Feeding device and feeding vessel

Abstract

To feed to feeding targets within a wide area in a fish preserve in a state where the fish preserve is submerged.SOLUTION: A feeding device 10 for feeding to feeding targets within a submerged fish cage includes: a pump 21 for pumping up water; a feed delivering unit 23 for delivering feed fed to the feeding targets; a merging unit 24 where water pumped up by the pump 21 and feed delivered by the feed delivering unit 23 merge; a feeding hose 25 which is connected to the merging unit 24, and delivers the mixture of water and feed that have merged at the merging unit 24; and an underwater diffusion unit which is provided at the tip of the feeding hose 25, and which diffuses the mixture delivered by the feeding hose 25 in the water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding apparatus and a feeding ship, and more particularly to a feeding apparatus and a feeding ship that feed subjects in a sunken fish cage. [Background technology]

[0002] A method of cultivating fish and shellfish in fish cages by submerging the cages below the water surface is known as a method for reducing risks to the fish and shellfish in the cages, such as the effects of sea surface temperature, ultraviolet rays, and parasites caused by recent global warming. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-121213 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which "sinking cages 10 into which farmed red sea bream are released are lowered and set up at a depth where ultraviolet light does not easily reach and where wild red sea bream live, and feeding is supplied to the sinking cages 10 from a feeder 20 installed on a boat 18 near a floating raft 12 to raise the farmed red sea bream before shipping."

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a feeding machine that introduces seawater and feed into a rotating drum and supplies them from the rotating drum to a sinking fish cage in the sea through a feeding hose. However, no method has been established for widely feeding the feeding subjects in the cage while the cage is submerged.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a feeding device and a feeding vessel that are capable of feeding a wide range of the feeding targets in a fish cage while the cage is submerged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The feeding device of the present invention is a feeding device that feeds subjects in a sunken fish pen, and comprises a pump that pumps up water, a feed delivery section that delivers feed to be fed to the subjects, a junction section where the water pumped up by the pump and the feed delivered by the feed delivery section meet, a feeding hose that connects to the junction section and delivers the mixture of water and feed that has joined at the junction section, and an underwater diffusion section that is attached to the tip of the feeding hose and diffuses the mixture delivered by the feeding hose underwater.

[0008] The underwater diffusion section has a first conical portion provided at the tip of the feeding hose and a second conical portion provided so as to overlap the first conical portion with a gap between them, and delivers the mixture delivered by the feeding hose into the water from between the inner surface of the first conical portion and the outer surface of the second conical portion.

[0009] The underwater diffusion section described above has a number of tubular sections connected to the tip of the feeding hose, and delivers the mixture delivered by the feeding hose into the water through the multiple tubular sections.

[0010] The above-mentioned underwater diffusion section has a fixing section for fixing the underwater diffusion section to the cover net of the fish cage.

[0011] An imaging section capable of capturing an image at least in the vertically downward direction is attached to the underwater diffusion section.

[0012] The inlet, which is connected to the junction of the feeding hose and through which the mixture flows, is provided along the flow direction of the water flowing into the junction.

[0013] The feed delivery section is configured so that the direction in which the feed is delivered from the feed delivery section to the confluence section forms an acute angle with the flow direction of the water flowing into the confluence section.

[0014] The upper part of the above-mentioned junction is open.

[0015] The feeding apparatus described above further includes a dust removal device that is provided midway along the feeding hose and discharges powdered food passing through the feeding hose to the outside.

[0016] The above-mentioned dust removal device has an upper part to which the upstream feeding hose is connected, a lower part to which the downstream feeding hose is connected, and a main body part that connects the upper and lower parts and has a number of holes for discharging powdered feed to the outside, and when feeding, part of the main body part is positioned below the water surface and the remaining part is positioned above the water surface.

