System for managing agricultural land

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) and a method for cultivating an agricultural area (N). The system (100) comprises a device (10) with at least one elongated crossbeam (12) and an associated chassis (16) with at least one wheel, by which the crossbeam (12) can be moved across the agricultural area (N). The device (10) includes at least one field cultivation device that is movable along the crossbeam (12) and a conveying system (25) provided along the longitudinal extent of the crossbeam (12). At least one box (24), preferably a plurality of such boxes (24), can be moved by the conveying system (25) along the longitudinal extent of the crossbeam (12) in a specific direction and thus brought to a predetermined position, particularly adjacent to a field cultivation device.The system (100) further comprises a large-volume receiving container (50) in which a plurality of boxes (24) can be received, the receiving container (50) being equipped with a lock. The interior of the receiving container (50) contains a storage system (56) for receiving a plurality of boxes (24) and a device for moving boxes (24). The system further comprises a device (E) by means of which boxes (24) can be moved between the conveying system (25) provided on the traverse (12) and the lock of the receiving container (50), and at least one power generation device, wherein the receiving container (50) is equipped with a battery (B) that can be charged with electrical energy generated by the power generation device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for managing a landscaped area.

[0002] According to the state of the art, it is known to cultivate agricultural land and load the harvested crop onto vehicles for further distribution or use. This is known, for example, from the publication WO 2019 / 236608 A1.

[0003] The use of vehicles to transport crops from their place of production to further distribution or use sites is generally associated with disadvantages in that moving or powering these vehicles requires energy, which is usually achieved through the combustion of fossil fuels, and that loading and unloading of crops onto and from the vehicles is usually performed manually by humans. These disadvantages lead to increased production costs overall.

[0004] A device for cultivating agricultural land is known from WO 2017 / 106874 A1. Such a device comprises at least one elongated crossbeam and an associated chassis with at least one wheel, with which the crossbeam can be moved circularly or linearly across the field, at least one field cultivation device attached or provided on the crossbeam by means of a robot arm or the like, a plurality of harvest boxes, and a plurality of trolleys provided on the crossbeam, which are attached to associated guide rails of the crossbeam and are thus movable along the crossbeam in the direction of its longitudinal extent, wherein at least one robot arm with a field cultivation device is attached to each trolley, and thus the trolley serves as an implement carrier for a field cultivation device.

[0005] From US 2022 / 0007582 A1 a generic device for cultivating an agricultural area according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 4 is known.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of optimising the management of agricultural land and the harvested crops using simple means and making them more efficient.

[0007] This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1 and claim 4. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention is directed to a device for cultivating an agricultural area, said device having at least one traverse with a considerable longitudinal extension, and / or to a system for cultivating an agricultural area, with which, in addition to the production of harvested material, it is also possible to supply energy to components involved in the system and / or to devices which serve for the subsequent distribution of harvested material.

[0009] A system according to the present invention is used for cultivating an agricultural area and comprises a device with at least one elongated cross member and an associated chassis with at least one wheel, with which the cross member can be moved in a circular or linear manner over the area, wherein the device has at least one field cultivation device which is movable or movable along the cross member, and a conveyor system provided on the cross member along its longitudinal extent, wherein at least one box, preferably a plurality of such boxes, can be moved with the conveyor system along the longitudinal extent of the cross member in a specific direction and can thus be brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device.Furthermore, the system comprises a large-volume receiving container in which a large number of crates can be received, wherein the receiving container is equipped with a lock, so that this lock ensures a connection between the outside of the receiving container and its interior and thus a transfer of crates from the outside of the receiving container into its interior or from the interior of the receiving container to its outside is possible, wherein a storage system for receiving a plurality of crates and a device for moving crates are provided in the interior of the receiving container, wherein the device for moving crates is designed in the form of an xyz gantry system and / or in the form of a robot gripper arm with a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the xyz gantry system orThe robot gripper arm is preferably arranged in a central region of the interior of the receiving container, such that a single crate can be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally with the robot gripper arm. Furthermore, the system according to the invention comprises a device by means of which crates can be moved between the conveyor system provided on the traverse and the lock of the receiving container, and also at least one energy generation device, wherein the receiving container is equipped with a battery that can be charged with electrical energy generated by the energy generation device.

[0010] Given its longitudinal extension, the aforementioned device, which is part of the system according to the invention, is preferably designed with at least one crossbeam, more preferably with all of its crossbeams, in a lightweight construction (e.g., using aluminum). A crossbeam of the device can, in principle, have any length, for example, a length of at least 10 meters or more, such as 25 meters. Alternatively, a longitudinal extension of more than 30 meters is also possible for the crossbeam(s).

[0011] Thanks to the above-described design of the crossbeam(s) of the device according to the invention in the form of a portal system with a considerable longitudinal extension, the advantage is achieved that, when the crossbeam is moved, a large agricultural area in the form of a field or arable land can be swept over and thus cultivated, significantly reducing soil compaction on the field or arable land. This requires less energy for post-harvest soil preparation, and more CO2 can be stored in the soil than with conventional cultivation.

[0012] According to the invention, at least one crossbeam of the aforementioned device can be equipped with at least one field cultivation device or application that is movable or displaceable along the crossbeam. Such displaceability can be achieved, for example, with the aid of a so-called trolley or the like, which is attached to associated guide rails of the crossbeam.

[0013] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a device is provided by which crates can be moved between the conveyor system provided on the cross member and the lock of the receiving container. Such a device can expediently be designed in the form of a ramp, by means of which a connection can be established between an outer end face of the cross member of the device and the lock of the receiving container, so that crates can be moved via this ramp between the conveyor system provided on the cross member and the lock of the receiving container.

[0014] A system according to a further embodiment of the invention, which has independent significance, also serves for the cultivation of agricultural land and comprises a large-volume receiving container in which a plurality of crates can be accommodated. The receiving container is equipped with a lock, so that this lock ensures a connection between the outside of the receiving container and its interior, thus enabling the transfer of crates from the outside of the receiving container into its interior or from the interior of the receiving container to its outside. A storage system for accommodating a plurality of crates and a device for moving crates are provided in the interior of the receiving container. The device for moving crates is designed in the form of an xyz portal system and / or in the form of a robot gripper arm with a plurality of degrees of freedom.The xyz portal system or the robot gripper arm is preferably arranged in a central region of the interior of the receiving container, such that a single box can be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally with the robot gripper arm. Furthermore, this system comprises a platform that is movable relative to the agricultural area and is part of a mobile field robot. A chassis of the platform has a plurality of wheels attached thereto, with which the field robot can be moved across the area. At least one of the wheels is provided with a drive. At least one wheel is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the chassis about a vertical axis to enable the mobile field robot to change its direction of travel. The mobile field robot has at least one field management device.which is attached to a chassis of the platform or a part thereof and with which a crop-cultivation process step can be carried out, wherein a conveyor system is attached to the chassis of the platform or a part thereof, with which at least one box can be moved in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the chassis and thus brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device, wherein the platform can be brought into a position adjacent to the receiving container such that the platform can receive boxes from the receiving container or such boxes, which are then filled with crop material and are located on the platform, can be returned to the receiving container. This system also comprises at least one energy generation device, wherein the receiving container and / or the field robot is equipped with a battery that can be charged with electrical energy generated by the energy generation device.

[0015] The present invention advantageously realizes a highly automated cultivation system for agricultural land, which—thanks to the invention—can also be planted with various vegetable crops if necessary. A crossbeam of the device can be moved either in a circular path around a central stationary column, to which the crossbeam is pivotally connected, or along a linear trajectory across the field. In the latter case, a chassis with wheels that roll over the field is provided at each end of the crossbeam.

[0016] The use of a system according to the present invention serves to cultivate an agricultural area and can be provided in such a way that in a predetermined first time window, a predetermined second time window and in a predetermined third time window of a day, certain or selected processes are carried out in order to cultivate the agricultural area and subsequently to further handle the harvested crop produced thereby, wherein the following processes are provided in the three predetermined time windows: (i) In the first time window, harvesting takes place and a receiving container, which is integrated into an electric motor-driven delivery vehicle, is loaded with boxes in which at least the harvested crop produced from the agricultural land has been placed; (ii) In the second time window, the delivery vehicle will then transport crates stored in the receiving container and containing at least fresh harvested crops and, if applicable, additional products or foodstuffs to a predetermined location outside the agricultural area; and (iii) In the third time window, the delivery vehicle returns to the agricultural area, where the battery of the delivery vehicle is charged with electrical energy generated by a power generation facility.

[0017] The aforementioned use of a system according to the invention is characterized in that during the third time window, when the delivery vehicle has returned to the agricultural field, the battery of the delivery vehicle can be recharged, namely with the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. In this way, the delivery vehicle, which is driven by an electric motor, is then suitably prepared for the second time window and the transport of boxes planned during it.

[0018] A system for cultivating agricultural land according to the present invention serves the purpose of cultivating agricultural land in the open air, i.e., a so-called open field. In this context, it is understood that the at least one elongated cross member of the aforementioned device, which is part of a system according to the invention, and / or the platform movable relative to the agricultural land, which is part of a mobile field robot and also part of a system according to the invention, can each be moved across an open field.

