A lighting system for an automated aeroponic grow rack and method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of lighting system and its method for automating fog cultivation shelf, and the lighting system includes the cultivation bed for carrying the cultivation tray capable of cultivating plant;Lighting unit for providing illumination to cultivation plant in cultivation bed;Cultivation bed includes at least two layers of rack, and a plurality of reversing sprocket is arranged in pairs on rack, and chain capable of moving under the drive of active sprocket is staggered between reversing sprocket, and tray basket for carrying cultivation tray is suspended on chain at intervals;Lighting unit includes a plurality of plant growth lamp, and is arrayed at the top and / or side of cultivation bed at intervals, and the setting point of plant growth lamp is set in a manner associated with the vertical and / or horizontal clearance of plant growth lamp and chain, the illumination range that plant growth lamp is provided with and the light emission mode of plant growth lamp.Lighting method is based on the light intensity information collected by light intensity acquisition unit arranged in different areas of cultivation bed to control the illumination parameters of plant growth lamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanized crop cultivation equipment technology, and in particular to a lighting system and method for an automated aeroponic planting rack. Background Technology

[0002] Although my country has a vast territory, it has a large population and very little arable land and grain per capita. Food security has become a major issue of national strategic security and a basic national policy. Achieving full mechanization of agricultural production and increasing grain yield per unit area have become major measures to ensure national food security.

[0003] To reduce agricultural production costs and increase output per unit area, significant human, material, and financial resources have been invested nationwide in overcoming difficulties to achieve full mechanization of agricultural production, with remarkable results. Major grain crops such as corn and wheat have achieved full mechanization from sowing to harvesting, resulting in lower production costs and significantly improved comparative benefits. Rice, a popular grain product nationwide, has achieved breakthroughs in mechanization from land preparation to harvesting. Land preparation machinery, irrigation machinery, plant protection machinery, and harvesting machinery have been maturely developed and applied. The research and application of mechanized rice transplanters have also achieved initial marketization. However, its promotion in production has been difficult, becoming a bottleneck restricting the full mechanization of rice production. The main reason is that the working conditions of rice transplanters have certain requirements for seedlings. Seedlings cultivated using traditional seedling raising methods cannot meet the needs of mechanized transplanting. Cultivating seedlings suitable for motorized rice transplanters has become the key to promoting their application.

[0004] Factory-style rice seedling raising originated in Japan and South Korea in the 1960s and 70s, and became widespread in the late 1980s. my country began introducing, demonstrating, and promoting factory-style rice seedling raising at the end of the last century and the beginning of this century. After nearly ten years of development, it has been developed and applied in Heilongjiang Province and is currently moving towards widespread adoption. However, most rice seedling raising across the country still relies on traditional, primitive methods. The limited amount of greenhouse seedling raising mainly consists of film-covered steel-framed sheds using multi-layered seedling trays arranged on shelves to save space.

[0005] Soilless cultivation has become an important direction for agricultural development, and aeroponics is currently the most cutting-edge soilless cultivation technology. Compared with hydroponics, it can save a significant amount of energy and reduce water and nutrient solution waste, while also controlling the spread of diseases. Aeroponics, also known as misting or aeroponics, is a cultivation method that directly sprays nutrient solution onto the plant roots, providing a favorable water, air, and fertilizer environment for root growth. It is characterized by water and fertilizer conservation and is considered one of the important methods for future greenhouse cultivation.

[0006] Existing technology, such as Chinese patent document CN113639214A, discloses a freely assembleable atomized lighting plant growth rack, including a plant rack and an atomized growth lamp. The plant rack includes uprights and horizontal bars, both of which are provided with mounting grooves. Several storage strips are provided between the horizontal bars, and an atomized growth lamp is provided below the storage strips. The atomized growth lamp includes a lamp holder and an atomizing connecting cover. The lamp holder includes a heat dissipation connecting area and a light area. The light area is provided with a lamp plate and a fixing slot. The light area is also provided with a lamp cover. Water collection tanks are provided on both sides of the light area. The heat dissipation connecting area is provided with heat sinks. The upper end of the heat dissipation connecting area is provided with a first slot, into which the atomized connecting cover can be inserted. The atomized connecting cover is provided with an ultrasonic atomizing nozzle.

[0007] Existing technology, such as Chinese patent document with publication number CN101940150B, discloses a spray-type three-dimensional cultivation method and system for three-dimensional planting. The method includes: (1) implanting a seed on the attachment body of each planting hole of the three-dimensional planting body, and placing the three-dimensional planting body so that the nozzle of the nutrient solution aerosol supply system is located in the internal space of the three-dimensional planting body; (2) automatically controlling the nozzle to spray the nutrient solution or water treated by high pressure directly onto the attachment body in the form of aerosol, until the roots of the seed grow through the attachment body and extend into the interior of the three-dimensional planting body, then the nozzle sprays the nutrient solution or water directly onto the roots of the plant until the plant matures and can be harvested; the system includes a nutrient solution aerosol supply system and a three-dimensional planting body.

[0008] In existing technical solutions, the plant racks and plant troughs used for cultivating plants are fixed. That is, the plants remain in the same position from the start of cultivation to maturity. In this way, whether it is natural light or artificial light, the illumination of cultivated plants growing in a fixed position is always uneven. This is because, for cultivated plants in a fixed position, under the conventional setting of cultivation intervals, one side of a single plant will always be blocked by the adjacent plant on the light side, resulting in uneven light exposure.

[0009] Furthermore, on the one hand, there are differences in understanding among those skilled in the art; on the other hand, the applicant studied a large number of documents and patents when making this invention, but due to space limitations, not all details and contents were listed in detail. However, this does not mean that the present invention does not possess the features of these prior art. On the contrary, the present invention already possesses all the features of the prior art, and the applicant reserves the right to add relevant prior art to the background art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack, comprising: a cultivation bed for supporting cultivation trays capable of cultivating plants; and a lighting unit for providing illumination to the cultivated plants within the cultivation bed. The cultivation bed includes at least two frames, on which a plurality of reversing sprockets are arranged in pairs. Chains, capable of moving under the drive of a drive sprocket, are staggered vertically and horizontally between the reversing sprockets. Tray baskets for supporting the cultivation trays are suspended at intervals along the chains. The lighting unit includes a plurality of plant grow lights, arranged in a spaced array on the top and / or sides of the cultivation bed. The placement of the plant grow lights is configured in a manner related to the vertical and / or horizontal clearance between the plant grow lights and the chains, the illumination range of the plant grow lights, and the light emission mode of the plant grow lights.

[0011] In this invention, to facilitate providing uniform and controllable illumination to the plants within the cultivation tray, this application utilizes a chain to drive the cultivation tray in a cyclical movement with adjustable motion parameters. This, combined with the plant growth lamps in the illumination unit, adjusts the light intensity and angle based on the movement direction and speed of the cultivation tray, thereby ensuring the normal growth of the cultivated plants. Plant growth lighting equipment is a crucial unit in indoor cultivation such as smart greenhouses and plant factories. Light plays a key role in plant photomorphogenesis, plastid differentiation, and plant growth and development. It is not only the driving force of plant photosynthesis but also a regulatory signal for plant growth, regulating the plant's growth and development process by stimulating the expression of relevant genes, thus affecting plant yield and quality. Plants possess a series of photoreceptors, enabling them to accurately and promptly sense changes in the light environment. Existing research indicates that comprehensive and precise control of the plant growth light environment (light intensity, light quality ratio, light cycle, and light time and spatial distribution), and the development of reasonable light control schemes and light formulas, can not only significantly improve plant quality but also effectively reduce light source energy consumption.

