Insect rearing system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an insect rearing system for the industrial, automated rearing of insects, comprising: a shelf channel block; a storage machine; and a retrieval machine; wherein the storage machine pushes stacks of rearing containers to be stored from its load-carrying means in a (shelf) longitudinal direction into a shelf storage channel, while stacks already stored are pushed further within the corresponding shelf storage channel. Each of the stacks is formed by a plurality of vertically stacked rearing containers, each of which can be filled with insect larvae.

Description

The present disclosure relates to an insect breeding system for industrial automated breeding of insects. The disclosure further relates to a method for operating a shelf channel block which is configured for industrial automated breeding of insects.The document US 2018 / 0 070 566 A1 discloses a farm for the industrial breeding of insects. The farm comprises a storage area and an action or handling area which are connected to one another via a conveying technology (interface). The insects are stored in containers which are arranged in the storage area in stacks one above the other. A plurality of the stacks are grouped on a pallet for storage in a high bay warehouse comprising respective pallet racks. The high-bay store represents the storage area. For storing and removing the pallets, conventional storage and retrieval devices are used. The storage and retrieval devices are arranged in (rack) drawers which are defined between the racks in a transverse direction Z of the racks. The shelves are back to back. The storage and retrieval devices store the pallets in the transverse direction Z in storage compartments which are used singly or doubly deeply. Discharged pallets are transported in a longitudinal direction X of the shelves within the gate to the end side of the shelves, where they are discharged from the storage and retrieval devices to the conveyor system. The throughput (number of storage or storage / time units) is low, in particular because the storage and retrieval units have to cover long paths within the aisles. The feeding process takes a long time because the containers must travel a long distance between the storage area and the action area, which has an efficiency-reducing effect. Coordinating the culture or storage time is complex because storage is to be carried out according to the FIFO principle. The storage and retrieval units sometimes have to carry out many rearrangements in order to arrange the stacks within the storage area in a FIFO-optimized manner, and in particular in a temporally sorted manner.The document WO 2014 / 171 829 A1 likewise discloses a method and a system for the industrial breeding of insects. There too, the insects are stored in containers which are arranged one above the other to form stacks. However, no pallets are used for storing and transporting the container stacks. The stacks are stored in a bottom storage. Here again, the same, if not more severe, problems arise as already described above.U.S. Pat. No. 2018 / 0 070 566 A1 and WO 2014 / 171 829 A1 thus differ primarily in their storage systems (rack storage vs. floor storage) and in their storage mode (with or without load carriers).Generally, various conventional storage systems and storage modes are known.In a conventional static shelf storage, the storage units are not moved during their storage time. They are statically mounted. In the case of dynamic shelf storage, the storage units are moved (in the shelf) temporally between the storage and removal process. In other words, this means that the storage units are moved while they are located in the rack and are thus stored there. They are thus stored dynamically. This can be done in the rack either by a passive movement of the storage units itself (by means of gravity) or by an active displacement of the storage units (by means of driven conveying technology).In a passive continuous shelf (store), the storage unit moves continuously from one storage side to the opposite storage side in shelf channels which are arranged at an inclination due to the force of gravity. The multiple-depth storage channels are arranged next to one another and one above the other, so that a compact, block-like rack-and-rack construction (rack construction) results. As far as possible, the dimensions (in particular the height and width) of the rack ducts are adapted to the dimensions of the respective storage units. FIG. 9 illustrates a conventional continuous rack store.In a satellite rack store (not shown), the (mostly palletized) storage units are likewise stored multiple depths in the horizontally oriented rack channels. Access to the storage channels is effected via a rail-guided channel conveyor which can be moved with a rack and retrieval device (transversely) along a front side of the channels which form an end side of the rack. The rack conveyor conveys (instead of a telescopic fork) the autonomous guided vehicle, the so-called satellite, which can (longitudinally) extend into and out of the storage channels and which has a very low overall height. The satellite vehicle can load and unload the storage units independently. Each bearing channel has in its lower region two laterally arranged profile rails which have two horizontal parallel surfaces, wherein the upper surface serves as a bearing or standing surface for the bearing units and wherein the lower surface serves as a running surface for the satellite vehicle. The storage units are (individually) traveled under by the satellite vehicle, lifted, transferred and then lowered again in order to change the positions of the storage units within the respective channel.DE 10 2020 004 957 A1 relates to a method for obtaining insect flour.It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular to provide an improved system and an improved method for attracting insects.This object is achieved by an insect breeding system for industrial automated breeding of insects, which comprises: a shelf channel block which is formed from a plurality of shelf storage channels arranged - in a height direction and in a transverse direction of the shelf channel block, preferably without a spacing, wherein each of the shelf storage channels is configured to receive a plurality of breeding container stacks (substantially without a spacing) one behind the other in a longitudinal direction; a storage machine which is preferably a stationary lifter and / or a storage and retrieval machine which can be moved in the transverse direction and which is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the storage duct block and which has a, preferably exclusively, vertically movable load-receiving means (LAM), which comprises: at least one stack pushing unit which is preferably mounted displaceably in the transverse direction and is configured to push a stack to be stored from the LAM into one of the storage ducts and during this to push further stacks already stored within the corresponding storage duct in the longitudinal direction; and a storage machine, which is preferably a stationary lifter and / or a storage and retrieval device movable in the transverse direction, which is arranged at a second opposite longitudinal end of the storage channel block and which has a, preferably exclusively, vertically movable LAM, which comprises: at least one stack pulling unit, which is preferably mounted displaceably in the transverse direction and is configured to pull at least one stack to be stored onto the LAM from a corresponding storage channel in the longitudinal direction; wherein each of the stacks is formed by a plurality of (identical) breeding containers stacked vertically one above the other, each of which can be filled with insect larvae.The system proposed here has a high storage density. The containers are stored stacked one above the other as stacks. The channels are optimally adapted to the stacks in terms of their size. The rack consists exclusively of storage space. There are no voids. Spaces for active conveyors (conveyor or satellite vehicles) are not required. The available storage space is optimally used.Very many stacks are buffered in the longitudinal direction one behind the other within the same shelf storage channel. The channel length is so long that more stacks than otherwise usual are buffered one after the other. Nevertheless, active delivery within the channel can be dispensed with, and the respective stack pushing unit is configured to exert large pushing forces during the storing in order also to push the already stored stacks further within the channel. The channels do not require active drives to move the already stored stacks further within the channels. The further movement is caused solely by the storage machine.Preferably, a height and / or a width of each channel is selected such that the stacks cannot tilt, tilt and not be able to rise while buffered in the channels even during a push through during a storage operation. The channel itself then represents a corresponding holding-down device. The containers of the stacks do not unintentionally separate from one another. The stacks remain stable.The storage machine(s) and the removal machine(s) are decoupled from one another. This means that the storage machine can store, while there is no need for a storage machine to accommodate a pushed-through stack (as long as the corresponding channel is not completely filled) at the opposite end of the channel into which storage is being carried. Conversely, it applies that the unloading machine can also unload an already stored stack independently of the loading machine. The unloading machine is configured to automatically remove a stack to be unloaded from the corresponding channel, in particular with its stack drawing unit. The unloading machine does not rely on the loading machine to simultaneously load a stack to be loaded (into the same channel) during an unloading operation.Preferably, the last storage location of each rack channel is monitored for occupancy, e.g. by means of a light barrier, a weight sensor, a camera or the like. In this way, it can be ensured that no storage takes place in a completely filled channel, which could lead to the last stack falling out and / or to other channel damage.The storage channels and the containers are configured such that the sometimes very high thrust forces can be absorbed without the shelf and / or the stacks collapsing.Since the bearing channels are provided without drives, the control is also simplified. Only the storage machine and / or the removal machine need to be controlled.The system is readily scalable by supplementing any number of further shelf blocks (and correspondingly many storage machines and storage machines), for example in the transverse direction z. Also, expansion in the height direction Y is easily possible. Additional shelf blocks that can define a shelf plane can be built on already existing shelf planes. There is nothing to change in the material flow.The LAM of the storage machine preferably has just as many stack pushing units, which are arranged in particular in a stationary manner, as the rack channel block has rack storage channels next to one another in the transverse direction.If a plurality of thrust units are arranged side by side in the transverse direction Z on a platform of the LAM, it is possible to insert a plurality of storage channels simultaneously. This increases the storage capacity (number of stored stacks / unit time). In addition, the stacks which are at the same depth of the respective channel of a plane all have the same dwell time-and thus mast duration. With an action (storage or removal) with only one (single) machine, a plurality of stacks-and thus a plurality of containers-can be stored or removed simultaneously, all of which bear the same "time stamp". The throughput is increased because a