A device and method for preventing escape of a swarm of bees by using split-swarming heat propagation

Abstract

The application discloses a device and method for preventing flying escape of a swarm of bees by using division and heat expansion, which comprises a box body, a channel, a bee isolation mechanism and a control assembly. The box body comprises a first area and a second area, which are separated by a partition. First and second openings are respectively arranged on the side wall of the first area. The channel is connected between the first and second areas, and one end of the channel is fixedly connected with the second opening. The bee isolation mechanism comprises a frame assembly and a first partition plate slidably connected with the frame assembly. The first partition plate is located between the first and second openings, and a driving cylinder is fixedly connected with the top of the first partition plate. The control assembly comprises a sound sensor and a controller. The detection end of the sound sensor is arranged on the inner wall of the first area, and the controller is electrically connected with the sound sensor and the driving cylinder. The application can automatically and safely capture the flying escape of a swarm of bees, control the division of the swarm of bees, avoid the spread of bee diseases and protect the bee germplasm resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beekeeping technology, and in particular to a device and method for preventing bee colonies from escaping by utilizing swarming heat to propagate bee colonies. Background Technology

[0002] Beekeeping is a science and technology. In beekeeping, factors such as climate, bee species, diseases and pests, and improper management can cause serious swarming. Currently, the method for dealing with swarming caused by swarming fever is to wait for the swarm to fly out of the hive and cluster together on buildings or trees near the apiary before capturing it.

[0003] However, due to delayed capture or discovery, swarms often fly away directly. Especially during the beekeeping production season, swarming fever is more likely to occur, causing bee colonies to abscond and adding chaos to the busy beekeeping production. Swarms absconding for other reasons fly away directly after leaving the hive, leaving beekeepers with no opportunity to capture them. This not only results in losses for beekeepers but, more seriously, leads to the mixing of bee species, making it impossible to scientifically protect bee germplasm resources. It also causes bee diseases to spread rapidly, seriously hindering the healthy development of the bee industry.

[0004] However, in beekeeping, there are currently no scientifically effective methods, either domestically or internationally, to control absconding bee colonies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device and method to prevent bee colonies from absconding, in order to scientifically handle absconding and control the swarming process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for preventing absconding bee colonies from spreading by utilizing swarming heat, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art. This invention can automatically and safely capture absconding bee colonies, control the completion of swarming, prevent the spread of bee diseases, and protect bee germplasm resources.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a device for preventing absconding of bee colonies by utilizing swarming heat, comprising:

[0007] The box includes a first region and a second region, which are separated by a partition. The sidewall of the first region is provided with a first opening and a second opening located above the first opening.

[0008] A channel connecting the first region and the second region, with one end of the channel fixedly connected to the second opening;

[0009] A honeycomb mechanism, comprising a frame assembly and a first partition slidably connected to the frame assembly, a second opening being detachably connected to the first partition, and a piston end of a drive cylinder being fixedly connected to the top of the first partition;

[0010] The control component includes a sound sensor and a controller. The detection end of the sound sensor is located on the inner wall of the first area, and the controller is electrically connected to the sound sensor and the drive cylinder, respectively.

[0011] Preferably, a third opening and a fourth opening are respectively provided on the side wall of the second region, the third opening and the fourth opening are arranged opposite to each other, and a queen excluder is fixed in the fourth opening.

[0012] Preferably, the frame assembly includes two opposing and side-by-side slide rods, a base fixed to the bottom of the slide rods, and a reinforcing plate fixed between the slide rods and the base. The base and the reinforcing plate are both detachably connected to the first opening, and the first partition is slidably connected between the two slide rods.

[0013] Preferably, the channel is fixed between the second opening and the third opening, and the channel has a plurality of air holes; a first component is provided at one end of the channel near the second opening;

[0014] The first component includes a retaining ring sleeved outside the channel, a second spacer hinged to one end of the retaining ring via a connector, and a magnetic barrier fixed to the other end of the retaining ring. The magnetic barrier and the second spacer are magnetically connected and both are disposed within the channel. The second spacer is disposed opposite to the magnetic barrier, and the magnetic connection end of the second spacer is located on the side of the magnetic barrier away from the second opening. The height of the lowest point of the second spacer is less than the height of the highest point of the magnetic barrier.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom ends of the first partition are fixed with top plates, the top plates are slidably connected in the slide rod, and the first partition is provided with a plurality of slots arranged in a sequential interval, the slots being located in the lower middle section of the first partition.

