Device for carrying out insect breeding operations

Abstract

Device (5) capable of performing at least one insect rearing operation in insect rearing trays separated vertically from each other by a predefined inter-tray space, this device comprising: - a first main conduit extending between a first end intended to be removably connected to the mouth of a transport conduit and a second end opposite said first end; - a first branch conduit (55) extending between a first proximal end (56) connected to the first main conduit and a first free distal end (57), this first branch conduit (55) being movable between a working position in which the first distal end is intended to be in an inter-tray space and a resting position in which the first distal end is intended to be recessed from said inter-tray space. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Device for carrying out insect breeding operations

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of insect breeding, and more particularly to devices configured to carry out insect breeding operations.

[0002] Insect breeding units incorporating racks with breeding containers, typically trays stacked in several rows in a controlled environment, are known in the state of the art. Insect breeding operations in such units cover any operation promoting the maintenance of life and / or growth of insects to a desired stage of development or a target product (e.g., eggs, larvae, nymphs, or adult insects).

[0003] A disadvantage of current breeding techniques in these units is that they are semi-industrial, or even artisanal, due to the fact that they carry out breeding operations by breeding tank taken individually. Indeed, even if devices configured for insect breeding operations exist, the latter remain perfectible because they involve numerous manipulations.

[0004] When the breeding unit is intended for the implementation of an insect breeding process to obtain a specific final product at a high rate with fairly frequent sequences of breeding operations (for example, the production of breeding insects in a production process, eggs in an egg-laying process, or young adult insects in a reproduction process), the capacities of existing systems prove to be limited.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to propose a device for carrying out insect breeding operations in a breeding unit organized into trays capable of handling a large number of breeding operations.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide devices for carrying out insect breeding operations in a highly automated and efficient manner.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to propose a device which meets multiple functional criteria, in particular the capacity to carry out a plurality of breeding operations, while optimizing the volume used.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to simplify insect breeding processes, particularly for individuals.

[0009] To this end, there is proposed, firstly, a device capable of carrying out at least one insect breeding operation in insect breeding tanks separated vertically from each other by a predefined inter-tank space, this device comprising a first main conduit extending between a first end intended to be removably connected to a mouth of a transport pipe and a second end opposite said first end; - a first bypass conduit extending between a first proximal end connected to the first main conduit and a first free distal end, this first bypass conduit being movable between a working position in which the first distal end is intended to be in an inter-tank space and a rest position in which the first distal end is intended to be set back relative to said inter-tank space; - a closure member capable of closing or opening the bypass conduit at the first distal end and / or at the first proximal end, this closure member being configured to open, when a predefined condition is met, the first bypass conduit when this first bypass conduit is in a working position and to close the first bypass conduit when this first bypass conduit is in a rest position.

[0010] Various additional features may be provided, alone or in combination: - the bypass duct is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the first main duct; - the device further comprises a second branch conduit substantially symmetrical to the first branch conduit with respect to a longitudinal axis of the first main conduit, the first branch conduit and the second branch conduit forming a pair of branch conduits; - the device comprises a plurality of pairs of branch conduits forming two rows of branch conduits substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first main conduit; - the device further comprises a sensor capable of measuring an insect breeding parameter, this sensor being movable between a working position in which this sensor is intended to be in the inter-tank space and a rest position in which this sensor is intended to be set back relative to the inter-tank space; - the device further comprises a second main conduit independent of the first main conduit, at least one third bypass conduit extending between a second proximal end connected to the second main conduit and a second free distal end, this second bypass conduit being movable between a working position in which the second distal end is intended to be in the inter-tank space and a rest position in which the second distal end is intended to be set back relative to the inter-tank space, the third bypass conduit being substantially parallel to the first bypass conduit; - the device further comprises a metering device at the first end.

[0011] Secondly, an insect breeding unit is proposed comprising - insect breeding tanks separated vertically from each other by a predefined inter-tank space, these tanks being arranged in tiers in at least two rows separated by an aisle, the inter-tank space being accessible from the aisle; - a transport pipeline incorporating a mouth accessible from said alley; - the device presented above.