plurality of stacks is handled with a single machine movement, in particular without the use of load carriers, such as pallets.The lack of use of load carriers (pallets) has the effect that the handling time is shortened once again, because depalletizing and palletizing can be dispensed with completely. Depalletizing and palletizing stations are not needed, which further reduces costs and yet shortens cycle time.If the pushing units can be individually controlled, the actually simultaneous storage process of a plurality of stacks can be carried out with a slight time offset in order to avoid an accumulation of force peaks which would load the rack frame and also the storage machine(s) only unnecessarily greatly.In particular, the LAM of the storage machine further comprises: at least one conveyor which extends in the transverse direction of the rack channel block and which conveys the stack or stacks to be stored in the transverse direction in front of the rack storage channel or channels into which the respective stack is to be stored.The conveyor may be mounted on the platform of the LAM. The conveyor represents a material-flow continuation of a rack-external conveying system. The conveyor enables automated feeding of stacks to be stored, in particular directly in front of the channels into which the stacks are to be stored. The conveyor can align the stacks to be stored relative to their respective channels.The conveyor can be of modular construction. The corresponding conveying modules can be individually controllable. With the conveyor, the stacks to be stored can be (finely) positioned relative to the corresponding channels. The conveyors may be alignment units.Preferably, the LAM of the storage machine further comprises: at least one stack alignment unit configured to align the stack to be stored in the transverse direction relative to the respective shelf storage channel into which the stack is to be stored.The alignment unit may be implemented in the form of the above-mentioned conveyor.The alignment unit can be implemented by a stop element which can be arranged vertically retractable between rollers of a roller conveyor (or of a module).The alignment unit can be implemented in the form of a camera system which supplies image data which are converted by means of image processing into corresponding control signals for the conveyor modules.The alignment device generally ensures that the stacks to be stored are positioned exactly in front of their respective channels, in particular in the transverse direction Z, before the storing operation begins. In this way, mechanical blockages between the stack and the rack during storage can be prevented. Furthermore, damage to the rack and the stacks can be prevented in this way. The storage is gentle on the stacks. The stacks preferably do not come into contact with the channels during storage. This increases the life of the containers of the stack. This also increases the life of the channel itself. Lower forces are also required for insertion, since no blockages occur.Preferably, the LAM of the storage machine further comprises at least one support element configured to introduce shear reaction forces, which are generated by the at least one stack thrust unit during the insertion, from the LAM into the shelf channel block (and vice versa).The storage machine and the rack channel block can be connected to one another (temporarily or permanently) during a storage operation in which the stacks to be stored are pushed into the channel, in order to better distribute the acting forces. The storage machine can therefore be constructed more easily and less stably. The same applies to the rack of the rack channel block.In addition, the support element prevents an offset between the storage machine and the shelf channel block during storage. The support element represents a mechanical securing means which prevents displacement.In particular, the LAM of the storage machine comprises a plurality of the stack drawers side by side in the transverse direction, wherein the LAM of the storage machine may comprise a corresponding plurality of stack pullers side by side in the transverse direction.The side-by-side provision of a plurality of pushing units and pulling units-according to the number of storage channels arranged side-by-side-increases the performance in the storage and removal of the stacks. The stacks need not be sequentially transferred in and out. A plurality of stacks can be (virtually) simultaneously introduced or removed. The last storage location within each channel may be monitored. The last storage location is served by the drawing unit. Once the last space is free, the pusher unit on the opposite side of the channel can push in a new stack. The stacks may all have the same time stamp at a growth stage, which simplifies material flow coordination and increases throughput.Preferably, the stacks are stored without load carriers in the rack storage channels and handled within the system. In particular, the stacks are stored and moved within the system without pallets.The omission of charge carriers (also) brings about an increase in the storage density, because more stacks per unit volume can be stored. The volume which is usually required for the charge carrier is dispensed with in the storage region. The rack can be designed correspondingly lighter, because the rack must be able to carry a lower total weight. The weight of the load carriers is dispensed with.The same applies to the conveying technology which must transport the stacks within the system between different locations. Thus, for example, rather than heavy off-shelf chain conveyors, which are usually used for transporting pallets, lighter belt or roller conveyors can be used.In addition, time-consuming palletizing and depalletizing processes are dispensed with, in particular during feeding.Preferably, each of the rack storage channels has an identical stack storage capacity, wherein each of the rack storage channels is configured to accommodate at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 of the stacks one behind the other in the longitudinal direction.Since the channels have an identical length and are usually also simultaneously filled with new stacks, the already stored stacks have an identical dwell time at the outlet end of the corresponding channels. This is advantageous in the breeding of insects because the insects must be fed after a fixed predetermined time (with little tolerance). In other words, an increase in throughput can be achieved in the winding and feeding.The large number of stacks which can be stored one behind the other in each of the channels enables continuous operation of the overall system. Both the storing machines and the removing machines can be operated almost continuously 24 hours a day, while the residence time of the insects within the storage area is nevertheless ensured. The system can thus be operated very efficiently and in particular without standstill.The system preferably further comprises a (rack-external) conveyor system which is coupled to the storage machine and to the storage machine with respect to a material flow, wherein the conveyor system surrounds the storage machine, the storage machine and the rack channel block preferably circumferentially - in particular at a minimum distance from the rack.The conveying technology ensures the material flow connection of the storage area to other functional areas of the system. Feeding, examination of the growth stage, occupying, transferring, harvesting, (container) cleaning and the like can be carried out at remote locations, which can be advantageous in particular with regard to the climatic conditions within the storage area. In other words, this means that only the storage area (rack channel block or rack blocks) can be treated particularly with regard to air conditioning.On the other hand, the feeding can take place in the immediate vicinity of the shelf channel block. The transport paths are correspondingly short. The throughput is increased accordingly.When the (rack-external) conveying system circulates around the storage machines, storage machines and rack blocks, the stacks can be transported between all possible locations without having to pass through the rack channel block. Feeding stations may be positioned in close proximity to the shelf channel block.Preferably, the system further comprises a stacking device and / or a destacking device.Stacks are required in the storage area. In other functional areas, it is advantageous if the containers are provided individually (such as, for example, during feeding). Therefore, stacking and destacking devices are advantageous.This object is furthermore achieved by a method for operating a shelf channel block which is set up for the industrial automated breeding of insects and which has a multiplicity of shelf storage channels one above the other and / or next to one another, wherein each of the storage channels is set up to buffer a multiplicity of insect breeding containers (without load carriers) in the longitudinal direction of the shelf channel block in storage locations arranged (directly) one behind the other, wherein the method has the steps: a) automated initial filling of one of the breeding containers with young insects of an initial growth stage and with feed; b) automated storage of the filled breeding container by moving it into one of the storage channels on the input side, which is linked to a current growth stage of the breeding container to be stored and which is not completely filled, in particular by being inserted in such a way that breeding containers already stored in the respective storage channel move further in the longitudinal direction in the respective storage channel by one of the storage locations; c) automated removal of one of the stored breeding containers on the output side from the respective storage channel when: i) a mast cycle (feeding cycle) linked to the one of the stored breeding containers has expired, as a result of which the current growth stage increases by a growth stage counter, and ii) the one of the stored breeding containers is positioned on a last of the storage locations of the respective storage channel; d) determining whether the current growth stage of the out-stored breeding vessel has reached a harvesting stage, wherein the harvesting stage corresponds to a maximum growth stage counter to be reached; e1) when the harvesting stage of the out-stored breeding vessel is reached, harvesting the appropriately aged insects by automatically emptying the out-stored breeding vessel and returning to step a); or e2) when the harvesting stage of the out-stored breeding vessel is not yet reached, automatically filling the out-stored breeding vessel with feed again and re-storing according to step b).The method ensures continuous operation of a shelf channel block during insect breeding. The channels are optimally utilized. Only a few climate zones are required, which can be realized easily, for example by horizontal partition walls, which can be offset (even subsequently) as required.A continuous cycle takes place. The insects are stored on the exit side, whereby space is created on the entry side for storage. By storing the insects can be pushed further by one position within a channel, whereby the next stage can be accessed again at the output as soon as it is mature.Depending on the channel depth, the storing and removing machines can be optimally utilized, resulting in a high yield of insects that can be grown and harvested.The method preferably further comprises: initially filling the shelf channel block with empty breeding containers, so that each of the storage locations is occupied by one of the breeding containers.The containers or stacks are pushed through. An active conveying technique within the channels can be dispensed with.Preferably, in step e 2), the insects of the stored breeding container are distributed, after reaching a predetermined growth stage, which is earlier than the harvesting stage, and before being filled again with feed, to a predetermined insect growth-specific number of empty breeding containers, which are subsequently re-stored according to step b).The volume increase during insect growth is taken into account (in advance). There are no undesirable capacity problems.Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: initially associating the storage channels with one or more of the growth stages; wherein in particular the storage channel or channels of an uppermost / lowermost storage level are associated with the initial growth stage, the storage channel or channels of a lowermost / uppermost storage level are associated with the harvesting stage, and the storage channel or channels between the uppermost / lowermost and lowermost / uppermost storage levels are associated with a growth stage increasing / decreasing in levelwise manner.The insects "meander" through the shelf block. The transport paths from the channel outlet to the channel inlet are at most short. The cropable insects are preferably provided on the ground, so that no (further) heights need to be bridged during shipment.Each of the storage channels is preferably served: on the input side by a pushing unit which is configured to push a breeding container to be stored into the corresponding storage channel, so that breeding containers already stored are simultaneously pushed further in the longitudinal direction within the corresponding storage channel, and on the opposite output side by a receiving unit, in particular by a pulling unit which is configured to receive a breeding container to be stored from a last of the storage locations of the corresponding storage channel in the longitudinal direction.The method can also be implemented ideally with a system of the type mentioned at the beginning, where a plurality of channels are provided next to one another and one above the other, where storage and unloading machines are used which store and unload a plurality of container stacks simultaneously.It is understood that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. The following are shown: FIG. 1 is a layout (plan view) of an insect breeding system; FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a bottom portion of a shelf channel block; FIG. 3 is various views of an insect breeding vessel; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stack of insect breeding bins of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of an insulated rack channel block including a storage machine; FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of an inlet side of the shelf channel block of FIG. 5 in a middle height range during a storage process; FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of a removal side of the shelf channel block of FIGS. 5 and 6 during a removal process; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional continuous storage rack. FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating a shelf channel block; and FIG. 11 is a side view of a shelf channel block illustrating a distribution of growth states over levels and channel depths.Fig. 1 shows a layout of an insect breeding system 10, which will also be referred to as "system" 10 (for insect breeding) in short hereinafter. FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the layout of the system 10.The insect breeding system 10 is set up for the industrial automated breeding of insects (based on larvae and / or eggs). The system 10 includes at least one shelf channel block 12. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, eight shelf blocks 12-1 to 12-8 which can be arranged spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction Z of the system 10 in order to enable air conditioning and ventilation. It will be appreciated that more or fewer shelf blocks 12 may be provided in the system 10. The system 10 may also include only a single shelf channel block 12.The shelf block or blocks 12 functionally represent one or more storage areas of the system 10. In these storage areas young insects (e.g. from eggs or as larvae) grow into adult insects during a breeding cycle, and are then harvested. During the growth phase, it may be necessary to deposit and de-deposit the growing insects a number of times, for example in order to: feed the insects (after the end of an insect-specific mast time of, for example, 24 hours); check a current stage of growth and / or other parameters of the growing insects; implement insects by, for example, distributing growing insects from one container to a plurality of containers on the basis of their volume increase; sort out dead insects; treat insects (for example, medicinally); and the like. At the end of the growth phase, the adult insects leave the storage area to be harvested (e.g., elsewhere in another, remote functional area). Thereafter, the culturing cycle starts from the beginning.In general, each of the shelf blocks 12 has a plurality of shelf storage channels 14, which are also referred to here for short as storage channels 14 only, which are arranged in a height direction Y of the system 10 and in the transverse direction Z of the system 10, preferably in each case without a spacing. The shelf storage channels 14 are defined by a shelf and may extend substantially along a longitudinal direction X of the system 10. The top view of FIG. 1 shows an uppermost plane of rack storage channels 14.Generally, each of the shelf blocks 12 may be formed from, for example, four storage channels 14 that may be arranged side by side in the transverse direction Z (without spacing). It will be appreciated that each of the shelf blocks 12 may have more or fewer storage channels 14 in the transverse direction Z. Preferably, however, each of the shelf blocks 12 has at least two storage channels 14 next to one another. Particularly preferred embodiments have either three, four or five bearing channels 14 next to one another, as will be explained in more detail below. However, it also functions with only a single bearing channel 14 in the transverse direction Z.Each of the shelf blocks 12 may have a plurality of the storage channels 14 vertically one above the other. Preferably, up to twenty bearing channels 14 are arranged one above the other (without any spacing), as will be explained in more detail below. The height direction Y is not illustrated in FIG. 1.Vertical and / or horizontal partition walls can separate the different age zones in the rack, define spaces for different climates and / or limit the (storage) volume to specific areas of the storage in the event of contamination. A horizontal climatic separation of the duct planes is preferred.Each of the rack storage channels 14 is configured to receive a plurality of rearing container stacks 16, the structure of which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, one after the other in the longitudinal direction X, preferably almost without a spacing, (directly, i.e. almost without a spacing) on storage locations 17. Each of the stacks 16 can be formed by a multiplicity of (identical) breeding containers 33 which are stacked vertically one above the other and each of which is in turn usually filled with insect larvae (and the deposits and feeds thereof) in the storage region formed by the shelf blocks 12. However, it also works with stacks 16 with the height of a single container 33.In FIG. 1, each of the storage channels 14 is filled with 39 stacks 16 by way of example. In this case, each of the channels 39 has storage places 17 one behind the other. More or fewer stacks 16 (or even only (individual) containers 33) can be stored per channel 14.Each of the shelf storage channels 14 is further configured to pass one or more of the stacks 16, or individual containers 33. Each of the rack storage channels 14 can be provided for this purpose with roller strips 54 (see FIG. 2 ) (arranged on the channel bottom side). The roller strips 54 can be positioned on the bottom side in a left and right edge region of the channels 14.The bearing channels 14 are preferably oriented horizontally, i.e. horizontally. This means that the stacks 16 do not (can) move by gravity alone within their respective channel 14. The lack of inclination has the advantage that the growing insects within the containers 33 remain uniformly distributed in the stacks 16 and do not collect--due to gravity--at a lowest point and then fall out of the container.A movement of the stacks 16 within their channels 14 is preferably effected by forces actively introduced from the outside, as will be explained in more detail below.The rollers 55 of the roller strips 54 can be actively driven and / or configured passively (i.e. freely rotating). A passive configuration is preferred. It should be understood that other elements could be used instead of the roller ledges 54 to (slidably) support the stored stacks 16 within the channels 14. Instead of the roller strips 54, friction-reducing slide rails (not shown) or similar components could be used, for example.Preferably, each of the rack storage channels 14 has at its input-side and / or output-side ends so-called push-through securing means (for example, ratchets) in order to prevent the stored stacks 16 from being unintentionally pushed out of the respective channel 14 or falling out, as will be explained in more detail below.A length of the channels 14 is substantially longer than is customary in the logistics industry. The channel lengths can be between 20 and 50 m long, so that the stacks 16 can be stored significantly deeper than one to five times deep one behind the other. The storage density is very high.Each of the shelf blocks 12 can be provided (on the input side) with its own (stationary) storage machine 18. The storage machines 18 can be positioned on input-side end sides of the respective shelf blocks 12 (directly adjoining). The front sides of the shelf blocks 12 on the input side extend in the YZ plane in FIG. 1. The front sides on the input side of the shelf blocks 12 are defined by longitudinal ends on the input side of the corresponding shelf storage channels 14. The input longitudinal ends of the rack storage channels 14 also define a first longitudinal end of the respective rack channel block 12.The storage machines 18 are preferably stationary lifters 20 and / or one or more storage and retrieval devices (SRD) that can be moved in the transverse direction Z, which are not shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, eight stationary lifters 20 are also shown by way of example, corresponding to the eight shelf blocks 12. Each of the lifters 20 of FIG. 1 may simultaneously service the exemplary four storage channels 14 of a respective shelf plane of its corresponding shelf channel block 12. A structure and an operation of the lifter 20 will be explained in more detail below.Each of the storage machines 18 has a, preferably exclusively, vertically movable load-receiving means (LAM) 22. Each of the LAMs 22 has a horizontally oriented platform 23 and can furthermore comprise at least one stack pushing unit 24, which is preferably mounted displaceably in the transverse direction Z and which is also referred to here for short only as pushing unit 24. Each of the platforms 23 may be configured to receive a number n of the stacks 16 (simultaneously adjacent in Z), where n is preferably less than or equal to a number of the storage channels 14 arranged adjacent to each other in Z at the corresponding shelf channel block 12. In FIG. 1, n=4, for example.Each of the stack pushing units 24 is configured to push a stack 16 to be stored from the LAM 22 into one of the shelf storage channels 14 and further to push stacks 16 already stored further within the corresponding shelf storage channel 14, as will be explained in more detail later. This means in particular that each of the stack pushing