breeding equipment

Abstract

A rearing apparatus (1) for rearing a living organism (C), said rearing apparatus being equipped with: a rearing area section (24) which has a rest member (22) where the living organisms (C) can rest; a water supply area section (25) which has a water supplying unit (28); and a connecting section (29) which connects the rearing area section (24) and the water supply area section (25) with one another in a manner such that the living organisms (C) can move therebetween. Therein, the water supply area section (25) is provided separately from a conveyor belt (42), which is the floor section positioned below the rearing area section (24).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a breeding device for breeding living organisms. This breeding device is equipped with a stop member in the breeding area of the breeding case, on which the living organisms can stay. A conveyor belt forming a floor is arranged below the stop member in the breeding area, and as this conveyor belt moves, sediments and the like that have accumulated on the belt surface are carried away. In addition, a water supply belt is provided on this conveyor belt so as to go around it in the circumferential direction. The water supply belt is made of a water-retentive material that can retain water supplied from a water supply device inside. Therefore, the water held inside the water supply belt can be supplied to the living organisms by utilizing the movement of the conveyor belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-151190 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recent research into mass-produced rearing of organisms has shown that ensuring a sufficient supply of water to organisms contributes to increasing survival rates and yields. Therefore, in the design of this type of rearing equipment, there is a demand for technology that improves the water supply function to organisms and thereby increases the rearing efficiency of organisms.

[0005] However, when a belt-shaped member such as a water supply belt is used as in the breeding device of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to ensure a water supply area, and because the movement of the water supply belt is synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt, conditions such as the timing and amount of water supply are easily affected by the movement of the sediment, which can hinder efficient water supply. Furthermore, even if a conveyor belt is not used, various types of sediment accumulate on the floor below the stop member, and if part of this floor is used as a water supply area, it becomes difficult to ensure the water area required for water supply, which can result in the problem of not being able to provide a sufficient water supply function for the organisms.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a breeding device with excellent water supply performance that makes it easy for living organisms such as insects to drink water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is A breeding device for breeding living organisms, a breeding area portion having a stop member on which the living creatures can stop; a water supply area portion having a water supply body; a connecting section that connects the rearing area section and the water supply area section so that the living organisms can move; Equipped with The water supply area is separate from a floor portion located below the breeding area. , and the water supply bodies are arranged side by side with the rearing area section, and the water supply bodies are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. A breeding device is provided. is located. Another aspect of the present disclosure is A breeding device for breeding living organisms, a breeding area portion having a stop member on which the living creatures can stop; a water supply area portion having a water supply body; a connecting section that connects the rearing area section and the water supply area section so that the living organisms can move; Equipped with the water supply area is provided separately from a floor portion located below the rearing area, a main body frame that forms a rearing space for the living creatures; the rearing device, wherein the rearing area and the water supply area are integrated and supported by the main body frame so as to be movable in a transport direction; is located. Another aspect of the present disclosure is A breeding device for breeding living organisms, a breeding area portion having a stop member on which the living creatures can stop; a water supply area portion having a water supply body; a connecting section that connects the rearing area section and the water supply area section so that the living organisms can move; Equipped with the water supply area is provided separately from a floor portion located below the rearing area, a main body frame that forms a rearing space for the living creatures; the water supply area is fixed to the main body frame, and the rearing area is supported by the main body frame so as to be movable in a transport direction; is located. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The breeding device of the above-described embodiment is a device for breeding living organisms and includes a breeding area section, a water supply area section, and a connection section. The breeding area section is provided with a stop member on which the living organisms can rest. The water supply area section is provided with a water supply body. The breeding area section and the water supply area section are connected via the connection section to allow the living organisms to move. Since living organisms can move between the breeding area section and the water supply area section through the connection section, they can freely stop on the stop member while in the breeding area section, and can freely receive water from the water supply body when they move from the breeding area section to the water supply area section. In this case, if the water supply area section is provided independently from the floor section located below the breeding area section, the water supply body can be installed without being affected by various sediments that accumulate on the floor section. This ensures the water area required for water supply and makes it possible to freely set operational conditions such as the water supply timing and amount.