[0012] Various additional features may be provided, alone or in combination: - the breeding unit further comprises means of locomotion enabling said device to be moved along said alley; - the transport line is a suction or distribution line; - the device presented above is configured to ensure a function of capturing a gas released by insects in the breeding unit, the transport pipe being a suction pipe.

[0013] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0014] Figure [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an insect breeding unit according to various embodiments;

[0015] Figure [Fig.2] shows an enlarged partial detail of Figure [Fig.l];

[0016] Figure [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a breeding operations device of insects according to various embodiments;

[0017] Figure [Fig.4] shows an exploded view of a device for insect breeding operations according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a transport pipeline according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an operation of the insect breeding device according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure [Fig.7] schematically illustrates another operation of the insect breeding device according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure [Fig.8] schematically illustrates another operation of the insect breeding device according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure [Fig.9] schematically illustrates means of locomotion of the insect breeding device according to various embodiments.

[0023] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions will be designated by the same references.

[0024] Referring to [Fig.l], there is shown an insect breeding unit 10 integrating at least one row 1 of a 2-tiered bin rack. Insect breeding bins 2 are, in fact, arranged in at least one row 1 of a multi-tier (or multi-level) rack. In other words, bins 2 are arranged in tiers in a plurality of rows 1 (or shelves). The rows 1 of the rack thus have a tiered arrangement of insect breeding bins 2.

[0025] In this racking with 2-tiered trays, the insect breeding trays 2 are, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, vertically separated from each other by a predefined inter-tray space (i.e. between two successive insect breeding trays 2). The trays 2 arranged in tiers are vertically spaced by a predefined inter-tray space. A predefined vertical inter-tray distance is provided between two successive tiered trays 2. This distance is substantially the same between any pair of superimposed insect breeding trays 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the trays 2 are arranged in tiers with a substantially constant vertical spacing.

[0026] In one embodiment, the insect breeding unit 10 comprises a plurality of rows 1 of a tiered bin rack 2. Two successive rows 1 may be opposite (facing) each other or back-to-back with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a multi-tier rack comprises rows 1 arranged in the middle of the breeding unit 10 in pairs of back-to-back rows, forming double rows 1, and two edge rows 1 arranged on either side of the double rows 1. The rows 1 are preferably arranged in a longitudinal direction of the insect breeding unit 10 and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0027] Each row 1 is bordered by an aisle 3. Two rows 1 facing each other are separated by an aisle 3 (i.e. a corridor or passage). Two rows 1 facing each other have a common aisle 3 extending along these two rows 1. Preferably, a first row and a second row facing each other are arranged on either side of an aisle 3. In one embodiment, rows 1 and / or double rows 1 are regularly spaced apart from each other so as to form aisles 3 between them.

[0028] Of course, the number of rows 1 and / or the number of levels in a row 1 of the racking with 2-tiered trays depends on the interior volume available in the insect breeding unit 10. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the insect breeding unit 10 comprises a central double row 1 separated, on the one hand, from a first edge row 1 by a first aisle 3 and, on the other hand, from a second edge row 1 by a second aisle 3. The trays of two rows facing each other or on either side of an aisle 3 may be intended for breeding insects of the same species or at the same stage of development.

[0029] The insect breeding tanks 2 are generally parallelepiped in shape, notably rectangular. Each of the bins 2 has side walls connecting a substantially flat bottom wall to an open upper face opposite the bottom wall. When a bin 2 is arranged in the bin rack, its bottom wall is substantially horizontal.

