A multifunctional propolis nest door and a method of use

Abstract

The application discloses a multifunctional propolis collection nest door and a use method, relates to the field of multifunctional nest doors, and comprises a beehive main body and a nest door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of multifunctional nest entrances, specifically to a multifunctional nest entrance for collecting propolis and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] The hive entrance is the essential passage for bees to enter and exit the hive. It is also a crucial area where bees often accumulate propolis to seal the hive and maintain a stable internal environment, as well as to protect it from external weather damage. Therefore, collecting propolis at the hive entrance is an important method for beekeepers. However, the traditional method of collecting propolis at the hive entrance involves using a sharp knife to scrape the propolis directly from the bottom of the hive, the front wall of the hive, and the small entrance. This method has many drawbacks. These problems not only affect the yield and quality of the propolis but also damage the health of the bees and the lifespan of the hive.

[0003] First, the traditional method of collecting propolis at the hive entrance requires using a sharp knife to forcefully cut and scrape along the surface of the board where the propolis is stuck. This not only increases the risk of injury to the operator, but also easily causes injury or death to the bees during the operation. Furthermore, the noise and vibration generated can easily disturb and harm the bees. In addition, when collecting propolis, the human body will block the hive entrance for a long time, hindering the bees from entering and leaving the hive, interfering with the bees' normal flight order, causing the bees to sting aggressively, and increasing the risks of beekeeping.

[0004] Secondly, because the hive entrance is located at the bottom of the hive, which is low, operators need to maintain a bent-over squatting posture for a long time when collecting propolis. This not only increases the fatigue of the operation, but also causes physical discomfort and pain.

[0005] In addition, the traditional method of scraping propolis at the hive entrance can damage the hive walls, bottom, and entrance, reducing the lifespan of the hive and increasing beekeeping costs. At the same time, due to the limited space and special location at the hive entrance, it is difficult to collect propolis accurately, and propolis is often not collected completely, resulting in a decrease in propolis production.

[0006] Finally, the traditional method of scraping propolis at the hive entrance often results in propolis containing sawdust, dead bees, and other impurities. Furthermore, using iron tools to scrape propolis leads to heavy metal contamination, reducing its quality and market value.

[0007] Therefore, we propose a multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis and its usage method. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention proposes a multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis and a method for using it.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis and a method for using it, comprising a beehive body and a hive entrance, wherein a hive entrance is provided on one side of the beehive body, a footboard is provided below one side of the hive entrance, and a detachable multifunctional hive entrance body is provided on the inner wall of the hive entrance.

[0010] The multifunctional nest entrance body includes a top plate, side plates, and a bottom plate disposed on the inner wall of the nest entrance. The top plate is attached to the top of the nest entrance. Two side plates are disposed, each attached to the side wall of the nest entrance. The upper and lower ends of the side plates are fixedly connected to the ends of the top plate and the bottom plate. The bottom plate is attached to the bottom of the nest entrance. A glue collection assembly is disposed at the top of the bottom plate. A baffle is disposed between the bottom plate and the top plate. A central beam is fixedly installed between the bottom plate and the top plate.

[0011] Preferably, the glue collection assembly includes a glue collection plate disposed at the top of the bottom plate, a glue collection column disposed at the top of the glue collection plate, the top of the glue collection column being attached to the bottom of the top plate, and one side of the glue collection plate being attached to a baffle.

[0012] Preferably, a small protrusion is provided on one side of the glue collection plate, and the bottom end of the small protrusion is fixedly connected to the top end of the base plate.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom end of the baffle is embedded in the inner wall of the first groove, the first groove is opened at the top of the base plate, the top end of the baffle is embedded in the inner wall of the second groove, and a second right-angled triangular plate is provided at one end of the base plate, the bottom surface of the second right-angled triangular plate is flush with the bottom surface of the base plate.

[0014] Preferably, a first right-angled triangular plate is provided at the top of the top plate, the vertical plane of the first right-angled triangular plate is flush with one side of the second groove, and a second right-angled triangular plate is provided at one end of the bottom plate, the bottom surface of the second right-angled triangular plate is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom plate, and the vertical plane of the second right-angled triangular plate is not higher than the top of the bottom plate.

