Center pivot type sprinkler capable of automatically turning back

Abstract

The invention provides a center pivot type sprinkling machine capable of automatically turning back, relates to the field of agricultural irrigation equipment, and solves the problems that a traditional sprinkling machine needs manual turning back and is low in irrigation precision. The device comprises a central fulcrum shaft assembly, a truss structure, a nozzle group and a driving system, and the core improvement is that a boundary detection module, a turn-back control module and a main control system are additionally arranged; the boundary detection module identifies an irrigation boundary, the turn-back control module drives the system to reverse, and the main control system performs overall operation. The automatic turning-back of the sprinkler is realized, the irrigation precision and the intelligent level are improved, and the automatic turning-back sprinkler is adaptive to various farmland scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sprinkler irrigation technology, specifically to a center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility. Background Technology

[0002] In modern large-scale farmland irrigation, center-pivot sprinkler systems are commonly used due to their wide coverage. However, traditional models lack automatic reversing capabilities, requiring manual monitoring of irrigation boundaries. When the sprinkler reaches the edge of the farmland, without timely manual intervention, it can easily exceed the irrigation area, resulting in water waste. Alternatively, failure to reverse direction in time can lead to missed irrigation of edge areas. This is especially true in irregularly shaped farmlands, where manually judging boundaries and performing reversing operations is even more difficult, significantly increasing labor costs.

[0003] In addition, traditional sprinkler irrigation machines rely on manual observation for boundary recognition, making it difficult to accurately match the preset irrigation range. Furthermore, manual adjustment of the drive system is required when changing direction, which is cumbersome and prone to problems such as reversal delay and machine shaking, affecting irrigation uniformity and equipment stability. At the same time, the lack of remote monitoring and parameter adjustment functions means that farmers cannot handle return anomalies in a timely manner when they are away from home, further reducing irrigation efficiency and making it difficult to meet the intelligent and automated irrigation needs of modern agriculture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned technical deficiencies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility, so as to achieve precise and efficient irrigation operations, improve irrigation efficiency, and reduce labor costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversal includes a center-supported shaft assembly, a truss structure, a sprinkler head assembly, a drive system, a boundary detection module, a reversal control module, and a main control system. The center-supported shaft assembly is fixed at the center of the irrigation area, supporting the entire machine and serving as a rotation reference, and is connected to the main water supply pipe. One end of the truss structure is hinged to the center-supported shaft assembly, and the other end extends to the edge of the irrigation area to support the sprinkler head assembly. The sprinkler head assembly is installed at intervals below the truss structure for directional spraying. The drive system is distributed at the tower at the bottom of the truss structure and is connected to the tower's traveling wheels for driving the truss structure to rotate around the center-supported shaft assembly. The boundary detection module is installed at the end of the truss structure away from the center-supported shaft assembly to identify the boundary position of the irrigation area. The reversal control module is electrically connected to the drive system to receive boundary signals and control the drive system to change direction. The main control system is communicatively connected to the boundary detection module, the reversal control module, and the drive system to coordinate the operation of each module and store reversal parameters.

[0007] Preferably, the boundary detection module includes a laser rangefinder and a buried boundary marker. The laser rangefinder is horizontally installed on the side of the end of the truss structure to emit a detection laser towards the edge of the irrigation area and receive the reflected signal. The buried boundary marker is buried along the boundary of the irrigation area to reflect the specific wavelength laser emitted by the laser rangefinder to enhance the boundary recognition signal.

[0008] Preferably, the laser rangefinder has a detection angle of 120 degrees and a detection distance range of 0.5-50 meters. It can identify the 905nm wavelength laser reflected by the buried boundary marker and convert the distance data into an electrical signal to be transmitted to the main control system. When the distance to the buried boundary marker is detected to be less than a preset threshold, a boundary signal is triggered.

