Automatic breeding system for tenebrio molitor

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic breeding system for yellow mealworms, which comprises a central control unit, a breeding transmission device, a screening transmission device and an automatic feeding device. The breeding transmission device comprises three or more breeding racks arranged in a step shape from high to low. Each breeding rack is provided with a belt transmission assembly to form a multi-stage transmission. A screening transmission device is arranged between two adjacent breeding racks to screen the insect skins, insect bodies and insect manure transmitted by the upper-stage belt transmission assembly under the control of the central control unit, and then make the insect bodies enter the next-stage belt transmission assembly for further breeding. The automatic feeding device is movably arranged on one side of the breeding racks to uniformly feed the yellow mealworms on the belt transmission assemblies under the control of the central control unit. The application has the advantages of convenient operation, high intelligent degree, high breeding efficiency, good breeding effect, small land occupation and great reduction of labor intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention mainly relates to the field of insect breeding equipment, specifically to an automated yellow mealworm breeding system. Background Technology

[0002] The yellow mealworm, belonging to the class Insecta, order Coleoptera, family Tenebrionidae, and genus *Mealworm*, is a species commonly known as the breadworm and is considered an ideal feed insect for artificial breeding. In addition to being high in crude protein and fat, the larvae of the yellow mealworm contain various sugars, amino acids, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, and calcium. It has high nutritional value and can be used directly as live animal protein feed for frogs, turtles, scorpions, centipedes, ants, high-quality fish, ornamental birds, medicinal animals, valuable fur-bearing animals, and rare livestock and poultry. Furthermore, after processing, it can be used in the food, health product, and cosmetic industries. Because its protein content ranks first among various live animal protein feeds, it is hailed as a "treasure trove of protein feed."

[0003] The mealworm's life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Rearing begins with eggs. Once mature larvae develop, they can be used commercially for pet breeding. Pupae and adults are used for breeding stock for the next batch. During larval development, the larvae gradually increase in size (from egg to small larva, then to older larvae, and finally to mature larvae). Therefore, the rearing area needs to be continuously increased to maintain a certain stocking density. Simultaneously, the larvae produce frass and molt multiple times during their growth. This frass and molt skins also need to be separated promptly. Firstly, the separated frass and molt skins can be used for other commercial production, such as using frass to make fertilizer and molt skins to make medicine, generating immediate commercial value. Secondly, failure to separate them will negatively impact the rearing environment, occupy rearing space, and consequently hinder their growth. Furthermore, larvae of different ages need to be fed during the rearing process. Because mealworms are highly dependent on food but have extremely poor foraging abilities, feeding needs to be even and timely to ensure that every rearing area has food, thereby effectively guaranteeing uniform growth of mealworms from the same batch in each area. Current techniques utilize individual rearing trays or boxes for artificial rearing, with feeding also done manually, and the removal of mealworm excrement and excrement using sieves or semi-automated machinery. This presents the following technical problems:

[0004] I. Regarding aquaculture:

[0005] 1. The manual labor involved is very high, making the breeding process extremely arduous. If a batch of larvae is raised in a small breeding pot, after a period of time the larvae grow larger, they need to be transferred to a larger medium-sized breeding pot. After a period of time, they need to be transferred again to an even larger large breeding pot, and then to an even larger pot. This pot-changing work itself is extremely labor-intensive, not to mention that a breeding farm needs to change a large number of breeding pots (hundreds or even hundreds). If the pots are not changed in time to increase the breeding area, it will seriously affect the growth of the mealworms.

[0006] 2. Some breeders use a large rearing basin to start raising insect eggs. While this area is suitable for raising mature larvae, it's unnecessary for the later stages of raising eggs, young larvae, and older larvae. This results in significant waste of space, a severe mismatch between rearing area and output, and low rearing efficiency.

[0007] 3. Manual repotting is rough and can damage mealworms, even causing them to die, resulting in poor breeding results and seriously affecting subsequent commercial use.

[0008] II. Regarding screening:

[0009] 1. Because of the large number of animals being raised, this manual sorting and removal method or semi-automated mechanical removal results in a high level of manual labor intensity. The sorting and removal is very laborious, and it cannot quickly separate and package the insects, insect excrement, and insect skin in one go.

[0010] 2. When removing the insects, insect droppings, and insect skins, which are mixed together, it is necessary to separate them. However, the existing method results in incomplete and unclean screening, and insect droppings, insect skins, and insects are often mixed together, which seriously affects the growth of mealworms.

[0011] 3. Manual screening and removal is a rough process that can damage the mealworms being screened, and may even result in the death of the mealworms, which seriously affects subsequent commercial use.

[0012] III. Regarding feeding:

[0013] 1. Because there are a large number of breeding pots or boxes, this method of artificial feeding results in a high level of manual labor intensity, making feeding very arduous.

[0014] 2. Manual feeding is extremely inefficient, and the large number of animals fed may lead to errors, such as missing a breeding pot or box, which could cause the mealworms to die.

[0015] 3. Inconsistent feeding habits among workers, and even the same worker's feeding technique, result in extremely poor uniformity in feeding. Overfeeding in some areas leads to prolonged food retention, spoilage, and waste; underfeeding in others results in uneven growth of the same batch of mealworms; and even death of mealworms, severely impacting subsequent commercial use.

[0016] IV. Regarding the whole:

[0017] 1. Regardless of whether it is artificial breeding, artificial screening, or artificial feeding, the existing breeding methods all rely on manual labor, have a low level of intelligence, cannot form a systematic and automated production line breeding, have low breeding efficiency, and cannot meet the needs of large-scale commercial breeding. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide an automated yellow mealworm breeding system that is easy to operate, highly intelligent, efficient, effective, occupies little space, and greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor, in response to the problems existing in the prior art.

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0020] An automated mealworm farming system includes a central control unit, a farming conveyor, a screening conveyor, and an automatic feeding device. The farming conveyor includes three or more farming racks arranged in a stepped fashion from high to low. Each rack is equipped with a belt conveyor assembly to form a multi-stage conveyor system from high to low. Each rack has lateral baffles on both sides of the conveyor assembly and movable end baffles at both ends of the conveyor assembly to enclose a mealworm farming area. The area of ​​the belt conveyor assemblies gradually increases from high to low to accommodate the different farming area requirements of mealworms at different growth stages. Under the control of the control unit, mealworm eggs of the same batch are cultured on the first-level belt conveyor assembly. As they grow in size, they are sequentially transferred to the next-level belt conveyor assembly for further culture, until they are cultured into mature larvae on the last-level belt conveyor assembly. A screening and conveying device is provided between each pair of adjacent culture racks to screen the mealworm skins, bodies, and excrement transported from the previous-level belt conveyor assembly under the control of the central control unit, allowing the mealworm bodies to enter the next-level belt conveyor assembly for continued culture. The automatic feeding device is movably arranged on one side of multiple culture racks to uniformly feed the mealworms on multiple belt conveyor assemblies by moving under the control of the central control unit.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first breeding rack is provided with two independent belt conveyor components arranged side by side for breeding two batches of insect eggs; when the batch of insect eggs on the left belt conveyor component completes half a breeding cycle on the belt conveyor component, the right belt conveyor component begins to breed the next batch of insect eggs, so as to realize the alternating supply and transmission to the belt conveyor component on the second breeding rack through the two independent belt conveyor components.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the breeding racks is provided with a baffle drive assembly at the end baffle of each belt conveyor assembly. The baffle drive assembly drives the end baffle to rise and fall so as to raise the end baffle when the belt conveyor assembly is in transit.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the breeding racks is provided with multiple parallel belt conveyor assemblies arranged from top to bottom, so as to enable three or more breeding racks to cooperate with each other to form a multi-level multi-layer conveyor. Each layer of the belt conveyor assembly can be conveyed independently. The screening and conveying device moves up and down between two breeding racks under the control of the central control unit to adapt to the screening and conveying operation of each layer of belt conveyor assembly.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the belt transmission components includes a cooperating drive shaft, a driven shaft, and a wound belt. At least one end of the drive shaft is provided with a first bevel gear. Each of the breeding racks is also fixed with at least one vertical rotary transmission shaft. One end of the rotary transmission shaft is connected to the belt drive component. The rotary transmission shaft is provided with a plurality of second bevel gears for corresponding meshing with each first bevel gear. When the belt drive component drives the rotary transmission shaft to rotate, the second bevel gear drives the first bevel gear to rotate in order to drive the drive shaft to rotate so that the belt moves.