[0015] Preferably, the glue collection columns are arranged in multiple groups, and each group has N glue collection columns evenly arranged, where N>3 and N is a positive integer. The glue collection columns in each group are arranged in a straight line and are all perpendicular to the glue collection plate.

[0016] Preferably, each group of adhesive collection columns is distributed at an angle.

[0017] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent sets of adhesive collection columns is greater than 10 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent glue collection columns in each group is less than 4 mm.

[0019] A method for using a multi-functional hive entrance for collecting propolis includes the following steps:

[0020] Step 1: Install the glue collection plate between the top plate and the bottom plate along the bottom plate until one side of the glue collection plate is in close contact with the side wall of the small protrusion strip;

[0021] Step 2: Install the baffle between the top and bottom plates from one side of the bottom plate. Adjust the size of the opening between the baffle and the central beam according to the external climate, the quality of the nectar source, and the strength of the pod.

[0022] Step 3: Push the assembled multi-functional entrance body into the inner wall of the entrance until the right-angled side of the first right-angled triangle plate is in contact with one side of the entrance.

[0023] Step 4: After collecting propolis, remove the collection plate and collection column from the doorway and freeze them in the refrigerator for a period of time. After taking them out, rub them by hand to separate the propolis. After cleaning, repeat the above operation to restore the collection plate and collection column to their original state for continued use.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] I. The invention has significant advantages: it is simple, easy and quick to collect propolis without harming bees; it causes minimal disturbance to bee colonies; the propolis quality is excellent and the yield is high; the structure is simple and easy to install and disassemble; it is resistant to aging, does not deform, and has a high reuse rate; it has multiple functions.

[0026] Second, the central beam not only fixes and supports the top and bottom plates, maintaining the overall stability and preventing deformation of the multi-functional hive entrance; but also, when the multi-functional hive entrance is installed at the entrance of a double-queen hive, the central beam will correspondingly abut against the partition of the double-queen hive, isolating the queens on both sides and avoiding contact damage. It is suitable for single-queen and double-queen hives to collect propolis, with a wide range of applications. The central beam can separate the top and bottom plates into two parts, which is conducive to the unified production of propolis collection components and can be installed interchangeably.

[0027] 3. The glue collection plate and glue collection column are made of silicone, which is non-toxic, odorless, and resistant to aging. The glue produced is environmentally friendly and pollution-free, and of high quality. It has good flexibility, does not deform, and is not easily damaged when rubbed at low temperatures. It has a high reusability rate and makes glue collection easy.

[0028] Fourth, adjust the opening size between the baffle and the central beam according to external climate changes, the quality of nectar sources, and the strength of the colony. For example, when the outside temperature is high, honey is flowing in, or the colony is strong, widen the opening between the baffle and the central beam; conversely, narrow the opening between the baffle and the central beam in the opposite situation. Also, depending on the placement of the honeycomb in the hive, slide open the baffle on the corresponding side and close or narrow the baffle on the side without honeycomb to effectively prevent robbing. The baffle is flexible in use.

[0029] 5. When transporting bees to a new location, the hive entrance needs to be closed. After the bees return to the hive, the baffle can be slid to fit against the central beam to close the opening. It can be secured with tape or nails to prevent it from opening. The baffle functions as a hive entrance panel.

[0030] VI. Multiple sets of glue collection columns are installed, arranged at an angle, with a distance greater than 10mm between two sets of collection columns. The distance between two adjacent collection columns in each set is less than 4mm, effectively preventing toads, mice, snakes, wasps, and other animals from entering the beehive and attacking the bees. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall first cross-sectional structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall second cross-sectional structure of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Beehive body; 3. Top plate; 4. Side plate; 5. Baffle; 6. Central beam; 7. Glue collection column; 8. Small protrusion; 9. First right-angled triangle plate; 10. Second right-angled triangle plate; 11. First groove; 12. Second groove; 13. Glue collection plate; 14. Bottom plate; 15. Pedal. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Please see Figure 1-4 The illustration shows a multi-functional hive entrance for collecting propolis, including a beehive body 1 and a multi-functional hive entrance body. The outer wall of the multi-functional hive entrance body is the same size as the inner wall of the hive entrance. When the multi-functional hive entrance body is placed in the hive entrance, it fits tightly and is stable. When the size of the multi-functional hive entrance body does not match the size of the hive entrance, the outer wall size of the multi-functional hive entrance body is smaller than the inner wall size of the hive entrance, which will create gaps and cause instability. There is also a risk that bees may accumulate propolis and block the gaps or that bees may pass through. When the outer wall size of the multi-functional hive entrance body is larger than the inner wall size of the hive entrance, the multi-functional hive entrance body cannot be embedded into the inner wall of the hive entrance, resulting in installation failure. The inner wall of the hive entrance is provided with a detachable multi-functional hive entrance body.