[0009] Preferably, the boundary detection module further includes a GPS positioning unit, which is integrated into the control box at the end of the truss structure. The GPS positioning unit is used to obtain the geographical coordinates of the end of the sprinkler in real time. The main control system has built-in electronic boundary coordinates of the irrigation area. By comparing the real-time coordinates with the electronic boundary coordinates, it is determined whether the turnaround position has been reached.

[0010] Preferably, the turnaround control module includes a relay group and a motor driver. The relay group is connected to the signal output terminal of the main control system and is used to receive turnaround commands and switch the circuit on / off state. The motor driver is connected to the relay group and the drive motor of the drive system respectively and is used to convert the control signal into the forward and reverse control current of the drive motor.

[0011] Preferably, the motor driver has a built-in current detection circuit that can monitor the operating current of the drive motor in real time. When the current exceeds the safety threshold, it automatically cuts off the output and sends an overload signal to the main control system. The relay group adopts a dual-channel interlock design to avoid circuit conflicts caused by the simultaneous conduction of forward and reverse control signals of the drive motor.

[0012] Preferably, the drive system includes a variable frequency motor and a planetary gear reducer. The variable frequency motor is electrically connected to the motor driver to provide adjustable rotational power. The input end of the planetary gear reducer is connected to the output shaft of the variable frequency motor, and the output end is fixedly connected to the axle of the tower traveling wheel to reduce the speed and increase the torque. The variable frequency motor can switch between forward and reverse rotation under the control of the turnaround control module.

[0013] Preferably, the rated speed of the variable frequency motor is 0-1500 rpm, the speed regulation accuracy is ±1 rpm, the forward and reverse switching response time is less than 0.5 seconds, the reduction ratio of the planetary gear reducer is 20:1-50:1, and it has a self-locking function to prevent the truss structure from shifting due to its own weight when the machine is stopped.

[0014] Preferably, the main control system includes an industrial-grade microprocessor and a touch screen. The industrial-grade microprocessor has a built-in turnaround control algorithm, which can automatically calculate the turnaround angle and path based on the signal from the boundary detection module. The touch screen is electrically connected to the industrial-grade microprocessor and is used to display the operating status parameters of the sprinkler machine and allow the operator to manually set the turnaround threshold, rotation speed, and dwell time parameters.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a wireless communication module, which is integrated with the main control system to remotely transmit the operating status, reversal records and fault information of the sprinkler to the monitoring platform, and at the same time receive remote control commands to realize remote configuration of automatic reversal parameters and manual intervention of reversal operations.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] The boundary detection module accurately identifies irrigation boundaries, and the turnaround control module automatically triggers the drive system to change direction, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and operation, reducing reliance on manpower, and preventing missed irrigation or water waste. Pre-set irrigation boundary parameters and turnaround logic ensure the sprinkler operates strictly within the designated area. Combined with the directional spraying design of the sprinkler heads, it guarantees uniform irrigation across all areas of the farmland, avoiding irrigation imbalances caused by human error. The turnaround control module, through the coordinated control of relay groups and motor drivers, achieves smooth commutation of the drive system, reducing machine sway. The controller also has a self-diagnostic function to avoid overload and other problems, reducing the risk of equipment failure. The main control system coordinates the operation of all modules, stores operating parameters and turnaround records, and, in conjunction with the wireless communication module, enables remote monitoring and parameter adjustment. Farmers can monitor the equipment status in real time even when they are away, flexibly responding to changes in irrigation needs. The boundary detection module is compatible with laser ranging and GPS positioning, adapting to the boundary identification needs of regular or irregular shaped farmland, eliminating the need to adjust the equipment structure according to farmland shape, and improving equipment versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of the main control system in this invention.

