A culture net cage and a method for floating the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of aquaculture net cage and its floating method, aquaculture net cage includes net cage body, main lifting device and segmented lifting device;Main lifting device includes main air bag and first air pipe, main air bag is connected at the top of net cage body, one end of first air pipe is communicated main air bag, the other end of first air pipe is stretched to sea surface, and first valve is provided on it;Segmented lifting device includes several groups of segmented lifting mechanism, and segmented lifting mechanism is arranged around net cage body;Segmented lifting mechanism includes anchor block, connecting rope, counterweight, auxiliary air bag and second air pipe, one end of connecting rope is connected with the bottom of net cage body, and the other end of connecting rope is connected with anchor block;Counterweight and auxiliary air bag are all connected with the middle section of connecting rope;One end of second air pipe is communicated auxiliary air bag, and the other end of second air pipe is stretched to sea surface, and second valve is provided on it.The present application can realize the segmented floating of aquaculture net cage, thereby playing the protection effect to aquaculture object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquaculture technology, and in particular to an aquaculture cage and its floating method. Background Technology

[0002] Aquaculture cages are tools used in deep-sea aquaculture, mainly composed of a frame system, netting, a fixing system, and supporting facilities. They utilize the interaction of the fixed platform and the inherent characteristics of the cage itself to lower it to a limited underwater depth, thus possessing strong resistance to wind and waves. Furthermore, aquaculture cages offer advantages such as long service life, large effective aquaculture volume, high efficiency, low overall cost, low pollution, excellent water quality, low fish mortality, and high-quality fish products.

[0003] When it's necessary to grade farmed fish, observe their growth, and harvest them, the aquaculture cages need to be floated to the surface. Therefore, most aquaculture cages are designed for lifting and lowering. Currently, the most common lifting method is pneumatic lifting, which involves inflating and deflating or venting water into the buoyancy chambers of the frame to raise and lower the cages. However, because aquaculture cages are located on the seabed for extended periods, the presence of silt and other sediment creates an adhesive force on the cages. The buoyancy required for lifting and lowering must exceed the cage's own weight plus this adhesive force for it to detach from the silt and begin to rise. Once rising, the adhesive force from the silt disappears, and the buoyancy far exceeds the cage's weight, resulting in a very rapid ascent. This can cause fish, which have long been in deep water, to be unable to adapt to the rapid changes in water pressure, leading to swim bladder expansion, expulsion of the swim bladder, and death. Furthermore, the rapid ascent of the cages can easily cause collisions between the fish, and the cage structure experiences significant impact forces, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an aquaculture cage and a method for floating it, which can achieve segmented floating of the aquaculture cage, thereby protecting the aquaculture organisms.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses an aquaculture cage, which includes: a cage body, a main lifting device, and a segmented lifting device; The main lifting device includes a main airbag and a first air pipe. The main airbag is connected to the top of the net cage body and surrounds the outer periphery of the net cage body. One end of the first air pipe is connected to the main airbag, and the other end of the first air pipe extends to the sea surface. A first valve is provided on the end of the first air pipe that extends to the sea surface. The segmented lifting device includes several segments of lifting mechanisms arranged around the main body of the net cage. Each segmented lifting mechanism includes an anchor block, a connecting rope, at least one counterweight, at least one auxiliary airbag, and at least one second air pipe. One end of the connecting rope is connected to the bottom of the main body of the net cage, and the other end of the connecting rope is connected to the anchor block. The counterweight is connected to the middle section of the connecting rope, and the counterweight is spaced out on the connecting rope. The auxiliary airbag corresponds one-to-one with the counterweight, or the auxiliary airbag is corresponding to the counterweight on the connecting rope closest to the main body of the net cage, and the auxiliary airbag is connected to the counterweight or the connecting rope. Each second air pipe corresponds to at least one auxiliary airbag, one end of the second air pipe is connected to the auxiliary airbag, and the other end of the second air pipe extends to the sea surface, and a second valve is provided on the end of the second air pipe extending to the sea surface.

