Artificial nest box

Abstract

A frame (1) for an artificial nest box, having at least four side walls, wherein the at least four side walls each have at least: - an outer shell (2) delimiting the frame (1) from the outside; - an inner shell (3) delimiting an interior of the frame (1); - a thermal insulation plate (4), which is arranged between the outer shell (2) and the inner shell (3); - a layer of breathable material (5), which is arranged between the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (2); - a reflective layer (6), which is arranged between the layer of breathable material (5) and the inner shell (3), wherein at least one gas-filled chamber remains between the inner shell (3) and the surface of the reflective layer (6) facing the inner shell; and an artificial nest box, in particular a bee nest box, comprising at least one such frame (1).

Description

Artificial nesting box

[0001] The disclosure relates to a frame for an artificial nesting cavity, in particular for an artificial bee nesting cavity, and a nesting cavity, in particular a bee nesting cavity, with such a frame.

[0002] Artificial nesting boxes are suitable for virtually any arthropod, especially insects, and particularly bees. They consist of a box that is closed at the top by a removable lid. The box has a polygonal cross-section and typically four sides.

[0003] The purpose of an artificial nesting box is to allow the animals living inside to survive extreme conditions with minimal resource consumption. Extreme conditions can occur not only during winter, but especially in spring and into summer, when there are significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Ideally, an artificial nesting box provides a passively regulated, stable climate.

[0004] There are already approaches to providing an improved climate through spatially targeted distribution of heating elements. Such a solution is complex and requires active climate control.

[0005] It is well known, particularly in bees, that the geometry of their population density within an artificial nesting cavity has a significant impact on their health. If the temperature inside the nesting cavity is too low, the population density becomes spherical, which promotes biogenic hazards and hinders the efficient utilization of food stores. It was previously believed that the population density could not be significantly influenced by measures related to insulating the nesting cavity.

[0006] From EP 3 864 958 Bl, an artificial nesting cavity is known which achieves improved climate regulation with minimal effort. This results in an improvement. from a spherical population density to a hemispherical population density below the lid of the nesting cavity.

[0007] It is a task to provide a frame for an artificial nesting cavity and an artificial nesting cavity with such a frame, which ensure a passively regulated, stable climate.

[0008] This problem is solved by a frame with the features of claim 1 and an artificial nesting cavity with at least one such frame.

[0009] The frame has at least four side walls, each of which has at least: - an outer shell that separates the frame from the outside world - an inner shell that defines the interior of the frame - a thermal insulation panel that is positioned between the outer shell and the inner shell - a layer of vapor-permeable material that is positioned between the inner and outer shells and allows moisture to be transported out of the interior of the frame. - a reflective layer that is positioned between the layer of diffusion-open material and the inner shell

[0010] A gas-filled space (for example, filled with air or a mixed gas) remains, which is arranged between the inner shell and the surface of the reflective layer facing it.

[0011] The reflective layer reflects the infrared radiation emanating from the interior of the frame and throws approximately 95% of the heat radiation back into the gas-filled space between the inner liner and the surface of the reflective layer facing it. This creates a "ping-pong effect," meaning the heat radiation is sent back and forth between the inner liner and the reflective layer. This efficiently reduces the heat flow to the outside. This effect occurs regardless of whether the reflective layer is attached to the inner liner. partially adjacent to it or has a distance from it everywhere.

[0012] Calculations have shown that providing at least one gas-filled chamber, in combination with an insulating panel, reduces heat loss through thermal conduction to such an extent that a heat distribution within the box is achieved, leading to a shift from a spherical or, as in EP 3 864 958 Bl, hemispherical occupancy density towards a more cushion-like occupancy density in the upper part of the box. This reduces biogenic hazards within the box and improves the efficient use of food stores. A stable, passively regulated internal climate results.

[0013] Moisture transport in the area of ​​the frame by diffusion takes place via the layer of vapor-permeable material, which is in vapor-permeable contact with the inner and outer shells, at least in some areas.

[0014] Moisture transport is driven by the temperature gradient that exists through the frame.

