System and method for cultivating an agricultural area

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) and a method for cultivating an agricultural area (N). The system (100) comprises a device (10) having at least one elongate cross-member (12) and an associated chassis (16) having at least one wheel with which the cross-member (12) can be moved over the agricultural area (N), wherein the device (10) has at least one field cultivation apparatus which can be moved along the cross-member (12), and a conveying system (25) provided on the cross-member (12) along the longitudinal extent thereof. At least one crate (24), preferably a plurality of such crates (24), can be moved by means of the conveying system (25) along the longitudinal extent of the cross-member (12) in a defined direction and thus brought to a predefined position in particular adjacent to a field cultivation apparatus. The system (100) furthermore comprises a large-volume receiving container (50) in which a plurality of crates (24) can be received, wherein the receiving container (50) is provided with a lock system. In the interior of the receiving container (50), a storage system (56) for receiving a plurality of crates (24) and an apparatus for moving crates (24) are provided. Furthermore, the system comprises an apparatus (E) by means of which the crates (24) can be moved between a conveying system (25) provided on the cross-member (12) and the lock system of the receiving container (50), and at least one energy generating apparatus, wherein the receiving container (50) is equipped with a battery (B) which can be charged with electrical energy generated by the power generating apparatus.

Description

[0001] System and procedure for the management of agricultural land

[0002] The invention relates to a system and a method for managing a landscaped area.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1 and claim 3, as well as by a method having the features of claim 28. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] 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 method carried out for this purpose, and / or to a system for cultivating an agricultural area, with which, in addition to the production of harvested material, an energy supply for components involved in the system and / or for devices which serve for the subsequent distribution of harvested material is possible.

[0008] 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 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. 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.

[0009] 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).

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A system according to a further embodiment of the invention, which has independent significance, is also used for the cultivation of agricultural land and comprises a large-volume receiving container in which a plurality of boxes 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 boxes 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 boxes and a device for moving boxes are provided in the interior of the receiving container.Furthermore, this system comprises a platform which is movable relative to the agricultural area and which is part of a mobile field robot, wherein a chassis of the platform has a plurality of wheels attached thereto, with which the field robot can be moved over the area, wherein at least one of the wheels is provided with a drive, wherein at least one wheel can be pivoted or rotated about a vertical axis on the chassis.are rotatably mounted to enable the mobile field robot to change its direction of travel, wherein the mobile field robot has at least one field cultivation 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 can thus be 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 in such a way that the platform can receive boxes from the receiving container or such boxes, which are then filled with harvested plant material and are located on the platform, can be returned to the receiving container.

[0014] 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.

[0015] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a power generation device can be provided for a system according to the present invention, wherein the receiving container and / or the field robot is equipped with a battery that can be charged with electrical energy generated by the power generation device.

[0016] A method according to the present invention is used for cultivating agricultural land, in which a system according to the present invention can be used. In any case, this method according to the invention provides that, in a predetermined first time window, a predetermined second time window, and a predetermined third time window of a day, certain or selected processes are carried out in order to cultivate the agricultural land and subsequently handle the harvested crop. The following processes are provided in the three predetermined time windows:

[0017] (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;

[0018] (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

[0019] (iii) In the third time window, the delivery vehicle returns to the agricultural area, wherein the battery of the delivery vehicle is charged with electrical energy generated by a power generation device. The above-mentioned method according to the invention is characterized in that during the third time window, when the delivery vehicle has returned to the agricultural area, the battery of the delivery vehicle can be recharged, namely with the electrical energy generated by the power 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.

[0020] For the purposes of the present invention, the feature of a power generation device is to be understood as a synonym for a power generation device. In any case, what is important for this feature for the present invention is that it can be used to generate electrical energy, which can then be used, for example, to charge a battery.

[0021] A system for cultivating agricultural land according to the present invention and a corresponding method serve 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.

[0022] In detail, further relevant aspects of the present invention are formed by the following features:

[0023] - At least one battery storage unit and an electric motor drive fed from the battery storage unit are provided, by means of which at least one wheel of a chassis of a crossbeam of the device and / or a pump for the water supply and / or a robot arm with a field cultivation device attached thereto and / or a trolley is driven. 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 field 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:

[0024] - In an advantageous development of the invention, the power 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:

[0025] 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 traverse according to the invention and the devices attached to it. And / or: - The aforementioned solar panels can preferably be mounted above a traverse of the device or in an upper area thereof. Accordingly, these solar panels simultaneously serve as weather protection for the traverse and other components of the device (e.g., a conveyor system for crates) arranged on a traverse below the solar panels. And / or:

[0026] - The solar panels, regardless of their location, can be suitably positioned to allow for tracking of the solar panels to a changing position of the sun. And / or:

[0027] - 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:

[0028] - In an advantageous development of the invention, a crossbeam and / or a respective associated conveyor system of 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:

[0029] - 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:

[0030] - 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:

[0031] - 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:

[0032] - 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:

[0033] - 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:

[0034] - 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:

[0035] • Driven by a driver who delivers and collects the boxes;

[0036] • Driven by a driver, but the boxes are dropped off and / or picked up automatically; • Vehicle is fully autonomous (e.g., using "Level 5"). And / or:

[0037] - 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:

[0038] - 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 objects (e.g., in the form of "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 object back to the stationary receiving container, it can be provided that an empty crate is picked up by the flying object at the selected destination 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 objects, e.g., in the form of "drones," to operate from the stationary receiving container. And / or:

[0039] - 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:

[0040] At the radially outer end of a traverse of the device, a ramp is provided that is foldable, 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 traverse of the device.

[0041] • 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.

[0042] • The ramp mentioned above can be equipped with driven rollers, at least one carrier (for boxes) and / or with a circulating conveyor belt.

[0043] • 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 as 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, such a robot arm makes it possible to move a crate within the receiving container or logistics module and / or place additional goods into a crate.

[0044] • 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.

[0045] • 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.

