Insect breeding cage, assembly and system for breeding insects

Abstract

The invention concerns an insect breeding cage (1) comprising an internal cage space (V) enclosed by a top wall (2), a bottom wall (3), and a plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d). The top wall (2) of the insect breeding cage (1) is provided with a container holder (8) configured to releasably receive a incubation / transport container (C) for holding insects (k), wherein the insect breeding cage (1) further comprises a channel connector (7a) configured for connection to the incubation / transport container (C) and receiving adult insects therefrom, and one or more air inlet connectors (6) for providing conditioned air to the internal cage space (V).

Description

[0001] Insect breeding cage, assembly for breeding insects and system

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an insect breeding cage. The present invention further relates to an assembly for breeding insects comprising the insect breeding cage and an incubation / transport container for providing insects to the insect breeding cage. The present invention even further relates to an insect breeding system comprising one or more insect breeding cages or one or more assemblies for breeding insects, in particular a modular insect breeding system for scalable insect breeding.

[0004] Background

[0005] International application WO 2020 / 246876 A1 discloses an insect breeding device provided with a drink water supply for insects. In particular, an insect cage is disclosed having a bottom floor, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, a fourth side wall opposite to the first side wall and a top wall. A water supply unit is provided comprising a reservoir for providing a liquid; a first pipe connected to the reservoir for receiving the liquid from the reservoir, wherein the first pipe is entering the at least one insect cage through a first opening thereof; a nozzle coupled to the first pipe and positioned inside the at least one insect cage, wherein the nozzle is configured to deliver the liquid to the interior of the at least one insect cage on at least one of the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, the top wall and a first portion of the bottom floor apart from a second bottom floor portion, which second bottom floor portion is located adjacent to the fourth side wall.

[0006] International application WO 2020 / 246880 A1 discloses an insect breeding device and a device for cleaning the insect breeding device. In an embodiment, the insect breeding device comprises at least one insect cage, a bin for holding a cleaning liquid, a first pipe connected to the bin for receiving the cleaning liquid, wherein the pipe enters the at least one insect cage through a first opening in the at least one insect cage. A nozzle is coupled to the first pipe, positioned inside the at least one insect cage and configured to deliver the cleaning liquid to the interior of the at least one insect cag. A second pipe is coupled to a second opening in the at least one insect cage, different from the first opening, and configured to drain the cleaning liquid and debris remaining from farming insects in the insect cage from the at least one insect cage.

[0007] Prior art insect breeding devices of the type identified above need not provide optimal yield of insects due to suboptimal properties such as the size and / or shape of insect cages utilized and / or the way insects are provided to the insect breeding device. Furthermore, insect breeding devices of the type identified above may exhibit clogging problems when cleaning and draining debris from the insect cages.

[0008] Summary

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved insect breeding device, or insect cage, that solves at least in part the aforementioned problems of the prior art. According to the present invention, an insect breeding cage, or insect cage, of the type mentioned above is provided, comprising an internal cage space enclosed by a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls of the insect breeding cage. The top wall of the insect breeding cage is provided with a container holder configured to releasably receive a incubation / transport container for holding or storing insects, e.g. insect pupae, wherein the insect breeding cage further comprises a channel connector configured for connection to the incubation / transport container and receiving insects therefrom, and one or more air inlet connectors for providing conditioned air to the internal cage space.

[0010] The container holder allows for a compact but stable and releasable arrangement of a incubation / transport container on the insect breeding cage close or in proximity to the channel connector, thereby allowing adult insects emerging from insect pupae in the incubation / transport container to quicky reach the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage.

[0011] The present invention further relates to an assembly for breeding insects, comprising the insect breeding cage of the present invention and a incubation / transport container for holding or storing insects, e.g. insect pupae, wherein the incubation / transport container is releasably arranged on the container holder. The incubation / transport container comprises an internal container space enclosed by a container top wall, an opposing container bottom wall arranged for supporting a layer of insect pupae in the internal container space, and a plurality of container side walls. The incubation / transport container further comprises a first inlet-outlet port arranged in a first container side wall of the plurality of container side walls, and a second inlet-outlet port arranged in a second container side wall of the plurality of side walls. The second inlet-outlet port is connected to the channel connector via a first tubular member for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage into the internal container space, and wherein the first inlet-outlet port is connected to a second tubular member configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space.

[0012] The assembly allows conditioned air to be efficiently provided in the internal container space to facilitate emergence of adult insects from insect pupae supported on the container bottom wall. The conditioned air is further utilized to attract adult insects emerging in the incubation / transport container to the internal cage space V via the first tubular member.