units 24 is configured to exert a correspondingly high force on the stack or stacks 16 which are currently to be stored and which are located on the platform 23, and optionally on the stacks 16 which are already stored in the channel 14, such that the stacks 16 which are already stored can be pushed further or pushed through within the respective channel 14 in the direction of a channel outlet by means of the stack or stacks 16 which are to be stored. The LAM 22 may be configured to couple to the rack of the respective rack channel block 12 for appropriate force transmission, as will be explained in more detail below.On the opposite second end face of the respective shelf blocks 12, each of the shelf blocks 12 can be provided with a (preferably dedicated) unloading machine 26. The unloading machines 26 can be positioned (directly) adjacent to the output-side end faces of the respective shelf blocks 12. The output-side end faces of the shelf blocks 12 extend in the YZ plane in FIG. 1. The outlet-side end faces of the shelf blocks 12 are defined by outlet-side longitudinal ends of the corresponding shelf storage channels 14. The output-side longitudinal ends of the shelf storage channels define a second longitudinal end of the respective shelf channel block 12 which is opposite the first longitudinal end.The unloading machines 26 are preferably likewise stationary lifters 20 and / or one or more SRDs which can be moved in the transverse direction Z and are not illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, eight stationary lifters 20 are also provided on the output side by way of example. Each of these lifters 20 can simultaneously serve the four storage channels 14 of its corresponding shelf channel block 12 arranged side by side in FIG. 1.Each of the delivery machines 26 likewise has a, preferably exclusively, vertically movable LAM 28. Each of the LAMs 28 has a horizontally oriented platform 23 and can furthermore comprise at least one stack drawing unit 30, which is preferably mounted displaceably in the transverse direction Z. Each of the platforms 23 may be configured to receive the number n of stacks 16 (concurrently adjacent in Z).Each of the stack drawing units 30 can be configured to draw a (single), and preferably also simultaneously multiple stacks 16 to be removed from one of the respective shelf storage channels 14 onto the LAM 28. This means in particular that each of the stack drawing units 30 can be configured to exert correspondingly high forces on the stack (or stacks) 16 which is currently to be deposited. The LAM 28 may be configured to couple to the rack of the respective rack channel block 12 for force transmission, as will be explained in greater detail below.Furthermore, the system 10 can have a (rack-external) conveying system 32. The conveyor 32 is configured to transport both the stacks 16 and also individual ones of the breeding containers 33 (cf. FIG. 3 ). The conveyor 32 can be designed, for example, as a roller conveyor or chain conveyor. Other types of conveyors (for example belt conveyors, overhead conveyors, etc.) are likewise conceivable.The conveyor 32 is preferably arranged running around the rack block or blocks 12. In FIG. 1, the conveyor 32 extends around the eight shelf blocks 12- 1 to 12- 8. In this case, the conveyor 32 includes the shelf blocks 12. With regard to a material flow (MF), the conveyor system 32 can be connected to the input-side and output-side lifters 20, i.e., to the storage machines 18 and / or the storage machines 26. The conveyor 32 ensures that the stacking machines 16 are supplied (transported on and off) to the storage machines 18 and to the storage machines 26.In FIG. 1, the material flow (and its direction) is illustrated by arrows "MF". This means that the material flow in the example of FIG. 1 can run clockwise around the shelf blocks 12 and can run from bottom to top inside the shelf blocks 12 or the storage channels 14. The directions may also be rotated. Preferably, however, the movement of the stacks 16 takes place unidirectionally, in particular within the channels 14.The conveyor 32 may be connected to further (functional) regions (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the system 10 via one or more conveyor interfaces or interfaces 34. A feed is illustrated by an arrow "IN". A discharge is illustrated by an arrow "OUT". During delivery, individual ones of the breeding vessels 33 and / or stacks 16 containing young insects (for example larvae) and feed can be transported to the storage area (shelf blocks 12). During the discharge, individual ones of the breeding containers 33 and / or stacks 16 can be transported, for example, to a transfer station, harvesting station, checking station, container washing station and similar stations, which are not shown in FIG. 1.Furthermore, the system 10, in particular in the area of the conveyor 32, can comprise one or more stacking devices 36 and / or one or more destacking devices 38. Each of the stacking devices 36 is configured to make one of the stacks 16 from a plurality of the individual breeding vessels 33 by stacking them one above the other. Each of the destacking devices 38 is configured to separate the stacks 16 into the individual breeding containers 33. The system 10 of Fig. 1 comprises, by way of example, two stacking device 36 and, by way of example, two destacking device 38, in particular in the immediate vicinity of feeding stations. More or fewer of the devices 36 and 38 may be provided.Furthermore, the system 10, in particular in the area of the conveyor 32, can comprise one or more feeding devices 40. The system 10 of FIG. 1 comprises two feeding devices 40 by way of example. Each of the feeding devices or feeding stations 40 can be configured to fill the breeding containers 33 (in particular from above) with feed. The feed stations 40 of FIG. 1 are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the storage area.Feeding is preferably performed while the culture containers 33 pass through the station(s) 40. This means in particular that the containers 33 are moved through the stations 40 without stop while the feed is being added. Since each of the containers 33 (within one of the stacks 16) is to be supplied with feed, the stations 40 are preferably arranged between the devices 36 and 38 with respect to the material flow MF.Furthermore, it is shown in FIG. 1 that the shelf blocks 12 themselves can in turn be arranged spaced apart from one another-in contrast to the channels 14-in the transverse direction Z. The spacing may serve the purpose of creating space for ventilation pipes 44, (maintenance) ducts 46 and / or other elements for supplying the storage region, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2.The (maintenance) gears 46 may be configured to be operated by maintenance technicians. The aisles 46 can be provided, in particular on the input side and / or on the output side of the corresponding rack blocks 12, with one or more conductors 47, cf. FIG. 2 : Furthermore, (horizontal) intermediate floors (not shown) can be provided in the aisles 46, which extend in the longitudinal direction X and which can be spaced apart from one another in the height direction Y.Furthermore, a corresponding air conditioning and / or ventilation system can be provided, which is not shown in FIG. 1, however. The ventilation is preferably configured such that the stacks 16 are ventilated within the channels 14 in the transverse direction Z, as is indicated by arrows 42 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The transverse ventilation can be achieved by using the (empty) ducts 46 between the shelf blocks 12 for blowing in and exhausting (air). The tubes 44 are operated accordingly in the suction or blow mode. A large number of bioparameters for the breeding can be controlled via the aeration or the air linked to it, such as, for example, the temperature (e.g. 28° C.), a (relative) humidity (e.g. 70%), an ammonia content, an oxygen content and the like.The number of channels 14 defining each of the shelf blocks 12 side by side in Z may reference a maximum measure of possible ventilation length or performance. The maximum ventilation length can be, for example, about 3.5 m. Over such a distance, the containers 33 can still be reliably (transversely) aerated. With a container width (in Z) of, for example, 800 mm, the maximum possible ventilation length is achieved with an arrangement of four channels 14 in Z next to one another. It is understood that the number of channels provided side by side in Z may depend on the performance of the ventilation system. If the ventilation system has greater capacity, more channels 14 could also be arranged side by side in Z to define one of the shelf blocks 12 (in the transverse direction Z), respectively. In general, the aim is to keep the number of gears 46 within the overall system as low as possible, in particular in order to increase the storage density.The ventilation performance may also affect the maximum height of each of the shelf blocks 12. Experiments have shown that the shelf blocks 12 should not be higher than 15 m, which are still well ventilated with continuous vertical pipes 44.The maximum height of the shelf blocks 12 may also be affected by the (mechanical) capabilities and characteristics of the lifters 20. The higher the lifters 20, the lower the throughput. The lifters 20 require more time to move their LAMs 22, 28, respectively, from the lowermost storage channel 14 to the uppermost storage channel 14. An operating optimum can also be derived from this.By combining the above values (for example, a height of 15 m and number of channels / jacks of four), the (performance of) jacks 20 can be designed accordingly. The power (number of storage games) that a jack 20 can create is obtained and the number of containers 33 in a stack 16 is derived therefrom. In this way, a container dimension of 800×600×190 mm for the containers 33 and twenty channels 14 (for stacks 16 of three containers 33 each) can be obtained one above the other.FIG. 2 shows a schematic (isolated) front view of one of the shelf blocks 12 of FIG. 1 in the floor region. FIG. 2 shows a view in the longitudinal direction X onto the front side on the input side of the corresponding shelf channel block 12, which stands on the (hall) floor and which is only partially illustrated in the height direction Y. The storage machine 18 belonging to the shelf channel block 12 is not shown.FIG. 2 shows in particular the two lowermost rack planes RE 1 and RE 2, which are arranged one above the other in the height direction Y. As already mentioned above, the rack channel block 12 shown is composed in the Z direction of four rack columns RS 1 to RS 4, each of which comprises a number of storage channels 14 corresponding to the rack planes RE one above the other in the Y direction.In FIG. 2, five channels 14 selected as desired are illustrated by way of example with dashed auxiliary lines. The two lower levels RE 1 and RE 2 are completely filled with stacks 16 in FIG. 2. The stacks 16 consist, by way of example, of in each case three breeding containers 33 arranged one above the other, each of which can have a total weight (container+ insects+feed) of, for example, 15 kg, so that each of the stacks 16 can weigh up to 45 kg. The third rack plane RE 3 is shown empty in FIG. 2.It is further illustrated in Figure 2 that the channels 14 are defined by the shelf. The rack frame comprises in particular (vertical) rack posts 48, (horizontal) cross members 50 (e.g. support brackets, preferably continuous, on which the roller slats can be fastened) and (horizontal) longitudinal members 52 (not shown, perpendicular to the drawing plane of FIG. 2 )). The rack may also include the above-mentioned roller ledges 54. Alternatively to the roller strips 54, roller tracks can also be installed, the rollers of which extend over an entire width of a channel 14.FIGS. 3A-D