[0020] in:

[0021] 1. Central support shaft assembly; 2. Nozzle assembly; 3. Truss structure; 4. Boundary detection module; 5. Drive system; 6. Reversal control module; 7. Main control system. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility includes a center-supported shaft assembly 1, a truss structure 3, a sprinkler head assembly 2, a drive system 5, a boundary detection module 4, a reversal control module 6, and a main control system 7. The center-supported shaft assembly 1 is fixed at the center of the irrigation area, supporting the entire machine and serving as a rotation reference, and is connected to the main water supply pipe. One end of the truss structure 3 is hinged to the center-supported shaft assembly 1, and the other end extends to the edge of the irrigation area to support the sprinkler head assembly 2. The sprinkler head assembly 2 is installed at intervals below the truss structure 3 to achieve directional spraying. The drive system... System 5 is located at the bottom of the truss structure 3 on the tower and is connected to the tower traveling wheel drive to drive the truss structure 3 to rotate around the central support shaft assembly 1. Boundary detection module 4 is installed at the end of the truss structure 3 away from the central support shaft assembly 1 to identify the boundary position of the irrigation area. Turnback control module 6 is electrically connected to drive system 5 to receive boundary signals and control drive system 5 to change direction. Main control system 7 is communicatively connected to boundary detection module 4, turnback control module 6 and drive system 5 to coordinate the operation of each module and store turnback parameters.

[0024] Furthermore, the boundary detection module 4 includes a laser rangefinder and a buried boundary marker. The laser rangefinder is horizontally installed on the side of the end of the truss structure 3 to emit a detection laser to the edge of the irrigation area and receive the reflected signal. The buried boundary marker is buried along the boundary of the irrigation area to reflect the specific wavelength laser emitted by the laser rangefinder to enhance the boundary recognition signal.

[0025] Furthermore, the laser rangefinder has a detection angle of 120 degrees and a detection distance range of 0.5-50 meters. It can identify the 905nm wavelength laser reflected by the buried boundary marker and convert the distance data into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the main control system 7. When the distance to the buried boundary marker is detected to be less than a preset threshold, a boundary signal is triggered.

[0026] Furthermore, the boundary detection module 4 also includes a GPS positioning unit, which is integrated into the control box at the end of the truss structure 3. It is used to obtain the geographical coordinates of the end of the sprinkler in real time. The main control system 7 has built-in electronic boundary coordinates of the irrigation area. By comparing the real-time coordinates with the electronic boundary coordinates, it is determined whether the turnaround position has been reached.

[0027] Furthermore, the turnaround control module 6 includes a relay group and a motor driver. The relay group is connected to the signal output terminal of the main control system 7 and is used to receive turnaround commands and switch the circuit on / off state. The motor driver is connected to the relay group and the drive motor of the drive system 5 respectively and is used to convert the control signal into the forward and reverse control current of the drive motor.

[0028] Furthermore, the motor driver has a built-in current detection circuit that can monitor the operating current of the drive motor in real time. When the current exceeds the safety threshold, it automatically cuts off the output and sends an overload signal to the main control system 7. The relay group adopts a dual-channel interlock design to avoid circuit conflicts caused by the simultaneous conduction of forward and reverse control signals of the drive motor.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive system 5 includes a variable frequency motor and a planetary gear reducer. The variable frequency motor is electrically connected to the motor driver to provide adjustable rotational power. The input end of the planetary gear reducer is connected to the output shaft of the variable frequency motor, and the output end is fixedly connected to the axle of the tower traveling wheel to reduce the speed and increase the torque. The variable frequency motor can switch between forward and reverse rotation under the control of the turnaround control module 6.

[0030] Furthermore, the rated speed of the variable frequency motor is 0-1500 rpm, the speed regulation accuracy is ±1 rpm, the forward and reverse switching response time is less than 0.5 seconds, the reduction ratio of the planetary gear reducer is 20:1-50:1, and it has a self-locking function, which can prevent the truss structure 3 from shifting due to its own weight when the machine is stopped.