[0009] According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide a rearing apparatus with excellent water supply performance that allows living organisms such as insects to easily drink water.

[0010] Note that the symbols in parentheses in the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described below, and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation 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 of a rearing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the rearing apparatus of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow A1; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a rearing unit moves in the rearing apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the water supply body; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rearing device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the rearing apparatus of FIG. 5 as seen from the direction of arrow A2; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rearing device according to a third embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the rearing apparatus of FIG. 7 as seen from the direction of arrow A3; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rearing device according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the rearing apparatus of FIG. 9 as seen from the direction of arrow A4; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the rearing apparatus of the fifth embodiment as seen from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0013] In this specification and drawings, unless otherwise specified, the first direction, which is the up-down direction of the rearing device when placed on a horizontal surface, is indicated by arrow X, the second direction, which is the width direction of the rearing device, is indicated by arrow Y, and the third direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the rearing device, is indicated by arrow Z.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) 1. What to keep The organisms to be reared 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 incomplete metamorphosis larvae are more preferable. In this example, among insects, cricket and locust larvae of the order Orthoptera are described as suitable examples of organisms to be reared. However, adult insects (emerged incomplete metamorphosis arthropods) may also be reared. Furthermore, the rearing device may rear organisms from eggs or after hatching.

[0015] 2. Basic configuration of the breeding device As shown in Fig. 1, the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used to rear a living organism C to be reared. In Fig. 1, a cricket, a type of insect, is shown as an example of the living organism C. The rearing apparatus 1 basically comprises a main body frame 10, a plurality of rearing units 20, and a transport device 40.

[0016] The main body frame 10 is placed on an installation surface for the breeding device 1. The main body frame 10 has a first frame portion 11 provided at one end in the third direction Z, a second frame portion 12 provided at the other end in the third direction Z, and two third frame portions 13 connecting the first frame portion 11 and the second frame portion 12. The two third frame portions 13 extend parallel to the third direction Z, which is the longitudinal direction, with an interval in the second direction Y between them.

[0017] The main body frame 10 is configured to define a rearing space 10a 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 that defines the rearing space 10a. Therefore, the rearing space 10a is always kept sealed during the rearing period, and this sealed space is appropriately set to an environment suitable for the growth of the organism C.

[0018] 3. Internal structure of the main frame The main body frame 10 is configured to accommodate the rearing units 20 in the rearing space 10a. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which two rearing units 20 of the same shape (i.e., a first rearing unit 20A and a second rearing unit 20B) are accommodated in the rearing space 10a. The first rearing unit 20A and the second rearing unit 20B are accommodated in the rearing space 10a side by side in the third direction Z. Because the first rearing unit 20A and the second rearing unit 20B have the same shape, for ease of explanation, in FIG. 1, the entire first rearing unit 20A is shown by a solid line, and only a part of the second rearing unit 20B, the holding portion 21, is shown by a two-dot chain line. The number of rearing units 20 accommodated in the rearing space 10a is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0019] The two third frame portions 13 of the main body frame 10 are components for supporting the rearing unit 20 so that it can slide in the third direction Z. For this reason, a plurality of support rollers 14 are provided along the third direction Z on the inner surface of each third frame portion 13 in the second direction Y. Each support roller 14 is a rotatable member such as a roller or bearing, and is configured to rotate on its own axis upon receiving input in the third direction Z.

[0020] 4. Structure of the breeding unit 1 and 2, the rearing unit 20 includes a holding section 21, a rearing area section 24, a water supply area section 25, and a connection section 29. This rearing unit 20 includes a stop member 22 (described below) that forms a hideout for the organism C, and is also referred to as a "hideout unit."