[0030] In one embodiment, support elements 4 (or a support structure) keeping the bins 2 vertically separated from each other by a predefined inter-bin space allow lateral access to this inter-bin space from the aisle 3 adjacent to the row 1 formed by these tiered bins 2. An aisle 3 thus allows lateral access to each of the tiered bins 2 forming the row 1 bordered by this aisle 3. The bins 2 of two facing rows are accessible from the same aisle 3 separating these two rows 1. Advantageously, the inter-bin space allows air to circulate between the bins 2, promoting the renewal of the air in these bins 2. The support elements 4 allow regular stacking of the bins 2, while allowing ventilation of the bins 2.

[0031] The support elements 4 are, for example, a shelf structure adapted to receive the trays 2 so that they are superimposed on top of each other with a predefined inter-tray space along a row 1. More generally, the support elements 4 comprise a stepped structure incorporating a plurality of levels allowing the insect breeding trays 2 to be arranged therein. For example, the support elements 4 comprise vertical uprights fixed to horizontal crosspieces intended to hold insect breeding trays 2 uniformly spaced vertically from each other in a column. The support elements 4 are, in one embodiment, formed of a plurality of modules mounted on rollers or casters facilitating their handling.

[0032] In another embodiment, the insect breeding tanks 2 comprise feet or support elements forming support elements 4 making it possible to present, when these tanks 2 are superimposed, a tiered arrangement of the insect breeding tanks 2 with a predefined inter-tank space along a row 1. These support elements extend vertically from the lower lateral edges of a tank 2 to bear against the upper lateral edges opposite the tank 2 below, while allowing lateral access from the aisle 3 to each of the tanks 2. More generally, the tanks 2 are arranged in tiers with an inter-tank space accessible from the aisle 3 running along the row 1 formed by these tiered tanks 2.

[0033] The insect breeding unit 10 is, in one embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, a maritime container (the conventional parallelepiped metal box, designed for the transport of goods). Such a breeding unit facilitates the logistics associated with the breeding of insects. This example of a breeding unit 10 is, of course, in no way limiting. The insect breeding unit 10 may be a workshop, a factory, a farm or, more generally, any indoor environment intended for the breeding of insects. When the insect breeding unit 10 is transportable or mobile, the trays 2 are, preferably, slightly recessed or, more generally, fixed to the support elements 4 so as to provide a certain stability to the rows 1 of trays 2 and to resist horizontal accelerations of this breeding unit 10.

[0034] Furthermore, the insect breeding unit 10 is equipped with a device 5 for insect breeding operations capable of carrying out at least one insect breeding operation in the tanks 2.

[0035] By insect breeding operation is meant any periodic or non-periodic operation that must be carried out for the good growth of the insects, their maintenance in life and / or the optimization of the breeding conditions. These operations are, for example, a feeding operation, a water supply operation, a cleaning operation (washing and / or disinfection) of the tanks 2, an insect collection operation, an operation of concentration / dilution of the density of insects in a tank 2 by adding / removing insects, an operation of depositing insects or breeding substrate in the tanks 2, an operation of sorting in the contents of the tanks (for example, between live and dead insects, between insects and waste, or between insects at different stages of development), or an operation of observation of a parameter associated with the insect breeding unit 10.

[0036] Referring to the exploded perspective view illustrated by [Fig. 4] of the device 5, the latter comprises a frame 50 on which a main conduit 51 is mounted. This main conduit 51 extends between a first end 52 and a second end 53 opposite the first end 52. Its first end 52 is intended to be removably connected to a mouth 61 of a transport pipe 6 (or pipeline) (see, in particular, [Fig. 5]). This mouth 61 opens onto the aisle 3 or, more generally, is accessible from the aisle 3. A collar 54 fitted to the first end 52 facilitates the connection of the main conduit 51 to a mouth 61 of the transport pipe 6. This removable connection of the main conduit 51 can be made by applying the collar 54 against a complementary collar fitted to the mouth 61 of the transport conduit 6.

[0037] The main conduit 51 is in the form of a tubular body, preferably made of food material, a first end 52 of which is capable of being removably connected to the transport conduit 6. In one embodiment, the second end 53 is closed by a plug. In another embodiment, the second end of the main conduit 51 is intended to be removably connected to a mouth of a discharge conduit.

