Insect sorting device for sorting live insects from dead insects, treatment unit for treating insects comprising insect sorting device, and farm for feeding insects

Abstract

The invention relates to an insect sorting device (21) for sorting live insects (12) from dead insects (13). The insect sorting device (21) comprises: a conveyor (26) comprising a movable section (27) having a first end (28) and a second end (29) and a drive member (36) for moving the movable section (27) from the first end (28) to the second end (29); a separating device (41) for taking away the live insects (12) from the conveyor (26); a live insect collection device (46) for collecting the live insects (12); and a dead insect collection device (51) for collecting the dead insects (13). In use of the insect sorting device (21), the second end (29) of the movable section (27) is arranged higher relative to a horizontal plane than the first end (28) of the movable section (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insect sorting device for sorting live insects from dead insects according to the preamble of claim 1, a processing unit for treating insects comprising such an insect sorting device according to claim 14 and a farm for raising insects according to claim 15. Background Art

[0002] The growth and rearing of insect species present unique challenges, such as separating live and dead insects from each other. Returning dead insects to the rearing or breeding process is inefficient and unhygienic. When producing insect products for food or feed applications, it is also necessary to have only live insects entering the processing line, as dead insects can cause health and quality risks. In addition, insects are mostly mixed with insect feces, which is also disadvantageous in further processing and must therefore also be separated out.

[0003] US20180070566A1 discloses a farm for raising insects with a feeding area and a processing area. In order to sort out insects that die during the feeding period, an air screen can be used.

[0004] KR10174728B1 discloses an insect sorting device, which comprises a horizontally arranged conveyor for transporting larvae. Dead insects and insect excrement fall onto the second end of the conveyor.

[0005] A disadvantage of these solutions is that the quality of the sorting out of live insects is not satisfactory for industrial applications.

[0006] JPH092412A discloses an insect sorting device, which includes a horizontally arranged conveyor for transporting larvae. A size selection camera and a body color determination camera and two sorting air nozzles are provided. Larvae are sorted out by air blowing according to the identified size and color. Dead larvae and insect feces will be collected in a waste container arranged at the end of the conveyor.

[0007] A disadvantage of this solution is that, for satisfactory sorting out, the device must be of complex design.

[0008] WO2021233945A1 discloses a device for sorting insects, the device having a belt conveyor having an upper surface and a lower surface formed by the belt of the conveyor. When the belt has been turned over to pass over the lower surface of the conveyor, all or some of the insects of the mixture deposited thereon remain attached to the belt, while the rest of the mixture falls under the action of gravity. Although the upper surface of the conveyor is substantially flat and horizontal along most of its length between the first end and the second end, it has an end portion adjacent to the second end, which has a downward inclination angle of between 20° and 90° relative to the rest of the upper surface of the conveyor.

[0009] A disadvantage of this solution is that the quality of the sorting out of live insects is still unsatisfactory for industrial applications. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an insect sorting device which does not have at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages and which in particular ensures perfect sorting out of live insects, dead insects and insect excrement.

[0011] These objects of the invention are solved at least in part by the features of the independent claims. Preferred developments of the invention are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0012] The insect sorting device of the present invention for sorting live insects from dead insects comprises: a conveyor comprising at least one movable section for transporting insects, wherein the at least one movable section has a first end and a second end; and a driving component for moving the at least one movable section from the first end to the second end; a separating device for taking the live insects away from the conveyor; a live insect collecting device for collecting the sorted live insects; and a dead insect collecting device for collecting the sorted dead insects. In the use of the insect sorting device of the present invention, the second end of the at least one movable section is arranged to be higher than the first end of the movable section relative to the horizontal plane.

[0013] At least one movable section of the conveyor is at least partially moved upwards, which provides urgency to keep the live insects on the movable section. Dead insects and insect droppings slide downwards due to the force of gravity acting on the mixture disposed on the conveyor.

