An algae harvesting device and a method for harvesting algae using the device.

Abstract

This invention discloses an algae harvesting device and a method for harvesting algae using the device, relating to the field of algae harvesting technology. The device includes a harvesting vessel and at least one storage compartment. The harvesting vessel is equipped with at least one set of traction components. The top of the storage compartment has an opening for the entry of a seedling rope. The traction components include a first traction component and a second traction component. The first traction component includes two first transmission mechanisms located on both sides of the top of the opening and connected to the seedling rope, as well as a first drive mechanism. The second traction component includes two second transmission mechanisms located on both sides of the top of the opening and connected to the seedling rope, as well as a second drive mechanism. The first transmission mechanisms are located outside the second transmission mechanisms. This invention uses the first traction component to tow the seedling rope submerged in water to the harvesting vessel, and the second traction component to pull the seedling rope into the storage compartment, thereby completing the automated harvesting of algae and reducing the manpower required for algae harvesting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of algae harvesting technology, and in particular to an algae harvesting device and an algae harvesting method using the device. Background Technology

[0002] In current technologies, seaweed and other algae are commonly cultivated using raft farming. During the cultivation process, the seaweed is neatly attached to seedling ropes, each rope being approximately 2.3–2.5 meters long, with 30–40 seaweed stalks attached to each rope. Currently, harvesting is mainly done manually using small sampans with the seedling ropes attached. This method is labor-intensive, slow, and inefficient. Moreover, a single seaweed rope weighs approximately 50 kg, requiring manual labor to haul it onto the boat, resulting in high labor intensity and unsustainable manpower. Therefore, given the labor shortage, there is an urgent need for mechanical equipment that can replace manual labor.

[0003] Therefore, how to reduce the manpower required for algae harvesting and improve the automation level of algae harvesting has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an algae harvesting device and an algae harvesting method using the device, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art, realize the automation of algae harvesting, and reduce the manpower required for algae harvesting.

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

[0006] The present invention provides an algae harvesting device, including a harvesting vessel for harvesting algae cultivated in a multi-rope flat culture mode, and at least one storage compartment for storing the harvested algae, wherein the harvesting vessel is equipped with a traction component.

[0007] The storage compartment has an opening at the top for the seedling rope to enter; the traction assembly includes a first traction assembly for dragging the rope in the water to the harvester, and a second traction assembly for dragging the seedling rope into the storage compartment; the first traction assembly includes two first transmission mechanisms disposed on both sides of the top of the opening and connected to the rope, and a first drive mechanism for driving the first transmission mechanisms to rotate to drag the rope to the harvester; the second traction assembly includes two second transmission mechanisms disposed on both sides of the top of the opening and connected to the rope, and a second drive mechanism for driving the second transmission mechanisms to rotate to pull the rope into the opening; the first transmission mechanism is located outside the second transmission mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the first transmission mechanism includes at least one set of clamping wheels arranged along the travel direction of the harvester. The clamping wheel set includes two clamping wheels arranged opposite each other. The rotation axis of the clamping wheels is perpendicular to the travel direction of the harvester. The gap between the two clamping wheels is not greater than the diameter of the rope, so that the rope will not jump out of the clamping wheel set when it is driven by the clamping wheel set.

[0009] Preferably, the first transmission mechanism includes a winch, drum, or roller arranged along the direction of travel of the harvester and with its rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the harvester, the winch, drum, or roller being used to wind the rope.

[0010] Preferably, the second transmission mechanism includes a transmission chain arranged along the direction of travel of the harvester, the rotation axis of the transmission chain being perpendicular to the direction of travel of the harvester, and at least one connector for cooperating with the seedling rope being provided on the top or side of the transmission chain, and the connector can be disconnected from the seedling rope when the seedling rope is dragged above the opening, so that the seedling rope and algae fall into the storage compartment.

[0011] Preferably, the second transmission mechanism includes a winch or pulley assembly arranged along the direction of travel of the harvester and with its rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the harvester. A rope is wound on the winch or pulley assembly, and at least one connector for cooperating with the seedling rope is provided on the top or side of the rope. The connector can be disconnected from the seedling rope when the seedling rope is dragged above the opening, so that the seedling rope and algae fall into the storage compartment.

