An automated device for insect rearing, an insect rearing system

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic device for insect breeding, which comprises a rack, a cooperating taking and placing transmission device, an automatic screening device and an automatic feeding device arranged on the rack; the taking and placing transmission device comprises a tray taking mechanism which can be lifted in the rack, and is used for lifting to the vicinity of any layer of the breeding tray on the breeding rack to pull the breeding tray to the tray taking mechanism; the automatic screening device comprises a conveying belt mechanism which is used for carrying the breeding tray transmitted by the tray taking mechanism and driving the breeding tray to translate to the material receiving hopper to be turned and unloaded by a turning mechanism; the automatic feeding device comprises a forward and reverse conveying mechanism which is used for carrying the breeding tray transmitted by the tray taking mechanism and driving the breeding tray to translate to the under of the uniform feeding mechanism to be uniformly fed. The application further discloses an insect breeding system. The application has the advantages of convenient and fast operation, high intelligent and automatic degree, high utilization rate of breeding area, good breeding effect 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 device for insect breeding, and also to an insect breeding system. Background Technology

[0002] In today's society, insect farming has certain industrial and economic value. For example, mealworms are the most ideal feed insects for artificial breeding. They are highly nutritious 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. Moreover, after processing, they can be used in the food, health product, and cosmetic industries. Because their protein content ranks first among various live animal protein feeds, they are known as a "treasure trove of protein feed."

[0003] Taking the yellow mealworm as an example, its life cycle consists of four parts: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Its breeding begins with the eggs. Once mature, the larvae can be used for commercial purposes such as pet breeding. Pupae and adults are used for breeding stock for the next batch. During the larval growth process, the larvae gradually increase in size, requiring a continuous increase in breeding area to ensure the stocking density remains within a certain range; otherwise, they will crowd each other, severely affecting growth. Simultaneously, during growth, frass is produced, and the larvae molt multiple times. This also needs to be separated promptly. Firstly, the separated frass and molt can be used for other commercial production, such as frass being made into fertilizer and molt molt into medicine, generating immediate commercial value. Secondly, failure to separate them will negatively impact the breeding environment, occupy breeding space, and consequently, adversely affect growth. Existing technologies employ multi-level breeding racks, with multiple breeding trays placed on each rack from top to bottom. Some racks hold a dozen or even dozens of breeding trays for artificial breeding. While this saves space, it presents the following technical problems:

[0004] I. The following problems exist with manual tray handling: First, it is very labor-intensive, making the breeding process extremely arduous. Because the breeding racks are very high, stairs or scaffolds are needed to manually handle the multi-level tray handling. The trays themselves are difficult to move, and climbing ladders further exacerbates the labor intensity, resulting in very low efficiency and making the breeding process extremely difficult. Second, manual tray handling carries the risk of missteps and falls, or the trays tilting, causing insects to fall out. Third, the breeding trays on the racks require manual replacement periodically (as the insects grow), manual feeding, and manual sifting of insect bodies, excrement, and exoskeletons. The multi-level stacking method is highly unfavorable for these three tasks, leading to low efficiency, high labor intensity, and potentially uneven feeding and insufficient sifting. Furthermore, this manual tray handling method results in low automation and intelligent operation, preventing the formation of automated production lines and resulting in low insect production efficiency, failing to meet commercial demands.

[0005] II. Manually sorting and removing insects, excrement, and skin from breeding trays using sieves presents the following problems: First, due to the large number of insects being raised, manually emptying each tray and then manually sorting results in high labor intensity and is extremely arduous. Furthermore, it cannot quickly separate and package the insects, excrement, and skin in one go. Second, while sorting, the current method often results in incomplete and unclean sorting, frequently leaving excrement, skin, and insects mixed together, severely impacting the growth of mealworms. Third, the manual sorting method is rough and can damage the mealworms being sorted, even causing death, seriously affecting subsequent commercial use. Fourth, the manual sorting method has low automation and cannot be adapted to automated breeding equipment. If an automated breeding system is to be designed to improve efficiency, the current manual sorting method, an indispensable part of the breeding operation, is clearly insufficient for automated breeding operations.

[0006] Third, manual feeding has the following problems: First, due to the large number of rearing pots or boxes, this method of manual feeding results in high labor intensity and is very arduous. Second, the efficiency of manual feeding is extremely low, and the large number of pots or boxes increases the possibility of errors, such as missing a pot or box and causing the death of the reared mealworms. Third, the feeding habits of each worker are inconsistent, and even the same worker's feeding technique varies, resulting in extremely poor uniformity of feeding. Some areas are overfed, causing food to stagnate and spoil, while other areas are underfed, resulting in uneven growth of the same batch of mealworms; in some cases, even death occurs, seriously affecting subsequent commercial use. Fourth, the level of automation in manual feeding is low and cannot be adapted to automated breeding equipment. If an automated breeding system is to be designed to improve the efficiency of breeding, then the existing manual feeding method, as an indispensable part of the breeding operation, will inevitably be unable to meet the requirements of automated breeding operations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide an automated device for insect farming that is convenient and quick to operate, highly intelligent and automated, has a high utilization rate of breeding area, good breeding effect, and can greatly reduce the intensity of manual labor, in order to address the problems existing in the prior art. In addition, an insect farming system is also provided.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] An automated device for insect rearing includes a frame, on which a matching pick-and-place conveyor, an automatic sieving device, and an automatic feeding device are mounted. The pick-and-place conveyor includes a tray-lifting mechanism that can be raised and lowered within the frame, used to lift the trays to a position near any layer of the rearing rack to pull them onto the tray-lifting mechanism. The automatic sieving device includes a tilting mechanism, a conveyor belt mechanism, and a top-opening receiving hopper. The conveyor belt mechanism is positioned above the opening of the receiving hopper to carry the rearing trays transported by the tray-lifting mechanism and to level the trays. The feed is moved to the receiving hopper and unloaded by a flipping mechanism. The bottom discharge port of the receiving hopper is equipped with one or more screening mechanisms to screen and collect the fallen insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement. The automatic feeding device includes a feeding hopper, a feeding uniform mechanism, and a forward and reverse conveying mechanism. The feeding uniform mechanism is connected to the feeding hopper to distribute the food evenly downwards. The forward and reverse conveying mechanism is located below the feeding uniform mechanism to carry the breeding trays transmitted by the tray-retrieving mechanism and move the breeding trays horizontally to the bottom of the feeding uniform mechanism for even feeding.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the tray-retrieving mechanism includes a support seat that can be raised and lowered within the frame and a front-to-back telescopic component and a left-to-right translation component disposed on the support seat. The support seat is used to be raised and lowered to the vicinity of the breeding trays on any layer of the breeding rack. The front-to-back telescopic component can be extended and retracted in the front-to-back direction to extend towards the bottom of the breeding tray, carry the breeding tray, and then retract to transport the breeding tray to the support seat. The left-to-right translation component is raised and lowered below the front-to-back telescopic component to lift up, carry the breeding tray on the front-to-back telescopic component, and then move in the left-to-right direction to send the breeding tray out of the support seat.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the left and right translation component includes a translation frame, two lifting drive members and two translation drive components. The translation frame is vertically movable and limited on the support base. The two lifting drive members and the two translation drive components are symmetrically installed on two opposite side frames of the translation frame. The driving ends of the two lifting drive members are set facing the support base downwards, and are used to lift the translation frame upwards when it extends towards the support base downwards, so that the two translation drive components jointly support the breeding tray and drive the breeding tray to move in the left and right directions.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the translation drive components includes a first annular conveyor belt and a plurality of first synchronous pulleys. The plurality of first synchronous pulleys are mounted on the side frame of the translation frame, and the first annular conveyor belt is wound around the plurality of first synchronous pulleys to limit and support the first annular conveyor belt. The left and right translation components include a first forward and reverse drive motor and a first drive shaft. The first drive shaft is rotatably mounted laterally on two opposite side frames of the translation frame. A first transmission wheel is mounted on each end of the first drive shaft so that the first annular conveyor belts on both sides are correspondingly pressed onto the first transmission wheel. The first forward and reverse drive motor drives the first drive shaft to rotate in both directions to drive the two first annular conveyor belts to synchronously transmit in both directions through the first transmission wheel on the first drive shaft.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the left and right translation component includes a first mounting plate and a first gear assembly. The first mounting plate is mounted laterally on two opposite side frames of the translation frame near the first drive shaft. The first forward and reverse drive motor is mounted on the first mounting plate. The first drive shaft and the drive end of the first forward and reverse drive motor are provided with a meshing first gear assembly for driving the first drive shaft to move through the first forward and reverse drive motor.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the front and rear telescopic assembly includes two telescopic forks fixed to the carrier and a fork drive assembly, wherein the fork drive assembly drives the two telescopic forks to extend and retract synchronously for carrying and transporting the breeding tray.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the support seat is box-shaped, and the support seat has a first opening on both sides of the front and rear telescopic components in the direction of movement, so as to allow the front and rear telescopic components to drive the breeding tray in and out of the support seat. The support seat has a second opening on one side of the left and right translation components in the direction of movement, so as to allow the left and right translation components to drive the breeding tray in and out of the support seat.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the frame is provided with two vertically arranged slide rails, each slide rail having a slider. The side wall of the bearing seat opposite the second opening is connected to the slider for limiting the lifting and lowering of the bearing seat. The frame is equipped with a lifting drive assembly, which includes two vertically arranged annular chains. Both annular chains are connected to the bearing seat. The top and bottom of the frame are provided with two synchronous gears for engaging and limiting the lifting and lowering of the two annular chains respectively. The bottom of the frame is also provided with a lifting drive motor assembly for simultaneously driving the two synchronous gears at the bottom of the frame to rotate, thereby driving the bearing seat to lift and lower via the two annular chains.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a track drive mechanism, which includes a roller drive assembly, a plurality of track wheels fixed to the bottom of the frame, and two or more ground rails laid along one side of a plurality of breeding racks. The roller drive assembly is fixed to the bottom of the frame and is used to drive the track wheels to move along the ground rails so that the frame moves along one side of the plurality of breeding racks.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the conveyor belt mechanism includes a conveyor drive assembly and two second annular conveyor belts arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the flipping mechanism. The two second annular conveyor belts are used to jointly carry and drive the breeding tray to move.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the flipping mechanism includes two symmetrically arranged flipping plates. The middle part of each flipping plate is rotatably mounted on the frame through a rotating shaft. A second annular conveyor belt is installed on each flipping plate. Two or more first limiting rods are fixed between the two flipping plates above the second annular conveyor belt to form a limiting space for placing the breeding tray between the first limiting rods and the second annular conveyor belt. The ends of the two flipping plates are also connected to second limiting rods to abut the ends of the transmitted breeding trays to limit the breeding trays within the limiting space.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the flipping mechanism includes a second forward and reverse drive motor fixed on the frame. A second gear assembly is provided on the shaft end of any of the rotating shafts extending out of the frame and the drive end of the second forward and reverse drive motors, which is used to drive the rotating shafts to rotate the two flipping plates synchronously in the forward and reverse directions through the forward and reverse drive motors to achieve flipping. Each flipping plate is equipped with a plurality of second synchronous pulleys at the mounting position of the second annular conveyor belt. The second annular conveyor belt is wound around the plurality of second synchronous pulleys to limit and support the second annular conveyor belt.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, the screening mechanism includes a fan assembly, an insect body collection chamber, an insect skin transfer chamber, an insect excrement collection chamber, and a vertically arranged main channel. The top opening of the main channel is used to communicate with the bottom discharge port of the receiving hopper, and the bottom opening of the main channel is used to communicate with the insect body collection chamber so that the insects fall directly into the insect body collection chamber. The vertical side wall of the main channel is also provided with a first screening port and a second screening port arranged vertically. The upper first screening port is used to communicate with the insect skin transfer chamber, and the lower second screening port is used to communicate with the insect excrement collection chamber. The fan assembly is arranged corresponding to the first screening port and the second screening port and is used to blow or draw air towards the first screening port and the second screening port so that insect skins and insect excrement of different qualities enter the insect skin transfer chamber and the insect excrement collection chamber respectively under the action of the wind.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, there are two screening mechanisms. A guide baffle is provided in the middle of the discharge port at the bottom of the receiving hopper to divide the discharge port into two outlets on an even basis. Each outlet is connected to a screening mechanism.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, a matching hopper cover is provided on the frame above the receiving hopper to form a closed cavity for overturning and unloading. An opening is provided between the hopper cover and the receiving hopper at the transmission path of the breeding tray to allow the breeding tray to enter and exit.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, the forward and reverse conveying mechanism includes a conveying drive assembly and two third annular conveyor belts arranged parallel to each other on the frame. The two third annular conveyor belts are used to jointly carry and drive the breeding tray to move, so that during forward transmission, the breeding tray is moved horizontally to the bottom of the feeding mechanism for uniform feeding, and then the breeding tray is moved horizontally out during reverse transmission.