[0016] Preferably, the height of the first partition is greater than the height of the first opening, and less than the distance between the bottom of the second opening and the bottom of the first opening.

[0017] Preferably, the channel is provided with a plurality of pleated ring assemblies, the pleated ring assembly including large pleats arranged along the channel and small pleats arranged alternately with the large pleats.

[0018] A method for preventing absconding by utilizing swarming fever to propagate bee colonies includes the following steps:

[0019] 1) Detect the sound-producing shells in the first area and pre-set nest combs in the second area;

[0020] 2) When the noise level exceeds the predetermined value, the passage is connected to the first area, and the queen bee and bees in the first area crawl through the passage and enter the second area;

[0021] 3) After the queen bee enters the second area, the bees build new combs to reproduce, thus automatically capturing the escaped bees.

[0022] Preferably, in step 1), the number of combs is two, one of which is a honey comb and the other is a foundation comb, and the honey comb contains an absconding attractant.

[0023] Preferably, in step 2), when the sound level does not exceed a predetermined value, both the queen bee and the bees can enter and exit the first area through the gap between the first partition and the first opening.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses the following technical effects: Under normal conditions, the first partition is usually in the raised state, the first opening in the first area is open and the second opening is closed, and the queen bee and bees can freely enter and exit the first area through the first opening; when swarming is required, chaos occurs inside the bee colony, and the large-scale agitation of the bee colony causes the sound level in the first area to increase rapidly. The sound sensor transmits the sound signal to the controller, and the controller controls the drive cylinder to drive the first partition to fall, thereby blocking the first opening and opening the second opening at the same time, so that the queen bee can only enter the channel through the second opening, climb over the channel and enter the second area, build new combs and reproduce, thereby realizing the automatic and safe capture of absconding bee colonies and controlling the phenomenon of absconding bees caused by swarming. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-swarming device for bee colony propagation using swarming heat according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the honeycomb mechanism in the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first component in this invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the channel structure in this invention;

[0030] The components are as follows: 1. First area; 2. Second area; 3. Queen separator at the entrance; 4. Channel; 5. First partition; 6. Drive cylinder; 7. Sound sensor; 8. Controller; 9. Slide rod; 10. Base; 11. First opening; 12. Second opening; 13. Third opening; 14. Fourth opening; 15. Reinforcing plate; 16. Air hole; 17. Snap ring; 18. Second partition; 19. Magnetic barrier; 20. Connector; 21. Large pleat; 22. Small pleat; 23. Top plate; 24. Slot; 25. Partition. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] Reference Figure 1-4 This invention provides a device for preventing absconding bees from swarming, comprising a box, a channel 4, a bee-separating mechanism, and a control component. The box includes a first area 1 and a second area 2, which are separated by a partition 25. The box is preferably a standard ten-frame box, and the partition 25 is used to seal the first area 1 and the second area 2 tightly. The first area 1 is the original breeding area of ​​the bee colony, in which several honeycomb frames are placed. The second area 2 is a shelter area for absconding bees, preferably in which one foundation bee and one honeycomb frame are placed, and an absconding bee attractant is added to the honeycomb frame to attract absconding bees. The number of honeycomb frames placed in the first area 1 and the second area 2 can be set according to the specific usage environment.

[0034] A first opening 11 and a second opening 12 located above the first opening 11 are respectively provided on the side wall of the first region 1;

[0035] The channel 4 connects the first region 1 and the second region 2, and one end of the channel 4 is fixedly connected to the second opening 12, the size of the second opening 12 being adapted to the channel 4;

[0036] The honeycomb mechanism includes a frame assembly and a first partition 5 slidably connected to the frame assembly. The first partition 5 is located between the first opening 11 and the second opening 12. When the first partition 5 falls along the frame assembly, it can close the first opening 11 and open the second opening 12 at the same time. When the first partition 5 is lifted along the frame assembly, it can close the second opening 12 and open the first opening 11 at the same time. The top of the first partition 5 is fixedly connected to the piston end of the drive cylinder 6. The cylinder body end of the drive cylinder 6 is fixed to the side wall of the first region 1.