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, the belt drive assembly includes a belt drive motor fixed on the breeding rack and a transverse transmission shaft. The belt drive motor is used to drive the transverse transmission shaft to rotate. The transverse transmission shaft is arranged parallel to the drive shaft. At least one end of the transverse transmission shaft is provided with a third bevel gear. The end of the rotary transmission shaft is also provided with a fourth bevel gear for meshing with the third bevel gear. When the belt drive motor drives the transverse transmission shaft to rotate, the third bevel gear drives the fourth bevel gear to rotate, thereby causing the rotary transmission shaft to rotate.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the first bevel gears includes a fixed base, a drive shaft, and a gear disk. The fixed base is mounted on the breeding rack, and the drive shaft is mounted on the fixed base via a first bearing for fixed connection with the drive shaft. The gear disk is mounted on the drive shaft via a second bearing. The back of the gear disk is provided with a ring of recessed one-way ratchet teeth. A pawl lever is hinged to the drive shaft. The pawl lever and the ring of one-way ratchet teeth cooperate to form a one-way ratchet mechanism. The drive shaft is also provided with an elastic element and an electromagnetic adsorption assembly for adsorbing the pawl lever. When the pawl lever is pressed onto the elastic element and adsorbed by the electromagnetic adsorption assembly, the pawl lever does not extend into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet teeth to allow the gear disk to rotate around the drive shaft. When the electromagnetic adsorption assembly does not adsorb the pawl lever, the pawl lever extends into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet teeth under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element to allow the gear disk to rotate with the drive shaft.

[0027] As a further improvement of the present invention, the screening and conveying device includes a screening and conveying box. The screening and conveying box contains, from top to bottom, a shell collection chamber, a body conveying chamber, and an excrement collection chamber. The left opening of the screening and conveying box is connected to the inlet ends of both the shell collection chamber and the body conveying chamber. An inclined guide plate is provided on the outer side of the inlet end of the body conveying chamber. A negative pressure is created within the shell collection chamber. When the shells, bodies, and excrement from the upper belt conveyor assembly are conveyed from the left opening of the screening and conveying box... As the insects fall, the lighter insect skins are drawn into the insect skin collection chamber by negative pressure, while the heavier insect bodies and excrement fall onto the guide plate and are guided into the insect body transmission chamber. An inclined screen is provided between the insect body transmission chamber and the excrement collection chamber to allow the excrement entering the insect body transmission chamber to fall through the screen into the excrement collection chamber. An inclined exit guide plate is provided on the outer side of the outlet end of the insect body transmission chamber to allow the mealworms in the insect body transmission chamber to be transmitted to the next-level belt conveyor assembly.

[0028] As a further improvement of the present invention, the infeed guide plate is hinged to the screening transmission box via a horizontally arranged first rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is connected to a first rotating motor to rotate the infeed guide plate downwards and fold it during non-screening operations, or to rotate the infeed guide plate upwards and press it against the bottom of the conveyor belt of the upper belt conveyor assembly during screening operations to scrape off residual insect bodies and insect excrement on the conveyor belt. The outlet guide plate is hinged to the screening transmission box via a horizontally arranged second rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is connected to a second rotating motor to rotate the outlet guide plate upwards and fold it during non-screening operations, or to rotate the outlet guide plate downwards and overlap it on the lower belt conveyor assembly during screening operations.

[0029] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outlet end of the insect skin collection chamber is divided into two independent left chambers and right chambers. The left and right chambers extend downward to form the outlet end of the insect body transfer chamber between the left and right chambers, so that the mealworms transferred from the insect body transfer chamber fall into the middle of the lower belt conveyor assembly. The bottom of the screening and transfer box is provided with an insect skin collection hopper for communicating with both the left and right chambers simultaneously.

[0030] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a vertically arranged lifting frame, wherein the lifting frame is provided with a lifting frame that can slide vertically and vertically, the screening and transmission box is fixed inside the lifting frame, and the lifting frame is also provided with a lifting drive component that can drive the lifting frame to lift and lower, so as to enable the screening and transmission box to meet the screening and transmission operation requirements at different heights through lifting and lowering.

[0031] As a further improvement of the present invention, the automatic feeding device includes a track assembly arranged near one side of multiple breeding racks. A movable trolley is provided on the track assembly. The trolley is provided with a feeding hopper, a feeding component, and a foldable feeding tube assembly. The feeding component is connected between the feeding hopper and the feeding tube assembly to transport the food in the feeding hopper to the feeding tube assembly. The feeding tube assembly includes multiple feeding tubes arranged horizontally above the belt conveyor assembly. The inlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes are all connected to the feeding component. The lengths of the multiple feeding tubes are different so that the outlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes are evenly arranged above the belt conveyor assembly for uniform feeding when the trolley moves.

[0032] As a further improvement of the present invention, the feeding assembly includes a feeding drive, a feeding component, and a hollow feeding tube. The feeding tube has an inlet at its middle end for communication with the outlet of the feeding hopper. The first end of the feeding tube is connected to the feeding tube assembly. The feeding component is disposed inside the feeding tube. The feeding drive is disposed at the tail end of the feeding tube and connected to the feeding component for driving the feeding component to move inside the feeding tube to transport the food entering the feeding tube from the feeding hopper to the feeding tube assembly.

[0033] As a further improvement of the present invention, the trolley is provided with a trolley lifting drive assembly and an installation platform. The feeding hopper and the feeding assembly are both installed on the installation platform. The trolley lifting drive assembly is installed between the mobile trolley and the installation platform and is used to drive the feeding hopper, the feeding assembly and the feeding tube assembly to lift up and down so as to feed the mealworm breeding areas at different heights evenly.

[0034] As a further improvement of the present invention, the inlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes are simultaneously covered and fixed by a hinged tube. The hinged tube is hinged to the outlet end of the feeding assembly via a vertical rotating shaft. The outlet end of the feeding assembly is provided with a folding rotary motor. The folding rotary motor is connected to the rotating shaft to drive the multiple feeding tubes to rotate horizontally for folding when not feeding.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0036] Firstly, the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention utilizes a multi-stage conveyor belt system with screening and conveying devices between each stage. This creates an automated breeding system where multiple conveyor belts on multiple breeding racks not only provide multi-stage transmission but also multi-stage breeding. Each conveyor belt is optimally sized to meet the breeding needs at each stage, resulting in excellent space utilization and breeding efficiency. Furthermore, each conveyor belt is constantly in operation, ensuring continuous breeding without idle periods, leading to extremely high breeding efficiency. This completely revolutionizes existing manual breeding techniques, eliminating the need for frequent pot changes and significantly reducing labor intensity.

[0037] Secondly, the automated mealworm rearing system of this invention uses side baffles and end baffles to enclose a mealworm rearing area on the belt conveyor assembly, preventing the mealworms reared on the belt conveyor assembly from crawling out and falling off. More importantly, this device, based on the rearing and growth characteristics of mealworms, gradually increases the area of ​​multiple belt conveyor assemblies to accommodate the rearing area requirements of mealworms at different growth stages, such as eggs, larvae, pupae, and young adults. This ensures an optimal rearing environment at every stage, maximizing the utilization of the rearing area.

[0038] Thirdly, the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention features slow, even transmission of larvae between different levels. This ensures that the larvae from the upper level are evenly distributed across the lower level, preventing clumping and promoting optimal growth. Furthermore, it completely eliminates the need for manual handling, preventing damage and death of the mealworms, resulting in excellent breeding outcomes and ensuring successful commercial use.

[0039] Fourthly, the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention features a screening and conveying device that, under the control of the central control unit, screens the mealworm skins, bodies, and excrement transported from the upper level during the conveyor belt process. This separates the skins and excrement, allowing only the bodies to enter the next level of conveyor belt for continued breeding. This ensures that the next level of breeding proceeds in a clean and pristine state (without excrement or skins, only the bodies), resulting in hygienic and environmentally friendly breeding practices and guaranteed breeding space. Simultaneously, during the breeding and screening processes, an automatic feeding device automatically and evenly feeds mealworms (eggs, young larvae, and older larvae) on multiple conveyor belts. Through this unique design, the central control unit, breeding and conveying device, screening and conveying device, and automatic feeding device work together and support each other, forming a targeted, phased automated production line breeding system based on the breeding and growth characteristics of mealworms. This scientific and highly intelligent breeding method yields extremely high larval production efficiency, effectively meeting commercial needs.

[0040] Fifth, the automated mealworm rearing system of this invention, through the installation of a movable trolley, feeding hopper, feeding assembly, and feeding tube assembly, enables automated feeding operations, completely eliminating a series of technical problems caused by manual feeding in existing technologies. This not only significantly reduces labor intensity and saves labor costs, but also ensures extremely high feeding efficiency without omissions or errors. During the feeding process, uniform feeding is achieved both horizontally and vertically along the entire conveyor belt. Simultaneously, because the diameter of the feeding tubes is uniform, the food falling from each tube is also uniform. This completely eliminates the technical problem of poor feeding uniformity caused by manual feeding in existing technologies. Uniform feeding not only prevents food waste but also ensures the uniform growth of mealworms in the same batch, thus effectively guaranteeing subsequent commercial use. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the automated yellow mealworm breeding system of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure of the automated mealworm farming system of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure of the automated mealworm farming system of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure of the automated mealworm farming system of the present invention. Figure 3

[0045] Figure 5 This is a rear-view structural schematic diagram of the first bevel gear of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0046] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the first bevel gear of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a rear-view structural schematic diagram of the first bevel gear of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0048] Figure 8 This is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first bevel gear of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a rear-view three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the screening and transfer box of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a front-view three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the screening and transfer box of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the screening and transmission box of the present invention during use.

