COMBINATION OF A WORKBOAT AND A TRANSPORT MODULE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A COMBINATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a combination of a workboat and a transport module.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for operating such a combination, in particular for harvesting aquatic plants W.

[0003] Patent DE102010037781A1 describes a weed-collecting boat for removing aquatic vegetation, featuring a collection and transport belt and a bow-mounted mower. The boat has two parallel hulls as a multihull. Furthermore, the mower is height-adjustable. Furthermore, the weed-collecting boat is equipped with receiving, collection, and transport belts.

[0004] Features of DE102010037781A1 are the combination of the height-adjustable U-shaped mower with pickup and transfer resulted in changes. This technical solution with a bow-mounted mower does not exploit the multi-hull construction while simultaneously utilizing the space between the hulls in order to maintain good positional stability when adjusting the height of the mower. The bow attachment of the working tool lengthens the entire boat, shifts the center of gravity forward, and causes increased rocking when the working tool is moved. This must be compensated for by sufficient size and mass of the boat in relation to the working tool. A further consequence is the disadvantage of the increased size and increased mass, each in relation to the work performance, and the associated reduced maneuverability.

[0005] Document DE 185 8798 U1 discloses a compact harvesting or mowing boat, in which the mower is mechanically height-adjustable, particularly using a hand crank. Thus, the height adjustment of the tool has little impact on the center of gravity, but the combined collection of the crop is only possible with increased technical effort.

[0006] JP 201616678 A is known, which discloses a harvesting boat with a double-hull construction and a harvested material intake belt that extends diagonally into the water. The harvesting device is also apparently height-adjustable.

[0007] JP 2006211910 A discloses a harvesting boat in which a harvesting device can be lowered inside the boat. US 5,069,023 A1 discloses a harvesting boat for aquatic plants in which a harvesting device (20, 22) is arranged on the boat in a lowerable manner. Linking to, for example, downstream support boats is also possible.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a workboat-transport module combination and a method for operating such a combination that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The workboat should have a technically simple design and be usable, in particular, as a harvesting boat for the continuous harvesting of aquatic plants.

[0009] The invention is also based on the object of temporarily storing the harvested material in a technically simple manner, starting from the pickup in a quasi-continuous manner, and transferring it to a downstream handling technology, for example for transport purposes, at intervals, whereby the harvesting process should not be interrupted.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by a combination with the features according to claim 1 and by a method with the features according to claim 6.

[0011] This makes use of the advantages of the multi-hull design, in particular a compact and lightweight structure of the workboat 5, especially as a harvesting boat 6, while at the same time providing high performance in relation to the boat size during the harvesting process and the transfer of the harvested crop E.

[0012] By arranging the movement space between at least two hulls 2, according to the invention, when the at least one working tool 5.1, in particular the harvesting tool 6.1, is moved, the center of gravity of the workboat 5 is shifted longitudinally on the transversely central longitudinal axis by a maximum of 15%, based on the boat length, without the need for additional ballasting measures.

[0013] This makes it possible that when the height of the working tool 5.1 or the harvesting tool 6.1 is adjusted for functional reasons, the tipping stability and heeling safety of the work boat 5 or the harvesting boat 6 are hardly affected.

[0014] In the movement space of the support frame 4.4, the movement path of the support frame 4.4 runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the work boat 5 or harvesting boat 6. There is a vertical movement of the support frame 4.4 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the work boat or harvesting boat 6, but a negligible horizontal movement of the support frame 4.4 in relation to the water surface.

[0015] The movement path of the variable-action working tool 5.1 is located within the movement space of the variable-action working tool 5.1, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the working or harvesting boat 6. This essentially involves a vertical movement of the working tool 5.1 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the working or harvesting boat 6. The working tool 5.1 can be pivoted horizontally, preferably up to 50% in each direction, out of the movement path of the support frame 4.4.

[0016] This allows the entire size of the boat and its full buoyancy to be used to carry the workload. The ratio of boat size to the payload of the working tool 5.1 or the harvesting tool 6.1 plus the workload, for example the harvested crop E, can be significantly improved. However, this does not come at the expense of maneuverability and safety on water. These are improved because the more favorable center of gravity minimizes tipping movements about the transverse axis of the workboat 5 or harvesting boat 6 when changing the working depth and when lifting the working tool 5.1 or harvesting tool 6.1. Stability against heeling, for example in waves on water G, is minimized by the multi-hull design, as with existing technical solutions. The requirements for heeling safety are met.In this case, safety requirements are met in accordance with applicable regulations, such as the IS Code 2008 on intact stability, as contained in the letter on the commercial use of recreational craft from the German Trade Association for Transport and the Traffic Industry.

[0017] At the same time, especially when used as a harvesting boat 6, the harvesting tool 6.1, the conveyor belt 4.1 and the movement space between the hulls 2 are used to convey and temporarily store the harvested material E.