[0012] In the current field of vertical farming, multi-tiered structures are typically used to utilize vertical space. However, this approach introduces a new problem: the uniformity of light exposure for plants across multiple tiers is affected, especially for lower-tier plants. A conventional solution is to use multiple light sources at each tier to reduce uneven light distribution. However, with numerous planting points at each tier, providing a separate light source for each plant is too costly. Furthermore, sharing a single light source with multiple plants results in plants further disproportionately receiving less light than those closer to the light source. Additionally, plants closer to the light source may block some light, further reducing the light exposure for plants further away, leading to uneven light intensity for plants closer to the light source. Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field of vertical farming for a solution that minimizes the number of light sources while ensuring uniform light distribution for all plants. This application aims to address this technical problem.

[0013] In the technical solution of this application, a method is adopted to move the cultivation trays via a chain, ensuring that each plant, and even each individual plant, receives uniform and sufficient light from all directions. More specifically, the chain extends in a "wavy" shape, and several cultivation trays are set on the chain as planting points. In this method, the planting points are transformed from planar planting in conventional planting methods to three-dimensional planting. Within the same plane area, vertical space that cannot be utilized by conventional methods is utilized, significantly increasing the number of plants that can be planted. At the same time, the continuous movement of the cultivation trays driven by the chain ensures that the position and angle of the plants in each cultivation tray near the light source are constantly changing. Over a long period of operation, this change ensures that all plants in the cultivation trays on the chain, and even each individual plant, receive uniform light from all directions.

[0014] Furthermore, the chains in this application are arranged inside the sunroom. Since the chains are in the form of "wavy lines" and have no absolute hierarchical relationship, most of the sunlight can naturally illuminate most of the cultivation trays on the chains. A small portion may receive less light at the lower peaks of the "wavy lines." Therefore, this application sets plant growth lights for light compensation at the angles of the "wavy lines." The plant growth lights compensate for light in areas with lower light intensity based on the light intensity obtained by the light intensity collection unit at specific locations, so as to meet the light needs of all plants with minimal energy consumption. This provides a new light source layout idea for vertical planting, ensuring uniform lighting while reducing the construction cost of the plant factory.

[0015] Preferably, the cultivation bed and lighting unit of the present invention are configured inside a steel-structured PC polycarbonate (PC) sunroom. At least one cultivation bed is arranged parallel to the length of the PC sunroom. Specifically, the front and rear walls of the PC sunroom are equipped with front and rear doors. The front and rear end walls, except for the doors, are covered with fixed transparent polycarbonate panels. The PC sunroom is filled with multi-section, fully open, segmented, folding transparent polycarbonate motorized windows. Shading columns for installing shading devices are provided on the roof frame of the PC sunroom, and several skylights are provided on the roof. With this configuration, the system for cultivating plants can be placed outdoors or indoors. The control unit of the system can control the opening and closing of the skylights on the roof of the PC sunroom. When the system is installed outdoors, in the face of inclement weather, the control unit can close the skylights of the PC sunroom and control the lighting unit inside the PC sunroom to provide light to the plants. For example, close the skylights of the sunroom when the intensity of natural light exceeds the preset intensity that the plants can withstand.

[0016] Preferably, the same chain changes direction at the reversing sprocket according to a preset angle, and the configuration of the plant growth lights is related to the preset angle. Specifically, the lighting unit arranges several light intensity collection units within the frame of the cultivation bed and in the gaps formed by the preset angles of the chains, based on the preset angles of the chain rotation. In this invention, the light intensity collection units are used to collect light intensity information within the cultivation bed. The collected information is sent to the processing module of the control unit for analysis and processing. The angle between the chains determines the height of the light intensity collection units. Based on the height, different areas within the cultivation bed are divided. The lighting unit allocates the specific positions, angles, and illumination areas of the plant growth lights according to the divided areas, thereby achieving comprehensive and precise control of the light environment (light intensity, light quality ratio, light cycle, and light time and spatial distribution) for plant growth. This allows for the development of reasonable light control schemes and light formulas, which not only significantly improves plant quality but also effectively reduces light source energy consumption.

[0017] Preferably, the lighting unit is configured with several light intensity collection units at preset intervals within the frame in a manner that does not obstruct chain movement. Each light intensity collection unit divides the culture bed into several vertical zones based on its height within the frame, and also divides it into several horizontal zones based on its length within the frame. In this invention, multiple light intensity collection units are distributed at the same height on the frame. Specifically, in this design, the light intensity collection units have two heights on the frame, and the frame is horizontally divided according to these heights, thus dividing the frame into three horizontal zones: the first horizontal zone, the second horizontal zone, and the third horizontal zone, sequentially from the top to the bottom. Vertical divisions are also made at the paired reversing sprockets of the frame, dividing it into several vertical zones. These vertical zones are sequentially named from the front or rear end of the frame, i.e., the first vertical zone, the second vertical zone, and so on. Based on the above division, the control unit can accurately locate different areas. The control unit records the partitions on the cultivation bed using coordinate pairs (X, Y), where X indicates the horizontal zone and Y indicates the vertical zone. Each (X, Y) zone has at least one light intensity acquisition unit, and each unit contains a signal transmitter marked with the zone's coordinate pair. This transmitter sends the light intensity and location information of the zone to the control unit. The control unit analyzes and processes the information from the light intensity acquisition units and then adjusts the plant growth lights in the lighting unit to perform light compensation according to the standard lighting scheme.

[0018] Preferably, the lighting unit is equipped with guide rails at the top and / or sides of the cultivation bed to support the movement of the plant grow lights. The plant grow lights can move at fixed points on the guide rails according to at least the vertical and horizontal zones. The fixed points on the guide rails correspond to the aforementioned division of areas, thereby accurately supplementing the light intensity of different areas. Furthermore, since the plant grow lights are set in a moving manner, the total number of plant grow lights can be appropriately reduced, avoiding situations where plant grow lights are set in every area, but in some cases, that area does not need compensation and does not work, resulting in a waste of cost resources.

[0019] Preferably, the lighting system also includes a control unit, which controls the movement data of the chain on the cultivation bed and processes the light intensity information collected by the light intensity acquisition unit of the lighting unit from different areas. Based on the processed light intensity information, the control unit allocates the illumination data of the plant grow lights. The control unit analyzes the light intensity information in different areas and, based on the analysis results, controls the plant grow lights to compensate for insufficient light in areas with insufficient light. In this way, the control unit simultaneously adjusts the movement parameters of the chain and the illumination data of the plant grow lights, ensuring that the movement parameters and illumination data are matched. This avoids situations where the chain speed is too fast under normal light intensity, leading to insufficient light for the plants, or where excessive light intensity leads to excessive light for the plants at normal speed. This coordinated allocation helps the plants obtain optimal light intensity, improving the production efficiency of the plant factory.