[0052] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the screening and conveying device of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the automatic feeding device of the present invention when it is turned on for feeding.

[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and principle of the automatic feeding device of the present invention after feeding and folding.

[0056] Legend:

[0057] 1. Track assembly; 2. Trolley; 21. Feed hopper; 22. Feeding assembly; 221. Feeding drive; 222. Feeding component; 223. Feeding pipe; 23. Feeding pipe assembly; 231. Feeding pipe; 24. Trolley lifting drive assembly; 25. Mounting platform; 26. Articulated pipe; 3. Screening and transfer box; 31. Insect skin collection chamber; 312. Left chamber; 313. Right chamber; 314. Insect skin collection hopper; 32. Insect body transfer chamber; 33. Insect excrement collection chamber; 331. Insect excrement collection hopper; 34. Inlet guide plate; 35. Screen; 36. Outlet guide plate; 4. Lifting frame; 41. Lifting frame; 411. Guide pulley; 412. Support spring; 413. Lifting spring; 42. Lifting drive assembly; 5. Breeding rack; 51. Side guard 52. Plate; 53. End baffle; 54. Rotary transmission shaft; 551. Second bevel gear; 552. Fourth bevel gear; 6. Belt transmission assembly; 61. Drive shaft; 611. First bevel gear; 6111. Fixed base; 6112. Transmission shaft; 61121. First bearing; 61122. Pawl lever; 61123. Elastic element; 61124. Mounting plate; 6113. Gear disk; 61131. Second bearing; 61132. One-way ratchet; 6114. Electromagnetic adsorption assembly; 61141. Electromagnetic chuck; 61142. Electromagnetic adsorption sheet metal; 61143. Electrode plate; 62. Driven shaft; 63. Belt; 7. Belt drive assembly; 71. Belt drive motor; 72. Lateral transmission shaft; 73. Third bevel gear. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 15As shown, this invention provides an automated mealworm farming system, including a central control unit, a farming transmission device, a screening transmission device, and an automatic feeding device. The farming transmission device includes three or more farming racks 5 arranged in a stepped manner from high to low. Each farming rack 5 is equipped with a base fixing component (not shown in the figure) for fixing the farming rack 5 in the farming area. The height of each farming rack 5 is between 20 cm and 600 cm. Each breeding rack 5 is equipped with a belt conveyor assembly 6 to form a multi-stage conveyor system from high to low. Each breeding rack 5 has lateral baffles 51 on both sides of the conveyor assembly 6 along its conveying direction, and movable end baffles 52 at both ends of the conveyor assembly 6 to enclose a mealworm breeding area. The areas of the multiple belt conveyor assemblies 6 gradually increase from high to low to accommodate the different growth stages of mealworms. Under the control of the central control unit (not shown in the figure), mealworm eggs of the same batch are cultured on the first-stage belt conveyor assembly 6 and, as their size increases, are sequentially transferred to the next-stage belt conveyor assembly 6 for further culture until they mature into larvae on the last-stage belt conveyor assembly 6. A screening and conveying device (as shown in the attached figure) is provided between each pair of adjacent breeding racks 5. Figure 1 E1, E2, and E3 (shown) are used to sieve the insect skins, bodies, and excrement transported from the previous-level belt conveyor assembly 6 under the control of the central control unit, allowing the insect bodies to enter the next-level belt conveyor assembly 6 for continued rearing. An automatic feeding device is movably arranged on one side of multiple rearing racks 5 to evenly feed the mealworms on the multiple belt conveyor assemblies 6 under the control of the central control unit. The specific implementation principle is as follows:

[0060] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, there are four breeding racks 5, A, B, C, and D, forming a four-level system. Each breeding rack 5 has side baffles 51 on both sides of the conveyor belt assembly 6 in the transmission direction, and movable end baffles 52 at both ends of the conveyor belt assembly 6 to enclose a mealworm breeding area on the conveyor belt assembly 6. This prevents the mealworms raised on the conveyor belt assembly 6 from crawling out and falling off. The end baffles 52 are made movable so that they can be retracted when the conveyor belt assembly 6 is in operation, allowing for the smooth transfer of mealworm eggs, young larvae, older larvae, and mature larvae in the breeding area. The specific design will be detailed below. The area of ​​the multiple belt conveyor components 6 gradually increases from high to low to adapt to the breeding area requirements of yellow mealworms at different growth stages. For example, the area of ​​the belt conveyor component 6 on breeding rack A is smaller than that on breeding rack B (it is obvious from the attached figure that it is longer and therefore has a larger area), the area of ​​the belt conveyor component 6 on breeding rack B is smaller than that on breeding rack C, and the area of ​​the belt conveyor component 6 on breeding rack C is smaller than that on breeding rack D.

[0061] During the breeding process, a batch of mealworm eggs is first bred on the first-level belt conveyor assembly 6 (in this embodiment, the belt conveyor assembly 6 on the breeding rack A), and the area of ​​the belt conveyor assembly 6 is just suitable for the breeding needs of this batch of eggs (based on actual breeding experience, the size of the area suitable for breeding how many eggs can be estimated).

[0062] After a period of rearing, the eggs in this batch grow into the initial stage of small larvae, requiring a larger rearing area. At this point, the conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rearing rack A begin to move towards conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rearing rack B, transferring the small larvae to the larger conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rack B for further rearing. During this transfer, conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rack B also move slowly, ensuring that the larvae transferred from rack A are relatively evenly distributed on conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rack B, preventing clumping. This even distribution is highly beneficial for the next stage of growth. After conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rack A have finished transferring and are emptied, the next batch of eggs can be reared on them. It is important to note that during the process of transferring eggs from conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rack A to conveyor belt assemblies 6 on rack B, the screening and conveying device (as shown in the attached diagram) located between the two rearing racks 5 (from rack A to rack B)... Figure 1 E1 shown in the diagram will screen the insect skin, insect body (small larvae in the primary stage) and insect excrement transmitted from the previous belt conveyor assembly 6 under the control of the central control unit. This will separate the insect skin and insect excrement, while only the insect body (small larvae in the primary stage) can enter the B-level belt conveyor assembly 6 for further breeding.

[0063] When the batch of small larvae on the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the B-stage rearing rack reaches the initial stage of older larvae after a period of rearing, a larger rearing area is required. At this time, the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the B-stage rearing rack continues to transport the larvae to the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the C-stage rearing rack, transferring the older larvae to the larger belt conveyor assembly 6 of the C-stage rearing rack for further rearing. Simultaneously, during this transport process, the screening and conveying device (as shown in the attached diagram) located between the B and C rearing racks 5... Figure 1 E2 shown in the diagram will screen the insect skin, insect body (high-age larvae in the primary stage) and insect excrement transported by the B-level belt conveyor assembly 6 under the control of the central control unit. This will separate the insect skin and insect excrement, while only the insect body (high-age larvae in the primary stage) can enter the C-level belt conveyor assembly 6 for further breeding.

[0064] After the belt conveyor assembly 6 on breeding rack B has finished conveying and been emptied, the larvae being raised on belt conveyor assembly 6 on breeding rack A can continue to be transferred to belt conveyor assembly 6 on breeding rack B for further rearing. At this time, the screening and conveying device between the two breeding racks 5 (as shown in the attached diagram) is in place. Figure 1 E1 shown will also continue to perform screening and transmission under the control of the central control unit.

[0065] When the batch of high-age larvae on the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the C rearing rack reaches the initial stage of mature larvae after a period of rearing, a larger rearing area is required. At this time, the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the C rearing rack continues to transport the larvae to the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the D rearing rack, so that the batch of high-age larvae is transferred to the belt conveyor assembly 6 of the larger D rearing rack for further rearing until they reach mature larvae, and then transported for shipment. During this transport process, the screening and conveying device (as shown in the attached figure) located between the two rearing racks 5 of C and D... Figure 1 E3 shown in the diagram will screen the insect skin, insect body (old-age larvae) and insect excrement transported from the C-level belt conveyor assembly 6 under the control of the central control unit, so that the insect skin and insect excrement are screened out, and only the insect body (old-age larvae) can enter the D-level belt conveyor assembly 6 for continued breeding.

[0066] Through the above-described special configuration, it is evident that the belt conveyor assemblies 6 on the four breeding racks (A, B, C, and D), in conjunction with multiple screening and conveying devices, not only form multi-stage conveying but also multi-stage breeding. Not only is the area of ​​each belt conveyor assembly 6 optimally suited to the breeding needs of each stage, resulting in excellent area utilization and breeding effects, but each belt conveyor assembly 6 is never idle, always operating continuously, leading to extremely high breeding efficiency. Of course, in other embodiments, five or six other breeding racks can be used, depending on the actual breeding situation.

[0067] Meanwhile, as attached Figure 1 As shown, during the above-mentioned breeding and transportation process, the automatic feeding device arranged on one side of multiple breeding racks 5 will also automatically and evenly feed the mealworms at different stages on multiple belt conveyor components 6 under the control of the central control unit (the specific feeding design and feeding method will be detailed below), completely eliminating a series of technical problems caused by manual feeding in the prior art.

