Liquid supply system for a chain drive planting structure

Abstract

This application relates to a nutrient solution supply system for a chain-driven planting structure, belonging to the field of plant factories. It includes a main nutrient solution supply pipe with several branch nutrient solution supply pipes, and a solenoid valve installed on the main nutrient solution supply pipe. It also includes sensors and a control module. All planting troughs are divided into several groups, and a trigger is installed on one of the planting troughs in each group. When the trigger activates the sensor, the motor of the chain-driven planting structure shuts off and the solenoid valve opens. The planting troughs in the horizontal transport section correspond one-to-one with the branch nutrient solution supply pipes, and the branch nutrient solution supply pipes begin supplying nutrient solution. After a set time, the control module controls the sensor to shut off, the motor of the chain-driven planting structure to start, and the solenoid valve to close. When the trigger separates from the sensor, the control module controls the sensor to reopen. This application achieves timed, batch-wise, and precise supply of nutrient solution, while ensuring precise alignment and leak-free operation of the supply pipes and planting troughs, thus increasing the efficiency of nutrient solution utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of plant factory technology, and in particular to a liquid supply system for a chain-driven planting structure. Background Technology

[0002] The chain-driven planting structure is a three-dimensional cultivation device that uses a circulating chain system. Its core is a motor-driven sprocket that drives a chain to circulate. Planting troughs are fixed at intervals on the chain and move at a uniform speed with the chain, realizing a three-dimensional layout of multi-level and multi-angle planting.

[0003] Existing chain-driven planting structures mostly adopt a continuous cycle operation process. For example, the three-dimensional recirculating hydroponic container plant factory disclosed in announcement number CN220936091U has multiple culture devices on the circulation loop driven by the chain-driven planting structure, moving along the circulation loop to complete operations such as lighting and spraying irrigation.

[0004] In existing technologies, the irrigation methods of chain-driven planting structures mainly include the following two types: The first is continuous irrigation, in which the irrigation system continuously supplies nutrient solution, and when the planting device circulates to the irrigation area, it is continuously sprayed with nutrient solution. The second is timed irrigation, in which the chain-driven structure keeps running continuously, and a timer controller periodically activates the solenoid valve to open the irrigation system at preset time points, providing concentrated nutrient solution to the planting device.

[0005] However, the continuous operation over a long period of time can cause mechanical wear and cumulative errors in the chain drive system due to constant friction. This can lead to misalignment between the nutrient supply pipe and the planting trough, resulting in uneven distribution of nutrient solution. Consequently, some planting troughs may be under-irrigated, leading to low utilization of the nutrient solution, while other planting troughs may be over-irrigated. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to achieve timed, batch-based, and precise nutrient solution supply, while ensuring that the supply pipes and planting troughs are precisely connected without misalignment or leakage, and to increase the efficiency of nutrient solution use, this application provides a nutrient solution supply system with a chain-driven planting structure.

[0007] This application provides a liquid supply system for a chain-driven implantation structure. The technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0008] A liquid supply system for a chain-driven planting structure includes a main liquid supply pipe, which is located in a horizontal transport section at the bottom of the chain-driven planting structure. Several branch liquid supply pipes are provided on the main liquid supply pipe, and a solenoid valve is provided on the main liquid supply pipe.

[0009] It also includes sensors located on the chain-driven planting structure, and a control module installed in the control system of the chain-driven planting structure. All planting troughs are divided into several groups, and a trigger is installed on one of the planting troughs in each group.