[0012] Preferably, the connector is a clamping mechanism that can clamp / release the seedling rope, a buckle mechanism / magnetic attraction mechanism that can lock both ends of the seedling rope onto the second transmission mechanism / release the seedling rope, a knot release mechanism that can fix both ends of the seedling rope onto the second transmission mechanism / release the seedling rope, or a hook that cooperates with the seedling rope.

[0013] Preferably, a support rod is provided between the hook and the second transmission mechanism, and the support rod is located on the side of the second transmission mechanism facing another second transmission mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the hook is straight, or the end of the hook has a bend.

[0015] Preferably, the storage compartment is a transport ship for transporting harvested algae, or a storage box located on the harvesting ship; the storage compartment is equipped with a net bag for collecting the harvested algae; when the storage compartment is a storage box located on the harvesting ship, the storage box is slidably connected to the harvesting ship, and the harvesting ship is equipped with a drive device for sliding the storage box, so that the harvested algae can enter sequentially until the storage box is full; the harvesting ship is a multi-hull ship; the front of the harvesting ship is equipped with multiple rows of non-powered rotating rollers to reduce damage to the algae when loading the ship; the front of the harvesting ship is also equipped with a rope-untying assembly for untying the seedling rope from the rope; the harvesting ship is equipped with a hook-removing device for removing the seedling rope from the second transmission mechanism; the algae harvesting device also includes a transfer mechanism for transferring the harvested algae to a transfer ship after the storage compartment is full of harvested algae, and the transfer mechanism is located on the transfer ship.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method for harvesting algae using the above-mentioned algae harvesting device, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step S1: Move the harvesting vessel and the transfer vessel that works with the harvesting vessel to a row in the multi-rope flat-culture kelp farming area, move the harvesting vessel to one end of the rope in the row, and align the two first transmission mechanisms with the two ropes respectively, and connect the first transmission mechanisms to the corresponding ropes.

[0018] Step S2: Activate the first drive mechanism to drive the first transmission mechanism to rotate and drag the rope submerged in the water toward the harvesting boat. At the same time, the harvesting boat gradually moves from one end of the rope to the other end of the rope, wherein the speed of the harvesting boat is matched with the speed of dragging the rope.

[0019] Step S3: After the rope is dragged to the harvesting boat, connect the second transmission mechanism to the seedling rope, start the second drive mechanism, and drag the seedling rope towards the storage compartment. When the seedling rope moves above the opening, disconnect the connection between the second transmission mechanism and the seedling rope. The seedling rope and the algae attached to the seedling rope fall into the storage compartment, thus completing the harvesting of one seedling rope.

[0020] Step S4: Repeat steps S2-S3 until all the seedlings and algae on the two ropes in this row are harvested into the storage chamber; after all the algae in this row has been harvested, repeat steps S1-S4.

[0021] When one end of the storage compartment is filled with harvested algae, the storage compartment is moved to fill the other end with harvested algae; once the storage compartment is full of harvested algae, the harvested algae in the storage compartment is transferred to the transfer vessel.

[0022] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0023] This invention uses a first drive mechanism to rotate a first transmission mechanism, which drags a rope in the water to the harvesting boat. A second drive mechanism then rotates a second transmission mechanism, which moves the seedling rope and the algae attached to it to the opening of the storage compartment, allowing the seedling rope and algae to fall into the storage compartment. This automates algae harvesting and reduces the manpower required for algae harvesting. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A top-view schematic diagram of the algae harvesting device after the algae enter the storage chamber;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0029] Figure 5 A side view of the algae harvesting device after the algae have entered the storage chamber;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point D in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 A side view of the algae collection device when the algae reach the front of the harvester;

[0032] Figure 8 A top-down view of the algae collection device as the algae reach the front of the harvesting vessel;

[0033] Figure 9 A top-down view of the storage compartment after it has been filled with algae and slid in place.

[0034] Figure 10 A side view of the algae harvesting device and the algae cultivated on the double ropes;

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of point E in the middle;

[0036] Figure 12 A top-view schematic diagram of an algae harvesting device and algae cultured on double ropes;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a side view of the harvesting vessel and the transfer vessel.