[0018] Workboat 5 is not designed as a compact boat, but as a multihull. This offers significant advantages. For example, the harvesting tool 6.1, which is suspended from a joint 4.5 by means of a support frame 4.4 to allow adaptation to different water depths, can be suspended significantly further aft, specifically between the hulls 2, rather than directly at the bow, compared to previously available solutions. This allows for a significantly more favorable center of gravity, greater stability, and, with the same superstructure payload, a significantly smaller and more compact design because the mass of the tool, which was previously usually attached to the bow, no longer needs to be balanced by the overall size of the boat and, if necessary, ballasting in the stern. This makes workboat 5 compact and stable. The advantages of the multihull design are utilized. The suspension of the working tool 5.1 between the hulls 2 shifts the center of gravity to the middle.This results in a better ratio of working performance and intake capacity to length and size, as well as better positional stability of the harvesting boat 6, especially during the harvesting and loading process.

[0019] The workboat 5 is designed for a payload ranging from approximately 50 kg to approximately 10 t. The workboat 5 has a length of approximately 2 to approximately 15 m and a width of approximately 1 to approximately 5 m.

[0020] The innovation of this workboat 5 lies primarily in the aforementioned boat characteristics. Furthermore, a modular concept is possible as a possible, highly advantageous combination with additional modules for transport and landing. This enables a chain consistently tailored to efficient harvesting up to landing. This includes staggered material transport by barges 7.1 and at least one landing module 7.2 for transferring material to transport devices T, such as transport vehicles or transport containers, each based on a common technical platform to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and simplify operations. The time-consuming and problematic loading of the shore zone using wheel loaders, amphibious vehicles, etc., can be eliminated, and landing does not have to take place in frequently used and therefore conflict-prone areas of port-like infrastructure, as described in one exemplary embodiment. No comparable concept exists for this.

[0021] It is preferred that this workboat 5 can be operated manually, preferably partially or highly automated, and / or remotely controlled.

[0022] The partially or highly automated operation primarily includes the use of sensors and a control system with partially or fully automated operation of all necessary actuators for boat coupling processes, harvesting processes, unloading or transfer processes, operation of the harvesting unit, maneuvering of the work boat 5 in the design as a harvesting boat 6 to simplify boat operation.

[0023] Highly automated in the sense of the invention means a fully automated operation with the possibility of manual intervention, whereby known operating elements are available in this regard.

[0024] The remote-controlled operation includes the manual or partially or highly automated actuation of required actuators via a radio control unit, so that the transmitter, for example from the shore, transmits radio signals to the receiver on the harvesting boat 6 or in the opposite direction as a transmitter from the harvesting boat 6 to further devices, such as a lighter 7.1 or at least a landing module 7.2.

[0025] It is preferred that the workboat 5 or harvesting boat 6 has at least one boat drive 3 and an operating unit 3.1, wherein the boat drive 3 is preferably driven by an electric motor. The boat drive 3 can alternatively be operated with an internal combustion engine.

[0026] The control unit 3.1 is used to operate the boat drive 3 and thus to maneuver the workboat 5 or harvesting boat 6 on the waterway G. A small harvesting boat structure and continuous harvesting with transfer on the waterway G without significant intermediate buffering of the crop E on the harvesting boat 6 result in better maneuverability with the same harvesting performance compared to conventional harvesting boats with larger dimensions, even with a stern-mounted drive. The central arrangement of the drive units 3.2, see Fig. 6 , the high maneuverability can be further improved.

[0027] It is preferred that the workboat 5, in particular the harvesting boat 6, has an operating station, preferably with a seat 6.2. The seat 6.2 serves as the operating point of the operating unit 3.1 for the operating personnel on the harvesting boat 6.

[0028] It is preferred that a hull 2 ​​consists of at least one hollow body 2.3 and / or at least one pneumatically prestressed membrane-air body 2.1 and / or at least one mechanically prestressed membrane-folding body 2.2. Segmentation of a hollow body, membrane-air body, and / or membrane-folding body is also subject of the invention. The arrangement of at least two, preferably parallel, hulls 2 enables the buoyancy required for the boat to float and high positional stability in the body of water G.

[0029] If the harvesting boat 6 has two hulls 2, the harvesting tool 6.1 is arranged centrally between them.

[0030] According to the invention, each hull 2 ​​can be designed as a hull composite. Combinations of hulls 2 arranged side by side or one behind the other are possible, as exemplified in Fig. 1 , 2 and 6 shown.

[0031] It is preferred that the workboat 5 be a harvesting boat 6, a sampling boat, a boat for drilling applications, for the removal of material and objects from bodies of water, a pipe-laying boat, or a boat with a suction and / or grab dredger, or at least serve as a floating platform for handling purposes in the sense of water management and hydraulic engineering applications. This should enable operations such as drilling, clearing work above and / or in the body of water G, as well as on the ground or on land, sampling, laying, or extraction work.

[0032] It is preferred that the work boat 5 has at least one transfer unit 4 and serves to transfer transport goods T.