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, the feeding mechanism includes a feeding tube fixed laterally on the frame, a spiral auger rod disposed inside the feeding tube, and a rotary motor fixed on the frame. The feeding tube is connected to the feeding hopper, and the arrangement direction of the feeding tube is perpendicular to the translation direction of the breeding tray. Multiple evenly distributed discharge ports are opened at the bottom of the feeding tube along the axial direction. When the breeding tray moves in translation, the rotary motor drives the spiral auger rod to rotate so that the food conveyed from the feeding hopper is evenly distributed in strips on the breeding tray through the multiple discharge ports.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the middle part of the feeding tube is provided with a receiving port for communicating with the feeding hopper, and the spiral auger rod has opposite thread directions on both sides of the receiving port, so as to enable the food input from the receiving port to be quickly and evenly transported to both sides by the spiral auger rod.

[0027] As a further improvement of the present invention, the feeding mechanism further includes a feed pipe arranged along the translational direction of the breeding tray. The feed pipe is provided with a second spiral auger rod. The feed pipe is connected between the feeding hopper and the feed inlet of the feeding pipe, and is used to form an installation space for installing a screening mechanism between the feeding pipe and the feeding hopper so as to realize the simultaneous feeding and insect feeding.

[0028] As a further improvement of the present invention, the frame is provided with a plurality of third synchronous pulleys at each of the third annular conveyor belts. The third annular conveyor belts are wound around the plurality of third synchronous pulleys to limit and support the third annular conveyor belts. The conveying drive assembly includes a fourth forward and reverse drive motor and a third drive shaft. The third drive shaft is rotatably mounted laterally on the frame. A third transmission wheel is installed at each end of the third drive shaft so that the third annular conveyor belts on both sides are pressed onto the third transmission wheel. The fourth forward and reverse drive motor drives the third drive shaft to rotate in both directions to drive the two third annular conveyor belts to transmit synchronously in both directions through the third transmission wheel on the third drive shaft.

[0029] As a further improvement of the present invention, the conveying drive assembly includes a third mounting plate and a fourth gear assembly. The third mounting plate is mounted laterally on the frame near the third drive shaft. The fourth forward and reverse drive motor is mounted on the third mounting plate. The third drive shaft and the drive end of the fourth forward and reverse drive motor are provided with a meshing fourth gear assembly for driving the third drive shaft to move through the fourth forward and reverse drive motor.

[0030] An insect breeding system includes multiple multi-level breeding racks arranged in sequence, each rack having multiple breeding trays from top to bottom, and an automated device for insect breeding as described in any one of the above embodiments. In this embodiment, two rows of multi-level breeding racks share a single automated device for insect breeding, maximizing the utilization of the breeding area. Through these features, the system occupies a small area, is easy and quick to operate, and boasts a high degree of automation and efficiency.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0032] Firstly, the automated device for insect breeding of the present invention has a lifting and conveying function that works together to pick up and deliver breeding trays on any layer of the breeding rack. This completely eliminates the existing method of manual climbing up and down to pick up and deliver, which not only greatly reduces the difficulty of operation, but also greatly improves the efficiency of operation and greatly enhances the safety of operation.

[0033] Secondly, the automated device for insect farming of the present invention features a conveyor belt mechanism that automatically carries and transports the farming trays, and automatically returns the unloaded trays. A flipping mechanism flips the trays pulled by the conveyor belt mechanism to unload the material. This allows the automatic screening device to interface seamlessly with the loading and unloading conveyor, completely avoiding the tedious manual process of manually unloading each tray in existing technologies. This not only significantly reduces labor intensity and saves labor costs, but also greatly increases work efficiency.

[0034] Thirdly, the automated device for insect farming of this invention, in addition to the aforementioned automatic feeding and automatic flipping, also includes a corresponding automatic screening mechanism. One set of equipment can quickly and efficiently separate and package the insect body, excrement, and excrement, completely eliminating the series of technical problems caused by manual screening and removal methods in existing technologies. It effectively achieves automated screening operations, not only reducing labor intensity but also achieving extremely high screening efficiency. Furthermore, it avoids damage to the insects being screened due to manual screening, preventing the occurrence of dead insects and ensuring excellent subsequent commercial use.

[0035] Fourth, the automated device for insect breeding of the present invention can realize automated feeding operations by setting up a matching pick-up and release transmission device and an automatic feeding device. It completely eliminates a series of technical problems caused by manual feeding in the prior art, such as poor feeding uniformity, food waste, and high labor intensity. It not only greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor and saves labor costs, but also has extremely high feeding efficiency and will not cause omissions or errors.