[0038] In one embodiment, the insect breeding operation device 5 comprises, at the first end 52 of the main conduit 51, a metering device 59 (a valve doser, for example). This doser 59 is configured to dose an object (such as food, insects, a substrate, a cleaning product) which, depending on the breeding operation implemented, is recovered from the transport pipe 6 or transmitted to it (such as a volumetric, flowmeter or weight doser). The transport pipe 6 may be equipped with a worm screw, a suction device, a discharge device or any other equivalent device making it possible to send an object to the device 5 for breeding operations (insects, substrate, food, pressurized air, cleaning product, for example) or to recover an object therefrom (insects, waste, substrate for example). In other words, the transport pipe 6 may be a distribution pipe or, on the contrary, a suction pipe.

[0039] At least one closable bypass conduit 55 is interposed between the first end 52 and the second end 53 of the main conduit 51. This bypass conduit 55 extends between a proximal end 56 connected to the main conduit 51 and a free distal end 57. The main conduit 51 and the bypass conduit form between them a substantially right or slightly lesser angle (for example, between 80° and 90° or between 85° and 90°) so that the distal end 57 of the bypass conduit is slightly inclined towards the second end 53 of the main conduit 51.

[0040] A closure member 58 makes it possible to close or open the bypass conduit 55 at its distal end and / or at its proximal end 56. In one embodiment, the closure member 58 is arranged at the proximal end connected to the main conduit 51 (in the connection zone of the bypass conduit 55 to the main conduit 51). In combination or alternatively, another closure member 58 is arranged at the free distal end 57 of the bypass conduit 55. The closure member is of the solenoid valve type or equivalent, such as an electromechanical opening / closing mechanism, capable of allowing or preventing fluid communication of the bypass conduit 55 via its proximal end 56 with the main conduit 51 and / or via its distal end 57 with the outside.A closure member 58 at the proximal end 56 allows the contents of the main conduit 51 to be isolated from the bypass conduit 55, while a distal closure member allows the bypass conduit 55 to be emptied. In one embodiment, the pressure level in the bypass conduit 55 allows the closure member 58 disposed at the distal end 57 to move from the closed position to the open position. In one embodiment, each of the closure members can be automatically actuated to move from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

[0041] The bypass conduit 55 is movable between a working position in which its distal end 57 is intended to be in the inter-tank space between two superimposed breeding tanks 2 and a rest position in which its distal end 57 is intended to be set back from the inter-tank space. The inter-tank space or the vertical distance between two superimposed tanks 2 is chosen so as to allow the free distal end 57 of the bypass conduit 55 to be introduced therein. When the bypass conduit is in the working position, its distal end 57 is preferably substantially opposite the center of the bottom wall of the insect breeding tank 2. Such an arrangement of the distal end 57 of the bypass conduit ensures, for example, a substantially uniform distribution of the food in the tanks 2. A homogeneous distribution of food makes it possible to have good homogeneity of the insects harvested.

[0042] In an embodiment illustrated by Figures 3 and 6, the bypass conduit 55 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51. In one implementation, the bypass conduit 55 is rotated by the main conduit 51 coupled to rotation means, such as a motor, carried by the chassis 50. Advantageously, a fraction of a turn, in particular a quarter of a turn, of the main conduit 51 makes it possible to move the bypass conduit 55 from its working position to its rest position and vice versa.

