HIVE AND METHOD FOR MAKING A HIVE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a beehive and a method for manufacturing a beehive. background

[0002] Beekeeping is problematic because increased mortality, sometimes affecting entire colonies, occurs particularly during the winter months. Parasites and diseases can also harm bee colonies. To combat these problems, bee colonies are increasingly treated with chemicals and medications.

[0003] Wild honeybees prefer to nest in tree cavities. These cavities offer good thermal insulation, protecting the bees from the cold in winter and excessive heat in summer. Furthermore, wood absorbs moisture, creating a microclimate in tree cavities that is beneficial for bees and other beneficial insects.

[0004] Rectangular hives, known as magazine hives, are commonly used for keeping honeybees by humans. These magazine hives allow easy access to the bees and, in particular, facilitate honey harvesting, but they do not correspond to the natural habitat of honeybees.

[0005] In a traditional method known as Zeidler beekeeping, bees are kept in handcrafted tree trunks that more closely resemble the bees' natural habitat. However, this type of beehive is very uneconomical and impractical, particularly due to the difficulty of accessing the bees and the honey.

[0006] Document FR 959 463 A describes a beehive in which an inner layer of an artificial or natural cellulose material, such as wood, is layered with at least one layer of a forced thermal insulation and compact material to prevent the penetration of parasites, and a water-repellent and rigid outer layer. Thin metal sheets may be placed between the layers. The walls are joined at the corners to form a rectangular or square beehive body. Summary

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide improved technologies for beehives that overcome the problems of known methods of keeping bee colonies and in which, in particular, living conditions for keeping honey bees and access to bees and honey are optimized.

[0008] To solve the problem, a beehive is created according to independent claim 1.

[0009] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a beehive, according to independent claim 14, is provided. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0010] According to one aspect, a beehive is provided with an internal structure, a support structure, and an insulation structure. The internal structure consists of an inner cavity designed to be occupied by a bee colony and built out with honeycomb. The internal structure is housed within the support structure. The insulation structure is attached to the support structure and has a layered construction. This layered construction includes a vapor barrier layer made of a vapor-retardant material, which surrounds the internal structure and is attached to the support structure; an insulating layer made of a heat-insulating material, which surrounds the vapor barrier layer and is attached to the support structure; and a weatherproofing layer made of a vapor-permeable material, which surrounds the insulating layer and is attached to the support structure.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method for manufacturing a beehive has been established. The method comprises providing an internal structure with an inner cavity, designed to be occupied by a bee colony and built out with honeycomb; placing the internal structure in a support device; and placing an insulating device with a layered arrangement on the support device. The insulating device includes surrounding the internal structure with a vapor barrier layer made of a vapor-diffusion-retardant material, which is arranged on the support device; surrounding the vapor barrier layer with an insulating layer made of a heat-insulating material, which is arranged on the support device; and surrounding the insulating layer with a weatherproof layer made of a vapor-permeable material, which is arranged on the support device (2).

[0012] A vapor diffusion-retardant material is, in particular, a material suitable for being arranged as a continuous, continuous layer with a water vapor diffusion resistance that reduces the diffusion of water vapor from the air into the internal cavity within the layered structure. Additionally, the vapor diffusion-retardant material can be suitable for preventing or slowing the passage of liquid water. In particular, this vapor barrier layer can prevent condensation from forming within the layered structure, which, if insufficiently dried, can lead to moisture damage, especially mold growth, in the beehive.

[0013] The vapor diffusion-retardant material can have a water vapor diffusion resistance factor µ, which, together with the thickness s of the vapor barrier layer, results in a water vapor diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness sd according to DIN EN ISO 12572, which is greater than 0.5 m. Here, the water vapor diffusion resistance factor or vapor barrier value, as a dimensionless material property, indicates by what factor the vapor diffusion-retardant material is denser to water vapor than a still air layer of the same thickness. The vapor barrier layer can be diffusion-retarding, diffusion-inhibiting, diffusion-blocking, or diffusion-tight according to DIN 4108-3. In particular, the vapor barrier layer can have a water vapor diffusion equivalent air layer thickness sd of more than 0.25 m, of more than 0.5 m up to 10 m, of more than 10 m up to 100 m, of more than 100 m up to 1500 m or of more than 1500 m.Preferably, the vapor barrier layer is diffusion-retarding or diffusion-inhibiting and has a water vapor diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness sd of more than 0.5 m to 100 m.

[0014] The vapor barrier layer can be a vapor barrier film. The vapor barrier film can specifically be a plastic film. For example, the vapor barrier layer can be a film made of polypropylene, polyethylene copolymer, and / or polypropylene fabric.

[0015] The thermal insulation material is a material suitable for preventing the cooling of the inner cavity by having such low thermal conductivity that the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation layer is sufficiently reduced compared to the vapor barrier and the interior structure to prevent cooling. In particular, the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation layer can be lower than that of a wood layer with a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm, preferably lower than that of a wood layer with a thickness of approximately 15 mm.