[0019] In detail, further relevant aspects of the present invention are formed by the following features: - At least one battery storage unit and an electric motor drive powered by the battery storage unit are provided, which drives at least one wheel of a chassis of a traverse of the device and / or a pump for water supply and / or a robot arm with a field cultivation device attached thereto and / or a trolley. And / or: - A conveyor system is provided on at least one crossbeam of the device according to the invention along its longitudinal extent, wherein at least one box can be moved by the conveyor system along the longitudinal extent of the crossbeam in a specific direction and thus brought to a predetermined position along the longitudinal extent of the crossbeam. Such a box can be used to transport seed to a desired location on the crossbeam in order to sow a plant in the field from there. Additionally or alternatively, the box can be used to collect crops that have been removed from the soil of the agricultural land by a field cultivation device during harvesting and then transport them back along the crossbeam to a predetermined location, e.g., to a radially outer edge of the crossbeam. The aforementioned box can be formed from a conventional standard vegetable crate. And / or: - In an advantageous development of the invention, the energy generation device can be designed in the form of solar panels, in the form of at least one wind turbine rotor, and / or in the form of a biogas plant. And / or: At least one crossbeam of the device according to the invention is equipped or populated with a plurality of solar panels and has at least one battery storage unit that is electrically connected to the solar panels. This makes it possible to supply or charge this battery storage unit during the day with the electricity generated by the solar panels, thereby covering the energy requirements of the crossbeam and the associated devices of this device. The battery storage unit can therefore also serve as a night storage unit at night to ensure continuous operation of the device according to the invention and the devices attached to it. This ensures a self-sufficient energy supply to the device according to the invention and the devices provided thereon. For example, it is possible to mount a total of 75 solar panels in two rows along the entire length of a crossbeam of the device.This makes it possible to cover 100% of the energy requirements, thus ensuring the self-sufficient energy supply of the truss according to the invention and the devices attached to it. And / or: - The aforementioned solar panels can preferably be mounted above a crossbeam of the device or in an upper area thereof. Accordingly, these solar panels simultaneously serve as weather protection for the crossbeam and other components of the device (e.g., a conveyor system for crates) arranged on a crossbeam below the solar panels. And / or: - The solar panels, regardless of their location, can be pivoted to suit the changing position of the sun. And / or: - With regard to the use of at least one crate, the conveyor system, which is preferably integrated into an upper region of a cross member or the platform, ensures that such a crate or even a plurality of crates are moved in a targeted manner along the longitudinal extent of the cross member or platform, preferably in both directions. Considering a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention as a circular management system, it is thus possible, using such a conveyor system, to transport the crates radially outwards from the center, i.e., from the central stationary column, via a respective cross member of the device. Mutatis mutandis, this also applies to the opposite direction, i.e., for transporting the crates radially inwards, i.e., toward the stationary central column. And / or: - In an advantageous development of the invention, a crossbeam and / or a respective conveyor system associated with a crossbeam of the device according to the invention can be equipped with a storage magazine in which a plurality of crates can be accommodated. In the simplest case, the conveyor system itself fulfills the function of such a storage magazine. Such a storage magazine can accommodate a number of >> 10 crates, for example, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 such crates, or even an even larger number. And / or: - In the sense of the present invention, the term "crate" is to be understood as any container suitable for holding harvested goods or fruits. Such a crate can be designed as a harvest crate, planting crate, greenhouse crate or the like. Handles or the like can be expediently provided on two opposite sides of such a crate, with which such a crate can be grasped. Such a crate can expediently be made of plastic or wood, or alternatively of (light) metal, e.g. aluminum. In any case, the material from which such a crate according to the present invention is made orThe container is selected to be sufficiently stable to ensure that such a box can be lifted by hand when filled with harvested crops, and that contact between several adjacent boxes on a roller conveyor or similar is possible without causing bulging or even cracking in the side walls of the boxes. And / or: - In an advantageous development of the invention, a base terminal can be provided to implement the required field logistics. This means that, for example, this base terminal can be used to provide or dispense seed and / or pick up or collect harvested crops, preferably using the boxes already mentioned above. By using such boxes, which can be transported along the crossbeams of the device, preferably in both directions, it is possible, on the one hand, to transport seed from the base terminal to the respective trolleys with the field cultivation equipment attached to them, and / or, on the other hand, to bring harvested crops that have been sown from the agricultural land or field back to the base terminal.Thus, the present invention achieves a high degree of integration for a system for managing agricultural land, combining the advantages of conventional large and small field robots for the first time. And / or: - A system according to the present invention comprises a device as explained above with at least one elongated crossbeam, and furthermore at least one large-volume receiving container in which a plurality of crates can be accommodated. According to the invention, such a receiving container fulfills the function of a logistics module, as explained separately below. In any case, this receiving container can be positioned adjacent to at least one crossbeam of the device in such a way that crates filled with crops can be transferred from a crossbeam of the device to or into this receiving container, or that empty crates can be transferred from the receiving container to or onto a crossbeam or its conveyor system. And / or: - The aforementioned receiving container, which is part of a system according to the invention, can be integrated into a delivery vehicle (e.g., in the form of a flatbed truck, a van, or a bus). Alternatively, this receiving container can be installed as a separate, fixed or stationary unit at the edge of a field or agricultural land. Furthermore, alternatively, the receiving container can be attached to the device on at least one cross member of the device according to the invention, thus fulfilling the function of a "mobile buffer" in which a plurality of crates filled with harvested crops can be received or temporarily stored. And / or: - Notwithstanding the aforementioned alternatives, according to an advantageous development of the invention, the aforementioned receiving container can be provided with a device for automatically loading and / or unloading crates, a device for supplementing crates filled with harvested crops with selected additional food items, and / or a device for automatically cleaning the crates (e.g., in the form of a "dishwasher"). And / or: - If the aforementioned receptacle is integrated into a delivery vehicle or is part of such a delivery vehicle, the following concepts are possible for this delivery vehicle: • Driven by a driver who delivers and collects the boxes; • Driven by a driver, but the boxes are dropped off and / or collected automatically; • Vehicle is fully autonomous (e.g., using "Level 5"). And / or: - Regarding the aforementioned alternative of a receiving container that is stationary or fixed at the edge of agricultural land, it should be noted that this alternative can serve as a self-service terminal from which customers can then collect crates filled with fresh harvested crops. If necessary, customers can then return their empty crates to this "self-service terminal," similar to a deposit system. In this alternative, the receiving container can be designed in the form of a sturdy container or similar. And / or: - In conjunction with a stationary receiving container, e.g., in the form of a container or the like, according to an advantageous development of the invention, it is also possible for fully autonomous flying vehicles ("drones") to operate from this location and fly to selected target points in the immediate vicinity to deliver at least one harvest crate containing fresh harvested crops and, if applicable, other selected food items. On the return flight of such a fully autonomous flying vehicle back to the stationary receiving container, it can be provided that an empty crate is picked up by the flying vehicle at the selected target point and then returned to the stationary receiving container. In this development of the invention, it is expedient for a larger number of fully autonomous flying vehicles or "drones" to operate from the stationary receiving container. And / or: - In an advantageous development of the invention, the loading and / or unloading of the receiving container or the logistics module can be realized in the following way: • A ramp is provided at the radially outer end of a cross member of the device, which is foldable and / or extendable and / or height-adjustable. In any case, such a ramp enables the receiving container or logistics module to dock at this outer end of a cross member of the device. • Using the ramp mentioned above, crates or food containers can be automatically moved from a crossbeam of the device into the receiving container or logistics module. This also applies in the opposite direction, meaning: crates (preferably empty) can also be transported from the receiving container onto a crossbeam of the device in this way. • The ramp mentioned above can be equipped with driven rollers, at least one carrier (for boxes) and / or with a circulating conveyor belt. • Furthermore, it is possible for robots to be provided on traverse slides and / or within the receiving container or in the logistics module. For example, an xyz portal system can be provided within the receiving container or logistics module, with which it is possible to move a box in the three spatial dimensions, namely for the purpose of either placing a box at or into a specific position of a storage system within the receiving container or logistics module or removing it from there. Additionally or alternatively, at least one robot arm can be provided within the receiving container or logistics module, which robot arm has a plurality of degrees of freedom and / or a plurality of arm elements with a plurality of pivot joints with resulting degrees of freedom.For example, such a robot arm is designed in the form of an industrial robot with at least two degrees of freedom and has two or more articulated arms, each of which can be pivoted about a vertical or horizontal axis of rotation. Accordingly, it is possible to use... Such a robot arm makes it possible to move a box within the receiving container or logistics module and / or to place additional goods into a box. • Loading and unloading of a receiving container or logistics module can take place on any side, for example, on one of the two end faces or on at least one long side. In any case, it is important that a door, hatch, opening, or the like is provided on the side of the receiving container or logistics module where loading and unloading of crates takes place, through which one or more crates can be moved. • For the receiving container or logistics module, it can be provided that – if it is docked to a cross member of the device as explained above – loading and unloading of crates takes place in the same position of the receiving container or logistics module. Alternatively, it is also possible to select different positions for loading the receiving container with crates and for unloading crates from the receiving container, in which the receiving container is positioned relative to a cross member of the device. • The loading of the receiving container with crates from a crossbeam of the device, and in the same way the unloading of (preferably empty) crates from the receiving container by transferring them to a crossbeam of the device, is preferably carried out fully automatically, for example with the aid of the aforementioned ramp, which can bridge a distance between the outer edge of a crossbeam of the device and the adjacently positioned receiving container (e.g., in the form of a delivery vehicle). And / or: - With regard to the management of crates within the receiving container or logistics module, the following features are important according to an advantageous development of the invention: ◯ Circulation variants (first-in-first-out): • ramps arranged in a circular ascending pattern; at each end of these ramps, a lift or slide may be provided for descent; • different levels connected by elevators. ◯ Storage system whose storage locations can be individually accessed and filled with boxes via an xyz portal system and / or a robot arm. • If the receiving container or logistics module is integrated into a delivery vehicle in combination with the storage system, a special delivery magazine is conceivable, where the xyz gantry system or robot arm pre-sorts the crates or food containers in customer order. This ensures that all relevant crates are readily available when delivering multiple crates or food containers to the same destination. ◯ Layout of the crates or food containers: In the receiving container, preferably in the form of a delivery vehicle, it is possible to customize the crates or food containers. In the context of the present invention, this means that a crate already filled with fresh harvested produce can then be additionally filled with various reusable containers / receptacles for different types and quantities of food. ◯ A box can contain different segments and / or troughs and / or depressions and / or sealable containers or the like, which serve to hold selected foodstuffs, e.g. lettuce, cucumbers, pasta, sauces, etc. ▪ In general, the use of disposable packaging is avoided ▪ Bulk goods such as rice or noodles are stored centrally in large containers and then filled into small, reusable and sealable containers, which can then be placed in a box. ◯ Labelling of crates or food containers, for example using a barcode, in order to monitor and check the individual composition of the products (customer data) and to enable a final inspection of a filled crate upon delivery. ◯ The container management mentioned above is fully automated. ◯ Within the receiving container or logistics module, a crate already containing fresh harvested goods can be supplemented with additional goods, e.g., vegetables that cannot be harvested from the agricultural land using the device according to the invention, and / or with supplementary products for a balanced diet and to complete recipes (e.g., carrots, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, spices, milk, etc.). For this purpose, the invention provides a device for supplementing crates filled with harvested goods with selected additional foodstuffs. ◯ The aforementioned loading of a crate with additional goods preferably takes place at a central position within the receiving container or logistics module near a loading device and / or at a flexible position using the xyz gantry system and / or a robot arm. In both cases, the additional products are stored close to the loading position to allow easy refilling of a crate from the outside. ◯ The above-mentioned filling of a box with additional goods is also carried out fully automatically, namely using an additional magazine, which is also provided in the receiving container or logistics module and from which a box can then be fully automatically filled or "supplied" with selected additional goods or additional products (e.g. depending on customer requirements or pre-orders). ◯ Loading a box already filled with fresh harvested goods within the receiving container or logistics module with selected additional goods or products can be done using a belt system (either linear or with 90° branches), an xyz gantry system, and / or at least one robot arm. And / or: - In an advantageous development of the invention, empty crates, after they have been returned from the customer, and any additional containers, receiving segments, or troughs provided therein, can be cleaned. The following features are considered for this purpose: ◯ Carrying out such cleaning continuously at a defined point in the circuit with appropriate container management; ▪ There is a rinsing area in the circuit, which can be sealed off, for example, by roller doors; ▪ Behind it there is an area for drying, e.g. using hot air, whereby this area can be spatially separated. ◯ For container management via gantry system or robot arm: one or more containers are placed in a “washer” and then positioned or held in a storage location; ▪ The dishwasher is designed as a spatially separated area on a lowest shelf level, where washing and drying takes place (e.g. using hot air); ▪ The dishwasher can be loaded from the front or the side. ▪ For both approaches, a fresh water and a waste water tank are located in the immediate vicinity.And / or: - In connection with an xyz portal system and / or a robot arm as already mentioned above, it is possible according to an advantageous development of the invention that the following effects can be achieved with the aid of these devices: ◯ Moving and positioning at least one individual box, preferably a plurality of such boxes, in the interior of the receiving container or logistics module, for example for loading and unloading, for transferring to or into a specific shelf position, or for rinsing: ◯ Moving and positioning additional containers for loading, storing or rinsing; ◯ Moving and positioning additional food or goods with which a box is additionally filled, ◯ Move and position recipes; ◯ Pick up a unit to clean the crates.And / or: - According to an advantageous development of the invention, the receiving container or logistics module is equipped with a control system. The following features are important for this: • The logistics module contains a computing unit for controlling the module-related process technology; • The logistics module contains the necessary sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring, possibly in several places; • Sensors for monitoring and tracking the boxes or food containers; • Sensors for detection and inventory monitoring of complementary products.And / or: - According to an advantageous development of the invention, the receiving container or the logistics module is equipped with the following additional features: • The logistics module is insulated from the outside against climatic changes in its interior; • The logistics module can be air-conditioned (temperature and humidity); • If integrated into a delivery vehicle, such a vehicle can be powered by electric or hydrogen; • Media connection to the device according to the invention or to another surrounding structure, namely for the purpose of transferring electricity and / or hydrogen and / or fresh water and / or waste water.And / or: - According to a system according to the present invention, certain steps or processes are carried out in three predetermined time windows of a day. This means that such specific or selected steps are carried out or can be carried out in a predetermined first time window, a predetermined second time window, and a predetermined third time window of a day in order to cultivate an agricultural area and subsequently handle the harvested crop. The following explanations are provided in detail: • In the first time window, harvesting and loading of a receiving container or logistics module integrated into a delivery vehicle takes place. Energy for the harvesting process and the device according to the invention used in this process can be provided from the delivery vehicle's battery, with the premise that sufficient energy will then be available in the battery for the delivery vehicle to make its delivery round in the second time window. In other words, the delivery vehicle or its battery thus fulfills the function of an energy storage device for the device according to the invention during the first time window. • In the second time window, the delivery vehicle then delivers crates containing at least fresh harvested goods and, if applicable, additional goods to customers. During such a delivery, it may also be possible for customers to return empty crates to the device according to the invention using the delivery vehicle, similar to a deposit system. • In the third time window, the delivery vehicle then parks back in the field, i.e., near the device according to the invention, where the delivery vehicle's battery is charged, provided that excess solar energy or electricity is generated by the solar panels of the device according to the invention. It is also possible to rinse the empty crates in the third time window, or at least to treat them to ensure compliance with hygiene regulations, so that the crates can then be returned to a crossbeam of the device according to the invention for loading with crops in the first time window. • The three predetermined time windows mentioned can be the following: ◯ First time slot (e.g. 6:00 pm - 5:00 am), ◯ Second time slot (e.g. 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.), and ◯ Third time slot (e.g. 12:00 - 18:00). • A possible daily routine is shown as follows using the example of a receiving container or logistics module integrated into a delivery vehicle: ◯ At night: Harvest from the field into the boxes positioned on at least one crossbeam of the device according to the invention (approximately 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.); Such a nighttime harvest is particularly beneficial for the freshness of the harvested product. ◯ Early in the morning (approx. 5-6 a.m.): Loading of crates of fresh harvested crops via the extendable ramp of the traverse into the delivery vehicle and its integrated logistics module. It is important to note that such loading takes place at a time of day before potential environmental influences during the day could potentially impair the quality of the harvested crop. ◯ Morning / midday (approx. 6 a.m.-12 p.m.): Delivery of crates containing fresh harvested crops to customers, collection of empty crates or exchange containers, similar to a deposit system. Through intelligent route planning by the system according to the invention and a control system provided together with the receiving container or logistics module, the correct crate is automatically made available for delivery at a predetermined time (i.e., at the customer's location). ◯ The harvest processing process described above ensures a very short period of time between harvesting and subsequent delivery to customers. ◯ At noon (preferably before 12 noon): On the way back from the delivery, additional supplies for the following day are loaded into the delivery vehicle (if necessary, refrigerated storage within the receiving container or logistics module is possible). ◯ At noon (preferably before 12 noon): On the way back from the delivery, any new seedlings are loaded into the delivery vehicle, which can then be transferred to the device according to the invention, for example using boxes that can be handled or moved with a conveyor system provided on at least one cross member of the device according to the invention: ◯ Afternoon / evening / night: Maintenance of the delivery vehicle near the device according to the invention: Excess solar energy or electricity generated by the device's solar panels can be used to charge the delivery vehicle's battery. Alternatively, the delivery vehicle can refuel with hydrogen. And / or: ▪ Cleaning of the boxes or food containers; ▪ Cleaning of the storage positions / walking surfaces of the boxes or food containers, and / or: ▪ A fresh and / or dirty water exchange with the device according to the invention. And / or: - There are various options available for designing the receiving container or logistics module for holding boxes, namely: ◯ Module A: Here, the receiving container or the logistics module is integrated into a wheeled vehicle, e.g. a van or a bus, with which the full harvest boxes can then be delivered to customers during the second time window. ◯ Module B: As in Module A, but a "bus without wheels." This means that the receiving container or logistics module is arranged stationary or fixed in place and, for example, is designed in the form of a container that is placed at the edge of the field and can be loaded with full crates from a crossbeam of the device according to the invention. Such a container would serve the function of a "self-service terminal," where customers can then pick up full crates themselves. Additional note on Module A / Module B: Logistics technology can be installed within the interior of the receiving container or the logistics module, e.g., in the form of an xyz portal and / or a robotic gripper arm. This allows for the intelligent placement or movement of full crates within the receiving container, e.g., for dispensing at a specific time and / or with a predetermined content. For example, a crate with a predetermined content is placed in an dispensing area of ​​the receiving container's lock for collection or pick-up by a customer. ◯ Module C: Here, the receiving container or logistics module travels along a crossbeam of the device according to the invention, in the form of a "mobile buffer." This means that the receiving container or logistics module has at least one container mounted on a crossbeam of the device according to the invention to accommodate a plurality of crates. In any case, this container is designed so that a logistics truck or delivery vehicle can dock onto it to receive crates filled with at least fresh harvested crops. ◯ For all modules A, B and C: For all of the above-mentioned modules AC, the receiving container or the logistics module can be designed to serve as a "vending machine" from which a customer can remove one or more crates of fresh harvested produce from this receiving container by inserting cash or by cashless payment (e.g. credit card, bank card, or smartphone app). It is also possible for a customer to return their empty crates to the receiving container and receive either a cash payout or a cashless credit. For this purpose, the receiving container is equipped with a payment device for accepting or dispensing cash and / or for cashless payment. The lock is connected to the payment device via a signal and can be actuated by a control device if a payment transaction has been recorded by the payment device. And / or: - According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one replacement battery, which can be inserted into the delivery vehicle, is charged by means of the device according to the invention. This means that the battery of the delivery vehicle is not permanently mounted therein, but is replaceable. This is particularly advantageous in the case where, together with the device according to the invention, on which a plurality of solar panels are mounted as explained, a plurality of delivery vehicles are used, each of which is equipped with crates in which fresh harvested crops are placed, as explained.Ideally, the replacement batteries are charged in a kind of "battery farm" by the device according to the invention using the solar power generated by it. When the delivery vehicles are parked near the device according to the invention during the first or third time window, they can then be exchanged for the batteries that were previously in the vehicle and were discharged as a result of the delivery round during the second time window. Preferably, such a battery exchange on a delivery vehicle also takes place fully automatically. A base terminal of the device according to the invention can be used as the "battery farm," which is explained separately below. And / or: - According to an advantageous development of the invention, the receiving container can be equipped with a device or an additional module for further processing of the harvested crop, for example, for washing or cleaning and cutting or "plucking" lettuce heads, whereby the individual lettuce leaves produced in this way can also be filled into bags or pouches. In any case, such a device in the form of an additional module serves to carry out further processing and / or post-processing of the harvested crop, thus creating "added value" for the harvested crop intended for delivery in the boxes and thereby relieving the purchaser of the harvested crop of work.