[0015] The outer shell may have at least one, preferably multiple, ventilation opening(s) to allow moisture to escape. Additionally or alternatively, a cover with openings, such as a perforated sheet or a grille, may be arranged in each corner area.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one gas-filled space is bounded on one side by the reflective layer and on the opposite side by the inner shell.

[0018] In one embodiment, spacers are provided which ensure that the reflective layer only touches the inner shell with part of its surface, so that at least a gas-filled space remains between the inner shell and the surface of the reflective layer facing it.

[0019] The spacers ensure that the layer of vapor-permeable material only contacts the inner shell with a portion of its surface, specifically where the inner shell touches the reflective layer. Of course, a greater distance can be provided between the layer of vapor-permeable material and the inner shell than the perpendicular extension of the spacers to the inner shell. In that case, the layer of vapor-permeable material does not contact the inner shell at all. However, a distance between the layer of vapor-permeable material and the inner shell, as determined by the spacers, has the advantage of maximizing the interior volume of the speaker case for a given outer shell dimension.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spacers are formed by projections in the reflective layer itself, preferably in the form of channels. Between the channels, the reflective layer rests against the inner shell only in a strip-like (ideally only linear) manner. If the reflective layer is designed as a reflective film, such spacers can be formed particularly easily by the reflective film itself. Alternatively, a three-dimensional structure similar to an egg carton could be used. In such a case, the reflective layer rests against the inner shell only in a more or less disc-like (ideally only point-like) manner. It is also possible, in principle, to provide the spacers separately from the reflective layer, for example, in the form of inserts.

[0021] In one embodiment, the outer and inner shells of a side wall run vertically and at least approximately parallel. The outer and inner shells can be connected to each other via further horizontal and / or vertical elements such as posts or profile sections. The frame has a polygonal cross-section.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inner shell has a multi-layered structure, which includes, for example, a wooden panel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the layer is made of diffusion-open material. The material is formed by a diffusion mat, preferably in the form of a nonwoven fabric.

[0024] In one embodiment, it is provided that the layer of diffusion-open material at least partially surrounds the thermal insulation board (preferably at least along side surfaces of the thermal insulation board and / or parallel to a cover surface of the thermal insulation board), preferably completely – except possibly for one of the cover surfaces.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reflective layer is designed as a reflective foil.

[0026] In one embodiment, it is provided that the reflective layer is directly adjacent to the layer of diffusion-open material with one of its surfaces and directly adjacent to the inner shell with its other surface.

[0027] In one embodiment, the reflective layer is designed to be diffusion-open.

[0028] In one embodiment (especially if the reflective layer itself is not diffusion-open, i.e., made of diffusion-open material), it is provided that the reflective foil and / or the inner shell have or have: - a plurality of openings that connect the layer of vapor-permeable material with the interior of the frame, and / or - a smaller width and height than the layer of vapor-permeable material, so that the layer of vapor-permeable material is partially exposed towards the interior of the frame

[0029] Preferably, the reflective layer (preferably designed as a reflective foil) rests with one surface against the inner layer (naturally not over the entire surface due to the spacers) and with its other surface against the layer of diffusion-open material (spacers can also be provided for the layer of diffusion-open material; if the spacers are formed by the reflective layer itself, this will happen automatically).

[0030] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation panel is designed to have a lower has a width and / or height greater than the inner layer and the outer layer, such that a Preferably a shaft-shaped free space remains between the inner layer and the outer layer, which runs in a vertical and / or horizontal direction.

[0031] In such embodiments, it can be provided that the free space extends from a bottom of the frame to a top of the frame and / or extends horizontally from one side of the frame to the other side.

[0032] In embodiments with a cavity, it is preferably provided that vapor-permeable material is arranged in the cavity. This allows moisture from the interior of the frame to be channeled past the thermal insulation board to the outside. This moisture drainage works even better if the vapor-permeable material arranged in the cavity is formed integrally with the layer of vapor-permeable material. For example, a protruding edge of the layer of vapor-permeable material can be folded over or folded, thus more or less filling the cavity.

[0033] In one embodiment, the inner and / or outer shell is at least partially formed by a panel (preferably a wooden panel). The panel can be self-supporting or serve only as a boundary for the inner and / or outer shell. The required mechanical stability can then be ensured by additional structural elements, such as a frame supporting the panel(s) or by horizontal profiles. Preferably, the frame or the horizontal profiles are thermally decoupled from the rest of the frame.