show different views of an exemplary breeding container 33, which is made in particular from plastic by means of injection molding methods (completely). A lightweight construction is preferred.FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an upper surface of the container 33, FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a lower surface of the container 33, FIG. 3C is a side view of the container 33 taken along a line C-C in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D is a side view of the container 33 taken along a line D-D in FIG. 3A.The container 33 of FIG. 3 has a, preferably closed, bottom 56 and one or more side walls 58 and / or 60. In a use state of the container 33, the base 56 is oriented horizontally and the side wall or side walls 58 and / or 60 are oriented vertically.The (long) side walls 58 and the (short) side walls 60 may be connected in a circumferential direction to secure insects (not shown) to all sides (in particular downwards and laterally) from falling out of the container 33. In the corner regions of the container 33, the side walls 58 and 60 can be provided, for example, with corner elevations 62, which, in a stacked state, i.e. when a plurality of containers 33 are stacked vertically one inside the other and one above the other (cf. FIG. 4 ), can define lateral openings 64 and 66, see also the regions surrounded by dashed lines in FIG. 3A. The openings 64 and 66 serve for aeration of the insects growing in the containers 33. The corner elevations 62 are preferably designed in the manner of grids in order to additionally support ventilation.Preferably, a pair of sides (long or short, depending on the storage orientation) is formed without a grid and / or without an opening 64 or 66, in order to generate a (closed) flow channel for the air, where the air flows in a positively guided manner along a preferred direction.The long side walls 58 are, for example, 800 mm long, see FIG. 3C, and the short side walls 60 are, for example, 600 mm long. The bottom 56 can be shorter than the side walls 58 and 60 in order to enable reliable stacking of the containers 33. The containers 33 can be stacked in particular vertically one inside the other and one above the other, so that the containers 33 cannot slip laterally (horizontally) in the stacked state.This means in particular that the containers 33 can be locked securely into one another within the stack 16. Each of the containers 33 is preferably configured to engage positively in its upper and / or lower neighbors during the vertical stacking. The engagement takes place in particular in such a way that a laterally horizontal offset of the individual containers 33 relative to one another is prevented, as could occur, for example, during insertion into a channel 14 and during passage within the channel 14. During the insertion and the passage, high horizontal forces can act on the stacks 16, in particular if a plurality of fully loaded stacks 16 are arranged one behind the other within one of the channels 14 (in contact). In particular, when the stacks 16 are pushed through the channels 14, the containers 33 are loaded with high pushing forces. Therefore, appropriately planar surfaces and reinforcements are preferably provided. Tilting, tilting or raising of the stacks 16 or (even) separation of the stacks 16 into individual containers 33 can be prevented by corresponding hold-down devices (not shown). The channels 14 themselves can constitute hold-down devices by being correspondingly dimensioned.The floor 56 can be reinforced to support high loads (insects and food, preferably up to 15 kg). The floor 56 may include, for example, reinforcing struts. The bottom 56 is configured to be inserted in a positive-locking manner vertically from above into a container opening, which is not designated in more detail here and is shown, and which is defined by the side walls 58 and 60 or by the corner elevations 62. In other words, this means that a circumferential outer dimension of the base 56 is adapted to a circumferential inner dimension of the opening defined by the corner elevations.Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of two containers 33-1 and 33-2 of the type shown in Fig. 3 which are vertically stacked one above the other. Thus, FIG. 4 shows the above-mentioned stacked state of the containers 33-1 and 33-2. The two containers 33-1 and 33-2 terminate flush with one another with respect to their lateral outer surfaces and form a planar and uniform stack 16 along their outer surfaces.FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of one of the shelf blocks 12 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 shows this shelf channel block 12 in isolation in order to simplify an understanding of the input-side (storing) processes and a structure of the storing machine 18. Channels 14-1 through 14-4 are not shown in full length in X. A conveying connection of the storage machine 18 to the conveying system 32 is likewise not illustrated, although it is present.In the example of FIG. 5, the stacks 16- 1 to 16- 4 to be stored can be moved, for example, from right to left (automated) by the conveyor 32 (not shown) onto the LAM 22 of the storage machine 18, as is indicated by dark arrows in FIG. 5. The LAM 22 may be provided with its own conveyor 68. The conveyor 68 of FIG. 5 is implemented by way of example as a roller conveyor.The conveyor 68 may extend substantially along the transverse direction Z on the LAM 22. The conveyor 68 may be fixedly mounted on the platform 23 of the LAM 22. The conveyor 68 travels with the LAM 22. This means that the conveyor 68 is movable in the height direction Y by means of the LAM 22.The conveyor 68 may be provided with alignment units 70 for stopping and thereby aligning the stacks 16 to be stored exactly in front of their respective channels 14 into which they are to be stored. The units 70 may be implemented, for example, by vertically movably supported (mechanical) stop elements (e.g. plate-like stops) which may be provided in intermediate spaces between adjacent rollers of the roller conveyor. The stop elements can also be implemented by software, for example by using cameras, in order to determine and influence the position of the stack 16 to be stored on the conveyor 68 relative to the corresponding channel 14, for example by means of image processing methods.Preferably, as many stop elements as channels are provided in a plane 14 in the shelf channel block 12. The stop elements are positioned such that the stacks 16 can subsequently be pushed into their channels 14 in the longitudinal direction X without colliding with the rack or the respective channel 14, as will be explained in more detail below.The conveyor 68 may be modular in construction. Preferably, the conveyor 68 is formed from at least as many conveyor modules as there are storage channels 14 in the associated shelf channel block 12. Each of the conveyor modules is in particular at least as long as the channels 14 in Z are wide. The conveying modules can be controlled and operated individually or jointly. The individual control is used in particular when aligning the stacks 16 to be stored in front of their respective channels 14, preferably in combination with the corresponding stop elements. Each conveying module can be provided with its own stop element.Opposite the conveyor 68, corresponding to the channels 14 of the block 12, there are provided a corresponding number of (preferably stationary positioned) stack pusher units 24-1 to 24-4. It will be appreciated that the drawers 24-1 to 24-4 could be replaced by one or more drawers 24 (not shown) movably mounted in Z. The provision of four (separately controllable) pushing units 24 is preferred because in this case the (four) stacks 16 to be stored can be stored (almost) simultaneously. In this way, the time duration of a storage cycle is shortened.Although FIG. 5 shows only a "single-depth" storage of four stacks 16- 1 to 16- 4 to be stored, it is understood that "multiple-depth" could also be stored in that, instead of only one row of stacks 16 to be stored, a plurality of rows, in which the stacks 16 are arranged one behind the other in X, of stacks 16 to be stored are correspondingly positioned next to one another in Z on the LAM 22. In this case, therefore, more than one stack 16 to be stored would be pushed (simultaneously) into the associated channel 14 during storage. Correspondingly more conveyors 68 may be provided on the LAM 22 (not shown).Each of the stack drawers 24 may include a drawer blade 72. The pusher blade 72 may be implemented by one or more plates or ledges oriented, e.g., in the YZ plane, and that may be moved in the longitudinal direction X, for example, via one or more pusher cylinders 74 to push the stacks 16.In FIG. 5, the shields 72 of the units 24 are illustrated in different (actuation) states. The shield 72 of the unit 24- 1 is shown in a fully retracted state, as is the case when the stack 16- 1 to be stored is still fully on the platform 23. The shield 72 of the unit 24- 2 is slightly extended in the (positive) longitudinal direction X, so that the corresponding stack 16- 2 to be stored has moved slightly into the channel 14- 2, but is still partially also seated on the platform 23. The shield 72 of the unit 24- 3 is still extended a certain distance further in the longitudinal direction X, wherein the stack 16- 3 to be stored is however still not completely located in its channel 14- 3. The shield 72 of the unit 24- 4 is (almost) fully extended in the longitudinal direction X, so that the stack 16- 4 to be stored is fully located in its receiving channel 14- 4. The stack 16- 4 is thus stored and is no longer located on the platform 23.At the same time, it can be seen that the stacks 16- 2 to 16- 4 to be stored continue to push or push through the already stored stacks 16, which are additionally characterized by a cross in FIG. 5, within their respective channels 14- 2 to 14- 4 in the positive longitudinal direction X.FIG. 5 shows a snapshot of a storage process, which illustrates the slight time offset during storage. It is understood that the stacks 16- 1 to 16- 4 to be stored could, however, also all be pushed simultaneously into their respective channels 14. In this case, the storage time is correspondingly shorter. However, against a simultaneous storage in all channels 14 of the respective shelf channel block 12, a distribution of the pushing force during the insertion into the channels 14 could talk. A time profile of the respective thrust force is not constant. It has a peak which can occur between the start of insertion and after a maximum of approximately 0.5 s. Therefore, it is preferred to insert stacks 16-1 to 16-4 into channels 14 with a time delay (for example, with a delay of 0.5 s). In this case, the force peaks do not occur simultaneously, but slightly offset in time. The force introduced into the rack by the storage machine 18 is distributed in this case over a longer period of time and thus protects the machine 18 and the rack. A resulting negative influence on the throughput (number of stored stacks / time unit) is almost negligible.The LAM 22 of the storage machine 18 may further include one or more support members 76 (preferably provided laterally on the LAM 22). FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, two supporting elements 76 which can be attached in outer edge regions of the platform 23. The support members 76 overlap with the shelf channel block 12 in the longitudinal direction X. The support members 76 may be fixed to the platform 23 and may include, for example, one or more rollers 78. The rollers 78 may be arranged to engage from behind the shelf posts 48 (outer in Z), which may have a C-shaped profile.In a normal state in which no storage takes place and the LAM 22 is moved in the height direction Y or is loaded via the conveyor system 32 (not shown) with new stacks 16 