[0013] Short description of drawings

[0014] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0015] Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an insect breeding cage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an insect breeding cage and internal cage space thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an insect breeding cage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of an incubation / transport container arranged on an insect breeding cage according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of an incubation / transport container arranged on an insect breeding cage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an incubation / transport container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of an assembly A of an insect breeding cage and incubation / transport container when in operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 shows a schematic front view of a modular insect breeding system comprising a plurality of assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Detailed description of embodiments

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an insect breeding cage 1 of the present invention is depicted and comprises an internal cage space V enclosed by a top wall 2, a bottom wall 3, and a plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the insect breeding cage 1 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the insect breeding cage 1 may have a predominately rectangular shape comprising four side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d vertically placed in upward direction U and connecting to the top wall 2 and the bottom wall 3 along respective circumferential perimeters P thereof.

[0024] The top wall 2 of the insect breeding cage 1 comprises a container holder 8 which is configured to releasably receive an incubation / transport container C as depicted in Figure 6, and wherein the incubation / transport container C is configured to hold insect pupae from which adult insects emerge. Details of the incubation / transport container C will be explained later.

[0025] The insect breeding cage 1 further comprises a channel connector 7a which is configured for connection to the incubation / transport container C and to receive insects therefrom. Note that the incubation / transport container C will also be releasably connectable to the channel connector 7a.

[0026] In an embodiment the channel connector 7a may be further configured for discharging or venting conditioned air from the internal cage space V. The conditioned air may have a temperature between 25°-35° degrees Celsius and / or have a relative humidity between 50-90 %. The insect breeding cage 1 further comprises one or more air inlet connectors 6 for providing the conditioned air to the internal cage space V.

[0027] As further depicted, the container holder 8 is arranged on the top wall 2 and allows for convenient and releasable placement of a incubation / transport container C relatively close or in proximity to the channel connector 7a. For example, in an advantageous embodiment the channel connector 7a is arranged on the top wall 2, thereby minimizing a distance between a incubation / transport container C to be releasably arranged on the container holder 8 and releasably connected to the channel connector 7a.

[0028] During operation of the insect breeding cage 1 , adult insects emerging from insect pupae inside the incubation / transport container C are able to migrate to the internal cage space V via the channel connector 7a, wherein migration of adult insects occurs in opposite direction to conditioned air discharged from the channel connector 7a. The container holder 8 is arranged on the top wall 2 and allows for convenient and releasable placement of the incubation / transport container C on the container holder 8. For now, as shown in Figure 6, the incubation / transport container C may be viewed as a hollow box configured for releasable connection to the channel connector 7a. Thus, the container holder 8 is configured to temporarily receive the incubation / transport container C, wherein the incubation / transport container C will be filled with insect pupae in a physical location different from a physical location of the insect breeding cage 1 , e.g. in different locations in a building. Once the incubation / transport container C is provided with the insect pupae, it will be transported to the physical location of the insect breeding cage 1 and releasably arranged on the container holder 8 as well as releasably connected to the channel connector 7a. In that sense the incubation / transport container C acts as a transport container when filled with insects and transported to the insect breeding cage 1 prior to placement on the container holder 8. Once placed on the container holder 8 and connected to the channel connector 7a, the incubation / transport container C acts as an incubation container for allowing the insects to finalize their growth and if applicable emerge from their pupal casing.

[0029] According to the invention, the container holder 8 of the insect breeding cage 1 provides for an efficient and convenient way to provide adult insects to the internal cage space V by means of an external, releasable incubation / transport container C in which emergence of adult insects can take place and as such pupal casings and debris remain inside the incubation / transport container C. Therefore, having to provide insect pupae in the internal cage space V and enabling emergence of adult insects therein is avoided. This greatly reduces debris building up in the internal cage space V and facilitates cleaning thereof. Note that cleaning the incubation / transport container C is facilitated as this can be done quickly and efficiently in a convenient location by virtue of releasable placement on the container holder 8.

[0030] In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown an embodiment wherein the insect breeding cage 1 further comprises an air outlet connector 7b different from the channel connector 7a, wherein the air outlet connector 7b is configured for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space V. The air outlet connector 7b in conjunction with the channel connector 7a may prevents excessive over pressure in the internal cage space V and may further improve flow distribution of conditioned air throughout the insect breeding cage 1 . In an advantageous embodiment, the channel connector 7a has a first inner diameter d1 larger than a second inner diameter d2 of the air outlet connector 7b. Providing a larger first inner diameter d1 for the channel connector 7a provides sufficient space for adult insects to pass through and facilitates migration to the internal cage space V through the channel connector 7a. Furthermore, having a larger first inner diameter d1 may reduce flow speed of conditioned air through the channel connector 7a, thereby allowing migration of adult insects from the incubation / transport container C towards the internal cage space V against the flow of conditioned air through the channel connector 7a.