[0036] Fifth, the automated device for insect breeding of the present invention, in which the picking and placing conveying device, the automatic screening device, and the automatic feeding device cooperate and support each other, can realize a variety of automated breeding needs, such as picking and placing only, picking and placing combined with screening, picking and placing combined with feeding, and picking, placing, screening, and feeding combined, etc., forming an automatic flow connection between the breeding rack and various automated equipment, thereby effectively ensuring the realization of breeding automation, greatly reducing labor intensity, greatly improving breeding effect, and greatly reducing the breeding area.

[0037] Sixth, the insect breeding system of the present invention includes multiple multi-level breeding racks arranged in sequence, each rack having multiple breeding trays from top to bottom, and one or more automated devices for insect breeding. This results in a small footprint, convenient and quick operation, and a high degree of automation and work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the automated device for insect breeding according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the pick-and-place transmission device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the disk-grabbing mechanism of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the left and right translation component of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the front and rear telescopic components of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the front and rear telescopic components of the present invention when retrieving the breeding tray.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the automatic screening device of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the automatic screening device of the present invention during the flipping process.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the conveyor belt mechanism of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a top view schematic diagram of the automatic screening device of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a side view schematic diagram of the screening mechanism of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the screening mechanism of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a top-view three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 14 This is a frontal three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural principle diagram of the forward and reverse conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 16 This is a bottom-view partial structural principle diagram of the feeding mechanism of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 17 This is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device of the present invention.

[0055] Legend:

[0056] 1. Frame; 11. Receiving hopper; 12. Slide rail; 13. Guide partition; 16. Feed hopper; 2. Tray picking mechanism; 21. Support seat; 22. Front and rear telescopic assembly; 221. Telescopic fork; 222. Fork drive assembly; 23. Left and right translation assembly; 231. Translation frame; 232. Lifting drive component; 233. Translation drive assembly; 2331. First annular conveyor belt; 2332. First synchronous pulley; 234. First mounting plate; 235. First forward and reverse drive motor; 236. First drive shaft; 237. First gear assembly; 3. Lifting drive assembly; 31. Annular chain; 32. Synchronous gear; 33. Lifting drive motor assembly; 4. Rail drive mechanism; 41. Roller drive assembly; 42. Rail wheel; 43. Ground rail; 5. Tilting mechanism; 51. Tilting plate; 52. Rotating shaft; 53. First limit rod; 54. 55. Second limiting rod; 56. Second forward and reverse drive motor; 57. Second gear assembly; 58. Second synchronous pulley; 6. Conveyor belt mechanism; 69. Conveyor drive assembly; 60. Second mounting plate; 612. Third forward and reverse drive motor; 613. Second drive shaft; 614. Third gear assembly; 62. Second annular conveyor belt; 7. Screening mechanism; 71. Fan assembly; 72. Insect body collection chamber; 73. Insect skin transfer chamber; 74. Insect excrement collection chamber; 75. Main channel; 8. Feeding mechanism; 81. Feeding pipe; 82. Spiral auger rod; 83. Rotary motor; 84. Feeding pipe; 9. Forward and reverse conveying mechanism; 91. Conveyor drive assembly; 911. Fourth forward and reverse drive motor; 912. Third drive shaft; 913. Third mounting plate; 914. Fourth gear assembly; 92. Third annular conveyor belt; 93. Third synchronous pulley. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 17 As shown, this invention provides an automated device for insect farming, including a frame 1. The frame 1 is located on one side of a multi-level farming rack (not shown in the figure). Each vertical column of the farming rack has multiple storage positions for storing multiple farming trays (as shown in Figure B) of the insects from top to bottom. The vertical height of the frame 1 is between 1 meter and 10 meters. The frame 1 is equipped with a matching pick-and-place conveyor device, an automatic screening device, and an automatic feeding device. The pick-and-place conveyor device includes a tray-picking mechanism 2 that can be raised and lowered within the frame 1, used to lift the trays to the vicinity of any level of the farming rack to pull them onto the tray-picking mechanism 2. The automatic screening device includes a tilting mechanism 5, a conveyor belt mechanism 6, and a receiving hopper 11 with an upper opening. The conveyor belt mechanism 6 is located above the opening of the receiving hopper 11 to carry the farming trays transported by the tray-picking mechanism 2 and move the trays horizontally to the receiving hopper 11 for tilting. The feeding hopper 11 has a tilting unloading mechanism 5. At the bottom discharge port of the receiving hopper 11, there is one or more screening mechanisms 7 for sorting and collecting fallen insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement. The automatic feeding device includes a feeding hopper 16, a uniform feeding mechanism 8, and a forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9. The uniform feeding mechanism 8 and the feeding hopper 16 are connected for uniformly discharging food downwards. The forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 is located below the uniform feeding mechanism 8 to carry the breeding trays transferred from the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 and move the breeding trays horizontally to below the uniform feeding mechanism 8 for uniform feeding. In this embodiment, according to the attached drawings, the pick-and-place conveying device is located on the left side of the frame 1, and the automatic screening device and the automatic feeding device are located on the right side of the frame 1, with the automatic screening device located above the automatic feeding device. The specific implementation principle is as follows:

[0059] When insects in a breeding tray need feeding, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 first rises to the vicinity of the breeding tray on the breeding rack and pulls the tray from the breeding rack onto the tray-retrieving mechanism 2. Then, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 moves the breeding tray up and down to the automatic feeding device, and then transfers the breeding tray to the forward and reverse conveyor mechanism 9. The forward and reverse conveyor mechanism 9 carries the breeding tray from the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 and moves it forward, causing it to move horizontally to below the feeding and distributing mechanism 8. The feeding and distributing mechanism 8 evenly feeds the breeding tray below. After feeding, the forward and reverse conveyor mechanism 9 reverses the direction, sending the carrying breeding tray back to the tray-retrieving mechanism 2. Then, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 moves the breeding tray up and down to its original position and pushes it back to its storage position on the breeding rack. Of course, it can also be sent to other positions on the breeding rack as needed, such as a specially designated feeding area. Then, the next breeding tray is retrieved, placed, and fed.

[0060] When insects in a breeding tray need to be screened, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 rises and falls to the vicinity of the breeding tray on the breeding rack, pulling the tray from the breeding rack onto the tray-retrieving mechanism 2. Then, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 moves the breeding tray up and down to the automatic screening device, and then transfers the breeding tray to the conveyor belt mechanism 6. The conveyor belt mechanism 6 carries the breeding tray from the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 and moves it forward, causing it to move horizontally above the receiving hopper 11. The flipping mechanism 5 flips the breeding tray to unload the contents. The insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement unloaded into the receiving hopper 11 enter the screening mechanism 7 below, which can screen and collect the fallen insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement. After the flipping is completed, the conveyor belt mechanism 6 reverses the direction, sending the carrying breeding tray back to the tray-retrieving mechanism 2. Then, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 moves the empty breeding tray up and down to its original position and pushes it back to its storage position on the breeding rack. Of course, it can also be sent to other positions on the breeding rack as needed. Then proceed with the next feeding tray handling, transfer, and screening operation.

[0061] Of course, there is another method, which involves the coordinated use of a pick-and-place conveyor, an automatic screening device, and an automatic feeding device. First, the tray-picking mechanism 2 is raised and lowered to the vicinity of a specific tray on the breeding rack, pulling the tray from the rack onto the tray-picking mechanism 2. Then, the tray-picking mechanism 2 moves the tray up and down to the automatic screening device. The conveyor belt mechanism 6 carries the tray from the tray-picking mechanism 2 and moves it forward, causing it to slide horizontally above the receiving hopper 11. The flipping mechanism 5 then flips the tray to unload the feed. The insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement unloaded into the receiving hopper 11 enter the screening mechanism 7 below, which separates and collects the fallen insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement. After the flipping is complete, the conveyor belt mechanism 6 reverses its direction, returning the tray to the tray-picking mechanism 2.

[0062] The tray-retrieving mechanism 2 lowers the empty rearing tray to the automatic feeding device. The forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 carries the rearing tray from the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 and moves it forward, horizontally to below the feeding mechanism 8. At this time, the screening mechanism 7 above unloads the insects that were just screened and collected back into the rearing tray, ensuring that the tray contains only insects and no insect skins or excrement, creating an excellent rearing environment. Then, the feeding mechanism 8 evenly feeds the rearing tray below, ensuring that the insects after screening and tray replacement are also fed. After feeding, the forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 reverses the direction, sending the rearing tray back to the tray-retrieving mechanism 2. The tray-retrieving mechanism 2 then lifts and lowers the rearing tray to its original position and pushes it back to its storage position on the rearing rack. Of course, it can also be sent to other positions on the rearing rack as needed. Then, the next rearing tray retrieval, conveying, screening, tray replacement, and feeding operations are performed.

