Rearing Equipment

Abstract

A rearing device (1) comprising: a main frame (10) forming a rearing space (11) for living organisms; a plurality of rearing units (20) housed in the rearing space (11) of the main frame (10); a plurality of perching members (22) arranged with gaps in each of the plurality of rearing units (20); and a separating member (32) having a plurality of comb teeth (34) that are aligned in the arrangement direction (Y) of the plurality of perching members (20). The separating member (32) is commonly used for the plurality of rearing units (20) and is configured so that the plurality of comb teeth (34) are inserted into the plurality of gaps (23) of the plurality of perching members (20) by moving relative to each of the plurality of rearing units (20).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a breeding device. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a breeding device for crickets. In this breeding device, a container containing absorbent cotton soaked in water is provided in the breeding case to provide water to the crickets. Egg laying, hatching, and breeding of the crickets are all carried out in this breeding case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-191834 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned rearing device, rolled up newspapers can be used to form a hiding environment for the crickets. When collecting the crickets, the worker needs to unroll the rolled up newspapers one by one and separate the crickets from the unrolled newspapers. This can cause a problem that the work of collecting the crickets is time-consuming.

[0005] The present disclosure seeks to provide a technique that is effective for efficiently collecting bred organisms such as insects in a short period of time in a breeding device for breeding the organisms.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is A breeding device for living organisms, comprising: A main body frame that forms a breeding space for the organism; A plurality of rearing units accommodated in the rearing space of the main body frame; A plurality of stop members arranged with gaps in each of the plurality of rearing units; A separating member having a plurality of comb teeth aligned in the arrangement direction of the plurality of stop members; Equipped with the separating member is used for both the rearing units, and is configured to move relative to each of the rearing units so that the comb teeth are inserted into the gaps of the stop members; is located. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The rearing device of the above aspect includes a main frame, a plurality of rearing units, a plurality of stop members, and a separating member. In this rearing device, the plurality of rearing units are housed in the rearing space of the main frame. Each of the plurality of rearing units is provided with a plurality of stop members arranged with gaps therebetween. The separating member is provided with a plurality of comb teeth aligned in the arrangement direction of the plurality of stop members.

[0008] The separating member is used for multiple rearing units and is used to separate the organisms that are resting on the multiple stop members of each rearing unit from the multiple stop members. For this purpose, after the rearing of the organisms is completed, the separating member moves relative to each of the multiple rearing units, and the multiple comb teeth are inserted into the multiple gaps between the multiple stop members of each rearing unit. By interfering with the organisms that are in the gaps between the two opposing stop members, the organisms can be easily separated from the multiple stop members of each rearing unit. At this time, it is sufficient to move one separating member relative to each of the multiple rearing units. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the time required to separate and collect the organisms from the multiple stop members of each rearing unit, compared to a structure in which a separating member is prepared for each of the multiple rearing units and a separate separating member is moved relative to each rearing unit.

[0009] According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide a technique that is effective for efficiently collecting bred organisms such as insects in a short period of time in a breeding device for breeding organisms such as insects.

[0010] Note that the reference characters in parentheses in the claims indicate the corresponding relationship with the specific means described in the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a collection device is connected to a main body frame of a rearing device of a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rearing apparatus of the first embodiment in a state where a collection device is separated from a main body frame; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rearing unit; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the first rearing unit and the second rearing unit are supported by a support part of a main body frame; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the first and second rearing units are supported by a support portion of the collection device; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the collecting device in FIG. 2 as seen from the main body frame side; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state before and after the comb teeth of the separating member are inserted into the gap of the stop member of the first rearing unit; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a configuration of a belt conveyor below the first breeding unit; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state before the comb teeth of the separating member are inserted into the gap of the stop member of the first rearing unit; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state immediately after the comb teeth of the separating member are inserted into the gap of the stop member of the first rearing unit; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged view of a stop member of the first rearing unit; [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the comb teeth of the separating member are further inserted into the gap of the stop member of the first rearing unit from the state shown in FIG. 10; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state immediately after the comb teeth of the separating member have passed through the gap of the stop member of the first rearing unit; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of a separating member according to a modified example; [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of a separating member according to a modified example; [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial enlarged view of a comb tooth of a separating member according to a modified example; [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view of a comb tooth of a separating member according to a modified example; [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-VIII in FIG. 17; [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a partial enlarged view of a comb tooth of a separating member according to a modified example; [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view of the rearing device of the second embodiment; [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a side view showing the rearing apparatus of the third embodiment with the separating member in a raised position; [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view showing the rearing apparatus of the third embodiment with the separating member in the lowered position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a specific structure of the rearing apparatus according to one embodiment of the above aspect will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] In this specification and drawings, unless otherwise specified, a first direction which is the up-down direction of the rearing apparatus is indicated by arrow X, a second direction which is the horizontal direction of the rearing apparatus is indicated by arrow Y, and a third direction which is the horizontal direction of the rearing apparatus and perpendicular to the second direction is indicated by arrow Z.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) 1. Subjects to be kept The organisms to be reared in the rearing device are, for example, small organisms such as arthropods. The organisms to be reared are, for example, organisms used for food, feed, research, etc. For example, insects such as crickets, locusts, grasshoppers, etc. can be reared. In particular, the organisms to be reared are arthropods that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, in which larvae directly metamorphose into adults, and furthermore, incomplete metamorphosis larvae are preferable. In this example, among insects, crickets and locust larvae of the order Orthoptera are described as preferable examples of organisms to be reared. However, adults (emerged incomplete metamorphosis arthropods) may also be reared. Furthermore, the rearing device may rear organisms from eggs, or rear organisms after hatching.