[0006] Preferably, the maximum buoyancy of the auxiliary airbag is not less than the weight of its corresponding counterweight; the sum of the weight of the net cage body and the force exerted by the seabed on the net cage body is less than the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag; the counterweight closest to the net cage body in each segmented lifting mechanism is defined as the first counterweight, then the sum of the weight of the net cage body and the weight of all first counterweights is greater than the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag. This arrangement ensures the smooth realization of segmented ascent.

[0007] Preferably, the system also includes a protective frame corresponding to each of the auxiliary airbags, with the auxiliary airbags placed within the protective frame. By providing the protective frame, damage such as scratches or abrasions caused by hard objects on the seabed (such as reefs) can be prevented from occurring.

[0008] Preferably, the cage body includes a frame and a composite net, the composite net being connected to the frame; the composite net is formed by splicing a first net and a second net, wherein the first net is a net with anti-fouling function. By partially setting the composite net to have anti-fouling function, fouling organisms can be prevented from attaching, ensuring that the mesh on the first net is not blocked, thereby ensuring that the water inside the cage can exchange with the outside, and ensuring the safety of aquaculture.

[0009] Preferably, the area of ​​the first mesh accounts for 30-70% of the total area of ​​the composite mesh. Antifouling mesh is generally expensive; this arrangement balances cost and the requirements of the aquaculture water body.

[0010] Preferably, the system also includes a feeding device, which comprises a float, a pull rope, a limiting guide rope, and an elastic folding channel. The top of the net cage body has a feeding inlet; the bottom of the elastic folding channel is connected to the aquaculture net cage, and the elastic folding channel communicates with the feeding inlet of the aquaculture net cage; the top of the elastic folding channel is connected to the float via the pull rope; one end of the limiting guide rope is connected to the float, and the other end is connected to the aquaculture net cage; the elastic folding channel is slidably connected relative to the limiting guide rope. By setting the limiting guide rope, the float can be kept within a certain area on the sea surface above the aquaculture net cage, thus preventing the float from pulling the pull rope under the force of the ocean current, ensuring that the elastic folding channel remains in its folded state. Furthermore, when the elastic folding channel is stretched, the limiting guide rope can, to some extent, prevent excessive deformation of the elastic folding channel under the action of the ocean current, affecting the delivery of feed. By setting the float, the operator can easily reach the pull rope on the sea surface. The operator can pull the pull rope to unfold the elastic folding channel and extend it to the sea surface, at which point sinking feed can be delivered, making the operation convenient. After feeding, tie the top of the elastic folding channel and release the pull rope. The elastic folding channel will retract into the aquaculture cage under its own elastic force. In the retracted state, the elastic folding channel is less affected by the ocean current and is less likely to be damaged by wind, waves and ocean currents, which can extend its service life.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic folding channel includes a net cylinder, several connecting rings, and several first elastic elements. The net cylinder is made of flexible netting. The connecting rings are spaced apart along the length of the net cylinder, and the net cylinder is connected to the connecting rings. Each pair of adjacent connecting rings is connected by at least one first elastic element. This arrangement, using a flexible net with fine mesh to support the net cylinder, prevents bait leakage and reduces the force of ocean currents on the net cylinder. The connecting rings ensure that the inner cavity of the net cylinder opens when extended, facilitating the sinking of the bait. The first elastic elements connect each pair of adjacent connecting rings, preventing the elastic force from directly acting on the net cylinder, making it less prone to damage and extending its service life.

[0012] Preferably, the elastic folding channel further includes several limiting rings, the size of which is smaller than the connecting rings; a limiting ring is provided between each pair of adjacent connecting rings, the limiting rings being fitted around the outer periphery of the net cylinder, or the net cylinder being fitted around the outer periphery of the positioning ring; the positioning ring is connected to the net cylinder; the cross-sectional area of ​​the net cylinder located between each pair of adjacent connecting rings decreases from the end to the middle. By providing the positioning rings, the net cylinder can be narrowed, making it less likely for the net sleeve to affect the contraction of the first elastic element when the net cylinder is folded and stored, allowing the adjacent connecting rings to be stacked together better. In addition, the aforementioned change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the net cylinder makes it less likely for wrinkles to appear in the extended state of the net cylinder, thereby avoiding affecting bait placement (wrinkles may also trap bait).