[0014] The live insect collecting device and / or the dead insect collecting device can be a crate or a box. Alternatively, as an incomplete example, these collecting devices can be another conveyor, a bucket or a silo.

[0015] The conveyor may be at least a part of a transport member for transporting at least live insects.

[0016] The invention provides an easily constructible device, wherein the loss of live insects is low and reduced compared to solutions according to the prior art. Furthermore, with the invention, a high degree of sorting is provided. Thus, the insect sorting device of the invention can be integrated into an automated system, whereby no operator or human-machine interaction is required. Furthermore, the insect sorting device of the invention can be used for different kinds of insects, in particular non-flying adult insects or larval stage insects, and for adults, pre-larvae or different insect life stages.

[0017] The living insects separated by the insect separation device are further processed or returned to breeding.

[0018] Advantageously, a large portion (or majority) of the length of the movable section is different from the horizontal arrangement, ie a major portion of the conveyor provides a chute for dead insects and excrement and better exploits the effect of gravity.

[0019] Preferably, the movable section of the conveyor is arranged at least partially inclined, whereby the effect of gravity is used to separate the living insects from the dead insects and insect droppings.

[0020] Preferably, the angle between the inclined movable section of the conveyor and the horizontal plane exceeds at least 10°, preferably exceeds at least 15°, so that the sliding of dead insects and excrement along the inclined movable section will be improved without the need for other components to support the sliding. Mainly depending on at least the type of movable section, the angle between the inclined movable section of the conveyor and the horizontal plane exceeds 30°, which will further improve the sliding of dead insects and excrement along the inclined movable section. However, it is preferred that the angle is selected based on the ability of live insects to still remain.

[0021] Advantageously, the inclination of the movable section of the conveyor varies over the length of the conveyor, different forces acting on the mixture, thereby further improving the separation of live insects from dead insects and excrement.

[0022] Preferably, the angle of the inclined movable section of the conveyor is adjustable so that the insect sorting device can be adjusted according to the type and / or maturity stage of the live insects to ensure a high level of separation. Further preferably, the inclination of the movable section of the conveyor is dynamically changeable, which further improves the separation of live insects from dead insects and insect excrement.

[0023] Preferably, the separation device comprises a scraper component for scraping live insects off the conveyor, so that the live insects can be easily collected at a defined position of the conveyor. As an incomplete example, the scraper component can be a knife, a brush or a blocking element.

[0024] The separating device for separating live insects from the conveyor can be a static device, such as, for example, a fixedly mounted knife or brush, or a dynamic device, such as a rotating brush. In addition, the separating device can include an air separator that provides a jet, a high-power jet or a suction or pulse motion on the movable section of the conveyor.

[0025] Alternatively or in addition, the separation device for separating live insects from the conveyor may be configured to stimulate the live insects so that the live insects are released from the movable section of the conveyor. Such stimulation may be provided by an electric shock, wherein such electric shock is preferably based on low levels of electricity, and / or provided by a sudden temperature change. The stimulation is of such a kind that the live insects are not harmed by the procedure.

[0026] Additional separation means may be provided for cleaning the movable section of the conveyor, in particular to prevent insect droppings from sticking to the movable section of the conveyor. Such additional separation means may be a brush.

[0027] Advantageously, the movable section of the conveyor comprises at least one conveyor belt running around the first end and the second end. Alternatively, the conveyor comprises at least one conveyor belt. The movable section of the conveyor may be formed by two or more conveyor belts or conveyor belts arranged one after the other, preferably arranged in a row.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt or conveyor band is porous and / or is provided with a retaining member for holding live insects. Such conveyor belt or conveyor band provides high friction, thereby allowing live insects to firmly grasp the belt. Among other embodiments, the retaining member is a knob, a strand and / or a hook.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt or conveyor belt is twisted at least partially along the length of the at least one conveyor belt or conveyor belt, thereby providing a high degree of separation. Live insects will remain on the at least one twisted conveyor belt or conveyor belt, whereby dead insects and insect excrement will fall from the at least one twisted conveyor belt or conveyor belt.