[0015] 2. Basic configuration of the breeding device 1 and 2, the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used for rearing an organism C to be reared. In Fig. 1, a cricket, which is a type of insect, is illustrated as the organism C. The rearing apparatus 1 includes, as its basic components, a main body frame 10, a plurality of rearing units 20, and a collection device 30.

[0016] The main body frame 10 is placed on an installation surface for the breeding device 1. The main body frame 10 is configured to form a breeding space 11 for the organism C. Although not shown in FIG. 1 for convenience, the outer periphery of the main body frame 10 is covered with a wall section that defines the breeding space 11. For this reason, the breeding space 11 is always kept sealed during the breeding period, and this sealed space is appropriately set to an environment suitable for the growth of the organism C.

[0017] 3. Internal structure of the main frame In this example, two rearing spaces 11 are formed in two levels, one above the other in the first direction X, inside the main body frame 10. That is, the rearing spaces 11 include a first rearing space 11a located in the upper level in the first direction X and a second rearing space 11b located in the lower level in the first direction X. The first rearing space 11a and the second rearing space 11b are spaces of the same dimensions.

[0018] 1 and 2, the multiple rearing units 20 are housed in a rearing space 11 inside a main body frame 10. The multiple rearing units 20 include three first rearing units 20A and three second rearing units 20B. The first rearing units 20A and the second rearing units 20B have the same shape.

[0019] The three first rearing units 20A are housed in the first rearing space 11a in a state where they are arranged side by side in the third direction Z. The three second rearing units 20B are housed in the second rearing space 11b in a state where they are arranged side by side in the third direction Z. Note that the respective numbers of the first rearing units 20A and second rearing units 20B are not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0020] The main body frame 10 includes a plurality of support parts 12a, 12b each extending in the third direction Z. The two support parts 12a are components for supporting each of the first breeding units 20A so as to be slidable in the third direction Z, and extend parallel to the third direction Z while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The two support parts 12b are components for supporting each of the second breeding units 20B so as to be slidable in the third direction Z, and extend parallel to the third direction Z while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y.

[0021] A plurality of support rollers 13 are provided along the third direction Z on the inner surfaces of the support portions 12a and 12b in the second direction Y. The support rollers 13 are rotatable members such as rollers or bearings, and are configured to rotate on their own axes upon receiving an input in the third direction Z.

[0022] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, inside the main frame 10, a belt conveyor 40 (described later) is provided in each of the lower area of ​​the first breeding unit 20A and the lower area of ​​the second breeding unit 20B.

[0023] 4. Structure of the breeding unit As shown in FIG. 3, each of the multiple rearing units 20 has multiple stop members 22 and a holding portion 21 that holds the multiple stop members 22. The multiple stop members 22 are all of the same shape and are configured to hang down from the lower surface of the holding portion 21, which serves as a top plate. The multiple stop members 22 extend downward from the end closer to the holding portion 21 as a base end 22a to a lower end 22b. The multiple stop members 22 are arranged in the second direction Y with gaps 23 shown by dimension a in FIG. 3 between them. That is, the multiple stop members 22 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the second direction Y.

[0024] The stop member 22 is a plate-like member extending on a plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z, with the second direction Y being the plate thickness direction. The stop member 22 is configured to enable the living organism C to be reared to stay on its surface. The stop member 22 may be formed in a flat plate shape or a corrugated shape. In this example, the stop member 22 is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0025] The material of the stop member 22 is not particularly limited, but as an example, metals such as iron and aluminum, resin, wood, paper, etc. can be used. The stop member 22 preferably has a mesh structure with many through holes formed over the entire surface so as to serve as a foothold for the organism C. For example, the stop member 22 can be formed of punching metal, wire mesh, etc.

[0026] 4, when the first rearing unit 20A is accommodated in the first rearing space 11a inside the main body frame 10, both end portions 21a in the second direction Y of the holding part 21 are supported from below by the multiple support rollers 13 of the support part 12a. When the second rearing unit 20B is accommodated in the second rearing space 11b inside the main body frame 10, both end portions 21a in the second direction Y of the holding part 21 are supported from below by the multiple support rollers 13 of the support part 12b, similarly to the first rearing unit 20A.

[0027] 5, when the first rearing unit 20A moves from the main body frame 10 side to the collection device 30 side, both end portions 21a of the holding part 21 in the second direction Y are supported from below by the multiple support rollers 37 of the support part 31a. When the second rearing unit 20B moves from the main body frame 10 side to the collection device 30 side, both end portions 21a of the holding part 21 in the second direction Y are supported from below by the multiple support rollers 37 of the support part 31b, similarly to the first rearing unit 20A. The support rollers 37 have the same structure as the support rollers 13.