[0031] Furthermore, the main control system 7 includes an industrial-grade microprocessor and a touch screen. The industrial-grade microprocessor has a built-in reversal control algorithm, which can automatically calculate the reversal angle and path based on the signal from the boundary detection module 4. The touch screen is electrically connected to the industrial-grade microprocessor and is used to display the operating status parameters of the sprinkler and allow the operator to manually set the reversal threshold, rotation speed, and dwell time parameters.

[0032] Furthermore, it also includes a wireless communication module, which is integrated with the main control system 7. This module is used to remotely transmit the operating status, reversal records, and fault information of the sprinkler to the monitoring platform, while also receiving remote control commands to enable remote configuration of automatic reversal parameters and manual intervention in reversal operations.

[0033] Specific embodiments of a center-pivot sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility

[0034] In a large farmland covering 1,000 acres, corn crops are planted. To achieve efficient and precise irrigation, a center-pivot sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversal has been installed.

[0035] Equipment installation and commissioning phase

[0036] Central support shaft and truss construction: A sturdy reinforced concrete base is poured at the geometric center of the farmland. The central support shaft assembly 1 is then securely installed on the base, ensuring it can withstand the weight of the entire sprinkler system and the torque generated during operation. Subsequently, starting from the central support shaft assembly 1, the truss structure 3 is sequentially connected and installed. Each truss segment is tightly secured with high-strength bolts to ensure the overall structural stability. During installation, the levelness and straightness of the truss are rigorously calibrated to ensure the stability of subsequent sprinkler installation and operation.

[0037] Sprinkler assembly 2 installation: Install sprinkler assembly 2 below truss structure 3 according to the designed spacing. Each sprinkler is equipped with an independent flow adjustment device, which can precisely adjust the water volume according to different growth stages of crops and water requirements of different areas of farmland. When installing the sprinklers, carefully check the sealing performance of the sprinklers to prevent leakage.

[0038] Drive System 5 Assembly: Drive System 5 is installed at each tower at the bottom of the truss structure 3. The variable frequency motor and planetary gear reducer are precisely connected to ensure efficient and stable power transmission. The output shaft of the planetary gear reducer is securely connected to the axle of the tower's traveling wheel via a coupling, effectively converting the motor's output power into the tower's traveling power. Simultaneously, the electrical wiring of Drive System 5 is meticulously routed and connected to ensure accurate transmission of the motor's forward and reverse control signals.

[0039] Installation of Boundary Detection and Turnback Control Module 6: At the end of the truss structure 3 furthest from the central support axis assembly 1, install the boundary detection module 4. Horizontally fix the laser rangefinder to the side of the truss end, aligning its detection direction with the irrigation area boundary. Simultaneously, bury boundary markers at specific intervals along the irrigation area boundary to ensure the laser rangefinder can accurately identify the boundary position. The turnback control module 6 is installed in the control box near the drive system 5 and connected to the motor driver of the drive system 5 and the signal output terminal of the boundary detection module 4 via cables, ensuring fast and stable signal transmission.

[0040] Main control system 7 and wireless communication module setup: The main control system 7 is installed in the control room near the central support shaft. The industrial-grade microprocessor, touch screen, and related control circuits are rationally arranged and connected. The boundary coordinates of the irrigation area and the sprinkler's operating parameters (such as rotation speed, dwell time, and turnaround threshold) are pre-entered into the main control system 7. Simultaneously, the wireless communication module is installed, and the communication frequency band and protocol are set to ensure stable communication with the remote monitoring platform.

[0041] Overall Commissioning: After the installation of all components, a comprehensive commissioning process is conducted. Start the drive system 5 and check if the tower movement is smooth and if the synchronization between towers is good. Test the boundary detection module 4 by simulating boundary positions to verify that the laser rangefinder can accurately detect and send boundary signals. Operate the main control system 7 and set different operating parameters via the touchscreen to check if the sprinkler machine can operate normally according to the set requirements. Simultaneously, use the wireless communication module to remotely control the sprinkler machine on the remote monitoring platform to ensure that the remote operation function is normal.