[0046] • The loading of the receiving container with boxes starting from a traverse of the device, and in the same way also the unloading of (preferably empty) boxes from the receiving container with a transfer to a traverse of the device, is preferably carried out fully automatically, for example with the aid of the ramp mentioned above, with which a distance between the outer edge of a traverse of the device and the receiving container positioned adjacent to it (e.g. in the form of a delivery vehicle) can be bridged.

[0047] And / or:

[0048] - 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: o Circulation variants (first-in-first-out):

[0049] ■ circular ramps arranged in a rising direction; at each end of these ramps a lift or a slide for descent may be provided;

[0050] ■ 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.

[0051] ■ 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 portal system or the robot arm pre-sorts the boxes or food containers in customer order. This ensures that all relevant boxes are readily available when delivering multiple boxes or food containers to the same destination. Layout of the boxes or food containers: In the receiving container, preferably in the form of a delivery vehicle, it is possible to individually equip the boxes or food containers. In the context of the present invention, this means that different reusable containers / receptacles for different types and quantities of food can be placed in a box already filled with fresh harvested produce.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.

[0052] ■ In general, the use of disposable packaging is avoided

[0053] ■ 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 crate. Labeling of the crates or food containers, for example, via 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 above-mentioned container management 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 the purpose of a balanced diet and to complete recipes (e.g.,Carrots, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, spices, milk, ...). For this purpose, according to the invention, a device is used for supplementing crates filled with harvested goods with selected additional foodstuffs. The above-mentioned filling 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 with the aid of the xyz gantry system and / or a robot arm; in both cases, the additional products are stored close to the loading position in order to enable a crate to be easily refilled from the outside. The above-mentioned filling of a crate with additional goods also takes place fully automatically, namely using an additional magazine, which is also located in the receiving container or logistics module.A logistics module is provided, from which a crate can then be fully automatically filled or "supplied" with selected additional goods or additional products (e.g., depending on customer request or pre-order). Loading a crate 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), with the aid of an xyz gantry system, and / or using at least one robot arm. And / or:

[0054] - In an advantageous development of the invention, empty crates, along with any additional containers, receiving segments, or troughs provided therein, can be cleaned after they have been returned from the customer. The following features are considered for this purpose: o Such cleaning can be carried out continuously at a defined point in the cycle with appropriate container management;

[0055] ■ There is a rinsing area in the circuit, which can be sealed off by roller doors, for example;

[0056] ■ Behind this, an area is provided for drying, e.g., using hot air, although this area can be spatially separated. o With container management via a gantry system or robot arm: one or more containers are placed in a "dryer" and then positioned or held in a storage location;

[0057] ■ 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);

[0058] ■ The dishwasher can be loaded from the front or the side.

[0059] ■ For both approaches there is a fresh water tank and a waste water tank in the immediate vicinity.

[0060] And / or:

[0061] - In connection with an xyz gantry 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: o Moving and positioning of at least one individual crate, preferably a plurality of such crates, 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 washing: o Moving and positioning additional containers for filling, storing or washing; o Moving and positioning additional foodstuffs or goods with which a crate is additionally filled, o Moving and positioning recipes; o Picking up a unit for cleaning the crates.

[0062] And / or:

[0063] - 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:

[0064] • The logistics module contains a computing unit for controlling the module-related process technology;

[0065] • The logistics module contains the necessary sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring, possibly in several places;

[0066] • Sensors for monitoring and tracking the boxes or food containers;

[0067] • Sensors for detection and inventory monitoring of complementary products.

[0068] And / or:

[0069] - According to an advantageous development of the invention, the receiving container or the logistics module is equipped with the following additional features:

[0070] • The logistics module is insulated from the outside against climatic changes in its interior;

[0071] • The logistics module can be air-conditioned (temperature and humidity);

[0072] • In the case of integration into a delivery vehicle, such a vehicle can be operated with electric or hydrogen drive; 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.

[0073] And / or:

[0074] - According to a method or 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:

[0075] • 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.

[0076] • 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.

[0077] • 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.

[0078] • The three predetermined time windows mentioned can be the following: o First time window (e.g. 6:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.), o Second time window (e.g. 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.), and o Third time window (e.g. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.).

[0079] • A possible daily routine is as follows, using the example of a receiving container or logistics module integrated into a delivery vehicle: o At night: Harvest from the field into the crates that are positioned on at least one crossbeam of the device according to the invention (approx. 9 p.m. - 5 a.m.); Such a harvest at night is particularly advantageous for the freshness of the harvested product; o Early in the morning (approx. 5-6 a.m.): Loading of the crates with fresh harvested product via the extendable ramp of the crossbeam into the delivery vehicle and the logistics module integrated therein; in this regard, it should be emphasized that such loading takes place at a time of day before possible environmental influences of the day can potentially reduce the quality of the harvested product; o Morning / midday (approx. 6 a.m. - 12 p.m.): Delivery of the crates with the fresh harvested product to customers, collection of empty crates or exchange containers, according 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 box is automatically made available for delivery at a predetermined time (i.e. at the customer's location). o The process for handling the harvested goods explained above ensures a very short period of time between harvesting and subsequent delivery to customers. o At noon (preferably before 12 noon): On the way back from delivery, additional supplies for the following day are loaded onto the delivery vehicle (if necessary, refrigerated storage within the receiving container or logistics module is possible).o Midday (preferably before 12 noon): On the way back from the delivery, any new seedlings are loaded onto the delivery vehicle, which can then be handed over to the device according to the invention, for example using boxes that can be handled or moved using a conveyor system provided on at least one crossbeam of the device according to the invention: o 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 the following occurs:

[0080] ■ Cleaning of the boxes or food containers;

[0081] ■ Cleaning of the storage positions / walking surfaces of the boxes or food containers, and / or:

[0082] ■ A fresh and / or dirty water exchange with the device according to the invention.

