Device for lifting multiple frames of a cassette beehive used in beekeeping.

Abstract

A device (1) for lifting multiple frames (2) of a box hive (3) for beekeeping, each frame having a generally horizontal rod (9) on opposite sides (7, 8) of the box hive (3), wherein the device (1) has two pairs of support elements (11, 12), each pair having upper and lower support elements, wherein each pair is arranged on one side (7, 8) of the box hive (3), and the support elements (11, 12) are inserted between the strips (9) of the two frames (2), wherein in each pair the support elements (11, 12) are connected via a scissor mechanism (18), and wherein the upper support element (11) of each pair is formed by a track divided into at least two parts (37-39), the at least two parts being displaceable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the track, one part (39) of the at least two parts being positioned to abut against one of the strips (9) from below, and the other part (37) being connected to the scissor mechanism (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lifting device for handling beehives. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional beekeeping, bees are kept in box hives. A box hive consists of one or more frames stacked one on top of another. A frame is a wooden frame with a honeycomb structure that is open at the top and bottom, into which a box can be hung. A brood chamber frame, containing a brood chamber, is located in the lower part of the hive. A honeycomb frame is placed above the brood chamber to store honey.

[0003] The first honeycomb frames are typically placed on the brood chamber frames starting when the cherry blossoms bloom. Depending on the nectar supply and colony strength, one to four honeycomb frames are usually placed on one or two brood chamber frames. A complete honeycomb frame weighs approximately 20kg to 40kg, depending on its size. This means that, depending on the amount of work done in the box hive, beekeepers must lift a corresponding number of heavy frames from the stack and return them after each colony task.

[0004] Interventions within the bee colony that require the removal of frames from the stack that forms the box hive, such as:

[0005] - Cut the male hive frame.

[0006] - Check feed reserves.

[0007] - Bee colony control,

[0008] -Use two nest frames for chicks: Check the bottom nest frame.

[0009] -Remove chicks or chicks that have formed offspring.

[0010] Insert a bee escape hatch before honey collection.

[0011] - Insert or remove blocking grids

[0012] - To make the queen bee become the queen bee, etc.

[0013] To lift or remove frames from cassette beehives, current methods include using stationary cranes with trolleys above the hives, or mobile frame lifters similar to forklifts. The former is complex to install, while the latter is very heavy and inconvenient, especially if the frame lifter must be moved to different hives on site.

[0014] Document RU 182674U 1 discloses a mobile frame lifter having a lower frame supported on side strips of the lower frame and supported on the ground by a base, and a lifting bracket movably mounted on the lower frame and operated by a rod. To expose the lower frame, the lifting bracket moves below the side strips of the upper frame, operated to lift the frame above the lifting bracket, and moves towards the beekeeper on the lower frame as the frame is lifted. This frame lifter is bulky to transport, cumbersome to operate, and requires the beekeeper to walk a long distance to reach the exposed frame. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lifting device for a frame of a box-type beehive, which is particularly easy to transport and handle, and can easily enter the box-type beehive.

[0016] This objective is achieved using a device for lifting multiple frames of a box-type beehive used for beekeeping, each of the multiple frames having a generally horizontally projecting strip on two opposite sides of the box-type beehive, wherein the device according to the invention has two pairs of support elements, each pair having upper and lower support elements, wherein each pair is arranged on one side of the box-type beehive, and one pair of support elements is inserted between the strips of the two frames, and wherein, in each pair, the support elements are connected via a scissor mechanism that extends by means of an elbow rod consisting of two rod elements hinged to each other.

[0017] The hive frame lifting device of the present invention has a particularly simple structure and reduces the necessary components for lifting one or more hive frames, making it particularly lightweight and space-saving. Therefore, it can be quickly and easily transported to various beehives, such as in the trunk of a car, and the hive frames can be operated simply and effortlessly in the field.