[0020] The system according to the invention is characterized, among other things, by the fact that the energy requirement for the receptacle is covered by the on-board energy generation device: Specifically, the battery with which the receptacle is equipped is recharged with the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. Similarly, the battery of a vehicle in which the receptacle is integrated and / or the battery of a mobile field robot can be charged with the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. This results in advantageous "energy autonomy" for the system according to the invention and the system components involved.

[0021] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0022] The invention is schematically illustrated below using preferred embodiments in the drawing and is described in detail with reference to the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device with two crossbeams movable in a circle around a center point, this device being part of a system according to the invention, Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a device according to a further embodiment with two crossbeams movable in a circle around a center point, this device being part of a system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a device according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a cross member movable in a circle around a center point, Fig. 3 a plan view of the device of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 an upper portion of a stationary central column forming part of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 and to which a cross member is articulated, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 side views of the central column of Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 each shows a perspective view of a device according to a third embodiment of the invention, in which a traverse is linearly movable along or on a field, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a field cultivation device which is part of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 is, Fig. 10 a perspective view of the field management facility of Fig. 9, if these are attached to the cross member of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 is attached, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area according to a first embodiment, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area according to a second embodiment, Fig. 13 a basically simplified cross-sectional view through a receiving container in the form of a logistics module, which is integrated into a delivery or transport vehicle, as part of the system of Fig. 11 or Fig. 12, Fig. 14 a cutaway side view of the transport vehicle from Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention for managing agricultural land according to a third embodiment, Fig. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the system according to the invention according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12 or Fig. 15, Fig. 17 a perspective view of a portion of a cross member of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 and an associated conveyor system with a harvest box accommodated therein, Fig. 18 a perspective view of a portion of a cross member of a device according to the invention of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7, Fig. 19 a basically simplified plan view of a box which, in conjunction with a device according to the invention, Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 and / or a system according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 or Fig. 26 is used, Fig. 20 a perspective view of the box of Fig. 19, Fig. 21 is a perspective view, in principle simplified, of a box according to a further embodiment, which, in connection with a device according to the invention, Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 and / or a system according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 or Fig. 26 is used, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 perspective views of the box from Fig. 21, each with closed lid, Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a platform as part of a mobile field robot, which is or is part of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area, Fig. 25 an enlarged view of a part of the field robot of Fig. 24, Fig. 26 a perspective view of the field robot of Fig. 24 and part of the device of Fig. 1-10, as part of the system according to the invention for managing agricultural land, and Fig. 27 a perspective view of the field robot of Fig. 24 and a receiving container according to a further embodiment of a system according to the invention for managing an agricultural area.

[0023] Below, with reference to the Fig. 1 to 27 illustrate preferred embodiments of a system 100 and its mode of operation according to the present invention for cultivating an agricultural area N. A device 10, 10', 10'' is also used here, which is part of the system 100 according to the invention. Identical features in the drawings are each provided with the same reference numerals. It is specifically noted at this point that the drawing is merely simplified and, in particular, is not drawn to scale.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which two cross members 12 are mounted with one end thereof rotatably mounted around a stationary center column 14. This device 10 is part of a system 100 according to the invention (see Figure 1). Fig. 11), which will be explained separately below. In any case, each of the two cross members 12 of this device 10 is equipped with at least one chassis 16 with wheels. When the cross members 12 rotate around the stationary center column 14, the cross members 12 move on or along a circular path, with the wheels of a chassis 16 rolling on the ground of an agricultural area N. Thus, the cross members 12 of the device 10 according to the invention are Fig. 1 is designed as part of a circular farming system, wherein the respective traverses 12 of the device 10 cover a circular area of ​​the agricultural land N.

[0025] The stationary central column 14 can be firmly embedded in the soil of the agricultural area N or anchored therein.

[0026] Conveniently, the central column 14 has a height of at least 3 meters, preferably a height of more than 5 meters, or possibly even higher.

[0027] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the two cross members 12 are arranged on opposite sides of the center column 14 and are thus offset by 180° from each other. Consequently, the longitudinal axes of these cross members 12 are aligned with each other.

[0028] In the device 10 according to the invention, a conveyor system 25 (cf. Fig. 17, Fig. 18). With the help of this conveyor system 25, it is possible to transport at least one box 24 (cf. Fig. 17-20), preferably a plurality of such boxes 24, along the longitudinal extent of a cross member 12 in a certain direction and thus to bring them to a predetermined position along the longitudinal extent of the cross member 12.

[0029] Conveniently, a conveyor system 25 is provided or installed on each of the cross members 12 of the device 10 according to the invention.

[0030] The conveyor system 25 can be designed as a conveyor belt system. In this case, a circulating conveyor belt (not shown) is provided, onto which the crates 24 can be placed. As this conveyor belt circulates, the crates 24 are then moved or transported to a predetermined position, which is preferably located adjacent to a field cultivation device 18 attached to a crossbeam 12.

[0031] In addition or alternatively, the conveyor system 25 can be equipped with a roller conveyor 26, which has a plurality of support rollers 27, each with a horizontal axis of rotation. Fig. The conveyor system 25 shown in Figure 17 comprises such a roller conveyor 26, two support rollers 27 of which can be seen.

[0032] Optionally, roller conveyor 26 can also have a plurality of guide rollers (not shown), each with a vertical axis of rotation. These guide rollers are arranged on the sides of roller conveyor 26 and thus define the lateral limits of roller conveyor 26.

[0033] In any case, a box 24 can be placed from above onto the support rollers 27 of the roller conveyor 26, whereby the box 24 can then be moved along a longitudinal extension of the cross member 12 with only very low rolling resistance due to the contact with the individual rollers of the roller conveyor 26.

[0034] The perspective view of Fig. 18 illustrates that the roller conveyor 26 of the conveyor system 25 is provided along the longitudinal extension of a cross member 12 of the device 10. In this regard, it can be provided that at least some of these rollers of the roller conveyor 26, preferably one or more of the support rollers 27, are motor-driven in order to thereby realize targeted transport of the crates 24 in a desired direction along the cross member 12 on the roller conveyor 26.

[0035] With regard to the aforementioned roller conveyor 26 of the conveyor system 25, it should be specifically noted at this point that this roller conveyor 26 fulfills the function of a storage magazine within the meaning of the present invention. In any case, this roller conveyor 26, in the sense of its function as a storage magazine, fulfills the purpose of being able to accommodate a plurality of crates 24 therewith or therein, namely along the longitudinal extension of a crossbeam 12 equipped with such a roller conveyor 26.

[0036] The representation of the conveyor system 25 in Fig. 18 illustrates that a plurality of crates 24 are inserted or picked up "in block," ie, close together, so that the crates 24 touch adjacent crates 24. In this way, as many crates 24 as possible can be picked up in the conveyor system 25, so that it fulfills the function of a storage magazine.

[0037] With the Fig. The double arrow shown in Fig. 18 symbolizes that the boxes 24 which are accommodated in the conveyor system 25 can be moved in both directions along a longitudinal extent of the conveyor system 25.

[0038] The conveyor system 25 is expediently provided on an upper side of a respective cross member 12, or is integrated in an upper region of a cross member 12.

[0039] The longitudinal extension of the individual trusses 12, as seen from their attachment to the stationary center column 14, can have a length of at least 10 meters. It is also possible for the trusses 12 to have an even greater longitudinal extension, for example, of at least 15 meters, more preferably of at least 20 meters, more preferably of at least 30 meters, or possibly even > 30 meters.