[0083] And / or:

[0084] - There are various options available for the design of the receiving container or logistics module for receiving boxes, namely: o Module A:

[0085] Here, the receiving container or logistics module is integrated into a wheeled vehicle, e.g., a van or bus, with which the full harvest crates can then be delivered to customers during the second time window. Module B:

[0086] As in Module A, but "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 traverse 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.

[0087] Additional note on Module A / Module B:

[0088] Within the interior of the receiving container or the logistics module, logistics technology can be installed, e.g., in the form of an xyz portal and / or a robotic gripper arm, specifically for the purpose of intelligently placing or moving 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:

[0089] 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. o For all modules A, B, and C:

[0090] For all of the aforementioned AC modules, the receiving container or 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 the 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 gate is signal-linked to the payment device and can be actuated by a control device if a payment transaction has been recorded by the payment device.

[0091] And / or:

[0092] 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 containing fresh harvested crops, 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:

[0093] - 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.

[0094] 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 power generation device: Specifically, the battery with which the receptacle is equipped is recharged with the electrical energy generated by the power 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 power generation device. This results in advantageous "energy autonomy" for the system according to the invention and the system components involved.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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:

[0097] 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,

[0098] Fig. 1 a 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,

[0099] Fig. 2 is 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,

[0100] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 2,

[0101] Fig. 4 shows an upper portion of a stationary central column, which is part of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 and to which a cross member is articulated,

[0102] Fig. 5, 6 are side views of the center column of Fig. 4,

[0103] Fig. 7, 8 each show 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 surface,

[0104] 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,

[0105] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the field cultivation device of Fig. 9 when it is attached to the crossbar of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area according to a first embodiment,

[0106] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area according to a second embodiment,

[0107] Fig. 13 is a fundamentally 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,

[0108] Fig. 14 is a cutaway side view of the transport vehicle of Fig. 13,

[0109] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area according to a third embodiment,

[0110] Fig. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the invention and / or a mode of operation for the system according to the invention according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12 or Fig. 15,

[0111] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a cross member of the device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 and of an associated conveyor system with a harvest box accommodated therein,

[0112] Fig. 18 is 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,

[0113] Fig. 19 is a simplified plan view of a box used in conjunction with a device according to the invention shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 and / or a system according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 or Fig. 26,

[0114] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the box of Fig. 19,

[0115] Fig. 21 is a fundamentally simplified perspective view of a box according to a further embodiment, which is used in conjunction with a device according to the invention of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 7 and / or a system according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 or Fig. 26, Fig. 22, 23 are perspective views of the box of Fig. 21, each with the lid closed,

[0116] 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,

[0117] Fig. 25 is an enlarged view of part of the field robot of Fig. 24,

[0118] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the field robot of Fig. 24 and part of the device of Figs. 1-10, as part of the system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area, and

[0119] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the field robot of Fig. 24 and a receiving container according to another embodiment of a system according to the invention for cultivating an agricultural area.

[0120] Preferred embodiments of a system 100 and a method according to the present invention are explained below with reference to Figs. 1 to 27 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.

[0121] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which two crossbeams 12 are mounted with one end thereof rotatably about a stationary central column 14. This device 10 is part of a system 100 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 11 ), which will be explained separately below. In any case, each of the two crossbeams 12 of this device 10 is equipped with at least one chassis 16 with wheels. When the crossbeams 12 rotate around the stationary central column 14, the crossbeams 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 crossbeams 12 of the device 10 according to the invention shown in Fig. 1 are designed as part of a circular cultivation system, with the respective crossbeams 12 of the device 10 sweeping a circular area of ​​the agricultural area N.

[0122] The stationary central column 14 can be firmly embedded in the soil of the agricultural area N or anchored therein.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 from each other by 180°. As a result, the longitudinal axes of these cross members 12 are arranged in a line with each other.

[0125] In the device 10 according to the invention, a conveyor system 25 (cf. Fig. 17, Fig. 18) is provided on at least one crossbeam 12 along its longitudinal extent. With the aid of this conveyor system 25, it is possible to move at least one box 24 (cf. Figs. 17-20), preferably a plurality of such boxes 24, along the longitudinal extent of a crossbeam 12 in a specific direction and thus to bring it to a predetermined position along the longitudinal extent of the crossbeam 12.

[0126] Conveniently, a conveyor system 25 is provided or installed on each of the cross members 12 of the device 10 according to the invention.

[0127] The conveyor system 25 can be designed as a conveyor belt system. In this case, a rotating conveyor belt (not shown) is provided, onto which the crates 24 can be placed. As this conveyor belt rotates, 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. Additionally or alternatively, the conveyor system 25 can be equipped with a roller conveyor 26 having a plurality of support rollers 27, each with a horizontal axis of rotation. The conveyor system 25 shown in Fig. 17 comprises such a roller conveyor 26, two support rollers 27 of which can be seen here.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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 a targeted transport of the crates 24 in a desired direction along the cross member 12 on the roller conveyor 26.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The illustration of the conveyor system 25 in Fig. 18 illustrates that a plurality of crates 24 are inserted or received "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 received in the conveyor system 25, so that it fulfills the function of a storage magazine.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] To supply energy to the device 10 according to the invention, a plurality of solar panels S (see Fig. 1) are arranged on the upper side of at least one cross member 12, preferably on all cross members 12 of the device 10. 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. In this way, a self-sufficient energy supply is ensured for the invention.

[0137] The dimensions of the solar panels S are expediently dimensioned such that the conveyor system 25 and the crates 24 accommodated or transported therein are shielded from above, for example against precipitation or the ingress of dust and dirt. Fig. 1 a 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 in Fig. 1, individual crossbeams 12 are rotatably mounted on the opposite sides of the stationary center column 14. In this embodiment, cable guying 210 is used to stabilize the individual crossbeams 12. The two crossbeams 12, which are arranged on opposite sides of the stationary center column and are thus offset by 180° from one another, are connected to one another via this cable guying 210.These cable guy wires 210 are guided both over the upper free end 15 of the central column 14 and through a segment of the central column 14 adjacent to its upper end 15.