[0031] Figure 1 and 2 each show an exemplary embodiment wherein the top wall 2 comprises both the channel connector 7a and the air outlet connector 7b. In a further embodiment, the top wall 2 comprises the channel connector 7a and the air outlet connector 7b and wherein the channel connector 7a and the air outlet connector 7b are arranged along opposing edges e1 , e2 of the top wall 2. Spacing apart the channel connector 7a and the air outlet connector 7b as much as possible along the top wall 2 facilitates distributed flow of conditioned air throughout the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage 1 . In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the channel connector 7a is arranged along a first edge e1 of the top wall 2 connecting to the front side wall 4a and wherein the air outlet connector 7b is arranged along a second edge e2 of the top wall 2 connecting to a back side wall 4c which is arranged opposite the front side wall 4a.

[0032] As exemplified in Figure 1 and 2, in an embodiment the channel connector 7a may be arranged at a corner end c1 of the first edge e1 , and wherein the air outlet connector 7b may be arranged halfway the second edge e2 of the top wall 2. In another embodiment, not explicitly shown, the channel connector 7a is arranged at the corner end c1 of the first edge e1 and wherein the air outlet connector 7b may arranged at an opposing corner end c2 of the second edge e2. Therefore, in this embodiment the channel and air outlet connectors 7a, 7b may be arranged diagonally along the top wall 2 for maximising separation between the channel connector 7a and the air outlet connected 7b for optimal flow distribution of conditioned air through the internal cage space V.

[0033] As further exemplified in Figure 1 and 2, the container holder 8 is arranged on the top wall 2 and allows for convenient placement of an incubation / transport container C on the insect breeding cage 1 . In an advantageous embodiment the container holder 8 may be located in proximity to the channel connector 7a. In an embodiment it is conceivable that the container holder 8 may be formed as a recess in the top wall 2, and wherein the recess is configured to receive the incubation / transport container C in congruent manner for stable positioning on the insect breeding cage 1. In another embodiment it is conceivable that the container holder 8 is a raised feature of the top wall 2 for engagement with an incubation / transport container C to provide stable positioning on the insect breeding cage 1 .

[0034] When the insect breeding cage 1 is in use and an incubation / transport container C is connected to the channel connector 7a, then adult insects emerging from insect pupae in the incubation / transport container C should migrate to the internal cage space V. Facilitating such migration of adult insects is achieved by an embodiment wherein the top wall 2 comprises one or more light sources 12 configured to illuminate the internal cage space V. An illuminated internal cage space V can be seen / detected by emerging flies adult insects in the incubation / transport container C connected to the channel connector 7a. As a result, adults insects are attracted by or lured to the light and as such migrate towards the internal cage space V through the channel connector 7a. Note that in an embodiment one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d may each comprise one or more light sources, which will likewise illuminate the internal cage space V and as such facilitate migration of adult insects through the channel connector 7a. Therefore, an embodiment may be provided wherein the top wall 2 and / or one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d comprise one or more light sources 12 configured to illuminate the internal cage space V.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and / or the top wall 2 and / or the bottom wall 3 may have a white inner surface. The white inner surface increases light reflectivity and therefore increases brightness of illumination of the internal cage space V by the one or more light sources 12. A white inner surface may also facilitate a more diffuse and even illumination of the internal cage space V, so that adult insects migrating into the internal cage space V may evenly spread therethrough rather than gathering on an strongly illuminated spot on an inner surface of the insect breeding cage 1.

[0036] In operation, the insect breeding cage 1 is typically operative during 5 to 14 days, which includes, for example, 1) migration of male and female insects from the incubation / transport container C to the internal cage space V via the channel connector 7a, 2) mating between male and female insects, 3) ovipositioning, and 4) cleaning the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage 1. For ovipositioning, one or more ovisites O may be arranged in the internal cage space V, so that female insects are able to oviposition inside the one or more ovisites O.

[0037] To clean the insect breeding cage 1 , i.e. the internal cage space V thereof, an embodiment is shown in Figure 2 and 4 wherein the insect breeding cage 1 comprises a drain port 13 which is arranged along the bottom wall 3 and configured for draining debris D from the internal cage space V. In an exemplary embodiment, the drain port 13 is connected to a sewage network through which the debris D can be evacuated.

[0038] To further improve cleaning the internal cage space V, an embodiment is provided wherein a cleaning nozzle 14 is arranged in the internal cage space V and configured for spraying a cleaning fluid into the internal cage space V. The cleaning nozzle 14 may be configured such that all internal surfaces or a subset of internal surfaces of the insect breeding cage 1 are wetted by the cleaning fluid.