[0010] When the trigger activates the sensor, the motor of the chain-driven planting structure shuts down and the solenoid valve opens. The planting troughs of the bottom horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure correspond one-to-one with the liquid supply pipes, and the liquid supply pipes begin supplying liquid. After the liquid supply pipes supply liquid for a set time, the control module controls the sensor to shut down, the motor of the chain-driven planting structure to turn on, and the solenoid valve to close. When the trigger separates from the sensor, the control module controls the sensor to turn on again.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, and through the coordinated control system of control modules, sensors, triggers, and solenoid valves, the intermittent alternating operation of the transmission and liquid supply of the planting trough is realized. This avoids the problem of misalignment between the liquid supply pipeline and the planting trough due to long-term continuous operation, and achieves the timing matching between the chain drive control structure and the liquid supply system, forming a time-sharing irrigation rhythm of "irrigation when the chain stops and stopping when the chain moves". At the same time, the liquid supply system only operates when the chain drive planting structure is not running, avoiding liquid supply misalignment in dynamic states and improving the utilization rate of nutrient solution.

[0012] Optionally, the sensor is located in the horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure. When the trigger in one group of planting troughs activates the sensor, all planting troughs in that group are located in the horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure, and the number of planting troughs in each group is consistent with the number of liquid supply pipes.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the trigger of the sensor in this group is triggered, the entire planting trough in the group is irrigated in a synchronous triggering mode. This improves the system coordination in the chain-driven planting structure, reduces control complexity, enhances irrigation alignment accuracy, and ensures that the crops in the same group have a consistent environment and stronger growth uniformity.

[0014] Optionally, the main liquid supply pipeline includes several connecting pipes and several tee interfaces. Two connecting pipes are connected through one tee interface, and several connecting pipes and several tee interfaces are connected to form a continuous passage. Each tee interface is connected to one of the branch liquid supply pipelines.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the main liquid supply pipeline is designed in sections, consisting of several fixed-length connecting pipes and several tee interfaces that are connected by quick-release mechanisms. In case of leakage, the fault point can be quickly located, facilitating disassembly and repair. Only the faulty component needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire main liquid supply pipeline, thus avoiding the waste of replacing the entire pipeline due to partial damage in traditional integrated pipelines. At the same time, it supports the flexible expansion of the chain-driven planting structure. If planting areas are added or reduced, connecting pipes and tee interfaces can be added or removed as needed.

[0016] Optionally, the main liquid supply pipe is located on one side of the horizontal transport section, the tee interface is inverted T-shaped, the branch liquid supply pipe is a U-shaped pipe, and the outlet of the branch liquid supply pipe is located above the planting trough.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the upward-opening design ensures a more stable supply of nutrient solution to each area in the planting trough, avoiding the situation where, when the opening is downward, there is more nutrient solution in the planting trough on the side closer to the main supply pipe in the chain-driven planting structure, while there is less nutrient solution in the planting trough on the other side. After the supply stops, the nutrient solution on both sides of the U-shaped tube of the distribution pipe drips naturally into the planting trough and flows back to the main supply pipe due to gravity, respectively, achieving uniform nutrient solution supply and improving the consistency of plant growth.

[0018] Optionally, each planting trough is equipped with a drip irrigation pipe, with the outlet end of the drip irrigation pipe located near the bottom of the planting trough. When the motor of the chain-driven planting structure is turned off, the drip irrigation pipe and the liquid supply pipe in the planting trough on the horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure correspond one-to-one.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the nutrient solution in the distribution pipeline is accurately suspended and dripped into the drip irrigation pipeline. The nutrient solution reaches the bottom of the planting trough and is close to the plant roots along the drip irrigation pipeline, guiding the roots to grow downwards, which is conducive to the rapid absorption of nutrient solution by the plant roots and improves the absorption efficiency.

[0020] Optionally, a guide pipe is provided at the bottom of the drip irrigation pipe near the bottom of the planting trough. The guide pipe is arranged along the length of the planting trough and has several drainage holes.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the guide pipe delivers the nutrient solution to the entire planting trough. The nutrient solution flows out from the drain hole and spreads to the surroundings, avoiding the problem of localized nutrient solution deviation where there is more nutrient solution near the drip irrigation pipe and less nutrient solution far away from the drip irrigation pipe. This achieves uniform and precise supply of nutrient solution to the roots, ensuring that each section of plant roots receives a balanced supply of nutrient solution.