[0138] In order to compensate for possible and in particular vertical movements of the two cross members 12, which can occur when moving over possibly existing uneven ground, it is expedient for the above-mentioned cable guy 210 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 a 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 compensation of the cross members 12 arranged on the opposite sides of the stationary center column is possible.

[0139] As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 1 a, 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.

[0140] To generate renewable energy from wind power, the embodiment of Fig. 1a can provide for at least one wind turbine rotor 214 with a vertical axis of rotation to be mounted along the longitudinal extent 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.

[0141] It is understood that the above-mentioned wind turbine rotor 214 can also be provided in the device 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0142] Fig. 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.

[0143] The embodiment of the device 10' according to the invention shown in Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 solely in that only one cross member is moved along a circular path around the stationary center column 14. The remaining aspects and features explained above for the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, for example, with respect to the conveyor system 15 and the solar panels S, also apply in the same way to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

[0144] The devices 10, 10' according to the embodiments of Fig. 1, Fig. 1a and Fig. 2 have in common 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) is provided, which is attached to a crossbeam 12 by means of guide rails 22 (Fig. 10) and is thus longitudinally displaceable along a crossbeam 12.

[0145] An adjustment or displacement of a trolley 12 along a traverse 12 can be carried out using suitable motor means.

[0146] A plurality of field cultivation devices 18 are attached to at least one crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10'. This is to be understood insofar as field cultivation devices 18 are attached to both sides of such a crossbeam 12 (cf. Fig. 6), and / or that several field cultivation devices 18 are each attached to the same side of the crossbeam 12, as illustrated, for example, by 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 crossbeam 12 is realized.

[0147] 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 illustrated in 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 vertical adjustability of the robot arm 23, so that the working height of the field cultivation device 18 or its distance from the ground can be changed as required. This vertical adjustability is symbolized, for example, in Fig. 9 by a corresponding double arrow.

[0148] Furthermore, the device 10, 10' according to the invention shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 1a, and Fig. 2, respectively, has in common that a first sensor 30 is attached to the stationary center column 14 at its upper end 15. This is illustrated accordingly in the perspective view of Fig. 4 and in the side view of Fig. 5.

[0149] 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.

[0150] A second sensor 32 (cf. Fig. 6, Fig. 9) can be provided on at least one field cultivation device 18. 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.

[0151] The areas detected by the first local sensor 30 and the second sensor 32 are each marked "R" in the drawing (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4-6) and are understood according to the invention as a "monitoring area." This means that the sensors 30, 32 can detect not only a flat surface (e.g., the ground of the agricultural area 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.

[0152] A transmitter / receiver unit 36 ​​and / or a weather station 34 can be mounted on an upper portion of the stationary center column 14. This is illustrated accordingly in the views according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0153] Furthermore, the device 10, 10' according to the invention also comprises a control or regulating device 38, which can also be mounted on the stationary center column 14 and is symbolized in a highly simplified form in the form of a rectangle in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. This control or regulating device 38 is signal-connected to the sensors 30, 32 as well as to the transceiver unit 36.

[0154] 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.

[0155] By means of the transceiver unit 36, information can be transmitted to or received from a remote (not shown) control center on 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.

[0156] Similarly, by means of the transmitting / receiving unit 36, information obtained from 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] Figs. 7 and 8 show 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.

[0159] A cable drum 40 can be attached to one side of the crossbeam 12. Respective supply lines for electricity and / or media for cultivating the usable area N (e.g. water, fertilizer) can be guided on this cable drum 40. Accordingly, by means of 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. In the embodiment of the device 10" according to the invention according to Fig. 7 or Fig. 8, a plurality of field cultivation devices 18 are also provided on the crossbeam 12, preferably on both sides thereof. The functioning of these field cultivation devices 18 and 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.

[0160] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiment of the device 10' according to the invention shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is also 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 the inclination of the roller conveyor 26 relative to the horizontal.

[0161] Furthermore, for the embodiment of the device 10" according to the invention shown in Figs. 7 and 8, it should be noted that a plurality of solar panels S are 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, reference is made to the explanations for the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 regarding the functioning of these solar panels S.

[0162] With regard to all of the above-mentioned embodiments of the device 10, 10', 10", which can each be part of a system 100 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 11 ), it is pointed out at this point that a base terminal 29 can be provided on the agricultural area N. This is symbolized in a highly simplified manner in Figs. 1, 1a and 11, for example, by a cuboid. In any case, this base terminal 29 serves the purpose of implementing the necessary field logistics. This means that, by means of this base terminal 29, for example, a provision or dispensing of seed and / or the collection or removal of harvested material is possible, preferably through the use of the boxes 24 already mentioned above.

[0163] The base terminal 29 is shown in a highly simplified manner in the illustration of Fig. 1. It is understood that the base terminal 29 can also be provided in the same way in the embodiment of the device 10" according to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

[0164] If necessary, the base terminal 29 can be designed such that it can be moved preferably omnidirectionally across the agricultural area N and can thus be moved or "docked" onto an end face of a crossbeam 12 at its outer free end, i.e. opposite the stationary central column 14. Using the example of the embodiment in Fig. 1, this means that the base terminal 29 can be moved up to a respective outer end face of the crossbeams 12, which are labeled "A" and "B" here, in order to "dock" there. For this purpose, the base terminal 29 is equipped with a chassis and associated wheels (not shown) which roll either directly on the ground of the agricultural area N or on rails (not shown) which are incorporated in the agricultural area N.

[0165] 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.

[0166] Preferred embodiments of a system 100 according to the invention and of associated components thereof, as well as a method carried out therewith according to the present invention, with which an agricultural area N can be cultivated, are explained below with reference to Figs. 11-16 and Figs. 19-27. In such a system 100, a device 10, 10', 10" is used, which was shown and explained above with reference to Figs. 1-10 and Figs. 17-18. In other words, this device 10, 10', 10" forms part of the system 100 according to the invention. With regard 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.