[0040] To supply energy to the device 10 according to the invention, a plurality of solar panels S (cf. Fig. 1). These solar panels S are electrically connected to a battery storage unit (not shown) and serve to recharge this battery storage unit with the electrical energy generated by solar radiation. This ensures a self-sufficient energy supply for the invention.

[0041] The dimensions of the solar panels S are expediently dimensioned such that the conveyor system 25 and the boxes 24 accommodated or transported therein are shielded from above, for example against precipitation or the ingress of dust and dirt.

[0042] Fig. 1a shows a further possible embodiment for the device 10, which is part of the system 100 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 11). In the same way as with the Fig. 1, individual crossbeams 12 are pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the stationary center column 14. In this embodiment, cable guy wires 210 are used to stabilize the individual crossbeams 12. The two crossbeams 12, which are arranged on opposite sides of the stationary center column and thus offset by 180° from each other, are connected to each other via these cable guy wires 210. These cable guy wires 210 are guided both over the upper free end 15 of the center column 14 and through a segment of the center column 14 adjacent to their upper end 15.

[0043] To compensate for possible and in particular vertical movements of the two cross members 12, which may occur when moving over possibly existing uneven ground, it is necessary for the above-mentioned cable guy 210 in the embodiment of Fig. 1a is expedient if it is guided on the center column 14 (or therein) in a movable and rotatable manner, so that by moving the cable guy 210 relative to the stationary center column 14, a height adjustment of the cross members 12 arranged on the opposite sides of the stationary center column is possible.

[0044] According to the presentation of Fig. 1a, it is possible with regard to the aforementioned cable guying 210 that it comprises several cable strands which are provided at different height positions on the stationary central column 14 and are then led down to the individual cross members 12 on both sides and fastened thereto.

[0045] To generate renewable energy from wind power, the design of Fig. 1a, at least one wind turbine rotor 214 with a vertical axis of rotation is mounted along the longitudinal extension of at least one cross member 12, which rotor is coupled to a generator for generating energy. For example, such a wind turbine rotor 214 can be designed in the form of a Darrieus rotor. Such a wind turbine rotor 214 can be part of the stationary center column 14 or can be suitably connected to this stationary center column 14.

[0046] It is understood that the above-mentioned wind turbine rotor 214 can also be used in the device 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 may be provided.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device 10' according to a further embodiment of the invention, in which only one end of a cross member 12 is pivoted to a stationary center column 14. At the other end of the cross member 12, i.e., opposite the stationary center column 14, a chassis 16 with wheels is attached, which roll on a ground surface of the agricultural land.

[0048] The embodiment of the device 10' according to the invention according to Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 solely by moving a cross member along a circular path around the stationary center column 14. The other aspects and features described above for the embodiment of Fig. 1, for example, with regard to the conveyor system 15 and the solar panels S, also apply in the same way to the embodiment of Fig. 2

[0049] The devices 10, 10' according to the embodiments of Fig. 1, Fig. 1a and Fig. 2 is that at least one field cultivation device 18 is attached to their associated crossbeams 12, which can be moved along a crossbeam 12. For this purpose, a trolley 20 ( Fig. 9) which are attached to a cross member 12 by means of guide rails 22 ( Fig. 10) and is hereby longitudinally displaceable along a cross member 12.

[0050] An adjustment or displacement of a trolley 12 along a traverse 12 can be carried out using suitable motor means.

[0051] A plurality of field cultivation devices 18 are mounted on at least one cross member 12 of the device 10, 10'. This is to be understood insofar as field cultivation devices 18 are arranged on both sides of such a cross member 12 (cf. Fig. 6) are mounted, and / or that several field cultivation devices 18 are mounted on the same side of the cross member 12, as is the case, for example, by the Fig. 2. In this regard, it is specifically noted that each individual field cultivation device 18 can be assigned a trolley 20, by means of which a longitudinal displacement of the field cultivation device 18 along this cross member 12 is realized.

[0052] A field cultivation device 18 can be connected to a traverse 12 or an associated trolley 20 by means of a preferably articulated robot arm 23. This is achieved by Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Such a robot arm 23 has several degrees of freedom and preferably several articulated arm elements, with which a flexible movement of the field cultivation device 18, which is attached to a free end of the robot arm 23, is possible in space. This also includes a vertical adjustability of the robot arm 23, so that a working height of the field cultivation device 18 or its distance from the ground can be changed as required. This vertical adjustability is, for example, in Fig. 9 symbolized by a corresponding double arrow.

[0053] Furthermore, the device 10, 10' according to the invention is Fig. 1, Fig. 1a or Fig. 2 in common that a first sensor 30 is attached to the stationary center column 14 at its upper end 15. This is shown in the perspective view of Fig. 4 and in the side view of Fig. 5 illustrates this accordingly.

[0054] By means of the first sensor 30, it is possible to monitor selected areas of the agricultural area N and / or a position of the cross members 12 relative to the stationary center column 14. In this respect, the first sensor 30 is also referred to as a "global sensor" within the meaning of the present invention.

[0055] A second sensor 32 (cf. Fig. 6, Fig. 9). This second sensor 32 serves to detect an area or space of the agricultural land immediately adjacent to this field cultivation device 18 or below it in order to obtain information regarding the plants grown on the agricultural land N. In this respect, the second sensor 32 is also referred to as a "local sensor" within the meaning of the present invention.

[0056] The areas detected by the first local sensor 30 and the second sensor 32 are each marked with “R” in the drawing (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4-6) and, according to the invention, is to be understood as a "monitored area." This means that the sensors 30, 32 can detect not only a flat surface (e.g., the ground of the agricultural land N), but also the space above it. Accordingly, the position of the trusses 12, the respective field cultivation devices 18 attached thereto, and plants P, and, for example, their growth and / or shape, can also be detected.

[0057] A transmitting / receiving unit 36 ​​and / or a weather station 34 can be mounted on an upper portion of the stationary center column 14. This is shown in the views according to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrates this accordingly.

[0058] Furthermore, the device 10, 10' according to the invention also comprises a control or regulating device 38, which can also be attached to the stationary center column 14 and in the Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 is symbolized in a highly simplified form as a rectangle. This control or regulating device 38 is signal-connected to the sensors 30, 32 as well as to the transmitting / receiving unit 36.

[0059] By means of the control or regulating device 38, it is possible to control the circular movement of the traverses 12 around the stationary center column 14 and / or the operations or movements of the individual field cultivation devices 18. This can also be done in the manner of a control loop, i.e., in a controlled manner.

[0060] By means of the transmitting / receiving unit 36, information can be transmitted to or received from a remote (not shown) control center to the device 10 according to the invention, wherein this information contains data for operating the device 10 or a system 100, 100' according to the present invention. For example, this information can contain target data for operating the device 10 and the devices attached thereto, in which case the control of the individual devices and / or a movement of the traverses 12 in a circular manner around the stationary center column 14 can also be carried out in a controlled manner.

[0061] In the same way, by means of the transmitting / receiving unit 36, information obtained by the sensors 30, 32 with respect to the monitored spaces R detected thereby can then be transmitted to a remote control station (not shown) for further evaluation of the operation of the device 10 according to the invention.

[0062] The device 10, 10' can, for example, have a reservoir (not shown) for water, fertilizer, or the like adjacent to the stationary central column 14. In this regard, it is also possible to connect a water reservoir to an external pump to refill the water reservoir with fresh water and thus ensure continuous operation of the device 10.

[0063] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a device 10'' which is part of a system 100 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 11). This embodiment comprises a cross member 12, at each end of which a chassis 16 with wheels is arranged. This ensures that the device 10' and the associated cross member 12 are moved longitudinally or linearly across an agricultural area N.

[0064] A cable drum 40 can be attached to one side of the crossbeam 12. This cable drum 40 can carry supply lines for electricity and / or media for managing the usable area N (e.g., water, fertilizer). Accordingly, using such a cable drum 40 and the associated supply lines, it is possible to supply the crossbeam 12 of the device 10' with electricity, water, and / or fertilizer.

[0065] In the embodiment of the device 10" according to the invention according to Fig. 7 or Fig. 8, a plurality of field management devices 18 are also provided on the cross member 12, preferably on both sides thereof. The functioning of these field management devices 18 and a possible control by the control or regulating device 38 takes place in the same way as in the embodiments of the device 10, 10' according to the invention according to Fig. 1, Fig. 1a or Fig. 2, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference may be made to the above explanations.

[0066] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiment of the device 10' according to the invention according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is equipped with a conveyor system 25 in the form of a roller conveyor 26. Targeted movement of at least one harvest box 24, preferably a plurality of such harvest boxes 24, on the roller conveyor 26 and thus along the cross member 12 can be achieved by providing at least one support roller 27 of the roller conveyor 26 with a motor drive and / or by adjusting an inclination of the roller conveyor 26 relative to the horizontal.

[0067] Furthermore, at this point, for the embodiment of the device 10" according to the invention according to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, it should be noted that a plurality of solar panels S is arranged above the cross member 12, in the same way as in the device 10, 10' according to the invention according to the first and second embodiments, respectively. To avoid repetition, the explanations for the operation of these solar panels S are referred to in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0068] With regard to all of the above-mentioned embodiments of the device 10, 10', 10", each of which is part of a system 100 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 11), it is pointed out here that a base terminal 29 may be provided on the agricultural land N. This is the case, for example, in the Fig. 1, Fig. 1a and Fig. 11 is symbolized in a highly simplified manner by a cuboid. In any case, this base terminal 29 serves the purpose of implementing the necessary field logistics. This means that, for example, the provision or dispensing of seeds and / or the collection or acceptance of harvested crops is possible using this base terminal 29, preferably through the use of the boxes 24 already mentioned above.

[0069] The base terminal 29 is highly simplified in the representation of Fig. 1. It is understood that the base terminal 29 is also used in the same way in the embodiment of the device 10" according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 may be provided.

[0070] If required, the base terminal 29 can be designed in such a way that it can be moved over the agricultural area N preferably omnidirectionally and can thus be moved or "docked" to a front side of a traverse 12 at its outer free end, ie opposite to the stationary central column 14. Using the example of the embodiment of Fig. 1, this means that the base terminal 29 can be moved to a respective outer end face of the traverses 12, which are marked here with "A" and "B", in order to "dock" there. For this purpose, the base terminal 29 is equipped with a chassis and associated wheels (not shown) that roll either directly on the ground of the agricultural area N or on rails (not shown) that are incorporated in the agricultural area N.

[0071] The term "omnidirectional" in the context of the present invention refers to the ability to move or move in any desired direction. This then enables, in addition to purely linear or translational movement, "oblique" movement, i.e., in a diagonal direction, and / or turning on the spot and / or moving in a circle. This applies both to the aforementioned base terminal 29 and, in the same way, to a platform 101 of a system 100 according to the invention, which will be explained separately below.

[0072] The following are with reference to the Fig. 11-16 and the Fig. 19-27, preferred embodiments of a system 100 according to the invention and of associated components thereof as well as a method of operation provided therefor according to the present invention are explained, with which an agricultural area N can be cultivated. In such a system 100, a device 10, 10', 10" is used, which was described above with reference to the Fig. 1-10 and the Fig. 17-18. In other words, this device 10, 10', 10" forms part of the system 100 according to the invention. With respect to the system 100 according to the invention, the device 10, 10', 10" fulfills the function of a base station on an agricultural area N, as explained in more detail below.

[0073] A characteristic feature of the system 100 according to the invention and its mode of operation according to the present invention is that a receiving container 50 (cf. Fig. 11) or a logistics module is used, into which, on the one hand, boxes 24 with fresh harvested crops can be brought from a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10''. On the other hand, it is also possible to transfer boxes 24 from the receiving container or logistics module onto a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10". In the latter case, such boxes 24 can either be empty or filled with seedlings, seeds, or the like for further use in cultivating the agricultural land.

[0074] Fig. Figure 11 shows a simplified perspective view of a system 100 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The following explanations are provided in detail:

[0075] The system 100 comprises a receiving container 50 or a logistics module which is integrated into a delivery vehicle F (cf. Fig. 13, Fig. 14). The delivery vehicle F is equipped with wheels 51. For example, the delivery vehicle F can be a van or a bus, preferably with an electric drive powered by a battery storage unit B (cf. Fig. 14) is supplied with electricity.

[0076] The receiving container 50 or a logistics module according to this first embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention corresponds to the “Module A”, which has already been mentioned in the introduction to the description.

[0077] At Traverse 12, which is in Fig. 11 (and also in Fig. 12) may be one that is part of a device 10, 10', 10" according to the embodiments of Fig. 1, Fig. 1a or Fig. 2 as explained above. This means that the delivery vehicle F can be used together with all of the above-explained embodiments of the device 10, 10', 10" according to the invention.