to be stored, the support elements 76 (via their rollers 78) are not in contact with the shelf channel block 12 (via its outer shelf posts 48). This means that in the normal state of the LAM 22, the rollers 78 have play (both in X and in Z) with the post 48. During storage, the pusher units 24 exert forces in X on the rack, particularly when already stored stacks 16 are present within the corresponding channel 14. The already stored stacks 16 must be pushed further within the channel 14. Therefore, the corresponding reaction force causes the platform 23 to move in the negative X direction. The rollers 78 then contact the C-shaped posts 48 and support the LAM 22 on the shelf channel block 12, respectively.Between the inlets of the channels 14, insertion aids 80 (for example wedges) can be provided in order to guide the stacks 16 to be stored in the direction of a channel center during storage, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Corresponding insertion aids 80 could also be provided on the upper side and / or lower side of the channels.Furthermore, side guides 82 can be provided between the channels 14. The side guides 82 may extend, continuously or discretely divided, over an entire length (in X) of the channels 14. Lateral guidance could also be effected via flange rollers (in the roller strips 54), which instead of normal rollers 50 would have to be provided over an entire channel length or discretely distributed over the channel length. The side guides 82 prevent already stored stacks 16 from being able to move laterally (in Z) out of their respective channel 14, in particular during pushing through. The side guides may be implemented, for example, by rails or plates oriented in the XY plane.FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of an insertion process analogous to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 shows the rack channel block 12 and the insertion machine 18 of FIG. 5, but at a different height of the rack channel block 12, which means in other words that FIG. 6 shows an insertion at a middle height of the rack channel block 12 and thus not at the bottom of the rack channel block 12 as in FIG. 5.For purposes of simplicity of illustration, only one of the channels 14 is illustrated with a roller bar 54 (consisting of a plurality of rollers 55). It is understood that further, correspondingly designed channels 14 are provided above and below the illustrated channel 14. The channel 14 shown is filled with already stored stacks 16. A new stack 16- 1 to be stored is located on the LAM 22 of the storage machine 18, which is arranged on the entry side of the rack channel block 12. The stack 16- 1 to be stored is still completely located on the platform 23.At the input end of the channel 14, one or more return stops 84 can be provided. The return stop 84 can be provided in the region of the roller strips 54 of the channel 14, or also between the roller strips 54. The return stop 84 can be designed to be pivotable. The check valve 84 may be provided with a return spring or an eccentric counterweight (not shown). The return lock 84 is configured to prevent already stored stacks 16 from moving (unintentionally) out of the channel 14 again. The return lock 84 is further configured not to block the stack 16- 1 during storage, for example by being mounted so as to be pivotable downward.It is understood that corresponding return barriers 84 can also be provided at the output end of the respective channels 14, in particular in order to prevent an unintentional dropping out of already stored stacks 16, while a new stack to be stored (in FIG. 6, the stack 16- 1) is pushed into the corresponding channel 14 on the input side.FIG. 6 also serves to illustrate a (temporal) sequence of the already stored stacks 16. The higher the number, the longer the corresponding stack 16 is already in the channel 14. The numbers 1' to 4' clarify the sequence at an earlier or later point in time, i.e. before or after the stack 16- 1 is or has been stored.FIG. 7 is used to illustrate a removal process. FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of an output-side end of the channel 14 of FIG. 6, the channel 14 of FIG. 7 is completely filled with already stored stacks 16. Arranged opposite the outlet end of the channel 14 is the unloading machine 26. The LAM 28 of the destage machine 26 has been moved vertically to a height corresponding to the (destage) channel 14 from which one of the stacks 16 is to be destaged.In FIG. 7, the (stacking) pulling unit(s) 30 and the (optional) conveyor 68 of the LAM 28 of the retrieval machine 26 are shown, which may be mounted on the platform 23. The conveyor 68 of the unloading machine 26 can be designed analogously to the conveyor 68 of the loading machine 18. The pulling unit 30 can have one or more telescopic arms 86 which can be moved in and out in the longitudinal direction X in order to be able to extend into the channel 14 and grip the stack 16 to be stored, for example laterally (in Z). The telescopic arms 86 can be lateral grippers of the pulling unit 30, which could also pull the stacks 16 out of the channels 14 only laterally, for example, by frictional engagement. The telescopic arms 86 can be provided with pulling fingers 88, which are preferably mounted so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis X. As the arms 86 retract and extend, the fingers 88 may be vertically oriented so as not to collide with the stack 16 to be deposited. Once the arms 86 have been moved far enough into the channel 14, the fingers 88 can be pivoted to a horizontal position to engage behind the stack 16 to be destacked and engage the stack 16 during destacking.The channels 14 are preferably oriented horizontally. The channels 14 can, however, also be slightly inclined, since the operation of a channel 14 is preferably carried out only in a single direction. This would have the consequence that, on the one hand, thrust forces on the storage side are lower, but on the storage side, the (piled-up) stacks 16 would abut a stop in a tight manner (i.e. without any spacing). In this case, the drawing unit 30 should be configured to perform a separation of the last two stacks 16. Without an inclination of the channel 14, i.e. in which the channel 14 is oriented horizontally, the stack 16 to be removed will not be exactly at a (predefined) removal position, so that the pulling unit 30 must recognize a front edge of the stack 16 to be removed and, according to this position, removes the stack 16 laterally or also, if applicable, in a manner engaging at the end face.It should be understood that each of the storage machines 26 preferably includes as many pulling units 30 as the storage machines 18 include pushing units 24. In other words, the storage machine 26 shown in FIG. 7 preferably has four (stationary) drawing units 30 (next to one another in Z). As already explained in the storage machine 18, however, it is also possible-at the expense of the storage output-to provide only one drawing unit 30 on the platform 23, which drawing unit is set up to accommodate four stored stacks 16 next to one another in Z. In this case, the drawing unit 30 is supported movably in the transverse direction Z. It is also understood that each of the drawing units 30 can be individually controllable. Preferably, all pulling units 30 of the respective unloading machine 26 are actuated simultaneously, which considerably reduces the time duration of an unloading cycle.The pulling unit 30 may be configured to move the next to last stack 16 (having the sequence number n- 1) slightly back within the channel 14, i.e. in the negative X direction, in order to create a distance to the stack 16- nto be deposited. This spacing allows the draw finger 88 to access behind the stacks 16-n to be deposited.The LAM 28 of the demounting machine 26 may also be provided with one or more support members 76.As previously mentioned, the downstream end of the channel 14 may also be provided with a stop 84 to prevent inadvertent passage of the stacks 16. The interlock 84 may be disabled by the LAM 28 to clear the path for the stack 16- nto be swapped out toward the platform 23.The outlet ends of the channels 14 can be configured as brake paths 90. In particular, the respective roller strip 54 can be designed to be shorter than an overall length of the respective channel 14, so that the roller strip 54 ends prematurely before the outlet-side end of the channel 14. In other words, this means that the braking section 90 can connect to the end of the roller strip 54 and can extend as far as the end of the channel 14. The braking section 90 can be implemented as a slide rail (in particular with an increased friction resistance).A final storage location position in the channel 14 that overlaps the braking distance 90 may represent a singulating region 92. In the separating region 92, the stack 16- nto be removed is separated from the remaining stacks 16, which are further stored in the channel 14.The drawing unit 30 draws the stack 16- nto be transferred onto the platform 23, from where the transferred stack 16- ncan be transferred (at a corresponding height) to the conveyor system 32 (not shown), cf. also FIG. 1.FIG. 8 illustrates the system 10 of FIG. 1 in a perspective view.FIG. 8 shows that the arrangement of the various components of the system 10 shown in the layout of FIG. 1 can repeat in the height direction Y. This means that there may be multiple shelf channel block groups and conveyors 32 in multiple levels one above the other. The shelf blocks 12 can be provided separately per plane, but they can also be provided as shelf blocks 12 continuous in the height direction Y. The same applies analogously to the storage machines 18 and the storage machines 26 (or the corresponding lifters 20).Both the storage machines 18 and the storage machines 26 could be replaced and / or supplemented by one or more storage and retrieval devices (not illustrated). These storage and retrieval machines may have LAMs that correspond to the LAMs 22 and 28, respectively, of the storage machines 18 and the retrieval machines 26, respectively. The storage and retrieval devices can be moved in the transverse direction Z along the respective end sides of the shelf blocks 12. In other words, this means that the storage and retrieval devices are positioned in this case, preferably directly, adjacent to the input sides and output sides of the channels 14.Thus, the structural structure of the system 10 is described.A dwell time of the insect-filled containers 33 or stacks 16 within the respective channel 14 preferably corresponds to a mast duration between two feedings. The mast duration is different for each insect species. For example, flour worms have a mast duration of 24 hours, whereas black Soldata flies have a mast duration of 5 days. This mast or dwell time in the channels 14 must be maintained as exactly as possible (+ / - 15 minutes). A channel 14 having a storage capacity of, for example, 40 stacks 16 can be emptied completely in approximately 45 minutes.It is understood that the storing and removing machines 18 and 26 could also be configured to store and remove a plurality of the stacks 16 one above the other in Y-instead of side by side in Z. The LAMs 22 and 28 would have to be set up accordingly.FIG. 10 illustrates a method 100 for operating a shelf channel block 12 which is configured for the industrial automated breeding of insects and which can have a plurality of shelf storage channels 14 one above the other and / or next to one another. The shelf channel block 12 is preferably constructed in accordance with the manner described above. This means, for example, that the rack channel block 12 can have (without any spacing) four channels 14 in Z next to one another and twenty channels 14 in Y-in the form of rack planes-one above the other. It is understood that other numbers of channels can also be selected in Z and / or