[0016] The insulating material can be permeable to moisture, meaning it can be permeable to liquid water in particular. This can facilitate the drying of the insulating material.

[0017] The insulating material may contain hemp wool. In particular, the insulating layer may be a layer of hemp wool. Alternatively or additionally, the insulating material may contain animal wool, especially sheep's wool, construction foam, fiber waste, and / or other materials suitable for thermal insulation. The insulating material may be supplied as loose material and / or in the form of a mat.

[0018] The layered structure includes a weatherproofing layer made of a vapor-permeable material, which surrounds the insulation layer and is arranged on the support structure. In particular, the vapor-permeable material of the weatherproofing layer can be impermeable to liquid water, thereby preventing water, for example in the form of precipitation, from penetrating the insulation layer. For example, the weatherproofing layer can be waterproof up to 2,500 mm water column according to DIN EN ISO 811, preferably exhibiting a water resistance greater than 2,500 mm water column, for example up to 10,000 mm water column.

[0019] The vapor-permeable material allows the insulation layer to dry by evaporating any moisture that has penetrated the insulation layer (for example, through the vapor barrier layer) and diffusing outwards through the weatherproofing layer. The vapor-permeable material makes the weatherproofing layer vapor-permeable. The weatherproofing layer can be vapor-permeable in accordance with DIN 4108-3. In particular, the weatherproofing layer can have a water vapor diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness sd of less than 0.5 m, for example, 0.05 m.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the diffusion-open material of the weather protection layer can be windproof.

[0021] The vapor-permeable material can be a film. The weatherproofing layer can be formed, in particular, with a plastic film. For example, the weatherproofing layer can comprise a film made of polypropylene, polyethylene copolymer, and / or polypropylene fabric. In one exemplary embodiment, the vapor-permeable material can have a vapor diffusion resistance factor µ of 80 according to DIN EN ISO 12572. The vapor-permeable material can be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In particular, the vapor-permeable material can comprise a film that has passed a durability test after artificial aging according to DIN EN 1297 / DIN EN 1296 and / or withstands six months of outdoor weathering.

[0022] The insulation layer can be welded between the vapor barrier layer formed with a vapor barrier film and the weather protection layer formed with a foil material.

[0023] In this case and in alternative versions, the layers of the layer structure can be arranged together on the support device as a fully developed layer structure.

[0024] The beehive may have a fabric covering surrounding the layered structure. In particular, the fabric covering may be stretched or hung over the beehive to provide additional protection from the elements. For example, the fabric covering may be designed to shield the beehive from water and / or wind, and in particular, may be waterproof and / or windproof. Specifically, the fabric covering may be made of a UV-resistant material and / or designed to block UV light from reaching the layered structure. The fabric covering may be made of a woven material consisting of natural and / or synthetic fibers. For example, the fabric covering may be made of polypropylene microfiber. The fabric covering may incorporate a membrane, for example, made of a monolithic thermoplastic elastomer such as thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE / TEEE). Alternatively or additionally, the fabric covering may be impregnated.

[0025] The interior structure of the beehive may include an access opening that provides entry to the cavity for the bees. In this case, the vapor barrier layer can be arranged around the interior structure, with the exception of the access opening, in an airtight manner on the support structure. This can restrict air exchange between the interior cavity and the surrounding environment to that permitted by the vapor barrier layer and the access opening. In particular, this can improve the effectiveness of the layered structure to such an extent that the climatic conditions in the interior cavity are almost entirely determined by the layered structure in conjunction with the behavior of the bee colony within the hive.Due to manufacturing processes, the airtight enclosure of the internal structure by the vapor barrier layer may be incomplete in certain areas, for example, at transitions between individual components of the vapor barrier layer. In such cases, the vapor barrier layer is arranged on the support structure in an airtight manner surrounding the internal structure, with the exception of the access point as defined in the disclosure, provided that the influence of an incomplete airtight enclosure on the climatic conditions in the internal cavity is negligible. In alternative embodiments, the access opening can be provided independently of an airtight enclosure of the internal structure by the vapor barrier layer.

[0026] The beehive can be oriented upright, and the access opening can be located on the underside of the hive. The underside refers specifically to the side of the beehive that is at the bottom when the hive is in use. The access opening can have a geometry that allows passage for bees but is impassable for larger animals. The access opening can be closable.

[0027] A landing board can be arranged at the access opening, extending away from the access opening and the beehive, and designed to allow bees to land on the landing board and subsequently crawl through the access opening, as well as bees to fly off the landing board after crawling through the access opening.

[0028] The support device may include retaining elements that enable a connection between the support device and the layered structure. These retaining elements may include adhesive surfaces, clamping connectors, plug connectors, clips, rods, or a combination thereof.

[0029] Various retaining elements can be provided, each designed to hold one of the layers of the system to the support structure. For example, adhesive surfaces can be provided to bond the vapor barrier layer to the support structure. Alternatively or additionally, the vapor barrier layer can be held to the support structure with clamping elements. The insulation layer can be placed around the vapor barrier layer and held to the support structure with clamping elements, such as rod-shaped elements of the support structure. These rod-shaped elements can simultaneously serve as structural elements of the support structure.For the weather protection layer, for example, retaining elements designed as adhesive surfaces and / or clamping elements can be provided, which are individually or jointly designed to hold the weather protection layer surrounding the insulation layer on the support device.

