Beehive and beekeeping kit using the same

Abstract

To provide a beehive capable of fixing a hive frame inside the beehive and securing an upper space of the hive frame.SOLUTION: A beehive capable of accommodating a honey bee hive frame therein, comprises a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, an outer flap connected to an upper end of any of the walls, an inner flap connected to an upper end of a wall adjacent to the wall with the outer flap, and a crosspiece hanging member for hanging the hive frame inside the wall with the inner flap, where a crosspiece presser part is connected to the tip of the inner flap so as to be able to be folded back. The crosspiece presser part is so formed that when being folded back in a direction of the hive frame accommodated in the beehive, a tip thereof can be pressed against the hive frame, and a support member capable of supporting the crosspiece presser part is provided inside the wall adjacent to the wall with the crosspiece hanging member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beehive box for storing a honeycomb frame for holding honeycombs of bees and for breeding or transporting bees.

Background Art

[0002] A beehive box used in beekeeping is required to serve as a container for transportation when beekeepers supply bees to greenhouse farmers, and to breed bees inside the greenhouse and allow them to build nests in the internal honeycomb frames.

[0003] And in beekeeping, it is known that it is important to maintain an appropriate temperature inside such a beehive box.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a beehive box having an upper space for moving the hot air inside the hive box horizontally and capable of efficiently performing ventilation from ventilation windows. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a beehive box in which the honeycomb frames are supported so as to be located on the left and right or between multiple rows of ventilation window rows.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a beehive box capable of fixing a honeycomb frame inside the beehive box and securing an upper space of the honeycomb frame.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention solves the above problems, and is a beehive box capable of accommodating a beehive frame therein, comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall, an outer flap connected to an upper end portion of any of the walls, an inner flap connected to an upper end portion of a wall adjacent to the wall provided with the outer flap, a crosspiece hanging member for hanging the frame inside the wall provided with the inner flap, a crosspiece pressing portion being foldably connected to a tip end of the inner flap, the crosspiece pressing portion being formed such that its tip end portion can be pressed against the frame when folded toward the frame direction accommodated in the beehive box, and a support member capable of supporting the crosspiece pressing portion being provided inside a wall adjacent to the wall provided with the crosspiece hanging member.

[0008] Further, the present invention is a beehive box in which a locking recess for restricting movement of the crosspiece pressing portion is formed at an upper end portion of the support member.

[0009] Further, the present invention is a beehive box characterized in that a crosspiece hanging recess for hanging a convex portion provided on a crosspiece of the frame is formed at an upper end of the crosspiece hanging member, and the depth of the crosspiece hanging recess is formed deeper than the height of the convex portion of the frame.

[0010] Further, the present invention is a beehive box characterized in that a pair of the locking recesses are formed on both sides of an upper end portion of the support member.

[0011] Further, the present invention is a beehive box characterized in that the locking recess is formed in a groove shape into which the crosspiece pressing portion can be inserted.

[0012] Further, the present invention is a beehive box characterized in that the depth of the locking recess is formed to be substantially the same as or deeper than the depth from the upper end portion of the crosspiece hanging member to the top surface portion of the frame.

[0013] Further, the present invention is a beehive box characterized in that the locking recess is provided with a tapered portion that inclines in a direction in which the opening width of the locking recess widens toward the upper end direction of the locking recess.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, the outer flap is composed of a first outer flap that closes the upper opening of the hive body and a second outer flap that closes the upper opening by overlapping the first outer flap. A locking piece that can be inserted into a slit opening provided in the first outer flap protrudes from the tip of the second outer flap, and at the upper end of the support member, a notch is formed in a range covering at least the region where the locking piece is located when the locking piece is inserted into the slit opening. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0015] Further, in the present invention, the crosspiece member is formed in two layers composed of an inner plate and an outer plate, and the inner plate is formed to have a narrower width than the outer plate. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0016] Further, in the present invention, the width between the side edge of the outer plate and the side edge of the inner plate is formed to be substantially the same as the thickness of the support member. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0017] Further, in the present invention, the support member is connected in a two-foldable manner at a bent portion and includes a pair of main bodies that overlap each other. When the support member is attached to the beehive, the bent portion of the two-folded main bodies is arranged so as to be on the lower side. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0018] Further, in the present invention, it includes an inner member composed of a crosspiece member disposed inside the front wall and the rear wall of the hive body, respectively, and a bottom plate connected to the lower end of the crosspiece member and disposed inside the bottom of the hive body. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0019] Further, in the present invention, the support member is composed of a pair of independent main bodies each having the locking recess. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0020] Further, in the present invention, the locking recess is formed by notching both corners of the upper end of the support member into a substantially square shape. The beehive is characterized in that.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention includes bees, a honeycomb frame for holding honeycombs of the bees, and a beehive box capable of accommodating the bees and the honeycomb frame. The beehive box includes a front wall, a rear wall, left and right side walls, a right side wall, an outer flap connected to an upper end of any one of the walls, an inner flap connected to an upper end of a wall adjacent to the wall provided with the outer flap, and a crosspiece hanging member for hanging the honeycomb frame inside the wall provided with the inner flap. A crosspiece pressing portion is foldably connected to a tip of the inner flap. The crosspiece pressing portion is formed such that its tip portion can press the honeycomb frame when folded toward the honeycomb frame accommodated in the beehive box. A support member capable of supporting the crosspiece pressing portion is provided inside a wall adjacent to the wall provided with the crosspiece hanging member. It is a beekeeping kit characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] The beehive box according to the present invention can fix the honeycomb frame inside the beehive box and secure the upper space of the honeycomb frame.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the beehive box of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments at all.