[0021] The holding portion 21 is a plate-shaped member whose thickness direction is in the first direction X. The holding portion 21 is provided above the rearing area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25, and is configured to serve as the top plate of each of the rearing area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25.

[0022] The breeding area section 24 has a plurality of stop members 22, all of the same shape. The plurality of stop members 22 are fixed to the holding section 21, and extend downward from the underside of the holding section 21, with the end closest to the holding section 21 as a base end 22a, to a lower end 22b so as to hang down (see FIG. 2). The plurality of stop members 22 are arranged in the second direction Y, separated by gaps 23 of the same size. In other words, the plurality of stop members 22 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the second direction Y. The gaps 23 are sized to allow movement of the living organisms C and to serve as hiding places for the living organisms C depending on their physical size.

[0023] The stop member 22 is a plate-like member extending in the first direction X along 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 so that the organism C to be raised can 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.

[0024] The material of the stop member 22 is not particularly limited, and as an example, metals such as iron and aluminum, resin, rubber, wood, paper, etc. can be used as appropriate. 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 from punched metal, wire mesh, etc.

[0025] The water supply area 25 is fixed to the holder 21 at a position adjacent to the rearing area 24. Therefore, the rearing area 24 and the water supply area 25 are supported as an integrated unit by a plurality of support rollers 14 of the main frame 10 so as to be slidable in the third direction Z, which is the transport direction. The water supply area 25 is juxtaposed with the rearing area 24 so as to be side-by-side in the second direction Y. The water supply area 25 is provided separately from the conveyor belt 42, which is a floor portion located below the rearing area 24 and will be described later.

[0026] The water supply area 25 has a two-tiered structure and includes two support plates 26 arranged in two tiers, one above the other in the first direction X, a bottomed box-shaped tray 27, and a water supply body 28 housed in the tray 27. The support plate 26 is a support part that supports the tray 27 housing the water supply body 28 from below. Therefore, the water supply body 28 is placed indirectly on the support plate 26 with the tray 27 sandwiched therebetween. In this case, if the tray 27 is used, the water supply body 28 can be housed in advance, simplifying the process of placing the water supply body 28 on the support plate 26. If necessary, the water supply body 28 may be placed directly on the support plate 26 without using the tray 27.

[0027] The water supply area 25 has a two-tiered structure, with multiple water supply bodies 28 arranged at different positions in the first direction X, which is the vertical direction. This allows the vertical space in the first direction X to be effectively utilized for arranging the water supply bodies 28. The number of tiers for arranging the water supply bodies 28 and the number of water supply bodies 28 arranged on each tier are not particularly limited. By increasing the number of tiers of the water supply area 25 or the number of water supply bodies 28 as needed, it is possible to increase the water supply area.

[0028] In this embodiment, semi-solid water, which is obtained by semi-solidifying water, is used as the water supply body 28. In this case, examples of semi-solid water containing water inside include hydrogels such as sodium alginate-based hydrogels, aqueous polymers, agar, gelatin, starch, and konjac.

[0029] The use of semi-solid water in the water supply body 28 offers the following advantages over supplying water as a liquid. Semi-solid water is easy to handle (highly ubiquitous) and easy to control in quantity, such as by measuring and counting, making it easy to adjust the amount of water supplied. This is effective in ensuring a sufficient amount of water and water supply area for the organisms C. Semi-solid water is highly portable, so it can be easily transported without the need for pipes for transporting water. Semi-solid water is self-supporting and can be installed anywhere as long as there is a surface such as a floor, eliminating the need for a container to store the liquid. Semi-solid water has a low risk of leakage, preventing leaked water from adversely affecting the organisms C and their rearing environment. Since no semi-solid water remains after supply, contamination caused by residue after supply can be prevented, effectively preventing the rearing environment for the organisms C from becoming unsanitary. This reduces the burden of cleaning work and improves the rearing efficiency of the organisms C. Using semi-solid water ensures that hygienic water is always supplied.