[0063] Furthermore, since insects require a larger rearing area for each growth cycle, the empty rearing trays after unloading can only yield half the number of insects just unloaded from the screening mechanism 7. After feeding, the trays are pushed back to their storage positions on the rearing rack via the tray-retrieving mechanism 2, giving this half the number of insects a larger rearing area than before screening. Then, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 takes another empty rearing tray from the rearing rack and transports it to the screening mechanism 7, yielding the other half of the unloaded insects. After feeding, this half is pushed back to its storage position on the rearing rack via the tray-retrieving mechanism 2, giving this remaining half the number of insects a larger rearing area than before screening. In other words, the insects in one rearing tray before screening are divided into two rearing trays after screening, providing the insects with a larger rearing area and an excellent rearing environment.

[0064] Of course, because the pick-and-place conveyor has both pick-and-place and transfer functions, it can also be used in conjunction with other operating equipment. For example, it can interface with an external conveyor to pick up new breeding trays one by one and lift and push them onto the breeding rack. Or it can remove and replace multiple old breeding trays from the breeding rack. Alternatively, the pick-and-place conveyor can swap the positions of breeding trays between two breeding racks, and so on.

[0065] Through the above-mentioned special scientific design, it has the following technical advantages:

[0066] Firstly, the automated device for insect breeding of the present invention has a lifting and conveying function that works together to pick up and deliver breeding trays on any layer of the breeding rack. This completely eliminates the existing method of manual climbing up and down to pick up and deliver, which not only greatly reduces the difficulty of operation, but also greatly improves the efficiency of operation and greatly enhances the safety of operation.

[0067] Secondly, the automated device for insect farming of the present invention includes a conveyor belt mechanism 6 that automatically carries and transports the farming trays, and automatically returns the unloaded trays. The flipping mechanism 5 flips the farming trays pulled by the conveyor belt mechanism 6 to unload the material. This allows the automatic screening device to interface seamlessly with the loading and unloading conveyor, completely avoiding the tedious manual operation of manually unloading each farming tray in the prior art. This not only greatly reduces labor intensity and saves labor costs, but also significantly increases work efficiency.

[0068] Thirdly, the automated device for insect farming of this invention, in addition to the aforementioned automatic feeding and automatic flipping, also includes a corresponding automatic screening mechanism 7. One set of equipment can quickly and efficiently 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 effectively achieves automated screening operations, not only reducing labor intensity but also achieving extremely high screening efficiency. Furthermore, it avoids harming the insects being screened due to manual screening, preventing the occurrence of dead insects and ensuring excellent subsequent commercial use.

[0069] Fourth, the automated device for insect breeding of the present invention can realize automated feeding operations by setting up a matching pick-up and release transmission device and an automatic feeding device. It completely eliminates a series of technical problems caused by manual feeding in the prior art, such as poor feeding uniformity, food waste, and high labor intensity. It not only greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor and saves labor costs, but also has extremely high feeding efficiency and will not cause omissions or errors.

[0070] Fifth, the automated device for insect breeding of the present invention, in which the picking and placing conveying device, the automatic screening device, and the automatic feeding device cooperate and support each other, can realize a variety of automated breeding needs, such as picking and placing only, picking and placing combined with screening, picking and placing combined with feeding, and picking, placing, screening, and feeding combined, etc., forming an automatic flow connection between the breeding rack and various automated equipment, thereby effectively ensuring the realization of breeding automation, greatly reducing labor intensity, greatly improving breeding effect, and greatly reducing the breeding area.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 includes a support seat 21 that can be raised and lowered within the frame 1, and a front-to-back telescopic component 22 and a left-to-right translation component 23 disposed on the support seat 21. The support seat 21 is used to be raised and lowered to the vicinity of the breeding trays on any layer of the breeding rack. The front-to-back telescopic component 22 can be extended and retracted in the front-to-back direction to extend towards the bottom of the breeding tray, carry the breeding tray, and then retract to transport the breeding tray to the support seat 21. The left-to-right translation component 23 is raised and lowered below the front-to-back telescopic component 22 to lift up, carry the breeding tray on the front-to-back telescopic component 22, and then move in the left-to-right direction to send the breeding tray out of the support seat 21.

[0072] When it is necessary to remove a breeding tray from a certain layer of a vertical column of the breeding rack, the support base 21 first rises to the vicinity of the breeding tray on the breeding rack. Then, the front and rear telescopic components 22 on the support base 21 extend and retract forward, reaching deep into the bottom of the breeding tray. At this time, the support base 21 rises a certain distance, causing the front and rear telescopic components 22 to lift the breeding tray (e.g., Figure 6As shown, the front and rear telescopic assembly 22 supports the breeding tray. Then, the front and rear telescopic assembly 22 retracts to transport the breeding tray to the support seat 21. Once the breeding tray is on the support seat 21, the support seat 21 lowers the breeding tray to a suitable working height. Then, the left and right translation assembly 23 rises to a certain height, causing the breeding tray, originally supported by the front and rear telescopic assembly 22, to detach from it and be supported by the raised left and right translation assembly 23. The left and right translation assembly 23 then moves to the left or right to deliver the breeding tray from the support seat 21 to an automatic feeding device or an automatic screening device for automated operation.

[0073] After the operation is completed, the breeding tray is automatically returned to the left-right translation component 23. At this time, the left-right translation component 23 moves in opposite directions to transport the breeding tray into place. Then, the left-right translation component 23 descends to its original position, so that the breeding tray is once again supported by the front-rear telescopic component 22. Then, the support seat 21 drives the breeding tray to rise to the original layer of the breeding rack, which is a certain distance higher than the original storage position. Then, the front-rear telescopic component 22 on the support seat 21 drives the breeding tray forward again, moving the breeding tray above the original storage position on the breeding rack. Then, the support seat 21 descends a certain distance, so that the breeding tray is placed on the storage position on the breeding rack. Then, the front-rear telescopic component 22 retracts back onto the support seat 21.

[0074] This automatic pick-and-place conveyor can be used with a single breeding rack or placed between two breeding racks because the front and rear telescopic components 22 can extend and retract in both forward and backward directions. Therefore, the automatic pick-and-place conveyor of this invention can be used simultaneously with two breeding racks. This not only reduces the footprint, makes operation faster, and requires less equipment investment, but also increases efficiency. At the same time, it makes the breeding methods more diversified and intelligent. For example, the breeding trays on the front breeding rack can be transferred to another breeding rack at the rear, and the breeding trays on the two breeding racks can be interchanged. Furthermore, because the automatic pick-and-place conveyor of this invention can achieve rapid pick-and-place at different levels, this device can form excellent automatic docking with automatic feeding devices or automatic screening devices. After picking up a breeding tray from any level, it is lifted and lowered to the automatic screening and feeding device and then transferred to the automatic screening and feeding device. After screening and feeding by the device, it is automatically returned to the breeding rack (possibly returning to its original position or to another predetermined location). Through the above special scientific design, it has the following technical advantages:

[0075] Firstly, the automatic pick-up and delivery device of this invention has a combination of lifting, forward and backward telescopic pick-up and delivery functions and left and right translation and transfer functions, that is, it has five or more different movement dimensions. It not only realizes pick-up and delivery, but also realizes active transfer (without the need for external mechanisms to drive the transfer). This enables the pick-up and delivery of breeding trays on any layer of the breeding rack, completely eliminating the existing method of manual climbing up and down to pick up and deliver. This not only greatly reduces the difficulty of operation, but also greatly improves the efficiency of operation and greatly improves the safety of operation.

[0076] Secondly, the automatic pick-and-place transfer device of the present invention, due to the special design of the front and rear telescopic components 22, allows the device to be installed between two breeding racks. This not only reduces the footprint, makes operation faster, and requires less equipment investment, but also increases work efficiency. At the same time, it makes the breeding methods more diversified and intelligent. For example, the breeding trays on the front breeding rack can be picked up and sent to another breeding rack at the rear, and the breeding trays on the two breeding racks can be interchanged.

[0077] Thirdly, the automatic pick-and-place conveyor of the present invention, with the mutual cooperation and support of the frame 1, the bearing seat 21, the front and rear telescopic components 22, and the left and right translation components 23, realizes the automated transfer and pick-and-place of the complex breeding rack. This enables the device to automatically coordinate the breeding rack with the automatic feeding equipment and the automatic screening equipment, that is, to form an automatic flow connection between the breeding rack and other automated equipment (because automatic transfer and pick-and-place is the basic element to ensure the automatic connection between various equipment), thereby effectively ensuring the realization of breeding automation.

