Insect production system with water supply

Abstract

A system (1) for rearing insects in production tanks (2) within a production building, comprising a row of stacks (3) of production tanks (2), the stacks being placed on the floor (4) of the production building, a water supply system (5) for supplying water to each of the tanks (2) in each of the stacks (3) through lateral windows (10) provided on the production tanks, said watering system comprising a movable column (6) on which are arranged vertically spray nozzles (7) aligned with the lateral windows (10) and in fluidic communication with a pipe (8) connectable to a water supply source. FIGURE 1

Description

Title of the invention: Insect production system with water supply technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insect production system by rearing in production trays, comprising a row of stacks of production trays and a water supply system for supplying water to each tray in each stack through side windows provided on the trays. Prior art

[0002] Various approaches exist for implementing large-scale insect farming. Early methods were entirely manual, tedious, and had low productivity rates. Gradually, the increasing sophistication of the equipment used has reduced human intervention in the process and increased productivity. Today, numerous systems with diverse technological equipment are available.

[0003] To produce large quantities of insects or larvae, insect farms or factories are set up. A farm includes, for example, one or more storage areas for placing a plurality of stacks of trays. One or more additional devices may be provided, for example, to ventilate the site, add doses of water, or other means.

[0004] After their growth, the larvae or insects may undergo one or more stages of transformation into a food product. For example, a dehydration phase is planned, so that the resulting food product is easy to store and handle.

[0005] During the growth phase of the larvae or insects, a supply of water is required. This supply is provided either at predetermined time intervals or as needed. Various watering systems have been provided for this purpose.

[0006] For example, document WO2020246876 describes an insect rearing device comprising at least one insect cage, a reservoir for holding potable water or a tap for supplying potable water, a first pipe connected to the tap for receiving potable water, in which the pipe enters the insect cage through a first opening. A nozzle is coupled to the first pipe, positioned inside the insect cage and configured to deliver potable water into the insect cage.

[0007] Document US20130319334 describes a larval rearing system comprising a plurality of growing trays arranged in at least one stack of trays, each stack comprising several levels of trays, each tray comprising an open-topped basin suitable for receiving larvae and larvae food, a distribution system suitable for automatically distributing larvae food to individually selected culture trays, and a water distribution system suitable for automatically distributing water to the culture trays.

[0008] It is observed that known water distribution systems for insect rearing are fixed. These systems are suitable for small-scale production facilities with a limited number of stacks of trays. For large-scale facilities, the equipment required over large areas results in disproportionate installation costs. Furthermore, the systems are bulky and prone to leaks. Finally, if there are too many nozzles, the water pressure and flow rate required to supply all of them remain unachievable for most buildings, or necessitate the addition of complex and expensive tanks and pump systems.

[0009] Certain mobile devices for water distribution are also known. For example, document KR20100051297 describes an irrigation device for maintaining a regular and uniform flow without reducing water pressure by moving a pipe and a nozzle. The system is mounted on rails and has multiple nozzles arranged horizontally. This device is limited to watering at ground level.

[0010] To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides for various technical means. Summary of the invention

[0011] First of all, a first objective of the invention is to provide an insect production system in trays which provides a simple, reliable, and moderately costly supply of water to the trays.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide an insect production system in trays allowing a water supply to the trays on a large-area production site where the ground surface has irregularities.

[0013] To this end, the invention provides for a system for producing insects by rearing them in production tanks arranged in a production building, in which production materials are placed, comprising:

[0014] i) an alignment of stacks of production bins, the stacks being placed on the floor of the production building and each of the production bins comprising a side window giving access to the interior of the bin;

[0015] ii) a water supply system to supply water to each of the tanks of each of the stacks through the side windows;

[0016] said water supply system comprising:

[0017] iii) at least one movable column on which are arranged a plurality of nozzles arranged vertically in correspondence with the side windows and in fluidic communication with a pipe connectable to a water supply source;

[0018] iv) a translation guide arranged parallel to the alignment of stacks of bins and ensuring a movement of the column along the alignment at a constant lateral distance from the stacks;

[0019] v) a motorization, coupled to the mobile column, ensuring the movement of the column along the alignment of the piles.