[0030] The semi-solid water may contain nutrients necessary for rearing the organism C. This allows nutrients to be supplied simultaneously with water supply. The nutrients may be added to the water or may be derived from the raw materials. For example, sodium alginate-based hydrogels are rational because calcium ions contained in the raw materials are necessary nutrients. Another advantage of sodium alginate-based hydrogels is that they can be molded into any size at room temperature and pressure.

[0031] The connecting portion 29 is for connecting the breeding area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25 so that the living organisms C can move between them. This connecting portion 29 forms a movement path for the living organisms C between the breeding area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25. This allows the living organisms C to move freely between the breeding area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25.

[0032] The structure of the connecting portion 29 is not particularly limited as long as it forms a path for the movement of the organisms C. For example, the connecting portion 29 can be constructed using all or part of a connecting member of various shapes, such as a flat plate, block, rod, or cylinder. In this case, the connecting portion 29 may be formed by a connecting member integrated with a member provided in at least one of the rearing area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25, or may be formed by a connecting member separate from the members provided in the rearing area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25. The material of the connecting portion 29 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include metals such as iron and aluminum, resin, rubber, wood, and paper, as appropriate.

[0033] 5. Structure of the conveying device 1 and 2, the rearing apparatus 1 includes a conveying device 40 below the rearing unit 20. The conveying device 40 includes a pair of rollers 41, 41 spaced apart from each other in the third direction Z, an endless conveyor belt 42 looped around the pair of rollers 41, 41, and a motor 43 that drives one of the rollers 41.

[0034] In the conveying device 40, when the motor 43 drives one of the rollers 41 and the roller 41 rotates about a rotation axis extending in the second direction Y, the conveying surface 42a of the conveyor belt 42 moves continuously in the conveying direction. Here, the conveying direction of the conveying device 40 means the moving direction of the conveying surface 42a of the conveyor belt 42. The motor 43 and the rollers 41, 41 may be rotatable in only one direction or in both directions. In other words, when the motor 43 is rotatable in only one direction, the conveying direction of the conveying device 40 is one direction in the third direction Z. When the motor 43 is rotatable in both directions, the conveying direction of the conveying device 40 is both directions in the third direction Z.

[0035] The transport device 40 functions to transport at least one of the organisms C to be reared, food to be given to the organisms C, exoskeletons or carcasses of the organisms C, organisms C in the early stages of growth or eggs of the organisms C, feces, remaining food, and dust. For example, the transport device 40 can be used to bring in rearing food 50 to be given to the organisms C from outside into the rearing space 10a (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0036] In the transport device 40, the conveyor belt 42 is a floor section provided so as to extend in the second direction Y, which is the belt width direction, from below the rearing area section 24 to below the water supply area section 25. The transport surface 42a of this conveyor belt 42 forms the bottom surface of the rearing space 10a. In this case, if an opposing space 10b is formed between the water supply area section 25 and the conveyor belt 42, this opposing space 10b can be effectively used as a feeding area for the food 50.

[0037] 6. Operation of the breeding apparatus The operation of the rearing unit 20 in the rearing apparatus 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In this example, the two rearing units 20A and 20B operate in the same manner, so for the sake of convenience, the following description will only cover the operation of the first rearing unit 20A, and will omit the description of the operation of the second rearing unit 20B.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, during the breeding period, the organism C is bred in the breeding space 10a inside the main body frame 10. At this time, the first breeding unit 20A is placed at the first position P1, which is the initial position. Then, when the breeding period for the organism C ends, the process moves to the collection work. In this collection work, the first breeding unit 20A is slid in the transport direction Z1.