[0033] It is preferred that the workboat 5 is a harvesting boat 6 and the work tool 5.1 is a harvesting tool 6.1, and that the transfer unit 4 has the support frame 4.4 and at least one conveyor belt 4.1, and thus the conveyor belt 4.1 is carried by the support frame 4.4. In this case, both the harvesting tool 6.1 and at least one conveyor belt 4.1 of the transfer unit 4 and the harvested material E temporarily stored on the conveyor belt 4.1 are arranged transversely centrally to the workboat 5 between the at least two hulls 2 running in the longitudinal direction or the inner hulls 2 running in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one conveyor belt 4.1 of the transfer unit 4 is preferably permeable to water.

[0034] It is preferred that the positioning of the working tool 5.1, in particular the harvesting tool 6.1 of the harvesting boat 6, between the hulls 2 enables quiet and efficient operation of the work boat 5.

[0035] It is preferred that the support frame 4.4 of the harvesting boat 6 is arranged at the rear on a joint 4.5 on the frame 1 and is thus connected to the frame 1 so as to be rotatable about the joint 4.5.

[0036] It is preferred that the pivot drive 4.3 is connected to the support frame 4.4 and the frame 1 in the sense of a feed actuator. This is intended to enable a change in the position of the support frame 4.4, in the sense of pivoting relative to the frame 1 and rotating about the joint 4.5, by actuating the pivot drive 4.3.

[0037] It is preferred that the harvesting tool 6.1 is arranged on the bow side of the support frame 4.4, wherein the harvesting tool 6.1 is supported by the support frame 4.4 and, by pivoting the support frame 4.4, the working height of the cutting area of ​​the harvesting tool 6.1 can be variably adjusted. Preferably, a range of 0.25 m above the water surface to 2 m below the water surface is adjustable.

[0038] It is preferred that at least one connecting element 4.2 of the transfer unit 4 is arranged on the frame 1. The connecting element 4.2 is preferably designed with a safety gear and self-locking locking mechanism for the repeatable connection of the harvesting boat 6 to other watercraft such as barges 7.1. This enables, for example, robust transfer operations under difficult weather conditions on the body of water G.

[0039] It is preferred that the harvesting boat 6 has at least one sensor monitoring for the operation of the harvesting tool 6.1, which enables greater safety.

[0040] It is preferred that the harvesting boat 6 has an intermediate buffer for the crop E, with at least one conveyor belt 4.1 of the transfer unit 4 preferably serving as an intermediate buffer. When changing the barges 7.1 on the harvesting boat 6, the crop discharge is interrupted. By temporarily buffering the crop E on at least one conveyor belt 4.1 during the barge change, the crop discharge is temporarily bridged and a continuous harvesting process of the crop E is enabled.

[0041] If the harvesting boat 6 has two hulls 2, the conveyor belt 4.1 is arranged centrally between them.

[0042] If the harvesting boat 6 has more than two hulls 2, the conveyor belt 4.1 is arranged centrally between the two inner hulls 2.

[0043] Specifically, the space between the two parallel hulls 2 is used for suspension and as a maneuvering space for the variable-speed working tool 5.1 or the harvesting tool 6.1, which operates at water depths of up to 2 m. Due to the smaller design of the working tool 5.1 or harvesting tool 6.1 relative to the work performance compared to conventional technology, the workboat 5 or harvesting boat 6 is more compact, shorter, and more maneuverable. This is particularly important in the often critical areas near the shore or infrastructure (including moorings, landing points A, jetties, bridge piers, and local recreational infrastructure).

[0044] It is preferred that the conveyor belt 4.1 is designed as an open conveyor belt 4.1 with, for example, plastic links, which on the one hand reduces the overall mass of the work boat 5 or harvesting boat 6 as a lightweight construction measure and on the other hand allows water to drip off.

[0045] It is preferred that dewatering of the harvested material E takes place by dripping water onto a water-permeable conveyor belt 4.1. Dripping water is the water remaining on the aquatic plants W from the body of water G after harvesting, which flows off the harvested aquatic plants W due to storage outside the body of water G. A lower water content in the harvested material mass increases the transport efficiency of the harvested material E.

[0046] Furthermore, a gentle cutting technique is intended to minimize the amount of excretions, especially aquatic plant sap, from the cut and harvested aquatic plants W. This reduces the emission of aquatic plant sap. Furthermore, the loss of the energy content of the harvested crop E is reduced with regard to its potential use as a substrate, for example, in a downstream biogas plant.

[0047] It is preferred that the harvesting boat 6 has an interchangeable harvesting tool 6.1. This allows different tools, such as a bar mower, T-mower, U-mower, or a cylinder mower, to be changed quickly and safely in a technically simple manner.

[0048] It is preferred that the work boat 5 or harvesting boat 6 has a technically simple coupling system with at least one connecting element 4.2, consisting of a safety device with a self-locking latch. At least one connecting element 4.2 is intended to enable a repeatable connection between a harvesting boat 6 and further transport modules 7, such as a lighter 7.1 or a landing module 7.2. This enables, for example, robust loading processes, particularly in difficult weather conditions, on the body of water G, so that the harvesting boat 6 is used exclusively for harvesting and the time-consuming transport of transport material T, in particular harvested material E, can be carried out with at least one or correspondingly operating lighters 7.1. This is intended to enable a quasi-continuous material flow, particularly for harvested material E.