[0018] In use, support elements on each side of the box hive are inserted between the strips of the upper and lower frames, and then extended by means of a scissor mechanism and toggle bar, allowing easy access to the stack, for example to insert or remove frames from the stack.

[0019] Preferably, the lifting elements of the two toggle levers are connected to each other via a common handle that laterally clamps the beehive, allowing the lifting device to be operated with only one hand after it is inserted between the strips. The handle connecting the lifting elements of the two toggle levers also provides additional mechanical stability to the device.

[0020] According to another preferred feature of the invention, the toggle levers are embodied in such a way that they are overstretched so as to lock the scissor mechanism in the extended position in their overstretched position. This results in a very simple self-locking mechanical fixation of the device in the raised position.

[0021] According to the invention, each pair of upper support elements is formed by a track positioned to abut against a strip from below and divided into at least two sections, which are displaceable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the track. One of the at least two sections is positioned to abut against the strip, while the other of the at least two sections is connected to a scissor mechanism. This results in strong and stable support for the raised frames. Furthermore, the raised frames can be moved horizontally in a drawer-like manner relative to the remaining frames below. Beekeepers can therefore work directly on the frames from above. This means it can be done particularly easily and conveniently.

[0022] According to another preferred feature of the invention, the upper support elements are connected to each other via struts that extend laterally around the casket-type beehive to further stabilize the device.

[0023] Each pair of lower support elements can also be constructed in various ways, in the simplest case by the lower support point of the scissor mechanism itself. However, preferably, each pair of lower support elements is formed by the legs of a U-shaped bracket, which can be placed on a strip and extend laterally around the cassette beehive. On the one hand, this results in good force transmission to the lower frame, and on the other hand, the laterally extending bracket results in additional mechanical stability of the device.

[0024] Preferably, each scissor mechanism has two scissor arms that are hinged to each other. The first scissor arm is hinged to the upper support element at one end and rolls via a roller on the lower support element or a roller on the strip at the other end. The second scissor arm rolls via a roller on the upper support element at one end and is hinged to the lower support element at the other end. Thus, the scissor mechanism is simplified to the most basic necessity and is therefore very lightweight. If the lower end of the first scissor arm rolls directly on the strip of the lower frame, the length of the lower support element, such as the leg of a U-shaped bracket, can be shortened, thus saving even more weight.

[0025] In an alternative variation, the scissor mechanism can also be embodied as a cross crank arm. For this purpose, each scissor mechanism has two scissor arms that are arranged in a cross configuration and hinged to each other. The first scissor arm is hinged at one end to an upper support element and at the other end to a lower support element via a rocker arm, and the second scissor arm is hinged at one end to the upper support element via a rocker arm and at the other end to the lower support element.

[0026] The device of the present invention can be used in nest frames that are already equipped with side stripes. Alternatively, the device itself may also include a set of strips that can be mounted on nest frames, said strips being mounted on all nest frames that do not have such strips by standard before the device is put into operation.

[0027] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the strip of the device according to the invention rises higher on its underside in the direction of the nest frame, such that the upper support element or guide rail engages in the undercut of the strip produced in this way and cannot slip off.

[0028] Preferably, each strip also has a recess on its upper side for engaging a protrusion on the lower side of the corresponding lower support element, which prevents the device from slipping off the lower housing, particularly when the handle is actuated. Preferably, the recess may also be provided with at least one discharge hole through the strip. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 The device of the present invention, which is in three different operating positions on a carton beehive, is shown in a perspective view viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 4 The present invention is shown in the position of Figure 2 A perspective view of the device in its operating position from above;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1-3 A cross-sectional view of one of the strips of the frame in a box-type beehive; and

[0033] Figure 6 A side view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1-4 A device 1 is shown for lifting one or more frames 2, which are stacked one on top of another to form a box hive 3 for beekeeping. The box hive 3 typically also has a base 4 and a lid (not shown), with the bottommost frame 2 of the stack S placed on the base and the lid covering the topmost frame 2 of the stack S. The box hive 3 is placed on a base structure, for example, consisting of two square pieces of wood 5 or a flat frame.