[0025] <Overall Configuration of Beehive Box 1> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the beehive box 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beehive box 1 includes a box body 2, an inner member 3 and a support member 4 disposed inside the box body 2. The beehive box 1 houses a honeycomb frame 5 therein. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a plurality (three) of honeycomb frames 5 can be accommodated. Hereinafter, details of each member constituting the beehive box 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0026] <Box Body 2> As shown in FIG. 2, the box body 2 includes a wall composed of a front wall 21, a rear wall 23, and left and right side walls 22, 24, and a bottom (not shown). A first outer flap 25 is connected to the upper end of the side wall 24, and a second outer flap 26 is connected to the upper end of the side wall 22. An inner flap 27 is connected to the upper end of the front wall 21, and an inner flap 28 is connected to the upper end of the rear wall 23. Further, crosspiece pressing portions 271 and 281 are foldably connected to the tip ends of the inner flaps 27 and 28.

[0027] The first outer flap 25 is formed so as to be able to close the upper opening 20 of the nest box body 2. Further, the second outer flap 26 is formed so as to close the upper opening 20 in a state of being overlapped from above the first outer flap 25. Thus, the nest box body 2 of the present embodiment can prevent bees from escaping through the gap between the outer flap and the wall by providing the outer flap double. Note that the outer flap may be single as long as the upper opening 20 can be closed without forming a gap through which bees can escape.

[0028] A slit opening 251 is provided in the first outer flap 25 along the connecting portion with the side wall 24. Further, a plurality of ventilation windows 252 with a net body that bees cannot pass through are attached to a substantially central portion of the first outer flap 25 and a portion near the front wall 21.

[0029] A locking piece 261 is protruding from the tip of the second outer flap 26. Then, when the second outer flap 26 is closed, the second outer flap 26 can be fixed to the first outer flap 25 by inserting such a locking piece 261 into the slit opening 251 of the first outer flap 25. Further, an opening 262 is provided in the second outer flap 26 at a position corresponding to the ventilation window 252 of the first outer flap 25.

[0030] The inner flaps 27 and 28 are formed such that the length in their longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the opening width in the left - right direction of the upper opening 20 (the width between the side walls 22 and 24). Then, by folding the inner flaps 27 and 28 into the upper opening 20 of the nest box body 2 so as to be positioned below the first outer flap 25, it is possible to prevent bees from escaping through the gaps between the first outer flap 25 and the front wall 21 and the rear wall 23.

[0031] Furthermore, a plurality of nest doors 211 and ventilation windows 212 for ventilation with a net body attached are provided on the front wall 21. In addition, an opening - closing operation portion 213 for operating the opening and closing of such ventilation windows 212 is provided.

[0032] <Inner member 3> The inner member 3 is formed to be substantially U-shaped in side view, and is composed of plate-shaped crosspiece members 31 and 32 respectively arranged inside the walls provided with the inner flaps 27 and 28, that is, the front wall 21 and the back wall 23 of the nest box body 2, and a plate-shaped bottom plate 33 arranged along the bottom of the nest box body 2. The crosspiece members 31 and 32 are connected to both ends of the bottom plate 33 at their lower ends respectively. In this embodiment, the inner member 3 is formed by integrally forming the crosspiece members 31 and 32 and the bottom plate 33, but only the crosspiece members 31 and 32 may be provided without providing such a bottom plate 33.

[0033] The crosspiece member 31 and the crosspiece member 32 are plate-shaped members formed to have substantially the same height and width as the front wall 21 and the back wall 23 respectively. An opening 312 is formed in the crosspiece member 31 at a position corresponding to the ventilation window 212 provided in the front wall 21 of the nest box body 2. Further, a nest entrance 311 is formed at a position corresponding to the nest entrance 211.