[0020] This system allows for the supply of water to a large number of production tanks. It allows for easy and rapid adaptation to the number of stacks and tanks used. It eliminates the need for a fixed supply system with complex piping and a water outlet for each tank in the production area.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the translation guide comprises an upper rail arranged at a height greater than those of the stacks of bins, the mobile column being suspended from said upper rail, the motorization comprising a motor disposed at the end of the upper rail and driving a belt or cable arranged along the upper rail and cooperating with the mobile column.

[0022] Advantageously, the mobile column includes at least one position sensor to detect the vertical position of the side windows of the trays and at least one actuator to adjust the position of the watering nozzles with respect to the detected vertical position of the windows.

[0023] Depending on the more or less uniform quality of the building's floor surface, the bottom tray of each stack may be at a different height, depending on the ground's irregularities. Furthermore, the vertical position of all the side windows of a stack is directly dependent on the vertical position of that stack's bottom tray. On uneven ground, the side windows of the different stacks in a row may therefore be at different heights. If this height variation is not taken into account, and if the nozzles of the moving column are in a constant vertical position along the entire column's path, the nozzles may sometimes become misaligned with respect to the windows of some stacks of trays. The water supply intended to flow into the trays is then blocked by the side walls of the trays; the water is diverted and flows along the outside of the trays to the ground.Not only are the tanks not being supplied with water, but the ground at the production site is being flooded by the diverted water.

[0024] To avoid this double disadvantage, the position sensor and the actuator allow the vertical position of the nozzles to be adjusted at each stack in order to take into account the irregularities of the ground causing variations in the height of the base of the stacks and therefore of all the side windows of the bins. Thus, the nozzles are perfectly aligned with the side windows of the bins along the entire alignment path. After each movement of the mobile column to a new stack, a vertical position detection is performed, and the nozzle position is adjusted as needed.

[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment, the guide comprises a lower rail placed on the ground in the vicinity of the alignment of stacks of bins, the column being movably mounted on said lower rail.

[0026] The lower rail is configured to be at the same height as the stack of trays located directly opposite the rail, following the irregularities of the ground. With the movable column moving along the rail, a self-adjusting height arrangement is achieved. If the ground level changes, the rail level changes similarly according to the ground irregularities, providing self-adjustment of the nozzle height relative to the side windows. The water supply to the trays is thus always ensured, and the risk of ground flooding is controlled.

[0027] Advantageously, the motorization comprises a motor, disposed on the mobile column and coupled to drive wheels of the column on the lower rail.

[0028] Alternatively, the translation guide also includes an upper rail, the motorization includes a motor disposed at the end of the upper rail and driving a belt or cable arranged along the upper rail and cooperating with the moving column, a slide separating the moving column into two parts mounted sliding relative to each other.

[0029] The sliding mechanism allows for a column with adjustable height to accommodate uneven ground. The two sections of the column slide along each other or are telescopically mounted to allow for this adjustment. The upper section of the column remains at a constant height along the upper rail, which itself remains at a constant height along its entire length. The vertical position of the lower section of the column varies along its length depending on the height of the ground and the lower rail resting on the ground, as well as any ground deformation. The watering nozzles are arranged on the lower section of the column. Their vertical position therefore varies according to the vertical position of the lower section of the column. This ensures a constant water supply to the containers and prevents the risk of soil flooding.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the number of nozzles corresponds at least to the number of bins in a stack serving as a reference stack.

[0031] Also advantageously, the pipe is subdivided into sections each comprising a sliding support mounted on the upper rail.

[0032] This feature allows the pipe to be configured into a kind of accordion that can be easily deployed depending on the position of the movable column along the alignment of the stacks of bins. This prevents the pipe from simply being placed on the ground, which presents a risk of obstruction and pinching.