[0068] Through the above-mentioned special scientific design, it has the following technical advantages:

[0069] Firstly, the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention utilizes a multi-stage conveyor belt system 6, with a screening and conveying device between each stage of the conveyor belt system 6. This creates an automated breeding system where multiple conveyor belt systems 6 on multiple breeding racks not only form a multi-stage conveyor system but also a multi-stage breeding system. Not only is the area of ​​each conveyor belt system 6 optimally suited to the breeding needs of each stage, resulting in excellent area utilization and breeding effects, but each conveyor belt system 6 is never idle, always operating continuously, leading to extremely high breeding efficiency. This completely overturns the manual breeding methods of existing technologies, eliminating the need for frequent repotting and significantly reducing labor intensity.

[0070] Secondly, in the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention, the side baffles 51 and end baffles 52 enclose a mealworm breeding area on the belt conveyor assembly 6, preventing the mealworms raised on the belt conveyor assembly 6 from crawling out and falling off. More importantly, this device, based on the breeding and growth characteristics of mealworms, gradually increases the area of ​​multiple belt conveyor assemblies 6 to adapt to the breeding area requirements of mealworms at different growth stages. This ensures an excellent breeding environment at every stage, maximizing the utilization of the breeding area.

[0071] Thirdly, in the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention, during the upstream and downstream transmission process, both the upstream and downstream conveyor belt components 6 transport the larvae slowly. This ensures that the larvae transported from the upstream conveyor belt component 6 are relatively evenly distributed onto the downstream conveyor belt component 6, preventing them from piling up. This even distribution is highly beneficial for the next stage of growth. Furthermore, it completely eliminates the need for manual movement of the larvae, preventing damage to the mealworms, eliminating the occurrence of dead larvae, and resulting in excellent breeding effects, effectively guaranteeing subsequent commercial use.

[0072] Fourthly, in the automated mealworm breeding system of this invention, during the transmission process of the upper and lower belt conveyor components 6, the intermediate screening and conveying device, under the control of the central control unit, screens the mealworm skins, bodies, and excrement transported from the upper level. This separates the mealworm skins and excrement, allowing only the mealworm bodies to enter the next level belt conveyor component 6 for further breeding. This ensures that the next level of breeding is carried out in a clean and pristine state (because there are no mealworm excrement or skins, only mealworm bodies), making the next level of breeding hygienic, environmentally friendly, and ensuring adequate breeding space. Simultaneously, during the aforementioned breeding and screening processes, the automatic feeding device automatically and evenly feeds the mealworms on multiple belt conveyor components 6 by moving. Through this unique design, the central control unit, breeding and conveying device, screening and conveying device, and automatic feeding device cooperate and support each other, forming a targeted, phased automated production line breeding system based on the breeding and growth characteristics of mealworms. The breeding method is scientific, highly intelligent, and has extremely high worm production efficiency, effectively meeting commercial needs.

[0073] As attached Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the first rearing rack 5 is further equipped with two independent left and right belt conveyor components 6 arranged side by side for rearing two batches of insect eggs. When the batch of insect eggs on the left belt conveyor component 6 completes half a rearing cycle on that component, the right belt conveyor component 6 begins rearing the next batch of insect eggs, thus enabling alternating supply and transmission to the belt conveyor component 6 on the second rearing rack 5 through the two independent left and right belt conveyor components 6. This unique design is because, after extensive experimental observation and analysis, the inventors discovered that the optimal rearing transition is: the rearing growth cycle of insect eggs is approximately twice the rearing cycle of the next larvae. For example, assuming the larval rearing cycle is 15 days, the insect egg rearing cycle is 30 days. The specific implementation principle is as follows:

[0074] When the insect eggs on the left conveyor belt 6 of the first rearing rack 5 have completed 15 days of rearing, the right conveyor belt 6 begins rearing the next batch of insect eggs. After another 15 days of rearing on the left conveyor belt 6 (reaching 30 days), the eggs can be transferred to the conveyor belt 6 of the second rearing rack 5 (at this point, the eggs on the right conveyor belt 6 have already been reared for 15 days). After another 15 days of rearing on the conveyor belt 6 of the second rearing rack 5, the eggs can be transferred to the third rearing rack 5. At this point, the eggs on the right conveyor belt 6 have already been reared for 30 days, and can then be transferred to the empty conveyor belt 6 of the second rearing rack 5. Therefore, by using two independent conveyor belt assemblies 6 on the left and right, the eggs can be alternately supplied to the conveyor belt 6 of the second rearing rack 5. This rearing method is scientific, highly intelligent, and has extremely high insect production efficiency, perfectly meeting commercial needs.

[0075] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the end baffle 52 at the first end of each belt conveyor assembly 6 is provided with a flexible layer to allow the bottom of the end baffle 52 to make surface-to-surface contact with the top surface of the belt of the belt conveyor assembly 6. The flexible layer can be made of rubber or silicone, which will not damage the belt conveyor assembly 6 and can also ensure excellent breeding sealing, preventing mealworms from crawling out of the breeding area. Each breeding rack 5 is provided with a baffle drive assembly at the end baffle 52 at the tail end of each belt conveyor assembly 6. The baffle drive assembly drives the end baffle 52 to rise and fall, so as to raise the end baffle 52 when the belt conveyor assembly 6 is conveying. In this embodiment, the baffle drive assembly is a motor, and the end baffle 52 is provided with a rack. The gear on the drive shaft end of the motor meshes with the rack to drive the end baffle 52 to rise and fall.

[0076] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, each breeding rack 5 is provided with multiple parallel belt conveyor assemblies 6 arranged sequentially from top to bottom, so as to enable three or more breeding racks 5 to cooperate with each other to form a multi-level, multi-layered conveying system. Each layer of belt conveyor assembly 6 can transport independently. The screening and conveying device moves up and down between two breeding racks 5 under the control of the central control unit to adapt to the screening and conveying operation of each layer of belt conveyor assembly 6. As shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 As shown, there are four breeding racks 5, each equipped with a six-layer belt conveyor assembly 6, forming a six-layer multi-stage conveyor system, meaning that six layers can be raised simultaneously. This greatly improves site and space utilization, the breeding method is scientific, and the larval output efficiency is extremely high, perfectly meeting commercial needs. Of course, in other embodiments, different numbers of layers can be set according to site conditions.

[0077] As attached Figures 2 to 4As shown, in a preferred embodiment, each belt transmission assembly 6 includes a cooperating drive shaft 61, a driven shaft 62, and a wound belt 63. At least one end of the drive shaft 61 is provided with a first bevel gear 611. Each breeding rack 5 also has at least one vertical rotary transmission shaft 53 fixed to it. One end of the rotary transmission shaft 53 is connected to the belt drive assembly 7. The rotary transmission shaft 53 is provided with multiple second bevel gears 531 for meshing with each first bevel gear 611. When the belt drive assembly 7 drives the rotary transmission shaft 53 to rotate, the second bevel gears 531 drive the first bevel gears 611 to rotate, thereby driving the drive shaft 61 to rotate and causing the belt 63 to move. This allows each breeding rack 5 to have only one drive mechanism to simultaneously drive the multiple parallel belt transmission assemblies 6 on that breeding rack 5, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure with extremely low manufacturing and maintenance costs. Of course, in other embodiments, each layer of the belt transmission assembly 6 can also be equipped with an independent drive mechanism.

[0078] As attached Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the belt drive assembly 7 includes a belt drive motor 71 fixed to the breeding rack 5 and a transverse transmission shaft 72. The belt drive motor 71 drives the transverse transmission shaft 72 to rotate. The transverse transmission shaft 72 is arranged parallel to the drive shaft 61. At least one end of the transverse transmission shaft 72 is provided with a third bevel gear 73. The end of the rotary transmission shaft 53 is also provided with a fourth bevel gear 532 for meshing with the third bevel gear 73. When the belt drive motor 71 drives the transverse transmission shaft 72 to rotate, the third bevel gear 73 drives the fourth bevel gear 532 to rotate, thereby causing the rotary transmission shaft 53 to rotate.