[0030] Advantageously, a shaking component and / or a vibrating component is provided for shaking and / or vibrating at least the movable section of the conveyor, which additionally supports the separation of live insects from dead insects and insect droppings. In addition, shaking and / or vibration can ensure a uniform distribution of the mixture or insects.

[0031] Alternatively, the movable section of the conveyor is formed as a drum in which the mixture is provided. The living insects catch the movable section inside the drum, and the dead insects as well as the insect droppings fall down and can be removed.

[0032] Preferably, an air separator is provided for separating the live and / or dead insects on the conveyor by means of air, whereby separation is easily performed with high separation values.

[0033] Preferably, the air separator is arranged in the region of the second end of the conveyor, so that the necessary force of the air flow can be reduced to a necessary minimum, which leads to an economical solution of an insect sorting device, whereby the separation is still at a high separation value. If the movable section is a belt or a belt, the air separator is preferably arranged to separate very effectively just before the belt or belt turns.

[0034] Advantageously, the air separator is a blower device and / or a suction device which can provide blowing force and / or suction force according to the respective requirements in order to support the separation of live insects from dead insects and insect droppings.

[0035] Blowing force and / or suction force can support

[0036] - Removal of dead insects and insect droppings. Accordingly, corresponding blowing and / or suction forces can be provided at any point along the movable section of the conveyor;

[0037] - Encouraging live insects to grip the surface of the movable section of the conveyor. Corresponding blowing and / or suction forces may be provided at any point along the movable section of the conveyor;

[0038] - removing live insects from the movable section of the conveyor. Most likely, a corresponding blowing force and / or suction force is provided in the region of the second end of the movable section of the conveyor. Preferably, the blowing force and / or suction force is high pressure. The value of the pressure provided depends mainly on the holding method provided for the insects;

[0039] - Cleaning of the movable section of the conveyor. This type of cleaning is particularly effective if the movable section of the conveyor is porous, such as a porous belt or band.

[0040] Preferably, the air separator is designed to supply or suck in air in a pulsed or constant manner, whereby the separation can be easily adjusted according to the respective requirements and / or the mixture and / or the type and maturity of the insects.

[0041] The air separator may also be arranged on the underside of the movable section of the conveyor, especially if the movable section of the conveyor is a belt or a strip. Live insects may pass through the bend and will then be separated by the air separator.

[0042] Preferably, the air separator as a blower device is designed to blow air through the movable section of the conveyor and / or the suction device is designed to suck air through the movable section of the conveyor, which in particular supports cleaning of the movable section of the conveyor.

[0043] Advantageously, two or more conveyors are provided, whereby the final separated live insects are primarily freed from any dead insects and excrement by a plurality of separation steps. This would be a preferred solution, for example, if the live insects are further processed for feed or food.

[0044] Preferably, at least one sensing device is provided for detecting the corresponding value. The sensing device can sense, for example, vitality, weight, density, color or other values. The sensing device can be an electrical device, an electronic device, an infrared device, an optical device and / or a mechanical device, respectively selecting the value that has to be sensed. Preferably, a non-contact sensor is used. Using the at least one sensing device, the good quality of the live insect or the state of the live insect, such as, for example, no discoloration, the insect (shape) is completely intact, heat, etc., can be easily determined.

[0045] The processing unit for treating insects of the present invention comprises such an insect sorting device, which comprises at least a part of the aforementioned features, and the processing unit also allows efficient processing on an industrial scale. The living insects separated by the insect separation device are further processed or returned to breeding.

[0046] The farm for rearing insects of the present invention comprises at least one rearing area for rearing insects and at least one insect sorting device, the insect sorting device comprising at least a part of the aforementioned features. Such a farm allows efficient rearing on an industrial scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail by means of examples of embodiment using the following figures.The list of reference numerals is part of the present disclosure.