[0034] At the upper ends of the crosspiece member 31 and the crosspiece member 32, crosspiece recesses 313 and 323 are recessed so that the convex portions 52 of the nest frame 5 can be hung. As shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 52 of the nest frame 5 is formed such that a part of the upper horizontal bar portion 51 of the nest frame 5 protrudes horizontally from the vertical bar portion 53. In addition, although three crosspiece recesses 313 and 323 are provided in this embodiment respectively, the number is not limited to this, and it can be determined according to the size of the nest box body 2 and the number of nest frames 5 to be stored.

[0035] <Support member 4> FIG. 3 is a developed view of the support member 4 of this embodiment. The support member 4 is arranged inside the walls adjacent to the walls provided with the crosspiece members 31 and 32, that is, the side walls 22 and 24. The support member 4 is a plate-shaped member formed to have substantially the same height and width as the side walls 22 and 24. The support member 4 of this embodiment is composed of a pair of main bodies 41a and 41b that are foldably connected by a bent portion 44 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] The main bodies 41a and 41b are formed in the same shape so as to be folded in half at the folding portion 44 and overlap each other. The support member 4 of the present embodiment is installed inside the nest box main body 2 in a state of being folded in half at such a folding portion 44. And in the nest box main body 2, it is installed with such a folding portion 44 facing downward. Note that, in the support member 4 of the present embodiment, V-shaped cuts 45 are formed at both ends of the folding portion 44. Due to such cuts 45, when the main bodies 41a and 41b are folded in half so as to overlap each other, both ends of the lower end portion, which becomes the tip side when inserted into the nest box main body 2, are in a state of being obliquely notched. Thereby, it becomes easier to insert the support member 4 into the nest box main body 2.

[0037] In this way, by making the support member 4 have a two-layer structure, the heat preservation property of the beehive box 1 is further enhanced. Note that, in the present embodiment, the support member 4 is formed double by the main bodies 41a and 41b, but it is not necessarily formed double, and the main body 41 may be formed by a single plate-like member. Also, in the present embodiment, the support members 4 are provided in pairs inside the side walls 22 and 24, but they may be provided on only one of the side walls 22 and 24.

[0038] In the used state where the support member 4 is folded in half at the folding portion 44, a pair of locking recesses 42a and 42b are formed on both sides of the upper end portions of the main bodies 41a and 41b. Such locking recesses 42a and 42b are formed by notching in a groove shape extending in the vertical direction. And they are formed to a depth into which the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 of the nest box main body 2, which will be described later, can be inserted. In this way, since the locking recesses 42a and 42b are formed to extend in the vertical direction, the inserted crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are also supported in an upright posture in the vertical direction. Thereby, the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 can ensure strength against vertical pressing, and it becomes possible to firmly hold the nest frame 5.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the depth D of the locking recesses 42a and 42b is substantially the same as the depth E from the upper end portions of the cross-bar members 31 and 32 to the top surface 511 of the upper cross-bar portion 51 of the honeycomb frame 5 in a state where the honeycomb frame 5 is stored in the beehive box 1, or is formed so that the depth D is deeper than the depth E (D ≧ E). As shown in the drawing, it is assumed that the cross-bar members 31 and 32 and the support member 4 are formed at substantially the same height. Further, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the position where the locking recess 42 is provided is formed so as to be located substantially directly below the tip portions (272, 282) of the inner flaps 27 and 28 when the inner flaps 27 and 28 are folded back horizontally toward the upper opening 20 side of the hive body 2.

[0040] Further, notches 43a and 43b are formed between the upper end portions of the main bodies 41a and 41b and between the pair of provided locking recesses 42a and 42b. Such notches 43a and 43b are formed by being notched in a range that at least covers the region where the locking piece 261 is located when the second outer flap 26 is closed. Thereby, when closing the second outer flap 26 and inserting the locking piece 261 into the slit opening 251, the second outer flap 26 can be smoothly closed without the locking piece 261 hitting the support member 4. Note that the notches 43a and 43b of the present embodiment are formed not only on the side wall 24 side where the locking piece 261 is inserted but also on the support member 4 on the side wall 22 side where the locking piece 261 is not inserted. In this way, by providing the notches 43a and 43b for both support members 4, the working efficiency and production efficiency during assembly can be improved. Note that such notches 43a and 43b may be provided only on the support member 4 disposed on either side wall side into which the locking piece 261 is inserted.

[0041] Also, the shape and size of the cutouts 43a and 43b can be arbitrarily determined as long as the locking piece 261 does not hit when the locking piece 261 is inserted, but it is preferably formed within the range of the upper space of the nest frame 5. That is, since the heat insulation property deteriorates in the portion where the cutout 43 is provided, by providing the cutout 43 in the upper space where the temperature is likely to rise, it is possible to prevent the temperature from rising excessively in the upper space. Furthermore, since the space in the portion where the cutout 43 is provided becomes wider, it is possible to secure a wider upper space for causing air convection.