[0039] The multifunctional nest entrance body includes a top plate 3, side plates 4, and a bottom plate 14 installed on the inner wall of the nest entrance. The top plate 3 is attached to the top of the nest entrance. Two side plates 4 are provided, each attached to the side wall of the nest entrance. The upper and lower ends of the side plates 4 are fixedly connected to the ends of the top plate 3 and the bottom plate 14. The bottom plate 14 is attached to the bottom of the nest entrance. A glue collection assembly is provided at the top of the bottom plate 14. A baffle 5 is provided between the bottom plate 14 and the top plate 3. A central beam 6 is fixedly installed between the bottom plate 14 and the top plate 3. The central beam 6 and the side plates 4 work together to secure the nest entrance. The top plate 3 and bottom plate 14 are supported to maintain the overall stability and prevent deformation of the multifunctional hive entrance body. When the multifunctional hive entrance body is installed at the entrance of the double queen hive body 1, the central beam 6 will be attached to the middle partition of the double queen hive to isolate the queens on both sides and avoid contact damage. It is suitable for single queen and double queen hives to collect propolis and has a wide range of applications. The central beam 6 can divide the top plate 3 and bottom plate 14 into two parts, which is conducive to the unified production of propolis collection components and can be installed interchangeably. The top plate 3, bottom plate 14 and side plate 4 are all made of ABS material, which is pollution-free.

[0040] The multi-functional hive entrance body and glue collection component can be pulled out from the hive body 1, making installation, disassembly and separation convenient and labor-saving.

[0041] The thickness of the central beam 6 is greater than the wall thickness of the hive body 1. The length from one side of the top plate 3 to the vertical side of the first right-angled triangle plate 9 is equal to the wall thickness of the hive body 1. The length from one side of the bottom plate 14 to the side wall of the first groove 11 is equal to the wall thickness of the hive body 1. The thickness of the side plate 4 is equal to the wall thickness of the hive body 1. This ensures that the area where bees collect propolis is basically within the multifunctional hive entrance body. If the thickness of the multifunctional hive entrance body for collecting propolis is thinner than the wall thickness of the hive body 1, propolis will be collected by bees on the inner wall of the hive entrance, which is not conducive to collection. If the thickness of the multifunctional hive entrance body for collecting propolis is wider than the thickness of the hive entrance, it will not only waste the manufacturing materials, but also come into contact with the honeycomb, affecting bee colony management.

[0042] The glue collection assembly includes a glue collection plate 13 set at the top of the base plate 14, a glue collection column 7 set at the top of the glue collection plate 13, the top of the glue collection column 7 being attached to the bottom of the top plate 3, and one side of the glue collection plate 13 being attached to the baffle 5; wherein the glue collection plate 13 and the glue collection column 7 are made of silicone, which is non-toxic, odorless, resistant to aging, produces glue in an environmentally friendly and pollution-free manner, and has good quality; it has good flexibility, does not deform, is not easily damaged when rubbed to collect glue at low temperature, has a high reusability rate, and makes glue collection easy.

[0043] The sidewalls of the glue collection plate 13 are respectively attached to the beams of the side plates 4 and 6, restricting the left and right movement of the glue collection plate 13, so that the glue collection plate 13 can be stably fixed in the multi-functional nest door body.

[0044] A small protrusion 8 is provided on one side of the glue collection plate 13. The bottom end of the small protrusion 8 is fixedly connected to the top end of the base plate 14 to prevent the glue collection plate 13 from moving inward.

[0045] The bottom end of the baffle 5 is embedded in the inner wall of the first groove 11, which is located at the top of the bottom plate 14. The first groove 11 not only provides a sliding path for the baffle 5 but also prevents water or impurities from entering the hive body 1. The top end of the baffle 5 is embedded in the inner wall of the second groove 12, which is located at the bottom of the top plate 3. The first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are on the same vertical plane. The baffle 5 can slide in parallel from the top plate 3 and the bottom plate 14. The baffle 5 is tightly sealed against the side plate 4, preventing the glue collection plate 13 from moving outward. The baffle 5 can be adjusted at any time according to the external climate, the quality of the nectar source, and the strength of the colony, thus controlling the size of the opening of the multi-functional hive entrance body for glue collection.