[0049] Quasi-continuous means, in the sense of the invention, a permanently possible harvest by the harvesting boat 6 with simultaneous intermittent transfer of the harvested material E to downstream receiving devices, such as, for example, a lighter 7.1 on the body of water G or a transport device T on land.

[0050] The harvesting process of aquatic plants W by the harvesting boat 6 is carried out by using a harvesting tool 6.1, for example a U-shaped mower, and the forward movement of the harvesting boat 6 through the boat drive 3 on the body of water. Depending on the properties of the aquatic plants W, the forward movement or advance of the harvesting boat 6 is adjusted to the working speed of the harvesting tool 6.1 in order to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly harvesting.

[0051] Common harvesting tools adapted to different aquatic plants are used.

[0052] It is preferable that measures be taken to protect flora and fauna and that at least one escape zone for fauna be provided, particularly preferably in the area of ​​the harvesting tool 6.1 and before transfer to the conveyor belt 4.1. Particularly taking into account the recommendations for careful and nature-conservation-friendly water management, this allows swimming aquatic animals, such as juvenile fish and crustaceans, aquatic insects, and amphibians, to escape if they are stimulated to flee by the harvesting process. An escape zone is provided for animals up to 100 mm in size.

[0053] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method according to the features of claim 12.

[0054] It is essential to the invention that the method comprises at least the method step of transferring the harvested material E from a harvesting boat 6 to a transport module 7. It is preferred that the harvesting is carried out by a harvesting tool 6.1. This enables the picking up of the harvested material E onto the conveyor belt 4.1, the intermediate storage on the conveyor belt 4.1 and the transfer of the harvested material E by means of the conveyor belt 4.1, see exemplary embodiment 3. This enables, on the one hand, the harvesting of aquatic plants W on the body of water G at a harvesting point and the intermediate storage of the harvested material E on the conveyor belt 4.1. On the other hand, the independent transfer of harvested material E on the body of water G by the transfer unit 4 and the conveyor belt 4.1 of the harvesting boat 6, starting from the harvesting boat 6, to a transfer point located outside the harvesting boat 6, such as a transport module 7.

[0055] It is preferred that the method enables at least the method step of efficiently transferring the crop E from a harvesting boat 6 by means of a coupling process with a safety device and self-locking locking mechanism to a transport module 7, preferably a barge 7.1 or a landing module 7.2, as well as independently transferring the crop E onto the barge 7.1 by actuating the conveyor belt 4.1. The barge 7.1 and the landing module 7.2 are based on the same platform design as the harvesting boat 6.

[0056] It is preferred that the method step of efficiently and independently transferring the harvested crop E from the harvesting boat 6 to the barge 7.1 reduces the necessary intermediate buffer capacity on the harvesting boat 6. This results in a smaller size, a more compact design, and greater maneuverability of the harvesting boat 6. This expands the range of application of the harvesting boat 6 in relation to the body of water. This means that efficient harvesting is possible in both small and larger bodies of water G with the same harvesting boat 6.

[0057] It is preferred that the method comprises at least the method step of transferring the harvested material E from a harvesting boat 6 to a transfer point which is located outside the harvesting boat 6, particularly preferably to a barge 7.1 and / or from there to at least one landing module 7.2.

[0058] This enables a labor-sharing harvesting process involving a harvesting boat 6, a barge 7.1, and a landing module 7.2. The interaction of harvesting boat 6, barge 7.1, and at least one landing module 7.2 can be achieved through parallel or simultaneous process steps.

[0059] For example, a continuous harvesting process and a batch-wise discharge or transfer of the harvested crop E can be realized. Due to the efficiency of the automated, repeatable transfer process, even a small buffer capacity on the harvesting boat 6 does not reduce the efficiency of the overall harvesting process. This allows for a compact design of the harvesting boat 6 with greater maneuverability and lower investment in its production.

[0060] It is preferred that the process be operated with at least one barge 7.1 and at least one landing module 7.2. This enables cost reductions because, in the labor-divided harvesting chain with quick and easy transfer, the most expensive machine, both in terms of investment and operation, the harvesting boat 6, is concentrated on the highest-value tasks of the harvesting process.

[0061] From an operational perspective, transport processes can be much more easily controlled remotely or made partially or highly automated, or operated by less qualified personnel.

[0062] It is preferred that, in conjunction with at least one lighter 7.1 and at least one landing module 7.2 as well as the process step of independent and efficient transfer, the saving of travel times for the harvesting boat 6 and the saving of loading work, for example by wheel loaders or excavators in the shore area U, is made possible.

[0063] It is preferred that a coupling process with a safety gear and self-locking interlock is carried out between the work boat 5, in particular the harvesting boat 6, and the downstream transport module 7. These largely automated coupling processes and the process chain enable labor savings through remote controllability or partially or highly automated operation of transport and landing.

[0064] It is preferred that, in conjunction with at least one lighter 7.1 and at least one landing module 7.2, the decoupling of work tasks is made possible, which leads to cost savings and increased efficiency in the method compared to the prior art.