[0042] <Cross-bar members 31, 32> FIG. 4 is a view showing a state of the cross-bar members 31 and 32 as viewed from the inside of the nest box body 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner member 3 and the support member 4 according to the first embodiment are installed in the nest box body 2 (in FIG. 4, the description of the nest door 311 and the opening 312 is omitted). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cutouts of the cross-bar recesses 313 and 323 are formed in a substantially rectangular or substantially square concave shape into which the convex portion 52 of the nest frame 5 can be inserted. The depth (h1 + h2) of such a cutout is formed to be deeper than the height (h2) of the convex portion 52.

[0043] Thus, by forming the depth (h1 + h2) of the cutouts of the cross-bar recesses 313 and 323 deeper than the height (h2) of the convex portion 52, an upper space is formed between the nest frame 5 and the first outer flap 25 when the nest frame 5 is locked. The height of the upper space in such a nest box can be appropriately set according to the depth (h1 + h2) of the cross-bar recesses 313 and 323 with respect to the height (h2) of the convex portion 52. Specifically, it is preferable to form the depth (h1 + h2) of the cutout so that the height of the upper space is at least 20 mm or more. Thereby, an appropriate upper space for moving the hot air inside the nest box in the lateral direction can be secured.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, taper portions 315 and 325 that incline in the direction in which the frontage of the opening widens are provided at the upper ends of the cross-hanging recesses 313 and 323. By providing the taper portions 315 and 325 at the upper ends of the cross-hanging recesses 313 and 323 in this way, it becomes easier to insert the convex portion 52 of the honeycomb frame 5 into the cross-hanging recesses 313 and 323.

[0045] As described above, since the honeycomb box 1 of the present invention can secure the upper space between the honeycomb frame 5 and the first outer flap 25, the warm air in the upper part can convect, and the inside of the honeycomb box 1 can be maintained at an appropriate temperature. And since the upper space of the honeycomb frame 5 is secured, when looking inside through the ventilation window 252 of the first outer flap 25, it becomes easier to visually recognize up to the corners of the honeycomb box body 2. Furthermore, the hot air accumulated in such an upper space can be exhausted to the outside from the ventilation window 252 of the first outer flap 25 and the opening 262 of the second outer flap 26.

[0046] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cross-hanging members 31 and 32 of the present embodiment are formed in a two-layer structure in which inner plates 31b and 32b are attached to the inside of the outer plates 31a and 32a. By making the cross-hanging members 31 and 32 into a two-layer structure in this way, the heat retention property of the honeycomb box 1 can be further enhanced. Also, the strength as a member for hanging the honeycomb frame 5 can be improved. Thus, in the present embodiment, the cross-hanging members 31 and 32 are formed in a two-layer structure, but this may be made into a single-layer structure composed of a single plate material.

[0047] Furthermore, the width W1 of the inner plates 31b and 32b of the crosspiece members 31 and 32 of the present embodiment is formed to be narrower than the width W2 of the outer plates 31a and 32a by a predetermined width. As shown in FIG. 4, the side edges 314a and 324a of the outer plates 31a and 32a project outward on both sides by a predetermined width W3 from the side edges 314b and 324b of the inner plates 31b and 32b, respectively. Such width W3 is formed to be substantially the same width as the thickness of the support member 4. In the present embodiment, such a difference in width W3 is formed at both ends of the crosspiece members 31 and 32. However, when the support member 4 is provided only on one side of the side wall, the width W3 may be formed only on the side where the support member 4 is provided.

[0048] <Crosspiece holders 271, 281> Next, the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. As described above, the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are connected to the tip ends of the inner flaps 27 and 28 of the nest box body 2. The crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are single parts formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the length in the longitudinal direction thereof is formed to be substantially the same as the length of the inner flaps 27 and 28. Furthermore, they are formed to have a predetermined protruding length from the joint portions 272 and 282 with the inner flaps 27 and 28. Specifically, the protruding length from the joint portions 272 and 282 to the tip ends 273 and 283 is formed to be substantially the same as the height H of the upper space between the nest frame 5 and the first outer flap 25 (see FIG. 6b).