[0013] Preferably, the feeding device further includes several fixing ropes, one end of which is connected to a float, and the other end of which is connected to a net cage. The connection points between the fixing ropes and the net cage are spaced apart from the feeding inlet, and the connection points are spaced apart circumferentially around the feeding inlet. A signal generator is installed in the float. The fixing ropes help maintain the stability of the feeding channel. The signal generator allows operators to quickly locate the float.

[0014] This invention also discloses a method for floating the above-mentioned aquaculture cages, which includes the following steps: S1: Inflate the main airbag; stop inflating the main airbag when the cage body leaves the seabed. S2: Wait n minutes, where n > 0; S3: Inflate the auxiliary airbags and stop inflating them after the cage body has risen a set distance; S4: If the main body of the net cage floats to the surface, the process ends; otherwise, repeat steps S2 and S3 until the main body of the net cage floats to the surface.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: When the net cage is submerged on the seabed, inflating the main air bladder increases its buoyancy. When the buoyancy reaches a certain level, the cage begins to rise. At this point, because the cage is no longer affected by the seabed silt, the imbalance between gravity and buoyancy causes the cage to rise faster. After rising to a certain height, the cage slows down and stops rising due to the added weights. This allows time for the fish to adapt to the water pressure. Then, the auxiliary air bladders are inflated. The buoyancy of the auxiliary air bladders counteracts the weight of the weights, reducing their force on the cage. When the buoyancy of the auxiliary air bladders reaches a certain level, the cage can continue to rise. Different amounts of weight are added based on the required number of stops. The air pressure of the auxiliary air bladders is then adjusted to control whether the cage hovers or rises until it reaches the surface. This segmented ascent of the net cage effectively ensures the safety of the farmed fish. When the cage needs to sink, the main airbag and the auxiliary airbag can be depressurized. During the process, the depressurization speed should be properly controlled to ensure that the cage sinks slowly to the seabed.

[0016] This invention uses airbags as the buoyancy carrier. Compared with other fixed buoyancy tanks made of metal, this invention has the following advantages: 1. Fixed buoyancy tanks are usually designed as an integral part of the net cage structure, making adjustment and replacement difficult, and practically impossible. In contrast, the airbag design is more streamlined, with the airbag being an independent component that can be disassembled, replaced, and easily maintained. 2. Fixed-shape buoyancy tanks require pumping water out of the tank for raising and lowering operations. Marine fouling organisms can easily clog the inlet and outlet holes, and these organisms can also grow and reproduce inside the tank, making cleaning difficult. Airbags only require air intake and exhaust, eliminating the need for water intake and exhaust. The internal space is sealed and does not come into contact with seawater, thus avoiding these problems. 3. When using fixed-shape buoyancy tanks for water intake and lowering, currents and waves can cause the water inside the tank to slosh and impact the entire net cage, easily leading to tilting and instability. The airbag-type raising and lowering scheme avoids these problems because the air intake and exhaust process does not involve water intake and exhaust. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the net cage suspended in the water (the feeding device is hidden).

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fish cage emerging from the sea surface (the feeding device is hidden).

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the net cage body and the feeding device (the elastic folding channel is in the extended state).

[0022] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the net cage body (partial) and the feeding device (the flexible folding channel is in the storage state).

[0023] Figure 7 This is an elevation view of the cage body and the feeding device (the elastic folding channel is in the extended state).

[0024] Figure 8 This is an elevation view of the net cage body and the feeding device (the flexible folding channel is in the storage state).

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Enlarged schematic diagram of section B.

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 8 Enlarged schematic diagram of section C.

[0027] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged schematic diagram of section D in the middle.