[0038] Figure 14 A top-down view of the harvesting vessel and the transfer vessel;

[0039] Among them, 1. Harvesting vessel; 2. Storage compartment; 3. Net bag; 4. Slide; 5. Support frame; 6. First transmission mechanism; 7. Second transmission mechanism; 8. Unpowered rotating drum; 9. Connecting rope; 10. Transfer vessel; 11. Connector; 12. Seedling rope; 13. Algae; 14. Cable; 15. Seabed; 16. Anchor pile; 17. Buoy; 18. Anchor rope; 19. Transfer mechanism; 20. Fuel tank; 21. Hydraulic oil tank; 22. Seawater valve box. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] like Figures 1-14As shown, this invention discloses an algae harvesting device 13, including a harvesting vessel 1 for harvesting algae 13 cultivated in a multi-rope 14 floor culture mode, and at least one storage compartment 2 for storing the harvested algae 13. The harvesting vessel 1 is equipped with at least one set of traction components, which can first drag the seedling ropes 12 with algae 13 attached to them in the water to the front of the harvesting vessel 1, and then drag the seedling ropes 12 into the storage compartment 2. These two functions are respectively achieved by the first traction component and the second traction component of the traction components. The top of the storage compartment 2 has an opening for the seedling ropes 12 to enter. The traction components include components for dragging the ropes 14 in the water to the harvesting vessel 13. The first traction assembly at the harvesting boat 1 is used to drag the seedling rope 12 into the storage compartment 2. The first traction assembly includes two first transmission mechanisms 6 located on both sides of the top of the opening and connected to the rope 14, and a first drive mechanism for driving the first transmission mechanisms 6 to rotate so as to drag the rope 14 to the harvesting boat 1. The second traction assembly includes two second transmission mechanisms 7 located on both sides of the top of the opening and connected to the seedling rope 12, and a second drive mechanism for driving the second transmission mechanisms 7 to rotate so as to drag the seedling rope 12 into the opening. The first transmission mechanisms 6 are located outside the second transmission mechanisms 7.

[0043] When the harvesting vessel 1 moves to the multi-rope 14 flat-culture area, after each of the first transmission mechanisms 6 on the harvesting vessel 1 is aligned with each of the ropes 14 in any row, the ropes 14 are connected to the first transmission mechanisms 6 manually or by robot. Then, the first drive mechanism is activated, which drives the first transmission mechanism 6 to rotate, thereby pulling the ropes 14 out of the water and towards the front of the harvesting vessel 1. After the ropes 14 are pulled to the front of the harvesting vessel 1, the seedling ropes 12 are untied from the ropes 14 manually or by robot and connected to the second transmission mechanism 7. At this time, the second drive mechanism is activated, which drives the second transmission mechanism 7 to rotate, thereby pulling the seedling ropes 12 and the algae 13 attached to the seedling ropes 12 into the opening of the storage compartment 2, thus completing the harvesting of a single seedling rope 12.

[0044] In this invention, a first traction component pulls the rope 14 in the water to the harvesting vessel 1, and a second traction component pulls the seedling rope 12 into the storage compartment 2. This achieves automated harvesting of algae 13. Compared with the prior art of manually pulling the rope 14, this invention reduces the manpower required for harvesting algae 13 and improves the efficiency of algae harvesting. Furthermore, compared with placing the harvested algae 13 directly on the deck of the harvesting vessel 1, this invention places the harvested algae 13 in the storage compartment 2. This isolates the harvested algae 13 from the external environment, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight, wind, seabirds, and other natural factors, reducing the risk of the algae 13 drying out, rotting, or being damaged. It also avoids the problem of the algae 13 easily sliding and scattering when placed on the deck, and reduces the contact between the algae 13 and oils, cleaning agents, or other substances on the deck that may affect the quality of the seaweed.