[0078] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the left and right translation component 23 includes a translation frame 231, two lifting drive members 232, and two translation drive components 233. The translation frame 231 is mounted on the support 21 with a limit that allows it to move up and down. The two lifting drive members 232 and the two translation drive components 233 are symmetrically mounted on two opposite side frames of the translation frame 231. The driving ends of the two lifting drive members 232 are set facing the support 21 downwards and are used to lift the translation frame 231 upwards when it extends towards the support 21 downwards, so that the two translation drive components 233 jointly support the breeding tray and drive the breeding tray to move in the left and right directions.

[0079] After the breeding tray is transported onto the support 21, the support 21 lowers the breeding tray to a suitable working height. At this time, the driving ends of the two lifting drive members 232 on the translation frame 231 extend downwards towards the support 21, thereby lifting the translation frame 231 upwards. This causes the breeding tray, which was originally supported on the front and rear telescopic components 22, to detach from the front and rear telescopic components 22 and be supported on the translation drive components 233 on the raised translation frame 231. Then, the two translation drive components 233 begin translational operation, sending the breeding tray off the support 21. The two lifting drive members 232 allow the translation drive components 233 and the front and rear telescopic components 22 to be integrated together without conflict. When they are not lifting, the front and rear telescopic components 22 can operate normally; when they are lifting, the translation drive components 233 can operate normally. This allows the support 21 to effectively perform both telescopic loading and translational transfer functions.

[0080] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, each translation drive component 233 includes a first annular conveyor belt 2331 and multiple first synchronous pulleys 2332. The multiple first synchronous pulleys 2332 are mounted on the frame of the translation frame 231, and the first annular conveyor belt 2331 is wound around the multiple first synchronous pulleys 2332 to limit and support the first annular conveyor belt 2331. This allows the first annular conveyor belt 2331 to form excellent surface-to-surface contact with the breeding tray, ensuring the speed of transmission. At the same time, the breeding tray will not crush the first annular conveyor belt 2331, ensuring the accuracy requirements of transmission docking. Moreover, compared with other drive methods such as push-pull plates, this drive method is simpler, lighter, and easier to control. Each first annular conveyor belt 2331 can be driven by a separate drive component or can be driven by the same drive component as described below. Meanwhile, the left-right translation component 23 includes a first forward and reverse drive motor 235 and a first drive shaft 236. The first drive shaft 236 is rotatably mounted laterally on two opposite side frames of the translation frame 231. A first transmission wheel is mounted on each end of the first drive shaft 236 so that the first annular conveyor belts 2331 on both sides are correspondingly pressed onto the first transmission wheels. The first forward and reverse drive motor 235 drives the first drive shaft 236 to rotate in both directions, thereby driving the two first annular conveyor belts 2331 to synchronously transport in both directions via the first transmission wheels on the first drive shaft 236. When the first drive shaft 236 rotates, the first transmission wheels at both ends, being tightly pressed onto the first annular conveyor belts 2331, can drive the first annular conveyor belts 2331 to operate. This structure is simple and low-cost, and it ensures synchronous operation on both sides through a single first drive shaft 236, thus guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the transport of the breeding tray (the first transmission wheels are not shown in the attached diagram because they are pressed under the first annular conveyor belts 2331).

[0081] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the left-right translation component 23 includes a first mounting plate 234 and a first gear assembly 237. The first mounting plate 234 is mounted laterally on two opposite sidewalls of the translation frame 231, close to the first drive shaft 236. A first forward and reverse drive motor 235 is mounted on the first mounting plate 234. The first drive shaft 236 and the drive end of the first forward and reverse drive motor 235 are provided with a meshing first gear assembly 237 for driving the first drive shaft 236 to move through the first forward and reverse drive motor 235. This structural form has two advantages: firstly, it does not occupy the storage space of the breeding tray; secondly, it makes the drive of the first drive shaft 236 stable, thereby effectively ensuring the stability and accuracy of the transfer of the breeding tray.

[0082] like Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the front and rear telescopic assembly 22 includes two telescopic forks 221 fixed to the support base 21 and a fork drive assembly 222. The fork drive assembly 222 drives the two telescopic forks 221 to extend and retract synchronously to carry and transport the breeding tray.

[0083] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the support base 21 is box-shaped. The support base 21 has first openings on both side walls in the direction of movement of the front-to-back telescopic assembly 22, for allowing the front-to-back telescopic assembly 22 to move the breeding tray in and out of the support base 21. The support base 21 also has a second opening on one side wall in the direction of movement of the left-to-right translation assembly 23, for allowing the left-to-right translation assembly 23 to drive the breeding tray in and out of the support base 21. The box-shaped support base 21 has four side plates, a structural form that makes it structurally stable and facilitates the stable operation of the front-to-back telescopic assembly 22 and the left-to-right translation assembly 23 mounted on it. By providing the first and second openings on the side plates, the effective operation of the front-to-back telescopic assembly 22 and the breeding tray can be achieved.

[0084] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the frame 1 is provided with two vertically arranged slide rails 12, each slide rail 12 having a slider. The side wall of the support seat 21 opposite to the second opening is connected to the slider for limiting the lifting and lowering of the support seat 21. The frame 1 is equipped with a lifting drive assembly 3, which includes two vertically arranged annular chains 31. The two annular chains 31 are simultaneously connected to the support seat 21. The top and bottom ends of the frame 1 are each provided with two synchronous gears 32 for respectively engaging and limiting the two annular chains 31. The bottom of the frame 1 is also provided with a lifting drive motor assembly 33 for simultaneously driving the two synchronous gears 32 at the bottom end of the frame 1 to rotate, thereby driving the support seat 21 to lift and lower via the two annular chains 31. In this embodiment, the lifting drive motor assembly 33 includes a motor and a drive shaft. The two ends of the drive shaft are respectively fixed to the two synchronous gears 32 at the bottom end. The motor drives the drive shaft to rotate, thereby causing the two synchronous gears 32 at the bottom end to rotate and drive the two annular chains 31 to move. This structural design allows the lifting drive motor assembly 33 to be mounted at the bottom of the frame 1, resulting in a lower center of gravity and more stable operation of the device.

[0085] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, in a preferred embodiment, a track drive mechanism 4 is further included. The track drive mechanism 4 includes a roller drive assembly 41, multiple track wheels 42 fixed to the bottom of the frame 1, and two or more ground rails 43 laid along one side of multiple breeding racks. The roller drive assembly 41 is fixed to the bottom of the frame 1 and is used to drive the track wheels 42 to move along the ground rails 43 so that the frame 1 moves along one side of multiple breeding racks. This allows the device to not only pick up and deliver multiple breeding racks vertically and horizontally, but also to move along one side of multiple breeding racks, thereby realizing the picking and delivery of multiple rows of breeding racks, with a wider range of applications and higher levels of automation and work efficiency. In this embodiment, the track drive mechanism 4 also includes a ceiling rail fixed above the factory building. The ceiling rail and the ground rails 43 are parallel. The top of the frame 1 is provided with a pulley assembly that cooperates with the ceiling rail, so that the frame 1 runs along the ground rails 43 below and simultaneously along the ceiling rails above, making the operation more stable, safer, and preventing tipping.

[0086] like Figure 1 , Figures 7 to 10 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the conveyor belt mechanism 6 includes a conveyor drive assembly 61 and two second annular conveyor belts 62 arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the flipping mechanism 5. The two second annular conveyor belts 62 are used to jointly carry and drive the aquaculture tray to move.

[0087] When the tray-collecting mechanism 2 transports the breeding tray to the vicinity of the receiving hopper 11, the conveyor belt mechanism 6 above the opening of the receiving hopper 11 starts operating. Once the breeding tray contacts the forward-moving second annular conveyor belt 62, the operating second annular conveyor belt 62 will carry the breeding tray and support it. Finally, the two second annular conveyor belts 62 together carry and forward-moving the breeding tray to the flipping mechanism 5. After the conveying stops, the flipping mechanism 5 flips the breeding tray to unload it (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (As shown in the diagram), at this time, all the insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement on the breeding tray fall into the receiving hopper 11 below. After the breeding tray is flipped and turned to a horizontal state, the second annular conveyor belt 62 reverses the transmission to remove the breeding tray and transport it back to the tray-retrieving mechanism 2.