[0048] Position indications such as “upper”, “above”, “lower”, “below”, “right” or “left” relate in each case to the corresponding drawing and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0049] The accompanying drawings are described coherently and comprehensively. Like reference numerals denote like parts.

[0050] Figure 1 A first embodiment of an insect sorting device according to the invention is shown in a schematic side view;

[0051] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the insect sorting device of the present invention is shown in a schematic side view;

[0052] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the insect sorting device of the present invention is shown in schematic side view;

[0053] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of an insect sorting device according to the invention is shown in schematic side view;

[0054] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of the insect sorting device of the present invention is shown in perspective view;

[0055] Figure 6 A sixth embodiment of the insect sorting device of the present invention is shown in a perspective view;

[0056] Figure 7 A seventh embodiment of the insect sorting device of the present invention is shown in a perspective view;

[0057] Figure 8 A farm for rearing insects including a processing unit is shown in a schematic plan view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, the present invention is described in conjunction with (e.g., mealworms, mealworms, and whiteflies). The present invention is not limited to whiteflies. It can also be used for other types of insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, ants, termites, etc.

[0059] like Figure 1 The insect sorting device 21 shown comprises a conveyor 26. The conveyor 26 comprises a movable section 27 for transporting insects 12. The movable section 27 is a conveyor belt running around a first end 28 and around a second end 29. In use of the insect sorting device 21, the second end 29 of the movable section 27 is arranged higher relative to the horizontal plane than the first end 28 of the movable section 27. A mixture 11 comprising live insects 12, dead insects 13 and insect excrement 14 is provided by a funnel-shaped input device 16 on the movable section 27 close to its first end 28. The conveyor belt is provided with a holding member 30 for the live insects 12 to grab, and may also be porous in order to provide a better grip for the live insects 12.

[0060] A motor is provided in the form of a drive member 36 for moving the movable section 27 from the first end 28 upwards to the second end 29 (see arrow 37) and back. The movable section 27 of the conveyor 26 is arranged obliquely, so that the arrangement of the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26 differs from the horizontal arrangement. The angle α between the inclined movable section 27 of the conveyor 27 and the horizontal plane exceeds 15°. An angle adjustment mechanism may be provided for adjusting the angle α of the inclined movable section 27 of the conveyor 26. Preferably, such an angle adjustment mechanism is configured for dynamically changing the angle α.

[0061] The separating device 41 comprises a scraper member, in this example a blade, which is arranged below the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26 for scraping the live insects 12 still clamped on the conveyor belt from the conveyor 26. A crate as a live insect collecting device 46 is arranged below the separating device 41 and the second end 29 of the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26. The live insects 12 taken away from the conveyor 26 fall into the live insect collecting device 46.

[0062] A first dead insect collecting device 51 in the form of a crate is provided at the first end 28 of the conveyor 26. A portion of the mixture 11, ie, the insect excrement 14 and the dead insects 13, sliding down the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26 is collected in the first dead insect collecting device 51.

[0063] A second dead insect collecting device 52 in the form of a crate is provided at the second end 29 of the conveyor 26. A portion of the upwardly transported mixture 11, namely the insect excrement 14 and the dead insects 13, falls onto the second end 29 of the conveyor 26 and is collected in the second dead insect collecting device 52.

[0064] The contents of the first dead insect collecting device 51 and / or the second dead insect collecting device 52 may be placed again on the conveyor 26 to separate live insects 12 that may still be present therein.

[0065] A vibrating member 56 may be provided for vibrating at least the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26, thereby further forcing the live insects 12 to firmly grasp the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26. As an alternative or in addition to the vibrating member 56, a shaking member may be provided for shaking at least the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26. Available vibrating members 56 and / or shaking members for vibrating and / or shaking at least the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26 are well known on the market.

[0066] A suction device as an air separator 66 is arranged near the second end 29 of the movable section 27 of the conveyor. At least a portion of the excrement 14 and / or dead insects 13 can be sucked in by the air separator 66. In order to improve the separation, the air flow provided can be pulsed. Alternatively, the air flow is provided in a constant manner.

