is parallel to bottom 11 of tray 10, instead of container body 30 with a basket-shaped grid portion as in Fig. 21. Similarly to linear module 4 of Fig. 11 , grid portion 32 has a shape and an extension to closely follow the walls of tray 10, in this case a substantially trapezoidal shape, so as to maximize the sowing capacity of module 6.

[0107] Fig. 24 shows module 5 of Fig. 21 or module 6 of Fig. 23 observed from below, in a modification in which tunnel 24 is used to house a lower lighting body 64 in order to illuminate the vegetation of an underlying module, for example in a spiral-shaped modular structure 7”, as shown in Fig. 35. [0108] Figs. 23 and 24 do not show any support element 50, which can be omitted, for example, in the case of modular structures of limited extension, including a small number of consecutive modules.

[0109] Figs. 25 and 26 show supports 40 of modules 3 and 5 of Figs. 10 and 21 , in which central hole 42 is shown without container body 30 having a basket- shaped grid portion 31.

[0110] Figs. 27 and 28 show supports 40 of modules 4 and 6 of figures 11 and 23, respectively, in which hole 42 is shown engaged by container body 30 having flat grid portion 32. As such, figures 27 and 28 can refer to both the case in which container body 30 can be separated from support 40, and the case in which container body 30 is integral to support 40. In fact, in the case of container bodies 30 having an extended surface flat grid 32, in order to take away the product, it may be convenient to remove the whole support-container body block 40-30.

[0111] In figures 25-28, a central vertical groove 48 is formed at each outer end edge of support 40. This vertical groove, once support 40 has been mounted to modular body 20 of modules 3-6, becomes a continuation of groove 28 of the external faces of end walls 25 of modular body 3-6 (Figs. 10,11 ,21 ,23), and form with groove 28 a single housing to receive upright 65 of support 60 of upper lighting body 61 , for instance, as in modular structure 7" of Fig. 35.

[0112] Fig. 29 shows a simple modular structure or modular structure portion 8 for hydroponic cultivation comprising a linear module such as linear module 3 of Fig. 10 connected at both own end walls 25 with corresponding end walls 25 of two curved modules 5 like curved module 5 of Fig. 21. Modules 3,5 can be connected to each other by means of connection elements 55 shown in figures 21 , 23, which are housed within the path formed by tunnels 24 of modular bodies 20 connected to each other and cannot therefore be seen when looking at modular structure portion 8 from outside.

[0113] Figs. 30 and 31 show a modular structure portion for hydroponic cultivation comprising linear module 3 and curved module 5 of Figs. 10 and 21, respectively, connected to each other at respective end walls 25 by connection elements 55 of figures 21 ,23, in such a way that one of the two modules, in this case module 5, is arranged at a lower level than the other module, in this case module 3. Each connection element 55 has the shape of a scalene square, in which a longer side 56 and a shorter side 57 form a right angle. The opposite ends of longer and shorter sides 56,57, both having through holes, are fixed by means of bolts 56', 57', or equivalent connection means, to modular bodies 20 of modules 3 and 5, at fastening seats close to coupling end walls 25, immediately below the lower support element 23 of each module, i.e., below the wall of module 20 which provides, on one hand, the floor to housing 21 of the tray and, on the other hand, the ceiling or vault 24 'of tunnel 24. Longer side 56 and shorter side 57 of connection element 55 provide support, respectively, to module 3 arranged at a higher level and to module 5 arranged at a lower level.

[0114] Figs. 32 and 33 show another modular structure portion for hydroponic cultivation comprising straight module 3 and curved module 5, connected to each other at respective end walls 25 by means of connection elements 55 of figures 21 ,23, in such a way that two modules 3,5 are arranged at the same height. Connection element 55 also has a through hole at the vertex, at the intersection of longer side 56 and the shorter side 57. The ends of longer side 56, provided with through holes, are fixed by bolts 5658', 58, or equivalent fastening means, to modular bodies 20 of modules 3 and 5, at fastening seats near coupling end walls 25, immediately below the ceiling or vault 24' of tunnel 24, as in the case of figures 30 and 31. Longer side 56 of connection element 55 supports in this case both modules 3 and 5 arranged at the same height.

[0115] As shown, in particular, in figures 31 and 33, modular body 20 can comprise longitudinal metal tracks 59, also visible in figures 22 and 24, made on an internal face 26' of each side wall 26 of tunnel 24, preferably, along the intersections of each internal face 26' and the ceiling 24' of tunnel 24. These metal tracks can serve as electrical connection means for transmitting electrical power and / or control signals for lower lighting bodies 64 possibly provided within tunnel 24 of at least one part of modular bodies 20 (Figs. 24,35). In this case, modular bodies 20 are advantageously made of a non-conductive material, typically of a plastic material.

[0116] The sequence of longitudinal metal tracks 59 of a plurality of consecutive modular bodies 20 can be configured to work as a true field bus, in particular, to convey control signals for selectively switching on / off / regulating certain lower lighting bodies 64 among the lighting bodies.