[0030] The vapor barrier layer, the insulation layer, and, if applicable, the weather protection layer can be attached to the support structure using common retaining elements. In particular, in configurations where the insulation layer is welded between the vapor barrier layer (formed with a vapor barrier film) and the weather protection layer (formed with a foil material), the entire layer assembly can be glued to retaining elements designed as adhesive surfaces and / or held in place on the support structure by retaining elements designed as clamping elements.

[0031] The disclosure provides an internal structure for a beehive, comprising a first section with an internal first cavity and a first section opening providing access to the first cavity, and a second section with an internal second cavity, a second section opening, and an access opening providing access for bees to the cavity of the internal structure. The second section is detachably and airtightly connected to the first section such that the first section opening and the second section opening are at least partially congruent, thus forming access from the second cavity to the first cavity through the second section opening and the first section opening. The first cavity and the second cavity form an internal cavity, which is equipped toto be occupied by a bee colony and built out with honeycomb in the natural comb. The internal structure further comprises a section divider and a bee divider, wherein the section divider is arranged and configured at a transition between the first section and the second section, forming a weak point in the honeycomb to be formed in the internal cavity at the transition between the first section and the second section, and wherein the bee divider is formed with one or more passage openings, which are arranged in the area of ​​the first section opening and the second section opening such that passage for bees between the second section and the first section is only possible through the one or more passage openings, wherein the size of the one or more passage openings is selected such thatthat worker bees can pass through one or more openings, and queen bees cannot. The revealed internal structure can be intended as the internal structure for the revealed beehive with the layered structure. Alternatively, the internal structure can be intended for a beehive independently of a layered structure.

[0032] The bee separation device can be removable and / or deactivatable. In particular, it can be provided or omitted seasonally, or activated or deactivated, to allow or prevent a queen bee from accessing the first section.

[0033] The weak point at the transition between the first and second sections is designed by means of the section-separation device in such a way that, when the first section is separated from the second section, the honeycomb structure built by bees in the inner cavity is otherwise separated without damage at the transition point. Thus, the honeycomb structure is separated at the weak point, for example, by breaking it open, whereby the weak point ensures that the honeycomb structure is not further damaged apart from the division, and in particular, does not break.

[0034] In particular, the section separating device can be formed with bee-friendly material arranged in a bee-friendly material holding device. This connects one or both sections of honeycomb built by bees, located in the first and second cavities, to individual elements of the bee-friendly material, with any connections between the honeycomb sections through the bee-friendly material being only point connections. When the first section is separated from the second section, the unconnected elements of the bee-friendly material do not impede separation. Elements of the bee-friendly material connected to a particular honeycomb section are lifted off the bee-friendly material holding device together with that section of the honeycomb.Any point connections between the sections of the honeycomb structure break down in the process, but due to the small size of such point connections, the force acting when the connections break is low and therefore does not cause any further damage to the honeycomb structure.

[0035] The spreading material can be bark mulch. Alternatively, another spreading material or a combination of different types of spreading material can be provided, preferably a natural spreading material or a combination of different types of natural spreading material.

[0036] The first section can be dome-shaped, the second section can be tubular, and the first section can be positioned above the second section, particularly when using a beehive in which the internal structure is located. In the tubular configuration of the second section, a tubular main body of the second section can be connected at its upper end to the dome-shaped first section and closed at its lower end with a substantially disc-shaped closure element, in which the access opening is formed. In this context, it can be provided that the access opening of the internal structure encompasses the entire underside of the second section, which is not airtightly surrounded by the vapor barrier layer, while the rest of the internal structure is airtightly surrounded by the vapor barrier layer.In this case, the closing element can seal the access opening of the inner structure in a non-airtight manner, and the access opening formed in the closing element can form an access opening to the beehive through the access opening of the inner structure.

[0037] The first inner cavity can form a honey chamber, and the second inner cavity can form a brood chamber. In one example configuration, the first inner cavity can have a volume of six to ten liters, and the second inner cavity can have a volume of 36 to 40 liters.

[0038] The internal structure can be formed with at least one of the following materials: clay and wood. In one exemplary embodiment, the second section is provided with a tubular structure comprising one or more wooden panels. The one or more wooden panels can be thin relative to their surface area. The one or more wooden panels can have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, for example, 1.5 mm. The one or more wooden panels can be arranged in a frame. Here, the one or more wooden panels can be held to the frame by means of retaining devices, whereby the one or more wooden panels can be formed into a tubular shape when connected to the frame. The designs for the retaining devices of the frame can be adapted to the specifications for the retaining devices of the support structure.