[0022] Optionally, the control module is a PLC.

[0023] Optionally, the sensor is a laser photoelectric switch, the trigger is a light-shielding plate, the laser photoelectric switch is located on both sides of the column of the chain-driven planting structure, and the light-shielding plate is located in the planting trough perpendicular to the laser emitted by the laser photoelectric switch.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the laser photoelectric switch has high positioning accuracy and fast response speed, ensuring the accurate position of the planting trough in the horizontal transport section. At the same time, facing the high humidity, dust and strong light environment of the plant factory, the combination of the laser photoelectric switch and the light shield has strong anti-interference ability. In addition, the light shield is easy to customize, flexible in installation and adaptation, and does not require parameter adjustment when replacing.

[0025] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] 1. Through the coordinated control system of control module, sensor, trigger and solenoid valve, the intermittent alternating operation of the transmission and liquid supply of the planting trough is realized, avoiding the problem of misalignment between the liquid supply pipeline and the planting trough due to long-term continuous operation. The timing matching between the chain drive control structure and the liquid supply system is realized, forming a time-sharing irrigation rhythm of "chain stops when irrigation, chain moves when stopping". At the same time, the liquid supply system only operates when the chain drive planting structure is not running, avoiding liquid supply misalignment in dynamic state and improving the utilization rate of nutrient solution.

[0027] 2. The main liquid supply pipeline adopts a segmented design, consisting of several fixed-length connecting pipes and several tee interfaces connected by quick-release. In case of leakage, the fault point can be quickly located, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance. Only the faulty component needs to be replaced, and the entire main liquid supply pipeline does not need to be replaced. This avoids the waste of replacing the whole pipeline due to partial damage in traditional integrated pipelines. At the same time, it supports the flexible expansion of the chain drive planting structure. If the planting area is added or reduced, the connecting pipes and tee interfaces can be added or removed as needed.

[0028] 3. The upward-opening design ensures a more stable supply of nutrient solution to each area within the planting trough, avoiding the situation where, when the opening is downward, there is more nutrient solution in the planting trough on the side closer to the main supply pipe in the chain-driven planting structure, while there is less nutrient solution in the planting trough on the other side. After the supply stops, the nutrient solution on both sides of the U-shaped tube of the distribution pipe drips naturally into the planting trough and flows back to the main supply pipe due to gravity, achieving uniform nutrient solution supply and improving the consistency of plant growth.

[0029] 4. Nutrient solution is precisely suspended and dripped into the drip irrigation system through the distribution pipes. The guide tube ensures that the nutrient solution is delivered to the entire planting trough. The nutrient solution flows out from the drain hole and spreads outwards, approaching the plant roots and guiding them downwards. This facilitates rapid absorption of the nutrient solution by the plant roots, improving absorption efficiency. At the same time, the nutrient solution reaches the plant roots directly, reducing the impact of the nutrient solution on the plant leaves and rhizomes, as well as the loss of nutrient solution that remains and transforms in the soil surface. In addition, it avoids the problem of nutrient solution supply deviation within the planting trough, achieving uniform and precise supply of nutrient solution to the roots and ensuring that each section of the plant root system receives a balanced supply of nutrient solution. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the guide tube and the drain hole in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Main liquid supply pipe; 11. Connecting pipe; 12. Tee interface; 2. Sub-liquid supply pipe; 3. Solenoid valve; 4. Drip irrigation pipe; 5. Guide pipe; 6. Drain hole; 7. Sensor; 71. Laser photoelectric switch; 8. Trigger; 81. Light shield. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0035] This application discloses a liquid supply system for a chain-driven planting structure.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure includes a main liquid supply pipe 1, which comprises eleven connecting pipes 11 and ten tee connectors 12. Two connecting pipes 11 are connected to one tee connector 12, and the eleven connecting pipes 11 and ten tee connectors 12 form a continuous passage. The main liquid supply pipe 1 is fixed to a column on one side of the horizontal transport section at the bottom of the chain-driven planting structure using nylon cable ties. The main liquid supply pipe 1 is parallel to the horizontal transport section and is located below the planting trough of the horizontal transport section. Each tee connector 12 is connected to one... The distribution pipe 2 is connected, and the three-way interface 12 is set in an inverted T shape. The distribution pipe 2 is a U-shaped pipe. The inlet end of the distribution pipe 2 is connected to the three-way interface 12. The outlet of the distribution pipe 2 is located above the planting trough. The distribution pipes 2 are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the main distribution pipe 1. The distribution pipes 2 are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the horizontal transport section of the chain drive planting structure. The inlet and outlet ends of the main distribution pipe 1 are respectively connected to the irrigation system of the chain drive planting structure. The solenoid valve 3 is set on the side of the main distribution pipe 1 near the inlet end.