[0167] A characteristic feature of the system 100 according to the invention and a method carried out therewith 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 material 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.

[0168] Fig. 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:

[0169] The system 100 comprises a receiving container 50 or a logistics module integrated into a delivery vehicle F (see 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 that is supplied with power by a battery storage unit B (see Fig. 14).

[0170] The receiving container 50 or a logistics module according to this first embodiment of the inventive system 100 corresponds to "Module A," which was already mentioned in the introduction to the description. The crossbeam 12 shown in Fig. 11 (and also in Fig. 12) can 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 inventive device 10, 10', 10".

[0171] 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 marked in Fig. 1 by arrows "A" and "B," and similarly in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 by "A," and in Fig. 7 by "B."

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] When using the system 100 according to the invention or when implementing a method according to the present invention, it is provided that certain steps or processes are carried out during three predetermined time windows of a day. This includes, on the one hand, a transfer of crates 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 with 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 it has been sufficiently charged, serves as an energy source for the device 10, 10', 10'.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] In brief, the following processes can take place in the three time windows mentioned:

[0178] A run through the above-mentioned three time windows, with which a method according to the invention is carried out, is illustrated in the flow diagram of Fig. 16 with blocks I, II and III. In this case, 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 is led 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 crop produced thereby.

[0179] Further details of the receiving container 50 are shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, namely in a simplified horizontal cross-sectional view through a delivery vehicle 50, into which this receiving container 50 is integrated in the form of a logistics module, and in Fig. 14 through a cut-out side view of this delivery vehicle F.

[0180] 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 Figs. 13 and 14, the associated wheels 51 for this delivery vehicle F are indicated by dashed lines, and the driver's cab is designated by "52".

[0181] The receiving container 50, in its function as a logistics module, is preferably equipped on a rear end thereof with a lock 150 (see Fig. 13) for the input and output of crates 24. This lock 150 comprises an input lock 54 and an output lock 55.

[0182] 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 to be designed for handling a plurality of crates 24 in the form of conveyor belts or moving 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.

[0183] The input of crates 24 into the receiving container 50 is symbolized in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 by an arrow "E." The output of crates 24 from the receiving container 50 is symbolized in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 by an arrow "A."

[0184] The input lock 54 primarily serves the purpose of transferring crates 24 filled with fresh harvested crops from a crossbeam 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 crossbeam 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 crossbeam 12 and the input lock 54, on which the crates 24 can then be moved towards the input lock 54 and into it. Furthermore, it is possible for customers to drop off their empty crates using the input lock 54. Once this process is complete, customers will receive either a cash refund or a cashless credit, depending on the number of empty crates returned.

[0185] 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.

[0186] The aforementioned movements of a box 24 within the interior of the receiving container 50 or the logistics module, which are possible with the aid of the xyz portal system 57, are symbolized by way of example in the illustration in Fig. 13 with corresponding arrows. Here, the 3D movements realized with the aid of the xyz portal system 57 are also symbolized with arrows "x," "y," and "z."

[0187] Both the input lock 54 and the output lock 55 can be equipped with a plurality of individual compartments or the like. In 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 guaranteed for the input lock 54 that a plurality of crates 24 can be input 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 and thus "free up" the input lock 54 again to receive further crates 24 from outside.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] Figs. 19 and 20 show a possible embodiment of a box 24, which can be used in the present case together with the device 10, 10', 10", according to the invention, with the system 100 according to all embodiments mentioned here, and / or with a method according to the present invention. Fig. 19 shows a simplified plan view of such a box, with Fig. 20 showing a simplified perspective view thereof.

[0191] The box 24 according to Fig. 19 or Fig. 20 is characterized in that a plurality of segments 60 are formed therein. For individual segments 60, it is possible to provide further adaptations to specific goods or crops – 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.

[0192] 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 box 24 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.

[0193] Furthermore, in connection with the loading of a box 24 filled with harvested goods 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 introduced 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.

[0194] 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, to be exchanged for a battery storage unit B that has been 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.

[0195] Fig. 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 installed in a stationary or fixed location. In contrast to the first embodiment of the system 100 according to Fig. 11, this means that the receiving container 50' does not have wheels in the second embodiment.

[0196] The receiving container 50' or a logistics module according to this second embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention corresponds to "Module B", which was already mentioned in the introduction to the description. With reference to Figs. 13 and 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 agricultural land 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.

[0197] As indicated in the illustration in 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 traverse 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 traverse 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 traverse 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'.

[0198] 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 are additionally packed into 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.

[0199] In the second embodiment of the system 100, it can be provided for the associated receptacle 50' to also be equipped with a battery storage unit B. Such equipment of the receptacle 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 receptacle 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., batteries or accumulators carried along for the device 10, 10', 10" can be made smaller, which then also leads to a lower weight, for example, on the moving traverse(s) 12 of the device 10, 10', 10".

[0200] Fig. 15 shows a simplified perspective view of a system 100 according to the invention according to a third embodiment. In this case, the receiving container 50" or the logistics module is provided so that it is attached to an outer end face of a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" and is moved together with this cross member 12 across 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] The receiving container 50" according to "Module C" or according to the third embodiment of the system according to the invention can be equipped in the same way with regard to its interior as explained above with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. In any case, the receiving container 50" is equally suitable for transferring crates 24 from the traverse 12 into the interior of the receiving container 50", preferably by means of an input lock 54 as explained above.

[0203] 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" that is opposite 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" that is 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 up adjacent to this side of the receiving container 50" with the output lock 55 in order to then receive boxes 24 filled with fresh harvested material.

[0204] In Figs. 21-23, further possible embodiments are shown and explained with respect to a box 24', which can be used in conjunction with a device 10, 10', 10", a method and / or a system 100 according to the present invention and can be used accordingly. In detail:

[0205] Fig. 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 placed in these compartments 66 for the purpose of pre-cultivation or cultivation.