[0046] A right-angled triangular plate 9 is provided at the top of the top plate 3. The right-angled triangular plate 9 has an inner higher slope and an outer lower slope. Water flows naturally to the end of the top plate 3, preventing water from entering the interior of the beehive body 1, thus having a waterproof function. The vertical plane of the first right-angled triangular plate 9 is flush with one side of the second groove 12. A second right-angled triangular plate 10 is provided at one end of the bottom plate 14. The second right-angled triangular plate 10 has an inner higher slope and an outer lower slope. When there is water, it flows naturally to the outside. The vertical plane of the second right-angled triangular plate 10 is not higher than the top of the bottom plate, which is conducive to bees entering the multi-functional hive entrance body. The bottom surface of the second right-angled triangular plate 10 is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom plate 14. The vertical surface of the second right-angled triangular plate 10 is not higher than the top of the bottom plate 14, which is conducive to the smooth pushing of the glue-collecting multi-functional hive entrance body into the hive entrance. The right-angled face of the first right-angled triangular plate 9 fits against the side wall of the hive entrance, fixing and preventing the glue-collecting multi-functional hive entrance body from being infinitely embedded in the hive entrance.

[0047] There are multiple sets of glue collection columns 7, and each set has N glue collection columns 7 evenly distributed, where N>3 and N is a positive integer. Each set of glue collection columns 7 is distributed in a straight line, and all glue collection columns 7 are perpendicular to the glue collection plate 13. The distance from the bottom of the glue collection plate 13 to the top of the glue collection column 7 is the same as the distance between the top plate 3 and the bottom plate 14. After the glue collection assembly is installed, the top of the glue collection column 7 rests on the bottom surface of the top plate 3, so that the glue collection plate 13 cannot move upward.

[0048] Each group of 7 propolis collection columns is distributed at an angle, which increases the number of collection columns and the first collection seam compared to a vertical distribution, thereby increasing propolis production.

[0049] The distance between two adjacent sets of propolis collection columns 7 is greater than 10mm. The second propolis collection slit is the distance between two adjacent sets of parallel propolis collection columns 7, forming a passage for bees to enter and exit the main body 1 of the hive. Not only can bees (worker bees) pass through to enter and exit the main body 1 of the hive, but also relatively large drones can pass freely. There are several second propolis collection slits for bees to pass through, so the hive entrance will not be congested. When the first propolis collection slit is full of propolis, the bees will gradually choose the second propolis collection slit to collect propolis and seal it, leaving an appropriate amount of second propolis collection slits for passage.

[0050] The distance between two adjacent propolis collection columns 7 in each group is less than 4mm. The first propolis collection slit is the distance between adjacent propolis collection columns 7, which bees cannot pass through. This attracts bees to collect propolis at the first propolis collection slit to block it, promoting bees to collect propolis. Bees can freely enter and exit through the second propolis collection slit as an entrance. The first groove 11 effectively prevents water and impurities from entering the beehive body 1. The adjustable baffle 5 and the propolis collection components effectively reduce the damage to the bee colony caused by external climate and other animals, ensuring a normal living environment for bees in the hive, reducing bee losses, and have multiple application functions.

[0051] A method for using a multi-functional hive entrance for collecting propolis includes the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: Install the glue collection plate 13 along the bottom plate 14 between the top plate 3 and the bottom plate 14 until one side of the glue collection plate 13 is in close contact with the side wall of the small protrusion 8.

[0053] Step 2: Install the baffle 5 between the top plate 3 and the bottom plate 14 from one side of the bottom plate 14. Adjust the baffle 5 and the opening size between the baffle 5 and the middle beam 6 according to the external climate, the quality of the nectar source, and the strength of the pod.

[0054] Step 3: Push the assembled multi-functional entrance body into the inner wall of the entrance until the right-angled side of the first right-angled triangle plate 9 is in contact with one side of the entrance.