[0020] Preferably, the chain on the cultivation bed is driven by a set of drive sprockets mounted on the frame. The drive sprocket set consists of a pair of drive sprockets with shafts on both sides of the frame relative to the inlet / outlet end of the cultivation tray, connected by a drive sprocket synchronization shaft. Several reversing sprocket sets are spaced apart on the upper and / or lower parts of the frame. Each reversing sprocket set consists of a pair of reversing sprockets with shafts on both sides of the frame relative to the inlet / outlet end of the cultivation tray, connected by a sprocket synchronization shaft. The chain is configured as a first chain and a second chain wrapped around the drive sprockets and reversing sprockets on the same side of the frame, with several tray baskets suspended at intervals on the first and second chains. Cultivation trays are placed in the tray baskets. In this invention, the design of the drive sprocket set, reversing sprocket set, and the first and second chains allows the tray baskets on the chain to circulate along a preset path within the cultivation bed. First, the plants in the tray baskets moving along the preset path can be ensured uniform light exposure by placing appropriate plant growth lights at corresponding points along the preset path. Secondly, the moving cultivation trays promote airflow within the sunroom to a certain extent, which effectively agitates the wetting or atomizing liquid sprayed from the top of the cultivation bed. This allows the liquids beneficial to plant growth, such as the wetting liquid, to be fully mixed and evenly distributed within the cultivation bed, thus ensuring that the plants are fully absorbed. This reduces resource consumption and also guarantees that the plants in the cultivation bed grow in optimal condition.

[0021] The tray basket of the present invention is constructed as a cubic structure with a top opening having a certain recessed depth. Further, the cultivation tray is installed within the opening of the tray basket at a predetermined distance relative to the bottom of the tray basket, thereby forming a receiving space for accommodating the aeroponic nutrient solution between the bottom of the cultivation tray and the tray basket. The cultivation tray can be a planting tray with several planting slots. The cultivation tray can be made of rigid plastic board or foam plastic board, with several vertically opened cavities inside serving as planting slots for fixation. The shape and size of the cavities should be processed considering the root characteristics of the cultivated crop.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic mist generator can be installed at the bottom of the tray basket. The ultrasonic mist generator can atomize the aeroponic nutrient solution in the aeroponic nutrient solution channel into tiny mist particles at room temperature. The nutrient solution mist is diffused to the roots of the cultivated crop for absorption through the enclosed space formed by the cultivation tray and the tray basket.

[0023] A drive unit mounted on the frame drives a drive sprocket to rotate, and through the drive sprocket assembly, drives the first chain and the second chain to circulate. The circulating motion of the first chain and the second chain causes several cultivation tray baskets suspended on the first chain and the second chain to circulate. The first chain and the second chain pass around the upper and lower sprockets in a W-shape, and the tray baskets suspended on the first and second chains between adjacent upper and lower sprockets are arranged vertically in a stair-step pattern.

[0024] The first chain and the second chain between the drive sprocket and the lower reversing sprocket furthest from the drive sprocket constitute the return section of the first chain and the second chain. The first chain and the second chain in the return section are horizontal straight sections. The pallet baskets suspended on the first chain and the second chain in the return section are arranged in a horizontal row. The lower reversing sprocket furthest from the drive sprocket is positioned lower than the other lower reversing sprockets and is on the same vertical line as the upper reversing sprocket furthest from the drive sprocket. The return section is located at the bottom of the entire frame.

[0025] Preferably, the culture bed of the present invention further includes at least one pair of chain tensioning devices, which are respectively installed on both sides of the three-dimensional culture bed relative to the inlet and outlet ends of the culture tray; each chain tensioning device includes a pair of slide rails fixed on the frame and a lower sprocket adjusting bracket slidably arranged between the pair of slide rails, and a tensioning screw connected to the lower sprocket adjusting bracket by a nut, the tensioning screw being installed on the frame by a pair of tensioning nuts; two lower sprockets in at least one set of lower sprockets are respectively axled on the lower sprocket adjusting brackets of the pair of chain tensioning devices.

[0026] The present invention also provides a lighting method for an automated aeroponic planting rack. The lighting method includes the following steps: the control unit drives the active sprocket to drive the first chain and the second chain in the cultivation bed to perform cyclical movement according to a preset path configured with several reversing sprockets, based on preset parameters; the control unit controls the illumination parameters of the plant growth lamp of the lighting unit based on the light intensity information collected by the light intensity collection unit in different areas of the cultivation bed. The control unit can at least adjust the position, illumination angle, and illumination intensity of the plant growth lamp on the guide rail based on the light intensity information. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side view of a cultivation bed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a front view of a cultivation bed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of the frame of a cultivation bed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a driving device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the chain tensioning device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the control unit and various devices in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a preferred embodiment of the aeroponic device at the tray basket provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a simplified diagram of the area division of the cultivation bed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a simplified overall structural diagram of a lighting system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure Labels

[0037] 100: Sunroom; 200: Cultivation Bed; 300: Lighting Unit; 800: Control Unit; 110: Roof Frame; 111: Shade Column; 120: Skylight; 121: Electric Drive Mechanism; 130: Inlet / Outlet; 201: Frame; 210: Longitudinal Maintenance Passage; 220: Chain Tensioning Device; 221: Slide Rail; 222: Lower Reversing Sprocket Adjustment Bracket; 223: Tensioning Screw; 224: Tensioning Nut; 30 1: Preset included angle; 302: Horizontal zone; 303: Vertical zone; 304: Light intensity acquisition unit; 305: Guide rail; 310: Drive sprocket assembly; 310a: Drive sprocket; 311: Drive sprocket synchronous shaft; 320: Upper reversing sprocket assembly; 320a: Upper reversing sprocket; 330: Lower reversing sprocket assembly; 330a: Upper reversing sprocket; 330aa: Return reversing sprocket; 340: Chain; 340a: First chain; 34 0b: Second chain; 341: Return section; 342: Guide sprocket; 400: Pallet basket; 401: Cultivation tray; 402: Accommodation space; 403: Liquid inlet; 404: Ultrasonic mist generator; 500: Drive unit; 510: Drive motor; 511: Output pulley; 520: Reducer; 521: Input pulley; 530: Coupling; 540: Belt; 610: High-pressure misting and cooling device; 611: Sprayer head; 620: Plant growth light; 630: Heating system; 640: Temperature sensor; 650: Humidity sensor; 660: Light intensity sensor; 710: Pesticide preparation system; 720: Fertilizer preparation system; 730: Water supply system; 740: Sprinkler device; 741: High-pressure plunger pump; 751: Multi-position multi-way directional valve; 810: Control terminal; 820: Camera; 830: Touch screen; 840: Alarm. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 Please provide a detailed explanation.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Figure 9The illustration shows a lighting system for an automated aeroponic growing rack according to this application. The system includes: a cultivation bed 200 for supporting cultivation trays 401 capable of cultivating plants; and a lighting unit 300 for providing light to the cultivated plants within the cultivation bed 200. The cultivation bed 200 includes at least two layers of frames 201, on which a plurality of reversing sprockets are arranged in pairs. Chains 340, capable of moving under the drive of a drive sprocket, are staggered vertically and horizontally between the reversing sprockets. Tray baskets 400 for supporting the cultivation trays 401 are suspended at intervals along the chains 340. The lighting unit 300 includes a plurality of plant growth lights 620, arranged in a spaced array on the top and / or sides of the cultivation bed 200. The placement of the plant growth lights 620 is associated with the vertical and / or horizontal clearance between the plant growth lights 620 and the chains 340, the illumination range of the plant growth lights 620, and the light emission mode of the plant growth lights 620.