[0065] A simple modular design with readily available standard and component parts in a short parts list is preferred, which enables cost-effective production as well as maintenance and spare parts supply and thus at the same time enables high operational reliability that can be organized cost-effectively.

[0066] Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the Figures 1 to 6 .

[0067] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a workboat 5 in a schematic perspective view, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the hulls 2 in a schematic perspective view, Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a harvesting boat 6 in a schematic perspective view, Fig. 4 shows an application example of a novel harvesting method N in comparison to a conventional harvesting method K in a schematic top view, Fig. 5 shows an application example of a novel harvesting method N in a schematic perspective view, and Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a workboat 5 with the arrangement of a boat drive 3 between two hulls 2 arranged linearly one after the other in a schematic top view.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a workboat 5 in a schematic perspective view. The workboat 5 consists of at least two hulls 2, in Figure 1Two hulls 2 are relevant and shown, a frame 1 and a working tool 5.1.

[0069] The support frame 4.4 is attached to the frame 1 between the bow and stern. The working tool 5.1 is arranged on a support frame 4.4, wherein the movement space of the support frame 4.4 and / or at least one working tool 5.1 in the transverse direction is located centrally to the workboat 5 between the at least two hulls 2 running in the longitudinal direction. The position of the center of gravity of the workboat 5 varies by a maximum of 15%, based on the length of the workboat 5, when the position of the working tool 5.1 changes during the work process. The frame 1 forms the supporting base of the workboat 5. Two parallel hulls 2 are attached to the frame 1. Due to the buoyancy of the two hulls 2 as floating bodies in the body of water G, the workboat 5 achieves buoyancy and positional stability. The working tool 5.1 is arranged on the support frame 4.4 and is carried by it. The supporting frame 4.4 and the working tool 5.1 are arranged between the two hulls 2.The central arrangement of the support frame 4.4 with the working tool 5.1 ensures a stable position of the workboat 5 during use of the working tool 5.1 and when working loads may occur. The workboat 5 has a clear height of approximately 2 m, a clear length of approximately 4 m, and a clear width of approximately 2 m.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows three embodiments of the hulls 2 in a schematic perspective view. Each hull 2 ​​has a clear length of approximately 4 m. A hull 2 ​​should consist of at least a) one or more, in Fig. 2 a) for example, five identical cuboid-shaped, pneumatically prestressed membrane air bodies 2.1 arranged in series and / or b) one or more Figure 2 b)for example, five identical cuboid-shaped, mechanically prestressed membrane folding bodies 2.2 arranged in series and / or c) one or more dimensionally stable hollow bodies 2.3, for example designed as closed cylinders.

[0071] These embodiments enable simple assembly and disassembly on the frame 1 as well as transport of the hulls 2 in transport-friendly dimensions.

[0072] The pneumatically prestressed membrane air bodies 2.1, arranged in series, consist of a gas- and watertight, weather-resistant, flexible membrane, are closed, and filled with air, for example. The hollow membrane air body 2.1 is pressurized relative to the existing ambient pressure, for example, to ensure repeatable molding. The membrane air bodies 2.1 can be disassembled, relaxed, and stowed in a space-saving manner for transport purposes.

[0073] The mechanically pre-stressed membrane folding bodies 2.2, arranged in series, consist of a waterproof, weather-resistant and flexible membrane. These are open at the top or can be closed splash-proof to prevent water ingress, and are secured by tensioning elements in Figure 2Not shown, such as articulated compression struts, braces, or clamps, are pre-tensioned to ensure repeatable molding. The membrane folding bodies 2.2 can be disassembled, relaxed, and stowed in a space-saving manner for transport purposes.

[0074] The hollow bodies 2.3 are preferably made of a dimensionally stable, waterproof, and impact-resistant material, such as plastic. They are designed to be closed and / or closable to prevent water ingress.

[0075] The aforementioned embodiments of the hulls 2, such as the membrane air body 2.1, the membrane folding body 2.2 and the hollow body 2.3, are each detachably connected to one another and can alternatively be designed as a solid body with buoyant material.

[0076] The above descriptions according to Figure 2 In the sense of the invention, refer to embodiments of the invention with two or more than two hulls 2.

[0077] A possible segmentation of the hulls 2 leads to an increase in the level of safety by creating protection against sinking in the event of damage to one of the hulls 2.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a harvesting boat 6 in a schematic perspective view.

[0079] The support frame 4.4 is attached to the frame 1 between the bow and stern. The working tool 5.1 is arranged on a support frame 4.4, with the movement space of the support frame 4.4 and / or at least one working tool 5.1 being located transversely centrally to the harvesting boat 6 between the at least two hulls 2 extending in the longitudinal direction. The position of the center of gravity of the harvesting boat 6 varies by a maximum of 15%, relative to the length of the harvesting boat 6, when the position of the working tool 5.1 changes during the working process.