[0067] The contents sucked in by the air separator 66 can be provided again on the conveyor 26 to separate the living insects 12 that may still be present therein.

[0068] A further air separator 68 is arranged below the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26. The further air separator 68 is a blower device and is designed to blow air through the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26. Alternatively or in addition, the further air separator 68 may be a suction device and may be designed to suck air through the movable section 27 of the conveyor 26.

[0069] Different sensing devices may be provided for sensing the corresponding values. The sensing device is directly connected or wirelessly connected to the controller of the insect sorting device 21. As a non-exhaustive example, cameras 71 and 72 may be provided as sensing devices for sensing possible live insects 12 in the dead insect collecting devices 51 and 52. Based on the sensing values ​​sensed by the camera, the speed of the conveyor may be adjusted. The drive component 36 may be provided with a torque sensor for providing the corresponding value for the control of the insect sorting device 21.

[0070] About Figure 1 Compared with the above-described embodiments, according to Figure 2 The insect sorting device 121 comprises an input device 116, which is arranged near the second end 129 of the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126. The mixture from the rearing crates 17 is introduced into the input device 116 and arranged on the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126 (here the conveyor belt). The provided mixture slides along the movable section 127 to the first end 128 of the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126 (along the arrow 131). The living insects will be caught on the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126, whereby the excrement and the dead insects will be collected in the dead insect collecting device 151. The sliding of the mixture in the direction of the arrow 131 is supported here by an air separator 166 in the form of a blower device, which blows air through the second end 129 of the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126.

[0071] The drive means (e.g. a hydraulic motor) moves the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126 upwards to the second end 128 of the movable section 127 of the conveyor 126. The live insects will be scraped off the conveyor 126 by the scraper means of the separation device 141 and fall onto a live insect collecting device 146 in the form of a further conveyor. The live insects will then be transported by the live insect collecting device 146 in the direction of arrow 148 to the crates 18, which will then be transported away by the corresponding conveyor means 19. In order to scrape off the live insects still caught on the conveyor belt of the further conveyor (live insect collecting device 146), a separation device 147, e.g. in the form of a brush, is provided below the further conveyor.

[0072] according to Figure 3The insect sorting device 221 provides two separation steps and comprises a first conveyor 226 and a second conveyor 326 arranged below the first conveyor 226. Each movable section 227, 327 moves upward.

[0073] The mixture provided by the input device 216 falls on the first conveyor 226. Supported by the blower device as the air separator 266, the excrement and dead insects slide down along the conveyor 226 into the first dead insect collecting device 251. The living insects and possible remaining excrement and dead insects fall on the second conveyor 326. In addition, the living insects scraped by the separation device 241 fall on the second conveyor 326.

[0074] An air separator 366 is provided in the form of a suction device near the second end 329 of the movable section 327 of the conveyor 326, and sucks away the excrement and dead insects from the conveyor 326. The excrement and dead insects slide down along the second conveyor 326 into the second dead insect collecting device 351. The live insects fall due to gravity or through the separating device 341 onto the live insect collecting device 246, which is also designed as a conveyor.

[0075] Additional conveyors may be provided for separation so that additional multiple separation steps may be performed for a higher level of separation.

[0076] In accordance with Figure 4 In the embodiment of the insect sorting device 421, the conveyor 426 for moving the live insects 12 upwards comprises three movable sections 481, 486 and 491, which are interconnected in a row. Two drive members 436 and 438 are provided for moving the movable sections 482, 487 and 492 of the conveyor 426, each in the form of a conveyor belt.

[0077] The first movable section 482 of the conveyor 426 is arranged to be inclined, wherein the angle β is at least 10° relative to the horizontal plane. The second movable section 487 of the conveyor 426 runs upward in an arc. The third movable section 492 of the conveyor 426 is arranged horizontally. Most of the length of all movable sections 481, 486 and 491 of the conveyor 426 is different from the horizontal arrangement.