[0028] 5. Construction of the collection device The collection device 30 is a separate device from the main body frame 10, and is used when collecting the organism C after the breeding period has ended. The collection device 30 is connected to the main body frame 10 when collecting the organism C (see FIG. 1), and is detached from the main body frame 10 when breeding the organism C (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 31 of the collection device 30 is provided with two separating members 32 and two cases 36.

[0029] The separating members 32 are intended to interfere with the living organisms C resting on a stop member 22 (described below) of each rearing unit 20, and separate the living organisms C from the stop member 22. The upper separating member 32 is provided so as to face the opening 11c (see FIG. 2) of the first rearing space 11a in the third direction Z. The lower separating member 32 is provided so as to face the opening 11d (see FIG. 2) of the second rearing space 11b in the third direction Z.

[0030] The case 36 is for receiving and collecting the organisms C that have been separated from the stopping member 22 by the separating member 32 from below. The case 36 is made of a box-shaped member with a bottom, and has a collection space 36a that is open at the top. The upper case 36 is provided below the upper separating member 32. The lower case 36 is provided below the lower separating member 32.

[0031] The main body 31 includes a plurality of support parts 31a, 31b each extending in the third direction Z. The two support parts 31a, like the support part 12a, are components for supporting the plurality of first breeding units 20A so that they can slide in the third direction Z, and extend parallel to the third direction Z while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The two support parts 31b, like the support part 12b, are components for supporting the plurality of second breeding units 20B so that they can slide in the third direction Z, and extend parallel to the third direction Z while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y.

[0032] A plurality of support rollers 37 similar to the support roller 13 are provided along the third direction Z on the inner surface of each of the support portions 31a and 31b in the second direction Y. Similarly to the support rollers 13, the support rollers 37 are configured to rotate on their own axis upon receiving an input in the third direction Z.

[0033] A plurality of casters 31c that enable the collecting device 30 to travel are provided on the bottom of the main body 31. Therefore, the collecting device 30 can be moved freely relative to the main body frame 10 by an operator manually operating the collecting device 30.

[0034] When the collecting device 30 is at a connection position P1 (see FIG. 1) connected to the main body frame 10, the support portion 31a is disposed on an extension of the support portion 12a of the main body frame 10. Similarly, the support portion 31b is disposed on an extension of the support portion 12b of the main body frame 10. Therefore, when the collecting device 30 is at the connection position P1, each of the first breeding unit 20A and the second breeding unit 20B can be freely slid in the third direction Z between the main body frame 10 having the support rollers 13 and the collecting device 30 having the support rollers 37.

[0035] The collection device 30 is not used during the breeding period of the organism C. Therefore, the collection device 30 is connected to the main body frame 10 only when collecting the organism C, and during other periods, the collection device 30 can be separated from the main body frame 10 and moved from the connection position P1 to the standby position P2 (see FIG. 2).

[0036] 6. Structure of the separating member 6, the separating member 32 has a support portion 33 fixed to the main body portion 31 and extending in the second direction Y, and a plurality of comb teeth 34. The support portion 33 supports the plurality of comb teeth 34, and the plurality of comb teeth 34 extend from the support portion 33 side to a tip portion 34b. The material of the separating member 32 is not particularly limited, but as an example, metals such as iron and aluminum, resin, wood, etc. can be used.

[0037] The plurality of comb teeth 34 are all rod-shaped portions having the same shape. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of each comb tooth 34 is not particularly limited, and any appropriate shape such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a polygon can be adopted.

[0038] The separating member 32 has a plurality of comb teeth 34 inclined at a constant inclination angle θ from the support portion 33 side to the tip portion 34b with respect to the third direction Z, which is the relative movement direction with respect to the plurality of rearing units 20. All of the plurality of comb teeth 34 are inclined toward the main body frame 10. In this case, the inclination angle θ can be appropriately set within a range of 30° to 90°.

[0039] 7, the multiple comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 are arranged at equal intervals across gaps 35 (indicated by dimension a in FIG. 7) in the same direction as the second direction Y, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple stop members 22. In other words, the multiple comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 are arranged parallel to the second direction Y.

[0040] Here, the separating member 32 is configured such that, with respect to the dimension a of the gap 23 in the second direction Y, the dimension b of the gap 35 in the second direction Y and the dimension c of the comb teeth 34 in the second direction Y, have a correlation expressed as a=b>c. Therefore, the separating member 32 can be in either a non-inserted state Q1 in which each comb tooth 34 is in a position removed from the gap 23, or an inserted state Q2 in which each comb tooth 34 is partially or entirely inserted into the gap 23.

[0041] 7, only the relationship of the separating member 32 to the stop member 22 of the first rearing unit 20A is shown, but the same relationship applies to the second rearing unit 20B. For this reason, the relationship of the separating member 32 to the stop member 22 of the second rearing unit 20B is omitted from the illustration.

[0042] In this example, the case where the multiple comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 are all arranged at equal intervals is illustrated, but if necessary, the separating member 32 can also be configured so that the multiple comb teeth 34 are arranged at unequal intervals.

[0043] 7. Structure of belt conveyor The belt conveyor 40 is provided in each of the first rearing space 11a and the second rearing space 11b. Fig. 8 illustrates the belt conveyor 40 provided in the first rearing space 11a. The belt conveyor 40 includes a pair of rollers 41, 41, an endless belt 42 wound around the pair of rollers 41, 41, and a motor 43 that drives one of the rollers 41.