[0080] The harvesting boat 6 has a clear height of 2.5 m, a clear length of 5 m and a clear width of 2 m. It consists of two hulls 2, a frame 1, a harvesting tool 6.1 and a transfer unit 4. The frame 1 forms the load-bearing base of the workboat 5. Two parallel hulls 2 are attached to the frame 1. The buoyancy of the two hulls 2 as floating bodies in the body of water G gives the harvesting boat 6 its buoyancy and positional stability. The multi-hull design, for example the twin-hull design, improves positional stability compared to the monohull design. The transfer unit 4 is supported by the frame 1. The harvesting tool 6.1 is arranged on the support frame 4.4 of the transfer unit 4. The transfer unit 4 and the harvesting tool 6.1 are arranged between the two hulls 2.

[0081] The harvesting tool 6.1 is used to harvest aquatic plants W and is designed, for example, as a cutter bar or U-shaped mower.

[0082] The supporting frame 4.4 is arranged between the two fuselages 2 and at the rear on a joint 4.5 on the frame 1 and is connected to the frame 1 so that it can rotate about the joint 4.5.

[0083] The conveyor belt 4.1 is arranged on a support frame 4.4 and is supported by this support frame 4.4.

[0084] The pivot drive 4.3, in the sense of a feed actuator, is connected to the support frame 4.4 and the frame 1. Actuation of the pivot drive 4.3 is intended to enable a change in position according to claims 1 to 3 in the sense of pivoting the support frame 4.4 with respect to the frame 1 and rotating it around the joint 4.5.

[0085] The harvesting tool 6.1 is arranged on the bow side of the support frame 4.4. The harvesting tool 6.1 is supported by the support frame 4.4 and, by pivoting the position of the support frame 4.4, can be variably adjusted in working height within a range from 0.25 m above the water surface to 2 m below the water surface. The advantage of the pivoting movement compared to a linear vertical height adjustment of the harvesting tool 6.1 lies in the combination of the height adjustability of the harvesting tool 6.1 for adaptation to different harvesting depths with the simultaneous picking up of the crop onto the transfer unit 4, in particular onto the conveyor belt 4.1, as well as with the center of gravity compensation.

[0086] The connecting element 4.2 of the transfer unit 4 is arranged on the frame 1. The connecting element 4.2 is preferably designed to be partially or fully automated, using a safety gear and self-locking locking mechanism, for the repeatable connection of the harvesting boat 6 to other watercraft, such as a barge 7.1. This enables, for example, robust transfer operations under difficult weather conditions on the body of water G. This is especially true if the harvesting boat 6 is primarily used for harvesting aquatic plants W and the time-consuming transport can be carried out with barges 7.1.

[0087] The harvesting boat 6 has at least one sensor monitoring, in Fig. 3Not shown, which serves, for example, during the harvesting process and operation of the harvesting tool 6.1 to protect the harvesting tool 6.1 from damage caused by foreign objects or to avoid collisions with obstacles. This is intended to increase safety to prevent accidents and enable a robust, damage- and trouble-free harvesting process.

[0088] The harvesting boat 6 has at least one boat drive 3 and an operating unit 3.1, wherein the boat drive 3 is driven by an electric motor. The operating unit 3.1 serves to operate the boat drive 3 and thus to maneuver the harvesting boat 6 in the body of water G.

[0089] The electric boat drive 3 has two parallel drive units 3.2 and an operating unit 3.1.

[0090] The hull 2 ​​is designed as a pneumatically pre-tensioned membrane air body 2.1 to generate buoyancy in the water body G.

[0091] The arrangement of the support frame 4.4 between the hulls 2 enables the harvesting boat 6 to operate smoothly and efficiently when using the harvesting tool 6.1. The conveyor belt 4.1 is designed as an open modular belt, for example, a plastic link belt. The lightweight conveyor belt 4.1 reduces the overall mass of the harvesting boat 6 and also enables dewatering of the crop E by allowing the dripping water to drip off the water-permeable conveyor belt 4.1.

[0092] The harvesting boat 6 has a seat 6.2. The seat 6.2 serves as the control point for the control unit 3.1 for the operating personnel on the harvesting boat 6.

[0093] The harvesting boat 6 can be operated manually, alternatively preferably partially or highly automated and / or remotely controlled, in Fig.3 not shown.

[0094] There is an escape area for fauna, in Fig. 3not shown, in particular for swimming aquatic animals such as juvenile fish and crustaceans, aquatic insects and amphibians, particularly in the area of ​​the harvesting tool 6.1 and before transfer to the conveyor belt 4.1, so that swimming aquatic animals are encouraged to flee and can escape.

[0095] The procedure for operating the harvesting boat 6 according to Fig. 3 consists of at least the work steps of harvesting, intermediate storage and overloading.

[0096] The harvesting process is carried out by maneuvering, in particular moving forward, the harvesting boat 6 at the harvesting point using the boat drive 3 and the control unit 3.1, as well as by using the harvesting tool 6.1 in the body of water G. Operation is carried out manually, semi-automatically, highly automatically, or remotely. The aquatic plants W are separated by the harvesting tool 6.1, in particular in the cutting area of ​​the cutting unit, and are picked up from the body of water G as harvested material E by the conveyor belt 4.1 downstream of the harvesting tool 6.1. The working height of the harvesting tool 6.1 can be variably adjusted vertically by actuating the pivot drive 4.3 and the associated pivoting movement of the support frame 4.4. After the harvested material E has been picked up by the conveyor belt 4.1, the harvested material E is temporarily stored on the conveyor belt 4.1. The harvested material E is then transported by the conveyor belt 4.1 to a downstream device, such as a barge 7.1, whereby the lighter 7.1 is connected to the harvesting boat 6 in a repeatable and robust manner via at least one connecting element 4.2.