[0039] If the first breeding unit 20A does not have a self-propelled means, an operator can manually slide the first breeding unit 20A in the conveying direction Z1 by directly grasping the first breeding unit 20A with their fingers. Furthermore, if the first breeding unit 20A has a driving means such as an actuator, the first breeding unit 20A can be automatically slid in the conveying direction Z1. As a result, the first breeding unit 20A slides in the conveying direction Z1 with both ends of the holding part 21 in the third direction Z supported from below by the multiple support rollers 14. The first breeding unit 20A is transported from the first position P1 to the second position P2 and then removed from the main frame 10. The organisms C are then collected from the removed first breeding unit 20A.

[0040] Next, a modified example of the water supply body 28 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] Water supply body 28A shown in Figure 4 is a modified example of water supply body 28, which is semi-solid water. This water supply body 28A is configured as a water-retaining material that can retain moisture so that it can supply water. As a result, when organism C comes into contact with water supply body 28A, which has been placed in tray 27 in a moist state and is already moistened with moisture, organism C can receive water from water supply body 28A. If a water-retaining material is used for water supply body 28A, it can be used semi-permanently, except for deterioration or damage, and the cost required for raising organism C can be kept low.

[0042] The supply or replenishment of water to water supply body 28A may be performed automatically using a water supply device, or may be performed manually by an operator. The structure of the water supply device is not particularly limited, but as an example, water supply device 30 shown in Figure 4 may be used.

[0043] 7. Structure of the water supply device The water supply device 30 includes a water supply pipe 31, a water temperature adjustment unit 32, and a control unit 33. The water supply pipe 31 has an outlet 31a, which is positioned directly above the tray 27 or the water supply body 28. As a result, water flows out of the outlet 31a of the water supply pipe 31, and the water supply body 28A absorbs and retains the water, thereby becoming moist. The water temperature adjustment unit 32 is configured to adjust the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply body, i.e., the temperature of the water flowing inside the water supply pipe 31. The control unit 33 is configured to control the water temperature adjustment unit 32 based on temperature information about the rearing space 10a. The temperature information about the rearing space 10a is preferably temperature information obtained from a temperature sensor T installed in the rearing space 10a.

[0044] The water supply device 30 configured as described above not only has the primary function of supplying water to the water supply body 28A, but also serves the function of regulating the temperature of the rearing space 10a, which allows the cost of the device to be kept lower than when these functions are performed by separate devices.

[0045] Furthermore, the water supply device 30 configured as described above can supply warm water when the temperature of the rearing space 10a drops due to the latent heat of evaporation of water, supply warm water in winter when the rearing space 10a is prone to low temperatures, and supply cold water in summer when the rearing space 10a is prone to high temperatures. This allows for precise adjustment of the temperature of the rearing space 10a. As a result, a comfortable temperature environment can be provided for the living organisms C, which can promote their growth and improve rearing efficiency.

[0046] The target water temperature set by the water temperature adjustment unit 32 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to set the target water temperature so that the rearing space 10a has a temperature suitable for the survival of the organisms C. For example, the rearing space 10a may be heated to a temperature higher than that which compensates for the temperature drop in the rearing space 10a due to the latent heat of evaporation of water. Controlling the rearing space 10a to such a temperature ensures high growth potential of the organisms C, thereby improving the rearing efficiency of the organisms C. As an example, if the organisms C are crickets, the target water temperature can be set so that the rearing space 10a has a temperature within the range of approximately 30 to 40°C.

[0047] Water supply device 30 may be a device having only one of the water heating and cooling functions, or a device having both the water heating and cooling functions. In this case, water supply device 30 may be a dedicated device prepared exclusively for water supply body 28A, or may be a dual-purpose device shared with another external device. For example, a device with a heater added to the water supply system may be used as a dedicated device. For example, a dual-purpose device may be used, such as exhaust heat recovery equipment or boiler equipment installed in another facility.

[0048] If necessary, in order to simplify the structure of the water supply device 30, it is also possible to adopt a device that does not have a water temperature adjustment function, i.e., a configuration in which the water temperature adjustment unit 32 and the control unit 33 are omitted.