[0035] Each nest frame 2 is generally shaped like a flat box, typically made of wood, with the box open at the top and bottom, and wooden nest frames with a honeycomb structure (not shown) can be suspended inside the box, as is known to those skilled in the art. The bottommost nest frame 2 typically functions as a brood chamber, wherein the bottommost nest frame 2 or the bottom 4 has a flight hole (in) at the front side 6 of the hive 3. Figure 1-3 (As shown in the middle, it is at the back and therefore not visible). The bottom 4 may have an inspection opening 31 on the rear side 10 of the box-type beehive 3 (in Figure 1-3 (As shown in the front), it can be closed, for example, with a flap (not shown).

[0036] Barrier grids, intermediate layers, and bee exits (not shown) can also be inserted between two frames 2, for example, between brood chamber and honey chamber frames 2. Other types of frames 2 can also be used in the stack S of box hives 3, such as feeding frames, etc.

[0037] To enhance the usability of the device 1, each of the frames 2 has at least one generally horizontally projecting strip 9 on each of the two opposite sides 7, 8 of the box hive 3. The strip 9 preferably, but not necessarily, extends over the entire depth T of the frame 2. The device 1 is inserted between the strips 9 of two frames 2 placed directly on top of each other in a stack S, or the frames 2 are positioned between them while extending around the box hive 3, see [link to device 1]. Figure 1 Then strip 9 extends with the aid of device 1, thus lifting the upper frame 2 belonging to strip 9 and all frames 2 that may be further stacked on top of it; see also Figure 2 .

[0038] This means that the gap G formed between the lifted portion S' of the stack S of nest frame 2 and the remaining portion S” of the stack S can be used to access it and thus process the topmost nest frame 2 of the remaining portion S”, for example, to inspect or replace the nest frame hanging in the topmost nest frame.

[0039] The resulting gap G can also be used to insert another nest frame 2 between two directly stacked nest frames 2, such as... Figure 1 and 2 The order is shown. Alternatively, for example, when device 1 is inserted between the strips 9 of the lowest and highest nest frames 2 in a set of three nest frames 2, the middle nest frame 2 in the set of three nest frames 2 can be removed and processed, as shown. Figure 2 As shown separately in the text.

[0040] In order to insert between the strips 9 of the upper and lower nest frames 2, when viewed from above (see...) Figure 4 The device 1 is basically U-shaped, which allows it to be inserted into the box beehive 3, for example, from the rear side 10 of the box beehive 3, in the direction of arrow P, between the strips 9, and then pulled out again from these strips.

[0041] according to Figure 4 The device 1 has two pairs of support elements 11 and 12, namely, a left pair consisting of an upper support element 11 and a lower support element 12, and a right pair consisting of an upper support element 11 and a lower support element 12. Each pair 11 and 12 is in the operating position ( Figure 1-3 The beehive 3 is supported on one side 7, 8 of the box-type beehive 3, wherein a pair of support elements 11, 12 are inserted between the strips 9 of the two frames 2 placed directly on top of each other, or the frames 2 are set between them.

[0042] The upper support element 11 is, for example, a track extending along the entire length of the strip 9. Figure 5 As shown, the lower side 13 of the strip 9 can rise towards the frame 2 at an angle (or in a stepped manner, not shown), resulting in an undercut 14 on the lower side between the strip 9 and the frame 2. A corresponding upper support element 11 (here: track) can engage in the undercut 14. For this purpose, the upper side of the support element 11 can be configured to be complementary to the lower side 13.

[0043] The lower support element 12 can also be a track that rests against the upper side 15 of the corresponding strip 9 and extends, for example, along the entire length of the strip 9. However, in the example shown, the lower support element 12 is a short leg of a U-shaped bracket 16 that laterally spans the box-shaped beehive 3 on the rear side 10, i.e., extends around the box-shaped beehive 3 on the rear side 10.