[0049] The bar pressing parts 271 and 281 are folded back from the tips (joint parts 272 and 282) of the inner flaps 27 and 28 that are folded back toward the upper opening 20 side of the hive body 2, and further folded back in the direction of the honeycomb frame 5 stored in the hive body 2. And the tip parts 273 and 283 thereof are formed so as to contact or substantially contact the top surface part 511 of the upper cross bar part 51 of the honeycomb frame 5. Here, "substantially contact" means a state in which the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 and the top surface part 511 of the honeycomb frame 5 do not contact each other and a gap is formed between them. In this way, there may be a little gap between the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 and the honeycomb frame 5, but in order to prevent the honeycomb frame 5 from rattling, etc., the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 contact the honeycomb frame 6, and moreover, it is preferable that the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 are in a state of being stretched between the first outer flap 25 and the honeycomb frame 5. In this way, the honeycomb frame 5 is pressed from above by the first outer flap 25 and the second outer flap 26 via the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 and is more securely fixed. Also, here, the "tip part of the bar pressing part" includes not only the side part of the convex part protruding but also the side part of the recessed part retracted (side parts 276 and 286 in the modification example 6 described later) when uneven parts are formed in the side part on the tip part side.

[0050] Also, the longitudinal directions of the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 are formed in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the upper cross bar part 51 of the honeycomb frame 5 stored in the beehive box 1. Thereby, when pressing the honeycomb frame 5 from above by the bar pressing parts 271 and 281, a plurality of honeycomb frames 5 can be pressed simultaneously by one bar pressing part 271 or bar pressing part 281.

[0051] The postures of the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 in the hive body 2 are controlled by inserting the end parts thereof into the locking recesses 42 of the support member 4. For example, when the locking recess 42 is notched in the vertical direction, the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 inserted into the locking recess 42 are supported in an upright posture in the vertical direction in the hive body 2. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the bar pressing parts 271 and 281 from falling due to external vibration or the like and the pressing (stretching) against the honeycomb frame 5 from being released.

[0052] <Method of fixing the inner member 3 and the support member 4> As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the crosspiece member 31 of the present embodiment, the inner plate 31b (32b) is formed to be narrower by the width W3 at both ends than the outer plate 31a (32a). As a result, in a state where the crosspiece member 31 is installed in the nest box body 2, the side edge portion 314a (324a) of the outer plate 31a (32a) is substantially in contact with the side wall 22 (24), while the side edge portion 314b (324b) of the inner plate 31b (32b) and the side wall 22 (24) A gap G having a width W3 is formed therebetween (see FIG. 5).

[0053] By inserting the side edge portion of the support member 4 (main bodies 41 and 42) into such a gap G, the support member 4 is supported by the inner member 3 and fixed to the side wall 22 (24). Further, the crosspiece member 31 and the crosspiece member 32 of the inner member 3 are also supported by the support member 4 and fixed to the front wall 21 and the rear wall 23. Thus, in the honeycomb box 1 of the present invention, the inner member 3 and the support member 4 support each other. As a result, the inner member 3 and the support member 4 can be fixed in the nest box body 2 only by arranging them at a predetermined position without using fixing means such as adhesion.

[0054] When the support member 4 is composed of the main bodies 41 and 42 that are folded in two at the bent portion 44 as in the present embodiment, a restoring force that tends to open acts on the support member 4 that is folded in two. As a result, it can be fixed in a state of being sandwiched between the side edge portion 314b (324b) of the inner plate 31b (32b) and the side wall 22 (24).

[0055] As the material of the honeycomb box 1 of the present invention described above, it is preferable to form it with a lightweight and heat-insulating material, for example, cardboard, thick paper, hardboard, particle board, etc., or a synthetic resin such as expanded polystyrene. Among these, it is particularly preferable to form it with cardboard or expanded polystyrene from the viewpoint of economy. Further, cardboard subjected to water repellent treatment or waterproof treatment is more preferable.

[0056] <Method of using the honeycomb box 1> Hereinafter, a method of using the beehive box 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). Note that the beehive box 1 is assumed to be pre-assembled. First, the comb frame 5 is stored inside the beehive box 1 of the present invention. The comb frame 5 has a convex portion 52 formed to protrude from the vertical bar portion 53, and the convex portion 52 is hung on the bar hanging recesses 313 and 323 of the bar hanging members 31 and 32 (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0057] After the comb frame 5 is placed inside the beehive box 1, the inner flaps 27 and 28 are folded back toward the upper opening 20 side of the hive body 2, and further, the ends of the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 are inserted into the locking recesses 42 of the support member 4. When folding back the inner flaps 27 and 28, it is preferable to fold back the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 at a preferable angle (substantially a right angle in this embodiment) with respect to the inner flaps 27 and 28 in advance. Then, the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 are inserted until the tip portions 273 and 283 of the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 contact or substantially contact the top surface portion 511 of the upper horizontal bar portion 51. When the insertion of the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 into the locking recesses 42 is completed, the first outer flap 25 and the second outer flap 26 are closed in order (see FIG. 6(b)).

[0058] In this state, the inner flaps 27 and 28 are pressed and fixed from above by the first outer flap 25 and the second outer flap 26. And since the tip portions 273 and 283 of the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 are in a state of contacting or substantially contacting the top surface portion 511 of the upper horizontal bar portion 51, the comb frame 5 is fixed in a state where its vertical movement is restricted.