[0037] The control component includes a sound sensor 7 and a controller 8. The controller 8 is preferably a microcontroller. The detection end of the sound sensor 7 is located on the inner wall of the first region 1. The controller 8 is electrically connected to the sound sensor 7 and the drive cylinder 6 respectively.

[0038] Under normal conditions, the first partition 5 is usually in the raised state, the first opening 11 in the first area 1 is open and the second opening 12 is closed, and the queen bee and bees can freely enter and exit the first area 1 through the first opening 11. When swarming is required, chaos occurs inside the bee colony, and the large-scale agitation of the bee colony causes the sound level in the first area 1 to increase rapidly. The sound sensor 7 transmits the sound signal to the controller 8, and the controller 8 controls the drive cylinder 6 to drive the first partition 5 to fall, thereby blocking the first opening 11, while opening the second opening 12, so that the bees and queen bee can only enter the channel 4 through the second opening 12, and enter the second area 2 through the channel 4, build new combs and reproduce, thereby realizing the automatic and safe capture of absconding bee colonies and controlling the completion of swarming.

[0039] In a further optimized design, a third opening 13 and a fourth opening 14 are respectively provided on the side wall of the second area 2. The third opening 13 and the fourth opening 14 are positioned opposite each other. A queen excluder 3 is fixed inside the fourth opening 14. The queen bee can only move within the second area 2, while other bees can enter and exit the second area 2 through the queen excluder 3. The height of the third opening 13 above the ground is higher than that of the second opening 12 above the ground. This design caters to the upward habits of bees, the biological characteristics of beehives that prefer new hives, and the individual differences among the three types of honey. While not restricting the free entry and exit of other bees, it allows absconding queen bees to pass through autonomously. The queen bee enters the passage 4 through the second opening 12 and enters the second area 2 through the third opening 13 to build new combs for reproduction, thus achieving safe capture.

[0040] In a further optimized design, the frame assembly includes two opposing and side-by-side sliding rods 9, a base 10 fixed to the bottom of the sliding rods 9, and a reinforcing piece 15 fixed between the sliding rods 9 and the base 10. Both the base 10 and the reinforcing piece 15 are detachably connected to the first opening 11. The first partition 5 is slidably connected between the two sliding rods 9. This arrangement ensures that after the frame assembly is inserted into the first opening 11, the first partition 5 can completely block the first opening 11 after it falls, preventing the queen bee from escaping.

[0041] In a further optimized design, the channel 4 is fixed between the second opening 12 and the third opening 13, and a plurality of air holes 16 are provided on the channel 4; a first component is provided at one end of the channel 4 near the second opening 12; a plurality of air holes 16 are provided in both the axial and circumferential directions of the channel 4. This arrangement is used to increase the ventilation and heat dissipation of the channel 4, and to prevent the queen bee and other bees from being injured or killed due to lack of oxygen when climbing the channel. The diameter of the air holes 16 is less than 4mm, which does not restrict the normal entry and exit of other bees, but can effectively prevent the queen bee from escaping through the air holes 16.

[0042] Reference Figure 3-4 The first component includes a retaining ring 17 sleeved outside the channel 4, a second spacer 18 hinged to one end of the retaining ring 17 via a connector 20, and a magnetic barrier 19 fixed to the other end of the retaining ring 17. The retaining ring 17 is a semi-circular ring structure. One end of the retaining ring 17 is fixedly connected to the connector 20 via a first connecting rod (not shown in the figure). The connector 20 is a fan-shaped partition, and the diameter of the fan shape is adapted to the inner wall of the channel 4. The connector 20 and the second spacer 18 are hinged through a hinge shaft at one end of the connector 20, so that the second spacer 18 can be flipped inside the channel 4. The other end of the retaining ring 17 is fixedly connected to the magnetic barrier 19 via the second connecting rod (not shown in the figure). The magnetic barrier 19 and the second spacer 18 are magnetically connected and are both disposed inside the channel 4. Both the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod pass through the channel 4 for easy installation.