[0017] The feeding vessel of the present invention also includes the feeding apparatus described above and a crane for suspending a feeding hose of the feeding apparatus. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, feeding can be provided over a wide range to the feeding subjects in the cage while the cage is submerged. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a feeding ship on which the feeding device is mounted. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the feeding hose and underwater diffusion section. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a double umbrella type underwater diffusion section. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a three-pronged underwater diffusion section. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a sink-float fish cage. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the floating-sinking cage. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a feeding boat moored above a floating fish cage. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing how the position of the underwater diffusion unit is adjusted. [Figure 10A] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a dust removing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a dust removal device during feeding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0021] (First embodiment) <Feeding Ship 1> The feeding ship 1 is a ship for cultivating fish by supplying feed from the ship in the aquaculture industry. The feeding ship 1 of this embodiment supplies feed to a fish cage in which the feeding targets are housed. The feeding ship 1 of this embodiment supplies feed underwater when the fish cage is submerged. The feeding targets are seafood such as, for example, yellowtail, yellowtail tuna, amberjack, red sea bream, sea bass, tiger puffer, flounder, carp, kuruma prawn, spiny lobster, abalone, turban shell, and octopus.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the feeding vessel 1 includes a feeding device 10, which will be described later, and a crane 20 that suspends a feeding hose 25 of the feeding device 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0023] <Feeding device 10> The feeding device 10 is a device that feeds the feeding subjects in a submerged fish cage. As shown in Fig. 2, the feeding device 10 includes a pump 21 that pumps up seawater, a seawater hose 22 through which the seawater pumped up by the pump 21 flows, a feed delivery section 23 that delivers feed 26 to be fed to the feeding subjects, a junction section 24 where the seawater pumped up by the pump 21 and the feed 26 delivered by the feed delivery section 23 join together, and a feeding hose 25 that communicates with the junction section 24 and delivers a mixture of the seawater and feed 26 that joined at the junction section 24.

[0024] The inlet 25a, which is connected to the junction 24 of the feeding hose 25 and through which the mixture (seawater + bait) flows, is provided along the flow direction of the seawater flowing into the junction 24 (direction F in the figure). In other words, the flow direction of the seawater (direction F in the figure) coincides with the flow direction of the mixture (seawater + bait) (direction G in the figure), and the outlet of the seawater hose 22 and the inlet 25a of the feeding hose 25 are provided along the flow directions (directions F and G). As a result, the seawater delivered from the seawater hose 22 to the junction 24 flows into the feeding hose 25 with the same force. Because bait 26 is supplied to the junction 24 from the bait delivery section 23, the bait 26 is supplied to the feeding hose 25 together with the seawater.

[0025] The bait delivery section 23 is configured so that the direction in which the bait 26 is delivered from the bait delivery section 23 to the junction 24 (direction H in the figure) forms an acute angle with the flow direction (direction F) of the water flowing into the junction 24. As a result, the bait 26 delivered from the bait delivery section 23 flows without resisting the flow of seawater and enters the feeding hose 25. Note that the direction in which the bait 26 is delivered from the bait delivery section 23 to the junction 24 (direction H in the figure) may be at a right angle or an obtuse angle with respect to the flow direction (direction F) of the water flowing into the junction 24.

[0026] The top of junction 24 is open. Junction 24 is not a sealed space but an open space. That is, seawater and food 26 that join at junction 24 flow into feeding hose 25 under atmospheric pressure. That is, feeding device 10 of the present embodiment can supply the mixture (seawater + food) to feeding hose 25 under atmospheric pressure without using compressed air.

[0027] <Underwater diffusion section 30> The feeding device 10 includes an underwater diffusion unit 30 provided at the tip of the feeding hose 25. The underwater diffusion unit 30 diffuses the mixture delivered by the feeding hose 25 underwater. As shown in FIG. 3, the feeding hose 25 is hoisted by the crane 20 of the feeding vessel 1. The tip of the feeding hose 25 is provided with the underwater diffusion unit 30 which radially diffuses the mixture supplied from the feeding hose 25 underwater. The underwater diffusion unit 30 is provided with a weight 31 for submerging the underwater diffusion unit 30 underwater. The weight 31 is, for example, a sandbag.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, underwater diffusion section 30 has a first conical section 41 that is provided at the tip of feeding hose 25 and has an opening that gradually widens toward the tip, and a second conical section 42 that is provided so as to overlap first conical section 41 with a gap between them. The mixture (seawater + food) delivered by feeding hose 25 is delivered into the water from between the inner circumferential surface of first conical section 41 and the outer circumferential surface of second conical section 42. The mixture that falls near the apex of second conical section 42 runs down the outer circumferential surface of second conical section 42 and diffuses radially.

[0029] The underwater diffusion unit 30 has a plurality of fixing parts 43 for fixing the underwater diffusion unit 30 to the lid net 67 of the fish cage 60. The underwater diffusion unit 30 is moved toward a mark on the lid net 67 of the fish cage, and the fixing parts 43 are engaged with the lid net 67 near the mark.