[0049] Next, the effects of the above-described first embodiment will be described.

[0050] The breeding device 1 of embodiment 1 is an apparatus for breeding organisms C, and includes a breeding area section 24, a water supply area section 25, and a connection section 29. The breeding area section 24 is provided with a stop member 22 on which the organisms C can stay. The water supply area section 25 is provided with a water supply body 28. The breeding area section 24 and the water supply area section 25 are connected via the connection section 29 so that the organisms C can move.

[0051] The living thing C can move between the rearing area section 24 and the water supply area section 25 through the connection section 29, so that it can freely stay on the stopping member 22 when it is in the rearing area section 24, and can freely receive water from the water supply body 28 when it moves from the rearing area section 24 to the water supply area section 25.

[0052] In this case, if the water supply area 25 is provided separately from the conveyor belt 42, which is the floor located below the rearing area 24, the water supply body 28 can be installed without being affected by various deposits that accumulate on the conveying surface 42a of the conveyor belt 42. This ensures that the water area required for water supply is secured, and also makes it possible to freely set operational conditions such as the water supply timing and amount.

[0053] Therefore, according to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a breeding apparatus 1 with excellent water supply performance that allows the organisms C to be bred to easily receive water.

[0054] As a modification example particularly related to the breeding apparatus 1, a structure in which the fixing point of the water supply area section 25 is changed to the conveyor belt 42 of the transport device 40 can be adopted.

[0055] Hereinafter, other embodiments related to the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, the same elements as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0056] (Embodiment 2) 5 and 6, the rearing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment differs from the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that the water supply area 25 is separated from the rearing area 24. The water supply area 25 is fixed to a holding part 25a separate from the holding part 21, and this holding part 25a is fixed to the second frame part 12 of the main body frame 10. Therefore, the rearing area 24 is configured as a movable part that is movable relative to the water supply area 25, which is a fixed part fixed to the main body frame 10. In this case, the rearing area 24 is supported by a plurality of support rollers 14 of the main body frame 10 so as to be slidable in the third direction Z, which is the transport direction.

[0057] Other configurations of the breeding device 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0058] According to the rearing device 2 of the second embodiment, one water supply area 25 can be used for multiple rearing areas 24. In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0059] (Embodiment 3) 7 and 8, the rearing apparatus 3 of the third embodiment differs from the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that it does not include the transport device 40. In this rearing apparatus 3, a fixed floor 15 is provided on the main body frame 10. The fixed floor 15 is a floor provided below the rearing area section 24, and its upper surface 15a forms the bottom surface of the rearing space 10a. In this case, the water supply area section 25 is provided separately from the fixed floor 15.

[0060] Other configurations of the breeding device 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0061] The rearing apparatus 3 of the third embodiment has a structure in which the transport device 40 of the rearing apparatus 1 is omitted, which is effective in keeping the cost of the apparatus low. In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0062] As examples of modifications particularly related to the breeding device 3, a structure in which the water supply area section 25 is fixed to the main frame 10 side, as in the breeding device 2 of embodiment 2, or a structure in which the water supply area section 25 is separated from the breeding area section 24 and fixed to the fixed floor 15, can be adopted.

[0063] (Embodiment 4) 9 and 10, the rearing apparatus 4 of the fourth embodiment differs from the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that the holding portion 21 is fixed to the third frame portion 13 of the main body frame 10. Therefore, the rearing area portion 24 and the water supply area portion 25 are both configured as fixed portions fixed to the main body frame 10.

[0064] The breeding device 4 does not have a function for removing the breeding units 20. For this reason, although not specifically shown, the breeding units 20 are preferably provided with a separating member that can interfere with the organisms C that are resting on the retaining members 22 and separate the organisms C from the retaining members 22. After the breeding period ends, the organisms C can be easily collected by moving the separating member relative to the retaining members 22. In this case, the direction in which the separating member is moved is not particularly limited; for example, the separating member can be inserted into the gap 23 and moved along the retaining members 22 in the first direction X or the third direction Z.