[0044] The upper support element 11 can be connected to each other in a similar manner via a support post 17 on one side 10 of the box-type beehive 3. The support 16 and / or the support post 17 can also be omitted, but at the cost of slightly reduced stability, but with the advantage of reduced weight.

[0045] In order to extend the support elements 11, 12 vertically and thus lift the upper frame 2 from the lower frame, each of the centered support elements 11, 12 is connected to each other via scissor mechanisms 18, and each of the scissor mechanisms 18 can be extended by means of a toggle lever 19.

[0046] The scissor mechanism 18 can be constructed from any number of scissor arms, even in a ladle-like configuration. In the embodiment shown with the lowest weight, each scissor mechanism 18 has only two scissor arms 21, 22, which are hinged together in an "X" shape at 20. The upper end of the first scissor arm 21 is pivotally hinged at 23 to the upper support element 11, i.e., (here) to the end of the support element 11 facing the bracket 16. The lower end of the first scissor arm 21 rolls on a roller 24 on the upper side 15 of the lower strip 9, or, if the lower support element 12 extends, for example, over the entire length of the strip 9, rolls on a roller 24 on the lower support element 12. In the latter case, the lower end of the first scissor arm 21 can also be slidably guided on the lower support element 12 without using the roller 24.

[0047] The upper end of the second scissor arm 22 is slidably guided on the upper support element 11, for example, in a corresponding sliding rail, or rolls on the upper support element 11 by means of roller 25. The lower end of the second scissor arm 22 is pivotally hinged to the lower support element 12 at 26. Alternatively, if the upper support element 11 is as short as, for example, the lower support element 12, the second scissor arm 22 can also roll directly on the lower side 13 of the upper belt 9 by means of roller 25.

[0048] For further stabilization, the two second scissor arms 22 can optionally be connected to each other via another U-shaped bracket 27 extending around one side 10 of the box-type beehive 3. If desired, the ends of the two first scissor arms 21 facing one side 10 can also be connected to each other via a similar bracket (not shown).

[0049] Each of the toggle links 19 for actuating the scissor mechanism 18 consists of two link elements 28, 29, one end of which is pivotally hinged to each other at 30, and the other end of which is engaged to one of the support elements 11, 12 or (here) to the one of the scissor arms 21, 22 that is away from their mutual hinge 20.

[0050] One or more of the lever elements 28, 29 may be equipped with a handle or an extension to form such a handle. In the example shown, each lever element 29 extends beyond its hinge 32 on the corresponding scissor arm 22 to form a double-arm lever, i.e., having a handle 33 opposite to its hinge 30 on the other lever element 28 relative to its hinge 32. The handles 33 of the two lever elements 29 may optionally be connected to each other via a bar 34 to form a handle 35 that laterally clamps the cassette beehive 3 at its rear side 10. (As from...) Figure 1 and 2 As can be seen from the sequence, the toggle lever 19 can therefore be stretched by pivoting the handle 35 downwards, thereby extending the scissor mechanism 18 to lift the upper nest frame 2 from the stack S. Alternatively, the toggle lever 19 can be overstretched to lock the scissor mechanism 18 in the extended position in their overstretched positions.

[0051] The handle 35 may be additionally provided with an extension 36, which can be held in a downward rotational position, for example, by foot. Figure 2 It can be temporarily fixed to the floor 4 or the square timber 5 by means of a corresponding locking mechanism (not shown).