[0034] In one embodiment, it is provided that at least two vertically extending uprights (preferably made of wood) are present.

[0035] In one embodiment, a receiving space for honeycomb frames is provided inside the frame.

[0036] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation panel has two cover surfaces which are connected to each other by side surfaces.

[0037] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation panel is a vacuum insulation panel. For example, a vacuum insulation panel with a thickness of, say, 2 cm can be selected. This has the same thermal insulation effect as a 10 cm thick polystyrene insulation panel that is not vacuum-sealed, or a 37 cm thick solid wood panel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the diffusion-open material is made of hemp material (preferably a hemp fleece). Alternatives include, for example, blocks made of animal hair such as sheep's wool.

[0039] A particularly preferred embodiment of the frame has a receiving space for honeycomb holders bounded by four side walls, each of which has: - an outer shell formed by a plate (preferably a weatherproof panel) - an inner shell formed by a plate (preferably a wooden plate) - a vacuum insulation panel which has a smaller width and height than the outer and inner shells, resulting in a surrounding free space. - a layer of vapor-permeable material in the form of a diffusion mat, arranged between the inner and outer shells, which at least partially surrounds the vacuum insulation panel (preferably at least along side surfaces of the vacuum insulation panel and / or parallel to a cover surface of the vacuum insulation panel), particularly preferably completely – except possibly for one of the cover surfaces – and extends into the surrounding free space, forming a diffusion path from the interior of the frame around the vacuum insulation panel to the environment - a reflective layer designed as a diffusion-open reflective foil, which is arranged directly between the layer of diffusion-open material and the inner shell, and has projections (preferably in the form of channels) which form spacers that ensure that the reflective foil only touches the inner shell with part of its surface, so that at least a gas-filled space remains between the inner shell and the surface of the reflective foil facing it.

[0040] In one embodiment of the artificial nesting cavity, it is provided that an uppermost chamber of at least one chamber is closed by a removable lid.

[0041] It is preferably intended that the lid has at least the following features: - a thermal insulation panel, preferably a vacuum insulation panel - a layer of vapor-permeable material below the thermal insulation board

[0042] In such a design, moisture from the interior of the nesting cavity can be dissipated not only through the side walls of the frame, but also through the lid.

[0043] In one embodiment of the artificial nesting cavity, a preferably diffusion-open reflective layer is arranged below the layer of diffusion-open material.

[0044] In one embodiment of the artificial nesting cavity, the thermal insulation panel has a smaller surface area than the lid, allowing for a preferably frame-shaped cavity next to the insulation panel, in which a vapor-permeable material is arranged. In lid embodiments with a cavity, it is preferably provided that vapor-permeable material is arranged within this cavity. This allows moisture to be conducted outwards from the interior of the frame, past the thermal insulation panel of the lid, by diffusion. This moisture drainage works even better if the vapor-permeable material in the cavity is integral with the layer of vapor-permeable material. For example, an overhanging edge of the vapor-permeable material layer can be folded over or folded, thus filling the cavity to a greater or lesser extent.

[0045] In one embodiment of the artificial nesting cavity, a layer is arranged on the side surfaces of the lid, which projects laterally under the lid to form a drip edge.

[0046] In the case of an artificial bee nesting cavity, substrate holders such as honeycomb frames can be arranged or installed inside the box (preferably with or without insulating bulkheads, depending on the season).

[0047] The described embodiments can be combined in any way desired.

[0048] The embodiments are discussed with reference to the figures.

[0049] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a frame and an exploded view thereof.

[0050] Figure 2 shows the structure of the side walls of the frame of Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a frame with a lid attached in a sectional view.

[0052] Figures 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional view through the frame according to the preceding figures.