[0206] The box 24' according to Fig. 21 is equipped with a closable lid 64. In Fig. 22, this box 24' is shown with the lid 64 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 a predetermined humidity. Furthermore, the closed lid 64 (or lid 65, see Fig. 23) ensures good weather protection for the seedlings located within the box 24'.

[0207] 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.

[0208] When the lid 64 is closed (see Fig. 22), the box 24' can be equipped with lights or illuminants (not shown) in the interior to illuminate the seedlings within the box 24'. For this purpose, the box 24' can be equipped with batteries and / or rechargeable batteries that provide power to these lights or illuminants. Additionally or alternatively, the box 24' can 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.

[0209] Fig. 23 shows the box of Fig. 21 with a modified lid 65, which is at least partially or completely transparent on its top 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 explained with reference to Fig. 22.

[0210] With regard to a box 24' shown in Figs. 21 - 23, the following aspects and features are additionally noted:

[0211] • Such a 24' box is used for pre-cultivation or cultivation of seedlings from seeds.

[0212] • In the case of the receiving container 50' (see Fig. 12, according to "Module A") or in the case of the variant of the receiving container 50" (see Fig. 15, according to "Module C"), cultivation containers should be provided. There are several boxes 24', in each of which a plurality of cultivation positions are provided.

[0213] • These special 24' boxes are preferably weatherproof and / or climate controlled (temperature and humidity) to create very good germination and growth conditions.

[0214] • 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.

[0215] • 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.

[0216] In connection with the system 100 according to the invention (see also Fig. 26), it is specifically noted at this point that this also includes at least one platform 101 (see 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. With regard to the aforementioned platform 101, it should additionally be noted that a field cultivation device 18, 19 can be mounted on the associated chassis 111 on a trolley 20, optionally 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 for Fig. 9.

[0217] A conveyor system 125 (cf. Fig. 24) 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.

[0218] 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 cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" such that the platform 101 can receive boxes 24 from the cross member 12 or such boxes 24, which are then filled with harvested crops of plants P and are located on the platform, can be returned to or onto the cross member 12.

[0219] Figs. 24 and 25 show a possible variant of the platform 101. The following explanations are provided in detail:

[0220] 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 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."

[0221] At least one wheel 112 of the mobile field robot 101 is pivotably or rotatably mounted on the chassis 111 about a vertical axis to enable the mobile field robot 101 to change its direction of travel. 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 attached to a respective L-shaped base body 115 in the corner regions of the chassis 111.

[0222] 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 in Figs. 24 and 25, these plug-in elements 114 are each designed as a two-point traverse.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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 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 the system 100 according to the invention, as shown, for example, in Figs. 24 and 25.

[0229] 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.

[0230] As shown in Figs. 24 and 25, two box elements 124 are attached to each longitudinal side of the chassis 111 of the field robot 101. 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.

[0231] 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

[0232] - a battery, or a plurality of such batteries,

[0233] - Sensors, for example in the form of cameras,

[0234] - Electrical and / or electronic components, for example in the form of a control or regulating device,

[0235] - an applicator or a field cultivation device 18, 19 with which a plant cultivation process step can be carried out, and / or

[0236] - GPS sensors.

[0237] In the illustration of Fig. 24, it 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] The mobile field robot 101 can be fitted with a field cultivation device 18, 19, as already shown and explained in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 each show the field robot 101 with a field cultivation device 18 attached to the chassis 111 of the field robot 101 by means of a robot arm 23 and an associated trolley 20. In addition to or as an alternative to the illustrations in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, it should be noted at this point that a field cultivation device 19, 19 can also be attached to an outer side of the chassis 111. Multiple field cultivation devices 18, 19 can also be attached to multiple sides of the chassis 111, particularly using trolleys 20, for example, on opposite sides of the chassis 111.

[0241] In connection with a field cultivation device 18, 19, as shown and explained with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, it should be additionally pointed out at this point 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 Fig. 1-10 as well as on the mobile field robot 101 according to Fig. 24, Fig. 25. 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.

[0242] The illustration in Fig. 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.

[0243] The conveyor system 125 of the mobile field robot 101 can be equipped with a rotating 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. The conveyor belt 152 is expediently formed from 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.

[0244] The directions of movement that can be realized with the conveyor system 125 and its conveyor belt 152 for the boxes 24 are symbolized in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 by a double arrow and designated with “154”.

[0245] 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 illustrated 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.

[0246] As an alternative to the platform 101 shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, a variant is also possible whose chassis 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. Moreover, such a variant of the platform has a modular construction in the same way as shown in Fig. 24 and 22 and comprises a plurality of elongated and in particular tubular plug-in elements which can be connected to and detached from one another, in particular without the use of special tools. This makes it possible for at least one dimension of the chassis to be variable.

[0247] 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. For the sake of simplicity, in the illustration of Fig. 26, a cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", which may be an embodiment according to Fig. 1, Fig. 1a, Fig. 2, or Fig. 7, is simplified in principle and only partially shown.

[0248] 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 shown in Fig. 25, can be positioned on a front side of a crossbeam 12 of the device 10, 10', 10" such that, by operating the conveyor system 25, a transfer of at least one box 24, preferably a plurality of such boxes 24, from the crossbeam 12 to the field robot 101 is possible. 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).

[0249] 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.

[0250] After the field robot 101 has received at least one box 24, preferably a plurality of such boxes 24, from the receiver 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", as explained, it can move away from the device 10, 10', 10" again and carry out its work "independently" or autonomously. In this context, it should be noted that the method according to the invention can be carried out not only by the device 10, 10', 10", but also by the mobile field robot 101 described here. For the system 100 according to the invention, it should also be noted that when, after carrying out crop cultivation process steps, harvested crops P have been placed in the boxes 24 located on the field robot 101, the mobile field robot 101 can then be moved again into a position adjacent to an end face of the cross member 12 of the device 10, 10', 10", as shown in Fig. 25.This is then done for the purpose of returning the boxes 24 filled with harvested 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 harvested material then takes place, for example, loading onto transport vehicles, as already explained in connection with Fig. 4.