[0045] The algae harvesting device 13 in this invention can be specifically used for harvesting algae 13 in multi-rope 14 horizontal cultivation modes such as double-rope 14, triple-rope 14, quadruple-rope 14, and pentagonal-rope 14. The harvesting vessel 1 in this application can be a catamaran, trimaran, quadrature, or pentagonal vessel. The specific harvesting method used in which multi-rope 14 horizontal cultivation mode depends on the type of harvesting vessel 1. For example, when the harvesting vessel 1 is a catamaran, the algae harvesting device 13 in this invention can be used for harvesting algae 13 in the double-rope 14 horizontal cultivation mode, and the catamaran is equipped with a traction assembly; when the harvesting vessel 1 is a trimaran, the device... The algae harvesting device 13 described herein can be used for harvesting algae 13 in a three-rope 14 horizontal culture mode. The trimaran is equipped with a semi-traction assembly, namely a traction assembly + a first transmission mechanism 6 + a first drive mechanism + a second transmission mechanism 7 + a second drive mechanism... When the harvesting vessel 1 is a pentamaran, the algae harvesting device 13 of this invention can be used for harvesting algae 13 in a five-rope 14 horizontal culture mode. The pentamaran is equipped with two semi-traction assemblies, namely two traction assemblies + a first transmission mechanism 6 + a first drive mechanism + a second transmission mechanism 7 + a second drive mechanism. This invention can be used for harvesting kelp, wakame, nori, or other mature algae 13 that can be cultivated in a multi-rope 14 horizontal culture mode.

[0046] like Figure 10-12 As shown, the two ends of the rope 14 are connected to the anchor piles 16 fixed in the seabed 15 by the anchor rope 18 to fix the rope 14. The rope 14 is equipped with multiple buoys 17 to ensure that the rope 14 can be in the water at the corresponding depth.

[0047] Furthermore, the first transmission mechanism 6 in this invention includes at least one set of clamping wheels arranged along the travel direction of the harvester 1. Each clamping wheel set includes two clamping wheels arranged opposite each other. The rotation axis of the clamping wheels is perpendicular to the travel direction of the harvester 1. The gap between the two clamping wheels is no greater than the diameter of the rope 14, so that the rope 14 will not jump out of the clamping wheel set when driven by it. The first transmission mechanism 6 is fixed to the harvester 1 by a support frame 15.

[0048] When the first transmission mechanism 6 mentioned above is used, since the gap between the two clamping wheels is no greater than the diameter of the rope 14, the rope 14 will not jump out of the clamping wheel assembly during the dragging process, ensuring the continuity of the rope 14 dragging and the harvesting of algae 13. At the same time, compared with the traditional method of pulling the rope 14, because the two clamping wheels clamp the rope 14, the pulling force will not be concentrated in a small area, but will be evenly distributed throughout the area where the rope 14 contacts the clamping wheels. Therefore, the tension on the rope 14 between the two clamping wheels is more dispersed and even, reducing the risk of damage to the rope 14 or seaweed due to concentrated tension. This protects the integrity of the rope 14 and algae 13, allowing the rope 14 to continue to be used for suspending the seedling rope 12, resulting in higher harvesting quality of algae 13. Simultaneously, the clamping wheel assembly in this invention reduces contact between the rope 14 and other parts of the harvesting vessel 1, reducing equipment wear and maintenance costs. Furthermore, this invention allows adjustment of the distance between the two clamping wheels according to different rope 14 diameters, ensuring that the gap between the two clamping wheels is no greater than the diameter of the rope 14.

[0049] Alternatively, the first transmission mechanism 6 in this invention may not adopt the above structure. Specifically, the first transmission mechanism 6 in this invention includes a winch, drum or roller arranged along the traveling direction of the harvester 1 and whose rotation axis is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the harvester 1. The winch, drum or roller is used to wind the rope 14. When a winch, drum, or roller is used as the first transmission mechanism 6 in this invention, the rope wound on the winch, drum, or roller can be connected to the rope 14 to wind up the rope 14. Alternatively, the rope can be wound directly around the circumference of the winch, drum, or roller without winding it on the winch, drum, or roller. After the rope 14 is wound on the winch, drum, or roller, the first drive mechanism is activated to drive the winch, drum, or roller to rotate, thereby gradually winding up and dragging the rope 14 to the harvesting vessel 1. Since the seedling rope 12 is attached to the rope 14, this also means that the seedling rope 12 is dragged to the harvesting vessel 1 at the same time as the rope 14 is dragged to the harvesting vessel 1.