[0039] As depicted, in an embodiment the cleaning nozzle 14 comprises a drain spray opening 14a which is configured to provide a focused spray jet Jf of cleaning fluid toward the drain port 13. The drain port 13 allows debris D accumulated on the bottom wall 3 during use of the insect breeding cage 1 to be effectively removed from the internal cage space V. However, the debris D may clog the drain port 13 and so the cleaning nozzle 14, and in particular the drain spray opening 14a thereof, allows for the focused spray jet Jf of cleaning fluid to be ejected for breaking up the debris D and force it through the drain port 13. Note that the debris D may comprise dry or wetted insect waste material.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment as depicted in Figure 2 and 3 it is seen that the drain port 13 may be arranged in a side wall 4c, e.g. the back side wall 4c, of the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and wherein the drain spray opening 14a is directed in sideways direction S toward the drain port 13. By arranging the drain port 13 in a side wall 4c, such as the back side wall 4c along the bottom wall 3, delays potential clogging of the drain port 13. That is, debris D will need to accumulate considerably on the bottom wall 3 before the drain port 13 in the side wall 4c is clogged or obstructed. Since the drain spray opening 14a is directed in sideways direction S, the focused spray jet Jf of cleaning fluid can be provided sideways toward the drain port 13 for forcing the debris D through the drain port 13.

[0041] Cleaning of the insect breeding cage 1 can be further improved by an embodiment wherein the cleaning nozzle 14 comprises a top spray opening 14b directed toward the top wall 2, i.e. in the upward direction U, and configured to provide a wide spray jet Jc of the cleaning fluid. In this embodiment, the top spray opening 14b enables forceful internal cleaning of the insect breeding cage 1 by a wide spray jet Jc from the top spray opening 14b. The wide spray jet Jc of cleaning fluid reaches inner surfaces of the top wall 2 and the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d taking with it insect waste material. Consequently, debris D accumulates on the bottom wall 3 to be drained through the drain port 13 with the help of the focused spray jet Jf from the drain spray opening 14a.

[0042] As depicted in Figure 3, in an exemplary embodiment the cleaning nozzle 14 may comprise a T-joint comprising the drain spray opening 14a pointing in the sideways direction S and the top spray opening 14b pointing in the upward direct U toward the top wall 2.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 14 may comprise one or more side spray openings 14c each of which is configured to provide a side spray jet Jo of the cleaning fluid toward one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and / or one or more corners or corner portions between the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and / or one or more corners or corner portions between the bottom wall 3 and the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The one or more side spray openings 14c ensure that debris accumulated in tight spaces is not left behind in the internal cage space V.

[0044] It was mentioned earlier that the insect breeding cage 1 may have a predominately rectangular shape comprising four side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d placed in upward direction U (vertically) and connecting to the top wall 2 and the bottom wall 3 along respective circumferential perimeters P thereof. To provide sufficient space for male and female insects to mate inside the insect breeding cage 1 , there is provided an embodiment wherein a height H of the insect breeding cage 1 as measured between the top wall 2 and the bottom wall 3 is larger than a width W of the insect breeding cage 1 as measured between two opposing side walls, e.g. as measured between two opposing side edges e3, e4 of the front side wall 4a as shown in Figure 1 . This embodiment provides most of the inner surface space by the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d on which male and female insects can rest, e.g. for hardening their exoskeleton after emerging from the incubation / transport container C or take position / territory to start a mating ritual, and copulate. In a further embodiment, a length (or depth) L of the insect breeding cage 1 may be larger than the width W of the insect breeding cage 1. This embodiment L>W, in conjunction with the embodiment H > W, yields a tall rectangular shape of the insect breeding cage 1 of which a combined vertical inner surface of the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is larger than a combined horizontal inner surface of the top wall 2 and the bottom wall 3.

[0045] According to the present invention, the insect breeding cage 1 comprises the container holder 8 on the top wall 2 configured to releasably hold an incubation / transport container C storing insect pupae. The incubation / transport container C can be releasably arranged on the container holder 8 and releasably connected to the channel connector 7a. Adult insects emerging from the insect pupae are able to migrate toward the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage 1 via the channel connector 7a. Therefore, the present invention may further relate to an assembly for breeding insects, wherein the assembly comprises an insect breeding cage 1 of the present invention and a incubation / transport container C connected thereto or arranged thereon for holding / storing insects. Referring to Figure 4 and 5 there are shown exemplary embodiments of such an assembly A for breeding insects according to the present invention, in particular a schematic side view and front view respectively. Note that only an upper portion of the insect breeding cage 1 is shown having arranged thereon the incubation / transport container C.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an incubation / transport container C for placement on the container holder 8 of the insect breeding cage 1. As depicted, the incubation / transport container C comprises an internal container space Q enclosed by a container top wall 16, an opposing container bottom wall 17, and a plurality of container side walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d. The container bottom wall 17 is arranged and adapted for supporting a layer of insect pupae in the internal container space Q from which adult insects may emerge. The plurality of container side walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d are circumferentially connected to the container top wall 16 and container bottom wall 17 along a perimeter P’ thereof.