[0042] Routine irrigation operation phase

[0043] Irrigation task initiated: During the critical growth period of corn, the agronomist sends irrigation instructions to the sprinkler irrigation machine through the touch screen of the main control system 7 or the remote monitoring platform, based on the crop's water requirements and soil moisture. The rotation speed for this irrigation is set to 5 degrees per hour, the irrigation time is 3 hours, and the irrigation area is a fan-shaped area with a radius of 200 meters centered on the central axis.

[0044] Normal Operation and Monitoring: Upon receiving a command, the sprinkler system 5 starts, and the tower drives the truss structure 3 to slowly rotate around the central support axis assembly 1. The sprinkler head assembly 2 sprays water evenly onto the farmland according to the set flow rate and spray angle. During operation, the boundary detection module 4 works continuously, and the laser rangefinder monitors the distance to the buried boundary marker in real time. The main control system 7 collects data from the boundary detection module 4, drive system 5, and other components in real time and displays it on the touch screen for operators to view at any time. Simultaneously, the sprinkler's operating status data (such as position, speed, and sprinkler flow rate) is transmitted in real time to the remote monitoring platform via the wireless communication module.

[0045] Automatic Reversal Execution: When the sprinkler rotates to the designated irrigation area boundary, the laser rangefinder in the boundary detection module 4 detects that the distance to the buried boundary marker has reached a preset threshold and immediately sends a boundary signal to the reversal control module 6. Upon receiving the signal, the reversal control module 6 quickly controls the relay group to switch the circuit on / off state. Based on the relay group signal, the motor driver changes the current direction of the drive motor, causing the drive system 5 to reverse, and the sprinkler begins automatic reversal. During the reversal process, the main control system 7 adjusts the drive motor speed according to preset reversal parameters to ensure a smooth reversal of the sprinkler and avoid damage to the equipment and crops.

[0046] Irrigation task completed: After the sprinkler machine completes the set irrigation task and returns to the starting position, the main control system 7 controls the drive system 5 to stop running, and the sprinkler head assembly 2 shuts off. At this time, the operator can view relevant data of this irrigation, such as irrigation time, water consumption, and irrigated area, through the touch screen or remote monitoring platform, providing a reference for subsequent irrigation decisions.

[0047] Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting phase

[0048] Routine Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on the sprinkler system. Check the sprinkler heads for blockages or damage; clean or replace any faulty parts promptly. Lubricate the motor and reducer of the drive system 5, and check the belt tension to ensure smooth power transmission. Clean the sensors of the boundary detection module 4 to prevent dust and debris from affecting detection accuracy. Simultaneously, check the electrical wiring of the main control system 7 to ensure there are no loose connections or signs of aging.

[0049] Troubleshooting: During an irrigation operation, the sprinkler suddenly stopped midway. The main control system 7 detected an overload alarm on the drive motor and immediately sent a fault message to the operator's mobile phone via the wireless communication module. The operator quickly arrived at the scene and checked the detailed cause of the fault through the fault diagnosis interface of the main control system 7. Upon inspection, it was found that one of the tower's traveling wheels was stuck in a mud pit, causing excessive load on the drive motor. After the operator cleared the mud pit, reset the traveling wheel, and reset the fault alarm in the main control system 7, the sprinkler resumed normal operation.