[0079] As attached Figures 5 to 8As shown in the figure, further, in a preferred embodiment, each first bevel gear 611 includes a fixed base 6111, a drive shaft 6112, and a gear disk 6113. The fixed base 6111 is mounted on the breeding rack 5. The drive shaft 6112 is mounted on the fixed base 6111 via a first bearing 61121 for fixed connection with the drive shaft 61 (connected via a coupling; or in other embodiments, the drive shaft 6112 and the drive shaft 61 are set as the same shaft). The gear disk 6113 is mounted on the drive shaft 6112 via a second bearing 61131. A recessed one-way ratchet 61132 is provided on the back of the gear disk 6113. A pawl lever 61122 is hinged to the drive shaft 6112. The pawl lever 61122 and the... A ring of one-way ratchet teeth 61132 engage to form a one-way ratchet mechanism. The drive shaft 6112 is also equipped with an elastic element 61123 and an electromagnetic adsorption assembly 6114 for adsorbing the pawl lever 61122. When the pawl lever 61122 is pressed against the elastic element 61123 and adsorbed by the electromagnetic adsorption assembly 6114, the pawl lever 61122 is not inserted into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet tooth 61132, allowing the gear disc 6113 to rotate around the drive shaft 6112. When the electromagnetic adsorption assembly 6114 does not adsorb the pawl lever 61122, the pawl lever 61122, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 61123, extends into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet tooth 61132, allowing the gear disc 6113 to rotate together with the drive shaft 6112. The specific principle is as follows:

[0080] For example, when the electromagnetic adsorption component 6114 of each first bevel gear 611 on a certain breeding rack 5 fails to adsorb the pawl swing arm 61122, the belt drive motor 71 can simultaneously drive all the first bevel gears 611 on the breeding rack 5 to rotate by rotating the transmission shaft 53, thereby simultaneously driving all the drive shafts 61 on the breeding rack 5 to rotate, and thus simultaneously driving all the belt transmission components 6 on the breeding rack 5 to transmit.

[0081] If only the lowest-level belt conveyor assembly 6 is used for transmission, then the first bevel gear 611 on the drive shaft 61 of the other belt conveyor assemblies 6 will operate as follows: the gear disk 6113 will first reverse under the drive of the belt drive motor 71, causing the one-way ratchet 61132 to press down the pawl lever 61122. At this time, the electromagnetic adsorption assembly 6114 will be energized to press the pressed pawl lever 61122 onto the elastic member 61123. At this time, the pawl lever 61122 will not extend into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet 61132. Then the belt drive motor 71 will drive in the forward direction. At this time, since there is no limiting effect of the pawl lever 61122, the gear disk 6113 will rotate around the drive shaft 6112 (because the gear disk 6113 is mounted on the drive shaft 6112 through the second bearing 61131), while the drive shaft 6112 will not rotate. This means that, except for the first bevel gear 611 at the lowest level which drives the belt transmission assembly 6 at the lowest level for transmission, the belt transmission assemblies 6 at each other level remain stationary and do not rotate.

[0082] Through the above-mentioned special scientific design, each first bevel gear 611 possesses an electromagnetic clutch function. This means that each layer of the belt conveyor assembly 6 in this system can transmit simultaneously or individually. This allows only one screening conveyor device to be installed between two adjacent breeding racks 5. When a belt conveyor assembly 6 on a particular layer needs to perform screening, the screening conveyor device rises and falls accordingly to that layer (the specific lifting structure and principle are detailed below), while the belt conveyor assemblies 6 on other layers remain stationary. This makes the overall structure of the system simpler and more compact, significantly reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0083] As attached Figures 5 to 8 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a protruding mounting plate 61124 is fixed on the drive shaft 6112, and the pawl lever 61122 is hinged to the mounting plate 61124 via a hinge shaft. The electromagnetic adsorption assembly 6114 includes a cooperating electromagnetic chuck 61141, an electromagnetic adsorption sheet 61142, and an electrode plate 61143. The electromagnetic adsorption sheet 61142 is fixed to the pawl lever 61122, the electromagnetic chuck 61141 is fixed to the metal drive shaft 6112, and one end of the electrode plate 61143 overlaps the drive shaft 6112 (as shown in the attached figure). Figure 8 (As shown in the overlapping state), and the other end is fixed to the fixed base 6111 for connection with an external power source to supply power to the electromagnetic chuck 61141 through the drive shaft 6112. When the reverse rotating gear disk 6113 presses down the pawl lever 61122, the electromagnetic adsorption sheet 61142 is attracted by the energized electromagnetic chuck 61141, so that the pawl lever 61122 disengages from the one-way ratchet 61132. When the electromagnetic chuck 61141 stops being energized, the unadsorbed pawl lever 61122 extends into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet 61132.

[0084] As attached Figures 9 to 12 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the screening and conveying device includes a screening and conveying box 3. The screening and conveying box 3 contains, from top to bottom, an insect skin collection chamber 31, an insect body conveying chamber 32, and an insect excrement collection chamber 33. The left opening of the screening and conveying box 3 is simultaneously connected to the inlet ends of both the insect skin collection chamber 31 and the insect body conveying chamber 32. An inclined guide plate 34 is provided on the outer side of the inlet end of the insect body conveying chamber 32. A negative pressure is formed inside the insect skin collection chamber 31. When the insect skin, insect body, and insect excrement conveyed by the upper belt conveyor assembly 6 flow from top to bottom through the left opening of the screening and conveying box 3... When falling, the lighter insect skins are drawn into the insect skin collection chamber 31 by negative pressure, while the heavier insect bodies and excrement fall onto the guide plate 34 and are guided into the insect body transmission chamber 32. An inclined screen 35 is provided between the insect body transmission chamber 32 and the excrement collection chamber 33 to allow the excrement entering the insect body transmission chamber 32 to fall into the excrement collection chamber 33. An inclined exit guide plate 36 is provided on the outer side of the outlet end of the insect body transmission chamber 32 to allow the mealworms in the insect body transmission chamber 32 to be transmitted to the lower belt conveyor assembly 6 via the exit guide plate 36.

[0085] In this embodiment, multiple exhaust fans are installed in the insect skin collection chamber 31 to create a negative pressure in the chamber. Of course, in other embodiments, the tail end of the insect skin collection chamber 31 can be connected to an external exhaust device via a pipe to create a negative pressure. These simple modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of this invention. The specific implementation principle is as follows:

[0086] As attached Figures 9 to 11As shown, the inlet guide plate 34 on the outer side of the inlet end of the insect body transfer chamber 32 is located below the tail end of the upper-level belt conveyor assembly 6, and the outlet guide plate 36 on the outer side of the outlet end of the insect body transfer chamber 32 overlaps the head end of the lower-level belt conveyor assembly 6. When a batch of mealworms has been raised and grown in the upper-level belt conveyor assembly 6 on the left for a period of time, and needs to be transferred to the lower-level belt conveyor assembly 6 on the right for the next period of raising, the upper-level belt conveyor assembly 6 begins the transfer operation. This causes the insect skin, insect body, and insect excrement to gradually fall downwards from the tail end of the belt conveyor assembly 6, that is, from top to bottom from the left opening of the screening and transfer box 3. At this point, the lighter insect skins are drawn into the insect skin collection chamber 31 by negative pressure. However, the insect bodies and excrement, being heavier, are unaffected by the negative pressure (the negative pressure adsorption capacity is adjustable to precisely adsorb the lighter insect skins) and fall onto the guide plate 34, where they are guided to the insect body transfer chamber 32. This process completes the initial screening and separation between the insect skins, insect bodies, and excrement. The adsorbed insect skins are then collected centrally in the insect skin collection chamber 31.

[0087] Furthermore, because an inclined screen 35 is provided between the insect body transfer chamber 32 and the insect excrement collection chamber 33, when the insects and insect excrement entering the insect body transfer chamber 32 pass through the screen 35, smaller insect excrement will pass through the screen 35 and fall into the insect excrement collection chamber 33 below, while larger insects will not fall and, under the inclined guiding action, will pass through the insect body transfer chamber 32 and be guided by the inclined guide plate 36 on the outside of the outlet end of the insect body transfer chamber 32 to the lower belt conveyor assembly 6 for further breeding. The insect excrement that falls into the insect excrement collection chamber 33 will also be collected centrally. Thus, a secondary screening and separation between insects and insect excrement is completed. Through the above special scientific design, the following technical advantages are achieved:

[0088] First, it can quickly separate and package the insect body, insect excrement, and insect skin in one go, completely eliminating a series of technical problems caused by the manual screening and removal methods in existing technologies. It has achieved automated screening operations, which not only greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor and saves labor costs, but also has extremely high screening efficiency.

[0089] Secondly, the use of air separation achieves the initial screening and separation of insect skins, and the use of sieves achieves the secondary screening and separation of insect excrement, making the screening very clean and thorough. The screened insects will no longer be mixed with insect excrement and insect skins, which well ensures the high-quality growth of yellow mealworms in the next stage belt conveyor component 6.

[0090] Third, it completely eliminates the existing manual screening and removal or semi-mechanized methods, which will not harm the screened mealworms and will not result in dead insects, thus ensuring its subsequent commercial use.

[0091] Fourth, it has a high degree of intelligence and strong adaptability. It can not only perform screening, but also connect and transmit the upper and lower belt conveyor components 6, thus enabling the formation of automated breeding.