[0028] Explanation of symbols for main components: 10. Net cage body, 11. Frame, 12. First netting, 13. Feeding device 20, float 21, pull rope 22, fixing rope 23, limiting guide rope 24, elastic folding channel 25, net tube 26, connecting ring 27, limiting ring 28, first elastic element 29, and closing rope 2a. Main airbag 31; Anchor block 41, connecting rope 42, counterweight 43, auxiliary airbag 44, protective frame 45; 51 on the sea surface and 52 on the bottom of the sea. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the present invention discloses an aquaculture cage, which includes: a cage body 10, a main lifting device, a segmented lifting device, and a feeding device 20.

[0031] The net cage body 10 includes a frame 11 and a composite net. The composite net connects to the frame 11, and the two together form a relatively stable, closed aquaculture space with good water flow. The composite net is formed by splicing a first net 12 and a second net 13. The first net 12 is a net with anti-fouling properties, such as copper net or alloy net. The first net 12 prevents the mesh from becoming clogged, thus ensuring water exchange between the inside of the net cage and the outside environment, and guaranteeing aquaculture safety. The second net 13 can be a conventional net. The area of ​​the first net 12 accounts for 30-70% of the total area of ​​the composite net, with the specific percentage determined based on the water quality requirements of different farmed fish and the volume of the net cage body 10. Although the first net 12 can cover 100%, anti-fouling nets are generally expensive, and a suitable percentage can reduce costs.

[0032] A feeding inlet is located at the top of the net cage body 10. The feeding device 20 includes a float 21, a pull rope 22, a fixing rope 23, a limiting guide rope 24, and an elastic folding channel 25. The float 21 can be a buoy with a signal generator installed on it for easy tracking and locating. One end of the limiting guide rope 24 is connected to the float 21, and the other end is connected to the edge of the feeding inlet. Multiple connecting ropes 42 can be evenly distributed around the feeding inlet, and the limiting guide rope 24 is connected to these connecting ropes 42 so that the lower end of the limiting guide rope 24 is located at the center of the feeding inlet for easy bait placement. By connecting the float 21 to the limiting guide rope 24, the float 21 can be confined within a certain range above the sea surface 51 above the net cage body 10.

[0033] The fixing rope 23 is connected at one end to the float 21 and at the other end to the frame 11 of the net cage body 10. The connection point between the fixing rope 23 and the net cage body 10 is spaced apart from the feeding inlet, and the connection points between the fixing rope 23 and the net cage body 10 are spaced apart circumferentially around the feeding inlet. The fixing rope 23 can better limit the position of the float 21, thereby ensuring the stability of the feeding channel.

[0034] The elastic folding channel 25 includes a net tube 26, several connecting rings 27, several limiting rings 28, and several first elastic elements 29. The net tube 26 is made of a flexible net with fine mesh. The net tube 26 is fitted onto the limiting guide rope 24. The bottom opening of the net tube 26 communicates with the bait inlet, and the top opening of the net tube 26 can extend to the sea surface 51. The bottom opening of the net tube 26 is connected to the frame 11 of the bait inlet through the connecting rings 27, making the net of the net tube 26 less prone to damage. The connecting rings 27 are spaced apart along the length of the net tube 26. The net tube 26 is connected to the connecting rings 27, and the setting of the connecting rings 27 can open the net tube 26 well. The net tube 26 can be integrally formed, that is, the net tube 26 is not divided into multiple segments. As an alternative, the net tube 26 is divided into several segments, which are connected in series by the connecting rings 27 to form a complete feeding channel. The latter is preferred, as it facilitates manufacturing and later maintenance.

[0035] Adjacent connecting rings 27 are connected by at least one first elastic element 29. Preferably, at least two first elastic elements 29 are connected between adjacent connecting rings 27, and the first elastic elements 29 are evenly distributed to facilitate synchronous contraction. To avoid interference with the flexible netting during contraction, a limiting ring 28 is provided between adjacent connecting rings 27. The limiting ring 28 is fitted around the outer periphery of the net cylinder 26 and is connected to the net cylinder 26. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the net cylinder 26 (i.e., a section of the cylinder) located between adjacent connecting rings 27 decreases from the end to the middle, and the position with the smallest cross-sectional area is the connection position of the limiting ring 28. With this arrangement, the net cylinder 26 in its extended state is less prone to wrinkles, thereby avoiding affecting bait placement and preventing possible bait trapping due to wrinkles.