[0078] The mixture 11 is provided by the input device 416 near the first end 428 of the first movable section 482 of the conveyor 426. A portion of the insect excrement 14 and the dead insects 13 falls into the dead insect collection device 451 provided below the first end 428 of the first movable section 482 of the conveyor 426. The live insects 12 are caught on the conveyor and transported upward together with the rest of the insect excrement 14 and the dead insects 13. At the second end 429 of the conveyor 426, the insect excrement 14 and the dead insects 13 fall into the second dead insect collection device 452 due to gravity. The live insects fall into the live insect collection device 446 and can be scraped off the conveyor 426 by the separation device 441.

[0079] Insect sorting device 521 (in Figure 5 ) includes a conveyor 526, which includes four movable sections 581, 586, 591 and 596, which are interconnected in a row. In this example, the first movable section 581 of the conveyor 526 is arranged horizontally. The second movable section 586 of the conveyor 526 is inclined at a first angle γ of 20° relative to the horizontal plane. The third movable section 591 of the conveyor 526 is also inclined, but at a second angle δ relative to the horizontal plane, which second angle is 45°. The fourth movable section 596 of the conveyor 526 is arranged horizontally. The second movable section 586 and the third movable section 591 of the conveyor 526 define most of the length of the conveyor 526.

[0080] according to Figure 6 , the insect sorting device 621 includes a conveyor 626 having two movable sections 681 and 686. The two movable sections 681 and 686 of the conveyor 626 are formed as conveyor belts that are twisted along the length of the conveyor belt and arranged under each other. The first movable section 681 of the conveyor 626 starts with a horizontal arrangement and changes to its second end 682 to a vertical arrangement. In order to move the first movable section 681 of the conveyor 626, a first drive component 636 (e.g., an electric motor) is provided at the second end 682. The second movable section 686 of the conveyor 626 starts with a vertical arrangement and changes to its second end 687 to a horizontal arrangement. In order to move the second movable section 686 of the conveyor 626, a second drive component 638 (e.g., an electric motor) is provided at the second end 687. The first drive component 636 and the second drive component 638 can be synchronized.

[0081] The mixture 11 is provided near the first end 683 of the first movable section 681 of the conveyor 626. At least when the first movable section 681 changes its orientation, the live insects 12 will be caught on the first movable section 681. The insect excrement 14 and the dead insects 13 fall onto the second movable section 686, which slightly changes its orientation to be horizontal. At the second end 682 of the first movable section 681 of the conveyor 626, the live insects 12 fall into the live insect collecting device 646. A separation device (not shown) may be arranged for scraping off the live insects 12 still caught on the first movable section 681 of the conveyor 626. The insect excrement 14 and the dead insects fall into the dead insect collecting device 651 provided at the second end 687 of the second movable section 686 of the conveyor 626.

[0082] Insect sorting device 721 (such as Figure 7 The conveyor 726 includes a movable section 727 that is driven by a drive member 736 disposed at a second end 729 of the movable section 727 to spirally move upward. A mixture of live insects 12, excrement, and dead insects will be provided near a first end 728 of the movable section 727 of the conveyor 726. The live insects 12 are collected at the second end 729 of the movable section 727 of the conveyor 726. Excrement and dead insects are collected at the first end 728 of the movable section 727 of the conveyor 726.

[0083] like Figure 8 The breeding farm 801 shown can be a hall with a breeding area 804 and a processing unit 806, which includes an insect sorting device having at least some of the above characteristics, such as 21. Depending on the process provided in the breeding farm 801, the corresponding embodiment of the insect sorting device of the present invention is selected.

[0084] The processing unit 806 may include further processing devices, such as a washing station, a tilting device, a transport device, a sensing device, whereby this list is not complete.