[0088] like Figure 1 , Figures 7 to 10As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the flipping mechanism 5 includes two symmetrically arranged flipping plates 51. Each flipping plate 51 is rotatably mounted on the frame 1 via a rotating shaft 52 at its center. A second annular conveyor belt 62 is mounted on each flipping plate 51. Two or more first limiting rods 53 are fixed above the second annular conveyor belt 62 between the two flipping plates 51 to form a limiting space for placing the breeding tray between the first limiting rods 53 and the second annular conveyor belt 62. Second limiting rods 54 are also connected to the ends of the two flipping plates 51 to abut against the end of the transmitted breeding tray, thus confining the breeding tray within the limiting space. When the transmitted breeding tray contacts the second limiting rod 54 at its tail end, the breeding tray is precisely positioned within the limiting space formed between the first limiting rod 53 and the second annular conveyor belt 62. This ensures that when flipping towards the tail end, the second annular conveyor belt 62, the first limiting rod 53, and the second limiting rod 54 cooperate from three directions to abut against the breeding tray, preventing it from falling off during flipping. This structural design not only makes flipping safe and stable, but also makes the structure very simple, easy to manufacture and maintain.

[0089] like Figure 1 , Figures 7 to 10 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the flipping mechanism 5 includes a second forward and reverse drive motor 55 fixed to the frame 1. A second gear assembly 56, meshing with the shaft end of any rotating shaft 52 extending outside the frame 1 and the drive end of the second forward and reverse drive motor 55, is provided for driving the rotating shaft 52 to synchronously rotate the two flipping plates 51 in both directions via the forward and reverse drive of the second forward and reverse drive motor 55 to achieve flipping. In this embodiment, the second forward and reverse drive motor 55 is laterally fixed to the crossbar of the frame 1. The second gear assembly 56 includes a transmission gear on the shaft end of the rotating shaft 52 and a threaded screw on the drive shaft end of the second forward and reverse drive motor 55, which meshes with the transmission gear. Multiple second synchronous pulleys 57 are installed on each flipping plate 51 at the mounting point of the second annular conveyor belt 62. The second annular conveyor belt 62 is wound around the multiple second synchronous pulleys 57 to limit and support the second annular conveyor belt 62. This allows the second annular conveyor belt 62 to form excellent surface-to-surface contact with the breeding tray, ensuring efficient transmission speed; at the same time, the breeding tray will not crush the second annular conveyor belt 62, ensuring the precision requirements of transmission docking; and compared with other driving methods such as push-pull plates, this driving method is simpler, lighter, and easier to control. Each second annular conveyor belt 62 can be driven by a separate driving component, or it can share the same driving component as described below.

[0090] like Figure 1 , Figures 7 to 10As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the conveying drive assembly 61 includes a second mounting plate 611, a third forward and reverse drive motor 612, and a second drive shaft 613. The second drive shaft 613 is rotatably and laterally mounted between two flip plates 51. A second transmission wheel is mounted on each end of the second drive shaft 613 so that the second annular conveyor belts 62 on both sides are correspondingly pressed onto the second transmission wheels. This structure is simple and low-cost, and it ensures synchronous operation on both sides through a single second drive shaft 613, thereby guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the transfer of the breeding tray. Simultaneously, the second mounting plate 611 is close to the second drive shaft 613 and laterally mounted between the two flip plates 51. The third forward and reverse drive motor 612 is mounted on the second mounting plate 611. A third gear assembly 614 meshes with the second drive shaft 613 and the drive end of the third forward and reverse drive motor 612, used to drive the second transmission wheels on the second drive shaft 613 to synchronously transmit the two second annular conveyor belts 62 in both forward and reverse directions via the forward and reverse drive of the third forward and reverse drive motor 612. When the third forward and reverse drive motor 612 drives the second drive shaft 613 to rotate, the second transmission wheels at both ends are pressed tightly onto the second annular conveyor belt 62, enabling the second transmission wheels to drive the second annular conveyor belt 62 to operate. This structural design avoids occupying storage space for the breeding trays and ensures stable driving of the first drive shaft 236, thereby effectively guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the breeding tray transfer (the second transmission wheels are not shown in the attached diagram because they are pressed under the second annular conveyor belt 62).

[0091] like Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the screening mechanism 7 includes a fan assembly 71, an insect body collection chamber 72, an insect skin transfer chamber 73, an insect excrement collection chamber 74, and a vertically arranged main channel 75. The top opening of the main channel 75 is used to communicate with the bottom discharge port of the receiving hopper 11, and the bottom opening of the main channel 75 is used to communicate with the insect body collection chamber 72 so that the insects fall directly into the insect body collection chamber 72. The vertical sidewall of the main channel 75 is also provided with a first screening port arranged vertically (e.g., Figure 11 X shown) and the second filter port (as shown) Figure 11 As shown in the diagram (Y), the upper first screening port is used to communicate with the insect skin transmission chamber 73, and the lower second screening port is used to communicate with the insect excrement collection chamber 74. The fan assembly 71 is set corresponding to the first and second screening ports and is used to blow or draw air towards the first and second screening ports so that insect skins and insect excrement of different qualities enter the insect skin transmission chamber 73 and the insect excrement collection chamber 74 respectively under the action of the wind.

[0092] In this embodiment, the blower assembly 71 is a blower, which is positioned directly opposite the first and second screening ports to blow air towards them. Because the insect body, exoskeleton, and excrement have varying weights, the insect body is the heaviest, followed by the excrement, and then the exoskeleton. When the insect body, exoskeleton, and excrement fall downwards through the main channel 75, the heaviest insect body is unaffected by the airflow and falls directly into the insect body collection chamber 72 below for collection (e.g., ...). Figure 11 (As indicated by the middle arrow M). The lightest insect skin, upon entering the main channel 75, is immediately blown into the topmost first screening port before it can fall downwards, and then enters the insect skin transfer chamber 73 for collection (as shown by the middle arrow M). Figure 11 (As indicated by the middle arrow N). The insect excrement, possessing a certain mass, falls and is influenced by the wind, eventually being blown into the second screening port located below the first screening port, and then into the insect excrement collection chamber 74 for collection (as shown by the arrow N). Figure 11 (As indicated by the middle arrow P). Of course, in other embodiments, the fan assembly 71 can also be configured as an exhaust fan, positioned behind the first and second screening ports, to create a negative pressure for suction, drawing the insect skins and excrement into the first and second screening ports respectively. Such simple modifications should fall within the scope of protection of this invention. Through the above-mentioned special scientific design, the following technical advantages are achieved:

[0093] First, the automatic screening device of this invention, with its unique structure, can quickly and efficiently separate and package the insect body, excrement, and exoskeleton in one operation, effectively automating the screening process. This not only significantly reduces manual labor intensity and saves labor costs but also boasts extremely high screening efficiency. Second, the automatic screening device of this invention utilizes air separation to achieve screening and separation, completely eliminating the need for existing manual screening and removal methods. It does not harm the delicate insect body, prevents the occurrence of dead insects, and ensures excellent subsequent commercial use.

[0094] like Figure 10As shown, in a preferred embodiment, there are two screening mechanisms 7. A guide partition 13 is provided in the middle of the discharge port at the bottom of the receiving hopper 11 to divide the discharge port into two equal outlets, each of which is connected to a screening mechanism 7. Since the insects are larger than when they were screened each time, they need more space to grow in the next stage. Therefore, after each screening, all the insects need to be divided into two breeding trays for further cultivation. To this end, this device provides a guide partition 13 in the middle of the discharge port at the bottom of the receiving hopper 11, which can directly divide the insects, insect excrement, and insect skin to be screened into two equal parts. Then, the two independent screening mechanisms 7 below directly screen out two independent portions of insects (relatively equal). The insect collection chamber 72 can be connected to an empty breeding tray, and can be directly divided into two breeding trays for the next stage of cultivation without the need for subsequent manual separation and manual removal of insects. This greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor, saves labor costs, and has extremely high work efficiency.

[0095] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a matching hopper cover (not shown in the figure) is provided on the frame 1 above the receiving hopper 11 to enclose and form a closed cavity for tipping and unloading. An opening is provided between the hopper cover and the receiving hopper 11 at the transmission path of the breeding tray for the breeding tray to enter and exit. By providing the hopper cover, dust generated during tipping and unloading will not be dispersed, making it more environmentally friendly. At the same time, the hopper cover can also protect the receiving hopper 11 below and the connected screening mechanism 7, preventing foreign objects from falling in and effectively ensuring the subsequent breeding effect.