[0036] Alternatively, the net tube 26 is fitted around the outer periphery of the limiting ring, and adjacent limiting rings are connected by at least one second elastic element. This arrangement improves the contraction capability of the elastic folding channel 25. The first elastic element 29 and the second elastic element can be elastic ropes.

[0037] One end of the pull rope 22 is connected to the float 21, and the other end is connected to the connecting ring 27 at the top of the net tube 26 to prevent damage to the flexible netting. Multiple pull ropes 22 can be installed. In addition, the length of the pull rope 22 must be greater than the length of the limiting guide rope 24.

[0038] In normal conditions (i.e., non-feeding state), the net tube 26 can be folded and stored above the bait inlet due to the weight of the connecting ring 27, the weight of the limiting ring 28, and the elastic force of the elastic element. When feeding is needed, the pull rope 22 is pulled upward to lengthen the net tube 26, thereby establishing a feeding channel from the sea surface 51 to the net cage body 10. After feeding is completed, the pull rope 22 is released, and the net tube 26 retracts and folds under the weight of the connecting ring 27, the weight of the limiting ring 28, and the elastic force of the elastic element, completing the storage.

[0039] To prevent the fish from escaping while the container is in its closed state, a drawstring 2a is provided at the top of the net cylinder 26 to tighten the top opening of the elastic folding channel 25. In addition, an escape-proof net can be installed at the feeding inlet or the bottom opening of the elastic folding channel 25. Generally, an escape-proof net is more suitable when the fish to be farmed are relatively large. In this way, the mesh size of the escape-proof net can be set to be larger to avoid blocking the passage of the bait.

[0040] The main lifting device includes a main airbag 31 and a first air pipe. The main airbag 31 is connected and fixed to the frame 11 at the top of the net cage body 10, and the main airbag 31 is arranged around the outer periphery of the net cage body 10 to ensure that the net cage body 10 remains stable when floating. One end of the first air pipe is connected to the main airbag 31, and the other end of the first air pipe extends to the sea surface 51. A first valve is provided on the end of the first air pipe extending to the sea surface 51. The first valve is normally closed to prevent seawater from entering and affecting the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag 31. The first air pipe can be set along the fixing rope 23 and the two are connected together. At the same time, the upper end of the first air pipe can also be connected to the float 21 for easy location.

[0041] The segmented lifting device includes several segments of lifting mechanisms arranged around the main body of the net cage. Specifically, each segmented lifting mechanism includes an anchor block 41, a connecting rope 42, at least one counterweight 43, at least one airbag 44, and at least one second air pipe. One end of the connecting rope 42 is connected and fixed to the frame 11 at the bottom of the net cage, and the other end of the connecting rope 42 is connected to the anchor block 41, which is spaced apart from the main body of the net cage. The counterweight 43 corresponds one-to-one with the airbag 44. The counterweight 43 is connected to the middle section of the connecting rope 42, and the counterweight 43 is spaced apart on the connecting rope 42 to connect the airbag 44 to the counterweight 43. Since the counterweight 43 will touch the bottom, a protective frame 45 is also added to protect the airbag 44. The airbag 44 is placed in the protective frame 45 to prevent hard objects (such as reefs) on the seabed 52 from causing damage such as scratches or abrasions to the airbag 44. As an alternative, an auxiliary airbag 44 is installed only on the counterweight 43 closest to the cage body 10 on the connecting rope 42, and the former is preferred in this case.

[0042] Each second air tube corresponds to at least one airbag 44. Generally, it is preferable that each airbag 44 in a segmented lifting mechanism corresponds to one second air tube. Alternatively, only one second air tube can be configured in a segmented lifting mechanism, with each airbag 44 connected to the second air tube via a three-way valve. In this case, the former is preferred. One end of the second air tube is connected to the airbag 44, and the other end of the second air tube extends to the sea surface 51, with a second valve provided on the end of the second air tube extending to the sea surface 51. The second air tube is also laid along the connecting rope 42 and the fixing rope 23, and is also fixed to the connecting rope 42 and the fixing rope 23. The upper end of the second air tube can be connected to the float 21 for easy locating. As a preferred solution, each segmented lifting mechanism is equipped with only one counterweight 43, which facilitates buoyancy control.