[0053] The frame 1 of figures 1 to 4 has a receiving space for comb holders bounded by four side walls and is intended for an artificial bee nesting cavity, each of the side walls having: - an outer shell formed by a plate, preferably a weatherproof panel 2 - an inner shell formed by a plate, preferably a wooden plate 3 - a thermal insulation panel 4 designed as a vacuum insulation panel, which has a smaller width and height than the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3, resulting in a surrounding free space - a layer of vapor-permeable material 5 in the form of a diffusion mat, which is arranged between the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 2, at least partially, preferably completely surrounds the vacuum insulation panel - except possibly for one of the cover surfaces - and extends into the surrounding free space and forms a diffusion path from the interior of the frame 1 around the vacuum insulation panel to the environment - a reflective layer 6 designed as a reflective foil, which is arranged directly between the layer of diffusion-open material 5 and the inner shell 3, and has projections in the form of channels which form spacers which ensure that the reflective foil only touches the inner shell 3 with a part of its surface, so that at least one gas-filled space between the inner shell 3 and the outer shell facing it. The surface of the reflective film remains

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, a rigid, thermally decoupled support frame with horizontal profile parts 12 is provided on the outer shell 2 as an example.

[0055] The structure of the side walls of frame 1 is shown in Figure 2:

[0056] Frame 1 consists of two wall structures: the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 2. The inner shell 3 of frame 1 is biophilic, preferably made primarily of natural materials (wood). This means that the nesting animals only come into contact with wood, not with the high-tech materials. Due to the spacers of the reflective foil, the back of the inner shell 3 (preferably the wooden panel) contains strip-shaped air chambers that play an important role in thermal insulation (enclosed air chambers). This inner shell 3 is followed by a multi-layered structure leading to the outer shell 2:

[0057] The innermost layer after the inner shell 3 consists of a preferably diffusion-open reflective film with high efficiency. The reflective film serves the following purpose:

[0058] It reflects the infrared radiation emanating from the interior of the frame 1 and throws approximately 95% of the heat radiation back into the air chambers. This creates a "ping-pong effect," meaning the heat radiation is sent back and forth between the inner lining 3 and the reflective layer. This efficiently reduces the heat flow to the outside. A layer of vapor-permeable material 5, for example, a sheep's wool mat (e.g., 6 mm thick), is then inserted. This layer allows moisture to dissipate without drafts towards the vapor channels formed by the vertically oriented gaps.

[0059] Behind the layer of vapor-permeable material 5, a vacuum insulation panel is installed. This acts as a highly effective thermal barrier and further increases the thermal insulation of the wall construction. A weatherproof panel, for example an approximately 2 mm thick weather-resistant composite panel or laminate panel, can be used as the outer layer 2.

[0060] A void remains, which is filled with diffusion-open material 5. In this example, a protective covering in the form of a perforated sheet 15 is provided.

[0061] In Figure 2, the lid 8 is shown only schematically. A realistic assembly is shown in Figure 3.

[0062] With regard to moisture, arrows in Figures 4A and 4B indicate how it can diffuse from the interior of the frame 5 through the reflective foil into the diffusion mat, from where it enters the vertically running free spaces and from there into the environment.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a section through a frame 1 with a lid 8 attached to it. The lid 8 has a thermal insulation panel 4, preferably a vacuum insulation panel, beneath which is a layer of vapor-permeable material 5, which can be configured in the same way as the vapor-permeable layer 5 in the side walls. Below the vapor-permeable layer 5 is a reflective layer 6, which can also be configured in the same way as the reflective layer 6 in the side walls. A layer 9 of waterproof material can be arranged on the side surfaces of the lid 8, terminating in a drip edge 11. This layer 9 may have openings that allow moisture to escape. The reflective layer 6 is vapor-permeable but waterproof (water vapor can penetrate it, but larger water droplets cannot).To form an evaporation channel, the reflective layer 6 is folded over a diffusion-open support plate, which forms the lower lid side 13. To prevent backflow of condensed water, the reflective layer 6 is crimped at its free end.