[0047] The incubation / transport container C further comprises a first inlet-outlet port 19 arranged in / along a first container side wall 18a of the plurality of container side walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and a second inlet-outlet port 20 arranged in / along a second container side wall 18b of the plurality of side walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d. Note that the first container side wall 18a is different from the second side wall 18b as depicted. However, in an embodiment, not shown, the first and second container side walls 18a, 18b may the same, so wherein the first and second inlet-outlets ports 19, 20 are arranged in a single sidewall of the plurality of side walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d.

[0048] In the assembly A as depicted in Figures 4 and 5, the second inlet-outlet port 20 of the incubation / transport container C is connected to the channel connector 7a of the insect breeding cage 1 via a first tubular member 21 for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage 1 into the internal container space Q, and wherein the first inlet-outlet port 19 is connected to a second tubular member 22 configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space Q of the incubation / transport container C. In an embodiment, the second inlet-outlet port 20 may comprise a locking member 20a for releasable connection to the first tubular member 21 . In a further embodiment, the first inlet-outlet port 19 may be releasably receivable by the second tubular member 22.

[0049] According to the present invention, the assembly A allows conditioned air from the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage 1 to be discharged through the first tubular member 21 , the incubation / transport container C and through the second tubular member 22. As conditioned air flows through the incubation / transport container C, unwanted odours produced by insect pupae and debris thereof in the internal container space Q are vented through the second tubular member 22. By venting unwanted odours from the incubation / transport container C reduces masking of attractant in the conditioned air entering the incubation / transport container C. This masking of attractant may inhibit migration of adult insects from the incubation / transport container C toward the insect breeding cage 1 . This, in turn, may reduce the total number of eggs produced by the insect breeding cage 1. More importantly, by venting unwanted odours from the incubation / transport container C away from the channel connector 7a, it is prevented that these unwanted odours act as an oviposition attractant for gravid female insects in the insect breeding cage 1 . That is, venting the unwanted odours through the first inlet-outlet port 19 prevents migration of gravid female insects from the internal cage space V back into the incubation / transport container C followed by ovipositioning in the internal container space Q. This, in turn, may increase the total number of eggs produced in the insect breeding cage 1 as alternative sites for ovipositioning are eliminated.

[0050] It is important to note that, when the assembly A is in use, insects emerging in the internal container space Q migrate toward the second inlet-outlet port 20 and to the insect breeding cage 1 via the first tubular member 21 . Consequently, flow speed of conditioned air through the first tubular member 21 toward the incubation / transport container C must be sufficiently low such that insects are able to move against this air flow and reach the internal cage space V. Reducing the flow speed but maintaining sufficient air flow may be achieved by embodiments wherein a sufficiently large first inner diameter d1 of the channel connector 7a is provided as well as a sufficiently large inner diameter of the first tubular member 21 . Likewise, the second inlet-outlet port 20 should be provided with a sufficiently large inner diameter to attain sufficiently low air flow speeds such the adult insects are able to migrate from the incubation / transport container C toward the internal cage space V.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the first inlet-outlet port 19 of the incubation / transport container C comprises a gas permeable screen 19a, which prevents adult insects escaping from the internal container space Q through the first inlet-outlet port 19, but wherein the gas permeable screen 19a allows conditioned air to be discharged through the first inlet-outlet port 19.

[0052] To further clarify operation of the assembly A comprising the insect breeding cage 1 and incubation / transport container C, Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of the assembly A when in use according to an embodiment.

[0053] As depicted, incoming conditioned air Ai can be provided to the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage 1 through one or more air inlet connectors 6. As the conditioned air Ai enters and spreads throughout the internal cage space V, the conditioned air Ai exits the internal cage space V through the channel connector 7a, the first tubular member 21 (not shown) and enters the incubation / transport container C through the second inlet-outlet connector 20. Subsequently, the conditioned air Ai exits from the incubation / transport container C through the first inlet-outlet port 19.

[0054] In Figure 7 it is further seen that a layer of insects k, e.g. insect pupae, in the internal container space Q is supported on the container bottom wall 17. Male insects m and female insects f will emerge from this layer of insect pupae k and migrate toward the internal cage space V against the flow of conditioned air Ai and through the channel connector 7a.