[0078] The delivery vehicle F can be moved adjacent to an outer end face of a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" and "dock" there. Such an outer end face of a cross member is shown in the Fig. 1 each marked by arrows with “A” and “B”, and in the same way in the Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 with “A” and in the Fig. 7 with “B”.

[0079] Once the delivery vehicle F is positioned adjacent to an outer end face of the cross member 12, a connection to the cross member 12 can be established via a ramp 52. Such a ramp 52 can be attached to the cross member 12 and be foldable and / or extendable and / or height-adjustable. This makes it possible to compensate for any height differences and possibly different distances between, on the one hand, the free end of the cross member 12 and, on the other hand, the receiving container 50 or logistics module, as part of the delivery vehicle F.

[0080] The delivery vehicle F, together with the receiving container 50 or logistics module integrated therein, serves the purpose of receiving crates 24 containing fresh harvested crops located on a crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10', 10". Following this, the crates 24 can then be delivered by the delivery vehicle F - in accordance with its designation - to customers or another location. In the same way, empty crates 24 or those containing, for example, seedlings, seeds, or the like can be transferred from the receiving container 50 or logistics module back to a crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10', 10". In any case, the aforementioned ramp 52 is used to transfer the crates 24 from the crossbeam 12 to or into the receiving container 50 or the logistics module - or in the reverse direction.

[0081] When using the system 100 according to the invention and its mode of operation according to the present invention, it is provided that certain steps or processes are carried out over the course of three predetermined time windows of a day. This includes, on the one hand, a transfer of boxes 24 from a crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" to the receiving container 50 or logistics module, or vice versa, namely from the receiving container 50 or logistics module back to a crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10', 10". Furthermore, these processes also include an electrical coupling of the delivery vehicle F to the device 10, 10', 10", in which either the battery storage B of the delivery vehicle F is charged with the power generated by the solar panels S of the device 10, 10', 10" or the battery storage B, once sufficiently charged, serves as an energy source for the device 10, 10', 10'.

[0082] The three predetermined time windows are a first time window, a second time window and a third time window, which have already been explained in the introductory part of this description.

[0083] For example, the first time slot covers a period between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The second time slot can cover a period between 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., with the third time slot covering a period between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

[0084] In brief, the following processes can take place in the three time windows mentioned: Erstes Zeitfenster: - Durchführen von pflanzenbaulichen Prozessschritten mittels der Vorrichtung 10, 10', 10', um damit frisches Erntegut in Kisten 24 einzubringen; - Loading the boxes 24 into the receiving container 50 or into the logistics module, preferably fully automatically, by transferring these boxes 24 from a traverse of the device 10, 10', 10' into the receiving container 50. - If necessary, operation of the device 10, 10', 10' and the associated components is ensured or at least supported by the battery storage B of the delivery vehicle. Second time window: - If not completed in the first time window, if necessary: ​​loading the boxes 24 into the receiving container 50 or into the logistics module, preferably fully automatically. - Delivery of 24 boxes to selected destinations or customers. - Collection of empty boxes (like a deposit system). - Procurement of material for cultivating the agricultural land N, e.g., seedlings, seeds, or the like. This material can be stored in empty boxes 24, which are then transferred to the traverse(s) 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" upon arrival of the delivery vehicle F. Third time window: - Charging the battery storage B of the delivery vehicle F by means of the power generated by the solar panels S of the device 10, 10', 10'. - Cleaning empty boxes. - if necessary, replacing the partially discharged battery storage unit B of the delivery vehicle F with a fully charged "fresh" battery storage unit B.

[0085] A run through the above-mentioned three time windows, with which a system according to the invention is used, is shown in the flow chart of Fig.16 with blocks I, II and III. Here, block I corresponds to the first time window, block II to the second time window, and block III to the third time window. The arrow which then leads from block III back to block I is to be understood according to the invention to mean that the sequence of processes in the said three time windows can then be continuously repeated, i.e. the same processes as explained can be carried out from one day to the next in order to cultivate the agricultural land N and subsequently to further process or distribute the harvested goods produced thereby.

[0086] Further details of the receiving container 50 are given in the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, namely in a simplified horizontal cross-sectional view through a delivery vehicle 50, in which this receiving container 50 is integrated in the form of a logistics module, and in Fig.14 through a cutaway side view of this delivery vehicle F.

[0087] In the first embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention, the receiving container 50 is provided, as explained, to be integrated into a delivery vehicle F. Accordingly, in the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 for this delivery vehicle F the corresponding wheels 51 are indicated by dashed lines, and the driver's cab is marked with "52".

[0088] The receiving container 50, in its function as a logistics module, is preferably provided at a rear end thereof with a lock 150 (cf. Fig. 13) for the input and output of crates 24. This lock 150 comprises an input lock 54 and an output lock 55.

[0089] A storage system 56 is provided in the interior of the receiving container 50, specifically for the purpose of organizing a plurality of crates 24 and their position within the receiving container 50. This storage system 56 can be designed in the form of a shelving system, which is preferably arranged on the two side walls of the receiving container 50 and on the partition wall to the driver's cab 53. In addition to or as an alternative to a shelving system, it is also possible for the storage system for handling a plurality of crates 24 to be designed in the form of conveyor belts or circulating belts, which may also overcome vertical distances. For the purposes of the following explanations, the storage system 56 will be referred to merely as a shelving system 56.

[0090] The input of boxes 24 into the receiving container 50 is in Fig. 13 and Fig.14 are each symbolized by an arrow “E”. The output of boxes 24 from the receiving container 50 is in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 each symbolized by an arrow “A”.

[0091] The input lock 54 primarily serves the purpose of transferring boxes 24 filled with fresh harvested crops from a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" into the interior of the receiving container 50. As already explained above, for this purpose the delivery vehicle F with the receiving container 50 or logistics module integrated therein is arranged adjacent to an outer free end of a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10". By means of the ramp 52, a transport path is formed between the outer free end of the cross member 12 and the input lock 54, on which the boxes 24 can then be moved towards the input lock 54 and into it.

[0092] Furthermore, customers can submit their empty crates using the input gate 54. Upon completion of this process, customers will receive either a cash refund or a cashless credit, depending on the number of empty crates submitted.

[0093] An xyz portal system 57 is preferably arranged in a central region of the receiving container 50. This portal system 57 is configured such that it allows a single crate 24 to be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally. Such a 3D movement of a crate 24 occurs for the purpose that, after a crate has passed from the input lock 54 onto a support surface (not shown) of the xyz portal system 57, this crate 24 can then be introduced or inserted into the shelving system 56 by the xyz portal system 57 at a predetermined location. This process is also possible in reverse: Using the xyz portal system 57, a specific crate 24 can be removed from the shelving system 57 and then introduced into the output lock 55, namely for the purpose of this crate 24 then being made available for removal within the output lock 55.

[0094] The above-mentioned movements of a box 24 within the interior of the receiving container 50 or the logistics module, which are possible with the help of the xyz portal system 57, are shown in the illustration of Fig. 13 is symbolized by corresponding arrows. Here, the 3D movements realized with the help of the xyz portal system 57 are also symbolized by arrows "x," "y," and "z."

[0095] Both the input lock 54 and the output lock 55 can be equipped with a plurality of individual compartments or the like. Fig.13, this is symbolized by the number sequence: "1, 2, 3, ∞", which means that these locks 54, 55 can each comprise either up to three individual compartments or more than three compartments. With such a plurality of compartments, it is ensured for the input lock 54 that a plurality of crates 24 can be entered or transferred one after the other in a short period of time, without a "jam" of crates 24 occurring outside the input lock 54. Further suitable means are then provided within the input lock 54 to transfer a crate 24 to the xyz portal system 57, thus "freeing" the input lock 54 again to receive further crates 24 from outside.

[0096] Likewise, a plurality of compartments within the dispensing lock 55 allows several crates 24 to be simultaneously available for dispensing, provided they have already been placed in these compartments of the dispensing lock 55. In this context, reference should again be made to the previously mentioned possibility of the receiving container 50 fulfilling the function of a "vending machine": In this case, a customer can then independently remove a crate 24, or a plurality of such crates 24, from the dispensing lock 55, for example by paying with cash or cashless. Such a variant for "Module A" is conceivable, for example, when the delivery vehicle F is parked at a weekly market. This makes it possible to serve customers even without the use of sales personnel, with corresponding cost advantages.

[0097] Furthermore, it is possible for at least one robot arm 58 to be arranged in the interior of the receiving container 50. Such a robot arm 58 can either be attached to the xyz portal system 57 or, optionally independently or separately from the xyz portal system 57, mounted at another location within the interior of the receiving container 50. In any case, using this robot arm 58, it is possible to place additional goods into a box 24 already containing fresh harvested goods and / or to position a box 24 at a predetermined position within the shelving system 56.

[0098] In the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 shows a possible embodiment of a box 24, which in the present case can be used together with the device 10, 10', 10" according to the invention, with which the system 100 according to all embodiments mentioned here can be used according to the present invention.

[0099] Fig.19 shows a simplified plan view of such a box, where Fig. 20 shows a simplified perspective view thereof.

[0100] Box 24 according to Fig. 19 respectively Fig. 20 is characterized in that a plurality of segments 60 are formed therein. For individual segments 60, it is possible for further adaptation to specific goods or crops to be provided – for example, such adaptations may be an elongated recess 61 for holding cucumbers or similarly shaped vegetables, or circular or round depressions, e.g., for holding lettuce heads or the like. Furthermore, it is possible for at least one of the segments 50 to contain sealable containers 63 or the like, into which complementary products can be placed, e.g., carrots, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, spices, milk cartons, etc.

[0101] With reference to the aforementioned supplementary or additional goods, it should be noted at this point that, according to the invention, it is possible to specifically place these goods into a selected box 24 by means of the xyz portal system 57 and / or the robot arm 58, which has previously been filled with fresh harvested material by a traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" and transferred into the interior of the receiving container 50. Such loading of a box 24 already filled with fresh harvested material with selected additional goods can be carried out according to a customer's specifications. For this purpose, the receiving container 50 is equipped with a control system (not shown) by means of which the loading of a box 24 with selected additional goods and the associated actuation of the xyz portal system 57 and / or the robot arm 58, with which these goods are introduced or placed into the box 24, can take place.

[0102] Furthermore, in connection with the loading of a box 24 filled with harvested crops with selected additional goods, it should be noted that a separate storage magazine or the like (not shown) is provided in the receiving container 50, in which said additional goods are held or stored. By means of the xyz portal system 57 and / or the robot arm 58, these additional goods can be removed from the storage magazine and then inserted or placed into selected segments 60 of a box 24. It is expedient if the storage magazine is accessible from an outside of the receiving container 50 or the logistics module for refilling purposes, so that such a refilling process can be carried out easily and quickly.

[0103] In connection with the first embodiment of the system according to module A, it is pointed out that it is also possible to keep a plurality of exchangeable battery storage units within the base terminal 29, which - as long as they are located in the base terminal 29 - are then charged by the power generated by the solar panels S attached to the device 10, 10', 10". Thus, the base terminal 29 then serves as a "battery farm" for such a plurality of exchangeable battery storage units, as already highlighted in the introduction to the description. In this case, for the delivery vehicle F, it can be considered, in particular during the third time window, instead of recharging its battery storage unit B, simply to use the battery storage unit B that is currently located in the vehicle and that will be used at the end of the second time window, i.e.after completion of the delivery trip is at least partially discharged, with a battery storage unit B that is fully charged using the base terminal 29. For this purpose, a mobile platform 101 or a field robot can be used, which is explained separately below.

[0104] Fig. Figure 12 shows a simplified perspective view of a system 100 according to the invention according to a second embodiment. Here, the receiving container 50' or the logistics module is stationary or fixed in place. In contrast to the first embodiment of the system 100 according to Fig. 11 this means for the second embodiment that the receiving container 50' has no wheels.

[0105] The receiving container 50' or a logistics module according to this second embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention corresponds to the “Module B”, which has already been mentioned in the introduction to the description.

[0106] Regarding the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, it should be noted that these illustrations also apply equally to the receiving container 50' according to the second embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention, with the proviso that both the wheels 51 (indicated here by dashed lines) and the driver's cab 53 do not belong to this embodiment. In the simplest case, the receiving container 50' according to this second embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention can be designed in the form of a container or the like, which is set up at the edge of a field or an agricultural area N. Otherwise, the design of the receiving container 50' according to the second embodiment corresponds to that of the first embodiment of Fig. 11, so to avoid repetition, reference may be made to the relevant explanations. This also applies to the provision of the battery storage system, as explained below.