[0064] The thermal insulation panel 4 has a smaller width and length than the sides of the cover 8, leaving a frame-shaped free space into which moisture from the layer of vapor-permeable material 5 can enter and escape into the environment. Reference symbol: 1 frame 2 Outer shell 3 Inner shell 4 Thermal insulation panels 5 diffusion-open material 6 Reflective layer 7 vertically running uprights 8 lids 9 layers of waterproof material 10 Drip edge 11 Cover profile 12 horizontal profile piece 13 lower cover side 14 top side of lid 15 perforated sheet

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Frame (1) for an artificial nesting cavity, comprising at least four side walls, wherein the at least four side walls each comprise at least: an outer shell (2) demarcating the frame (1) from the outside world; an inner shell (3) defining an interior space of the frame (1); a thermal insulation panel (4) arranged between the outer shell (2) and the inner shell (3), and preferably designed as a vacuum insulation panel; a layer of diffusion-open material (5) arranged between the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (2), allowing moisture transport by diffusion from the interior space of the frame (1); a preferably diffusion-open reflective layer (6) arranged between the layer of diffusion-open material (5) and the inner shell (3); at least one gas-filled space arranged between the inner shell (3) and the surface of the reflective layer (6) facing it.

2. Frame according to the preceding claim, wherein spacers are provided which ensure that the reflective layer (6) only touches the inner shell (3) with a part of its surface, so that at least one gas-filled space remains between the inner shell (3) and the surface of the reflective layer (6) facing it.

3. Frame according to the preceding claim, wherein the spacers are formed by projections of the reflective layer (6) itself.

4. Frame according to the preceding claim, wherein channels are formed between the projections.

5. Frame according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective layer (6) is directly adjacent to the layer of diffusion-open material (5) with one of its surfaces and directly adjacent to the inner shell (3) with its other surface.

6. Frame according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal insulation panel (4) has a smaller width and / or height than the inner layer (3) and the outer layer (2), so that a preferably shaft-shaped free space remains between the inner layer (3) and the outer layer (4).

7. Frame according to the preceding claim, wherein diffusion-open material (5) is arranged in the free space, which is preferably formed integrally with the layer of diffusion-open material (5).

8. Frame according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the clearance extends from a bottom of the frame (1) to a top of the frame (2) and / or extends horizontally from one side of the frame (1) to the other side of the frame (1).

9. Frame according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner shell (3) and / or the outer shell (2) is at least partially formed by a plate.

10. Frame according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) has a rigid, preferably thermally decoupled, supporting frame.

11. Frame according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the layer of diffusion-open material (5) is formed by a diffusion mat, preferably in the form of a fleece.

12. Frame according to claim 1 with a receiving space for substrate holders, preferably honeycomb holders, bounded by four side walls, wherein each of the side walls comprises: - an outer shell formed by a plate, preferably a weatherproof panel (2) - an inner shell formed by a panel, preferably a wooden panel (3) - a thermal insulation panel (4) designed as a vacuum insulation panel, which has a smaller width and height than the outer shell (2) and the inner shell (3), resulting in a circumferential free space - a layer of vapor-permeable material (5) in the form of a diffusion mat, which is arranged between the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (2), which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the vacuum insulation panel except possibly for one of the cover surfaces and extends into the surrounding free space and forms a diffusion path from the interior of the frame (1) around the vacuum insulation panel to the environment - a reflective layer (6), preferably designed as a diffusion-open reflective film, which is arranged directly between the layer of diffusion-open material (5) and the inner shell (3), and has projections, preferably in the form of channels, which form spacers which ensure that the reflective film only touches the inner shell (3) with a portion of its surface, so that at least a gas-filled space remains between the inner shell (3) and the surface of the reflective film facing it.

13. Artificial nesting cavity, in particular artificial bee nesting cavity, with at least one box (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

14. Nesting cavity according to the preceding claim, wherein an uppermost chamber (1) of the at least one chamber (1) is closed by a removable lid (8), wherein it is preferably provided that the lid (8) comprises at least: a thermal insulation panel (4), preferably a vacuum insulation panel; below the thermal insulation panel (4) a layer of vapor-permeable material (5) a preferably diffusion-open reflective layer (6) below the layer of diffusion-open material (5) 15. Nesting cavity according to the preceding claim, wherein the thermal insulation panel (4) has a smaller area than the lid (8), so that next to the thermal insulation panel (4) a preferably frame-shaped free space is arranged in which diffusion-open material (5) is arranged.

16. Nesting cavity according to at least one of the three preceding claims, wherein a layer (9) is arranged on side surfaces of the lid (8) which projects laterally under the lid (8) to form a drip edge (10).

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