[0039] The wooden panel, or at least one of the several wooden panels, can be removable to allow access to the second interior space while the inner structure is occupied by a bee colony. For this purpose, the removable wooden panel can be held to the inner structure, particularly its frame, by a detachable and reattachable retaining element, such as a clamp, clip, or screw connection. This allows samples to be taken from the beehive, for example, for inspection by the responsible veterinary authority.

[0040] The first section can be formed as a clay dome. This first section may have a clay framework that defines its basic shape and can be made of a material other than clay, such as plastic. Clay can then be applied to the framework, particularly in the spaces and / or on the surfaces of the framework, to form the clay dome.

[0041] The support device can be constructed from individual, connectable parts. For example, the support device can comprise injection-molded plastic parts that are joined together. Elements of the support device can be detachably connected, for example, by means of one or more clip mechanisms. Alternatively or additionally, a detachable connection using clamping or screw mechanisms can be provided.

[0042] The support device can be divisible, particularly in configurations with a divisible internal structure. In this case, the support device can be separable, especially in the area where the first and second sections of the internal structure connect. This separability can be achieved by forming the support device with annular connecting segments that, when connected, rest against each other and provide an airtight seal by means of a sealing mechanism, such as a sealing ring. The annular connecting segments can be connected to each other by means of a clip mechanism, a clamping mechanism, and / or a screw mechanism.

[0043] An airtight connection between the first and second sections of the internal structure can be achieved by means of a support structure that can be separated at an airtight separation point. In particular, the first and second sections can each be arranged on an annular connecting segment of the support structure, which are airtightly connected to each other when joined. The section separation device of the internal structure can be formed on one or more connecting segments of the support structure.

[0044] The layered structure can be designed to be separable from the support structure. For example, the vapor barrier layer can be divided into several sections, each airtightly connected to elements of the support structure, such that at the separation point of the support structure, an airtight connection simultaneously ensures airtightness for the vapor barrier layer as a whole. Similarly, the insulation layer and / or the weatherproofing layer can be provided in several sections to allow the beehive to be divided.

[0045] The vapor barrier layer and / or the weatherproofing layer can be formed with a resealable opening. In particular, a respective film of the vapor barrier layer and / or the weatherproofing layer can be formed with a resealable opening. A resealable opening, especially one that is liquid-tight, can be formed with a tongue-and-groove mechanism, which is known, for example, for resealable household plastic bags. The resealable opening can be formed in the area of ​​a separation point of the divisible support structure or be provided independently of the separability of the support structure in order to allow access through the layer structure to the inner structure, particularly while the inner structure is occupied by a bee colony.

[0046] A separable design of the support structure and the layered structure allows, in particular, the removal of the internal structure. During the manufacture of the beehive, a separable design of the support structure and, if applicable, the layered structure, allows the internal structure to be inserted before the support structure and, if applicable, the layered structure are joined. In this process, the internal structure can be removed from or inserted into the support structure as a whole or separately into a first section and a second section.

[0047] The beehive can be designed to be placed on a stake-like support structure at its base, for example, a stake with a round or rectangular cross-section, such as one made of wood. In particular, the beehive can have a recess on its underside designed to receive the upper end section of a stake-like support structure and to support the beehive upon it. The beehive can thus be set up and prepared for use, especially for the arrival of a bee colony, by placing the hive, with its recess, onto a stake driven into the ground. This allows the beehive to be used even on uneven ground without the need for prior leveling of the subsoil.Several beehives, as revealed, can be arranged at different heights using multiple stake-shaped support structures of varying lengths. Additional securing devices, such as screws, can be provided to secure the beehive to the stake-shaped support structure.

[0048] The beehive can have one or more sensor mounts, each designed to accommodate one or more sensors for monitoring the hive. For example, sensors for measuring humidity or weight can be provided and positioned in the sensor mounts of the beehive so that the readings received from the sensors allow for an assessment of the quality of the habitat for a bee colony. For instance, the temperature and humidity in the internal cavity indicate the environmental conditions for the bees within. A change in weight can provide information about the size and / or building activity of a bee colony. A moisture measurement in the insulation layer can allow for a risk assessment of mold growth.Sensors for detecting sound signals can be provided, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the stress level of a bee colony living in the hive based on the detected sound signals. Alternatively or additionally, one or more camera sensors can be provided for observing the bee colony. The beehive can have a sensor array arranged in a sensor housing, which contains various sensors for monitoring the beehive. For example, humidity, temperature, (atmospheric) pressure, acoustic, optical, motion, weight or force, and / or camera sensors can be provided. Additional sensor arrays with identical and / or different sensors can be provided, each arranged in its own sensor housing.

[0049] The beehive can have a substrate receptacle in which a substrate is arranged as a habitat for bee symbionts. For example, bark mulch can be provided as a substrate, serving as a habitat for pseudoscorpions. The substrate receptacle can be located on the underside of the beehive, particularly in the area of ​​an access opening. In one embodiment, the substrate receptacle can be attached to the underside of the internal structure, sealing it, and have an opening to the outside that serves as an access point for bees.