[0030] <Underwater diffusion section 50> The structure, shape, size, etc. of the underwater diffusion part are not limited to the underwater diffusion part 30 illustrated in FIG. 4. Another example of the underwater diffusion part 50 has three tube parts 51 that communicate with the tip of the feeding hose 25, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, the number of the tube parts 51 is three, but the number of the tube parts 51 may be two or four or more. The diffusion of the food is improved by arranging the multiple tube parts 51 at equal angular intervals. The mixture delivered by the feeding hose 25 is diffused into the water through the multiple tube parts 51.

[0031] An imaging unit 55 capable of capturing images at least in the vertically downward direction is attached to the underwater diffusion unit 50. The imaging unit 55 is, for example, a waterproof underwater camera. Images captured by the imaging unit 55 are displayed on a monitor mounted on the feeding vessel 1 via wired or wireless communication. The imaging unit 55 may be attached to the underwater diffusion unit 30. An operator operating the crane 20 of the feeding vessel 1 can adjust the position of the underwater diffusion unit 50 while viewing the images captured by the imaging unit 55 displayed on the monitor.

[0032] The above-mentioned double umbrella type underwater diffusion unit 30 is used, for example, in a yellowtail fish pen, while the above-mentioned three-pronged type underwater diffusion unit 50 is used, for example, in an amberjack fish pen.

[0033] <Fish Tank 60> The fish cage 60 of this embodiment is a sink-and-float type fish cage. The sink-and-float type fish cage 60 can sink to a position of the length of a rope fixed from the float 64 to the upper part of the fish cage 60. For example, if the length of the rope is 8 m, the cover net 67 of the fish cage 60 can sink to a position of 8 m depth from the water surface. The size of the fish cage 60 is, for example, 20 m long, 20 m wide, and 12 m deep. The size of the fish cage 60 is not limited to this size. The fish cage 60 is attached to a side lining 61 fixed to a concrete 62, a jumbo float 63, or the like.

[0034] A plurality of floats 64 are provided on the water surface above the net cage 60. Ropes 65 for mooring the feeding vessel 1 are connected between the plurality of floats 64. In addition, an air inlet 66 for injecting / discharging air to make the net cage 60 float or sink is provided on the water surface above the net cage 60. The net cage 60 floats when air is injected from the air inlet 66, and sinks when air is discharged from the air inlet 66. In this embodiment, the net cage 60 is also sinking when feeding is performed using the feeding vessel 1.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 7, a marker rope 70 is attached to the approximate center of the cover net 67 of the fish cage 60. The marker rope 70 is, for example, a yellow rope from the viewpoint of visibility underwater. When feeding the fish cage 60, the feeding vessel 1 stops, for example, above the marker rope 70 and along a rope 65 stretched diagonally across the float 64. Basically, the mooring rope 65 is hooked and fixed to a cleat 80 on the starboard side of the feeding vessel 1 downwind or downtide. When the wind or tide is strong, the onboard crane 20 is moved upwind or uptide to set the discharge outlet of the underwater diffusion unit 30 (or the underwater diffusion unit 50) near the center of the fish cage 60.

[0036] 8, a rope 65 stretched diagonally across the float 64 is hooked onto a cleat 80 fixed to the feeding vessel 1. Then, as shown in Fig. 9, the position of the underwater diffusion unit 50 (or the underwater diffusion unit 30) is adjusted in the water using the marker rope 70 on the cover net 67 of the fish pen 60 as a marker. For example, the underwater diffusion unit 50 (or the underwater diffusion unit 30) is installed so that the sinker 31 is located at the center of the square surrounded by the marker rope 70.

[0037] (Effects of the embodiment) By using the above-described submersible diffusion unit 30 or submersible diffusion unit 50, it is possible to widely feed the feeding targets in the fish cage 60 while the fish cage 60 is submerged.

[0038] In addition, since the feeding targets can be fed with the fish cage 60 submerged, there is no need to float the fish cage 60 for feeding. This eliminates the need to use a ship equipped with a compressor and the labor required to float the fish cage 60, and labor savings can be expected. In addition, the risk of the feeding targets in the fish cage 60 being affected by the recent effects of global warming on the sea surface temperature, ultraviolet rays, red tides, and parasites can be reduced. The cost of medicinal bathing for parasite control can be reduced. In addition, feeding can be performed at the natural habitat depth of the feeding targets. Furthermore, by submerging all the fish cages in the fishing ground and using copper alloy wire mesh, it is possible to significantly reduce damage caused by parasites such as benthic worms.