[0044] In the belt conveyor 40, the motor 43 drives one of the rollers 41, so that the conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 moves continuously. At this time, the conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 forms the bottom surface of the rearing space 11. Here, the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 40 means the moving direction of the belt 42. The motor 43 and the rollers 41, 41 may be rotatable in only one direction, or may be rotatable in both directions. That is, when the motor 43 is rotatable in only one direction, the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 40 is the direction in which the conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 faces from right to left in FIG. 8. When the motor 43 is rotatable in both directions, the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 40 is both the first conveying direction in which the conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 faces from right to left in FIG. 8, and the second conveying direction in which the conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 faces from left to right in FIG. 8.

[0045] The belt conveyor 40 transports at least one of the living organisms C, the shells of the living organisms C, food, moisture, and dust that are the breeding targets. For example, the belt conveyor 40 can be used to carry the living organisms C in the early stages of growth or the eggs of the living organisms C from the outside into the first breeding space 11a. Also, the living organisms C being bred in the first breeding space 11a need food and moisture. Therefore, the belt conveyor 40 can be used to supply food and moisture from the outside to the first breeding space 11a. Also, during the breeding of the living organisms C, the shells of the living organisms, feces, remaining food, and the corpses of the living organisms C are accumulated at the bottom of the first breeding space 11a. Therefore, the belt conveyor 40 can be used to discharge these from the bottom of the first breeding space 11a to the outside. Although not particularly shown, the belt conveyor 40 can be used in the same way in the case of the second breeding space 11b.

[0046] 8. Operation of the breeding apparatus The operation of the rearing apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 9 to FIG. In this example, since the first breeding unit 20A on the upper level and the second breeding unit 20B on the lower level operate in the same manner, for the sake of convenience, in the following explanation, only the operation of the first breeding unit 20A will be explained, and the explanation of the operation of the second breeding unit 20B will be omitted.

[0047] 1, during the breeding period, the organism C is bred in the first breeding space 11a and the second breeding space 11b inside the main body frame 10. When the breeding period of the organism C ends, the process moves to the collection work. In this collection work, first, the collection device 30 is set at the connection position P1 where it is connected to the main body frame 10.

[0048] The collecting device 30 is disposed such that the upper separating member 32 faces the first rearing space 11a in the third direction Z, and the two supporting parts 31a each extend continuously to and are connected to the two supporting parts 12a of the main body frame 10. At this time, the collecting device 30 is connected to the main body frame 10 to guide the multiple first rearing units 20A to be continuously movable between the supporting part 12a on the main body frame 10 side and the supporting part 31a on the collecting device 30 side.

[0049] Next, the three first rearing units 20A housed in the first rearing space 11a are moved toward the collection device 30 in order from the one closest to the collection device 30. At this time, the rearing units 20A, 20B do not have self-propelling means, and an operator can move the rearing units 20A, 20B in the movement direction Z1 by directly holding the rearing units 20A, 20B with his / her fingers and moving them manually.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, the first first breeding unit 20A is moved in the moving direction Z1 with both ends 21a of the holding part 21 supported from below by the multiple support rollers 13 of the support part 12a. In the following description, the movement of the first breeding unit 20A at this time is also simply called "slide". At this time, the support part 12a of the main body frame 10 becomes a first support part that supports the multiple first breeding units 20A movably in the third direction Z with respect to the stationary separating member 32. When this first breeding unit 20A is slid in the moving direction Z1, the remaining two first breeding units 20A are both in a standby state in the first breeding space 11a.

[0051] As the first breeding unit 20A slides, the separating member 32 moves relative to the first breeding unit 20A in the third direction Z. As a result, the front sides of both ends 21a of the holding part 21 in the moving direction Z1 ride on the support rollers 37 of the support part 31a and are supported from below. At this time, the support part 31a becomes a second support part that supports the multiple first breeding units 20A movably in the third direction Z.

[0052] 10, when the first rearing unit 20A is further slid in the moving direction Z1 from the state in FIG. 9, the plurality of comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 are inserted into the plurality of gaps 23 of the plurality of stop members 22 while the first rearing unit 20A is supported by the support portion 31a. As a result, the separating member 32 is switched from the non-inserted state Q1 to the inserted state Q2.

[0053] At this time, due to the inclined structure of the multiple comb teeth 34, the tip ends 34b, which are farther from the support portion 33, are first inserted into the gap 23 at the base end 22a of the stop member 22. Thereafter, the comb teeth 34 are further inserted into the gap 23, so that the inclined portion from the tip ends 34b to the base end 34a acts to correct the bending of the separating member 32 in the second direction Y. Then, the base end 34a, which is the end of the comb teeth 34 closer to the support portion 33, is finally inserted into the gap 23.

[0054] 11, the tip end 34b of the comb tooth 34 is inserted into the first region 23a, which is the region of the gap 23 of the stop member 22 that is closer to the retaining portion 21, but is not inserted into the second region 23b, which is the region of the gap 23 of the stop member 22 that is farther from the retaining portion 21. In contrast, the base end 34a of the comb tooth 34 is inserted into the second region 23b of the gap 23 of the stop member 22, but is not inserted into the first region 23a.