[0043] The second partition 18 is disposed opposite to the magnetic barrier 19, and the magnetic connection end of the second partition 18 is located on the side of the magnetic barrier 19 away from the second opening 12. The height of the lowest point of the second partition 18 is less than the height of the highest point of the magnetic barrier 19. After the second partition 18 and the magnetic barrier 19 are magnetically attracted, the gaps between the second partition 18, the magnetic barrier 19, and the connector 20 and the inner wall of the channel 4 are all less than 4mm. With this configuration, when the queen bee or other bees pass through the first component, they first use their own force to knock the second partition 18 and the magnetic barrier 19 apart, and drive the second partition 18 to rotate, thereby passing through the first component. When the queen bee or other bees want to turn back, the magnetic barrier 19 blocks the second partition 18, preventing it from opening in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the gaps between the second partition 18, the magnetic barrier 19, and the connector 20 and the inner wall of the channel 4 are all less than the volume of the queen bee, making it impossible for the queen bee to turn back after passing through, thus achieving one-way passage.

[0044] During installation of the first component, the connector 20 and the second partition 18 are first hinged together via a hinge shaft at one end of the connector 20. Then, the connector 20 is fixedly connected to one end of the first connecting rod using a bolt assembly. Next, the connector 20, the second partition 18, and the first connecting rod are placed into the inner wall of the channel 4 near the second opening 12. The other end of the first connecting rod passes through a screw hole in the channel 4 and is fixedly connected to the retaining ring 17 placed on the outer wall of the channel 4 using a bolt assembly. The positions of the connector 20 and the second partition 18 are adjusted so that both are located on the plane of the inner wall cross-section of the channel 4. Finally, the position of the retaining ring 17 is adjusted. The retaining ring 17 is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the channel 4; then the magnetic barrier 19 is fixed to one end of the second connecting rod through the bolt assembly, and the magnetic barrier 19 and the second connecting rod are placed into the inner wall of the channel 4. The position of the magnetic barrier 19 is adjusted so that the magnetic barrier 19 is located on the plane of the cross-section of the inner wall of the channel 4, closely attached to the second partition, and placed near the second opening 12; then the other end of the second connecting rod is passed through the screw hole on the channel 4 and fixedly connected to the retaining ring 17 placed on the outer wall of the channel 4 through the bolt assembly; thus, the installation of the first component is completed. After the installation is completed, one end of the channel 4 is fixed to the second opening 12.

[0045] In a further optimized design, top plates 23 are fixed at both ends of the bottom of the first partition 5. The top plates 23 are slidably connected within the slide rod 9. The height of the top plates 23 is preferably 4mm to prevent the first partition 5 from crushing and causing mass casualties among the bees when it falls. The first partition 5 is provided with several slots 24 arranged in a sequential interval. The slots 24 are located in the lower middle section of the first partition 5. The width of the slots 24 is preferably 4mm. This arrangement prevents the queen bee from passing through the slots 24, while allowing other bees to freely enter and exit through them.

[0046] In a further optimized design, the height of the first partition 5 is greater than the height of the first opening 11 and less than the distance between the bottom of the second opening 12 and the bottom of the first opening 11. This ensures that when the first partition 5 falls, it can completely block the first opening 11 while opening the second opening 12. Conversely, when the first partition 5 is lifted, it can open the first opening 11 while closing the second opening 12.

[0047] In a further optimized design, the channel 4 is provided with several pleated ring components. The pleated ring components include large pleats 21 arranged along the inner circumference of the channel 4 and small pleats 22 arranged alternately with the large pleats 21. This arrangement makes it easier for the queen bee and bees to crawl after entering the channel 4, avoiding injury to the queen bee during the swarm's escape, and thus ensuring that the queen bee can smoothly enter the second area 2.

[0048] A method for preventing absconding by utilizing swarming fever to propagate bee colonies includes the following steps:

[0049] 1) Detect the sound-producing shells in the first area 1 and pre-set nest combs in the second area 2;

[0050] 2) When the sound level exceeds the predetermined value, the first partition 5 moves, connecting the channel 4 with the first area 1. The queen bee and bees in the first area 1 crawl through the channel 4 and enter the second area 2.

[0051] 3) After the queen bee enters the second area 2, the bees build new combs to reproduce, thus automatically capturing the escaped bees.