[0041] In this invention, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, to facilitate providing uniform and controllable illumination to the plants within the cultivation tray 401, this application utilizes a chain 340 to drive the cultivation tray 401 in a cyclical movement with adjustable motion parameters. This, combined with the plant growth lamp 620 in the illumination unit, adjusts the light intensity and angle based on the movement direction and speed of the cultivation tray 401, thereby ensuring the normal growth of the cultivated plants. Plant growth lighting equipment is a crucial unit in indoor cultivation such as smart greenhouses and plant factories. Light plays a key role in plant photomorphogenesis, plastid differentiation, and plant growth and development. It is not only the driving force of plant photosynthesis but also a regulatory signal for plant growth, regulating the plant's growth and development process by stimulating the expression of related genes, thus affecting plant yield and quality. Plants possess a series of photoreceptors, enabling them to accurately and promptly sense changes in the light environment. Existing research indicates that comprehensive and precise control of the light environment for plant growth (light intensity, light quality ratio, light cycle, and light time and spatial distribution), and the development of reasonable light control schemes and light formulas, can not only significantly improve plant quality but also effectively reduce light source energy consumption.

[0042] Preferably, the cultivation bed 200 and lighting unit 300 of the present invention are arranged inside the steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet room 100. At least one cultivation bed 200 is arranged parallel to the length of the steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet room 100. Specifically, the front and rear walls of the steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet room 100 are provided with front and rear doors. Except for the doors, the other parts of the front and rear end walls are covered with fixed window transparent polycarbonate sheet. The steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet room 100 is covered with multi-section fully open segmented folding transparent polycarbonate sheet electric window slats. The roof frame of the steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet room 100 has shading columns for installing shading devices, and several skylights 120 are provided on the roof of the steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet room 100. With this configuration, the plant cultivation system of the present invention can be placed outdoors or indoors. The control unit 800 of the system can control the opening and closing of the skylight 120 on the top of the sunroom 100. When the system is installed outdoors, in the face of inclement weather, the control unit 800 can close the skylight 120 of the sunroom 100 and control the lighting unit 300 installed inside the sunroom 100 to provide light to the plants. For example, when the intensity of natural light exceeds a preset intensity that the plants can withstand, the skylight 120 of the sunroom 100 will be closed.

[0043] Preferably, the same chain 340 changes direction at the reversing sprocket according to a preset angle 301, and the configuration of the plant growth lamp 620 is associated with the preset angle 301. Specifically, the lighting unit 300 arranges several light intensity collection units 304 in the frame 201 of the cultivation bed 200 and in the gaps formed by the preset angle 301 of the chain 340 according to the preset angle 301 of the turning direction between the chains 340. In this invention, the light intensity acquisition unit 304 is used to collect light intensity information within the cultivation bed 200. The collected information is sent to the processing module of the control unit 800 for analysis and processing. The angle between the chains 340 determines the height at which the light intensity acquisition unit 304 is arranged. Based on the arrangement height, different areas within the cultivation bed 200 are divided. The lighting unit 300 allocates the specific positions, angles, and illumination areas of the corresponding plant growth lights 620 according to the divided areas. This enables comprehensive and precise control of the light environment (light intensity, light quality ratio, light cycle, and light time and spatial distribution) for plant growth, allowing for the formulation of reasonable light control schemes and light formulas. This not only significantly improves plant quality but also effectively reduces light source energy consumption.

[0044] Preferably, according to Figure 8The lighting unit 300 is arranged in the frame 201 with several light intensity collection units 304 at preset intervals in a manner that does not obstruct the movement of the chain 340. The light intensity collection units 304 divide the cultivation bed 200 into several vertical areas 303 according to their height position in the frame 201, and divide the cultivation bed 200 into several horizontal areas 302 according to their length position in the frame 201. In this invention, multiple light intensity acquisition units 304 are distributed at the same height on the frame 201. Specifically, in this solution, the light intensity acquisition units 304 have two heights on the frame 201. The frame 201 is divided laterally according to the height, thereby dividing the frame 201 into three horizontal areas 302. From the top to the bottom of the frame 201, they are sequentially named the first horizontal area 302, the second horizontal area 302, and the third horizontal area 302. Vertical division is performed at the paired reversing sprockets of the frame 201, dividing the frame 201 into several vertical areas 303. Several vertical areas 303 are sequentially named from the front or rear end of the frame 201, namely, the first vertical area 303, the second vertical area 303, and so on. Based on the above division, the control unit 800 can accurately locate different areas. The control unit 800 records the partitions on the cultivation bed 200 in the form of coordinate pairs, specifically (X, Y). In this coordinate pair, X indicates which horizontal zone 302 the area belongs to, and Y indicates which vertical zone 303 the area belongs to.

[0045] Preferably, each (X, Y) region has at least one light intensity acquisition unit 304, and each light intensity acquisition unit 304 has a signal transmitter that marks the coordinate pair of the region. The signal transmitter can send the light intensity information and position information of the region to the control unit 800. After analyzing and processing the information of the light intensity acquisition unit 304, the control unit 800 activates the plant growth lamp 620 of the lighting unit 300 to perform light compensation according to the standard lighting scheme.

[0046] Preferably, the lighting unit 300 is provided with a guide rail 305 at the top and / or side of the cultivation bed 200 to support the movement of the plant growth lamp 620. The plant growth lamp 620 can move at a fixed point on the guide rail 305 according to the vertical area 303 and the horizontal area 302. In this invention, the fixed point on the guide rail 305 corresponds to the above-mentioned divided areas, thereby accurately supplementing the light intensity of different areas.

[0047] Preferably, the placement of the plant grow light 620 is arranged in a manner related to the vertical and / or horizontal clearance between the plant grow light 620 and the chain 340, the illumination range of the plant grow light 620, and the light emission mode of the plant grow light 620. Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8Plant growth lights 620 can be mounted on guide rails 305 at the top of the cultivation bed 200. Several guide rails 305 can move laterally. The lateral distance between any two guide rails 305 is related to the vertical and / or horizontal clearance of the chain 340. More specifically, the opening angle of a single reversing sprocket on the chain 340 on the frame 201, the distance extending to the next reversing sprocket, and the distance between the guide rails 305 are related. The guide rails are preferably positioned on the angular center line of the chain 340, which is in an angled shape, thereby ensuring that the plants on both sides of the chain 340 receive uniform light. The distance extending to the next reversing sprocket affects the location of the plant growth lights mounted on the guide rails 305. The number of plant grow lights 620, their illumination range, and their light emission mode also affect their specific arrangement. For example, if the illumination angle of the plant grow lights 620 is unidirectional, then at least two plant grow lights 620 in two directions need to be placed at the same location. As another example, if the effective illumination distance of the plant grow lights 620 is less than the included angle length of the chain 340 at a single reversing sprocket, then multiple plant grow lights 620 need to be placed at the included angle chain 340 in the vertical direction of the guide rail 305. Thus, the specific arrangement angle and method of the plant grow lights 620 can be adjusted according to the arrangement length and density of the chain 340.