[0085] In the rearing area 804, the insects are arranged in crates, which are mostly nailed and arranged in rows. After the insects reach a specified maturity, the crates are moved out of the rearing area 804 to the processing unit 806 by corresponding transport members 808. In addition to live insects, these crates also contain insect feces and dead insects.

[0086] In order to sort out the live insects, an insect sorting device of the present invention, such as 21, is used. The live insects thus collected are directly used for food or feed production. If the maturity stage of the collected live insects is not at the required level, the collected live insects will be placed in a newly prepared crate and will be returned to the feeding area 804 by the transport member 808 for further maturation.

[0087] Reference numerals list

[0088] 11 Mixture

[0089] 12 Live Insects

[0090] 13 Dead Insects

[0091] 14 Insect feces

[0092] 16 Input Devices

[0093] 17 Feeding Crates

[0094] 18 Shipping Crates

[0095] 19 Conveyor device

[0096] 21. Insect sorting device

[0097] 26 Conveyor

[0098] 27 Movable Segments

[0099] 28 27 first end

[0100] 29 27 second end

[0101] 30. Retaining parts

[0102] 36 Drive components

[0103] 37 Arrow

[0104] 41 Separation device

[0105] 46. ​​Live Insect Collection Device

[0106] 51 No.1 Dead Insect Collection Device

[0107] 52nd dead insect collection device

[0108] 56 Vibration components

[0109] 66 Air separator (inhalation)

[0110] 68 air separator (blowing)

[0111] 71 Camera

[0112] 72 Camera

[0113] 116 Input Device

[0114] 121 Insect Sorting Device

[0115] 126 Conveyor

[0116] 127 movable segments

[0117] 128 127 first end

[0118] 129 127 Second end

[0119] 131 Arrow

[0120] 141 Separation device

[0121] 146 Live Insect Collection Device

[0122] 147 Separation device

[0123] 148 Arrow

[0124] 166 Air separator (inhalation)

[0125] 221 Insect Sorting Device

[0126] 226 No.1 Conveyor

[0127] 227 movable sections

[0128] 241 Separation device

[0129] 246 Live Insect Collection Device

[0130] 251 No. 1 Dead Insect Collection Device

[0131] 266 air separator (blowing)

[0132] 326 No.2 conveyor

[0133] 327 movable section

[0134] 329 327 Second end

[0135] 341 Separation Device

[0136] 351 No. 2 Dead Insect Collection Device

[0137] 366 Air Separator (Suction)

[0138] 421 Insect Sorting Device

[0139] 426 conveyor

[0140] 428 27 first end

[0141] 429 27 second end

[0142] 441 Separation device

[0143] 446 Live Insect Collection Device

[0144] 451 No. 1 Dead Insect Collection Device

[0145] 452 No. 2 Dead Insect Collection Device

[0146] 482 1st movable section

[0147] 487 2nd movable section

[0148] 492 3rd movable section

[0149] 521 Insect Sorting Device

[0150] 526 Conveyor

[0151] 581 1st movable section

[0152] 586 2nd movable section

[0153] 591 3rd movable section

[0154] 596 4th movable section

[0155] 621 Insect Sorting Device

[0156] 626 Conveyor

[0157] 636 1st drive component

[0158] 638 2nd drive component

[0159] 646 Live Insect Collection Device

[0160] 651 Dead Insect Collection Device

[0161] 681 1st movable section

[0162] 682 681 Second end

[0163] 683 681 first end

[0164] 686 2nd movable section

[0165] 687 686 Second end

[0166] 721 Insect Sorting Device

[0167] 727 movable segments

[0168] 728 727 first end

[0169] 729 727 Second end

[0170] 736 Drive Components

[0171] 801 Breeding Farm

[0172] 804 Feeding Area

[0173] 806 Processing Unit

[0174] 808 Transport parts.