[0043] To ensure the aquaculture cages can be raised and lowered, this design requires that the maximum buoyancy of the auxiliary airbag 44 is not less than the weight of its corresponding counterweight 43, and the sum of the weight of the cage body 10 and the force exerted on the cage body 10 by the seabed 52 is less than the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag 31. The counterweight 43 closest to the cage body in each segmented lifting mechanism is defined as the first counterweight. Therefore, the sum of the weight of the cage body and the weights of all first counterweights is greater than the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag 31. Preferably, all counterweights 43 are of equal weight, and the arrangement of the counterweights 43 on the connecting rope 42 is the same in each segmented lifting mechanism. It is also preferable that the distance and height difference between the anchor block 41 and the cage body are the same.

[0044] The above-mentioned method for floating aquaculture cages includes the following steps: S1: Inflate the main airbag 31. When the buoyancy of the main airbag 31 is greater than the sum of the weight of the net cage body 10 and the force exerted on it by the silt on the seabed 52, the net cage body 10 can leave the seabed 52. At this point, stop inflating the main airbag 31, and the net cage body 10 begins to rise. When the net cage body 10 rises a certain distance, it needs to pull the nearest counterweight 43 that is sunk on the seabed 52. Under the gravity of the counterweight 43, the net cage body 10 will decelerate and hover. The hovering height of the net cage body 10 when it rises (i.e., the distance from the seabed 52 to the bottom of the net cage body 10) depends on the length of the counterweight 43 on the connecting rope 42 to the net cage body 10.

[0045] S2: Wait n minutes, where n > 0. The waiting time is determined by factors such as the distance the net cage body 10 floats and the type of fish being farmed. Waiting for a certain period of time allows the farmed fish to adapt to changes in water pressure.

[0046] S3: Inflate the auxiliary airbag 44 of the counterweight 43, which is closest to the main body of the net cage 10 and submerged on the seabed 52. The buoyancy of the auxiliary airbag 44 begins to increase, and the buoyancy of the auxiliary airbag 44 will counteract the weight of the corresponding counterweight 43. When the buoyancy of the auxiliary airbag 44 reaches a certain level, the main body of the net cage 10 can continue to rise. At this time, the inflation of the auxiliary airbag 44 is stopped. If the main body of the net cage 10 has not yet risen to the surface 51, it can be suspended again due to the unlifted counterweight 43, allowing the farmed fish to adapt to changes in water pressure.

[0047] S4: If the net cage body 10 floats to the surface 51, the process ends; otherwise, repeat steps S2 and S3 until the net cage body 10 floats to the surface 51. The number of repetitions of steps S2 and S3 is determined by a combination of factors, including the water level at various locations of the net cage body 10 and the species of fish being farmed.

[0048] In this case, the main airbag 31 and the auxiliary airbag 44 are designed such that, when underwater, if they are not inflated, they can be flattened by water pressure. The buoyancy of the flattened main airbag 31 and auxiliary airbag 44 is almost negligible. Furthermore, the main airbag 31 and auxiliary airbag 44 do not require inlet / outlet control, simplifying control, and their internal cavities are less prone to contamination and blockage. The inflation of the main airbag 31 and auxiliary airbag 44 can be achieved by connecting the first and second air pipes to an air compressor located on the sea surface 51.