[0092] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the screening and transfer box 3 is equipped with a vibration component to accelerate the separation of insect excrement and insect bodies during vibration, and to rapidly transfer the mealworms in the insect body transfer chamber 32 to the lower-level belt conveyor assembly 6 through vibration. In this embodiment, the vibration component is fixed to the bottom surface of the screening and transfer box 3 and adopts a vibration generator commonly used in the prior art. Through vibration, firstly, the insect excrement and insect bodies can be quickly guided from the inlet guide plate 34 into the insect body transfer chamber 32; secondly, the vibration can accelerate the insect bodies to quickly pass through the insect body transfer chamber 32 under the action of inclined guidance, and be accelerated to be transferred to the lower-level belt conveyor assembly 6 through the inclined outlet guide plate 36 for continued breeding; thirdly, the cooperation between vibration and screen 35 can accelerate the separation between insect excrement and insect bodies (because some may stick together), and after separation, the insect excrement is quickly passed through the screen 35 and falls off through vibration. This vibration separation completely avoids the peeling of the prior art and will not cause damage to the insect bodies.

[0093] As attached Figures 9 to 11 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet guide plate 34 is hinged to the screening transmission box 3 via a horizontally arranged first rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is connected to a first rotating motor (not shown in the figure) to allow the inlet guide plate 34 to rotate downwards and fold during non-screening operations, or to rotate upwards and press against the bottom of the conveyor belt of the upper belt conveyor assembly 6 during screening operations to scrape off residual insect bodies and insect excrement from the conveyor belt. The outlet guide plate 36 is hinged to the screening transmission box 3 via a horizontally arranged second rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is connected to a second rotating motor (not shown in the figure) to allow the outlet guide plate 36 to rotate upwards and fold during non-screening operations, or to rotate downwards and overlap the lower belt conveyor assembly 6 during screening operations. This has the following technical advantages: as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1As shown, for example, when the lowest layer belt conveyor assembly 6 completes screening and needs to move up one layer to screen and convey the second layer belt conveyor assembly 6, the first rotary motor can be used to rotate and fold the inlet guide plate 34 downwards, and the second rotary motor can be used to rotate and fold the outlet guide plate 36 upwards. When the screening and conveying box 3 moves up, the rotated and folded inlet guide plate 34 and outlet guide plate 36 will not collide with or resist the belt conveyor assembly 6, allowing the screening and conveying box 3 to move up one layer smoothly (the specific rising method is detailed below). Once in position, the first rotary motor rotates the inlet guide plate 34 upwards again and presses it against the bottom of the conveyor belt of the upper-level belt conveyor assembly 6, while the second rotary motor rotates the outlet guide plate 36 downwards and overlaps it on the lower-level belt conveyor assembly 6. This allows the second-level screening and conveying operation to proceed smoothly. In other words, the foldable design of the inlet guide plate 34 and outlet guide plate 36 effectively ensures the realization of the multi-layer screening and conveying function of the screening and conveying box 3. Meanwhile, during the screening and conveying operation, the upward rotating infeed guide plate 34 presses against the bottom of the conveyor belt of the upper belt conveyor assembly 6, which generates a scraper effect. If there are insect bodies and insect excrement stuck on the conveyor belt that do not fall off naturally from the end of the conveyor belt, the scraper effect of the infeed guide plate 34 can eventually scrape off these insect bodies and insect excrement that remain on the conveyor belt and let them fall onto the infeed guide plate 34 for screening.

[0094] As attached Figure 11 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the screening and transfer box 3 is provided with an insect excrement collection hopper 331, which communicates with the insect excrement collection chamber 33, enabling rapid and centralized collection of the screened insect excrement. The outlet end of the insect skin collection chamber 31 is divided into two independent left chambers 312 and right chambers 313. The left chambers 312 and right chambers 313 extend downward to form the outlet end of the insect body transfer chamber 32 between the left chambers 312 and right chambers 313, so that the mealworms transferred from the insect body transfer chamber 32 fall into the middle of the lower belt conveyor assembly 6. The bottom of the screening and transfer box 3 is provided with an insect skin collection hopper 314, which communicates with both the left chamber 312 and the right chamber 313 simultaneously.

[0095] The insect skin collection chamber 31 was originally located above the insect body transmission chamber 32. However, when the outlet end of the insect skin collection chamber 31 is divided into two independent chambers, a left chamber 312 and a right chamber 313, and the left and right chambers 312 and 313 extend downwards, the left and right chambers 312 and 313 will occupy the left and right portions of the lower part that originally belonged to the insect body transmission chamber 32. This means that the outlet end of the insect body transmission chamber 32 can only be located between the left and right chambers 312 and 313 (as shown in the attached diagram). Figure 9 At point G, the exposed screen 35 can also be seen. This is a special scientific design with the following technical advantages:

[0096] Firstly, by setting up a downward-extending left chamber 312 and a right chamber 313, an insect skin collection hopper 314 can be set at the bottom of the screening and transfer box 3, which is connected to both the left chamber 312 and the right chamber 313. This makes it convenient to quickly and centrally collect the screened insect skins at the bottom of the screening and transfer box 3 (otherwise, they can only be collected at the top of the screening and transfer box 3, which is unreasonable for structural design, ease of operation, and space utilization). Secondly, the downward-extending left chamber 312 and right chamber 313 ensure that the outlet of the insect transport chamber 32 is located between the left chamber 312 and the right chamber 313. This way, the mealworms transported from the insect transport chamber 32 can only fall to the middle of the lower belt transport assembly 6, and will not fall inside the two sides of the inlet of the lower belt transport assembly 6. This ensures that the mealworms will not spill outside the lower belt transport assembly 6 when they fall (imagine if it were designed so that they could fall inside the two sides of the inlet of the lower belt transport assembly 6, then under the influence of transmission, vibration, and external wind, the mealworms would very likely fall outside the lower belt transport assembly 6, that is, fall to the ground). Therefore, it will not cause production waste and loss.

[0097] As attached Figure 1 , Figure 12 As shown in the figure, further, in a preferred embodiment, it also includes a vertically arranged lifting frame 4, within which a lifting frame 41 that can slide vertically is limited, and the screening transfer box 3 is fixed within the lifting frame 41. The lifting frame 4 is also provided with a lifting drive assembly 42 that can drive the lifting frame 41 to rise and fall, so as to enable the screening transfer box 3 to meet the screening transfer operation requirements at different heights through lifting and lowering. As described above, as shown in the attached figure Figure 1 As shown, when multiple layers of belt conveyor assemblies 6 are installed from top to bottom, a single vertically movable screening conveyor box 3 can be installed between two layers of belt conveyor assemblies 6 to meet the needs of multi-layer screening. This allows the screening conveyor box 3 to achieve multi-layer screening and conveying functions, resulting in better intelligence and adaptability, and enabling automated coordination with the multi-layer belt conveyor assemblies 6. Secondly, it significantly simplifies the equipment (otherwise, a screening conveyor box 3 would be required for each layer), reducing production and construction costs and lowering maintenance costs.

[0098] As attached Figure 12As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the lifting drive assembly 42 includes a rotary drive shaft horizontally arranged on the top of the lifting frame 4. The rotary drive shaft is connected to a third rotary motor (not shown in the figure). The lifting frame 41 is fixedly connected to the rotary drive shaft by two or more vertical ropes. When the third rotary motor drives the rotary drive shaft to rotate, the ropes are gradually wound around the rotary drive shaft to gradually pull up the lifting frame 41. Of course, in other embodiments, the lifting drive assembly 42 may also include two or more racks arranged longitudinally on the lifting frame 4. The lifting frame 41 is provided with a fourth rotary motor. The drive gear on the drive shaft end of the fourth rotary motor meshes with the racks to drive the lifting frame 4 to rise and fall, that is, gear and rack transmission.

[0099] As attached Figure 10 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the lifting frame 41 is provided with multiple guide pulleys 411 around its perimeter. These guide pulleys 411 are slidably confined within the lifting frame 4 to allow the lifting frame 41 to slide vertically. The bottom of the screening transmission box 3 is supported on the lifting frame 41 by multiple support springs 412, and the top of the screening transmission box 3 is suspended and connected to the lifting frame 41 by multiple hanging springs 413 for vibration damping during operation. This ensures that the screening transmission box 3 does not transmit vibration to the lifting frame 41 during vibrating screening operations, effectively extending the service life of the equipment.

[0100] As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 13 Appendix Figure 14 Appendix Figure 15 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the automatic feeding device includes a track assembly 1 arranged near one side of the multiple breeding racks 5. A movable trolley 2 is provided on the track assembly 1. The trolley 2 is provided with a feeding hopper 21, a feeding component 22, and a foldable feeding tube assembly 23. The feeding component 22 is connected between the feeding hopper 21 and the feeding tube assembly 23 to transport the food in the feeding hopper 21 to the feeding tube assembly 23. The feeding tube assembly 23 includes multiple feeding tubes 231 arranged horizontally above the belt conveyor assembly 6. The inlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes 231 are all connected to the feeding component 22. The lengths of the multiple feeding tubes 231 are different so that the outlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes 231 are evenly arranged above the belt conveyor assembly 6 for even feeding when the trolley 2 moves.

[0101] As attached Figure 14As shown, the feeding tube assembly 23 includes multiple feeding tubes 231 horizontally arranged above the mealworm rearing area (in this embodiment, the belt conveyor assembly 6). The inlet ends of all feeding tubes 231 are simultaneously connected to the feeding assembly 22. The lengths of the multiple feeding tubes 231 are different, so that the outlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes 231 are evenly arranged above the mealworm rearing area. In this embodiment, the distance between the outlet end of the longest feeding tube 231 and the outlet end of the second longest feeding tube 231 is 5 cm, the distance between the outlet ends of the second longest feeding tube 231 and the third longest feeding tube 231 is also 5 cm, and so on, so that the outlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes 231 are evenly arranged above the mealworm rearing area.