[0096] like Figure 1 , Figures 13 to 17 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 includes a conveying drive assembly 91 and two third annular conveyor belts 92 arranged parallel to each other on the frame 1. Driven by the conveying drive assembly 91, the two third annular conveyor belts 92 jointly carry and move the breeding trays, so that during forward conveying, the breeding trays are moved horizontally to below the feeding mechanism 8 for uniform feeding, and then during reverse conveying, the breeding trays are moved horizontally out. The specific implementation principle is as follows:

[0097] When feeding is needed, first fill the feed trough 16 with food. The tray-retrieving mechanism 2 transports the feeding trays from the feeding rack to the vicinity of the forward and reverse conveyor mechanism 9. At this time, the forward and reverse conveyor mechanism 9 starts operating. Once the feeding tray comes into contact with the forward-moving third ring conveyor belt 92, the operating third ring conveyor belt 92 will move and carry the feeding tray on it. Finally, the two third ring conveyor belts 92 together carry and move the feeding tray forward to the area below the feeding and dispensing mechanism 8. After the feeding and dispensing mechanism 8 has evenly fed the trays, the two third ring conveyor belts 92 reverse the direction, moving the feeding tray horizontally back to the tray-retrieving mechanism 2, allowing the tray-retrieving mechanism 2 to transfer the feeding tray. When the next feeding tray arrives, the above feeding operation is repeated.

[0098] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the feeding mechanism 8 includes a feeding pipe 81 horizontally fixed to the frame 1, a spiral auger rod 82 disposed within the feeding pipe 81, and a rotary motor 83 fixed to the frame 1. The feeding pipe 81 is connected to the feeding hopper 16, and the arrangement direction of the feeding pipe 81 is perpendicular to the translation direction of the breeding tray. Multiple evenly distributed discharge ports (such as...) are opened along the axial direction at the bottom of the feeding pipe 81. Figure 16 (T in the diagram represents the discharge port). When the breeding tray moves horizontally, the rotary motor 83 drives the auger rod 82 to rotate, so that the food conveyed from the feeding hopper 16 is evenly distributed in strips onto the breeding tray through multiple discharge ports. In this embodiment, when the breeding tray moves to the right and is in position, the feeding pipe 81 is exactly above the tail end of the breeding tray. The specific implementation principle is as follows: When the forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 moves the breeding tray to the right together, the rotary motor 83 drives the auger rod 82 to move. The auger rod 82 will evenly discharge the food in the feeding pipe 81 from multiple discharge ports. At this time, the food falls onto the head end of the breeding tray that is moving horizontally below. Because insect food has a certain stickiness, the breeding tray moving to the right will pull the continuously falling food along with it, and finally make the food from each discharge port evenly distributed in strips onto the breeding tray. Figure 17 The image shows the state after feeding. It is clearly visible that there are multiple evenly distributed, strip-shaped food items (such as...) in the feeding tray. Figure 17(R in the diagram represents food). When the breeding tray is in position, the rotary motor 83 stops driving the auger rod 82, and the food stops falling. Because the auger rod 82 continuously discharges food from the discharge port, and the moving breeding tray pulls out the continuously discharged food, the two work together to ensure that each food strip is relatively uniform in size. Furthermore, because the multiple discharge ports are evenly distributed, the spacing between the multiple food strips is also uniform, ultimately ensuring that the food is evenly distributed on the breeding tray. Of course, inspired by the above embodiment, the feeding method can also be changed: when the breeding tray first begins to move to the right, the feeding pipe 81 does not feed. After the breeding tray is in position, the feeding pipe 81 is exactly above the tail end of the breeding tray. At this time, when the forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 pushes the breeding tray to move back to the left, the feeding pipe 81 begins to feed; the left-moving breeding tray also pulls the continuously falling food along with it, ultimately ensuring that the food from each discharge port is evenly distributed in strips on the breeding tray. Through the above special scientific design, the following technical advantages are achieved:

[0099] The automatic feeding device of this invention uses a spiral auger 82 to evenly deliver food into a feeding tube 81, which then discharges evenly from each discharge port. Simultaneously, the continuously discharged food is pulled by a moving rearing tray below. This combination ensures that the food is evenly distributed in strips on the rearing tray through multiple discharge ports, with each strip being relatively uniform in size. Furthermore, the even distribution of the discharge ports also ensures uniform spacing between the food strips, ultimately guaranteeing even food distribution on the rearing tray. Since many insects are highly consuming but have poor foraging abilities, even and timely feeding is crucial to ensure that every rearing area within the tray has food, effectively guaranteeing uniform growth for insects of the same batch.

[0100] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the middle part of the feeding tube 81 is provided with a receiving port for communicating with the feeding hopper 16 (e.g., Figure 16 In the diagram, V represents the inlet. The threads on the auger rod 82 are opposite in direction to those on either side of the inlet, so that the food input from the inlet is quickly and evenly conveyed to both sides by the auger rod 82. Figure 16The diagram shown is a partial bottom view of the feeding tube 81. To clearly show the spiral auger rod 82 inside the feeding tube 81, a partial cross-sectional view is used. It is evident that the threads on the spiral auger rod 82 inside the feeding tube 81 are opposite in direction to those on either side of the feeding port. Feed enters from the middle of the feeding tube 81 and passes through the spiral auger rods 82 with different threads on both sides, ensuring that the food reaches both ends of the feeding tube 81 simultaneously and in the shortest possible time. This allows the food to be discharged quickly and evenly through multiple discharge ports, effectively ensuring the uniformity of feeding. Imagine if feeding were uniformly done from only one end of the feeding tube 81; the discharge rate at the opposite end would certainly be the worst, leading to uneven feeding.

[0101] like Figure 1 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the feeding mechanism 8 further includes a feed pipe 84 arranged along the translational direction of the breeding tray. The feed pipe 84 is provided with a second spiral auger (not shown in the figure, the threads on the second spiral auger are in the same direction). The feed pipe 84 is connected between the feeding hopper 16 and the feed inlet of the feeding pipe 81, and is used to form an installation space for installing the screening mechanism 7 between the feeding pipe 81 and the feeding hopper 16 so as to realize the simultaneous feeding and insect feeding.

[0102] Through the above special structural design, a space can be formed above the feeding tube 81 and between the feeding tube 81 and the feeding hopper 16 to install the screening mechanism 7. The specific implementation principle is as follows:

[0103] When the forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 begins to move the empty breeding tray to the right, the feeding pipe 81 does not feed. However, the insects collected by the screening mechanism 7 begin to be fed, ensuring that the insects are evenly distributed onto the moving breeding tray below. After the breeding tray has moved into position, the feeding pipe 81 is positioned directly above the rear end of the breeding tray. At this point, when the forward and reverse conveying mechanism 9 moves the breeding tray to the left to retract, the screening mechanism 7 stops feeding, while the feeding pipe 81 begins feeding. The leftward-moving breeding tray also pulls the continuously falling food along with it, ultimately ensuring that the food from each discharge port is evenly distributed in strips onto the breeding tray, allowing the insects that have just been evenly fed to receive timely and uniform feeding. Through the above design, the automatic feeding device of this invention has wide adaptability. It can not only evenly feed breeding trays containing insects, but also cooperate with the screening mechanism 7 to combine even insect feeding and feeding of empty breeding trays. Feeding is completed simultaneously with insect feeding, resulting in extremely high work efficiency and good breeding effects.

[0104] like Figure 14 , Figure 15As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the frame 1 is provided with multiple third synchronous pulleys 93 at each of the third annular conveyor belts 92. The third annular conveyor belts 92 are wound around the multiple third synchronous pulleys 93 to limit and support the third annular conveyor belts 92. This allows the third annular conveyor belts 92 to form excellent surface-to-surface contact with the breeding trays, ensuring the speed of transmission. At the same time, the breeding trays will not crush the third annular conveyor belts 92, ensuring the accuracy requirements of transmission docking. Moreover, this driving method is simpler, lighter, and easier to control than other driving methods such as push-pull plates. Each third annular conveyor belt 92 can be driven by a separate driving component or shared by the same driving component as described below. The conveying drive assembly 91 includes a fourth forward and reverse drive motor 911 and a third drive shaft 912. The third drive shaft 912 is rotatably mounted laterally on the frame 1. A third transmission wheel is mounted on each end of the third drive shaft 912 so that the third annular conveyor belts 92 on both sides are correspondingly pressed onto the third transmission wheels (in the attached diagram, the third transmission wheels are not shown because they are pressed below the third annular conveyor belts 92). The fourth forward and reverse drive motor 911 drives the third drive shaft 912 to rotate in both directions, thereby driving the two third annular conveyor belts 92 to synchronously transport in both directions via the third transmission wheels on the third drive shaft 912. When the fourth forward and reverse drive motor 911 drives the third drive shaft 912 to rotate, the third transmission wheels at both ends are tightly pressed onto the third annular conveyor belts 92, and these third transmission wheels can drive the third annular conveyor belts 92 to operate. This structure is simple and low-cost, and it ensures synchronous operation on both sides through a single third drive shaft 912, thus guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the transfer of the breeding trays.