[0097] Fig. 4shows an application example of a novel harvesting method N, see a), in comparison to a conventional harvesting method K, see b), in a schematic plan view, wherein the harvesting boat 6 is permanently located at the harvesting point ES during the harvesting process and carries out the harvesting process of aquatic plants W, preferably permanently. At the same time, an interval-wise, independent transfer of the harvested material E temporarily stored on the harvesting boat 6 takes place to one of three correspondingly operating and alternating, downstream barges 7.1 for transporting the harvested material E. The independent transfer takes place by actuating the conveyor belt 4.1, whereby the harvested material E located on the conveyor belt 4.1 is conveyed to the discharge area and discharged. No further external technical support, e.g. in the form of a gripper arm, is required to discharge the harvested material E.The transfer interval is determined by the transfer of the crop E from the harvesting boat 6 to the coupled barge 7.1, the uncoupling of the loaded barge 7.1 from the harvesting boat 6, and the coupling of the next empty barge 7.2 to the harvesting boat 6. The coupling and uncoupling processes are carried out via the connecting elements 4.2 with safety gear and self-locking lock, which are arranged at the front end of the bow and stern of the respective transport modules 7. The transport of the crop E by the barge 7.1 takes place at the waterside terminal landing module 7.2 of a conveyor line. The conveyor line consists of three consecutively arranged and coupled landing modules 7.2, with at least the last landing module 7.2 in the conveying direction being firmly positioned on the bottom of the difficult-to-access bank area U. A repeatable coupling process takes place between the loaded barge 7.1 and the waterside terminal landing module 7.2 and an automatic transfer of the harvested material E from the loaded barge 7.1 by operating the conveyor belt 4.1 of the barge 7.1 onto the waterside terminal landing module 7.2. The continuous operation of the conveyor belts 4.1 of the three landing modules 7.2, which are arranged in series and overlapping one another in the sense of a conveyor line, conveys the harvested material E to be conveyed into a downstream transport device T. In particular, a roll-off container, trailer or truck is used for this purpose, which can be parked in an easily accessible area with stable subsoil in the immediate vicinity of the bank area U that is difficult to access or has poor load-bearing capacity. This eliminates the need for complex measures to create access to the bank area U or to the transfer point. No additional loading technology, such as a wheel loader, excavator or crane, is required.The shore area U will not be used by vehicles, such as amphibious vehicles, to transport the harvested crop E, which is a nature-friendly approach. Furthermore, in . Fig. 4a conventional harvesting method K is shown under b). Here, a larger conventional harvesting boat of the conventional harvesting method K is used than the harvesting boat 6, which travels empty from the landing point A to the harvesting point ES and harvests the aquatic plants W. The harvested material E is taken on until the storage capacity of the harvesting boat of the conventional harvesting method K is reached. The larger conventional harvesting boat then transports the harvested material E to a landing point A with permanently installed infrastructure, for example a jetty suitable for the application. At the landing point A, the harvested material E is loaded independently or with additional technical assistance, depending on the technical equipment of the harvesting boat of the conventional harvesting method K, and conveyed into a transport device T.The path of the conventional harvesting method K is shown by a dotted line and the path of the innovative harvesting method N by a dashed line. The path of the conventional harvesting method K is longer than the path of the innovative harvesting method N because the conventional harvesting method K uses landing points A with permanently installed infrastructure. Otherwise, with conventional technology, additional transport and loading techniques such as amphibious vehicles, wheel loaders, excavators and / or grapples must be used. The bank-friendly properties of the landing modules 7.2 allow a more flexible choice of landing location, particularly close to the harvesting point ES. This enables short travel distances for the barges 7.1 between the landing module 7.2 and the harvesting point ES, thus enabling efficient, time- and cost-saving harvesting chains. This also allows for a more flexible choice of landing point A for setting up the transport device T.This will further avoid conflicts of use with other purposes, for example tourism, around the permanently installed landing points A, such as jetties.

[0098] Fig. 5 shows an application example of a novel harvesting method N in a schematic perspective view. In the Fig. 5 A harvesting boat 6, three barges 7.1 and three landing modules 7.2 are shown as a conveyor line. The process of transferring the harvested crop E from the harvesting boat 6 to the coupled barge 7.1, the transport of the harvested crop E by the loaded, free-floating barge 7.1 and the correspondingly operating barge 7.1 coupled to the waterside terminal landing module 7.2 of the conveyor line, as well as the successively overlapping arrangement of the landing modules 7.2 in the sense of a conveyor line according to Fig. 4. The number of landing modules 7.2 allows the conveying distance from the water body G to the transport device T to be variably adapted to the respective local conditions of the application.