[0102] When feeding is needed, the feeding hopper 21 is first filled with food. Then, the trolley 2 stops at the far left of the system, and the feeding component 22 transports the food from the feeding hopper 21 to the feeding tube component 23. At this time, the food transported by the feeding component 22 will fall from the outlet ends of multiple feeding tubes 231, and then be evenly distributed on the mealworm breeding area (in this embodiment, the belt conveyor component 6). During this feeding process, the trolley 2 also moves slowly from left to right, so that the entire belt conveyor component 6 achieves uniform feeding both horizontally and vertically. Since the diameter of the feeding tubes 231 is the same, the food falling from each feeding tube 231 is also uniform, and the feeding is smooth and the amount of food is large. As long as the feeding tube component 23 stops operating, each feeding tube 231 will stop discharging food, and the whole control process is convenient and quick. In this embodiment, by inputting the desired feeding time, moving speed, and operating rate of the feeding tube component 23 on the operation interface, the needs of automated aquaculture feeding operations can be well met.

[0103] It is evident that the aforementioned track assembly 1, trolley 2, feeding hopper 21, feeding assembly 22, and multiple feeding tubes 231, along with their various technical features and structures, support and cooperate to form a complete technical functional group. It is precisely because of the track assembly 1 and trolley 2 that automated horizontal feeding is ensured; it is precisely because of the feeding hopper 21 and feeding assembly 22 that even and continuous feeding into the multiple feeding tubes 231 is ensured; and it is precisely because of the multiple feeding tubes 231 of varying lengths that even and continuous food distribution across the mealworm rearing area is ensured. Through this unique scientific design, the following technical advantages are achieved:

[0104] Firstly, by setting up a movable trolley 2, a feeding hopper 21, a feeding component 22, and a feeding tube component 23, automated feeding operations can be achieved, completely eliminating a series of technical problems caused by manual feeding in existing technologies. This not only greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor and saves labor costs, but also ensures extremely high feeding efficiency and eliminates omissions and errors.

[0105] Secondly, by setting up a special feeding tube assembly 23, the food conveyed by the feeding assembly 22 will fall from the outlet ends of multiple feeding tubes 231, thus evenly distributing it across the mealworm rearing area. During this feeding process, the cart 2 also moves slowly from left to right, ensuring uniform feeding both horizontally and vertically along the entire belt conveyor assembly 6. Simultaneously, because the diameters of the feeding tubes 231 are all uniform, the food falling from each feeding tube 231 is also uniform. This completely eliminates the technical problem of poor feeding uniformity caused by manual feeding in existing technologies. Uniform feeding not only prevents food stagnation, spoilage, and waste, but also excellently ensures the uniform growth of mealworms in the same batch, thus effectively guaranteeing subsequent commercial use.

[0106] Third, it has a high degree of intelligence and strong adaptability, and can adapt to the needs of automated breeding systems very well.

[0107] As attached Figure 13 Appendix Figure 14 Appendix Figure 15 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the feeding assembly 22 includes a feeding drive 221, a feeding component 222, and a hollow feeding tube 223. The feeding tube 223 has an inlet at its middle end for communication with the outlet of the feeding hopper 21. The first end of the feeding tube 223 is connected to the feeding tube assembly 23. The feeding component 222 is disposed inside the feeding tube 223. The feeding drive 221 is disposed at the tail end of the feeding tube 223 and connected to the feeding component 222 for driving the feeding component 222 to move within the feeding tube 223 to transport the food entering the feeding tube 223 from the feeding hopper 21 to the feeding tube assembly 23.

[0108] In this embodiment, the feeding drive 221 includes a rotary motor, and the feeding component 222 includes a spiral auger. The rotary motor drives the spiral auger to rotate within the feeding pipe 223 to transport food. This method has a simple and compact structure, provides continuous and uniform feeding, and has strong feeding power, ensuring that the food falling from each feeding pipe 231 is also uniform.

[0109] In other embodiments, the feeding drive 221 can be configured as a horizontal telescopic cylinder, and the feeding component 222 includes a push rod disposed in the feeding tube 223. The front end of the push rod is provided with a protruding push plate, and the rear end of the push rod is connected to the drive end of the horizontal telescopic cylinder. The horizontal telescopic cylinder drives the push rod to telescopically move within the feeding tube 223 to push the food into each feeding tube 231.

[0110] As attached Figure 13 Appendix Figure 14 Appendix Figure 15As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the trolley 2 is provided with a trolley lifting drive assembly 24 and an installation platform 25. The feeding hopper 21 and the feeding assembly 22 are both installed on the installation platform 25. The trolley lifting drive assembly 24 is installed between the mobile trolley 2 and the installation platform 25 and is used to drive the feeding hopper 21, the feeding assembly 22 and the feeding tube assembly 23 to lift up and down so as to feed the mealworm breeding areas at different heights evenly.

[0111] Through the above special settings, this car 2 is able to handle the following... Figure 1 The multi-layered mealworm farming design shown enhances intelligence and adaptability. To prevent the feeding tube assembly 23 from obstructing the upper and lower belt conveyor assemblies 6 during vertical movement, the feeding tube assembly 23 can be configured as a foldable type as described below.

[0112] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ends of multiple feeding tubes 231 are simultaneously secured by a hinged tube 26. The hinged tube 26 is hinged to the outlet end of the feeding assembly 22 via a vertical rotating shaft. The outlet end of the feeding assembly 22 is equipped with a folding rotary motor, which is connected to the rotating shaft to drive the multiple feeding tubes 231 to rotate horizontally for folding during non-feeding operations. For example, after feeding the bottommost belt conveyor assembly 6, the multiple feeding tubes 231 can be rotated horizontally for folding (as shown in the attached diagram). Figure 15 (As shown in the folded state), then rise to the belt conveyor assembly 6 on the second layer, and then rotate the multiple feeding tubes 231 horizontally to open them (as shown in the attached diagram). Figure 14 (As shown in the open state), then proceed with feeding the second layer.

[0113] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the outlet end of the feeding component 22 is provided with a folding rotary motor (not shown in the figure), which is connected to a rotating shaft to drive multiple feeding tubes 231 to rotate horizontally for folding, thereby achieving automatic folding and opening.

[0114] As attached Figure 15As shown, in this embodiment, the trolley lifting drive assembly 24 includes an X-shaped lifting folding frame and a horizontal pushing cylinder (not shown in the figure). The upper end of the X-shaped lifting folding frame is connected to the mounting platform 25 (in this embodiment, it is a slidable hinge), and the lower end can be limited to slide on the trolley 2. The horizontal pushing cylinder is used to push the lower end of the X-shaped lifting folding frame to slide horizontally to achieve lifting. Of course, in other embodiments, the trolley lifting drive assembly 24 includes a vertically arranged lifting cylinder, which is fixed on the trolley 2, and the driving end of the lifting cylinder is connected to the mounting platform 25. Alternatively, in other preferred embodiments, the trolley lifting drive assembly 24 includes a lifting frame vertically fixed on the trolley 2. The mounting platform 25 is slidably limited within the lifting frame. The top of the lifting frame is provided with a horizontally arranged rotary drive shaft. The mounting platform 25 is fixedly connected to the rotary drive shaft by two or more ropes. When the rotary drive shaft rotates, the ropes are gradually wound around the rotary drive shaft to gradually pull up the mounting platform 25 (same as the lifting design of the screening and transfer box 3).