[0050] The designs described above regarding the beehive can be provided for accordingly in connection with the process for manufacturing a beehive. Description of exemplary implementations

[0051] Further examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to figures in a drawing. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a beehive; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a support device with an internal structure housed therein; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the side view according to the Fig. 2 Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a support device; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective sectional view of an insulation device for a beehive; Fig. 6 an internal structure for a beehive in a schematic side view; Fig. 7 the internal structure of the Fig. 6 in a schematic perspective sectional view; Fig. 8 a detail view of a sectional view of a beehive; Fig. 9 a schematic overall view of a beehive; Fig. 10 a schematic sectional view of an upper part of a beehive; Fig. 11 a schematic sectional view of a lower part of a beehive; and Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view of an upper part of a beehive.

[0052] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a beehive. The beehive has an internal structure (1) which is held in a support structure (2). The internal structure (1) serves as a dwelling for a bee colony, which can move into an internal cavity (3) formed by the internal structure (1) and build a honeycomb therein.

[0053] To ensure that a microclimate conducive to a bee colony develops in the inner cavity (3), an insulating device (4) with a layered structure is mounted on the support structure (2). The insulating device (4) is designed as follows: Fig. 1formed with three different layers. A vapor barrier layer (5) is formed from a vapor diffusion-inhibiting material, which in the embodiment shown is a vapor barrier film made of polypropylene with a vapor diffusion resistance factor µ of 5,000 and a thickness of 0.45 mm, so that the sd value of the vapor barrier layer (5) is 2.3 m.

[0054] The vapor barrier layer is surrounded by an insulating layer (6), which provides thermal insulation for the beehive. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 formed with a layer of hemp wool. A weatherproofing layer (7) is arranged around the insulating layer (6), which is formed according to the [reference to the text]. Fig. 1The illustrated embodiment consists of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer membrane with a protective and cover fleece made of polypropylene microfiber. The weather protection layer (7) is vapor-permeable and resistant to driving rain. For example, the weather protection layer (7) can have an sd value of 0.05 m and be waterproof up to a water column of 10,000 mm.

[0055] The support device (2) is covered with a fabric cover (8) made of waterproof and ultraviolet light resistant material, which thus surrounds the layered structure of the insulation device (4).

[0056] The Fig. 2 Figure 2 shows the support device (2) with the internal structure (1) contained therein, without the insulation device (4), in a side view. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the side view according to the Fig. 2 the support device (2) with the internal structure (1). As in the Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3As can be seen, the support device (2) forms a framework which is composed of a plurality of support elements (9) which in the illustrated embodiment are injection-molded plastic parts.

[0057] The Fig. 4 A perspective view shows a support device (2) as disclosed, with an internal structure (1).

[0058] In the Fig. 5Figure 4 shows a perspective sectional view of an insulation device (4) for a beehive. The insulation device (4) is formed in the illustrated embodiment with two sections: an upper section (4a) and a lower section (4b). The insulation device (4) comprises a vapor barrier layer (5), an insulating layer (6), and a weatherproofing layer (7). The layer structure in the upper section (4a) includes corresponding upper sections (5a, 6a, 7a) of the layers, and in the lower section (4b) it includes corresponding lower sections (5b, 6b, 7b) of the layers. The vapor barrier layer (5) and the weatherproofing layer (7) are formed with plastic films, the respective upper (5a, 7a) and lower (5b, 7b) sections of which are welded together at weld edges (10) such that they surround the respective section (6a, 6b) of the insulating layer (6).

[0059] This forms the upper section (4a) and the lower section (4b) of the insulation device as respective complete structures, which can be arranged around an inner structure (1) on a support device (2) to create a beehive. In the illustration of the Fig. 1 This is evident. Here, the upper section (4a) and the lower section (4b) of the insulation device (4) are each arranged on the support device, whereby the individual layers (5, 6, 7) of the layer structure of the insulation device (4) are arranged on the support device surrounding each other and the inner structure (1).

[0060] To ensure the desired regulating effect of the layer structure (4) on the microclimate in the inner cavity (3) of the inner structure (1), the insulation device (4) is bonded to the support structure (2) at corresponding holding devices (11) designed as adhesive surfaces. This ensures that moisture and air exchange at these points occurs through the insulation device (4) and not around it. For this purpose, a sealing ring (12) is additionally arranged between the upper section (4a) and the lower section (4b) of the insulation device (4).

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the layers (5, 6, 7) of the insulation device (4) can be provided separately and arranged on the support device (2). For example, the vapor barrier layer (5) or the sections (5a, 5b) of the vapor barrier layer can first be attached to the support device, whereby the attachment can be airtight, for example by bonding the vapor barrier layer (5) to retaining elements (11) of the support device (2) that are designed as corresponding bonding surfaces, or with retaining elements (11) that are designed as clamping elements suitable for an airtight hold. Subsequently, the insulation layer (6) or its sections (6a, 6b) can be arranged around the vapor barrier layer (5) on the support device (2). The vapor barrier layer can be held on the support device by clamping.For example, the support rods can serve as retaining elements (11) that prevent the insulation layer (6) from detaching from the support. Structural elements of a framework formed with the support (2) can simultaneously act as retaining elements (11). The weatherproofing layer (7) can be attached around the insulation layer (6), for example by gluing or clamping it using appropriate retaining elements (11) as described for the vapor barrier layer (5) or the insulation layer (6).