[0065] Other configurations of the breeding device 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0066] The rearing apparatus 4 of the fourth embodiment has a structure in which the plurality of support rollers 14 of the rearing apparatus 1 is omitted, which is effective in keeping the cost of the apparatus low. In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0067] As a modification example particularly related to the rearing apparatus 4 configured as above, instead of omitting the transport device 40, a structure in which a fixed floor 15 is provided on the main body frame 10 can be adopted, as in the rearing apparatus 3 of embodiment 3.

[0068] (Embodiment 5) 11 , the rearing apparatus 5 of the fifth embodiment differs from the rearing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that the number of water supply areas 25 is increased. In the rearing apparatus 1, one water supply area 25 is provided corresponding to the rearing area 24 of one rearing unit 20. In contrast, the rearing apparatus 5 has three water supply areas 25 provided corresponding to the rearing area 24 of each of the two rearing units 20A and 20B. That is, in the first rearing unit 20A, two additional water supply areas 25A and 25B are provided in addition to the one water supply area 25, and in the second rearing unit 20B, two additional water supply areas 25C and 25D are provided in addition to the one water supply area 25.

[0069] In the first breeding unit 20A, two water supply area sections 25, 25A are arranged to face each other from both sides of the breeding area section 24 in the second direction Y, and one water supply area section 25B is arranged to face each other from one side of the breeding area section 24 in the third direction Z. In this case, the breeding area section 24 is connected to each of the three water supply area sections 25, 25A, 25B by connecting sections 29 so that living organisms C can move. Therefore, living organisms C can move freely between the single breeding area section 24 and each of the three water supply area sections 25, 25A, 25B.

[0070] In the breeding area 24 of the first breeding unit 20A, an organism C resting on a stopping member 22 on the left side in Fig. 11 can move via the shortest route to the water supply area 25 and be supplied with water from a water supply body 28 placed in this water supply area 25. Also, an organism C resting on a stopping member 22 on the right side in Fig. 11 can move via the shortest route to the water supply area 25A and be supplied with water from a water supply body 28 placed in this water supply area 25A. Furthermore, an organism C resting on a stopping member 22 on the upper side in Fig. 11 can move via the shortest route to the water supply area 25B and be supplied with water from a water supply body 28 placed in this water supply area 25B.

[0071] Similarly, with regard to the second breeding unit 20B, two water supply area sections 25, 25C are arranged to face each other from both sides of the breeding area section 24 in the second direction Y, and one water supply area section 25D is arranged to face each other from one side of the breeding area section 24 in the third direction Z. In this case, the breeding area section 24 is connected to each of the three water supply area sections 25, 25C, 25D by connecting sections 29 so that living organisms C can move. Therefore, living organisms C can move freely between the single breeding area section 24 and each of the three water supply area sections 25, 25C, 25D.

[0072] In the rearing area 24 of the second rearing unit 20B, an organism C resting on a stopping member 22 on the left side in Fig. 11 can move via the shortest route to the water supply area 25 and be supplied with water from a water supply body 28 placed in this water supply area 25. Also, an organism C resting on a stopping member 22 on the right side in Fig. 11 can move via the shortest route to the water supply area 25C and be supplied with water from a water supply body 28 placed in this water supply area 25C. Furthermore, an organism C resting on a stopping member 22 on the bottom side in Fig. 11 can move via the shortest route to the water supply area 25D and be supplied with water from a water supply body 28 placed in this water supply area 25D.

[0073] Other configurations of the breeding device 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0074] According to the breeding device 5 of embodiment 5, by increasing the number of water supply area sections 25 and making it easier for the living organisms C to access each water supply area section 25, an efficient water supply environment can be provided for the living organisms C. In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0075] As a modification example particularly related to the breeding device 5 configured as described above, a structure in which the water supply area section 25A and the water supply area section 25C are integrated, or a structure in which at least one of the four water supply area sections 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D is omitted can be adopted.