[0115] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated mealworm farming system, characterized in that, The system includes a central control unit, a breeding and conveying device, a screening and conveying device, and an automatic feeding device. The breeding and conveying device includes three or more breeding racks (5) arranged in a stepped manner from high to low. Each breeding rack (5) is equipped with a belt conveyor assembly (6) to form a multi-level conveying system from high to low. Each breeding rack (5) has side baffles (51) on both sides of the conveying direction of the belt conveyor assembly (6) and movable end baffles (52) at both ends of the conveying of the belt conveyor assembly (6) to enclose a mealworm breeding area on the belt conveyor assembly (6). The area of ​​the multiple belt conveyor assemblies (6) gradually increases from high to low to adapt to different growth stages. The required area for mealworm farming; under the control of the central control unit, mealworm eggs of the same batch are farmed on the first-level belt conveyor assembly (6), and as their growth volume increases, they are successively transported to the next-level belt conveyor assembly (6) for farming, until they are farmed as mature larvae on the last-level belt conveyor assembly (6); a screening and conveying device is provided between each of the two adjacent farming racks (5) to screen the insect skin, insect body and insect excrement transported from the previous-level belt conveyor assembly (6) under the control of the central control unit, so that the insect body enters the next-level belt conveyor assembly (6) for continued farming; the automatic feeding device is movably arranged on one side of multiple farming racks (5) for use in the central control unit Under control, mealworms on multiple belt conveyor components (6) are fed evenly by movement; the screening and conveying device includes a screening and conveying box (3), which is provided with a mealworm skin collection chamber (31), a mealworm body conveying chamber (32) and a mealworm excrement collection chamber (33) from top to bottom. The left opening of the screening and conveying box (3) is connected to the entrance of both the mealworm skin collection chamber (31) and the mealworm body conveying chamber (32). An inclined guide plate (34) is provided on the outside of the entrance of the mealworm body conveying chamber (32). A negative pressure is formed in the mealworm skin collection chamber (31). When the mealworm skin, mealworm body and mealworm excrement from the upper belt conveyor component (6) enter from the left side of the screening and conveying box (3), the mealworms are fed evenly by movement. When the insect skin falls from top to bottom through the opening, the lighter insect skin is drawn into the insect skin collection chamber (31) by negative pressure, while the heavier insect body and excrement fall onto the guide plate (34) and are guided into the insect body transmission chamber (32). An inclined screen (35) is provided between the insect body transmission chamber (32) and the excrement collection chamber (33) to allow the excrement entering the insect body transmission chamber (32) to fall into the excrement collection chamber (33) through the screen (35). An inclined exit guide plate (36) is provided on the outer side of the outlet end of the insect body transmission chamber (32) to allow the mealworms in the insect body transmission chamber (32) to be transferred to the lower belt conveyor assembly (6) through the exit guide plate (36).

2. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first breeding rack (5) is equipped with two independent belt conveyor components (6) arranged side by side to breed two batches of insect eggs; when the batch of insect eggs on the left belt conveyor component (6) completes half a breeding cycle on the belt conveyor component (6), the right belt conveyor component (6) begins to breed the next batch of insect eggs, so as to realize the alternating supply and transmission to the belt conveyor component (6) on the second breeding rack (5) through the two independent belt conveyor components (6).

3. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the breeding racks (5) is provided with a baffle drive assembly at the end baffle (52) at the tail end of each belt conveyor assembly (6), the baffle drive assembly driving the end baffle (52) to rise and fall, so as to raise the end baffle (52) when the belt conveyor assembly (6) is transmitting.

4. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the breeding racks (5) is provided with multiple parallel belt conveyor components (6) arranged from top to bottom, so that three or more breeding racks (5) can cooperate with each other to form a multi-level multi-layer transmission. Each layer of belt conveyor components (6) can transmit independently. The screening and transmission device moves up and down between two breeding racks (5) under the control of the central control unit to adapt to the screening and transmission operation of each layer of belt conveyor components (6).

5. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the belt transmission components (6) includes a cooperating drive shaft (61), a driven shaft (62), and a wound belt (63). At least one end of the drive shaft (61) is provided with a first bevel gear (611). Each of the breeding racks (5) is also fixed with at least one vertical rotary transmission shaft (53). One end of the rotary transmission shaft (53) is connected to the belt drive component (7). The rotary transmission shaft (53) is provided with a plurality of second bevel gears (531) for meshing with each first bevel gear (611). When the belt drive component (7) drives the rotary transmission shaft (53) to rotate, the second bevel gears (531) drive the first bevel gears (611) to rotate to drive the drive shaft (61) to rotate so that the belt (63) moves.

6. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The belt drive assembly (7) includes a belt drive motor (71) fixed on the breeding rack (5) and a transverse transmission shaft (72). The belt drive motor (71) is used to drive the transverse transmission shaft (72) to rotate. The transverse transmission shaft (72) is arranged parallel to the drive shaft (61). At least one end of the transverse transmission shaft (72) is provided with a third bevel gear (73). The end of the rotary transmission shaft (53) is also provided with a fourth bevel gear (532) for meshing with the third bevel gear (73). When the belt drive motor (71) drives the transverse transmission shaft (72) to rotate, the third bevel gear (73) drives the fourth bevel gear (532) to rotate so as to rotate the rotary transmission shaft (53).

7. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the first bevel gears (611) includes a fixed base (6111), a drive shaft (6112), and a gear disk (6113). The fixed base (6111) is mounted on the breeding rack (5). The drive shaft (6112) is mounted on the fixed base (6111) via a first bearing (61121) for fixed connection with the drive shaft (61). The gear disk (6113) is mounted on the drive shaft (6112) via a second bearing (61131). The back of the gear disk (6113) is provided with a ring of recessed one-way ratchet teeth (61132). A pawl lever (61122) is hinged on the drive shaft (6112). The pawl lever (61122) and the ring of one-way ratchet teeth (61132) cooperate with each other to form a one-way ratchet mechanism. The drive shaft (6112) is also provided with an elastic element (61123) and an electromagnetic adsorption assembly (6114) for adsorbing the pawl lever (61122). When the pawl lever (61122) is pressed onto the elastic element (61123) and adsorbed by the electromagnetic adsorption assembly (6114), the pawl lever (61122) does not extend into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet (61132) so that the gear disk (6113) can rotate around the drive shaft (6112). When the electromagnetic adsorption assembly (6114) does not adsorb the pawl lever (61122), the pawl lever (61122) extends into the tooth groove of the one-way ratchet (61132) under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic element (61123) so that the gear disk (6113) can rotate together with the drive shaft (6112).

8. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet guide plate (34) is hinged to the screening transmission box (3) via a horizontally arranged first rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is connected to a first rotating motor so that the inlet guide plate (34) can be rotated downwards and folded when not in screening operations, or rotated upwards and pressed against the bottom of the conveyor belt of the upper belt conveyor assembly (6) when in screening operations to scrape off the insect bodies and insect excrement remaining on the conveyor belt. The outlet guide plate (36) is hinged to the screening transmission box (3) via a horizontally arranged second rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is connected to a second rotating motor so that the outlet guide plate (36) can be rotated upwards and folded when not in screening operations, or rotated downwards and overlapped on the lower belt conveyor assembly (6) when in screening operations.

9. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outlet end of the insect skin collection chamber (31) is divided into two independent left chambers (312) and right chambers (313). The left chambers (312) and right chambers (313) extend downward to form the outlet end of the insect body transfer chamber (32) between the left chambers (312) and right chambers (313), so that the mealworms transferred from the insect body transfer chamber (32) fall into the middle of the lower belt conveyor assembly (6). The bottom of the screening and transfer box (3) is provided with an insect skin collection hopper (314) for communicating with both the left chamber (312) and the right chamber (313) at the same time.

10. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a vertically arranged lifting frame (4), which has a lifting frame (41) that can slide up and down. The screening and transmission box (3) is fixed inside the lifting frame (41). The lifting frame (4) is also provided with a lifting drive component (42) that can drive the lifting frame (41) to lift, so as to enable the screening and transmission box (3) to meet the screening and transmission operation requirements at different heights by lifting.

11. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device includes a track assembly (1) arranged near one side of multiple breeding racks (5). A movable trolley (2) is provided on the track assembly (1). The trolley (2) is provided with a feeding hopper (21), a feeding assembly (22), and a foldable feeding tube assembly (23). The feeding assembly (22) is connected between the feeding hopper (21) and the feeding tube assembly (23) to transport the food in the feeding hopper (21) to the feeding tube assembly (23). The feeding tube assembly (23) includes multiple feeding tubes (231) arranged horizontally above the belt conveyor assembly (6). The inlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes (231) are all connected to the feeding assembly (22) at the same time. The lengths of the multiple feeding tubes (231) are different so that the outlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes (231) are evenly arranged above the belt conveyor assembly (6) for even feeding when the trolley (2) moves.

12. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The feeding assembly (22) includes a feeding drive (221), a feeding component (222), and a hollow feeding tube (223). The feeding tube (223) has an inlet at its middle end for communication with the outlet of the feeding hopper (21). The head end of the feeding tube (223) is connected to the feeding tube assembly (23). The feeding component (222) is located inside the feeding tube (223). The feeding drive (221) is located at the tail end of the feeding tube (223) and connected to the feeding component (222) for driving the feeding component (222) to move inside the feeding tube (223) to transport the food entering the feeding tube (223) from the feeding hopper (21) to the feeding tube assembly (23).

13. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The trolley (2) is equipped with a trolley lifting drive assembly (24) and an installation platform (25). The feeding hopper (21) and the feeding assembly (22) are both installed on the installation platform (25). The trolley lifting drive assembly (24) is installed between the mobile trolley (2) and the installation platform (25) to drive the feeding hopper (21), the feeding assembly (22) and the feeding tube assembly (23) to move up and down so as to feed the mealworm breeding areas at different heights evenly.

14. The automated mealworm farming system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inlet ends of the multiple feeding tubes (231) are simultaneously covered and fixed by a hinged tube (26). The hinged tube (26) is hinged to the outlet end of the feeding assembly (22) via a vertical rotating shaft. The outlet end of the feeding assembly (22) is provided with a folding rotary motor. The folding rotary motor is connected to the rotating shaft to drive the multiple feeding tubes (231) to rotate horizontally for folding when not feeding.

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