[0048] Preferably, the lighting system further includes a control unit 800, which is capable of controlling the motion data of the chain 340 on the cultivation bed 200 and processing the light intensity information of different areas collected by the light intensity acquisition unit 304 of the lighting unit 300.

[0049] Preferably, the control unit 800 allocates the illumination data of the plant growth lamp 620 based on the processed light intensity information. The control unit 800 analyzes the light intensity information in different areas and controls the plant growth lamp 620 to perform illumination compensation in areas with insufficient light intensity based on the analysis results.

[0050] In this invention, the plant growth light 620 is specifically configured as an LED lamp body. The LED beads in the plant growth light 620 adopt a square structure, and each LED bead consists of four light-emitting chips. Among them, two are warm white light chips, and the other two are blue light chips and red light chips, respectively. Each color chip has an independent lead wire and is independently driven and controlled. The LED beads are installed along the diagonal of the LED bead in the axial direction of the circuit board. The spacing between each LED bead is unequal, which can effectively improve the photosynthetic efficiency of plants and the uniformity of spatial light intensity. Accordingly, the plant growth light 620 of this invention is always kept on the guide rail 305. The connection between the guide rail 305 and the lamp body adopts a contact connection. That is, the entire interior of the guide rail 305 is equipped with a circuit that can provide power to the lamp body. Whenever the lamp body reaches the preset positioning position, the lamp body will be connected to the circuit, and the relevant circuits controlling the lamp body will also be connected.

[0051] The LED plant grow light 620 proposed in this invention adopts a strip light structure. The chips on both sides of the LED bead's axis are warm white light chips, while the two chips on the circuit board's axis are a blue light chip and a red light chip, respectively. This achieves symmetrical light quality along the axial direction, ensuring the same ratio of red to blue light quality for precise adjustment of the LED light source's light quality. Furthermore, each LED bead uses a lens with a suitable emission angle, improving light utilization and resolving the contradiction between focused light and uniform light distribution. The LED bead used in the plant grow light 620 is a multi-band light-emitting chip integrated bead, with red, blue, and warm white light concentrated from the same bead before being projected onto the plant surface through the lens, resulting in uniform light mixing. The driving current of each color light-emitting chip can be independently adjusted, and the light cycle and intensity can be dynamically adjusted as needed via an external driving power supply. For different plant species, the control unit 800 adjusts the plant grow light 620 according to a pre-set light distribution scheme.

[0052] Preferably, the lighting equipment currently used in plant factories typically employs cold light sources such as LEDs, which use alternating current as input energy. Therefore, the illumination of the plant grow light 620 exhibits a regular flickering pattern, i.e., the lighting flickers. Based on the frequency waveform of the input energy, the plant grow light 620 illuminates when the input peaks and extinguishes when the input troughs. Furthermore, the plant grow light 620 can generally also incorporate a frequency adjustment module, such as a frequency modulator, allowing the light emission frequency of the plant grow light 620 to be adjusted. Under normal circumstances, the plant grow light 620 possesses at least a fixed frequency value or range. Due to the visual persistence of light in the human eye, when the flicker frequency of the lighting is sufficiently high, the human eye generally cannot perceive the flickering and instead perceives the light as continuously present without any on / off cycle. However, equipment detection differs from human observation. Since it is also based on data collection and recognition from machines, equipment detection and recognition often have a higher data collection frequency than the human eye. Therefore, in terms of the collected data results, it is necessary to set a certain filtering algorithm to filter the results. Generally, the introduction of filtering algorithms can significantly reduce the number of abnormal data and improve the accuracy of the collected results. However, during the configuration of the plant grow light 620, the following problems were still found: Since the plant grow light 620 is not composed of a single type of LED, but rather a combination of multiple LED groups based on the different wavelengths of light required by the plant, such as warm white LED chips, blue LED chips, and red LED chips, each type of LED chip, and even each individual group of LED chips, may have different emission frequencies. Furthermore, the plant grow light 620 moves under the influence of the guide rail 305, causing the angle between the plant grow light 620 and the light intensity acquisition unit 304 to narrow at certain positions. This results in the light emitted by the plant grow light 620 at its normal frequency being mistaken for an abnormal signal and removed by the light intensity acquisition unit 304. Consequently, the processor cannot process the data collected by the light intensity acquisition unit 304 to obtain correct conclusions, leading to the system sending incorrect alarm messages or generating incorrect remedial measures (such as generating incorrect control commands to incorrectly increase or decrease the emission frequency of the plant grow light 620, or incorrectly turn off or restart a certain LED chip).

[0053] Based on this, this solution provides a preferred embodiment in which any group of LED chips in the plant growth light 620 is configured to emit light in the following manner:

[0054] It emits light at the first frequency in accordance with the expected plan within the first timeframe;

[0055] During the second time period, the light is switched to emit light at a second frequency, wherein the parameters of the second frequency are set in a manner that allows the light source to be specifically recognized by the light intensity acquisition unit 304 and / or the human eye, according to the corresponding configuration.