[0055] Here, the first region 23a is a region defined by a wall surface of the base end portion 22a of the separating member 22 at a root portion close to the holding portion 21. Therefore, the base end portion 22a of the stopping member 22 is unlikely to bend and deform in the second direction Y, and the gap dimension a1 in the second direction Y of the first region 23a is generally constant.

[0056] In contrast, the second region 23b is a region defined by a wall surface of the lower end 22b of the separating member 22 that is far from the retaining portion 21. Therefore, the lower end 22b of the stopping member 22 is easily deformed in the second direction Y, and the gap dimension a2 of the second region 23b in the second direction Y may change due to this deformation. For example, when the gap dimension a2 of the second region 23b is smaller than the gap dimension a1 of the first region 23a, a problem may occur in which the operation of inserting the comb teeth 34 into the second region 23b is hindered.

[0057] Therefore, in this example, a structure is adopted in which the tip portions 34b of the comb teeth 34 are inserted into the first regions 23a of the gaps 23 of the stopping member 22, which are less susceptible to the effect of the bending deformation of the separating member 22. This makes it possible to smoothly insert each comb tooth 34 of the separating member 32 into each gap 23 of the stopping member 22.

[0058] 12, when the first rearing unit 20A is further slid in the moving direction Z1 from the state in FIG. 11, each comb tooth 34 of the separating member 32 interferes with the organism C resting on a part of the stopping member 22, and the organism C can be physically separated from the stopping member 22. Some of the organisms C separated from the stopping member 22 are collected in the collection space 36a of the case 36 located below the comb teeth 34, for example, by falling due to their own weight.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13, the first rearing unit 20A is further slid in the moving direction Z1 from the state in FIG. 12 until the stop member 22 passes the separating member 32. This causes the first rearing unit 20A to pass the separating member 32. At this time, each comb tooth 34 of the separating member 32 interferes with all of the remaining organisms C that are staying on the stopping member 22, and the organisms C can be physically separated from the stopping member 22. The remaining organisms C that have been separated from the stopping member 22 are collected in the collection space 36a of the case 36 located below the comb tooth 34, for example, by falling due to their own weight. It is preferable that the dimension c of the comb tooth 34 in the second direction Y of the separating member 32 is set so that the organisms C in the gap 23 can be reliably filtered out by interfering with them.

[0060] The tip end 34b of each of the multiple comb teeth 34 is inserted through the gap 23 prior to the base end 34a, and is then inserted through the base end 34a. Then, as the multiple comb teeth 34 are inserted through the multiple gaps 23 of the multiple stop members 22, the separating member 32 switches from the inserted state Q2 back to the non-inserted state Q1.

[0061] After the first breeding unit 20A is pulled out from the collection device 30 in the moving direction Z1, the organisms C collected in the collection space 36a of the case 36 are recovered. After that, the first breeding unit 20A is appropriately cleaned and reused.

[0062] The remaining first breeding units 20A waiting in the first breeding space 11a are also operated as described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. That is, the remaining first breeding units 20A are sequentially slid toward the separating member 32 and sequentially passed through the separating member 32. This allows the organisms C that are stopped on the stopping member 22 of the remaining first breeding units 20A to be separated using the comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32, and the separated organisms C can be collected in the collection space 36a of the case 36.

[0063] Thus, in this example, the separating member 32 is shared by the multiple first breeding units 20A, and by moving relative to each of the first breeding units 20A, the multiple comb teeth 34 are inserted into the multiple gaps 23 of the multiple stop members 22, and the living organisms C can be collected from the gaps 23. Therefore, the collection of the living organisms C is a simple task of simply sliding the first breeding unit 20A in the movement direction Z1.

[0064] Next, modified examples of the separating member 32 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0065] 14, the separating member 32A according to the modified example is configured so that only the tip end side of the multiple comb teeth 34 is inclined. That is, each comb tooth 34 has a bent portion 34c between a base end 34a and a tip end 34b, and extends linearly from the base end 34a to the bent portion 34c in the first direction X, and extends linearly from the bent portion 34c to the tip end 34b at an inclination angle θ inclined with respect to the third direction Z. In this case, the inclination angle θ can be appropriately set within a range of 30° to 90°.

[0066] According to the separating member 32A having the above-mentioned configuration, the tip portion 34b of each of the comb teeth 34, which is the side farther from the support portion 33, is first inserted into the gap 23. Thereafter, the comb teeth 34 are further inserted into the gap 23, so that the inclined portion from the tip portion 34b to the bent portion 34c acts to correct the bending of the separating member 32 in the second direction Y. Then, finally, the straight portion from the bent portion 34c to the base end portion 34a is inserted into the gap 23. Therefore, similar to the case of the separating member 32, the effect is obtained that each of the comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32A can be smoothly inserted into each of the gaps 23 of the stop member 22.

[0067] 15, the separating member 32B according to the modified example includes a variable mechanism that changes the inclination angle θ of the multiple comb teeth 34 with respect to the third direction Z. This variable mechanism has a function of rotating the support part 33 about a rotation shaft part 33a extending in the second direction Y, and in this example, an actuator 50 is used. Typically, a motor, an air cylinder, or the like can be used as the actuator 50.