[0105] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, further, in a preferred embodiment, the conveying drive assembly 91 includes a third mounting plate 913 and a fourth gear assembly 914. The third mounting plate 913 is mounted laterally on the frame 1 near the third drive shaft 912. A fourth forward and reverse drive motor 911 is mounted on the third mounting plate 913. The third drive shaft 912 and the drive end of the fourth forward and reverse drive motor 911 are provided with a meshing fourth gear assembly 914 for driving the third drive shaft 912 to move through the fourth forward and reverse drive motor 911. This structural form does not occupy the storage space of the breeding tray and makes the drive of the third drive shaft 912 stable, thereby effectively ensuring the stability and accuracy of the transfer of the breeding tray.

[0106] This invention also provides an insect breeding system, which includes multiple multi-level breeding racks arranged in sequence. Each breeding rack has multiple breeding trays arranged from top to bottom, and an automated device for insect breeding as described in any of the above embodiments. In this embodiment, two rows of multi-level breeding racks share a single automated device for insect breeding, maximizing the utilization of the breeding area. Through these features, the system occupies a small area, is easy and quick to operate, and has a high degree of automation and efficiency.

[0107] 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 principle of the present invention should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated device for insect farming, characterized in that, The system includes a frame, on which are mounted a matching pick-and-place conveyor, an automatic screening device, and an automatic feeding device. The pick-and-place conveyor includes a tray-lifting mechanism that can be raised and lowered within the frame to lift the trays to any level on the breeding rack and onto the tray-lifting mechanism. The automatic screening device includes a tilting mechanism, a conveyor belt mechanism, and a top-opening receiving hopper. The conveyor belt mechanism is positioned above the opening of the receiving hopper to carry the breeding trays transported by the tray-lifting mechanism and move them horizontally to the receiving hopper, where they are tilted and unloaded by the tilting mechanism. The bottom discharge port of the receiving hopper is equipped with one or more screening mechanisms to separately screen and collect fallen insect bodies, insect skins, and insect excrement. The automatic... The feeding device includes a feeding hopper, a feeding mechanism, and a forward and reverse conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism is connected to the feeding hopper for evenly distributing food downwards. The forward and reverse conveying mechanism is located below the feeding mechanism to carry the breeding trays transported by the tray-retrieving mechanism and move the trays horizontally to the area below the feeding mechanism for even feeding. The tray-retrieving mechanism includes a lifting and lowering support seat within the frame and a front-to-back telescopic component and a left-to-right translation component mounted on the support seat. The support seat is used to lift and lower to the vicinity of the breeding trays on any layer of the breeding rack. The front-to-back telescopic component can extend and retract in the front-to-back direction, extending towards the bottom of the breeding tray to carry it and then retracting to transport the tray to the support seat. The left-to-right translation component... The lifting mechanism is located below the front and rear telescopic components, used to lift the breeding tray on the front and rear telescopic components and then move it left and right to send the breeding tray off the support seat; the left and right translation components include a translation frame, two lifting drive members and two translation drive components. The translation frame is vertically movable and limited on the support seat. The two lifting drive members and the two translation drive components are symmetrically installed on two opposite sides of the translation frame. The driving ends of the two lifting drive members are set towards the lower support seat, used to lift the translation frame upward when it extends towards the lower support seat so that the two translation drive components jointly carry the breeding tray and drive the breeding tray to move left and right; each translation drive component includes a first annular ring. The system includes a conveyor belt and multiple first synchronous pulleys. The multiple first synchronous pulleys are mounted on the side frame of the translation frame. The first annular conveyor belt is wound around the multiple first synchronous pulleys to limit and support the first annular conveyor belt. The left and right translation assembly includes a first forward and reverse drive motor and a first drive shaft. The first drive shaft is rotatably mounted laterally on two opposite side frames of the translation frame. A first transmission wheel is mounted on each end of the first drive shaft so that the first annular conveyor belts on both sides are pressed onto the first transmission wheels. The first forward and reverse drive motor drives the first drive shaft to rotate in both directions to drive the two first annular conveyor belts to transmit synchronously in both directions through the first transmission wheels on the first drive shaft.The left-right translation component includes a first mounting plate and a first gear assembly. The first mounting plate is mounted laterally on two opposite side frames of the translation frame, close to the first drive shaft. The first forward and reverse drive motor is mounted on the first mounting plate. A meshing first gear assembly is provided on the first drive shaft and the drive end of the first forward and reverse drive motor, for driving the first drive shaft to move via the first forward and reverse drive motor.

2. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt mechanism includes a conveyor drive assembly and two second annular conveyor belts arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the flipping mechanism. The two second annular conveyor belts are used to jointly carry and drive the aquaculture tray to move.

3. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism includes two symmetrically arranged flipping plates, each of which is rotatably mounted on the frame via a rotating shaft in the middle.

4. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each flip plate is equipped with a second circular conveyor belt. Two or more first limiting rods are fixed above the second circular conveyor belt between the two flip plates to form a limiting space for placing the breeding tray between the first limiting rods and the second circular conveyor belt. The ends of the two flip plates are also connected to second limiting rods to abut the ends of the conveyed breeding trays to limit the breeding trays within the limiting space.

5. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism includes a second forward and reverse drive motor fixed on the frame. A second gear assembly is provided on the shaft end of any of the rotating shafts extending out of the frame and the drive end of the second forward and reverse drive motors. This assembly is used to drive the rotating shafts to rotate the two flipping plates synchronously in the forward and reverse directions through the forward and reverse drive motors to achieve flipping. Each flipping plate is equipped with multiple second synchronous pulleys at the mounting position of the second annular conveyor belt. The second annular conveyor belt is wound around the multiple second synchronous pulleys to limit and support the second annular conveyor belt.

6. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screening mechanism includes a fan assembly, an insect body collection chamber, an insect skin transfer chamber, an insect excrement collection chamber, and a vertically arranged main channel. The top opening of the main channel is used to communicate with the bottom discharge port of the receiving hopper, and the bottom opening of the main channel is used to communicate with the insect body collection chamber so that the insects fall directly into the insect body collection chamber.

7. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main channel is also provided with a first screening port and a second screening port arranged vertically on its vertical side wall. The first screening port at the top is used to communicate with the insect skin transmission chamber, and the second screening port at the bottom is used to communicate with the insect excrement collection chamber. The fan assembly is set corresponding to the first screening port and the second screening port and is used to blow or draw air towards the first screening port and the second screening port so that insect skin and insect excrement of different weights enter the insect skin transmission chamber and the insect excrement collection chamber respectively under the action of wind.

8. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forward and reverse conveying mechanism includes a conveying drive assembly and two third annular conveyor belts arranged parallel to each other on the frame. The two third annular conveyor belts are used to jointly carry and drive the breeding trays to move, so that during forward conveying, the breeding trays are moved horizontally to the bottom of the feeding mechanism for uniform feeding, and then the breeding trays are moved horizontally out during reverse conveying.

9. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a feeding tube fixed horizontally to the frame, a spiral auger rod disposed inside the feeding tube, and a rotary motor fixed to the frame. The feeding tube is connected to the feeding hopper, and the arrangement direction of the feeding tube is perpendicular to the translation direction of the breeding tray. Multiple evenly distributed discharge ports are opened at the bottom of the feeding tube along the axial direction. When the breeding tray moves, the rotary motor drives the spiral auger rod to rotate so that the food conveyed from the feeding hopper is evenly distributed in strips on the breeding tray through the multiple discharge ports.

10. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 9, characterized in that, The feed tube has a feed inlet in the middle for connecting with the feed hopper. The spiral auger rod has opposite threads on both sides of the feed inlet so that the food input from the feed inlet is quickly and evenly transported to both sides by the spiral auger rod.

11. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 10, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism also includes a feed pipe arranged along the direction of translation of the breeding tray. The feed pipe is equipped with a second spiral auger rod. The feed pipe is connected between the feeding hopper and the feed inlet of the feed pipe, and is used to form an installation space for installing a screening mechanism between the feed pipe and the feeding hopper so as to realize the simultaneous feeding and insect feeding.

12. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 8, characterized in that, The frame is provided with multiple third synchronous pulleys at each of the third annular conveyor belts. The third annular conveyor belts are wound around the multiple third synchronous pulleys to limit and support the third annular conveyor belts.

13. The automated device for insect farming according to claim 12, characterized in that, The conveying drive assembly includes a fourth forward and reverse drive motor and a third drive shaft. The third drive shaft is rotatably mounted laterally on the frame. A third transmission wheel is installed at each end of the third drive shaft so that the third annular conveyor belts on both sides are pressed onto the third transmission wheel. The fourth forward and reverse drive motor drives the third drive shaft to rotate in both directions so as to drive the two third annular conveyor belts to transmit synchronously in both directions through the third transmission wheel on the third drive shaft.

14. An insect farming system, characterized in that, The facility is provided with multiple multi-level breeding racks arranged in sequence, each of which has multiple breeding trays arranged from top to bottom, and also includes an automated device for insect breeding as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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