[0076] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. 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 spirit of the present disclosure.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, an example is given of using a water supply body 28 which is semi-solid water or a water supply body 28A which is a water-retaining material, but instead of or in addition to this, water may be stored as a liquid in a tray 27 and supplied.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the case where water supplies 28, 28A are placed in water supply area portion 25 is illustrated, but food 50 may be placed in water supply area portion 25 in addition to or instead of water supplies 28, 28A.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the conveyor belt 42 and the fixed floor 15 are exemplified as the floor portion, but the floor portion may be formed by elements other than the conveyor belt 42 and the fixed floor 15, as long as the floor portion is located below the rearing area portion 24 and has a surface that can receive the accumulation portion.

Claims

1. A breeding device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for breeding a living organism (C), a breeding area portion (24) having a stop member (22) on which the living creatures can stop; a water supply area portion (25) having a water supply body (28, 28A); a connecting section (29) that connects the rearing area section and the water supply area section so that the living creatures can move; Equipped with The water supply area is arranged side by side with the breeding area, separate from the floor (15, 42) located below the breeding area, and multiple water supply bodies are provided at different positions in the vertical direction (X) in the breeding device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

2. 2. The breeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water supply body is semi-solid water obtained by semi-solidifying water.

3. The breeding device according to claim 2 , wherein the semi-solid water contains nutrients necessary for breeding the organisms.

4. 2. The breeding device according to claim 1, wherein the water supply body is a water-retaining material capable of containing moisture so as to supply water.

5. The rearing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a water supply device (30) for supplying water to the water supply body.

6. 6. The breeding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the water supply device has a water temperature adjusting section (32) capable of adjusting the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply body.

7. 7. The breeding device according to claim 6, wherein the water temperature adjusting unit is configured to adjust the temperature of the water based on temperature information of the breeding space (10a) for the living organisms.

8. A main body frame (10) that forms a rearing space (10a) for the living creatures, The breeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the breeding area section and the water supply area section are integrated and supported by the main body frame so as to be movable in the transport direction (Z).

9. A main body frame (10) that forms a rearing space (10a) for the living creatures, A breeding device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water supply area section is fixed to the main body frame, and the breeding area section is supported by the main body frame so as to be movable in the transport direction (Z).

10. A breeding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the floor portion extends from below the breeding area portion to below the water supply area portion, and an opposing space (10b) between the water supply area portion and the floor portion is configured to be a feeding area for food (50) to be given to the living organisms.

11. The breeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a conveying device (40) provided below the breeding area, the conveying device having a conveyor belt (42) as the floor.

12. A breeding device (1, 3, 5) for breeding a living organism (C), a breeding area portion (24) having a stop member (22) on which the living creatures can stop; a water supply area portion (25) having a water supply body (28, 28A); a connecting section (29) that connects the rearing area section and the water supply area section so that the living creatures can move; Equipped with The water supply area is provided separately from a floor portion (15, 42) located below the rearing area, A main body frame (10) that forms a rearing space (10a) for the living creatures, The rearing area section and the water supply area section are integrated and supported by the main body frame so as to be movable in the transport direction (Z).

13. A breeding device (2) for breeding a living organism (C), a breeding area portion (24) having a stop member (22) on which the living creatures can stop; a water supply area portion (25) having a water supply body (28, 28A); a connecting section (29) that connects the rearing area section and the water supply area section so that the living creatures can move; Equipped with The water supply area is provided separately from a floor portion (42) located below the rearing area, A main body frame (10) that forms a rearing space (10a) for the living creatures, The water supply area is fixed to the main body frame, and the rearing area is supported by the main body frame so as to be movable in the transport direction (Z).

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