[0068] According to the separating member 32B having the above-mentioned configuration, the inclination angle θ of the plurality of comb teeth 34 can be easily changed by rotating the support portion 33 about the rotation shaft portion 33a.

[0069] Although not shown, the support portion 33 may be provided with a plurality of insertion openings (insertion holes or slits) into which the comb teeth 34 can be inserted at different inclination angles θ. In this case, an insertion opening that allows each comb tooth 34 to be set at a desired inclination angle θ is selected from the plurality of insertion openings. Then, the comb teeth 34 are inserted into the selected insertion opening. This simplifies the configuration of the variable mechanism structure that changes the inclination angle θ of the plurality of comb teeth 34.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 16, in a separating member 32C according to a modified example, a flexible intervening portion 34d is provided on the outer periphery of each of the multiple comb teeth 34 to fill the gaps 23. In this example, the intervening portion 34d is configured by a brush made of a large number of flexible wires. The brushes are provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of each comb tooth 34. The material of the wires constituting the brush is not particularly limited, and plant materials, animal materials, metal materials, synthetic fiber materials, etc. can be used as appropriate.

[0071] According to the separating member 32C having the above-mentioned configuration, the intervening portion 34d can fill the areas of the gaps 23 that cannot be filled by the comb teeth 34 alone. This can improve the effect of filtering out the living organisms C from the gaps 23 of the stopping member 22. Note that instead of the brush, a flexible fiber material or cloth material can be used as long as it has the function of filling the gaps 23 like the brush.

[0072] 17 and 18, in a separating member 32D according to the modified example, each of the multiple comb teeth 34 is provided with a hollow portion 34e, multiple first gas injection holes 34f (see FIG. 17) communicating with the hollow portion 34e, and multiple second gas injection holes 34g (see FIG. 18) communicating with the hollow portion 34e. When gas is supplied from a gas supply source 51 to the hollow portion 34e of the comb teeth 34, the gas is injected to the outside from the gas injection holes 34f and the gas injection holes 34g.

[0073] 17, the first gas injection holes 34f open toward the surface of the stopping member 22 with each comb tooth 34 inserted into the gap 23. According to the first gas injection holes 34f, when each comb tooth 34 is inserted into the gap 23, a strong gas flow is directly applied to the organism C stopping on the surface of the stopping member 22, making it easier to drop the organism C from the stopping member 22.

[0074] 18, the second gas injection holes 34g open toward the gap 23 before each comb tooth 34 is inserted into the gap 23. That is, the second gas injection holes 34g open to the front side of each comb tooth 34 in the traveling direction relative to the stopping member 22. With the second gas injection holes 34g, gas is constantly injected toward the organism C in the gap 23 while approaching the stopping member 22, thereby improving the effect of filtering out the organism C.

[0075] The gas to be injected from the gas injection holes 34f, 34g can be air, carbon dioxide gas mainly composed of carbon dioxide, inert gas such as nitrogen gas, etc. If a gas with a low oxygen concentration such as carbon dioxide gas or nitrogen gas is used, the organisms C can be temporarily put into a state of suspended animation due to lack of oxygen, which is effective in making the organisms C fall easily through the gaps 23 of the stop member 22.

[0076] The gas injected from the gas injection holes 34f, 34g may be room temperature gas, or may be low temperature gas that is lower in temperature than room temperature gas, or may be high temperature gas that is higher in temperature than room temperature gas. If high temperature gas or low temperature gas is used, it stimulates the organisms C in the gaps 23 of the stop member 22, making it easier for them to escape from the gaps 23.

[0077] 19, in a separating member 32E according to the modified example, a base end portion 34a of each comb tooth 34 is connected to an actuator 52. Each comb tooth 34 rotates (i.e., spins) about its axis L by the driving force of the actuator 52. Typically, a motor, an air cylinder, or the like can be used as the actuator 52.

[0078] According to the separating member 32E having the above-mentioned configuration, by applying the rotating comb teeth 34 to the living thing C in the gap 23 of the stopping member 22, it becomes easier to stimulate the living thing C and make it escape from the gap 23. Note that a mechanism for rotating each comb tooth 34 about the axis L by the driving force of the actuator 52 can be added to at least one of the separating members 32A to 32D described above.

[0079] Next, the effects of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will be described.

[0080] The breeding device 1 of the first embodiment includes a main body frame 10, a plurality of breeding units 20, a plurality of stop members 22, and a separating member 32. In this breeding device 1, the plurality of breeding units 20 are housed in the breeding space 11 of the main body frame 10. Each of the plurality of breeding units 20 is provided with a plurality of stop members 22 arranged with gaps 23 between them. The separating member 32 is provided with a plurality of comb teeth 34 aligned in a second direction Y, which is the arrangement direction of the plurality of stop members 22.