[0099] Fig. 6shows an embodiment of a workboat 5 with the arrangement of a boat drive 3 between two hulls 2 arranged linearly one behind the other in a schematic plan view. This shows a frame 1, two drive units 3.2 and four hulls 2. The structure is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction along the long edge of the boat. On each side of the workboat 5 there is a hull 2, as a hull assembly consisting of two floating bodies in series and one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, and a drive unit 3.2 between the two floating bodies of the hull 2. When the workboat 5 is floating on the body of water G, the two drive units 3.2 are located below the water level and are completely submerged. Due to the arrangement of the two drive units 3.2 between the two floating bodies of the hull 2 ​​arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, a good maneuverability of the work boat 5 in a small space should be ensured. List of reference symbols

[0100] number Designation 1 frame 2 hull 2.1 Membrane air body 2.2 Membrane folding bodies 2.3 Hollow body 3 Boat propulsion 3.1 Control unit 3.2 drive unit 4 transfer unit 4.1 conveyor belt 4.2 connecting element 4.3 rotary actuator 4.4 Supporting frame 4.5 joint 5 workboat 5.1 Work tool 6 Harvest boat 6.1 Harvesting tool 6.2 seat 7 Transport module 7.1 Lighter 7.2 Landing module more Designations A Landing point E Harvest IT Harvest site G bodies of water K conventional harvesting method N innovative harvesting method T Transport device TG Transport goods U shore area W Aquatic plants

Claims

1. Combination of a workboat (5), in particular a harvesting boat (6), and a transport module (7), in particular a barge (7.1) or a docking module (7.2), which are based on the same platform design, wherein the workboat (5) and the transport module (7) each have at least two hulls (2), a body (1), at least one conveyor belt (4.1) and at least one carrier frame (4.4), which is fastened on the body (1) between a bow and a stern in the rear area, wherein the workboat (5) contains at least one work tool (5.1), in particular a harvesting tool (6.1), which is arranged on the carrier frame (4.4), wherein the range of movement of the carrier frame and / or the work tool (5.1) is located in the transverse direction centrally with respect to the workboat (5), between the at least two hulls (2), which extend in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the workboat (5) and the transport module (7) have a coupling system having at least one connection element (4.2), consisting of a catching device having a self-retaining locking device.

2. Combination according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the workboat (5) can be operated manually, in a partially or highly automated manner and / or by remote control, wherein this includes the use of sensors and / or at least one control with partially or fully automated actuation of the required actuators for boat coupling processes, a harvesting process, discharge or load-transfer processes, operation of the work tool, in particular the harvesting tool (6.1), manoeuvring of the workboat (5), in particular in the design as a harvesting boat (6), in order to simplify the boat operation.

3. Combination according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the workboat (5), in particular the harvesting boat (6), and the transport module (7), in particular the barge (7.1), has at least one boat drive (3), which is preferably driven by an electric motor and in which at least one drive unit (3.2) is preferably arranged at the rear or in the centre.

4. Combination according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the hulls (2) each consist of at least one hollow body (2.3), and / or at least one pneumatically preloaded membrane air body (2.1) and / or at least one mechanically preloaded membrane folding body (2.2).

5. Combination according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the workboat (5) is a harvesting boat (6) and the work tool (5.1) is a harvesting tool (6.1), wherein the carrier frame (4.4) and at least one conveyor belt (4.1) are designed as a transfer unit (4), wherein both the harvesting tool (6.1) and at least one conveyor belt (4.1) of the transfer unit (4) and the harvest yield (E) temporarily stored on the conveyor belt (4.1) are arranged in the transverse direction in the centre of the harvesting boat (6) between the at least two hulls (2) extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one conveyor belt (4.1) of the transfer unit (4) is preferably water-permeable, wherein preferably at least one conveyor belt (4.1) serves as an intermediate buffer.

6. Method for operating the combination according to claim 5, characterised in that the method comprises at least the method step of harvesting aquatic plants (W), and the method steps of intermediate storing and load transferring of the harvest yield (E) from the harvesting boat (6) to the transport module (7), wherein the method preferably comprises intermediate buffering of the harvest yield (E) on the at least one conveyor belt (4.1) during an interruption of the load transfer.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the method facilitates at least the method step of an efficient and autonomous load transfer of the harvest yield (E) from the harvesting boat (6) to the transport module (7), preferably a barge (7.1) and / or a docking module (7.2), or a plurality of docking modules (7.2) arranged in series in the sense of a conveying path, up to a transport device (T) positioned on the land, wherein the method is characterised by a modular corresponding mode of operation and thus a quasi-continuous conveyor flow, in particular for bridging the barge change (7.1).

8. Method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, wherein the method step of an efficient and autonomous load transfer of the harvest yield (E) reduces the required capacity of the intermediate buffering on the harvesting boat (6).

9. Method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, wherein a coupling process using the catching device and self-retaining locking device takes place between the harvesting boat (6) and the following transport module (7) and / or between at least two transport modules (7), i.e. the barge (7.1) and / or docking module (7.2).