[0037] The connection method of the main liquid supply pipe 1, the tee interface 12 and the branch liquid supply pipe 2 can be a snap-fit ​​connection or a threaded connection. The number of connecting pipes 11, tee interfaces 12 and branch liquid supply pipes 2 can be other numbers. The branch liquid supply pipes 2 can also be arranged arbitrarily along the length of the main liquid supply pipe 1. The branch liquid supply pipes 2 can correspond to the position of each group of horizontal transport section planting troughs.

[0038] Each planting trough is equipped with a drip irrigation pipe 4 on the side near the main liquid supply pipe 1. The inlet end of the drip irrigation pipe 4 is located below the outlet of the branch liquid supply pipe 2. The outlet end of the drip irrigation pipe 4 is located near the bottom of the planting trough. The outlet end of the drip irrigation pipe 4 is connected to a guide pipe 5. The guide pipe 5 is set along the length of the planting trough. Several drainage holes 6 are opened at equal intervals along the length of the guide pipe 5. Several drainage holes 6 are opened on the top.

[0039] In other embodiments, the drip irrigation pipe 4 can also be set in the middle of the planting trough or other parts, and the inlet end of the drip irrigation pipe 4 can be located below the outlet of the distribution pipe 2 and correspond one-to-one.

[0040] Sensors 7 are fixedly connected to the chain-driven planting structure by bolts. All planting troughs are divided into several groups, and triggers 8 are installed on one of the planting troughs in each group.

[0041] In this embodiment, sensor 7 is a laser photoelectric switch 71, which is located on both sides of the column of the chain-driven planting structure. The laser photoelectric switches 71 on both sides are arranged facing the planting trough and are located on the horizontal transport section. Trigger 8 is a light-shielding plate 81. Each group includes ten planting troughs. One of the planting troughs in each group is connected to the light-shielding plate 81 by a snap fastener. The light-shielding plate 81 is perpendicular to the laser emitted by the laser photoelectric switch 71. The height of the laser photoelectric switch 71 is consistent with the height of the light-shielding plate 81 on the planting trough of the horizontal transport section. The laser photoelectric switch 71 is located at one end of the horizontal transport section, and the position of the light-shielding plate 81 is located on the last planting trough of the horizontal transport section.

[0042] In other embodiments, the sensor 7 and the trigger 8 can be mechanical contact type, electromagnetic induction type, or other combinations. For example, the sensor 7 can be a proximity switch, and the trigger 8 can be a contact protrusion, or the sensor 7 can be an infrared sensor 7, and the trigger 8 can be a sensing sheet. The sensor 7 can be set on both sides or one side of the chain drive planting structure column as required, and the position of the trigger 8 in the planting trough can be set according to the combination of the sensor 7 and the trigger 8.

[0043] The control system of the chain-driven planting structure is equipped with a control module. In this embodiment, the control module is a PLC. The PLC in the control system of the chain-driven planting structure is connected to the light control component and the transformer. The transformer is connected to an external power supply. The light control component is connected to the laser photoelectric switch 71, the solenoid valve 3 and the normally closed contactor. The normally closed contactor is connected to the frequency converter and the motor. The frequency converter is connected to the motor safety controller. In other embodiments, the control module can be an embedded controller or other control modules.