[0081] The separating member 32 is shared by multiple rearing units 20 and is used to separate the organisms C that are staying on the multiple stop members 22 of each rearing unit 20 from the multiple stop members 22. For this purpose, after the rearing of the organisms C is completed, the separating member 32 moves relative to each of the multiple rearing units 20, and the multiple comb teeth 34 are inserted into the multiple gaps 23 of the multiple stop members 22 of each rearing unit 20. By interfering with the organisms C that are staying in the gaps 23 between the two opposing stop members 22, 22 with the comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32, the organisms C can be easily separated from the multiple stop members 22 of each rearing unit 20. At this time, it is sufficient to move one separating member 32 relative to each of the multiple rearing units 20. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required to separate and collect the organisms C from the multiple retaining members 22 of each of the rearing units 20, compared to a structure in which a separation member is prepared for each of the multiple rearing units 20 and a separate separation member is moved to each of the rearing units 20.

[0082] Therefore, according to the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to provide a rearing apparatus 1 that is effective for efficiently collecting the reared organisms C in a short period of time.

[0083] Furthermore, by using one separating member 32 for multiple rearing units 20, the structure of the rearing apparatus 1 can be simplified, and the cost of the apparatus can be kept low.

[0084] In the breeding device 1 of the first embodiment, the multiple breeding units 20 are arranged side by side in the third direction Z, which is a direction in which the separating member 32 and the breeding units 20 are moved relatively when collecting the organisms C. Therefore, it is sufficient to slide the breeding units 20 toward the separating member 32 in order starting from the breeding unit 20 arranged closest to the separating member 32 among the multiple breeding units 20. This simplifies the work of collecting the organisms C.

[0085] In the breeding device 1 of the first embodiment, the main body frame 10 is provided with a plurality of support parts 12a, 12b extending in the third direction Z in order to support the plurality of breeding units 20 movably in the third direction Z. This simplifies the structure for moving each of the plurality of breeding units 20 in the movement direction Z1 on the main body frame 10 side.

[0086] In the breeding apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, when the collection device 30 is connected to the main body frame 10, the multiple support parts 12a, 12b on the main body frame 10 side are connected to the multiple support parts 31a, 31b on the collection device 30 side. This simplifies the structure for moving each of the multiple breeding units 20 in the movement direction Z1 from the main body frame 10 side to the collection device 30 side during the collection operation of the organisms C.

[0087] Hereinafter, other embodiments related to the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, the same elements as those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0088] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Fig. 20, the rearing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment differs from the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that the separating member 32 is provided on the main body frame 10 side. In this rearing apparatus 2, the first rearing unit 20A and the second rearing unit 20B have the same structure. For this reason, Fig. 20 only describes the first rearing unit 20A, and omits the description of the second rearing unit 20B.

[0089] In the breeding device 2, the first breeding unit 20A is fixed to the support portion 12 of the main body frame 10. Therefore, although not specifically shown, the multiple first breeding units 20A are juxtaposed in a stationary state in the third direction Z, which is the horizontal direction.

[0090] In contrast, the separating member 32 is fixed to a conveying surface 42a of a belt 42 of a belt conveyor 40. The conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 moves in a moving direction Z2 by a driving force of a motor 43 below the first breeding units 20A. Therefore, the belt conveyor 40 serves as a driving unit that drives the separating member 32 in the moving direction Z2 relative to each of the first breeding units 20A.

[0091] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0092] After the rearing of the organisms C is completed, the motor 43 is driven so that the conveying surface 42a of the belt 42 of the belt conveyor 40 moves in a direction from left to right in FIG. 20. This allows the separating member 32 to move in the moving direction Z2 toward the stopping members 22 of each of the first rearing units 20A. At this time, the comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 are inserted into the gaps 23 of the stopping members 22 of the first rearing unit 20A. The subsequent operations are substantially similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 in the first embodiment.

[0093] According to the rearing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment, the separating member 32 can be automatically moved in the moving direction Z2 by the belt conveyor 40. Therefore, unlike the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, an operator does not need to manually move the rearing unit 20, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the rearing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment, the belt conveyor 40, which is originally used for transportation, can be used as a drive unit for moving the separating member 32 in the third direction Z. This is therefore effective in keeping the cost of the rearing apparatus 2 low, compared to a case in which a dedicated drive unit is provided for the separating member 32. On the other hand, a structure in which a dedicated drive unit is provided for the separating member 32 is not excluded, and a drive unit other than the belt conveyor 40 can be used as necessary.

[0095] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0096] (Embodiment 3) As shown in Fig. 21, the rearing apparatus 3 of the third embodiment differs from the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in the structure of the separating member 32. In this rearing apparatus 3, the first rearing unit 20A and the second rearing unit 20B have the same structure. Therefore, Fig. 21 only describes the first rearing unit 20A, and omits the description of the second rearing unit 20B.

[0097] In the breeding apparatus 3, the separating member 32 is provided on the main body 31 so as to be movable up and down in the first direction X with a plurality of comb teeth 34 extending in the third direction Z. The separating member 32 may be configured to be lifted and lowered manually by an operator, or may be configured to be automatically lifted and lowered using an actuator.