[0039] Furthermore, by using the double umbrella type underwater diffusion section 30, feeding can be carried out radially (in 360 degree directions) in the water.

[0040] Furthermore, by using a three-pronged underwater diffusion unit 50, feeding can be carried out in three directions underwater.

[0041] Moreover, by providing the fixing parts 43 to the underwater diffusion unit 30, the underwater diffusion unit 30 can be fixed to the lid net 67 underwater. As a result, stable radial feeding can be performed underwater. The fixing parts 43 may be provided to the underwater diffusion unit 50.

[0042] In addition, by attaching the imaging unit 55, which is an underwater camera capable of capturing images in the vertically downward direction, to the underwater diffusion unit 50, the operator operating the crane on the feeding boat 1 can adjust the position of the underwater diffusion unit 50 by checking the marker rope 70 while looking at the captured image displayed on the monitor.

[0043] In feeding device 10, by arranging inlet 25a, which is connected to junction 24 of feeding hose 25 and through which the mixture flows, along the flow direction of the water flowing into junction 24, seawater delivered from seawater hose 22 to junction 24 can be made to flow into feeding hose 25 with the same momentum.

[0044] In addition, by configuring the direction in which bait 26 is delivered from the bait delivery section 23 to the confluence 24 to be at an acute angle with respect to the flow direction of the water flowing into the confluence 24, the bait 26 delivered from the bait delivery section 23 flows without resisting the flow of seawater and flows into the feeding hose 25.

[0045] Furthermore, by opening the top of the confluence 24, the mixture (seawater + feed) can be supplied to the feeding hose 25 under atmospheric pressure without using compressed air. Therefore, there is no need for a complicated configuration, such as a device for generating compressed air or a configuration for sending out compressed air. In addition, the risk of equipment failure due to compressed air can be avoided.

[0046] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, feeding apparatus 10 includes dust removal device 100 provided midway through feeding hose 25. Dust removal device 100 is a device that discharges (removes) powdered feed passing through feeding hose 25 (for example, powdered feed that is produced when feed crumbles) to the outside, and suppresses the occurrence of a smoke screen (turbidity) in the water.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10A, the dust removal device 100 is a cylindrical member with multiple holes in a stainless steel pipe. The dust removal device 100 has an upper part 101 on the upstream side in the direction in which the mixture (seawater + bait) flows, a lower part 102 on the downstream side, and a main body part 103 connecting the upper part 101 and the lower part 102. A feeding hose 25 is connected to the upper part 101 and the lower part 102. The mixture supplied from the feeding hose 25 passes through the upper part 101, the main body part 103, and the lower part 102 in this order, and is discharged from the underwater diffusion part 30 (or the underwater diffusion part 50) toward the fish cage 60. The main body part 103 is provided with multiple holes for discharging powdered bait to the outside. The size of the holes is smaller than the size of the bait. The bait passing through the main body 103 passes through the inside of the main body 103 as is, but powder adhering to the surface of the bait or powder detached from the bait is released to the outside of the main body 103 through the holes.

[0048] An inner diameter R1 at the tip of the upper portion 101 and an inner diameter R2 at the tip of the lower portion 102 are smaller than an inner diameter R3 of the main body portion 103. The inner diameter R1 may be the same as the inner diameter R2, or may be larger or smaller than the inner diameter R2. The upper portion 101 has a tapered portion 111 whose inner diameter gradually increases along the flow direction of the mixture, and the tapered portion 111 of the upper portion 101 is connected to one end of the main body portion 103. The lower portion 102 has a tapered portion 121 whose inner diameter gradually decreases along the flow direction of the mixture, and the tapered portion 121 of the lower portion 102 is connected to the other end of the main body portion 103.

[0049] The length L2 of the lower portion 102 along the flow direction of the mixture is longer than the length L1 of the upper portion 101 along the flow direction of the mixture. By making the length L2 longer than the length L1, the taper angle of the tapered portion 121 can be made smaller. This allows the feed to fall smoothly from the dust removal device 100 into the feeding hose 25.

[0050] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the dust removal device 100 connected to the feeding hose 25 during use. When feeding the feeding subjects in the fish pen 60 (during feeding), part of the main body 103 of the dust removal device 100 (e.g., about 50% of the total length) is located below the water surface, and the remaining part (e.g., about 50%) is located above the water surface. This allows stable operation even if the feeding boat 1 moves up and down due to wind and waves. Powder adhering to the surface of the bait or detached from the bait is separated and discharged above the water surface, preventing the generation of a smoke screen (turbidity) in the water.