[0117] Advantageously, as Figs. 31 and 33 still show, the electrical connection between longitudinal metal tracks 59 of consecutive modules can be ensured by the connection elements mechanically connecting modular bodies 20 to each other, in this case by the square-angled connection elements 55 described above, made of a metal or, in any case, a conductive material.

[0118] Figs. 30-33 also show a hydraulic connection 70 between trays 10 of consecutive modules 3 and 5, i.e., between fitting 16 of outlet duct 15 of tray 10 of upstream module 3 and between fitting 14 of inlet duct 13 of tray 10 of downstream module 5. If modules 3 and 5 are arranged at same height as in figures 32 and 33, hydraulic connection 70 comprises first and second end elbows 71,72 for connecting fittings 16,14, and a horizontal pipe element 77 connecting two end elbows 71 ,72. If modules 3 and 5 are arranged at different heights as in Figs. 30 and 31 , instead of horizontal pipe element 77 there is provided a sequence of a third intermediate elbow 73 connected to first end elbow 71 , of a vertical pipe element 75 connected on the opposite side to the third intermediate elbow 73, of a fourth intermediate elbow 74 connected on the opposite side to vertical pipe member 75, while the length of vertical pipe member 75 is selected in such a way that fourth intermediate elbow 74 faces tunnel 24 of downstream module 5 or protrudes thereinto. The sequence further comprises a horizontal pipe element 76 connected at opposite end portions with fourth elbow 74 and with second end elbow 72 on the side of fitting 14 of tray 10 of downstream module 5. Therefore, hydraulic connection 70 defines, together with outlet and inlet ducts 15, 13, a generally descending path between tray 10 of upstream module 3 and tray 10 of downstream module 5.

[0119] Modular body 20, container body 30, tray 10, support 40 as well as components 71-77 of hydraulic connections 70 between the modules and components 13-17 of the hydraulic connections within each module can be made of various materials, preferably of plastic materials. As an alternative, tray 10 can be made of a disposable material, typically cardboard or the like. In another alternative, tray 10 or an internal layered portion thereof can be formed in a material containing plant nutrients, which are released into the water during the use of tray 10 itself.

[0120] Fig. 34 shows a modular structure or a modular structure portion T for hydroponic cultivation according to the invention, comprising modules 5 as in Fig. 21, staggered on each other along a substantially helical path, in which each module 5 is provided with support element 50, and support elements 50 are arranged with their connection rings 51 staggered on each other to form a support shaft 68' having a mounting axis 69, or around an internal support shaft 68 having a mounting axis 69, as shown in Fig. 38.

[0121] Fig. 35 shows a modular structure or a modular structure portion 7" for hydroponic cultivation similar to modular structure or portion T of figure 34, in which modules 5 or 6 arranged on top, i.e., modules 5 or 6 of the uppermost loop, are equipped with upper lighting bodies 61 , and in which each module 5 or 6 is equipped with a lower lighting body 64 housed in respective tunnel 24, for lighting underlying module 5 or 6, if any. In particular, upper lighting bodies 61 can be connected to the rest of the modular structure through supports 60 as described with reference to Fig. 14 for module 3, while lower lighting bodies 64 can be applied to the ceiling of tunnel 24 of each module 5 which is equipped therewith. In modular structure 7”, the path formed by tunnels 24 is configured to house the hydraulic connections, not shown here, between trays 10 of respective modules 5, as illustrated in Figs. 30-33.

[0122] Fig. 36 shows a modular structure or a modular structure portion 8' for hydroponic cultivation according to another embodiment. This modular structure portion comprises curved modules 5, as in Fig. 21, arranged to form spiral-shaped units 7' as in Fig. 34, each having an own mounting axis 69. The modular structure portion also comprises linear modules 3 as in Fig. 10, arranged to form a linear bridge between spiral-shaped units 7’. In this case, straight modules 3 are supported by the modules adjacent thereto, for example by previously described square connecting elements 55.

[0123] Fig. 38 shows a system 9 for hydroponic cultivation comprising modules 5, as shown for instance in Figs. 21-24, mutually connected as in Figs. 30 and 31 , so as to form a spiral-shaped modular structure 7 similar to modular structures T and 7" of Figs. 34 and 35. Also in this case, each module 5 is provided with respective support element 50, and support elements 50 are arranged with connection rings 51 staggered on each other around a support shaft 68 having a mounting axis 69.

[0124] In the embodiment of system 9 of Fig. 38, modular structure 7 comprises lower module T of Fig. 34 and upper module 7” of Fig. 35, in which upper lighting bodies 61 are provided for illuminating the uppermost coil. In general, the system according to the invention advantageously comprises at least upper modular structure 7" and, optionally, one or more lower modular structures 7’, which have a lower height than upper modular structure 7", as they do not have upper lighting bodies 61 and respective supports 60.

[0125] System 9 may further comprise a substantially cylindrical shell 90 which defines a housing for modular structure 7 and which has an axis coinciding with mounting axis 69 of modular structure 7. Shell 90 is contiguous to external curved side walls 27" (Figs. 21 and 23) of modules 5 of modular structure 7. [0126] Cylindrical shell 90 can be divided into several stages 92 for respective modular structures 7’, 7" which form modular structure 7.