[0062] The Fig. 6 shows an internal structure (1) of a beehive in a schematic side view. Fig. 7Figure 1 shows the internal structure (1) in a perspective sectional view. The internal structure is formed by an upper first section (1a) and a lower second section (1b). Here, the first section (1a) defines a first internal cavity (3a) and the second section (1b) defines a second internal cavity (3b), wherein the first internal cavity (3a) and the second internal cavity (3b) together form the internal cavity (3) of the internal structure (1).

[0063] As in the Fig. 7As can be seen, the first section (1a) is dome-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section (1a) is constructed of clay, whereby clay has been applied to and within a framework structure with a honeycomb structure, for example, a framework structure injection-molded from plastic, to form the dome-shaped first section (1a). In an exemplary manufacturing process for the dome-shaped first section (1a), a dome-shaped framework structure is placed in a manufacturing mold corresponding to the outer surface of the dome shape of the framework structure. Clay is then introduced into the manufacturing mold and thus onto and within the framework structure. Excess clay is then scraped off with a scraping tool whose shape is adapted to the inner surface of the dome shape of the framework structure to give the first section (1a) its shape. After the clay has dried, the first section (1a) can then be used to construct an internal structure (1) of a beehive.

[0064] According to the presentation of Fig. 7The second section (1b) of the internal structure (1) is tubular. For this purpose, an upper retaining ring (13) and a lower retaining ring (14) of the lower section (1b) are clamped together by means of wax-impregnated cords (15), which are attached to the upper (13) and lower (14) retaining rings, respectively. The wax impregnation protects the cords (15). Alternatively or additionally, the wax impregnation of the cords (15) can stimulate a bee colony to excavate the internal cavity (3). Wooden panels (16) are arranged and clamped between the upper (13) and lower (14) retaining rings, forming the outer wall of the tubular second section (1b). The wooden panels (16) are thin relative to their surface area and can, for example, be veneer panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the wooden panels (16) have a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm.In particular, the wooden panels (16) are so thin that they can be adapted non-destructively by bending them to match the curvature of the outer wall of the tubular second section (1b). According to the exemplary embodiment of the . Fig. 7 The second section (1b) has several wooden plates (16) along part of its circumference and height, each separated and held by intermediate rings (17). For this purpose, the intermediate rings (17) are formed with an H-profile (see figure). Fig. 7 ), into which the wooden panels are inserted. In circumferential sections where only one wooden panel is provided along the height of the second section (1b) (16), the intermediate rings (17) merely surround this wooden panel without dividing and holding it, as in the Fig. 7 visible on the left side. Here, the intermediate rings (17) exhibit the following characteristics according to the design of the Fig. 7In circumferential sections where no separation of wooden panels (16) is provided, no H-profile is used. The tensioning by means of the cords (15) holds the wooden panels (16) in the rings (13, 14, 17) and thus the lower section (1b) together. It may be provided that one or more of the wooden panels (16) can be individually removed from the lower section (1b) to allow access to the second cavity (3b), particularly if the inner cavity (3) is occupied by a bee colony. In particular, it may be provided that in a segment where several wooden panels (16) are arranged one above the other along the height of the second section (1b), one, one, or all of the wooden panels (16) can be removed to allow access to the second cavity (3b). For this purpose, the rings (13, 14, 17) of the second section (1b) may be formed with corresponding retaining elements for the wooden panels (16).The wooden panels (16) can be provided as flat wooden panels (16), which are not adapted to the tubular shape of the lower section (1b), and which are only adapted to the tubular shape of the lower section (1b) by being attached to the rings (13, 14, 17) of the lower section (1b), for example by clamping them.

[0065] The opening of the dome of the dome-shaped first section (1a) forms a first section opening (18), which provides access to the first cavity (3a). The upper opening of the tube of the second section (1b) forms a second section opening (19). The overlapping of the first (18) and second (19) section openings creates an access from the second cavity (3b) to the first (3a). This access is closed by the base of a bee-baiting device (20) formed by a cup-shaped recess of the upper retaining ring (13). Thus, the base of the bee-baiting device (20) forms a bee-separation device with an opening in its center.A removable insert is positioned within the opening, featuring one or more passageways. The size of these passageways is chosen so that worker bees can pass through them, while queen bees cannot. When the insert is in place, the first cavity (3a) forms a honey super, and the second cavity (3b) forms a brood chamber. This is because the queen bee can only lay eggs in the brood chamber, as she cannot access the honey super through the insert, which acts as a so-called queen extruder. The honey super is then only accessible to worker bees, who use it for honey storage.

[0066] The lower opening of the tube of the second section (1b) thus forms an access opening (21) which provides access for bees to the cavity (3) of the internal structure (1).