[0043] Advantageously, when the breeding operations device 5 is arranged in an aisle 3 and the bypass conduit 55 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aisle 3 between two inter-bin spaces facing each other of the two rows delimiting this aisle 3, a quarter turn of the bypass conduit 55 (or, equivalently in this example, of the main conduit 51) allows it to be moved from its rest position to its working position in one or other of the two inter-bin spaces facing each other on either side of the aisle 3 as illustrated by FIGS. 7 and 8. A rotational movement of the bypass conduit 55 (or, equivalently in this example, of the main conduit 51) by a quarter turn in the opposite direction allows it to be returned to its rest position.Of course, other types of rotational and / or translational movements of the bypass conduit 55 can be envisaged to move it from its working position to its rest position and vice versa. The length of the bypass conduit 55, the arrangement of the support elements 4 and the position in the aisle 3 of the breeding operation device 5 are chosen so as to allow the introduction and removal of the bypass conduit 55 from the inter-tank space without it touching the support elements 4. The support elements 4 are, in fact, arranged so as to reserve for the bypass conduit 55 lateral access from the aisle 3 to the space between two superimposed tanks.

[0044] The closure member 58 is configured to open, when a predefined condition is met, the bypass conduit 55 when this bypass conduit 55 is in a working position and to close the bypass conduit 55 when this first bypass conduit is in a rest position. Depending on the insect breeding operation to be carried out, said predefined condition is, for example, a duration predefined, a predefined volume, an instruction, a detection of the presence of an object (presence of a bin 2, insects, or waste for example), a detection of the absence of an object (absence of insects, substrates, waste or food for example).

[0045] In one embodiment, the insect breeding operation device 5 comprises a second branch conduit 55 substantially symmetrical to the branch conduit 55 described above with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51. These two branch conduits 55 form a pair of branch conduits 55 on either side of the main conduit 51. As a result, advantageously, the device 5 is capable of carrying out an insect breeding operation simultaneously in two insect breeding tanks 2 substantially diametrically opposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51.

[0046] In the embodiments illustrated by the appended figures, the device 5 comprises a plurality of pairs of branch conduits 55. These pairs of branch conduits 55 form two rows of branch conduits 55 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51. The two rows of branch conduits 55 are substantially in the same plane integrating the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51. Each of these branch conduits 55 is individually connected to the main conduit 51. The distance between two successive branch conduits 55 in each of the two rows is substantially equal to the distance between two successive vertically inter-tank spaces. Consequently, the branch conduits 55 can be simultaneously in the working position in two columns of tanks 2 diametrically opposite relative to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51.A first rotation of the main conduit 51 (or, equivalently, of the branch conduits) around its longitudinal axis (for example, by 45°) makes it possible to place the distal ends of the branch conduits 55 set back relative to the inter-tank spaces (corresponding to the rest position of the branch conduits 55). A second rotation of the main conduit 51 (or, equivalently, of the branch conduits) around its longitudinal axis (for example, by 45°) makes it possible to place the distal ends of the branch conduits 55 in the inter-tank spaces (corresponding to the working position of the branch conduits 55) of the two columns of tanks 2 diametrically opposite relative to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51.

[0047] In another embodiment, the bypass conduit 55 and / or the main conduit 51 comprise one or more filtering devices (such as a densimetric separator or a sieve). When the main conduit 51 comprises a separation device, its second end 53 can be connected to a mouth of a discharge conduit.

[0048] Furthermore, the device 5 is provided with at least one sensor 7 capable of measuring or observing an insect breeding parameter. By insect breeding parameter, reference is made to any parameter (in particular, environmental), condition or criterion suitable or, on the contrary, unsuitable for the breeding of insects in the breeding unit 10 such as temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, light, carbon dioxide level or any other constituent of the air. The sensor is, for example, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an air quality sensor (such as a gas sensor, a fine particle sensor, and / or a bacteria sensor), a brightness sensor, an image sensor (such as an optical camera or a thermal camera).It follows that the device 5 is, advantageously, instrumented in the sense that it can comprise a plurality of sensors capable of carrying out measurements of any parameter characteristic of a state of the breeding unit 10. The sensor 7 can be fixed to the frame 50 of the device 5 or, preferably, to the main conduit 51 or to a bypass conduit 55. Just like the distal end of the bypass conduit 55, the sensor 7 is, preferably, movable between a working position in which this sensor 7 is intended to be in the inter-tank space and a rest position in this sensor 7 is intended to be set back from the inter-tank space. It follows, advantageously, that the device 5 makes it possible to observe insect breeding parameters at precise positions of the breeding unit 10, in particular as close as possible to each breeding tank 2.