[0059] Here, since the heights of the bar hanging members 31 and 32 and the upper end portions of the front wall 21 and the rear wall 23 are formed to be substantially the same so that they are aligned, when the first outer flap 25 is closed, the openings of the bar hanging recesses 313 and 323 are blocked by the first outer flap 25. Thereby, even if the fixing by the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 is forgotten, as long as the first outer flap 25 is closed, the convex portion 52 will not come off from the bar hanging recesses 313 and 323.

[0060] As described above, in the beehive box 1 of the present invention, since the movement of the comb frame 5 upward is restricted by the rail pressing portions 271 and 281, the comb frame 5 can be stably held without rattling due to vibrations during transportation or the like.

[0061] Further, when the rail pressing portions 271 and 281 are inserted into the locking recesses 42, their postures are controlled by the support members 4. As a result, there is no risk that the rail pressing portions 271 and 281 will fall forward and backward (in the left - right direction in FIG. 6) with the joints 272 and 282 as fulcrums.

[0062] Furthermore, in the upper space inside the hive body 2, since the rail pressing portions 271 and 281 serve as a kind of support columns, even when a load is applied from above to the first outer flap 25 and the second outer flap 26, deformation and damage of the hive body 2 can be prevented.

[0063] As described above, since the rail pressing portions 271 and 281 can be arranged in association with the operation of closing the inner flaps 27 and 28, the operations of closing the lid and fixing the comb frame can be carried out in a series. As a result, for example, compared with the case where the rail pressing portions 271 and 281 are provided separately from the inner flaps 27 and 28, the fixing of the packing and the comb frame can be completed more quickly, and the risk of bees escaping during work can be further reduced.

[0064] The beehive box 1 according to the present invention can be shipped to house - cultivating farmers or the like as a so - called beekeeping kit with bees and a comb frame 5 for holding honeycombs of bees stored inside. The farmer can install it directly in the house and raise bees.

[0065] <Modification Example 1> FIG. 7(a) shows a modification example 1 of the support member 4. The support member 4 of modification example 1 is not composed of a single plate - shaped member, but is composed of a pair (two places) of plate - shaped main bodies 41 each having one locking recess 42 and being independent of each other. That is, the entire beehive box 1 is composed of two pairs (four places) of main bodies 41. Such a main body 41 may be attached to the inside of the side walls 22 and 24 by fixing means such as adhesion.

[0066] <Modification Example 2> FIG. 7(b) shows a modification example 2 of the support member 4. In the support member 4 of modification example 2, the locking recess 42 is not in a groove shape, but is formed by notching both corners of the upper end portion of the support member 4 into a substantially square shape. Such a locking recess 42 utilizes the restoring force of the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 bent at the joint portions 272 and 282 with the inner flaps 27 and 28. That is, the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 bent vertically at the joint portions 272 and 282 with the inner flaps 27 and 28 tend to return to the same horizontal direction side (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7b) as the inner flaps 27 and 28. Therefore, as in modification example 2, by the locking recess 42, only one surface (the surfaces facing each other when the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 are arranged in the locking recess 42) in the direction in which the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 tend to be restored is pressed, so that the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 can be locked.

[0067] <Modification Example 3> FIG. 7(c) shows the locking recess 42 of a modification example 3 of the support member 4. In the locking recess 42 of modification example 3, from the lower end portion to the middle of the locking recess 42, it is formed with substantially the same width as the bar pressing portions 271 and 281, and from the middle to the upper end portion, tapered portions 422 that incline in the direction in which the width of the locking recess 42 widens are formed on both sides of the locking recess 42. Such tapered portions 421 facilitate the insertion of the bar pressing portions 271 and 281 into the locking recess 42.

[0068] <Modification Example 4> FIG. 7(d) shows the locking recess 42 of Modification 4 of the support member 4. In the locking recess 42 of Modification 4, a tapered portion 422 that slopes in a direction in which the opening width of the locking recess 42 widens is formed on one side of the locking recess 42 (the side of the surfaces facing each other when the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are inserted into the locking recess 42) from the lower end to the upper end of the locking recess 42. Such a tapered portion 422 makes it easier to insert the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 into the locking recess 42. Note that the lower end of the locking recess 42 is formed to have substantially the same width as the crosspiece holders 271 and 281, and the tip portions 273 and 283 are restricted in movement, so the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are not likely to deviate from the state shown in FIG. 7(d).