[0056] Specific recognition refers to the ability of the light intensity acquisition unit 304 or the human eye to clearly distinguish the second frequency of light emission from the first frequency of light emission in a scene according to its unchanging and normal recognition method. For example, the acquisition device acquires light sources according to a set predetermined acquisition frequency, and filters the acquired data that is greater than the first preset judgment frequency and less than the second preset judgment frequency. Wherein, if the first preset judgment frequency is greater than the second preset judgment frequency, the second frequency is set within the range of greater than the second preset judgment frequency and less than the first preset judgment frequency. Preferably, the second frequency is set lower than the first frequency. More preferably, the difference between the second frequency and the first frequency is configured to be large. In detail, the larger the difference between the second frequency and the first frequency, the greater the difference can be considered. The difference is calculated as the ratio of the absolute value of the difference between the second frequency and the first frequency to the absolute value of the difference between the first frequency and the second preset judgment frequency. Basically, the difference is greater than 50%, more preferably, the difference is greater than 70%, and preferably, the difference is greater than 80%. Based on the aforementioned differential configuration, the light intensity acquisition unit 304 can easily detect a second frequency that differs significantly from the first frequency under its consistently set filter detection value (even with some data fluctuations, it can still clearly distinguish between the first and second frequencies). In the presence of human intervention, preferably, the second frequency is configured to allow the human eye to specifically identify it by setting a numerical parameter that enables the human eye to recognize the flicker of the light source despite visual persistence. Specifically, the human eye can generally accurately identify flickering light sources with a frequency below 30Hz; therefore, preferably, the second frequency is configured to be below 30Hz. Thus, the above solution enables, under controllable conditions, the specific identification of the corresponding second frequency light signal by either a human or a detection device by changing the illumination frequency of the light.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second frequency light signal is actually a specific information transmission signal, indicating that the light is emitting light with normal parameters. Therefore, when the processor or human eye recognizes the second frequency light signal, the corresponding plant grow light 620 is determined to be operating normally, and the system clears or reduces the accumulated alarm amount for that plant grow light 620. The accumulated alarm amount is the parameter value accumulated by the light source acquisition device when it acquires filtered light source and the processor determines it to be erroneous. For example, the accumulated parameter value may be set as the duration of the error or the number of errors. When the accumulated alarm amount reaches a preset value, the system sends an alarm message to the outside world, indicating that there is a problem with the light source. However, based on the above, when the device or human eye recognizes the second frequency light signal, it can be determined that the light source is operating normally, and thus the accumulated alarm amount generated during the first frequency light emission can be reduced or cleared. This solution addresses the limitation of relying solely on the adjustable parameters of the light source itself to transmit light source status information. Especially when using equipment to collect light source status data, the filtering algorithm set by the equipment is generally fixed, which can lead to the misinterpretation of normal light emission as abnormal signals. Therefore, this solution introduces a second light signal that allows for manual or equipment self-checking intervention. This light signal is easily distinguishable for specific identification. This solution does not incorporate any other detection equipment, significantly reducing the overall system investment cost. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale plant factories, reducing substantial costs and management / maintenance investment due to the reduction in detection circuits, equipment, and energy consumption.

[0058] Preferably, when the plant grow light 620 moves to the switching transverse zone 302, it is switched to a second frequency. This second frequency is set in a manner that allows any light source detection device within the transverse zone 302 to specifically identify the plant grow light 620 at any angle relative to the light source. Furthermore, when the light source detection device within any transverse zone 302 detects the second frequency, data is acquired at a second predetermined acquisition frequency. This embodiment further uses the second frequency light signal as an indication signal for switching the light source detection device in the transverse zone 302. This allows a switching prompt to be sent to the light source detection device without adding any other detection devices, enabling it to detect at a higher detection frequency. This significantly reduces the likelihood of the light source detection device misjudging the light source as abnormal due to the angle limitation caused by the light source movement during switching.

[0059] Preferably, the chain 340 on the cultivation bed 200 is driven by a set of active sprockets on the frame 201. The set of active sprockets consists of a pair of active sprockets with shafts on both sides of the frame 201 relative to the inlet and outlet ends of the cultivation tray 401. The pair of active sprockets are connected by a synchronous shaft.

[0060] Specifically, the active sprocket assembly 310 consists of a pair of active sprockets 310a mounted on both sides of the frame 201 relative to the inlet / outlet end 130 of the cultivation tray via bearings 312. The pair of active sprockets 310a are connected by an active sprocket synchronous shaft 311. The active sprockets 310a are driven by a drive device 500. The active sprockets 310a and the drive device 500 are located at the inlet / outlet end 130 of the cultivation tray on the frame 201.

[0061] Preferably, the upper and / or lower part of the frame 201 is provided with a plurality of reversing sprocket sets at intervals. Each reversing sprocket set is a pair of reversing sprockets with shafts located on both sides of the frame 201 relative to the inlet and outlet ends of the cultivation tray 401. Each pair of reversing sprockets is connected to each other by a sprocket synchronization shaft.

[0062] Specifically, several upper reversing sprocket sets 320 are mounted on the upper part of the frame 201 via bearing spacers. Each upper reversing sprocket set 320 consists of a pair of upper reversing sprockets 320a mounted on both sides of the frame 201 relative to the inlet / outlet end 130 of the cultivation tray. The pair of upper reversing sprockets 320a are connected by an upper sprocket synchronous shaft 321.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of lower reversing sprocket sets 330 are mounted on the lower part of the frame 201 via bearing spacers. Each lower reversing sprocket set 330 consists of a pair of lower reversing sprockets 330a mounted on both sides of the frame 201 relative to the inlet / outlet end 130 of the cultivation tray. The pair of lower reversing sprockets 330a are connected by a lower sprocket synchronous shaft 331.

[0064] Preferably, the chain 340 is configured as a first chain 340a and a second chain 340b surrounding the drive sprocket and the reversing sprocket on the same side of the frame 201, and a plurality of tray baskets 400 are suspended at intervals on the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b, and a cultivation tray 401 is placed in the tray basket 400.

[0065] Specifically, the chain 340 is divided into two parts: a transmission area and a suspension area. The transmission area is in close contact with each sprocket and obtains power, while the suspension area is used to suspend the pallet basket 400, ensuring that the pallet basket 400 is not squeezed by the sprockets during movement. That is, the pallet basket 400 is always suspended in the suspension area of ​​the chain 340.

[0066] Specifically, the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b are respectively wrapped around the drive sprocket 310a, the upper reversing sprocket 320a, and the lower reversing sprocket 330a on the same side of the frame 201. Several cultivation tray baskets 400 are suspended at intervals on the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b. Cultivation trays 401 are placed in the cultivation tray baskets 400. The first chain 340a and the second chain 340b pass around the upper and lower reversing sprockets 320a and 320b in a W-shape between the upper and lower reversing sprockets 320a and 320b. b. Furthermore, the cultivation trays 400 suspended on the first and second chains 340a and 340b between adjacent upper and lower reversing sprockets 320a and 320b are arranged in a stair-step pattern, so that the cultivation trays 261 between the upper and lower reversing sprockets 320a and 320b do not completely overlap, the light-receiving area is uniform, and they do not block each other's light, so that the seedlings have a balanced growth environment, and the cultivation trays 400 can be driven to circulate through the cyclic movement of the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b.

[0067] Specifically, the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b between the drive sprocket 310a and the lower reversing sprocket 330a furthest from the drive sprocket 310a constitute the return section 341 of the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b. The first chain 340a and the second chain 340b of the return section 341 are in a straight line. The cultivation tray baskets 400 suspended on the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b of the return section 341 are arranged in a row. Several guide sprockets 342 are provided at intervals on the return section 341, which are mounted on the frame 201 and mesh with the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b, to ensure smooth transmission of the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b.

[0068] Specifically, the return reversing sprocket 330aa, which is furthest from the drive sprocket 310a, is positioned lower than the other lower reversing sprockets 330a, and is on the same vertical line as the upper reversing sprocket 320aa, which is furthest from the drive sprocket 310a. The return section 341 is located at the bottom of the entire frame 201, so the cultivation tray basket 400 on the return section 341 can smoothly achieve cyclic transfer.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the drive unit 500 may include a drive motor 510, a reducer 520, and a coupling 530. The output pulley 511 of the drive motor 510 is connected to the input pulley 521 of the reducer 520 via a belt 540. The output end of the reducer 520 is connected to the drive sprocket 310a via a coupling 50.