[0055] The migration of male and female insects m, f from the incubation / transport container C to the insect breeding cage 1 may be facilitated by using an attractant as well as one or more light sources 12 as mentioned earlier. In the internal cage space V the male and female insects m, f may rest on an inner surface of, for example, the plurality of side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. Once mating between the male and female insects m, f has completed, the female insects f will ripen their eggs while resting and migrate towards one or more ovisites O arranged in the internal cage space V. As conditioned air Ai flows through the internal container space Q of the incubation / transport container C, unwanted odours produced by insect pupae k and debris thereof are transported with the conditioned air and exit through the first inlet-outlet port 19. Therefore, the attractant in the conditioned air Ai is not masked by unwanted odours emerging from the insect pupae k and debris in the internal container space Q. This will ensure that female insects f are lured toward the internal cage space V of the insect breeding cage 1 instead of migrating back to the incubation / transport container space Q and deposit eggs in the incubation / transport container C as an alternative to ovipositioning in one or more ovisites O in the internal cage space V.

[0056] Figure 4, 5 and 7 shows a further embodiment in that the assembly A, and in particular the insect breeding cage 1 , may also utilize the air outlet connector 7b as mentioned earlier. In this embodiment, the assembly A comprises the insect breeding cage 1 provided with the air outlet connector 7b different from the channel connector 7a, and wherein the air outlet connector 7b is configured for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space V. The incubation / transport container C for holding / storing insect pupae k is arranged on the container holder 8, wherein the second inlet-outlet port 20 is releasably connected to the channel connector 7a via the first tubular member 21 for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage 1 into the internal container space Q. Furthermore, the first inlet-outlet port 19 is releasably connected to the second tubular member 22 configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space Q.

[0057] Note that the air outlet connector 7b may be connected to the second tubular member 22 for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space V. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 4, the air outlet connector 7b may be connected to the second tubular member 22 via a T-joint connection 22a, so that conditioned air exiting the internal cage space V through the air outlet connected 7b merges with conditioned air exiting the incubation / transport container C through the first inlet-outlet port 19.

[0058] By utilizing the air outlet connector 7b in conjunction with the channel connector 7a reduces over pressure in the internal cage space V when conditioned air is provided to the insect breeding cage 1 and further improves flow distribution of conditioned air throughout the insect breeding cage 1 , thereby facilitating mating between male and female insects m, f.

[0059] Referring to Figure 8, an embodiment of a modular insect breeding system M is depicted comprising one or more assemblies A, A’ for breeding insects. For example, the modular insect breeding system M comprises a support frame 23 and wherein the one or more assemblies A, A’ are arranged inside the support frame 23. The support frame 23 comprises one or more bottom support members 24 on which each insect breeding cage 1 , T is mounted. In an embodiment, each insect breeding cage 1 , T, e.g. the top wall 2, 2’ thereof, may be supported by one or more hook members 25 connected to the support frame 23.

[0060] The modular insect breeding system M provides modularity to facilitate insect breeding to any desired scale required in industry, wherein upscaling is readily achieved by utilizing any number of modular insect breeding systems M, and wherein the support frame 23 allows for efficient, structured and stable arrangement of one or more assemblies A, A’. As shown, in an advantageous embodiment the support frame 23 may have a frame width Wf and a frame height Hf such that the modular insect breeding system M is receivable in a standard shipping container and / or a standard reefer container, thereby facilitating efficient and convenient transportation of large numbers of modular insect breeding systems M. For example, taking a frame width Wf between 2000 mm and 2400 mm, and a frame height Hf between 2000 mm and 2600 mm allows the modular insect breeding system M to fit inside a standard 10ft, 20ft or 40ft shipping container.

[0061] In view of the above, the present invention can now be summarized by the following embodiments:

[0062] Embodiment 1. An insect breeding cage (1), comprising an internal cage space (V) enclosed by a top wall (2), a bottom wall (3), and a plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the insect breeding cage (1), wherein the top wall (2) of the insect breeding cage (1) is provided with a container holder (8) configured to releasably receive an incubation / transport container (C) for holding or storing insects (k), wherein the insect breeding cage (1) further comprises a channel connector (7a) configured for connection to the incubation / transport container (C) and receiving insects therefrom, and one or more air inlet connectors (6) for providing conditioned air to the internal cage space (V).

[0063] Embodiment 2. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 1 , comprising an air outlet connector (7b), which is different from the channel connector (7a), and configured for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space (V).

[0064] Embodiment s. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 2, wherein the channel connector (7a) has a first inner diameter larger than a second inner diameter of the air outlet connector (7b).

[0065] Embodiment 4. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the top wall (2) comprises the channel connector (7a) and the air outlet connector (7b), and wherein the channel connector (7a) and the air outlet connector (7b) are arranged along opposing edges of the top wall (2).