[0051] By providing the dust removal device 100 in the second embodiment, the generation of smoke screen (turbidity) in the water can be suppressed. This prevents fish from descending to the lower layer due to the smoke screen (turbidity), and the fish gather in the upper layer. As a result, it is possible to increase the feeding speed and shorten the feeding time. In addition, feeding in a vertical direction is possible. In addition, it is possible to increase the amount of food intake.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing the dust removal device 100, the occurrence of smoke screens (turbidity) in the water can be suppressed. This makes it easier to grasp the feeding situation by using an underwater camera or visual inspection. As a result, it is possible to prevent the scattering of food and facilitate satiety feeding.

[0053] Furthermore, by providing the dust removal device 100, the generation of a smoke screen (turbidity) in the water can be suppressed. This allows the fish in the fish cage 60 to be seen sinking. As a result, it becomes easier to control the feeding speed, and in particular the final feeding amount at the end of the feeding period. Specifically, it becomes possible to predict the final feeding amount at the end of the feeding period, eliminating the need to send unnecessary feed to the feeding device 10.

[0054] (Modification) Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the embodiments are merely illustrative of the specific examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0055] For example, although an example has been described in which the feeding apparatus 10 of this embodiment is mounted on the feeding ship 1, the feeding apparatus 10 may be installed as a marine or land-based facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Feeding vessel, 10: Feeding device, 20: Crane, 21: Pump, 22: Seawater hose, 23: Feed delivery section, 24: Junction section, 25: Feeding hose, 26: Feed, 30: Underwater diffusion section, 31: Sinker, 41: First cone section, 42: Second cone section, 50: Underwater diffusion section, 51: Cylinder section, 55: Imaging section, 60: Fish cage, 61: Side lining, 62: Concrete, 63: Jumbo float, 64: Float, 65: Rope, 66: Air inlet, 67: Lid net, 70: Marking rope, 80: Cleat, 100: Dust removal device, 101: Upper section, 102: Lower section, 103: Main body section, 104: Tapered section, 105: Tapered section

Claims

1. A feeding device that feeds a feeding target in a sinking fish cage, A pump to pump water, A food delivery unit that delivers food to be fed to the feeding target; a confluence section where the water pumped by the pump and the food delivered by the food delivery section meet; A feeding hose that communicates with the junction and delivers a mixture of the water and the feed that are joined at the junction; An underwater diffusion section provided at the tip of the feeding hose for diffusing the mixture delivered by the feeding hose in water. A feeding device characterized by:

2. The underwater diffusion section is A first cone portion provided at the tip of the feeding hose; A second conical portion is provided so as to overlap the first conical portion with a gap therebetween, The mixture delivered by the feeding hose is delivered into water from between the inner circumferential surface of the first cone portion and the outer circumferential surface of the second cone portion.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

3. The underwater diffusion section is A plurality of tubular portions communicated with the tip of the feeding hose, The mixture delivered by the feeding hose is delivered into water through the plurality of tube portions.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

4. The underwater diffusion unit has a fixing unit for fixing the underwater diffusion unit to a net cover of the fish cage.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

5. An imaging unit capable of imaging at least the vertically downward direction is attached to the underwater diffusion unit.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

6. The inlet of the feeding hose connected to the junction and through which the mixture flows is provided along the flow direction of the water flowing into the junction.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

7. The feed delivery section is configured so that the direction in which the feed is delivered from the feed delivery section to the confluence section forms an acute angle with the flow direction of the water flowing into the confluence section.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

8. The upper part of the joining part is open.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

9. The feeding hose is further provided with a dust removal device that is provided in the middle of the feeding hose and discharges powdered feed passing through the feeding hose to the outside.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1 .

10. The dust removal device has an upper portion to which the upstream feeding hose is connected, a lower portion to which the downstream feeding hose is connected, and a main body portion that connects the upper portion and the lower portion and has a plurality of holes for discharging the powdered feed to the outside, During feeding, a part of the main body is placed under the water surface and the remaining part is placed above the water surface.

10. A feeding device as claimed in claim 9.

11. A feeding device according to claim 1 ; A crane for suspending the feeding hose of the feeding device. A feeding vessel characterized by:

Images