[0044] The implementation principle of this application embodiment is as follows: When the light-shielding plate 81 on a group of planting troughs blocks the laser signal of the laser beam photoelectric switch 71, the laser beam photoelectric switch 71 controls the motor of the chain drive planting structure to close and the solenoid valve 3 to open. At this time, each planting trough in the group is located on the bottom horizontal transport section of the chain drive planting structure, and each planting trough in the group corresponds one-to-one with the liquid supply pipe 2. The liquid supply pipe 2 starts to supply liquid. After the liquid supply pipe 2 supplies liquid for a set time, the PLC controls the laser beam photoelectric switch 71 to close, the motor of the chain drive planting structure to open and the solenoid valve 3 to close. After the chain drive planting structure runs for a set number of seconds, the light-shielding plate 81 separates from the laser beam photoelectric switch 71. At this time, the PLC controls the laser beam photoelectric switch 71 to reopen.

[0045] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid supply system for a chain-driven planting structure, characterized in that: Includes a main liquid supply pipe (1), which is located in the horizontal transport section at the bottom of the chain-driven planting structure. Several branch liquid supply pipes (2) are provided on the main liquid supply pipe (1), and a solenoid valve (3) is provided on the main liquid supply pipe (1). It also includes a sensor (7) located on the chain-driven planting structure, and a control module installed in the control system of the chain-driven planting structure. All planting troughs are divided into several groups, and a trigger (8) is installed on one of the planting troughs in each group. When the trigger (8) triggers the sensor (7), the motor of the chain-driven planting structure is turned off and the solenoid valve (3) is turned on. The planting trough of the bottom horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure corresponds one-to-one with the liquid supply pipe (2), and the liquid supply pipe (2) starts to supply liquid. After the liquid supply pipe (2) supplies liquid for a set time, the control module controls the sensor (7) to turn off, the motor of the chain-driven planting structure to turn on, and the solenoid valve (3) to turn off. When the trigger (8) separates from the sensor (7), the control module controls the sensor (7) to turn on again.

2. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor (7) is located in the horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure. When the trigger (8) in one of the planting troughs triggers the sensor (7), all the planting troughs in that group are located in the horizontal transport section of the chain-driven planting structure. The number of planting troughs in each group is the same as the number of the liquid supply pipes (2).

3. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main liquid supply pipeline (1) includes several connecting pipes (11) and several tee interfaces (12). Two connecting pipes (11) are connected through one tee interface (12). Several connecting pipes (11) and several tee interfaces (12) are connected to form a continuous passage. Each tee interface (12) is connected to one of the branch liquid supply pipelines (2).

4. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main liquid supply pipe (1) is located on one side of the horizontal transport section, the three-way interface (12) is inverted T-shaped, the branch liquid supply pipe (2) is a U-shaped pipe, and the outlet of the branch liquid supply pipe (2) is located above the planting trough.

5. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each planting trough is equipped with a drip irrigation pipe (4), and the liquid outlet of the drip irrigation pipe (4) is located near the bottom of the planting trough. When the motor of the chain drive planting structure is turned off, the drip irrigation pipe (4) in the planting trough on the horizontal transport section of the chain drive planting structure corresponds one-to-one with the liquid supply pipe (2).

6. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the drip irrigation pipe (4) near the bottom of the planting trough is provided with a guide pipe (5), which is set along the length of the planting trough, and a number of drainage holes (6) are opened on the guide pipe (5).

7. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is a PLC.

8. The liquid supply system of the chain-driven planting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor (7) is a laser photoelectric switch (71), the trigger (8) is a light shield (81), the laser photoelectric switch (71) is located on both sides of the chain-driven planting structure column, and the light shield (81) is located in the planting trough and perpendicular to the laser emitted by the laser photoelectric switch (71).

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