[0127] Shell 90, or each stage 92 of shell 90, is advantageously divided into several shell sectors 91 rotatably arranged about axis 69 and are movable with respect to each other so as to form access openings, in particular, to allow positioning, removal and replacement of container bodies 30, in addition to other cleaning and maintenance operations. In the case of modular structure 7 formed by lower and upper structures 7’, 7”, shell stages 92 are separated by guide elements 93 to allow sectors 91 of single stages 92 of shell 90 to rotate and mutually slide. [0128] Shell 90 can be opaque, in order to prevent the light used to illuminate the plants from being dispersed into the environment. As an alternative, shell 90 can be transparent or translucent to also exploit external or sunlight lighting and / or to obtain a desired aesthetic effect. [0129] System 9 further comprises a base structure 80 shown in greater detail in Fig. 37. In the present embodiment, base structure 80 is configured to support modular structure 7 through support shaft 68. Base structure 80 also preferably has a cylindrical shape and is advantageously enclosed by a shell 81. In this case, shell 81 is formed by a fixed part 81 ' (Fig. 38) and by a part that can be opened with respect to fixed part 81' formed by two wings 81” rotatably arranged about respective vertical sides of ends 81”' adjacent to fixed part 81', to pass from an open configuration (Fig. 37) to a closed configuration (Fig. 37). In a modification not shown, the openable part can be opened / closed by sliding with respect to fixed part 81 ' of shell 81. Base structure 80, and the entire system 9 with it, can be advantageously arranged on wheels 85 to facilitate its positioning.

[0130] In this embodiment, base structure 80 is limited at the top by a cover 82 preferably comprising guide elements, not shown, to assist a slide movement of sectors 91 of shell 90, or of a lower stage 92 thereof, as shown in Fig. 38. [0131] Base structure 80 comprises a lower reservoir 83 and an upper chamber 84 located above reservoir 83 in which, in particular, one or more nutrient tanks 87 are provided hydraulically connected to lower reservoir 83 through respective pipes 87’.

[0132] Cover 82 of base structure 80 advantageously comprises an edge 78, in this case a cylindrical edge, and a plate 79 arranged to collect the water flowing out of one or more modules 5 of modular structure 7, in particular from lowermost module 5, as well as condensation water that can form on the surfaces of components within the system. Moreover, plate 79 has an inclination converging to a hole 94. A discharge duct 95 extends into lower reservoir 83 from hole 94, so as to convey by gravity the water collected on plate 79 into lower reservoir 83. In the embodiment as shown, discharge duct 95 passes through upper chamber 84 and opens into lower reservoir 83. A submersible pump 88 can be provided in lower reservoir 83 for circulating the water (Fig. 38), with a delivery port connected with a delivery pipe 96 preferably arranged within support shaft 68, in this case coaxially to it. Delivery pipe 96 extends up to uppermost module 5 of modular structure 7, to which it is hydraulically connected, in a way not shown, through respective water inlet duct 13 (Fig. 35).

[0133] Base structure 80 can further comprise a control unit 89 preferably housed in upper chamber 84 and configured to receive data of the circulating water, such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and to receive environmental data, such as temperature, relative humidity, illuminance. The water and environmental data are detected by sensors, not shown, arranged in lower reservoir 83 or in other predetermined points inside shell 90. [0134] In one embodiment, control unit 89 can also be configured to receive image data of the plants hosted by system 9, detected by a video camera 99, and to process the image data by means of suitable software, so as to assess the state of well-being of the plants themselves.

[0135] On the basis of the input data indicated above, control unit 89 is preferably configured to emit control signals for water circulation pump 88, for nutrient dosing devices, not shown, for HVAC elements such as system ventilation elements, not shown, as well as for lighting bodies 61,64, so as to vary, for example, the flow rate, the temperature or the pH of the circulating water, the time between subsequent water administrations, the nutrients flow rate or dosing amount in the water, the air temperature and humidity, the illuminance, and so on. These steps are not described in detail, since they can be easily implemented by a person skilled in hydroponics.

[0136] Control unit 89 is preferably configured for connection to a remote user interface, i.e. a user interface located externally to base structure 80. Such a connection can be advantageously implemented by a WiFi signal to communicate with a home WiFi network.

[0137] Base structure 80 is also advantageously provided with handles 83 ', preferably made at lower reservoir 83, in particular in the form of protrusions inside lower reservoir 83, so that the system 9 can be easier displaced. [0138] Moreover, lower reservoir 83 is preferably removable from base structure 80. In particular, removable lower reservoir 83 can be positioned on a base 97 of base structure 80. In an advantageous modification, removable lower reservoir 83 is sliding on a pair of tracks 98 to facilitate the extraction from base structure 80.

[0139] The above description of embodiments and modifications of the invention is able to show the invention from the conceptual point of view so that others, using the known art, will be able to modify and / or adapt these forms in various applications embodiments and modifications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and, therefore, it is understood that such adaptations and modifications will be considered as equivalent specific embodiments and modifications. The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described may be of various nature without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terminology used are purely for descriptive purposes and, therefore, are not limiting.