[0070] In this invention, the design of the active sprocket assembly 320, the reversing sprocket assembly, and the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b enables the tray basket 400 on the chain 340 to circulate along a preset path within the cultivation bed 200. First, the plants within the tray basket 400, moving along the preset path, can receive uniform light by placing specific plant growth lights 620 at corresponding points along the path. Second, the moving cultivation tray 401, to a certain extent, drives airflow within the sunroom 100, effectively agitating the wetting liquid or atomized liquid sprayed from the top of the cultivation bed 200. This ensures that the liquid, beneficial to plant growth, is thoroughly mixed evenly within the cultivation bed 200, allowing for full absorption by the plants. This approach reduces resource consumption while ensuring optimal growth of the plants within the cultivation bed 200.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the tray basket 400 of the present invention is constructed as a cubic structure with a top opening having a certain recessed depth. Further, the cultivation tray 401 is installed within the opening of the tray basket 400 at a predetermined distance relative to the bottom of the tray basket 400, thereby forming a receiving space 402 for containing aeroponic nutrient solution between the bottom of the cultivation tray 401 and the tray basket 400. The cultivation tray 401 can be a planting tray with several planting slots. The cultivation tray 401 can be made of rigid plastic board or foam plastic board, with several vertically opened cavities inside as planting slots for fixation. The shape and size of the cavities should be processed considering the root characteristics of the cultivated crop.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic atomizer 404 may be installed at the bottom of the tray basket 400. The ultrasonic atomizer 404 can be used to atomize the aeroponic nutrient solution in the aeroponic nutrient solution channel into tiny mist particles at room temperature. The nutrient solution mist is diffused to the roots of the cultivated crop for absorption through the sealed space formed by the cultivation tray 401 and the tray basket 400.

[0073] Preferably, the cultivation tray 401 can be configured with a liquid inlet 403 at the side end and a drip hole at the top of the cultivation bed 200, which is set according to the position of the reversing sprocket. Whenever a tray basket 400 passes the upper reversing sprocket, the liquid is accurately dripped from the liquid inlet 403 into the accommodating space 402.

[0074] This embodiment also provides a lighting method for an automated aeroponic planting rack. The lighting method includes the following steps: the control unit 800 drives the active sprocket to drive the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b in the cultivation bed 200 to perform cyclical movement according to a preset path configured with several reversing sprockets, based on the light intensity information collected by the light intensity acquisition units 304 configured in different areas of the cultivation bed 200 by the lighting unit 300 in the cultivation bed 200, and controls the illumination parameters of the plant growth lamp 620 of the lighting unit 300. The control unit 800 can at least adjust the position, illumination angle and illumination intensity of the plant growth lamp 620 on the guide rail 305 based on the light intensity information.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] This embodiment describes the overall detailed layout of the system based on Embodiment 1. Figure 1 The lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack shown in this application may include a steel-structured PC polycarbonate (PC) panel room 100 and a cultivation bed arranged parallel to the length of the PC polycarbonate (PC) panel room within the PC polycarbonate (PC) panel room. In particular, there may be two or more cultivation beds.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the front and rear end walls of the steel-structured PC polycarbonate (PC) sunroom 100 are equipped with front and rear electric doors 102. The other parts of the front and rear end walls, except for the electric doors 102, are covered with fixed transparent polycarbonate panels. The steel-structured PC sunroom 100 is fully covered with multi-section, fully opening, segmented, folding transparent polycarbonate panel electric windows; alternatively, it can be covered with windows equipped with automatic exhaust fans. The roof frame 110 of the steel-structured PC sunroom 100 has sunshade columns 111 for installing sunshade devices, and several electric skylights 120 are installed on the roof of the steel-structured PC sunroom 110. These electric skylights 120 can also be replaced with transparent skylights equipped with exhaust fans.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, a longitudinal maintenance passage 210 is provided on the side of the cultivation bed 200, and an upper longitudinal maintenance corridor 310a is provided above the longitudinal maintenance passage 210. The two ends of the upper longitudinal maintenance corridor 310a are connected to upper transverse maintenance corridors (not shown in the figure). The frame 201 of the cultivation bed 200 constitutes the roof truss of the steel structure PC sunroom 100, and the roof frame 110 of the steel structure PC sunroom 100 is erected on the top of the frame 201 of the cultivation bed 200. A staircase (not shown in the figure) is provided between the upper longitudinal maintenance corridor 310a and the ground of the longitudinal maintenance passage.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the cultivation bed 200 includes a frame 201, a drive sprocket assembly 310, several upper reversing sprocket assemblies 320, several lower reversing sprocket assemblies 330, a first chain 340a, a second chain 340b, several cultivation tray baskets 400, and a drive device 500. The cultivation tray inlet / outlet end 130 of the frame 201 is located at the front electric door position of the steel structure PC sunroom 100. The drive sprocket assembly 310 and the drive device 500 in the cultivation bed 200 are arranged at the cultivation tray inlet / outlet end 130 of the frame 201.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, at least one pair of chain tensioning devices 220 are also installed on the frame 201. In this embodiment, there are two pairs of chain tensioning devices 220, which are installed at intervals on both sides of the frame 201 relative to the inlet / outlet end 130 of the cultivation tray. Each chain tensioning device 220 includes a pair of slide grooves 221 fixed on the frame 201 and a lower reversing sprocket adjusting bracket 222 slidably disposed between the pair of slide grooves 221, and a tensioning screw 243 connected to the lower reversing sprocket adjusting bracket 242 by a tensioning nut 224. The tensioning screw 243 is installed on the frame 201 by a pair of tensioning nuts 224. Two lower reversing sprockets 330a in at least one set of lower reversing sprocket groups 330 may be respectively axially mounted on the lower reversing sprocket link bracket 222 of a pair of chain tensioning devices 220. In this embodiment, two lower reversing sprockets 330a in a set of lower sprockets 330 are respectively mounted on the lower reversing sprocket adjustment brackets 222 in a pair of chain tensioning devices 220. Therefore, rotating the tensioning screw 223 can raise or lower the lower reversing sprocket adjustment brackets 222, thereby achieving the function of adjusting the tension of the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, the automated cultivation bed may further include a high-pressure misting cooling device 610, a shading device (not shown in the figure), several plant growth lights 620, a heating system 630, several temperature sensors 640, several humidity sensors 650, a light intensity sensor 660, a medicine dispensing system 710, a fertilizer dispensing system 720, a water supply system 730, a spraying device 740, and a control unit 800.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the high-pressure misting cooling device 610 may include multiple rows of spray devices (not shown) installed at intervals on the roof frame 110 of the steel-structured PC sunroom 100, and a high-pressure plunger pump 612 connected to all the spray devices via water pipes. Each spray device includes several spray heads 611 connected via water pipes.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the shading device is installed on the shading column 111 on the roof frame 110 of the steel-structured PC polycarbonate (PC) sunroom 100. The shading device includes a retractable awning and an electrically driven mechanism 121 for retracting the awning. When the electrically driven mechanism 121 fully extends the retractable awning, it completely covers the roof of the steel-structured PC sunroom 100.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, a number of plant growth lights 620 are installed on the roof frame 110 of the steel-structured PC sunroom 100, and the plant growth lights 620 are arranged in a dotted pattern.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the heating system 630, several temperature sensors 640, and several humidity sensors 650 are all installed inside the steel-structured PC polycarbonate (PC) ...