[0067] The pot-shaped material holding device (20) is filled with a spreading material, for example bark mulch, as shown in the example in the Fig. 3This is evident. The bee litter holding device (20) thus forms a section separation device, since a bee colony living in the inner structure (1) will, when building comb in the second cavity (3b), build up to the underside of the base of the bee litter holding device (20), and when building comb in the first cavity (3a), will build up to the bee litter arranged in the bee litter holding device (20). The bee litter in the bee litter holding device (20) thus creates a weak point at which the comb in the inner cavity (3) can be separated. If the first section (1a) is lifted from the second section (1b), individual elements of the bee litter to which the comb in the first cavity (3a) is attached may also be lifted.Since the elements of the bedding material offer no or only minimal resistance to this lifting action, the honeycomb is not subjected to any force that could lead to its destruction. Thus, the weak point in the honeycomb formed by the bedding material holding device (20) and the bedding material arranged therein allows for a non-destructive separation of the honeycomb structure (1) into the first (1a) and second (1b) sections, resulting in a brood chamber in the second cavity (3b) and a honey chamber in the second cavity (3a).

[0068] The Fig. 8Figure 1 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a beehive with an internal structure (1), a support structure (2), and an insulation structure (4), in which a transition between a first section (1a) and a second section (1b) of the internal structure (1) is visible. To allow separation of the first section (1a) from the second section (1b), the support structure (2) and the insulation structure (4) are designed to be separable. For this purpose, the support structure (2) has a lower section ring (22) and an upper section ring (23), at which the support structure can be separated into an upper first section (2a) and a lower second section (2b).The first section (1a) of the interior space (1) can be arranged independently of the second section (1b) of the interior space (1) within the first section (2a) of the support device (2), and it can be possible to arrange the second section (1b) of the interior space (1) independently of the first section (1a) of the interior space (1) within the second section (2b) of the support device (2). This allows, in particular, the interior structure (1), together with the support device (2) and the insulation device (4) arranged on the support device (2), to be divided, especially into a brood chamber and a honey chamber. In this context, insulation, in particular a sealing ring (12) between the lower (22) and the upper (23) section ring, can ensure that the microclimate in the inner cavity (3) is determined by the insulation device (4).In this case, the lower (22) and the upper (23) section ring together with the insulation, in the illustrated embodiment the sealing ring (12), can provide the connection between the first section (1a) and the second section (1b) of the internal structure (1).

[0069] The lower (22) and upper (23) section rings can be connected to each other by retaining elements, for example, by clip fasteners. In general, components of the support device can be connected to each other by clip fasteners. Alternatively or additionally, other fasteners, for example, screws, can be provided.

[0070] In the Fig. 1In the illustrated embodiment, the support device (2) is formed with a lower disc segment (24). The lower disc segment (24) closes the access opening (21) of the inner structure (1) and in turn has a bee access opening (25) which is sized to allow bees access to the inner cavity (3). A landing board (26) is formed at the bee access opening (25), which facilitates take-off and landing of bees and can be reached by the bees crawling from the bee access opening (25) and vice versa.

[0071] In the lower disc segment (24) an additional substrate receptacle (27) is formed, into which a substrate is introduced that serves as a habitat for honeybee symbionts. In the left part of the Fig. 3The substrate can be seen in the substrate intake (27). In particular, this can create a habitat for pseudoscorpions. The substrate could be, for example, bark mulch.

[0072] In one embodiment, the substrate receptacle (27) can be designed to be removable. A lever can be provided to unlock the substrate receptacle for subsequent removal. In particular, this allows a view into the inner cavity (3), making it possible to observe a bee colony living in the cavity (3) without significantly disturbing it.

[0073] The Fig. 9 shows a schematic overall view of a beehive as described in the revelation. The beehive is covered with a fabric covering (8), which, as in the Fig. 1It is recognizable that it rests on structural elements of the support device (2) and provides additional protection against UV radiation, hail, rain and other weather influences.

[0074] As in the Fig. 9 As can be seen, the beehive can be positioned on a stake (28) during use. For this purpose, the beehive has a stake receptacle (29) with which it can be attached to a stake (28). This allows for flexible use of the beehive, even on uneven terrain, as leveling the ground is not necessary. Instead, a stake (28) can be driven into the ground, and the beehive can be attached to it using the stake receptacle (29). The beehive can also be secured to the stake (28), for example, by screwing it in place. This is illustrated by the following example: Fig. 2As indicated. For example, screwing it down can provide protection against theft or vandalism.

[0075] According to the in the Fig. 1 and 5In the illustrated embodiments, the insulation device has an opening on its upper surface, which forms a sensor receptacle (30). The sensor receptacle (30) is configured to accommodate a sensor array (31) for monitoring the bee colony in the inner cavity (3). Inserting the sensor array (31) closes the sensor receptacle (30), so that the microclimate in the inner cavity (3) continues to be determined by the layers (5, 6, 7) of the insulation device's (4) layered structure. Alternatively or additionally, another sensor array (32) can be provided in the area of ​​the post receptacle (29). The sensor arrays (31, 32) can, for example, include (air) humidity, temperature, (atmospheric) pressure, acoustic, optical, motion, weight or force, and / or camera sensors.