[0033] Advantageously, the process is used to produce beetles, more preferably mealworms, and even more preferably tenebrio molitor beetles. These types of insects are particularly well suited to this type of process. They also possess high nutritional qualities, including a high protein content.

[0034] Advantageously, the insects produced are at the larval stage. Indeed, this is the growth stage that allows for a high protein content, while maintaining relatively short production cycles. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] All implementation details are given in the following description, supplemented by Figures 1 to 7, presented solely for the purpose of non-limiting examples, and in which: Fig. 1

[0036] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an example of an implementation of an insect production system comprising a water supply system with a mobile column; Fig. 2

[0037] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows the insect production system of [Fig.1] in view back ; Fig.3

[0038] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an enlarged view of the water supply system showing an example of good positioning of the watering nozzles in relation to the side windows of the containers; Fig. 4

[0039] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows an example of an embodiment of a mounted mobile column rolling on a rail; Fig. 5

[0040] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] shows an example of the embodiment of a mobile column at height variable in order to adjust to variations in the flatness of the ground at the production site; Fig. 6

[0041] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows an example of stacking two identical containers with the accessible side windows; Fig. 7

[0042] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] presents an example of the layout of a production building, with at least one alignment of stacks of bins arranged side by side. Description of the implementation methods DEFINITIONS

[0043] By "production materials" is meant food with eggs, or food with larvae, or food with reproductive insects, depending on the cycle and methods of production.

[0044] By "reference stack", we mean a stack of standard bins whose characteristics, in particular of height, number of bins and vertical positioning of the side windows of the bins, are established according to a production to be carried out in a dedicated production building.

[0045] The term "translation guide" refers to an arrangement of elements that allows a moving column to be moved along a line of stacks of bins while maintaining a fixed, predetermined distance between the moving column and each stack. The translation guide also prevents the moving column from being deflected laterally during its successive movements along the line, for example, due to irregularities in the ground surface or obstacles on the ground or overhead.

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of an insect rearing system 1 using production trays 2. The trays 2 are used to hold the production materials necessary for rearing the insects. The larvae and / or insects remain in the trays for a period corresponding to the growth cycle desired by the breeder. For example, food, eggs, and / or larvae are placed in the trays. Once the production cycle is complete, the trays are transported to a processing site, emptied of their contents, and the larvae and / or insects are collected. The trays can then be washed and reused for a subsequent production cycle.

[0047] Depending on the configuration, a stack 3 can have between five and twenty tanks, or even more if needed and if the installation allows. Each tank 2 has at least one side window 10, allowing at least one fluidic communication between the outside and the inside of the tank. Advantageously, the windows extend over a portion of the length and height of the side wall on which they are located. The side windows 10 have several functions, including allowing ventilation of the tank contents and allowing the addition of a certain quantity of water either as needed or at predetermined intervals.

[0048] During a rearing cycle, the trays 2 are arranged in stacks 3 within a production building. To optimize production, the stacks 3 of trays 2 are arranged to form parallel rows 17, spaced apart to form corridors 18. Once arranged in these rows, the bottom tray of each stack rests on the floor of the production building. A row 17 preferably consists of stacks with the same number of trays, with windows arranged similarly across all the stacks in the row. Using identical trays for all the stacks in a row facilitates this arrangement. uniform and regular along the alignment. Figure 7 shows an example of a production building layout. An example of an alignment of 17 stacks of 3 bins is shown, arranged side by side. In this figure, only the end stacks are shown.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the production system 1 includes a water supply system 5 for supplying water to each of the tanks 2 of each of the stacks 3. As mentioned previously, access to the inside of the tanks is provided by the side windows 10 of the tanks.

[0050] The water supply system is designed to deliver to each tank the quantity of water required to ensure a rearing cycle. Distribution cycles are preferably planned at intervals determined according to the rearing process. Sensors can also be provided to adjust the water supply according to the conditions in the tanks and / or in the building in general.

[0051] The supply is designed to distribute the water stack by stack, successively. This progressive and localized distribution at the level of a stack is implemented by one (or more) mobile column 6, designed to move in the corridors 18 formed between the alignments 17 of stacks 3.