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the steel-structured PC sunroom 100 also includes a pesticide dispensing system 710, a fertilizer dispensing system 720, a water supply system 730, and a sprinkler system 740. The sprinkler system 740 is installed in the return section 341 of the first chain 340a and the second chain 340b in the frame 201 of the cultivation bed 200. The sprinkler system 740 is a spray pipe with bidirectional multi-nozzle connections, which is connected to a high-pressure plunger pump 741. The high-pressure plunger pump 741 is connected to the pesticide dispensing system 710, the fertilizer dispensing system 720, and the water supply system 730 respectively via a multi-position multi-way reversing valve 751.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the signal input terminal of the control unit 800 is connected to the temperature sensor 640, humidity sensor 650, and light intensity sensor 660. The control unit 800 is also connected to the electric door 102, the fully open segmented folding transparent polycarbonate sheet electric window sashes, and each electric skylight 120 in the steel-structured PC polycarbonate sheet house 100. The control unit 800 is also connected to the drive device 500 in the cultivation bed 200. Furthermore, the control unit 800 is connected to the high-pressure plunger pump 612 in the high-pressure misting cooling device 610, the electric drive mechanism 121 in the shading device, the heating system 630, the high-pressure plunger pump 741 in the spray device 640, and the multi-position multi-way reversing valve 751.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 800 is connected to the host control terminal 810 via a wireless network. A camera 820, connected to the control unit 800, is also installed inside the steel-structured PC sunroom 100, allowing staff to monitor the interior of the room at any time. The control unit 800 is operated via a touchscreen 830 and is also connected to an alarm 840; if any abnormality is detected in the data received by the control unit 800, the alarm 840 will sound.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the nutrient solution supply unit may include a mixing tank, a stop valve, a flow meter, a fertilizer pump, an EC sensor, a liquid level sensor, etc.

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, an EC sensor and a level sensor can be installed inside the mixing tank. The EC sensor can be used to measure the EC value, which is used to measure the concentration of soluble salts in the solution, and can also be used to measure the concentration of soluble ions in liquid fertilizer or planting media. The level sensor can be used to measure the nutrient solution level. Level judgment includes: high level, normal level, and low level, realizing low liquid protection and overflow prevention reminders. A level sensor can also be installed inside the mixing tank to realize low liquid alarm.

[0091] It should be noted that the specific embodiments described above are exemplary. Those skilled in the art can devise various solutions inspired by the disclosure of this invention, and these solutions all fall within the scope of this invention and its protection. Those skilled in the art should understand that this specification and its accompanying drawings are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. This specification contains multiple inventive concepts; terms such as "preferredly," "according to a preferred embodiment," or "optionally" indicate that the corresponding paragraph discloses an independent concept. The applicant reserves the right to file divisional applications based on each inventive concept.

Claims

1. A lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack, characterized in that, include: A cultivation bed used to hold cultivation trays for growing plants; Lighting unit used to provide illumination for the cultivated plants in the cultivation bed; The cultivation bed consists of two frames, on which several reversing sprockets are arranged in pairs. Chains that move under the drive of the drive sprockets are staggered between the reversing sprockets. Tray baskets for supporting the cultivation trays are suspended at intervals on the chains. The lighting unit includes several plant growth lights, which are spaced in an array on the top and / or side of the cultivation bed. The placement of the plant growth lights is arranged in a manner related to the vertical and / or horizontal clearance between the plant growth lights and the chain, the illumination range of the plant growth lights, and the light emission mode of the plant growth lights. In the plant growth light, any group of LED chips is configured to emit light in the following manner: emitting light at a first frequency in accordance with the expected plan during the first time period; during the second time period, the light is switched and controlled to emit light at a second frequency. The second frequency parameter is set according to the light intensity acquisition unit's specific identification method based on the corresponding configured light source. Specific identification refers to the light intensity acquisition unit's identification method of clearly distinguishing the second frequency emission from the first frequency emission scene according to its unchanging and normal identification method. The lighting unit has several light intensity collection units arranged at preset intervals within the frame in a manner that does not obstruct the movement of the chain. Each light intensity collection unit divides the cultivation bed into several horizontal zones based on its height within the frame, and into several vertical zones based on its length within the frame. The lighting unit has guide rails at the top and sides of the cultivation bed to support the movement of the plant growth lamp. The plant growth lamp moves at fixed points on the guide rails according to the vertical and horizontal zones. When the plant growth lamp moves to the horizontal zone, it is switched to a second frequency. The parameter value of the second frequency is set in a way that specifically identifies the angle of the light intensity collection unit in any horizontal zone relative to the plant growth lamp. When the light intensity collection unit in any horizontal zone detects the second frequency, data is collected at the second predetermined collection frequency. The lighting system also includes a control unit, which controls the movement data of the chain on the cultivation bed and processes the light intensity information of different areas collected by the light intensity acquisition unit of the lighting unit; the control unit allocates the light data of the plant growth lamps based on the processed light intensity information, and the control unit analyzes the light intensity information in different areas and controls the plant growth lamps to compensate for insufficient light intensity in areas based on the analysis results.

2. The lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The same chain (340) changes direction at the reversing sprocket according to a preset angle (301), and the configuration of the plant growth light (620) is related to the preset angle (301).

3. The lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chain (340) on the cultivation bed (200) is driven by a set of drive sprockets (310) on the frame (201). The set of drive sprockets (310) consists of a pair of drive sprockets (310a) with shafts on both sides of the frame (201) relative to the inlet and outlet ends of the cultivation tray. The pair of drive sprockets (310a) are connected by a synchronous shaft of drive sprockets (310a).

4. The lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and / or lower part of the frame (201) is provided with several reversing sprocket sets at intervals. Each reversing sprocket set is a pair of reversing sprockets with shafts located on both sides of the frame (201) relative to the inlet and outlet ends of the cultivation tray. Each pair of reversing sprockets is connected to each other by a sprocket synchronization shaft.

5. The lighting system for an automated aeroponic planting rack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The chain (340) is configured as a first chain (340a) and a second chain (340b) surrounding the drive sprocket (310a) and the reversing sprocket on the same side of the frame (201), and a plurality of tray baskets are suspended at intervals on the first chain (340a) and the second chain (340b), and the tray baskets contain cultivation trays.

6. A lighting method using the lighting system for automated aeroponic planting racks as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The lighting method includes the following steps: The control unit (800) drives the active sprocket (310a) according to preset parameters to drive the first chain (340a) and the second chain (340b) in the cultivation bed (200) to perform cyclical motion according to a preset path configured with several reversing sprockets; The control unit (800) controls the illumination parameters of the plant growth lamp (620) of the lighting unit (300) based on the light intensity information collected by the light intensity acquisition unit (304) of the lighting unit (300) in different areas of the cultivation bed (200). The control unit (800) can at least adjust the position, illumination angle and illumination intensity of the plant growth lamp (620) on the guide rail (305) based on the light intensity information.

Images