[0049] In one embodiment, the device 5 comprises a second main conduit 51a independent of the main conduit 51 described above. This second main conduit 51a to which are connected branch conduits 55a similar to those described above may, for example, be reserved for the diffusion of a fluid (pressurized air, water, or disinfectant for example). These branch conduits 55a are, in one embodiment, provided with nozzles at their free distal ends. The branch conduits of the second main conduit 51a are substantially parallel to the branch conduit 55 of the first main conduit 51. Said second main conduit 51a makes it possible, for example, to carry out an operation of supplying water to the tanks 2 by misting or nebulization, a cleaning operation by compressed air blade or by diffusion of a disinfectant.

[0050] In one embodiment, the insect breeding operation device 5 is further configured to provide a function of capturing or sucking up a gas released by the insects in the breeding unit 10 (the transport pipe 6 being, in this case, sucking). This gas comprises, for example, ammonia NH3, methane CH4 or a mixture thereof. Indeed, insects, such as black soldier fly (BSF) larvae feeding on organic waste (fruit, vegetable or cereal residues for example) metabolize them and produce ammonia in the form of a by-product. For this, the first main pipe 51 or the second main conduit 51a can be used for capturing or sucking up a gas emitted by the insects via their respective branch conduits 55, 55a. The sucked up gas is conveyed via the transport conduit 6 to a storage unit 12. Further treatment can be applied to the collected gas (such as a purification operation) for its use in a conversion process (to produce electricity, for example).

[0051] To carry out an insect breeding operation in any one of the tanks 2 accessible from an aisle 3, the device 5 is able to circulate in this aisle 3. The aisles 3 are, in fact, arranged to allow the circulation of the insect breeding operation device 5 between the rows 1 of the shelving. These aisles 3 are left free of any obstacle to facilitate the movement of the insect breeding operation device 5. Advantageously, the shape of the device 5 (whose branch conduits 55, 55a are deployed in the inter-tank spaces) requires little space to circulate in the breeding unit 10. The guidance data of the device 5 include, in particular, the location data of the stops of the device 5 in an aisle 3 at which insect breeding operations can be carried out in tanks 2 facing each other on either side of this aisle 3.

[0052] The insect breeding operation device 5 is, in one embodiment, a mobile robot or an automatic guided vehicle (or “Automatic Guided Vehicle” in English). Various automation technologies (geoguidance, wire guidance, or optoguidance, for example) can be implemented for the automatic guidance of the device 5 in the insect breeding unit 10.

[0053] In combination or alternatively, the device 5 is provided with locomotion means 9 allowing the movement of this device 51e along at least one aisle 3. These locomotion means 9 are, for example, a guide structure of the device 5. As illustrated by [Fig.9], the locomotion means 9 are capable of simultaneously moving a plurality of devices 5 in successive aisles 3. These locomotion means 9 comprise, for example, a rail conveyor from which one or more devices 5 are suspended, motorized wheels carrying the chassis 50 of the device 5, and / or a combination of these means.

[0054] A control unit embedded in the insect breeding operations device 5 or remote makes it possible to plan breeding operations to be implemented, to control the movements of the device 5 or of a fleet of insect breeding operations devices 5, to control and monitor the implementation of a sequence of insect breeding operations.