[0052] The mobile column 6 is equipped with a series of vertically arranged watering nozzles 7. The vertical arrangement of the nozzles 7 is designed to correspond with the vertical arrangement of the lateral windows 10 of a reference stack.

[0053] The nozzles 7 of the mobile column 6 are supplied with water by a pipe 8 that can be connected to a water supply source in the building. In the illustrated example, the pipe 8 is suspended in sections from an upper rail 12 running above a corridor 18. Sliding supports 13 support the pipe while allowing it to move along the rail. Alternatively, the pipe can be stored on a reel that unwinds the required length as the column moves along the corridor 18.

[0054] A motor 11 moves the mobile column 6 along the corridor in which it is installed. Depending on the configuration, the motor can be mounted directly on the column or remotely. In the latter case, the water supply system provides a transmission means, such as a chain, belt, or other type, to which the column is connected.

[0055] The mobile column moves along a row of stacks of tanks to successively supply several aligned stacks. The column moves step by step and stops at each new stack, with the nozzles aligned with the side windows of the tanks, to supply water to that new stack. The quantity of water distributed to each stack is metered according to the number of tanks in the stack and the quantity of water prescribed for each tank. After supplying a Once the stack is filled with the required amount of water, the column is moved to the next stack, and so on, until the end of the stack alignment. The longitudinal alignment of the mobile column in front of each stack with respect to the side windows can be managed either by a displacement counter located at the motor, or by a sensor placed on the column that detects the presence of the side windows or a stop marker, provided on the ground or on each stack in the alignment.

[0056] To ensure that the moving column travels parallel to the alignment of the piles, a translation guide is arranged along the corridor 18. The column follows this guide during its movements, either in contactless mode, for example by visual or magnetic detection of the guide, or by contact. In the latter case, several embodiments are possible.

[0057] VARIANT WITH MOVABLE COLUMN SUSPENDED FROM AN UPPER RAIL

[0058] First, according to an example of an embodiment not shown in the figures, the translation guide comprises an upper rail 12 arranged at a height greater than that of the stacks 3 of bins 2. The rail 12 has a dual function, namely lateral guidance and transmission. For this purpose, the movable column 6 is suspended from the upper rail 12. The drive 11 comprises a motor located at the end of the upper rail which drives a belt or cable arranged along the upper rail. The movable column is connected to the belt or cable and can follow its movement along the rail. The rail follows a predetermined path and provides the lateral guidance required to maintain the correct distance from the stacks of bins.

[0059] As previously stated, it is common for the floors of large buildings to be uneven, with areas whose height can fluctuate by several millimeters, or even a few centimeters. The upper rail is straight and therefore in a constant vertical position along its entire length. Conversely, the vertical position of the various piers placed on different areas of the ground along a row of piers is likely to vary along the route. The vertical position of the side windows 10 varies in the same way. There is thus a significant risk that the nozzles 7 of the moving column may not be in the correct vertical position for some of the piers in the row.

[0060] In this embodiment, the risk of relative vertical misalignment is managed by the fact that the mobile column 6 includes at least one position sensor to detect the vertical position of the lateral windows 10 of the trays. At each stop in front of a stack of trays, the sensor detects the vertical position of at least one window or a reference point provided for this purpose. If a vertical misalignment between the nozzles and the windows is detected, at least one actuator adjusts the position of the watering nozzles 7 with respect to the detected vertical position of the windows. The adjustment can be implemented at the nozzle level, or at the column level, depending on the case.

[0061] VARIANT WITH A MOBILE COLUMN ROLLING ON A GROUND RAIL

[0062] To solve the problem of vertically aligning the nozzles with the windows in a simple, reliable, and inexpensive way, another embodiment is provided. The guide includes a lower rail 9, placed on the floor 4 near the alignment of stacks 3 of trays 2, the column 6 being movably mounted on said lower rail 9.