Claims

1. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversing capability, characterized in that, The system includes a central support shaft assembly (1), a truss structure (3), a nozzle assembly (2), a drive system (5), a boundary detection module (4), a turnback control module (6), and a main control system (7). The central support shaft assembly (1) is fixed at the center of the irrigation area to support the entire machine and serve as a rotation reference, and is connected to the main water supply pipe. One end of the truss structure (3) is hinged to the central support shaft assembly (1), and the other end extends to the edge of the irrigation area to support the nozzle assembly (2). The nozzle assemblies (2) are installed at intervals below the truss structure (3) to achieve directional spraying. The drive system (5) is distributed on the truss structure. (3) At the bottom of the tower, it is connected to the tower traveling wheel drive to drive the truss structure (3) to rotate around the central support shaft assembly (1); the boundary detection module (4) is installed at the end of the truss structure (3) away from the central support shaft assembly (1) to identify the boundary position of the irrigation area; the turnaround control module (6) is electrically connected to the drive system (5) to receive the boundary signal and control the drive system (5) to change direction; the main control system (7) is communicatively connected to the boundary detection module (4), the turnaround control module (6) and the drive system (5) respectively to coordinate the operation of each module and store the turnaround parameters.

2. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The boundary detection module (4) includes a laser ranging sensor and a buried boundary marker. The laser ranging sensor is horizontally installed on the side of the end of the truss structure (3) to emit a detection laser to the edge of the irrigation area and receive the reflected signal. The buried boundary marker is buried along the boundary of the irrigation area to reflect the specific wavelength laser emitted by the laser ranging sensor to enhance the boundary recognition signal.

3. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The laser rangefinder has a detection angle of 120 degrees and a detection distance range of 0.5-50 meters. It can identify the 905nm wavelength laser reflected by the buried boundary marker and convert the distance data into an electrical signal to be transmitted to the main control system (7). When the distance to the buried boundary marker is less than the preset threshold, the boundary signal is triggered.

4. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The boundary detection module (4) also includes a GPS positioning unit, which is integrated into the control box at the end of the truss structure (3) to obtain the geographic coordinates of the end of the sprinkler in real time. The main control system (7) has built-in electronic boundary coordinates of the irrigation area and determines whether the turnaround position has been reached by comparing the real-time coordinates with the electronic boundary coordinates.

5. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The turnaround control module (6) includes a relay group and a motor driver. The relay group is connected to the signal output terminal of the main control system (7) to receive the turnaround command and switch the circuit on / off state. The motor driver is connected to the relay group and the drive motor of the drive system (5) respectively to convert the control signal into the forward and reverse control current of the drive motor.

6. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The motor driver has a built-in current detection circuit that can monitor the working current of the drive motor in real time. When the current exceeds the safety threshold, it automatically cuts off the output and sends an overload signal to the main control system (7). The relay group adopts a dual-channel interlock design to avoid circuit conflicts caused by the simultaneous conduction of the forward and reverse control signals of the drive motor.

7. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive system (5) includes a variable frequency motor and a planetary gear reducer. The variable frequency motor is electrically connected to the motor driver to provide adjustable rotational power. The input end of the planetary gear reducer is connected to the output shaft of the variable frequency motor, and the output end is fixedly connected to the axle of the tower traveling wheel to reduce the speed and increase the torque. The variable frequency motor can switch between forward and reverse rotation under the control of the turnaround control module (6).

8. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The rated speed of the variable frequency motor is 0-1500 rpm, the speed regulation accuracy is ±1 rpm, the forward and reverse switching response time is less than 0.5 seconds, the reduction ratio of the planetary gear reducer is 20:1-50:1, and it has a self-locking function, which can prevent the truss structure (3) from shifting due to its own weight when the machine is stopped.

9. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The main control system (7) includes an industrial-grade microprocessor and a touch screen. The industrial-grade microprocessor has a built-in turnaround control algorithm, which can automatically calculate the turnaround angle and path based on the signal from the boundary detection module (4). The touch screen is electrically connected to the industrial-grade microprocessor and is used to display the operating status parameters of the sprinkler and allow the operator to manually set the turnaround threshold, rotation speed and dwell time parameters.

10. A center-supported sprinkler irrigation machine with automatic reversibility as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless communication module, which is integrated with the main control system (7) to remotely transmit the operating status, reversal records and fault information of the sprinkler to the monitoring platform, and at the same time receive remote control commands to realize the remote configuration of automatic reversal parameters and manual intervention of reversal operations.

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