[0107] As shown in the illustration by Fig. 12, the positioning of the stationary receiving container 50', e.g. at the edge of an agricultural field N, is possible in such a way that a free end of a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" moves past it at only a short distance. If the device 10, 10', 10" is at a standstill with this cross member 12, a connection, in the manner of a bridge, to the input lock 54 can be formed by extending the ramp 52. As soon as this is the case, boxes 24 can then be moved from the cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" over the ramp 52 into the input lock 54 in order to be transferred into the interior of the receiving container 50'.

[0108] The execution of selected processes over the course of three predetermined time windows, as explained above for the first embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention, also applies mutatis mutandis to "Module B" according to this second embodiment of the system. This means that in the second time window, the two locks 54, 55 are then unlocked for operation by customers. In other words, customers can then preferably in the second time window either remove crates 24 containing fresh harvested goods and, if applicable, additional goods that have been additionally placed in a crate 24 containing harvested goods from the output lock 55, and / or transfer their empty crates to the input lock 54 for the purpose of returning these empty crates, in the manner of a deposit system.

[0109] In the second embodiment of the system 100, it can be provided for the associated receiving container 50' to also be equipped with a battery storage unit B. Such equipment of the receiving container 50°, e.g. in the form of a stationary container, is to be understood in the context that this battery storage unit B can then serve as a buffer battery or as a backup battery for the device 10, 10', 10" and its operation. For this purpose, it can be provided in the said third time window that this battery storage unit B, which is provided in the stationary receiving container 50', is charged by the power generated by the solar panels S of the device 10, 10', 10". Based on this, it is then possible for the components of the device 10, 10', 10" to be supplied with energy orPower can be supplied from the battery storage B of the stationary receiving container 50', wherein this battery storage B has previously been charged during the third time window as explained. Thus, the stationary battery storage B for the device 10, 10', 10" reduces the moving mass, i.e., for the device 10, 10', 10" the batteries or accumulators carried along can be made smaller, which then also leads to a lower weight, e.g., on the moving traverse(s) 12 of the device 10, 10', 10".

[0110] Fig.15 shows a simplified perspective view of a system 100 according to the invention according to a third embodiment. The receiving container 50" or the logistics module is provided here to be attached to an outer end face of a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" and to be moved together with this cross member 12 over the agricultural area N (in the embodiment of the device 10, 10' according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 along a circular path; in the embodiment of the device 10" according to Fig. 7 longitudinally or in a linear direction). For this purpose, the receiving container 50" is expediently also equipped with at least one wheel 51" which rolls on the ground of the agricultural area N.

[0111] The receiving container 50" or a logistics module according to this third embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention corresponds to the "Module C", which has already been mentioned in the introduction to the description.

[0112] The receiving container 50" according to "Module C" or according to the third embodiment of the system according to the invention can be equipped with regard to its interior in the same way as described above with reference to the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. In any case, the receiving container 50'' is equally suitable for transferring boxes 24 from the traverse 12 into the interior of the receiving container 50", preferably by means of an input lock 54 as explained above.

[0113] In the receiving container 50" according to "Module C" or according to the third embodiment of the system according to the invention, an output lock 55 is preferably provided on a side of the receiving container 50" which is opposite to the input lock 54. In the illustration according to Fig. 15, such an output lock 55 would thus be provided on the outside of the side of the receiving container 50'', which is located opposite the free end of the cross member 12. This then makes it possible for a transport vehicle, when the cross member 12 is stationary, to be driven adjacent to this side of the receiving container 50'' with the output lock 55 in order to then take over boxes 24 filled with fresh harvested material.

[0114] In the Fig.21-23 show and explain further possible embodiments of a box 24' that can be used in conjunction with a device 10, 10', 10' and / or a system 100 according to the present invention. Specifically: Fig. Figure 21 shows a perspective view of such a box 24', which is equipped with a lid 64. Within the box 24', several compartments 66 can be provided, which are filled with soil or a nutrient medium for pre-cultivation or cultivation of plants. Thus, seedlings from seeds can be introduced into these compartments 66 for the purpose of pre-cultivation or cultivation. The box 24' according to Fig. 21 is equipped with a lockable lid 64. In the Fig.22, this box 24' is shown when the lid 64 is closed. Thus, with the lid 64 closed, it is possible to set predetermined climatic conditions within this box 24', for example, with a predetermined temperature and / or with a predetermined humidity. Furthermore, the closed lid 64 (or lid 65, see FIG. Fig. 23) provides good weather protection for the seedlings inside box 24'.

[0115] The box 24' according to Fig.21 can be equipped with recessed grips 68 on its outer wall 67 for the purpose of simplified handling of such a box 24', if necessary. With regard to these recessed grips 68, it is specifically noted at this point that these recessed grips 68 are merely formed by depressions within the outer wall 67. This means that these recessed grips 68 do not form a passage or opening into the interior of the box 24', so that the desired closed atmosphere within the box 24', when the lid 64 is closed, is not disturbed or impaired by the recessed grips.

[0116] The box 24' can be opened with the lid 64 closed (cf. Fig.22) may be equipped with lights or illuminants (not shown) in the interior to illuminate the seedlings within the box 24' with light. For this purpose, the box 24' may be equipped with batteries and / or rechargeable batteries that provide power to these lights or illuminants. Additionally or alternatively, the box 24' may be equipped with a suitable control system with which the lights or illuminants can be controlled, for example, to switch these lights or illuminants on and off within predetermined time windows.

[0117] In Fig. 23 is the box of Fig.21 with a modified lid 65, which is at least partially or completely transparent on its upper side. This allows sunlight or daylight to shine from above into the interior of the box 24', thereby promoting the growth of the seedlings located within the box 24'. This variant of a box 24' can further be equipped with the lighting or illuminating means, as just described with reference to Fig. 22 explained.

[0118] Regarding a box 24', which is in the Fig. 21-23, the following aspects and features are additionally pointed out: • Such a 24' box is used for pre-cultivation or cultivation of seedlings from seeds. • In the case of the receiving container 50' (cf. Fig. 12, according to "Module A") or in the case of the variant of the receptacle 50" (cf. Fig.15, according to "Module C"), cultivation containers are to be provided. There are several boxes 24', each of which provides a variety of cultivation positions. • These special 24' boxes are preferably weatherproof and / or climate controlled (temperature and humidity) to create very good germination and growth conditions. • Sowing takes place at different times in the different 24' boxes so that the different growth stages of the seedlings are in the system at the same time, so that at any time the seedlings are ready to be planted out. • Such boxes 24' can be moved with the conveyor system 25 on or along a traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", so that planting of the seedlings located within a box 24' is possible by means of a field cultivation device 18, 19 of the device 10, 10', 10" when the box is on the conveyor system 25.

[0119] In connection with the system 100 according to the invention (see also Fig. 26) it is specifically pointed out at this point that at least one platform 101 (cf. Fig. 24, Fig. 25) with at least one field cultivation device 18, 19. The field cultivation device 18, 19 is attached to a chassis 111 of the platform 101 or a part thereof and serves to carry out at least one crop cultivation process step.

[0120] With regard to the above-mentioned platform 101, it should be noted that a field cultivation device 18, 19 can be mounted on the associated chassis 111 on a trolley 20, if necessary using a robot arm 23. In this respect, such an attachment of a field cultivation device 18, 19 corresponds to that of Fig. 9, whereby, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the explanations on Fig. 9 is referred to.

[0121] A conveyor system 125 (cf. Fig. 24) is attached, with which at least one box 24 can be moved in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the chassis 111 and thus brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device 18, 19.

[0122] The system 100 according to the invention is also characterized, among other things, in that the platform 101 can be brought into a position adjacent to the crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" such that the platform 101 can receive boxes 24 from the crossbeam 12 or such boxes 24, which are then filled with harvested crops P and are located on the platform, can be returned to or onto the crossbeam 12.

[0123] In the Fig. 24 and Fig. Figure 25 shows a possible variant of the aforementioned platform 101. The following explanations are provided in detail: The Platform 101 according to Fig. 24 is part of a mobile field robot, wherein a plurality of wheels 112 are attached to a chassis 111 thereof, with which the field robot 101 can be moved or moved across the usable area N. For the following discussion, the platform 101 according to this variant is also referred to simply as "mobile field robot 101."

[0124] At least one wheel 112 of the mobile field robot 101 is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the chassis 111 about a vertical axis in order to enable the mobile field robot 101 to change its direction of travel.

[0125] The chassis 111 of the field robot 101 has a modular design. Specifically, the chassis 111 consists of a plurality of elongated and, in particular, tubular plug-in elements 114, which are connected or fastened in the corner regions of the chassis 111 to a respective L-shaped base body 115. The plug-in elements 114, which, as explained above, are part of the chassis 111 of the field robot 101, are known, for example, from event technology and can be designed as a single-point traverse or as a multi-point traverse. In the embodiment shown according to the Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, these plug-in elements 114 are each designed as a 2-point traverse.

[0126] The aforementioned plug-in elements 114 of the chassis 111 are characterized by the fact that they can be connected to and detached from one another, in particular without the use of special tools, such that at least one dimension of the chassis can be changed easily and quickly. Such a change in the dimension of the chassis 111 can occur transversely and / or longitudinally to its longitudinal axis, and / or also along its vertical axis, i.e., in the vertical direction.

[0127] A total of four wheels 112 are attached to the chassis 111 of the field robot 101. The aforementioned L-shaped base bodies 115 serve to support the wheels 112. Accordingly, these L-shaped base bodies 115 each fulfill the function of a wheel suspension element.

[0128] In the assembled state of the field robot 101, the individual base bodies 115, which serve to support the respective wheels 112, and the majority of the plug-in elements 114, which are attached to the base bodies 115 profile elements 13, are thus components of the chassis 111.

[0129] With regard to the wheels 112 of the field robot 101, it should be noted that at least two such wheels can be provided with the ability to pivot about a vertical axis of rotation. This makes it possible for these wheels 112 to be pivoted relative to the base body 115, thus enabling the mobile field robot 101 to change direction when moving over a surface or ground.

[0130] If all four wheels 112 of the field robot 101 are pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation, the field robot 101 can be moved or traversed from a specific position in any direction, particularly on an agricultural area N, without resulting in a restriction of its mobility in the form of a turning circle. This ensures omnidirectional traversability of the field robot 101.

[0131] The term "omnidirectional" in the context of the present invention refers to the ability to move or move in any desired direction. This then allows, in addition to a purely linear or translational movement, also "oblique" movement, i.e., in a diagonal direction, and / or turning on the spot and / or moving in a circle. This applies both to the aforementioned base terminal 29 and equally to a platform 101 of the system 100 according to the invention, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 shown.

[0132] At least one wheel 112 of the mobile field robot 101 can be equipped with a motor (not further specified), for example, a wheel hub motor. Preferably, several wheels 112 of the field robot 101 are equipped with such a motor drive.

[0133] According to the illustration in the Fig. 24 and Fig.25, two box elements 124 are attached to the chassis 111 of the field robot 101, on each longitudinal side thereof. In this regard, it can be provided that such a box element 124 is connected to a plug-in element 114 via suitable fastening points.

[0134] For the field robot 101 shown, the box elements 124 serve the purpose of accommodating or attaching equipment elements that are important for the operation of the field robot 101. These equipment elements can be - a battery, or a plurality of such batteries, - Sensors, for example in the form of cameras, - Electrical and / or electronic components, for example in the form of a control or regulating device, - an applicator or a field cultivation device 18, 19 with which a plant cultivation process step can be carried out, and / or - GPS sensors.

[0135] In the presentation of Fig. 24 is symbolized by corresponding reference numerals that a transmitting / receiving unit 140, a weather station 141, a control or regulating device 142 and / or a battery 143 can be accommodated in a box element 124.

[0136] With regard to the feature of a battery 143, it should be noted that for the present invention, this also means a rechargeable battery that can be recharged in a known manner.

[0137] The attachment of a box element 124 to a plug-in element 114 is preferably carried out on the outside of the chassis 111 when assembled. This allows for good accessibility to the box elements 124, for example, for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0138] With the mobile field robot 101 it is possible to mount a field management device 18, 19 as shown in the Fig.9 and Fig. 10 has already been shown and explained. The Fig. 24, Fig. 25 each show the field robot 101 in a representation when a field cultivation device 18 is attached to the chassis 111 of the field robot 101 by means of a robot arm 23 and an associated trolley 20.