[0055] Step 4: After collecting propolis, remove the propolis collection plate 13 and collection column 7 from the doorway, put them in the freezer for a period of time, take them out and rub them by hand to separate the propolis. After cleaning, repeat the above operation to restore the propolis collection plate 13 and collection column 7 to their original state for continued use.

[0056] In summary, this invention offers significant advantages: it allows for simple, easy, and quick propolis collection without harming bees; the propolis is of excellent quality and yields high output; it has a simple structure and is easy to install and disassemble; it is resistant to aging, does not deform, and has a high reusability; it is suitable for both single-queen and double-queen colonies; the entrance can be adjusted flexibly; it effectively avoids interference from harsh external weather conditions and prevents other animals from invading and causing harm, thus possessing multiple functions.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0058] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis, comprising a hive body (1) and a hive entrance, characterized in that: The hive body (1) has a hive entrance on one side, a foot pedal is provided below the hive entrance on one side, and a detachable multi-functional hive entrance body is provided on the inner wall of the hive entrance. The multifunctional nest entrance body includes a top plate (3), side plates (4) and a bottom plate (14) set on the inner wall of the nest entrance. The top plate (3) is attached to the top of the nest entrance. There are two side plates (4), which are attached to the side walls of the nest entrance respectively. The upper and lower ends of the side plates (4) are fixedly connected to the ends of the top plate (3) and the bottom plate (14). The bottom plate (14) is attached to the bottom of the nest entrance. The top of the bottom plate (14) is provided with an adhesive collection component. A baffle (5) is provided between the bottom plate (14) and the top plate (3). A central beam (6) is fixedly installed between the bottom plate (14) and the top plate (3). The glue collection assembly includes a glue collection plate (13) disposed at the top of the bottom plate (14), a glue collection column (7) disposed at the top of the glue collection plate (13), the top of the glue collection column (7) being attached to the bottom of the top plate (3), and one side of the glue collection plate (13) being attached to the baffle (5). A small protrusion is provided on one side of the glue collection plate (13), and the bottom end of the small protrusion is fixedly connected to the top end of the base plate (14). The bottom end of the baffle (5) is embedded in the inner wall of the first groove (11), the first groove (11) is opened at the top of the bottom plate (14), the top end of the baffle (5) is embedded in the inner wall of the second groove (12), the second groove (12) is opened at the bottom of the top plate (3), and the first groove (11) and the second groove (12) are in the same vertical plane. The top plate (3) is provided with a first right-angled triangle plate (9), the vertical plane of the first right-angled triangle plate (9) is flush with one side of the second groove (12), and the bottom plate (14) is provided with a second right-angled triangle plate (10), the bottom surface of the second right-angled triangle plate (10) is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom plate (14), and the vertical plane of the second right-angled triangle plate (10) is not higher than the top of the bottom plate (14).

2. The multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adhesive collection columns (7) are arranged in multiple groups, and each group of adhesive collection columns (7) is evenly arranged with N columns, where N>3 and N is a positive integer. The adhesive collection columns (7) in each group are arranged in a straight line and are all perpendicular to the adhesive collection plate (13).

3. The multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adhesive collection columns (7) in each group are distributed at an angle.

4. The multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent sets of adhesive collection columns (7) is greater than 10mm.

5. A multifunctional hive entrance for collecting propolis according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent collection columns (7) in each group is less than 4 mm.

6. A method for using a multi-functional propolis-collecting hive entrance, comprising the multi-functional propolis-collecting hive entrance as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Install the glue collection plate (13) along the bottom plate (14) between the top plate (3) and the bottom plate (14) until one side of the glue collection plate (13) is in close contact with the side wall of the small protrusion strip; Step 2: Install the baffle (5) from one side of the bottom plate (14) between the top plate (3) and the bottom plate (14). Adjust the size of the opening between the baffle (5) and the middle beam (6) according to the external climate, the quality of the nectar source, and the strength of the herd. Step 3: Push the assembled multi-functional entrance body into the inner wall of the entrance until the right-angled side of the first right-angled triangle plate (9) is in contact with one side of the entrance. Step 4: After collecting propolis, remove the propolis collection plate (13) and collection column (7) from the doorway, put them in the freezer for a period of time until they become brittle, take them out and rub them by hand to separate the propolis. After cleaning, repeat the above steps to restore the propolis collection plate (13) and collection column (7) to their original state and continue to use them.

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