[0098] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0099] According to the rearing device 3 of the third embodiment, the first rearing unit 20A is slid in the moving direction Z1 with the separating member 32 in the raised position. At this time, as shown in Fig. 21, the multiple comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 are inserted into the multiple gaps 23 of the multiple stop members 22 with the first rearing unit 20A supported by the support portion 31a. When the tip portion 34b of each comb tooth 34 is inserted to the extent that it protrudes from the gap 23 to the right side in Fig. 21, the sliding of the first rearing unit 20A in the moving direction Z1 is temporarily stopped.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 22, the separating member 32 is lowered from the raised position to the lowered position. This allows the comb teeth 34 of the separating member 32 to interfere with the organism C in the gap 23, and the organism C can be easily separated from the multiple stop members 22. Thereafter, while maintaining the separating member 32 in the lowered position, the first rearing unit 20A is slid again in the moving direction Z1 to pass the separating member 32. Then, with the separating member 32 raised to the raised position, the remaining first rearing units 20A waiting in the first rearing space 11a are similarly slid in the moving direction Z1. This allows the collection of organisms C in each of the multiple first rearing units 20A to be performed in sequence.

[0101] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0102] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiment, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or structure. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and concept of the present disclosure.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the case where two rearing spaces 11 are formed in two levels, one above the other in the first direction X, inside the main body frame 10 is exemplified, but the number and arrangement of the rearing spaces 11 are not limited to this and can be appropriately changed as necessary. For example, a structure in which only one level of rearing space 11 is formed inside the main body frame 10, or a structure in which three or more rearing spaces 11 are formed in multiple levels, one above the other in the first direction X, inside the main body frame 10, can be adopted. Increasing the number of levels of the rearing spaces 11 allows the upper space in the first direction X to be effectively utilized, which is effective in increasing the rearing efficiency of the organisms C per installation area of ​​the rearing device.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a structure in which the rearing unit 20 is moved in the movement direction Z1 relative to the stationary separating member 32 when collecting the organism C, and a structure in which the rearing unit 20 is moved in the movement direction Z2 relative to the stationary separating member 32 when collecting the organism C are exemplified, but instead of this, a structure in which the rearing unit 20 is moved in the movement direction Z1 and the separating member 32 is moved in the movement direction Z2 when collecting the organism C can be adopted. By adopting a structure in which both the rearing unit 20 and the separating member 32 move in directions approaching each other, the time required for the collection work of the organism C can be shortened.

Claims

1. A breeding device (1, 2, 3) for a living organism (C), A main body frame (10) forming a rearing space (11, 11a, 11b) for the living organisms; A plurality of rearing units (20, 20A, 20B) accommodated in the rearing space of the main body frame; A plurality of stop members (22) arranged with gaps (23) in each of the plurality of rearing units; A separating member (32) having a plurality of comb teeth (34) arranged in the arrangement direction (Y) of the plurality of stop members; Equipped with The separating member is used for both the multiple rearing units, and is configured to move relative to each of the multiple rearing units so that the multiple comb teeth are inserted into the multiple gaps of each of the multiple stop members, in the rearing device (1, 2, 3).

2. The plurality of rearing units are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Z), The rearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the separating member moves relative to each of the plurality of rearing units in the horizontal direction.

3. The rearing device according to claim 2, wherein the main body frame has support parts (12a, 12b) for supporting the plurality of rearing units movably in the horizontal direction relative to the separating member in a stationary state.

4. The separating member is provided on a collecting device (30) separate from the main body frame, The breeding device described in claim 3, wherein when the support portion of the main frame is a first support portion (12a, 12b), the collection device has a second support portion (31a, 31b) for supporting the multiple breeding units so that they can be moved in the horizontal direction, and by connecting to the main frame, the multiple breeding units are guided so that they can be moved continuously between the first support portion and the second support portion, and the multiple comb teeth are inserted into the multiple gaps while each of the multiple breeding units is supported by the second support portion.

5. The plurality of rearing units are arranged side by side in a stationary state in a horizontal direction (Z), The rearing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a drive unit (40) that drives the separating member in the horizontal direction relative to each of the plurality of rearing units.

6. The rearing device according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit is a belt conveyor (40) having a belt (42) that moves in the horizontal direction below the plurality of rearing units, and the separating member is fixed to the belt of the belt conveyor.

7. Each of the plurality of rearing units has a holding portion that holds the plurality of stop members, and the plurality of stop members extend with an end portion closer to the holding portion as a base end portion (22a); The rearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separating member has a support portion (33) that supports the plurality of comb teeth, the plurality of comb teeth extending from the support portion side to a tip portion (34b), and the tip portions of the plurality of comb teeth are configured to be inserted into the plurality of gaps at the base ends of the plurality of stop members.

8. The rearing device according to claim 7 , wherein the separating member has a plurality of comb teeth that are inclined at a constant inclination angle (θ) from the support portion side to the tip portion with respect to the direction of relative movement with the plurality of rearing units.

9. The rearing device according to claim 8, wherein the separating member includes a variable mechanism (50) that varies the inclination angle of the plurality of comb teeth.

10. The breeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of comb teeth is provided with a plurality of gas injection holes (34f, 34g), and gas is injected to the outside from the plurality of gas injection holes.

11. The rearing device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of gas injection holes include a first gas injection hole (34f) that opens toward a surface of the stop member when the comb teeth are inserted into the gap.

12. The rearing device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of gas injection holes includes a second gas injection hole (34g) that opens toward the gap before the comb teeth are inserted into the gap.

13. The breeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a flexible intervening portion (34d) is provided on the outer periphery of each of the plurality of comb teeth to fill the gaps.

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