[0139] In addition or as an alternative to the representations according to the Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, it should be noted at this point that a field cultivation device 19, 19 can also be mounted on an outer side of the chassis 111. Several field cultivation devices 18, 19 can also be mounted on several sides of the chassis 111, in particular using trolleys 20, for example on opposite sides of the chassis 111. In connection with a field cultivation device 18, 19, as described in relation to the Fig. 9 and Fig.10, it should be pointed out that a field cultivation device 18, 19 can be mounted in the same way on the cross member 12 of the device 10 according to the Fig. 1-10 as well as on the mobile field robot 101 according to the Fig. 24, Fig. 25 can be mounted. Against this background, the advantage according to the invention for a field cultivation device 18, 19 is that, with regard to the device 10 on the one hand and the field robot 101 on the other hand, the use of identical parts and - if necessary - also identical spare parts is possible.

[0140] The representation according to the Fig. Figure 24 illustrates that the mobile field robot 101 is also equipped with a conveyor system 125, which is attached to the chassis 111 or a part thereof. In the embodiment shown here, this conveyor system 25 is attached to an upper side of two base bodies 115.

[0141] The conveyor system 125 of the mobile field robot 101 can be equipped with a circulating conveyor belt 152 and serves the purpose of moving at least one box 24 or a plurality of such boxes 24 in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the chassis 111 and thus bringing them to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device 18, 19 mounted on the field robot 101. In this context, it is understood that a plurality of such boxes 24 can be placed onto the conveyor belt 152 from above.

[0142] The conveyor belt 152 is expediently made of a rubberized material or has such a rubberized material on its surface. This has the advantage of preventing a box 24 from slipping on the conveyor belt 152.

[0143] The directions of movement that can be realized with the conveyor system 125 and its conveyor belt 152 for the boxes 24 are shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 are each symbolized by a double arrow and labeled “154”.

[0144] As an alternative to the conveyor belt 152 shown, the conveyor system 125 in the mobile field robot 101 can also have a roller conveyor (not shown) with a plurality of support rollers 27, each with a horizontal axis of rotation, as is also shown in Fig. 17. In this regard, one or more boxes 24 can then be placed on the roller conveyor from above, in the same way as with the conveyor belt 152. With regard to such a roller conveyor, for example with regard to its drive, reference may be made at this point to the explanations of the device 10 according to the invention in order to avoid repetition.

[0145] As an alternative to platform 101, which is located in the Fig.24 and Fig. 25, a variant is also possible, the chassis of which is equipped with a coupling device with which the chassis can be attached or coupled to a tractor (not shown) or a comparable tractor. This coupling device is expediently adapted to a three-point hitch of a tractor and can thus be attached to such a three-point hitch. Furthermore, such a variant of the platform is constructed in the same modular manner as in Fig. 24 and Fig. 22, and comprises a plurality of elongated and, in particular, tubular plug-in elements that can be connected to and detached from one another without the use of special tools. This makes it possible for at least one dimension of the chassis to be variable.

[0146] The perspective view of Fig.26 now shows the system 100 according to the invention, in which the device 10 and the mobile field robot 101 interact with each other. In the illustration of Fig. For simplification, Fig. 26 shows a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", which is an embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 1a, Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 can act, is basically simplified and only partially shown.

[0147] In connection with the system 100 according to the invention, the device 10, 10', 10" fulfills the function of a (semi-mobile or quasi-stationary) base station on the agricultural area N. This means in the sense of the present invention that by means of this device 10, 10', 10" it is possible, on the one hand, to transfer boxes 24 in a targeted manner to the mobile field robot 101. For this purpose, the mobile field robot 101, as in Fig. 25, are positioned on an end face of a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" in such a way that operation of the conveyor system 25 then enables a transfer of at least one box 24, preferably of a plurality of such boxes 24, from the cross member 12 to the field robot 101. These boxes 24 can be provided from the storage or roll magazine of the device 10, 10', 10" (or from the roller conveyor 26 of the conveyor system 25).

[0148] The boxes 24 which the field robot 101 has received from the traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", as explained, can be, for example, empty boxes 24, or boxes 24 containing seed which is then spread or sown on the agricultural area N by the mobile field robot 101 and a field cultivation device 18, 19 mounted thereon.

[0149] After the field robot 101 has received at least one box 24, preferably a plurality of such boxes 24, from the traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", as explained, it can move away from the device 10, 10', 10" and carry out its work "independently" or autonomously. In this context, it should be noted that the operation of the system according to the invention can be realized not only by the device 10, 10', 10", but also by the mobile field robot 101 described here.

[0150] For the system 100 according to the invention, it is further pointed out that the mobile field robot 101, when, after carrying out plant cultivation process steps, harvested crops of plants P have been introduced into the boxes 24 located on the field robot 101, can then be moved again into a position adjacent to a front side of the cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", as shown in the Fig. 25 is shown. This is then done for the purpose of returning the boxes 24 filled with crop material from the field robot 101 to the traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", so that these boxes can be transported via the conveyor system 25 of the device 10, 10', 10" to or into the storage magazine of the device 10, 10', 10" (or onto the roller conveyor 26). Following this, further handling of these boxes 24 filled with crop material takes place, for example, loading onto transport vehicles, as in connection with the Fig. 4 has already been explained.

[0151] As already explained above, at least one conveyor system can be provided both in the device 10, 10', 10" and in the mobile field robot 101. If necessary, the device 10, 10', 10" and / or the mobile field robot 101 or the platform 101' according to its second variant can each be equipped with a plurality of such conveyor systems, which can then be arranged vertically one above the other and / or horizontally next to one another. In any case, such a conveyor system 25, 125 ensures that at least one box 24, preferably a plurality of such boxes 24, can always be moved to a predetermined position of the cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" or the chassis 111 of the field robot 101, in which position an interaction with a field cultivation device 18, 19 attached to a robot arm 23 is then possible.Such an interaction, in the sense of the present invention, is to be understood as meaning that a field cultivation device 18, 19 either specifically removes items from a box 24, for example seeds, seedlings, young plants or the like, or that a field cultivation device 18, 19 specifically places harvested material into a box 24 during a harvesting process step. As already explained elsewhere above, this harvested material can also originate from different plants or varieties, namely in the event that "mixed cultivation" of plants or vegetables is carried out on the agricultural land N. Thus, with the present invention, it is possible to place harvested material from different plants P into a common box 24 provided for this purpose.

[0152] If, during the harvest, the boxes 24 located on the conveyor system 25 of the device 10, 10', 10" or the platform 101 are completely filled with harvested material, it can be provided according to the invention that this fill level is detected by suitable sensors. In this case, with respect to the device 10, 10', 10", these full boxes 24 can be moved by means of the conveyor system 25 to a position of the storage or roll magazine (or the roller conveyor 26), at which the filled boxes 24 can be transferred to transport vehicles for further processing or logistics, for example. With respect to the mobile field robot 101, in this case (ieUpon detection of filled boxes 24), the field robot 101 is moved back to a front side of the traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", as explained, so that filled boxes 24 located on the field robot 101 can be returned to the traverse 12 of the device 10, 10', 10". Thus, the device 10, 10', 10" fulfills or takes over the function of a base station. The same applies to the case of a platform 101' according to the second variant, which is attached to a tractor.

[0153] Following this, it is then possible for empty crates 24 to be (again) provided on the roller conveyor 26 of the conveyor system 25 and / or transferred from the said storage or roll magazine of the conveyor system 25 (or from the roller conveyor 26) to the mobile field robot 101 again, so that further crop production process steps can be carried out by the device 10, 10', 10" and / or by the platform (e.g. in the form of a mobile field robot 101).

[0154] The above explanation of the system 100 according to the invention, which was given for the example of the use of a platform according to a variant in the form of the mobile field robot 101, also applies mutatis mutandis to an alternative variant (not shown) thereof, which, as explained, can be attached to a tractor or the like. In connection with the fact that this alternative variant of the platform can be moved into a position adjacent to a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", at which a transfer of boxes 24 from the cross member 12 to or onto the platform 101' or a reception of boxes filled with crop on the cross member 12 from the direction of the platform 101' is possible, it should be understood with regard to the platform according to this variant that this occurs with the movement of the tractor to which the platform according to this variant is attached oris suspended, in said position adjacent to a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10".

[0155] With regard to the system 100 according to the invention, it is emphasized that it can also be equipped with a plurality of platforms 101. This means that a plurality of mobile field robots 101 can then be used, each of which can be moved, preferably alternately, into a position adjacent to the traverse 12 to receive crates 24 from the traverse 12 or deliver them to the traverse 12. Mutatis mutandis, this also applies to a plurality of different platforms 101' according to the alternative variant, which can be attached to different tractors or the like.

[0156] With regard to the use of the mobile platform 101, in addition to the above explanations, it is pointed out that this mobile platform 101 can also be used at the base terminal 29 if required (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 15, Fig. 26) can ‘dock’, namely for the purpose of receiving either empty boxes or boxes filled with seed from the base terminal 29, or of transferring boxes filled with harvested material to the base terminal 29.

[0157] Furthermore, by means of a mobile platform 101, it is possible to transport boxes 24 between, on the one hand, the device 10, 10', 10" (and their cross members 12) and, on the other hand, the base terminal 29.

[0158] Furthermore, by means of a mobile platform 101, if necessary, the transport of a battery storage unit B between the base terminal B and the delivery vehicle F can be carried out, namely in connection with the inventive system 100 according to “Module A”. This is done for the purpose of exchanging an at least partially discharged battery storage unit B, which is currently located in the delivery vehicle F, for a fully charged battery storage unit B, which is removed from the base terminal 29. Such an exchange of a battery storage unit B is expediently carried out fully automatically, for example using a mobile platform 101 according to Fig. 24.

[0159] In the event that a plurality of devices 10, 10', 10" are used on the agricultural area N, it is also possible, by means of a mobile platform 101, for boxes 24 to be transported back and forth or exchanged between these different devices 10, 10', 10" if necessary.

[0160] Finally, the Fig. 27, in which a perspective view of another embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention is shown. This embodiment comprises a large-volume receptacle 50, in which, as explained above, a plurality of boxes 24 can be accommodated. To avoid repetition with regard to such a receptacle 50, reference is made to the explanations regarding the embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention according to Fig. 11 and the embodiment of the receiving container according to the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14.

[0161] The inventive system 100 according to the Fig. 27 also includes a platform 101 which is movable relative to the agricultural area N and which is part of a mobile field robot. Such a field robot 101 has already been described above with reference to Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference may be made to the relevant explanations.

[0162] Suitably, the system 100 according to Fig. 27 at least one energy generating device, wherein the receiving container 50 and / or the field robot are equipped with a battery that can be charged with electrical energy generated by the energy generating device.

[0163] The representation of Fig. Figure 27 illustrates that the mobile field robot 101 can be positioned or "parked" adjacent to the receiving container 50. In this position of the mobile field robot 101 adjacent to the receiving container 50, it is possible to transfer crates 24 between the conveyor system 25 of the mobile field robot 101 and the lock 150 (see Figure 27). Fig. 13) of the receiving container 50, namely in the direction of movement shown in the Fig. 27 is symbolized by the double arrow "154". If necessary, the ramp 52R can be height-adjustable to compensate for possible height differences between the mobile field robot 101 and the receiving container 50.

[0164] With respect to the system 100 according to Fig. 26 and Fig. 27, it is pointed out at this point that this can also be used in the three concise time windows I, II and III of a day, which were described above in connection with the flow chart of Fig. 16. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 16.

[0165] With regard to all the above-mentioned embodiments of the system 100 according to the invention, it should be noted that the energy generation device can be attached to the traverse 12 of the device 10 and / or to the receiving container 50 and / or to the mobile field robot 101 and / or to the base terminal 29.

[0166] Furthermore, the energy generation device can also be arranged in selected areas of the agricultural land N. For example, in the case of a device 10, 10' according to the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 1a or Fig. 2, in which an associated crossbeam 12 rotates around a stationary central column 14, it can be provided that the energy generation device is then arranged or installed in the corner areas of the agricultural land N that are not covered by the crossbeam 12 (or the crossbeams 12). For this case, the energy generation device can expediently be designed in the form of solar panels S, which are then arranged in said corner areas of the agricultural land N.