[0069] <Modification 5> FIG. 7(e) shows the locking recess 42 of Modification 5 of the support member 4. In the locking recess 42 of Modification 5, a tapered portion 422 that slopes in a direction in which the opening width of the locking recess 42 widens is formed on one side of the locking recess 42 (the side of the surfaces facing the front wall 21 and the rear wall 23 when the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are inserted into the locking recess 42) from the lower end to the upper end of the locking recess 42. Such a tapered portion 422 makes it easier to insert the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 into the locking recess 42. Note that the lower end of the locking recess 42 is formed to have substantially the same width as the crosspiece holders 271 and 281, and the tip portions 273 and 283 are restricted in movement, so the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 are not likely to deviate from the state shown in FIG. 7(e).

[0070] <Modification 6> FIG. 8(a) shows the beehive box 1 of Modification 6, and FIG. 8(b) shows the crosspiece holders 271 and 281 of Modification 6, respectively. In Modification 6, crosspiece insertion recesses 274 and 284 into which the upper crossbar portion 51 of the comb frame 5 can be inserted are formed at the tip portions of the crosspiece holders 271 and 281. Such crosspiece insertion recesses 274 and 284 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape having an opening width substantially the same as the horizontal thickness of the upper crossbar portion 51. And between the plurality of formed crosspiece insertion recesses 274 and 284, a plurality of convex portions 275 and 285 protrude. The convex portions 275 and 285 are one-piece portions formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the protruding length thereof can be arbitrarily formed.

[0071] Also, the distance h3 from the joints 272 and 282 with the inner flaps 27 and 28 to the side edges 276 and 286 of the crossbar insertion recesses 274 and 284 can be appropriately determined according to the upper space between the nest frame 5 and the first outer flap 25. And the side edges 276 and 286 of the crossbar insertion recesses 274 and 284 are formed so as to be in contact or substantially in contact with the top surface 511 of the upper crossbar portion 51 when the inner flaps 27 and 28 are closed to fix the nest frame 5.

[0072] The upper end portion 325 of the crossbar hanging member 32 of this embodiment is formed in a flat shape. Thereby, the convex portion 52 of the nest frame 5 can be hung on any portion of the upper end portion 325. Also, although not shown, the upper end portion of the crossbar hanging member 31 facing the crossbar hanging member 32 is similarly formed in a flat shape. In this embodiment, the upper end portions of the crossbar hanging members 31 and 32 are formed in a flat shape, but the entire region within the range where a plurality of nest frames 5 are to be hung may be cut out to form a single recess at the center of the upper end portions of the crossbar hanging members 31 and 32.

[0073] The usage example of the honeycomb box 1 of this embodiment is as follows. First, the convex portion 52 of the nest frame 5 is hung on the upper end portions of the crossbar hanging members 31 and 32. At this time, the nest frame 5 is not yet positioned. Next, the inner flaps 27 and 28 are closed, and the convex portions 275 and 285 of the crossbar pressing portions 271 and 281 are inserted between the plurality of nest frames 5 so that the upper crossbar portion 51 is inserted into the crossbar insertion recesses 274 and 284. Thereby, the side edges 277 and 287 of the convex portions 275 and 285 are in contact with the side surfaces of the upper crossbar portion 51, and the nest frames 5 can be fixed while maintaining an appropriate interval. Also, since the side edges 276 and 286 of the crossbar insertion recesses 274 and 284 are in contact or substantially in contact with the top surface 511 of the upper crossbar portion 51, the nest frame 5 is fixed in a state where its vertical movement is restricted.

[0074] Also in this embodiment, by inserting the ends of the bar retainers 271 and 281 into the locking recesses 42 of the support member 4, the postures of the bar retainers 271 and 281 in the nest box body 2 are controlled. Further, an upper space between the nest frame 5 and the first outer flap 25 can be secured according to the distance h3 from the joint portions 272 and 282 with the inner flaps 27 and 28 to the side portions 276 and 286 of the bar insertion recesses 274 and 284.

[0075] <Other Modifications> Although the ventilation window is not provided in the rear wall 23 of the first embodiment described above, it may be provided if necessary. Further, when forming a ventilation window in the rear wall 23, an opening for the ventilation window may be formed in the corresponding portion of the bar hanging member 32.

[0076] In the first embodiment described above, the locking recesses 42a and 42b extend in the vertical direction, but are not limited to those extending in the vertical direction, and may be formed to incline in either the front wall 21 side or the rear wall 23 side direction. In the first embodiment described above, the locking recesses 42 are provided in a pair on both sides of the upper end portion of the support member 4. However, when the bar retainer is provided only on either one of the inner flaps 27 and 28, the locking recess 42 may be provided only on the side where the bar retainer is provided.

[0077] In the first embodiment described above, the bar retainers 271 and 281 are provided in pairs with respect to the inner flap 27 and the inner flap 28, but may be provided on only one of the inner flap 27 and the inner flap 28.

[0078] Further, as the locking means of the bar retainers 271 and 281, not limited to the locking recesses 42 of the support member 4, a protruding portion may be provided at the upper end portion of the support member 4, and the bar retainers 271 and 281 may be locked to such a protruding portion.