[0076] The Fig. 10Figure 1 shows an embodiment with a sensor array (31) arranged in the sensor receptacle (30), which includes humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, microphone and motion sensors.

[0077] In the design according to the Fig. 11 In the area of ​​the pile receptacle (20) on the lower disc segment (24) a sensor array (32) is arranged, which includes a weight sensor and a camera.

[0078] The Fig. 12Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which a wax holder (33) is arranged in the inner first cavity (3a). Such wax holders are known and can consist of wax mats, which are soldered into known magazine hives. The wax holder (33) can stimulate a bee colony to subsequently expand the inner first cavity (3a) upon reaching the wax holder (33). In this sense, the wax holder (33) can be understood as a "starter" or "template" for a bee colony.

[0079] In the design of the Fig. 12 The wax-soaked cords (15) are provided with knots (34) for attachment to the base of the grit holding device (20).

[0080] The features disclosed in the foregoing description and the drawing can be important for the realization of the various embodiments, both individually and in any combination, within the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A beehive comprising - an inner structure (1) having an inner cavity (3) configured to be taken from a bee population and built out with a honeycomb; - a support device (2) in which the inner structure (1) is received; and - an insulation device (4) which is received on the support device (2) and comprises a layer structure, wherein the layer structure comprises: - a vapor barrier layer (5) formed with a vapor diffusion inhibiting material, which is arranged on the support device (2) surrounding the inner structure (1); - an insulation layer (6) formed with a heat insulating material, which is arranged on the support device (2) surrounding the vapor barrier layer (5); and - a weather protection layer (7) formed with a diffusion-open material, which is arranged on the support device (2) surrounding the insulation layer (6).

2. The beehive according to claim 1, wherein the vapor barrier layer (5) is a vapor barrier film.

3. The beehive according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat insulating material is moisture permeable.

4. The beehive according to claim 3, wherein the heat insulating material comprises hemp wool.

5. The beehive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffusion-open material is a film material.

6. The beehive according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fabric cover (8) surrounding the layer structure.

7. The beehive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the inner structure of the beehive comprises an access opening (21) forming an access to the cavity (3) for bees; and - the vapor barrier layer (5) is arranged on the support device (2) surrounding the inner structure (1) in an airtight manner with the exception of the access.

8. The beehive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (2) comprises holding elements (11) by means of which a connection between the support device (2) and the layer structure can be established.

9. The beehive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner structure comprises: - a first section (1a) having an inner first cavity (3a) and a first section opening (18) forming an access to the first cavity (3a); and - a second section (1b) having an inner second cavity (3b), a second section opening (19) and an access opening (21) forming an access for bees to the cavity (3) of the inner structure (1), wherein the second section (1b) is detachably connected to the first section (1a) in an airtight manner such that - the first section opening (18) and the second section opening (19) are at least partially congruent, whereby an access from the second cavity (3b) to the first cavity (3a) is formed by the second section opening (19) and the first section opening (18); and - the first cavity (3a) and the second cavity (3b) form the inner cavity (3) configured to be taken from a bee population and built out with a honeycomb in wild-building manner, wherein the inner structure (1) further comprises: - a section separation device arranged at a transition between the first section (1a) and the second section (1b) and configured to form a weak point in a honeycomb to be formed in the inner cavity (3) at the transition between the first section (1a) and the second section (1b); and - a bee separation device (20) having one or more passage openings arranged in the region of the first section opening (18) and the second section opening (19) such that a transition for bees between the second section (1b) and the first section (1a) is only enabled by the one or more passage openings, wherein the size of the one or more passage openings is selected such that worker bees can pass through the one or more passage openings and bee queens cannot pass through the one or more passage openings.

10. The beehive according to claim 9, wherein the section separation device is formed with scattered material arranged in a scattered material holding device (20).

11. The beehive according to claim 10, wherein the scattered material is bark mulch.

12. The beehive according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein - the first section (1a) is dome-shaped; - the second section (1b) is tubular; and - the first section (1a) is arranged above the second section (1b).

13. The beehive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner structure (1) is formed with at least one of the following materials: loam and wood.

14. A method for producing a beehive, comprising the steps of: - providing an inner structure (1) having an inner cavity (3) configured to be taken from a bee population and to be built out with a honeycomb; - receiving the inner structure (1) in a support device (2); and - receiving an insulating device (4) comprising a layer arrangement on the support device (2), wherein receiving the insulating device (4) comprises: - surrounding the inner structure (1) with a vapor barrier layer (5) of the layer arrangement formed with a vapor diffusion inhibiting material, which is arranged on the support device (2); - surrounding the vapor barrier layer (5) with an insulation layer (6) formed with a heat insulating material, which is arranged on the support device (2); and - surrounding the insulation layer (6) with a weather protection layer (7) formed with a diffusion-open material, which is arranged on the support device (2).