[0052] In a further optimized version of the scheme, in step 1), the number of combs is two, one of which is a honey comb and the other is a foundation comb. A swarm attractant is placed inside the honey comb.

[0053] In a further optimized scheme, in step 2), when the sound level does not exceed a predetermined value, both the queen bee and the bees can enter and exit the first area 1 through the gap between the first partition 5 and the first opening 11.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0055] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for preventing escape of bees in a split swarm rearing colony, characterized in that, include: The box includes a first region (1) and a second region (2), the first region (1) and the second region (2) are separated by a partition (25), and a first opening (11) and a second opening (12) located above the first opening (11) are respectively provided on the side wall of the first region (1); Channel (4), the channel (4) is connected between the first region (1) and the second region (2), and one end of the channel (4) is fixedly connected to the second opening (12); The beehive mechanism includes a frame assembly and a first partition (5) slidably connected to the frame assembly. The first partition (5) is located between the first opening (11) and the second opening (12). The piston end of a drive cylinder (6) is fixedly connected to the top of the first partition (5). The control component includes a sound sensor (7) and a controller (8). The detection end of the sound sensor (7) is located on the inner wall of the first region (1). The controller (8) is electrically connected to the sound sensor (7) and the drive cylinder (6) respectively. The second region (2) has a third opening (13) and a fourth opening (14) respectively on its side wall. The third opening (13) and the fourth opening (14) are arranged opposite to each other. The fourth opening (14) has a queen barrier (3) fixed inside it. The channel (4) is fixed between the second opening (12) and the third opening (13), and a plurality of air holes (16) are provided on the channel (4); a first component is provided at one end of the channel (4) near the second opening (12); The first component includes a retaining ring (17) sleeved outside the channel (4), a second spacer (18) hinged to one end of the retaining ring (17) via a connector (20), and a magnetic barrier (19) fixed to the other end of the retaining ring (17). The magnetic barrier (19) and the second spacer (18) are magnetically connected and are both disposed in the channel (4). The second spacer (18) is disposed opposite to the magnetic barrier (19), and the magnetic connection end of the second spacer (18) is located on the side of the magnetic barrier (19) away from the second opening (12). The height of the lowest point of the second spacer (18) is less than the height of the highest point of the magnetic barrier (19). The frame assembly includes two opposing and side-by-side slide rods (9); a top plate (23) is fixed at both ends of the bottom of the first partition (5), the top plate (23) is slidably connected in the slide rod (9), and the first partition (5) is provided with a plurality of slots (24) arranged in a sequential interval, the slots (24) being located in the lower middle section of the first partition (5); The height of the first partition (5) is greater than the height of the first opening (11) and less than the distance between the bottom of the second opening (12) and the bottom of the first opening (11).

2. The escape-proof device for rearing a swarm using a split swarm heat according to claim 1, wherein: The frame assembly also includes a base (10) fixed to the bottom of the slide bar (9) and a reinforcing piece (15) fixed between the slide bar (9) and the base (10). The base (10) and the reinforcing piece (15) are both detachably connected to the first opening (11). The first partition (5) is slidably connected between the two slide bars (9).

3. The escape-proof device for rearing a swarm using a split swarm heat according to claim 1, wherein: The channel (4) is provided with a plurality of pleated ring assemblies, the pleated ring assembly including large pleats (21) arranged along the channel (4) and small pleats (22) arranged interlaced with the large pleats (21).

4. The method for preventing escape of the device for preventing escape of the swarm by splitting and rearing the swarm by heat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: 1) Detect the sound shells in the first area (1) and pre-set nests in the second area (2); 2) When the sound level exceeds the predetermined value, the channel (4) is connected to the first area (1), and the queen bee and bees in the first area (1) crawl through the channel (4) and enter the second area (2); 3) After the queen bee enters the second area (2), the bees build new combs to reproduce, which means that the escaped bees are successfully captured automatically.

5. The method for preventing escape of the bees of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the step of: In step 1), there are two combs, one of which is a honey comb and the other is a foundation comb. A swarm attractant is placed inside the honey comb. ​ 6. The method for preventing escape of the bees of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the step of: In step 2), when the sound level does not exceed the predetermined value, both the queen bee and the bees can enter and exit the first area (1) through the gap between the first partition (5) and the first opening (11). ​

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