[0079] A hollow cover (not shown) that can cover the other walls, the top surface, and the bottom surface excluding the front wall 21 and the rear wall 23 may be attached to the outside of the hive body 2. Such a cover can improve the heat preservation function of the beehive 1. In addition, it is preferable to provide such a cover with a waterproof function or a water repellent function.

[0080] Now, although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, it is of course possible to configure them by combining these embodiments and modifications with each other. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments at all, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1... Beehive 2... Hive body 3... Inner member 4... Support member 5... Hive frame 31... Rail hanging member 32... Rail hanging member 42... Locking recess 43... Notch 271... Rail pressing portion 281... Rail pressing portion 313... Rail hanging recess 323... Rail hanging recess

Claims

1. A beehive box capable of storing a beehive frame inside, comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall, an outer flap connected to the upper end of any one of the walls, an inner flap connected to the upper end of the wall adjacent to the wall provided with the outer flap, a crosspiece hanging member for hanging the frame on the inner side of the wall provided with the inner flap, a crosspiece pressing part is foldably connected to the tip of the inner flap, when the crosspiece pressing part is folded toward the frame direction accommodated in the beehive box, the tip part thereof is formed to be able to press the frame, a support member capable of supporting the crosspiece pressing part is provided inside the wall adjacent to the wall provided with the crosspiece hanging member Beehive box.

2. A locking recess for restricting the movement of the crosspiece pressing part is formed at the upper end of the support member The beehive box according to claim 1.

3. A crosspiece hanging recess for hanging a convex part provided on the crosspiece of the frame is formed at the upper end of the crosspiece hanging member, characterized in that the depth of the crosspiece hanging recess is formed deeper than the height of the convex part of the frame The beehive box according to claim 1 or 2.

4. characterized in that a pair of the locking recesses are formed on both sides of the upper end of the support member The beehive box according to claim 2.

5. characterized in that the locking recess is formed in a groove shape into which the crosspiece pressing part can be inserted The beehive box according to claim 2.

6. characterized in that the depth of the locking recess is formed to be substantially the same as or deeper than the depth from the upper end of the crosspiece hanging member to the top surface of the frame The beehive box according to claim 2.

7. characterized in that the locking recess is provided with a tapered part that inclines in a direction in which the opening width of the locking recess widens toward the upper end direction of the locking recess The beehive box according to claim 2.

8. The outer flap comprises a first outer flap for closing the upper opening of the hive body, and a second outer flap that overlaps the first outer flap to close the upper opening, a locking piece that can be inserted into a slit opening provided in the first outer flap protrudes from the tip of the second outer flap, characterized in that a notch is formed at the upper end of the support member in a range covering at least the area where the locking piece is located when the locking piece is inserted into the slit opening The beehive box according to claim 1.

9. The crosspiece hanging member is formed in two layers consisting of an inner plate and an outer plate, The inner plate is formed to have a width narrower than that of the outer plate. The honeycomb box according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The width between the side edge of the outer plate and the side edge of the inner plate is formed to be substantially the same as the thickness of the support member. The honeycomb box according to claim 9.

11. The support member is connected in a foldable manner at the bending part and includes a pair of main bodies that overlap each other. When the support member is attached to the honeycomb box, the bending part of the folded main bodies is arranged to be on the lower side. The honeycomb box according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A crosspiece member respectively arranged inside the front wall and the rear wall of the hive body, An inner member comprising a bottom plate connected to the lower end of the crosspiece member and arranged inside the bottom of the hive body. The honeycomb box according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The support member is composed of a pair of independent main bodies each having the locking recess. The honeycomb box according to claim 2.

14. The locking recess is formed by notching both corners at the upper end of the support member into a substantially square shape. The honeycomb box according to claim 2.

15. A crosspiece insertion recess into which the crosspiece of the honeycomb frame can be inserted is formed at the tip of the crosspiece pressing part. The honeycomb box according to claim 1 or 2.

16. Bees, A honeycomb frame for holding the honeycombs of the bees, A honeycomb box capable of accommodating the bees and the honeycomb frame, The honeycomb box, A front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall, An outer flap connected to the upper end of any one of the walls, An inner flap connected to the upper end of the wall adjacent to the wall provided with the outer flap, A crosspiece member for hanging the honeycomb frame is provided inside the wall provided with the inner flap, A crosspiece pressing part is connected to the tip of the inner flap in a foldable manner, When the crosspiece pressing part is folded back in the direction of the honeycomb frame accommodated in the honeycomb box, its tip is formed to be pressable against the honeycomb frame, A support member capable of supporting the crosspiece pressing part is provided inside the wall adjacent to the wall provided with the crosspiece member. A beekeeping kit.

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