[0050] The second transmission mechanism 7 in this invention has various structures. For example, the second transmission mechanism 7 includes a transmission chain arranged along the traveling direction of the harvester 1. The rotation axis of the transmission chain is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the harvester 1. At least one connector 11 is provided on the top or side of the transmission chain for cooperating with the seedling rope 12. The connector 11 can be disconnected from the seedling rope 12 when the seedling rope 12 is dragged above the opening, so that the seedling rope 12 and algae 13 fall into the storage compartment 2. The cooperation of the connector 11 with the seedling rope 12 means that the seedling rope 12 can be either tied to the connector 11 or looped onto the connector 11. The specific method selected depends on the type of connector 11 and the type of seedling rope 12. The design of the connector 11 avoids direct contact between the transmission chain and the seedling rope 12 and algae 13, ensuring the integrity of the seedling rope 12 and algae 13. There is a gap between the drive chain and the deck of the harvester 1 so that when the drive chain rotates, there will be no interference between the deck and the connector 11. The drive chain rotation will not be interrupted because the gap between the drive chain and the deck of the harvester 1 is too small, causing the deck of the harvester 1 to abut against the connector 11. This ensures the continuity of the operation of dragging the seedling rope 12 into the storage tank 2 and improves the efficiency of algae harvesting 13.

[0051] Furthermore, the second transmission mechanism 7 in this invention may not employ the above-described structure. In this case, the second transmission mechanism 7 includes a winch or pulley assembly arranged along the travel direction of the harvester 1, with its rotation axis perpendicular to the travel direction of the harvester 1. A rope is wound around the winch or pulley assembly, and at least one connector 11 for cooperating with the seedling rope 12 is provided on the top or side of the rope. The connector 11 can be disconnected from the seedling rope 12 when the seedling rope 12 is dragged above the opening, so that the seedling rope 12 and algae 13 fall into the storage compartment 2. In this structure, the difference between the second transmission mechanism 7 and the other form of the second transmission mechanism 7 mentioned above is only that the transmission chain is replaced by a winch or pulley assembly with a rope wound around it.

[0052] When the speed of the harvester 1 is slow or the distance between adjacent seedling ropes 12 is large, only one connector 11 can be provided on the second transmission mechanism 7. In this case, the construction cost of the algae harvesting device 13 is low, but the harvesting efficiency is correspondingly low. Alternatively, multiple connectors 11 can be provided on the transmission chain to obtain higher harvesting efficiency.

[0053] In this invention, the connector 11 can take various forms. The connector 11 can be a clamping mechanism that can clamp / release the seedling rope 12, a buckle mechanism / magnetic attraction mechanism that can lock both ends of the seedling rope 12 onto the second transmission mechanism 7 / release the seedling rope 12, a knot release mechanism that can fix both ends of the seedling rope 12 onto the second transmission mechanism 7 / release the seedling rope 12, or a hook that cooperates with the seedling rope 12. The specific form of connector 11 chosen depends on factors such as the type of algae 13 being harvested, harvesting efficiency, harvesting quality, and cost budget.

[0054] Furthermore, in this invention, a support rod is provided between the connector 11 and the second transmission mechanism 7. The support rod is located on the side of the second transmission mechanism 7 facing the other second transmission mechanism 7. At this time, the connector 11 is located between the two second transmission mechanisms 7, which reduces the vertical footprint of the second traction assembly.

[0055] When the connector 11 in this invention is a hook, the hook can be straight or have a bent portion at the end, such as a J-hook or an S-hook. In this case, the seedling rope 12 is directly sleeved on the hook. Therefore, when the second transmission mechanism 7 rotates counterclockwise, and the second transmission mechanism 7 begins to enter the next turn at its rear end, the seedling rope 12 will fall off the hook and enter the storage compartment 2, thereby realizing the automatic separation of the seedling rope 12 from the connector 11 and improving the efficiency of harvesting algae 13.