Claims

1. An insect sorting device for sorting live insects (12) from dead insects (13), the insect sorting device comprising: Conveyor (26; 126; 226, 326; 426；526； 626； 726), the conveyor comprises at least one movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 487; 492; 581; 586; 591; 596; 681; 686; 727) for transporting the insects, wherein the at least one movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 487; 492; 581; 586; 591; 596; 681; 686; 727) has a first end (28; 128; 428; 683; 728) and a second end (29; 129; 329; 429; 682; 687; 729), and a drive member (36; 136; 436; 438; 636; 638; 736) for moving the at least one movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 487; 492; 581; 586; 591; 596; 681; 686; 727) from the first end (28; 128; 428; 683; 728) to the second end (29; 129; 329; 429; 682; 687; 729); a separation device (41; 141; 241; 341; 441) for taking away the live insects (12) from the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 626; 726); A live insect collecting device (46; 146; 246; 446; 646), the live insect collecting device being used to collect the sorted live insects (12); and A dead insect collecting device (51, 52; 151; 251, 351; 451, 452; 651), the dead insect collecting device is used to collect the selected dead insects (13), characterized in that: In use of the insect sorting device (21; 121; 221; 421; 521; 621; 721), the second end portion (29; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 626; 726) of at least one movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 487; 586; 591; 681; 727) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 626; 726) 9; 329; 429; 682; 687; 729) is arranged higher relative to a horizontal plane than the first end (28; 128; 428; 683; 728) of the movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 487; 591; 681; 727) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 626; 726).

2. The insect sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A large part of the length of the movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 487; 586; 591; 681, 686; 727) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 626; 726) is arranged differently from the horizontal.

3. The insect sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 586; 591; 727) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 726) is arranged at least partially inclined, It is thus preferred that the angle (α; β; δ, γ) between the inclined movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 586; 591; 727) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 726) and the horizontal plane exceeds at least 10°, preferably exceeds at least 15°, It is therefore further preferred that the angle (α; β; δ, γ) of the inclined movable section (27; 127; 227; 327; 482; 586; 591; 727) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526; 726) is adjustable, preferably dynamically changeable.

4. The insect sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inclination of the movable section (482, 487; 586, 591) of the conveyor (426; 526) varies over the length of the conveyor (426; 526).

5. The insect sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The separating device (41; 141; 241, 341; 441) comprises a scraper member for scraping the insects off the conveyor.

6. The insect sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The movable section (27; 127; 227, 327; 482, 487, 492; 581, 586, 591, 596; 681, 686) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226; 326; 426; 526) comprises at least one conveyor belt or conveyor band, It is therefore preferred that the at least one conveyor belt or conveyor band is porous and / or is provided with holding means (30) for holding the live insects (12).

7. The insect sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt (681, 686) or conveyor band is twisted at least partially along the length of the at least one conveyor belt.

8. The insect sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A shaking or vibrating member (56) is provided for shaking or vibrating at least the movable section (27) of the conveyor (26).

9. The insect sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: An air separator (66; 166; 266, 366) is provided for separating the live insects (12) and / or the dead insects (13) on the conveyor (26; 126; 226, 326) by air, It is therefore preferred that the air separator (66; 166; 266, 366) is arranged in the region of the second end (29; 129; 329) of the conveyor (26; 126; 226, 326).

10. The insect sorting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The air separator (66; 166; 266, 366) is a blower device and / or a suction device, and It is preferably designed to provide or aspirate the air in a pulsed or constant manner.

11. The insect sorting device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The air separator (68) as a blower device is designed to blow air through the movable section (27) of the conveyor (26) and / or the suction device is designed to suck air through the movable section of the conveyor.

12. The insect sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: Two or more conveyors (226, 326) are provided.

13. The insect sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: At least one sensing device (71, 72) is provided.

14. A processing unit (806) for processing insects (12), comprising at least one insect sorting device (21; 121; 221; 421; 521; 621; 721) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A breeding farm (801) for breeding insects (12), comprising at least one breeding area (804) for breeding insects (12) and at least one insect sorting device (21; 121; 221; 421; 521; 621; 721) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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