[0167] In addition or alternatively, it is also possible that an energy generation facility in the form of a wind turbine rotor and / or in the form of a biogas plant is arranged in the said corner areas of the agricultural area N. List of reference symbols 1-7 segments (24 in a box) 10, 10', 10" device 12 (main) traverse 14 stationary center column 15 upper free end (of the stationary center column 14) 16 Chassis (with wheels) 18, 19 Field management facility(ies) 20 trolley 22 Guide rail 23 Robot arm 24, 24' box(es) 25 conveyor system 26 roller conveyor 27 support roller(s) 29 Base terminal 30 first sensor 32 second sensor 34 weather station 36 Transceiver unit 38 Control or regulating device 40 cable drums 50, 50', 50" receiving container or logistics module 51 wheels (of a vehicle F, into which the receiving container or the logistics module 50 is integrated, cf. Fig. 11) 51" wheels (of a receiving container 50 according to "Module C" or Fig. 15) 52 Device by means of which boxes 24 can be moved between the conveyor system 24 provided on the traverse 12 and the lock 150 of the receiving container 50 52R Ramp 53 Driver's cab (of delivery vehicle F) 54 Entry gate 55 Exit gate 56 Storage system (e.g. in the form of a shelving system) 57 xyz portal system 58 Robot arm 60 segments (24 in a box) 61 hollow (e.g. for a cucumber) 62 recesses (e.g. for a head of lettuce) 63 sealable can(s) 64, 65 lockable lid (of a 24' box) 66 subdivisions (within a box 24') 67 outer wall (of a box 24') 68 recessed handle (in the outer wall 66) 100 systems 101 platform, as part of a mobile field robot 111 chassis 112 wheels 114 plug-in elements 115 L-shaped base body 124 box element 125 Conveyor system (of platform 101) 133 Stop plate or “parking area” 140 Transceiver unit 141 weather station 142 Control or regulating device 143 Battery 150 lock 152 rotating conveyor belt 154 Direction of movement (for a box 24) 210 guy rope 214 Wind turbine rotor A, B Outer end faces (of a traverse 12) B Battery storage F Delivery vehicle N agricultural land P Plant(s) R Monitoring space (of the first or second sensor 30, 32) S solar panel(s)

Claims

[1] System (100) for managing an agricultural area (N), comprising a device (10) with at least one elongated cross member (12) and an associated chassis (16) with at least one wheel, with which the cross member (12) can be moved circularly or linearly over the usable area (N), wherein the device has at least one field cultivation device (18, 19) which is movable or movable along the cross member (12), and a large-volume receiving container (50) in which a plurality of crates (24) can be received, wherein the receiving container (50) is equipped with a lock (150; 54, 55) so that this lock (150; 54, 55) ensures a connection between the outside of the receiving container (50) and its interior and thus a transfer of crates (24) from the outside of the receiving container (50) into its interior or from the interior of the receiving container (50) to its outside is possible, wherein a storage system (56) for receiving a plurality of crates (24) and a device for moving crates (24) are provided in the interior of the receiving container (50), characterized by , that the device (10) has a conveyor system (25) provided on the cross member (12) along its longitudinal extent, wherein at least one box (24), preferably a plurality of such boxes (24), can be moved with the conveyor system (25) along the longitudinal extent of the cross member (12) in a certain direction and can thus be brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device (18, 19), that the device for moving boxes (24) is designed in the form of an xyz portal system (57) and / or in the form of a robot gripper arm (58) with a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the xyz portal system (57) or the robot gripper arm (58) is each preferably arranged in a central region of the interior of the receiving container (50), such that a single box (24) can be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally with the robot gripper arm (58), that a device (52) is provided by means of which boxes (24) can be moved between the conveyor system (24) provided on the traverse (12) and the lock (150; 54, 55) of the receiving container (50), and that at least one energy generating device is provided, wherein the receiving container (50) is equipped with a battery (B) which can be charged with electrical energy generated by the energy generating device. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, characterized byin that the device (52) by means of which boxes (24) can be moved between the conveyor system (24) provided on the cross member (12) and the lock (150; 54, 55) of the receiving container (50) is designed in the form of a ramp (52R) by means of which a connection can be made between an outer end face of the cross member (12) of the device (10) and the lock (150; 54, 55) of the receiving container (50), so that boxes (24) can be moved via this ramp (52R) between the conveyor system (24) provided on the cross member (12) and the lock (150; 54, 55) of the receiving container (50). [3] System (100) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the ramp (52) is foldable down and / or extendable and / or height-adjustable, so that the receiving container (50) can be docked to the outer end face of the cross member (12) even in the case of height differences and / or different distances that may exist between the locks (150; 54, 55) of the receiving container (50) and the cross member (12). [4] System (100) for managing an agricultural area (N), comprising a large-volume receiving container (50) in which a plurality of crates (24) can be received, wherein the receiving container (50) is equipped with a lock (150; 54, 55) so that this lock (150; 54, 55) ensures a connection between the outside of the receiving container (50) and its interior and thus a transfer of crates (24) from the outside of the receiving container (50) into its interior or from the interior of the receiving container (50) to its outside is possible, wherein a storage system (56) for receiving a plurality of crates (24) and a device for moving crates (24) are provided in the interior of the receiving container (50), characterized by , that the device for moving boxes (24) is designed in the form of an xyz portal system (57) and / or in the form of a robot gripper arm (58) with a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the xyz portal system (57) or the robot gripper arm (58) is each preferably arranged in a central region of the interior of the receiving container (50), such that a single box (24) can be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally with the robot gripper arm (58), that a platform (101) is provided which is movable relative to the agricultural area (N), which is part of a mobile field robot, wherein a chassis (111) of the platform (101) has a plurality of wheels (112) attached thereto, with which the field robot can be moved across the agricultural area (N), wherein at least one of the wheels (112) is provided with a drive, wherein at least one wheel (112) is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the chassis (111) about a vertical axis in order to enable the mobile field robot to change its direction of travel, wherein the mobile field robot has at least one field cultivation device (18, 19) which is attached to a chassis (111) of the platform (101) or a part thereof and with which a crop cultivation process step can be carried out, wherein a conveyor system (25) is attached to the chassis (111) of the platform (101) or a part thereof,with which at least one box (24) can be moved in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the chassis (111) and thus brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device (18, 19), wherein the platform (101) can be brought into a position adjacent to the receiving container (50) such that the platform (101) can receive boxes (24) from the receiving container (50) or such boxes (24), which are then filled with harvested plant material (P) and are located on the platform (101), can be returned to the receiving container (50), and that at least one energy generation device is provided, wherein the receiving container (50) and / or the field robot is equipped with a battery (B) which can be charged with electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. [5] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the device for moving boxes (24) in the form of the xyz portal system (57) is configured such that a single box (24) can be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally. [6] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a facility for supplementing crates filled with harvested produce with selected additional food items. [7] System (100) according to claim 6, characterized by that a box (24) which is equipped with harvested material can be equipped with additional selected foodstuffs in the interior of the receiving container with the aid of the xyz portal system (57) and / or with the aid of the robot gripper arm (58). [8] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving container (50) is equipped with at least one additional module for further processing and / or post-processing of harvested material. [9] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device for automatic cleaning of crates (24). [10] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving container (50) is integrated into a vehicle (F) with wheels and road approval, e.g. a van or a bus, so that boxes (24) filled with harvested goods and / or with selected other foodstuffs can be transported by means of the vehicle (F) to a predetermined location outside the agricultural area (N). [11] System (100) according to claim 10, characterized by that the vehicle (F) is driven by an electric motor and is equipped with at least one battery (B) for supplying energy to at least one electric motor, which battery can be charged with the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. [12] System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the receiving container is stationary and thus positioned at the edge of the agricultural area (N). [13] System (100) according to claim 12, characterized by that fully autonomous flying objects (“drones”) operate from the stationary receiving container (50) and fly to selected target points in the vicinity of the agricultural area (N) in order to bring there at least one harvest box with fresh harvested crops and, if applicable, other selected foodstuffs. [14] System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the receiving container (50) is mounted with at least a part thereof on the cross member (12) of the device (10) and in this respect forms a traveling intermediate storage device for a plurality of boxes (24) which can be received in the receiving container (50). [15] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the receiving container (50) is equipped with a payment device for receiving or dispensing cash and / or for cashless payment, wherein the lock (54, 55) is connected to the payment device by means of signals and can be actuated by means of a control device if a payment transaction has been detected by the payment device. [16] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving container (50) is equipped with a control system which is in signal connection with • at least one sensor, preferably a plurality of sensors, which is or are provided in an interior of the receiving container (50) for monitoring temperature and / or humidity within the receiving container (50); and / or • with an air conditioning unit with which the interior of the receiving space (50) can be set or regulated to predetermined values ​​for humidity and / or temperature, and / or • with a sensor system for monitoring and tracking boxes (24) or food containers within the receiving container (50); and / or • with sensors for the detection and inventory monitoring of the complementary products or food; and / or • with the device for moving boxes (24) in the form of the xyz portal system (57) and / or in the form of the robot gripper arm (58). [17] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a media connection to the device (10) and / or to another surrounding structure is provided for the receiving container (50), wherein a transfer of electricity and / or hydrogen and / or fresh water and / or dirty water is possible through this media connection. [18] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a base terminal (29) with which the required field logistics can be implemented, preferably that by means of this base terminal (29) a provision or dispensing of seeds and / or seedlings and / or the collection or acceptance of harvested goods and / or the dispensing or receiving of boxes (24) takes place, further preferably that the base terminal (29) is arranged in the area of ​​the agricultural land (N). [19] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat boxes (24) in which harvested goods or selected other foodstuffs are placed are provided with a unique identification, in particular in the form of a barcode, whereby by means of this unique identification an individual composition of the respective contents of a box (24) is defined and / or an exact positioning of such a box (24) within the storage system (56) provided in the interior of the receiving container (50) can be determined. [20] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in a box (24) different segments (60) and / or troughs (61) and / or depressions (62) and / or sealable cans or the like are provided, which are suitable for receiving harvested goods and / or selected foodstuffs, e.g. lettuce heads, cucumbers, pasta, sauces or the like. [21] System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3 or according to one of claims 5 to 20, characterized bythat the device (10) fulfils the function of a base station on an agricultural area (N), and further characterized by at least one platform (101) which is movable relative to the agricultural area (N) and is provided separately from the device (10), wherein the platform (101) is part of a mobile field robot, wherein a chassis (111) of the platform (101) has a plurality of wheels (112) attached thereto, with which the field robot can be moved over the agricultural area (N), wherein at least one of the wheels (112) is provided with a drive, wherein at least one wheel (112) is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the chassis (111) about a vertical axis in order to enable the mobile field robot to change its direction of travel. [22] System (100) according to claim 21, characterized bythat the mobile field robot has at least one field cultivation device (18, 19) which is attached to a chassis (111) of the platform (101) or a part thereof and with which a crop cultivation process step can be carried out, wherein a conveyor system (25) is attached to the chassis (111) of the platform (101) or a part thereof, with which at least one box (24) can be moved in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the chassis (111) and thus brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device (18, 19), wherein the platform (101) can be brought into a position adjacent to at least one cross member (12) of the device (10) and / or to the receiving container (50) such that the platform (101) can receive boxes (24) from the cross member (12) or from the receiving container (50) or such boxes (24), which are then filled with harvested plant material (P) and are located on the platform (101), can be returned to or onto the cross member (12) or to the receiving container (50). [23] System (100) according to claim 4 or according to claim 21 or 22, characterized byin that the mobile field robot (101) has a battery (143) and an electric motor drive fed from the battery (143), by means of which at least one wheel (112) and / or a robot arm (23) with a field cultivation device (18, 19) attached thereto is driven, wherein the battery (143) is electrically connected to at least one energy generating device and can be charged with electrical energy generated by the energy generating device. [24] System (100) according to claim 4 or according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized by that the platform (101) has a height adjustment mechanism which cooperates with the conveyor system (25) of the platform (101) in such a way that a distance of the conveyor system (25) from the agricultural area (N) and thus its vertical height can be adjusted to a predetermined value by means of the height adjustment mechanism. [25] System (100) according to one of claims 18 to 24, as far as dependent on claim 11, characterized by that a plurality of replacement battery storage units (B) can be arranged within the base terminal (29), which - as long as they are located in the base terminal (29) - are then charged by the current generated by the energy generation device, so that the base terminal (29) thus serves as a battery farm, wherein a fully charged replacement battery storage unit (B) can be transported from the base terminal (29) by means of the mobile field robot to a vehicle (F) according to claim 11 in order to exchange an at least partially discharged battery of the vehicle (F) for the fully charged replacement battery storage unit (B). [26] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the energy generation device is attached to the cross member (12) of the device (10) and / or to the receiving container (50) and / or to the mobile field robot (101) and / or to the base terminal (29) and / or is arranged in selected areas of the agricultural area (N), wherein the energy generation device is designed in the form of solar panels (S), in the form of at least one wind turbine rotor (214) and / or in the form of a biogas plant.

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