[0049] The auxiliary airbag 44 simplifies the control of the buoyancy of the net cage body 10. During the first stage of buoyancy, the main airbag 31 can be inflated until the net cage body 10 floats and then the inflation stops. During the subsequent staged buoyancy, the auxiliary airbag 44 is inflated sequentially until the net cage body 10 floats and then the inflation stops. There is no need to set up sensors or other devices to balance the buoyancy changes. The control requirements are low, the operation is easier, and the failure rate is also lower.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A type of aquaculture cage, characterized in that, include: The cage body, main lifting device, and segmented lifting device; The main lifting device includes a main airbag and a first air pipe. The main airbag is connected to the top of the net cage body and surrounds the outer periphery of the net cage body. One end of the first air pipe is connected to the main airbag, and the other end of the first air pipe extends to the sea surface. A first valve is provided on the end of the first air pipe that extends to the sea surface. The segmented lifting device includes several segments of lifting mechanisms arranged around the main body of the net cage. Each segmented lifting mechanism includes an anchor block, a connecting rope, at least one counterweight, at least one auxiliary airbag, and at least one second air pipe. One end of the connecting rope is connected to the bottom of the main body of the net cage, and the other end is connected to the anchor block. The counterweight is connected to the middle section of the connecting rope, and the counterweight is spaced out on the connecting rope. Each auxiliary airbag corresponds to a counterweight, or the auxiliary airbag is corresponding to the counterweight closest to the main body of the net cage on the connecting rope, and the auxiliary airbag is connected to the counterweight or the connecting rope. Each second air pipe corresponds to at least one auxiliary airbag, one end of the second air pipe is connected to the auxiliary airbag, and the other end of the second air pipe extends to the sea surface, and a second valve is provided on the end of the second air pipe extending to the sea surface. The maximum buoyancy of the auxiliary airbag is not less than the weight of its corresponding counterweight; the sum of the weight of the net cage body and the force exerted by the seabed on the net cage body is less than the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag; the counterweight closest to the net cage body in each segmented lifting mechanism is defined as the first counterweight, then the sum of the weight of the net cage body and the weight of all first counterweights is greater than the maximum buoyancy of the main airbag.

2. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a protective frame corresponding to each of the auxiliary airbags, with the auxiliary airbags placed in the protective frame.

3. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cage body includes a frame and a composite mesh, the composite mesh being connected to the frame; the composite mesh is formed by splicing a first mesh and a second mesh, wherein the first mesh is a mesh with anti-fouling function.

4. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The area of ​​the first mesh garment accounts for 30-70% of the total area of ​​the composite mesh garment.

5. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding device, which comprises a float, a pull rope, a limiting guide rope, and an elastic folding channel. The top of the net cage body is provided with a feeding inlet; the bottom of the elastic folding channel is connected to the aquaculture net cage, and the elastic folding channel is connected to the feeding inlet of the aquaculture net cage; the top of the elastic folding channel is connected to the float via a pull rope; one end of the limiting guide rope is connected to the float, and the other end of the limiting guide rope is connected to the aquaculture net cage; the elastic folding channel is slidably connected relative to the limiting guide rope.

6. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic folding channel includes a mesh cylinder, a plurality of connecting rings, and a plurality of first elastic elements. The mesh cylinder is made of flexible mesh. The connecting rings are spaced apart along the length of the mesh cylinder, and the mesh cylinder is connected to the connecting rings. Each pair of adjacent connecting rings is connected by at least one first elastic element.

7. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic folding channel also includes several limiting rings, the size of which is smaller than that of the connecting rings; a limiting ring is provided between each pair of adjacent connecting rings, the limiting ring being sleeved on the outer periphery of the mesh cylinder, or the mesh cylinder being sleeved on the outer periphery of the limiting ring; the limiting ring is connected to the mesh cylinder; the cross-sectional area of ​​the mesh cylinder located between each pair of adjacent connecting rings decreases from the end to the middle.

8. The aquaculture cage as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The feeding device also includes several fixing ropes, one end of which is connected to a float and the other end of which is connected to a net cage. The connection nodes between the fixing ropes and the net cage are spaced apart from the feeding inlet, and the connection nodes between the fixing ropes and the net cage are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the feeding inlet. A signal generator is installed in the float.

9. The method for floating aquaculture cages as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Inflate the main airbag; stop inflating the main airbag when the cage body leaves the seabed. S2: Wait n minutes, where n > 0; S3: Inflate the auxiliary airbags and stop inflating them after the cage body has risen a set distance; S4: If the main body of the net cage floats to the surface, the process ends; otherwise, repeat steps S2 and S3 until the main body of the net cage floats to the surface.

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