Y, as already explained above.In the method 100, however, it is also possible for the shelf channel block 12 to have, for example, only a single channel 14 in Z and, for example, eighteen channels 14 in Y one above the other (or vice versa: one channel 14 in Y and eighteen channels 14 next to one another in Z) with a certain storage depth in X, which preferably has greater than three storage locations 17, more preferably greater than four storage locations 17 and even more preferably greater than 5 storage locations 17 up to, for example, thirty, forty, fifty or even more storage locations 17.Each of the storage channels 14 is thus configured, as already described above, to buffer a plurality of the insect breeding containers 33, preferably without charge carriers, in the longitudinal direction X of the shelf channel block 12 in the storage locations 17 arranged one behind the other (in particular directly). The method 100 does not necessarily require the use of the stacks 16; unstacked containers 33 can also be buffered in the channels 14 in order to grow the insects.Each of the storage channels 14 can be operated: on the input side by a (single) of the above-described pushing units 24, which can be configured in particular to push a rearing container 33 to be stored into the corresponding storage channel 14, so that rearing containers 33 already stored are simultaneously pushed further within the corresponding storage channel 14 in the longitudinal direction X, and on the opposite output side by a (single) receiving unit, in particular by one of the above-described pulling units 30, which can be configured to receive a rearing container 33 to be stored in the longitudinal direction X from the last of the storage locations 17 of the corresponding storage channel 14, in particular by pulling.In a first step S 10, automated initial filling of one of the breeding vessels 33 with young insects, which are all in an initial growth stage, and with feed can take place.Thereafter, in a step S 12, the breeding container 33 thus filled can be automatically stored by moving it into one of the storage channels 14 on the input side, which is linked to a current growth stage of the breeding container 33 to be stored-in this case to the initial growth stage-wherein this channel 14 may not be completely filled, because otherwise there would no longer be any space present. The storing is effected in particular by pushing in such a way that breeding containers 33 already stored in the respective storage channel 14 move further or deeper in the longitudinal direction X in the respective storage channel 14 by one of the storage locations 17. This movement can be passive, in that the pushing unit 30 pushes the containers 33 from the outside, or can be active, in that the channels 14 are provided with a driven conveying system (e.g. with driven roller strips 54).It should be appreciated that the containers 33 thus filled may also be pre-stacked to deposit the stacks 16, as described above. The handling of individual containers 33 will be described below, although the subsequent steps could also be performed with stacks 16.An stored breeding container 33 is automatically discharged from its storage channel 14 on the outlet side, cf. step S 15, if in particular two conditions are fulfilled. The first condition defines a de-storage in case the mast cycle associated with the stored breeding vessel 33 (feeding cycle, e.g. a dwell time of 24 h in the channel 14) has expired, whereby the current growth stage increases by one growth stage unit (e.g. 1 day). The harvest stage corresponds to a maximum number of growth stage counter units to be achieved (e.g. 24 days). The second condition defines a removal from storage in the event that the affected breeding container 33 must be positioned on a last storage location 17 of the respective storage channel 14. These two conditions should be cumulative to cause aging. The corresponding states are checked in the queries of steps S 14 and S 16, in particular by the controller (not illustrated), which can track a position of the containers 33 within the channels 14 and which can also monitor the last storage location 17 with a suitable sensor system (optionally including an identification device), as already mentioned above.If the mast cycle has not yet expired (S14: No), it is further waited for and queried, cf. step S18, until the mast time (24h) is reached.When the container 33 that has reached the mast time is the last one in the channel 14, it can be discharged.The decision as to whether the discharged container 33 can be harvested, cf. step S 20, or has to be filled again with feed, cf. step S 22, is made in step S 24. In step S24, it is determined whether or not the discharged container 33 has reached the harvesting stage, whereupon it proceeds in step S20, whereupon it proceeds in step S22. In step S 22, the container 33 is filled again with feed and is again stored on the input side in one of the channels 14, see step S 12, which has a free storage location 17 and which is associated with the current growth stage. The growth stage counter can be increased by an increment, for example, after the feeding process (step S22), i.e. for example, that the breeding container 33 reaches the feeding with the age "7" and leaves it with the age "8", which can be relevant for the selection of the storage level or the storage channel 14. These queries (storage location free?+current growth stage?->determination of a suitable storage channel 14) can follow step S 22 before the (renewed) storage takes place according to step S 12. In step S 20, the container is harvested by emptying it automatically. Subsequently, the emptied container 33 can be cleaned (step S 26) before the container 33 thus cleaned is then filled again initially (step S 10) in order to pass through the cycle again.When working with the pushing units 24 described at the beginning, which push the containers 33 and / or stacks 16 into the channels 14 and simultaneously push containers 33 or stacks 16 already stored further, it is recommended to completely fill the shelf channel block 12 beforehand with empty containers 33 / stacks 16 in order to start the revolving process (front clean + rear off).It may also be necessary to "convert" the growing insects during their growth cycle, which means that, for example, insects have increased in volume after twelve days of growth in such a way that they have to be distributed over a plurality of empty containers 33 in order to have sufficient space in their respective container 33 at the end of the growth cycle, i.e. after twenty-four days, because they are again placed in volume during the last twelve days. These factors can be taken into account in the initial dimensioning of the block 12 and later in the degree of utilization of an existing block 12, in particular in the determination of the number of required or operated channels 14. These factors are insect species specific.The method 100 can comprise a further step (not shown) before the initial filling of the containers 33. The method 100 can further comprise: initially (insect-specific) linking the storage channels 14 to one or more of the growth stages, wherein in particular: the storage channel or channels 14 of an uppermost / lowermost storage level are linked to the initial growth stage; the storage channel or channels 14 of a lowermost / uppermost storage level are linked to the harvesting stage; and the storage channel or channels 14 between the uppermost / lowermost and lowermost / uppermost storage levels are linked to a growth stage which increases / decreases in level.The table presented below illustrates an example in which the shelf channel block 12 ("module: 1") is defined from twenty shelf planes in Y one above the other, each plane being defined from four channels 14 in Z next to each other. The growth cycle is, for example, 24 days. The transfer is effected after 12 days by distributing the insects of a container 33 to four new (empty) containers. For optimum utilization and optimum operation of this block 12, it is recommended in this example to re-store sixty-four stacks 16 for three containers 33 each day in the block 12. The storage capacity of each channel 14 is illustratively fifty stacks 16 in depth X. Each storage and retrieval machine 18 and 26, respectively, serves four channels 14 in Z simultaneously. Table 2 below shows an exemplary distribution of the climate zones as a function of the growth cycle. In the following Table 3, an exemplary assignment of the growth stages (or growth days) to the shelf planes is reproduced, wherein the insects migrate through the block 12 with increasing age, for example from top to bottom. FIG. 11 shows a distribution of the various growth stages in a side view of the block 12. it can be seen that, for example, in the first (uppermost) level only insects of the growth stages "1-3" are present, in the second level stages "4-6", etc. At stage "12", the storage space occupancy makes a jump. Up to the fourth level, sixteen storage places 17 are each occupied by insects of the stage "1" to "12". From the fifth level, the insects occupy sixty-four (16x4=64) storage spaces 17 from stage "13", which is caused by the volume-induced conversion in a ratio of 1:4. In this numerical example, about 40 storage spaces 17 remain unoccupied, which are expressed in FIG. 10 by the state "0".It is understood that the insects can "meander" from top to bottom, from bottom to top, from left to right or from right to left by an arrangement of shelf channels 14, which is advantageous for the distribution and implementation of climate zones, which are preferably defined by (easily convertible) partition walls.It will also be appreciated that the roller ledges 54 may be used to minimize the thrust forces in the channel 14. Blocking rollers 55 can increase these thrust forces massively. Therefore, the functionality of the rollers 55 should always be maintained.In the containers 33 there are young to adult larvae (e.g. flourworm or black Sold data fly or the like) with feed and droppings and excretions. Especially the skins of the larvae are very volatile and deposit as dust on the channels 14. The aforementioned dust can be fixed in particular in the roller strips 54. On the one hand a) within a top-hat rail on its base and b) on the upper side of the rail rim or in spokes of the laterally open rollers 55. case a) has the result that a roller 55 remains completely stuck and slides flat on the upper side, which increases the frictional forces ever further (until the roller fails). Case b) causes the sliding location (axis in the roller) to be impaired. This can also lead to failure of the roller.Therefore, cleaning machines (not shown) may be used which may be slid through the channels 14, for example, instead of a stack 16. The cleaning machines are preferably designed with the dimensions of a stack 16. During normal operation, the cleaning machines are pushed along with the container stacks 16 through the channels 14 and thereby automatically perform the cleaning of the roller strips 54. Preferably, one to n (here 4) of these machines can be brought from a manual cleaning station (for these cleaning machines) via the conveying system 32 to the storage machine 18 of the rack channel block 12, in which a channel 14 is to be cleaned, and can then be inserted into the channel 14 per layer, for example as a first "container stack".The cleaning machine can be conveyed on the conveyor 32 like a container 33 or like a container stack 16 (e.g. the same floor structure and outer dimensions (floor length, width, length, width and height). The cleaning machine is stable so that it can be slid through the channel 14 as can the stacks 16. The cleaning machine can be operated electrically autonomous. In this case, a battery power can be designed such that the entire channel 14 can be cleaned. A dwell time in a channel 14 is, for