[0056] Furthermore, in this invention, the storage compartment 2 is a transport ship for transporting harvested algae 13, or a storage box installed on the harvesting vessel 1; the storage compartment 2 is equipped with a net bag 3 for storing the harvested algae 13, and the net bag 3 can also be replaced with a fishing net; when the storage compartment 2 is a storage box installed on the harvesting vessel 1, the storage box is slidably connected to the harvesting vessel 1, and the harvesting vessel 1 is equipped with a drive device for sliding the storage box, so that the harvested algae 13 can enter sequentially until the storage box is full, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the harvester 1 is equipped with a slide 4 that slides with the storage box; the harvester 1 is a multi-hull vessel; the front of the harvester 1 is equipped with multiple rows of non-powered rotating rollers 8 to reduce damage to algae 13 when it is loaded onto the vessel.

[0057] The harvester 1 is also equipped with a rope-untying assembly at the front for untying the connecting rope 9 to detach the seedling rope 12 from the rope 14. The specific structure of the rope-untying assembly can be referred to the U-shaped untying piece in patent document CN109699284B, the untying device in patent document CN107580865B, or the rope untying device in patent document CN104756667B. The harvester 1 is equipped with a hook-removing device for removing the seedling rope 12 from the second transmission mechanism 7. The specific structure of the hook-removing device can be referred to the automatic hook-removing limiting device in patent document CN106258191A. The algae 13 harvesting device also includes a transfer mechanism 19 for transferring the harvested algae 13 to the transfer vessel 10 after the storage compartment 2 is filled with the harvested algae 13. The transfer mechanism 19 is located on the transfer vessel 10.

[0058] In this invention, the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are rotary driving mechanisms capable of driving the first transmission mechanism 6 or the second transmission mechanism 7 to rotate, such as rotary motors, electric motors, etc. The transfer vessel 10 is equipped with a fuel tank 20, a hydraulic oil tank 21, and a seawater valve box 22.

[0059] The present invention also provides a method for harvesting algae 13 using the above-mentioned algae 13 harvesting device, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Move the harvesting boat 1 and the transfer boat 10 that cooperates with the harvesting boat 1 to a row in the multi-rope 14 flat-culture kelp area, move the harvesting boat 1 to one end of the rope 14 of the row, and align the two first transmission mechanisms 6 with the two ropes 14 respectively, and connect the first transmission mechanisms 6 to the corresponding ropes 14;

[0060] Step S2: Start the first drive mechanism to drive the first transmission mechanism 6 to rotate and drag the rope 14 submerged in the water toward the harvester boat 1. At the same time, the harvester boat 1 gradually moves from one end of the rope 14 to the other end of the rope 14. The speed of the harvester boat 1 is matched with the speed of dragging the rope 14.

[0061] Step S3: After the rope 14 is dragged to the harvesting boat 1, the second transmission mechanism 7 is connected to the seedling rope 12, the second drive mechanism is started, and the seedling rope 12 is dragged to the storage compartment 2. When the seedling rope 12 moves above the opening, the connection between the second transmission mechanism 7 and the seedling rope 12 is released, and the seedling rope 12 and the algae 13 attached to the seedling rope 12 fall into the storage compartment 2, thus completing the harvesting of one seedling rope 12.

[0062] Step S4: Repeat steps S2-S3 until all the seedling ropes 12 and algae 13 on the two ropes 14 in this row are harvested into the storage chamber 2; after all the algae 13 in this row has been harvested, repeat steps S1-S4.

[0063] When one end of the storage compartment 2 is filled with harvested algae 13, the storage compartment 2 is moved to fill the other end with harvested algae 13; after the storage compartment 2 is filled with harvested algae 13, the harvested algae 13 in the storage compartment 2 is transferred to the transfer vessel 10.