[0063] The lower rail is configured to be at the same height as the stack of trays located directly opposite the rail. With the movable column moving along the rail, a self-adjusting height arrangement is achieved. If the ground level varies, the rail level varies similarly to accommodate ground irregularities, providing self-adjustment of the nozzle height relative to the side windows. This ensures a constant water supply to the trays and prevents the risk of ground flooding.

[0064] In this example, the motorization comprises a motor, disposed on the mobile column and coupled to drive wheels of the column on the lower rail.

[0065] Alternatively, the drive system also includes an upper rail 12, at a height greater than that of the stacks of bins. In this embodiment, the drive can be located away from the column and comprises a motor positioned at the end of the upper rail, driving a belt or cable arranged along the upper rail and cooperating with the moving column. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], to allow the moving column to move between two rails (the lower rail 9 and the upper rail 12) whose spacing varies along its path, a slide 14 separates the moving column 6 into two parts 15 and 16 mounted to slide relative to each other. The upper part 15 follows the upper rail 12 and remains in a constant vertical position. The lower part 16, resting on the lower rail 9, follows the irregularities of the ground.The 7 watering nozzles are arranged on the lower part 16 of the mobile column, so that they automatically remain aligned with the windows 10 of the stacks of trays. List of reference signs

[0066] 1. Insect production system 2. Production bins 3. Stacks of production bins 4. Floor of the production building 5. Water supply system 6. Mobile column 7. Sprinkler nozzles 8. Water supply pipe 9. Lower rail 10. Side window of tray 11. Engine 12. Top rail 13. Sliding support 14. Slide 15. Upper part of the column 16. Lower part of the column 17. Alignment of stacks of bins 18. Corridor

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for producing insects by breeding in production tanks (2) arranged in a production building, in which production materials are arranged, comprising: i) an alignment (17) of stacks (3) of production tanks (2), the stacks (3) being placed on the floor (4) of the production building and each of the production tanks (2) comprising a side window (10) giving access to the interior of the tank; ii) a water supply system (5) for supplying water to each of the tanks (2) of each of the stacks (3) via the side windows (10); said water supply system (5) comprising: iii) at least one movable column (6) on which are arranged a plurality of nozzles (7) arranged vertically in correspondence with the side windows (10) and in fluid communication with a pipe (8) connectable to a water supply source;iv) a translation guide arranged parallel to the alignment of stacks (3) of bins (2) and ensuring a movement of the column (6) along the alignment (17) at a constant lateral distance from the stacks (3); v) a motorization (11), coupled to the movable column (6), ensuring the movement of the column along the alignment (17) of the stacks (3).;

2. Insect production system (1) according to claim 1, in which the translation guide comprises an upper rail (12) arranged at a height greater than that of the stacks (3) of trays (2), the movable column (6) being suspended from said upper rail (12), the motorization (11) comprising a motor arranged at the end of the upper rail and driving a belt or a cable arranged along the upper rail and cooperating with the movable column (6).

3. Insect production system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the mobile column (6) comprises at least one position sensor for detecting the vertical position of the side windows (10) of the tanks and at least one actuator for adjusting the position of the watering nozzles (7) opposite the detected vertical position of the windows.

4. System (1) for producing insects according to claim 1, in which the translation guide comprises a lower rail (9), placed on the ground (4) in the vicinity of the alignment (17) of stacks (3) of bins (2), the column (6) being mounted movably on said lower rail (9).

5. Insect production system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the motorization (11) comprises a motor, arranged on the movable column (6) and coupled to drive wheels of the column on the lower rail.

6. Insect production system (1) according to claim 4, in which the translation guide also comprises an upper rail (12), and in which the motorization (11) comprises a motor arranged at the end of the upper rail and driving a belt or a cable arranged along the upper rail and cooperating with the movable column (6), a slider (14) separating the movable column into two parts (15, 16) mounted to slide relative to each other.

7. Insect production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of nozzles (7) corresponds at least to the number of bins in a stack (3) serving as a reference stack.

8. An insect production system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe (8) is subdivided into sections each having a sliding support (13) mounted on the upper rail.

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