[0066] Embodiment 5. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the top wall (2) and / or one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) comprises one or more light sources (12) configured to illuminate the internal cage space (V).

[0067] Embodiment 6. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 5, wherein one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4b) and / or the top wall (2) and / or the bottom wall (3) have a white inner surface. Embodiment 7. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of embodiments 1-6, further comprising a drain port (13) arranged along the bottom wall (3) configured for draining fluids and debris (D) from the internal cage space (V).

[0068] Embodiment 8. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of embodiments 1-7, further comprising a cleaning nozzle (14) arranged in the internal cage space (V) and configured for spraying a cleaning fluid into the internal cage space (V).

[0069] Embodiment 9. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 7 and 8, wherein the cleaning nozzle (14) comprises a drain spray opening (14a) configured to provide a focused spray jet (Jf) of the cleaning fluid toward the drain port (13).

[0070] Embodiment 10. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 9, wherein the drain port (13) is arranged in a side wall (4c) of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), and wherein the drain spray opening (14a) is directed in sideways direction (S) toward the drain port (13).

[0071] Embodiment 11. The insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 8, 9 or 10, wherein the cleaning nozzle (14) further comprises a top spray opening (14b) directed toward the top wall (2) and configured to provide a wide spray jet (Jc) of the cleaning fluid.

[0072] Embodiment 12. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of embodiments 8-11 , wherein the cleaning nozzle (14) further comprises one or more side spray openings (14c) each of which is configured to provide a side spray jet (Jo) of the cleaning fluid toward one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and / or one or more corners between the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and / or one or more corners between the bottom wall (3) and the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).

[0073] Embodiment 13. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of embodiments 1-12, where a height (H) of the insect breeding cage (1) as measured between the top wall (2) and the bottom wall (3) is larger than a width (W) of the insect breeding cage (1) as measured between two opposing side edges (e3, e4) of the front side wall (4a).

[0074] Embodiment 14. An assembly (A) for breeding insects, comprising an insect breeding cage (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, and an incubation / transport container (C) for holding or storing insects (k), wherein the incubation / transport container (C) is releasably arranged on the container holder (8); wherein the incubation / transport container (C) comprises an internal container space (Q) enclosed by a container top wall (16) and an opposing container bottom wall (17) arranged for supporting a layer of insects (k) in the internal container space (Q), and a plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d); and wherein the incubation / transport container (C) further comprises a first inlet-outlet port (19) arranged in a first container side wall (18a) of the plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), and a second inlet-outlet port (20) arranged in a second container side wall (18b) of the plurality of side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), wherein the second inlet-outlet port (20) is connected to the channel connector (7a) via a first tubular member (21) for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage (1) into the internal container space (Q), and wherein the first inlet-outlet port (19) is connected to a second tubular member (22) configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space (Q).

[0075] Embodiment 15. An assembly (A) for breeding insects, comprising an insect breeding cage (1) according to embodiment 2, and an incubation / transport container (C) for holding or storing insects (k), wherein the incubation / transport container (C) is releasably arranged on the container holder (8); wherein the incubation / transport container (C) comprises an internal container space (Q) enclosed by a container top wall (16) and an opposing container bottom wall (17) arranged for supporting a layer of insects (k) in the internal container space (Q), and a plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d); and wherein the incubation / transport container (C) further comprises a first inlet-outlet port (19) arranged in a first container side wall (18a) of the plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), and a second inlet-outlet port (20) arranged in a second container side wall (18b) of the plurality of side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), wherein the second inlet-outlet port (20) is connected to the channel connector (7a) via a first tubular member (21) for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage (1) into the internal container space (Q), and wherein the first inlet-outlet port (19) is connected to a second tubular member (22) configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space (Q), and wherein the air outlet connector (7b) is connected to the second tubular member (22) for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space (V).

[0076] Embodiment 16. A modular insect breeding system (M), comprising a plurality of assemblies (A, A’) according to embodiment 14 or 15 arranged inside a support frame (23), wherein the support frame (23) comprises one or more bottom support members (24) on which each insect breeding cage (1 , 1 ’) is mounted.

[0077] Embodiment 17. The modular insect breeding system (M) according to embodiment 16, wherein the support frame (23) has a frame width (Wf) between 2000-2400 mm, and a frame height Hf between 2000-2600 mm.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An insect breeding cage (1), comprising an internal cage space (V) enclosed by a top wall (2), a bottom wall (3), and a plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the insect breeding cage (1), wherein the top wall (2) of the insect breeding cage (1) is provided with a container holder (8) configured to releasably receive an incubation / transport container (C) for holding or storing insects (k), wherein the insect breeding cage (1) further comprises a channel connector (7a) configured for connection to the incubation / transport container (C) and receiving insects therefrom, and one or more air inlet connectors (6) for providing conditioned air to the internal cage space (V).

2. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 1 , comprising an air outlet connector (7b), which is different from the channel connector (7a), and configured for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space (V).

3. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 2, wherein the channel connector (7a) has a first inner diameter larger than a second inner diameter of the air outlet connector (7b).

4. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the top wall (2) comprises the channel connector (7a) and the air outlet connector (7b), and wherein the channel connector (7a) and the air outlet connector (7b) are arranged along opposing edges of the top wall (2).

5. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the top wall (2) and / or one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) comprises one or more light sources (12) configured to illuminate the internal cage space (V).

6. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 5, wherein one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4b) and / or the top wall (2) and / or the bottom wall (3) have a white inner surface.

7. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of claims 1-6, further comprising a drain port (13) arranged along the bottom wall (3) configured for draining fluids and debris (D) from the internal cage space (V).

8. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising a cleaning nozzle (14) arranged in the internal cage space (V) and configured for spraying a cleaning fluid into the internal cage space (V).

9. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein the cleaning nozzle (14) comprises a drain spray opening (14a) configured to provide a focused spray jet (Jf) of the cleaning fluid toward the drain port (13).

10. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 9, wherein the drain port (13) is arranged in a side wall (4c) of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), and wherein the drain spray opening (14a) is directed in sideways direction (S) toward the drain port (13).

11. The insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the cleaning nozzle (14) further comprises a top spray opening (14b) directed toward the top wall (2) and configured to provide a wide spray jet (Jc) of the cleaning fluid.

12. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of claims 8-11 , wherein the cleaning nozzle (14) further comprises one or more side spray openings (14c) each of which is configured to provide a side spray jet (Jo) of the cleaning fluid toward one or more side walls of the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and / or one or more corners between the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and / or one or more corners between the bottom wall (3) and the plurality of side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).

13. The insect breeding cage (1) according to any of claims 1-12, where a height (H) of the insect breeding cage (1) as measured between the top wall (2) and the bottom wall (3) is larger than a width (W) of the insect breeding cage (1) as measured between two opposing side edges (e3, e4) of the front side wall (4a).

14. An assembly (A) for breeding insects, comprising an insect breeding cage (1) according to any of the preceding claims, and an incubation / transport container (C) for holding or storing insects (k), wherein the incubation / transport container (C) is releasably arranged on the container holder (8); wherein the incubation / transport container (C) comprises an internal container space (Q) enclosed by a container top wall (16) and an opposing container bottom wall (17) arranged for supporting a layer of insects (k) in the internal container space (Q), and a plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d); and wherein the incubation / transport container (C) further comprises a first inlet-outlet port (19) arranged in a first container side wall (18a) of the plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), and a second inlet-outlet port (20) arranged in a second container side wall (18b) of the plurality of side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), wherein the second inlet-outlet port (20) is connected to the channel connector (7a) via a first tubular member (21) for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage (1) into the internal container space (Q), and wherein the first inlet-outlet port (19) is connected to a second tubular member (22) configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space (Q).

15. An assembly (A) for breeding insects, comprising an insect breeding cage (1) according to claim 2, and an incubation / transport container (C) for holding or storing insects (k), wherein the incubation / transport container (C) is releasably arranged on the container holder (8);16 wherein the incubation / transport container (C) comprises an internal container space (Q) enclosed by a container top wall (16) and an opposing container bottom wall (17) arranged for supporting a layer of insects (k) in the internal container space (Q), and a plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d); and wherein the incubation / transport container (C) further comprises a first inlet-outlet port (19) arranged in a first container side wall (18a) of the plurality of container side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), and a second inlet-outlet port (20) arranged in a second container side wall (18b) of the plurality of side walls (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), wherein the second inlet-outlet port (20) is connected to the channel connector (7a) via a first tubular member (21) for receiving conditioned air from the insect breeding cage (1) into the internal container space (Q), and wherein the first inlet-outlet port (19) is connected to a second tubular member (22) configured for discharging the conditioned air from the internal container space (Q), and wherein the air outlet connector (7b) is connected to the second tubular member (22) for discharging conditioned air from the internal cage space (V).

16. A modular insect breeding system (M), comprising a plurality of assemblies (A, A’) according to claim 14 or 15 arranged inside a support frame (23), wherein the support frame (23) comprises one or more bottom support members (24) on which each insect breeding cage (1 , 1 ’) is mounted.

17. The modular insect breeding system (M) according to claim 16, wherein the support frame (23) has a frame width (Wf) between 2000-2400 mm, and a frame height Hf between 2000-2600 mm.

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