example, 16 hours.Since the expected contamination is dry substances, a blowing and suction device (BSV) is preferably conceivable as the cleaning principle. One BSV per cleaning machine could also be used or one BSV per roller strip. The cleaning machine may comprise a VAC. Vacuum cleaner (VAC) is a unit that can simultaneously suck and blow. The hoses to the injection and suction nozzles are laid in such a way that they can operate centrally and over the full width of the roller strips 54. The air should be introduced from the injection point (between the rollers) into the top-hat rail of the roller strip 54 and continue to run in the rail until it reaches the suction point. In this case, good flow should be ensured, since outside the rail, this flow is undesirable (it could even swirl and circulate further particles from the stack 16 lying beneath it. It is advantageous if, in particular, the injection device is irregularly pivoted by a mechanical device, so that an injection direction changes again and again.The dwell time in the channel 14 is, for example, 16 hours. The aspiration could be triggered by the sensor connected to an internal, battery-supplied control (control). If the sensor detects a level change (roll or no roll), the controller can start the suction process. This is ended again after a fixed duration (for example after 1 min). A channel 14 typically has 50 slots. The cleaning machine could be closed on the top side so that no air leakage streams occur.The heat produced in the cleaning machine can be cooled via the environment (including the hat rails). The transverse flow 42 which is present in any case and serves for cooling the larvae can also be used and the cleaning machine can thus be cooled. For this purpose, for example, horizontal openings and cooling ribs can be provided in the interior of the cleaning machine. A housing of the cleaning machine should be made of plastic in order to meet the requirements of the conveyor 32 and the further stacked containers 33. For reasons of stability and for securing the installations, a metal strut can be integrated into the interior.List of reference numbers:10 (Insect breeding) system 12 Shelf channel block 14 Shelf storage channel 16 Breeding container stack 17 Storage place 18 Storage machine 20 Lifter 22 Load-receiving means (LAM) of 18 23 Platform 24 (stack) pushing unit 26 Storage machine 28 LAM of 26 30 (stack) pulling unit 32 Conveyor 33 Breeding container 34 (conveyor) interface 36 Stack-forming device 38 Destacking device 40 Feeding device 42 (transverse) ventilation 44 Ventilation pipe 46 (maintenance) passageway 47 Ladder 48 Shelf post 50 (shelf) cross member 52 (shelf) longitudinal member 54 Roller strip 55 Roller of 54 56 Floor of 33 58 Side wall, long 60 Side wall, short 62 Corner elevation 64 Opening, lateral 66 Opening, 68 Conveyor on 22 70 Alignment unit 72 Push plate 74 Push cylinder 76 Support element 78 Roller of 76 80 Introduction aid 82 Lateral guide 84 Return stop 86 Telescopic arm 88 Pulling finger 90 Braking section 92 Separating region

Claims

Insect breeding system (10) for industrial automated breeding of insects, comprising: a shelf channel block (12) formed from a plurality of shelf storage channels (14) arranged in a height direction (Y) and in a transverse direction (Z), preferably without a spacing, wherein each of the shelf storage channels (14) is configured to receive a plurality of breeding container stacks (16) one behind the other in a longitudinal direction (X); a storage machine (18) which is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the rack channel block (12) and which has a load-receiving means, LAM, (22), which is preferably exclusively movable in height, which comprises: at least one stack pushing unit (24), which is preferably mounted displaceably in the transverse direction (Z) and is designed to push at least one stack (16) to be stored from the LAM (22) in the longitudinal direction (X) into one of the rack storage channels (14) and, during this, to push further stacks (16) which have already been stored within the corresponding rack storage channel (14) in the longitudinal direction (X); and a storage machine (26), which is arranged at a second opposite longitudinal end of the rack channel block (12) and which has a, preferably exclusively, vertically movable LAM (28), which comprises: at least one stack pulling unit (30), which is preferably mounted displaceably in the transverse direction (Z), and is configured to pull at least one stack (16) to be stored onto the LAM (28) from a corresponding rack storage channel (14) in the longitudinal direction (X); wherein each of the stacks (16) is formed by a plurality of breeding containers (33), which are stacked vertically one above the other and each of which is filled with insect larvae.The insect breeding system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the LAM (22) of the storing machine (18) has as many stack pushing units (24), which are in particular arranged stationary, side by side in the transverse direction (Z) as the shelf channel block (12) has shelf storage channels (14) side by side in the transverse direction (Z).The insect breeding system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the LAM (22) of the storing machine (18) further comprises: at least one conveyor (68), which extends in the transverse direction (Z) and which conveys the stack or stacks (16) to be stored in the transverse direction (Z) in front of the shelf storage channel or channels (14) into which the respective stack (16) is to be stored.The insect breeding system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the LAM (22) of the storing machine (18) further comprises: at least one stack aligning unit (70) configured to align the stack (16) to be stored in the transverse direction (Z) relative to the respective shelf storage channel (14) into which the stack (16) is to be stored.The insect breeding system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the LAM (22) of the storing machine (18) further comprises at least one support member (76) configured to introduce thrust reaction forces generated by the at least one stack pusher unit (24) upon insertion from the LAM (22) into the shelf channel block (12).The insect breeding system (10) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the LAM (22) of the storage machine (18) comprises a plurality of the stack pusher units (24) side by side in the transverse direction (Z), and wherein the LAM (28) of the storage machine (26) comprises a corresponding plurality of stack pusher units (30) side by side in the transverse direction (Z).The insect breeding system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stacks (16) are stored without load carriers in the shelf storage channels (14) and handled within the system (10).The insect breeding system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the shelf storage channels (14) has an identical stack storage capacity, and wherein each of the shelf storage channels (14) is configured to accommodate at least 10, 20, 30, or 40 of the stacks (16) one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (X).The insect breeding system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a conveyor (32) coupled to the storage machine (18) and to the storage machine (26) with respect to a material flow (MF), wherein the conveyor (32) preferably circumferentially surrounds the storage machine (18), the storage machine (26) and the shelf channel block (12).The insect breeding system (10) of claim 9, further comprising a stacking device (36) and / or a destacking device (38).Method for operating a shelf channel block (12) which is set up for industrial automated breeding of insects and which has a multiplicity of shelf storage channels (14) one above the other and / or next to one another, wherein each of the shelf storage channels (14) is set up to buffer a multiplicity of insect breeding containers (33) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the shelf channel block (12) in storage locations (17) arranged one behind the other, wherein the method has the steps: a) automated initial filling (S10) of one of the breeding containers (33) with young insects of an initial growth stage and with feed; b) automated storage (S 12) of the filled breeding container (33) by moving it into one of the rack storage channels (14) on the input side, which is linked to a current growth stage of the breeding container (33) to be stored and which is not completely filled, in particular by being pushed in such a way that breeding containers (33) already stored in the respective rack storage channel (14) move further in the longitudinal direction (X) in the respective rack storage channel (14) by one of the rack storage locations (17); c) automated exit unloading (S15) of one of the stored breeding containers (33) from the respective shelf storage channel (14) when: i) a mast cycle associated with the one of the stored breeding containers (33) has expired (S14), whereby the current growth stage increases by one growth stage counter unit, and ii) the one of the stored breeding containers (33) is positioned (S16) on a last of the storage locations (17) of the respective shelf storage channel (14); d) determining (S24) whether the current growth stage of the stored breeding container (33) has reached a harvesting stage, wherein the harvesting stage corresponds to a maximum growth stage counter to be reached; e1) when the harvesting stage of the discharged breeding container (33) is reached, harvesting (S20) the appropriately aged insects by automatically emptying the discharged breeding container (33) and returning to step a); or e2) when the harvesting stage of the discharged breeding container (33) is not yet reached, automatically filling (S22) the discharged breeding container (33) with feed again and re-storing according to step b).The method of claim 11, further comprising: initially filling the shelf channel block (12) with empty breeding containers (33) such that each of the storage locations (17) is occupied by one of the breeding containers (33).Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in step e2) the insects of the stored breeding container (33) are distributed, after reaching a predetermined growth stage which is earlier than the harvesting stage in time and before being filled again with feed, to a predetermined insect growth-specific number of empty breeding containers (33), which are subsequently re-stored according to step b).The method of any of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: initially associating the shelf storage channels (14) with one or more of the growth stages; in particular wherein the one or more shelf storage channels (14) of an uppermost / lowermost storage level are associated with the initial growth stage, the one or more shelf storage channels (14) of a lowermost / uppermost storage level are associated with the harvesting stage, and the one or more shelf storage channels (14) between the uppermost / lowermost and lowermost / uppermost storage levels are associated with a level-wise increasing / decreasing growth stage.Method according to one of Claims 11 to 14, wherein each of the rack storage ducts (14) is operated: on the input side by a stack pushing unit (24) which is configured to push a breeding container (33) to be stored into the corresponding rack storage duct (14), such that breeding containers (33) which have already been stored are pushed further simultaneously within the corresponding rack storage duct (14) in the longitudinal direction (X), and opposite on the output side by a receiving unit, in particular by a pulling unit (30) which is configured to receive a breeding container (33) to be stored in the longitudinal direction (X) from a last of the storage spaces (17) of the corresponding rack storage duct (14).

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