[0052] Figure 3 Another operating position of device 1 is shown, which can be achieved by an alternative embodiment of the upper support element or guide rail 11. For this purpose, the support element or guide rail 11 is divided into at least two parts 37, 38, 39, which are displaceable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail or in the direction of arrow P. The uppermost or outermost part 39 is configured to clamp the upper strip 9, and the lowermost or innermost part 37 is connected to the scissor mechanism 18. As a result, in the upper stacking part S' ( Figure 2 In the elevated position, by moving portion 39 relative to portion 37, the elevated nest frame 2 can be displaced laterally in the direction of arrow P relative to the remaining stacked portion S″ of the nest frame 2 below; see also Figure 3Therefore, the topmost nest frame 2 of the exposed remaining stack portion S″ can now be processed from above without having to be removed from the stack S.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 41 for engaging the lower support element 12 ( Figure 4 One or more recesses 40 may be provided on the upper side 15 of the strip 9. This ensures that the device 1 will not slide in the direction of arrow P, especially when the handle 35 is pivoted. To prevent water from accumulating in the recesses 40, these recesses may be provided with drain holes 42 passing through the strip 9.

[0054] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the scissor mechanism 18 is shown. The lower end of the first scissor arm 21 is hinged here via rocker arm 43 to the end of the lower support element 12 opposite to hinge 26 of the second scissor arm 22, while the upper end of the second scissor arm 22 is hinged via rocker arm 44 to the end of the upper support element 11 opposite to hinge 23 of the first scissor arm 21. Other elements of the scissor mechanism 18 and the toggle lever 19 are... Figure 1-4 The same as in the embodiments.

[0055] This invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, but includes all variations, modifications and combinations thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (1) for lifting a plurality of frames (2) of a box-type beehive (3) for beekeeping, each of the plurality of frames (2) having a generally horizontally projecting strip (9) on two opposite sides (7, 8) of the box-type beehive (3), the device comprising Two pairs of support elements, each pair having an upper support element (11) and a lower support element (12), wherein, Each pair of support elements is arranged on one of the two opposite sides (7, 8) of the box hive (3), and a pair of support elements is inserted between the strips (9) of the two frames (2). In each pair of support elements, the upper support element (11) and the lower support element (12) are connected via a scissor mechanism (18), which extends by means of an elbow rod (19) consisting of two hinged rod elements (28, 29). The feature is that the upper support element (11) of each pair of support elements is formed by a track, the track being divided into at least two parts (37-39), the at least two parts being displaceable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the track, one of the at least two parts (39) being positioned to abut against one of the respective strips (9) from below, and the other of the at least two parts (37) being connected to the scissor mechanism (18).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corresponding rod elements (29) of the elbow rods (19) of each pair of support elements are connected to each other via a common handle (35) extending laterally around the cassette beehive (3).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toggle rods (19) of the two pairs of support elements are overstretched so as to lock the scissor mechanism (18) in the extended position in their overstretched position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper support elements (11) are connected to each other via pillars (17) that extend laterally around the cassette beehive (3).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pair of lower support elements (12) is formed by a corresponding leg of a U-shaped bracket (16) placed on a strip (9) and extending laterally around the cassette beehive (3).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Each scissor mechanism (18) has two scissor arms (21, 22) that are hinged to each other. The first scissor arm (21) of the two scissor arms is hinged to the upper support element (11) at one end and rolls via a roller (24) on the lower support element (12) or a strip (9) at the other end. The second scissor arm (22) of the two scissor arms rolls via a roller (25) on the upper support element (11) at one end and is hinged to the lower support element (12) at the other end.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Each scissor mechanism (18) has two scissor arms (21, 22) that are cross-hinged to each other. The first scissor arm (21) is hinged to the upper support element (11) at one end and to the lower support element (12) via a rocker arm (43) at the other end. The second scissor arm (22) is hinged to the upper support element (11) at one end via a rocker arm (44) and to the lower support element (12) at the other end.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a set of strips (9) which are mounted on the plurality of nest frames (2) and each of the strips rises in the direction of the nest frame (2) on its underside (13).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each strip (9) has a recess (40) on its upper side (15) for engaging the protrusion (41) on the lower side of the corresponding lower support element (12).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The recess (40) is provided with at least one discharge hole (42) passing through the strip (9).

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