[0064] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for harvesting algae, characterized by The harvesting ship for harvesting algae cultivated in multi-rope flat cultivation mode and at least one storage cabin for storing the harvested algae, the harvesting ship is provided with a traction assembly; The top of the storage cabin is provided with an opening for the entry of the ropes; the traction assembly includes a first traction assembly for dragging the ropes in water to the harvesting ship, a second traction assembly for dragging the ropes into the storage cabin; the first traction assembly includes two first transmission mechanisms arranged on both sides of the top of the opening and used for being connected with the ropes, and a first driving mechanism for driving the first transmission mechanisms to rotate so as to drag the ropes to the harvesting ship; the second traction assembly includes two second transmission mechanisms arranged on both sides of the top of the opening and used for being connected with the ropes, and a second driving mechanism for driving the second transmission mechanisms to rotate so as to drag the ropes into the opening; the first transmission mechanisms are located outside the second transmission mechanisms; The first transmission mechanism includes at least one set of clamping wheel groups arranged along the traveling direction of the harvesting ship, the clamping wheel groups include two oppositely arranged clamping wheels, the rotation axes of the clamping wheels are perpendicular to the traveling direction of the harvesting ship, and the gap between the two clamping wheels is not greater than the diameter of the ropes, so that the ropes cannot jump out of the clamping wheel groups when being driven by the clamping wheel groups; The second transmission mechanism includes a transmission chain arranged along the traveling direction of the harvesting ship, the rotation axis of the transmission chain is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the harvesting ship, the top or side of the transmission chain is provided with at least one connecting piece used for cooperating with the ropes, and the connecting piece can be disconnected from the ropes when dragging the ropes above the opening, so that the ropes and algae fall into the storage cabin.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The connecting piece is a clamping mechanism that can clamp and release the ropes, a buckle mechanism that can lock and release the two ends of the ropes on the second transmission mechanism, a magnetic attraction mechanism that can fix and release the two ends of the ropes on the second transmission mechanism, or a hook that cooperates with the ropes.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, A supporting rod is arranged between the connecting piece and the second transmission mechanism, and the supporting rod is arranged on the side of the second transmission mechanism facing the other second transmission mechanism.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The hook is in the shape of a straight rod, or the end of the hook has a bending part. The hook is in the shape of a straight rod, or the end of the hook has a bending part.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The storage cabin is a transport ship for transporting harvested algae, or a storage box arranged on the harvesting ship; the storage cabin is provided with a net bag for accommodating the harvested algae; when the storage cabin is the storage box arranged on the harvesting ship, the storage box is in sliding connection with the harvesting ship, and the harvesting ship is provided with a driving device for driving the storage box to slide, so that the harvested algae can enter in sequence until the storage box is filled; the harvesting ship is a multi-hull ship; the front of the harvesting ship is provided with a plurality of non-powered rotating rollers for reducing damage to the algae when the algae are loaded onto the ship; the front of the harvesting ship is also provided with a rope releasing assembly for releasing the seed rope from the hoisting rope; the harvesting ship is provided with an unhooking device for taking off the seed rope from the second transmission mechanism; the algae harvesting device further comprises a transfer mechanism arranged on the transfer ship for transferring the harvested algae to the transfer ship after the storage cabin is filled with the harvested algae.

6. An algal harvesting method using the algal harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: Step S1: moving the harvesting ship and the transfer ship cooperating with the harvesting ship to a row in the multi-hoisting rope flat-cultured kelp cultivation area, moving the harvesting ship to one end of the hoisting rope of the row, and aligning two first transmission mechanisms with two hoisting ropes respectively, and connecting the first transmission mechanisms with the corresponding hoisting ropes; Step S2: starting the first driving mechanism to drive the first transmission mechanism to rotate to drag the hoisting rope submerged in water to the harvesting ship, and at the same time, moving the harvesting ship from one end of the hoisting rope to the other end of the hoisting rope gradually, wherein the moving speed of the harvesting ship matches the dragging speed of the hoisting rope; Step S3: after the hoisting rope is dragged to the harvesting ship, connecting the second transmission mechanism with the seed rope, starting the second driving mechanism to drag the seed rope to the storage cabin, and when the seed rope moves above the opening, disconnecting the second transmission mechanism from the seed rope, so that the seed rope and the algae attached to the seed rope fall into the storage cabin, thereby completing the harvesting of one seed rope; Step S4: repeating steps S2-S3 until the seed ropes and algae on the two hoisting ropes in the row are all harvested into the storage cabin; after the algae in the row are all harvested, repeating steps S1-S4; When one end of the storage cabin is filled with harvested algae, move the storage cabin to fill the other end of the storage cabin with harvested algae; after the storage cabin is filled with harvested algae, transfer the harvested algae in the storage cabin to the transfer ship.

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