[0055] For example, for a feeding operation, the device 5 is moved to a predefined position in the aisle 3 allowing access to the trays 2 opposite each other of this position. In this position, the bypass conduits 55 are set back. with respect to the inter-tank spaces and the main conduit 51 is substantially vertical in a coaxial manner with a mouth 61 of the transport conduit 6. The first end 52 of the main conduit 51 and the mouth 61 of the transport conduit 6 are in the extension of one another so as to allow the passage through this connection of a supply transported by the transport conduit 6 from a silo 11 or a storage tank. A first rotation of the main conduit 51 (in particular of 45°) around its longitudinal axis allows the introduction of the bypass conduits 55 into two columns of inter-tank spaces. The successive control of the closure members 58 allows a distribution of the supply in the two columns of tanks 2 diametrically opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51 (first diagonal).A second rotation of the main conduit 51 (in particular of -90°) around its longitudinal axis makes it possible to introduce the bypass conduits 55 into the other two columns of inter-bin spaces. The successive control of the closure members 58 allows a distribution of the feed in the other two columns of bins 2 diametrically opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main conduit 51 (2nd diagonal). Each of the closure members 58 is arranged in the open position at the time of the supply of feed into the corresponding bin 2, then returned to the closed position, once the supply has been made. A third rotation of the main conduit 51 (in particular of -45°) around its longitudinal axis makes it possible to set the bypass conduits 55 back from the inter-bin spaces. The first end 52 of the main conduit 51 can be separated from the transport conduit 6 and the device 5 can move to another target position of the aisle 3.

[0056] Advantageously, the embodiments described above allow optimized industrial management of insect breeding, where practically all insect breeding operations can be carried out and monitored in an automated manner.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (5) capable of carrying out at least one insect breeding operation in insect breeding tanks (2) separated vertically from each other by a predefined inter-tank space, this device (5) comprising - a first main conduit (51) extending between a first end (52) intended to be removably connected to a mouth of a transport pipe (6) and a second end (53) opposite said first end (52); - a first branch conduit (55) extending between a first proximal end (56) connected to the first main conduit (51) and a first free distal end (57), this first branch conduit (55) being movable between a working position in which the first distal end (57) is intended to be in an inter-tank space and a rest position in which the first distal end (57) is intended to be set back relative to said inter-tank space;- a closure member (58) capable of closing or opening the bypass conduit (55) at the first distal end and / or at the first proximal end, this closure member (58) being configured to open, when a predefined condition is met, the first bypass conduit (55) when this first bypass conduit (55) is in a working position and to close the first bypass conduit (55) when this first bypass conduit (55) is in a rest position.;

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bypass conduit (55) is movable in rotation around a longitudinal axis of the first main conduit (51).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a second branch conduit (55) substantially symmetrical to the first branch conduit (55) with respect to a longitudinal axis of the first main conduit (51), the first branch conduit (55) and the second branch conduit (55) forming a pair of branch conduits (55).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of pairs of branch conduits (55) forming two rows of branch conduits (55) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first main conduit (51).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, ca- characterized in that it further comprises a sensor (7) capable of measuring an insect breeding parameter, this sensor being movable between a working position in which this sensor (7) is intended to be in the inter-tank space and a rest position in which this sensor (7) is intended to be set back from the inter-tank space.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a second main conduit (51) independent of the first main conduit (51), at least a third bypass conduit extending between a second proximal end (56) connected to the second main conduit (51) and a second free distal end (57), this second bypass conduit (55) being movable between a working position in which the second distal end (57) is intended to be in the inter-bin space and a rest position in which the second distal end (57) is intended to be set back from the inter-bin space, the third bypass conduit being substantially parallel to the first bypass conduit (55).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a metering device at the first end (52).

8. Insect breeding unit (10) comprising - insect breeding tanks (2) separated vertically from each other by a predefined inter-tank space, these tanks (2) being arranged in tiers in at least two rows (1) separated by an aisle, the inter-tank space being accessible from the aisle (3); - a transport pipe (6) incorporating a mouth accessible from said aisle (3); - the device (5) of any one of the preceding claims.

9. Breeding unit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises locomotion means (9) making it possible to move said device (5) along said alley (3).

10. Breeding unit (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the transport pipe (6) is a suction or distribution pipe.

11. Breeding unit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (5) is configured to perform a function of capturing a gas released by the insects in the breeding unit (10), the transport pipe (6) being a suction pipe.

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