[0251] 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 10T 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 on 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.

[0252] If, during the harvest, the crates 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 crates 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 crates 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 10T according to the second variant, which is attached to a tractor.

[0253] Following this, it is then possible for empty boxes 24 to be (again) made available on the roller conveyor 26 of the conveyor system 25 and / or to be 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).

[0254] 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 10T or a reception of boxes filled with crop on the cross member 12 from the direction of the platform 10T 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".

[0255] 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 in order 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.

[0256] 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 "dock" at the base terminal 29 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 15, Fig. 26) if necessary, 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] Furthermore, if necessary, a battery storage unit B can be transported between the base terminal B and the delivery vehicle F by means of a mobile platform 101, namely in conjunction with the system 100 according to the invention 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] Finally, reference is made to Fig. 27, which shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention. 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 of the embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention according to Fig. 11 and the embodiment of the receptacle according to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0261] The inventive system 100 according to Fig. 27 also comprises a platform 101 that is movable relative to the agricultural area N and is part of a mobile field robot. Such a field robot 101 has already been explained above with reference to Figs. 24 and 25, so that reference may be made to the explanations thereto to avoid repetition.

[0262] Suitably, the system 100 according to Fig. 27 comprises at least one power generation 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 power generation device. The illustration in Fig. 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, with the aid of a ramp 52R, to move boxes 24 between the conveyor system 25 of the mobile field robot 101 and the lock 150 (cf. Fig. 13) of the receiving container 50, namely in the direction of movement symbolized in Fig. 27 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.

[0263] With regard to the system 100 according to Fig. 26 and Fig. 27, it should be noted at this point that it can also be used in the three concise time windows I, II, and III of a day, which were presented and explained above in connection with the flowchart of Fig. 16. To avoid repetition, reference is hereby made to the explanations for Fig. 16.

[0264] With regard to all the above-mentioned embodiments of the system 100 according to the invention, it should be noted that the power generation device can be 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.

[0265] Furthermore, the power 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 cross member 12 rotates around a stationary central column 14, it can be provided that the power generation device is then arranged or installed in the corner areas of the agricultural land N that are not swept over by the cross member 12 (or the cross members 12). Expediently, the power generation device for this case can be designed in the form of solar panels S, which are then arranged in said corner areas of the agricultural land N.Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that a power 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 land N.

[0266] List of reference symbols -7 segments (in a box 24) 0, 10', 10" device 2 (main) crossbeam 4 stationary center column 5 upper free end (of the stationary center column 14) 6 chassis (with wheels) 8, 19 field cultivation device(s) 0 trolley 2 guide rail 3 robot arm 4, 24' box(es) 5 conveyor system 6 roller table 7 support roller(s) 9 base terminal 0 first sensor 2 second sensor 4 weather station 6 transmitting / receiving unit 8 control or regulating device 0 cable drum 0, 50', 50" receiving container or logistics module 1 wheels (of a vehicle F, in which the receiving container or the logistics module 50 is integrated, see Fig. 11) 1" wheels (of a receiving container 50 according to "Module C" or Fig. 15)2 Device by means of which boxes 24 can be moved between the conveyor system 24 provided on the cross member 12 and the lock 150 of the receiving container 50 2 R Ramp 3 Driver's cab (of the delivery vehicle F) 4 Input lock 55 Output lock

[0267] 56 Storage system (e.g. in the form of a shelving system)

[0268] 57 xyz portal system

[0269] 58 Robot arm

[0270] 60 segments (24 in a box)

[0271] 61 hollow (e.g. for a cucumber)

[0272] 62 recesses (e.g. for a head of lettuce)

[0273] 63 sealable can(s)

[0274] 64, 65 lockable lid (of a 24' box)

[0275] 66 subdivisions (within a box 24')

[0276] 67 outer wall (of a box 24')

[0277] 68 recessed handle (in the outer wall 66)

[0278] 100 systems

[0279] 101 platform, as part of a mobile field robot

[0280] 111 chassis

[0281] 112 wheels

[0282] 114 plug-in elements

[0283] 115 L-shaped base body

[0284] 124 box element

[0285] 125 Conveyor system (of platform 101)

[0286] 133 Stop plate or “parking area”

[0287] 140 Transceiver unit

[0288] 141 weather station

[0289] 142 Control or regulating device

[0290] 143 Battery

[0291] 150 lock

[0292] 152 um running conveyor belt

[0293] 154 Direction of movement (for a box 24)

[0294] 210 guy ropes

[0295] 214 Wind turbine rotor

[0296] A, B Outer end faces (of a traverse 12)

[0297] B Battery storage

[0298] F delivery vehicle N agricultural land

[0299] P Plant(s)

[0300] R Monitoring space (of the first or second sensor 30, 32)

[0301] S solar panel(s)

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) for cultivating 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 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 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 specific direction and thus can be brought to a predetermined position, in particular adjacent to a field cultivation device (18, 19), a large-volume receiving container (50) in which a plurality of boxes (24) are recordable,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, thus enabling the 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, 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), and a device (52) by means of which crates (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).

2. System (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (52) by means of which boxes (24) are movable 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. A system (100) for cultivating an agricultural area (N), comprising a large-volume receiving container (50) in which a plurality of boxes (24) can be accommodated, 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, thus enabling the transfer of boxes (24) from the outside of the receiving container (50) into its interior or from the interior of the receiving container (50) to its outside, wherein a storage system (56) for accommodating a plurality of boxes (24) and a device for moving boxes (24) are provided in the interior of the receiving container (50), and a platform (101) which is movable relative to the agricultural area (N) and is part of a mobile field robot,wherein a chassis (111) of the platform (101) is provided with a plurality of wheels (112) attached thereto, with which the field robot can be moved over the usable 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) attached to a chassis (111) of the platform (101) or a part thereof, and with which a plant-cultivating 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 can thus be 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).

4. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one power generation device, wherein at least the receiving container (50) is equipped with a battery (B) which can be charged with electrical energy generated by the power generation device.

5. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device for moving boxes (24) is designed in the form of an xyz portal system (57), which is preferably arranged in a central region of the interior of the receiving container (50), preferably that the 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 in that the device (E) for moving boxes (24) is designed in the form of a robot gripper arm (58) with a plurality of degrees of freedom, which is preferably arranged in a central region of the interior of the receiving container (50), such that with the robot gripper arm (58) a single box (24) can be moved freely in space and thus three-dimensionally.

7. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device for supplementing crates filled with harvested goods with selected additional foodstuffs.

8. System (100) according to claim 7, as far as dependent on claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a box (24) which is equipped with harvested material can be equipped with additional selected further food products 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).

9. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving container (50) is equipped with at least one additional module for further processing and / or post-processing of harvested material.

10. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device for automatic cleaning of crates (24).

11. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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).

12. System (100) according to claim 11, characterized in 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 power generation device.

13. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving container is stationary and thus positioned at the edge of the agricultural area (N).

14. System (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that fully autonomous flying bodies 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 appropriate, other selected foodstuffs.

15. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in 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 for a plurality of boxes (24) which can be received in the receiving container (50).

16. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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.

17. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving container (50) is equipped with a control 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).

18. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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.

19. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a base terminal (29) with which a required field logistics can be realized, 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 material 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).

20. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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.

21. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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.

22. System (100) according to claim 1 or 2 or according to one of claims 4 to 21, characterized in that the device (10) fulfills 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 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.

23. System (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that 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 plant 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 can be 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) in such a way that the platform (101) can be moved from the cross member (12) or from the receiving container (50) can take over boxes (24) 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 traverse (12) or to the receiving container (50).

24. System (100) according to claim 3 or according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in 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 power generation device and can be charged with electrical energy generated by the power generation device.

25. System (100) according to claim 3 or according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in 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.

26. System (100) according to one of claims 19 to 25, as far as dependent on claim 12, characterized in 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 power generated by the power 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 12 in order to exchange an at least partially discharged battery of the vehicle (F) for the fully charged replacement battery storage unit (B).

27. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power 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 power 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.

28. A method for cultivating an agricultural area (N), in particular using a system according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in 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 (N) 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, a harvest and a loading of a receiving container (50) which is integrated into an electric motor-driven delivery vehicle (F) with boxes (24) in which at least the harvested crop produced from the agricultural area (N) has been placed takes place; (ii) In the second time window, the delivery vehicle (F) then transports crates (24) stored in the receiving container (50) and filled with at least fresh harvested crops and, if necessary, additional products or foodstuffs to a predetermined location outside the agricultural area (N); and (iii) In the third time window, the delivery vehicle (F) returns to the agricultural area (N), wherein the battery (B) of the delivery vehicle (F) is charged with electrical energy generated by a power generation device.

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that in the first time window (i) plant-growing process steps are carried out by means of a system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 27 in order to introduce fresh harvested material into boxes (24), wherein the boxes (24) which have been filled with fresh harvested material are then moved through the lock (150) into the interior of the receiving container (50), preferably fully automatically.

30. Method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that in the first time window (i) energy is provided from the battery (B) of the delivery vehicle (F) for the harvesting process and the device (10) and / or the mobile platform (101) used therein, with the stipulation that there is then sufficient energy still available in the battery (B) so that the delivery vehicle (F) can then reach both the predetermined location and also return to the agricultural area (N) in the second time window (ii).

31. Method according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that during the second time window (ii) empty boxes (24) or exchange containers are collected by the delivery vehicle (F) and the receiving container (50) integrated therein, preferably in the manner of a deposit system, and then transported back to the agricultural area (N) and the device (10) positioned there and / or the mobile platform (101).

32. Method according to one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that during the second time window (ii) for the delivery vehicle (F) with a control device provided for this purpose, an intelligent route planning is carried out in such a way that a predetermined box (24) with a selected content of harvested material and / or with further additional products or foodstuffs is provided at a predetermined time in the output lock (55) of the receiving container (50).

33. Method according to one of claims 28 to 32, characterized in that towards the end of the second time window (ii) and / or at the beginning of the third time window (iii), a supplementary supply of additional products and / or foodstuffs for the following day is loaded into the delivery vehicle (F) on its way back to the agricultural area (N).

34. Method according to one of claims 28 to 33, characterized in that towards the end of the second time window (ii) and / or at the beginning of the third time window (iii), new seedlings and / or seeds are loaded into the delivery vehicle (F) on its way back to the agricultural area (N), which are then transferred to the device (10) and / or to the mobile platform (101) upon arrival at the agricultural area (N).

35. Method according to one of claims 28 to 34, characterized in that during the third time window (iii) a rinsing or cleaning of empty boxes (24) takes place in such a way that at least the necessary hygiene regulations are met, so that subsequently these cleaned boxes (24) can be transferred back to the traverse (12) of the device (10) and / or to the mobile platform (101) for the purpose of loading with harvested material in a first time window (i) of a subsequent day.

36. Method according to one of claims 28 to 35, characterized in that during the third time window (iii) the following measures are carried out: o Cleaning the storage positions / running surfaces of the boxes (24) or food containers in the storage system (56) provided in the interior of the receiving container (50), and / or o Exchanging fresh and / or dirty water with the device (10) and / or with the mobile platform (101) and / or with the base terminal (29).

37. Method according to one of claims 28 to 36, characterized in that the said three predetermined time windows of a day are as follows: o First time window: Between 6:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.; o Second time window: Between 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; and o Third time window: Between 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

38. Method according to one of claims 28 to 37, characterized in that the receiving container (50) integrated in the delivery vehicle (F) is preferably in the course of the first time window (i) and the second time window (ii) when it is used to transport fresh harvested crops, it is set or air-conditioned to predetermined values ​​for temperature and humidity.

39. Method according to one of claims 28 to 38, characterized in that the delivery vehicle is refuelled with hydrogen during the third time window (iii).

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