Insect supply device.

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for feeding insects, as garden decoration can also used. In particular the invention relates to a device for the supply of butterflies.

[0002] In document US5493999A a supply station for butterflies is shown, which feeding stations for different butterfly types includes. In addition to a nutrient solution can also fruits are provided for certain butterfly species. The nutrient solution is stationary in a container. The nutrient solution must be replaced by new nutrient solution and periodically removed, if the permissible use duration is reached. This can have the effect, that a considerable proportion of nutrient solution must be discarded and corresponding to a disposal must be supplied. There is a need therefore, to improve this supply station, by the proportion of nutrient solution, which the disposal must be supplied, is reduced, i.e. the nutrient solution needs is offered. One way, the nutrient solution to better dosing, can lie in the provision of some minor quantities. So that the device must be filled within short time intervals but not always, the nutrient solution can if necessary from a reservoir into a nutrient solution tank are pumped.

[0003] Such supply stations are also known for birds, see for example US6792891B1. From US7530330B1 or US2016/0309680A1 is a device for providing water and solid feed for birds known. The water is pumped from a container to a drinking cup. A supply station with water circulation for rearing insect for example is from the US2018/0007875A1 known.

[0004]Adisadvantage of these devices is in turn can be seen, that the device is not suitable for the supply of insects with nutrient solution. A large continuous liquid surface, as shown in US7530330B1 or US2016/0309680A1 is shown, can be used not insects, since they do not corresponding to the normal environment, in which the insect, particularly the butterflies, their food receiving. The insect can therefore not recognize such a food source as such. There is also the danger, that the insect in a water - or nutrient solution bath drowning, as they are bad such liquid surface is accessible.

[0005] It is the purpose of the invention, a device for the supply of insects with nutrient solution to develop, which the food sources, which naturally find the insects, is better adapted. A further task of the invention is, to provide a garden decoration, can serve as observation station for insects. A further task of the invention is, to provide a garden decoration with fluid circulation, wherein the enjoyable or can generate noise or a reassuring condolences Plätschergeräusch.

[0006] The solution of the problem of the invention is effected by a device according to claim 1. advantageous embodiments of the device are the subject of claims 2 to 15.

[0007] If the concept "for example" is used in the following description, the term and/or concerns embodiments embodiments, not necessarily as a more preferential application of the teaching of the invention what is meant. The terms "preferably" are similarly, "preferably" to understand, by addressing an example embodiments and/or from a set of related embodiments, not necessarily as a preferred application of the teaching of the invention what is meant. The terms "for example" can accordingly, "preferably" or "preferably" on a plurality of embodiments and/or relating to embodiments.

[0008] The following detailed description contains different embodiments for the invention device. The description of a particular device is to be considered as exemplary only. In the description and claims the terms "comprise" be, "comprise", "include, but not limited to" "have" as interpreted.

[0009] Hereinafter is the term used for any openings opening cross-section. In particular may be circular or oval opening.

[0010] The term drive unit comprises manual drive units, electrical drive units, hydraulic drive units, pneumatic drive units or drive units, comprise the internal combustion engines. Instead of the concept of the term motor or power source drive unit can also be used.

[0011] The device for supply comprises one or more feed points for the receiving insects a nutrient solution. The nutrient solution can be applied to the feed point. As nutrient solution used a water-sugar solution. The nutrient solution is in a nutrient solution container. A supply line is provided, the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution container for feeding place to promote. In particular may the nutrient solution or the feed of sites from the nutrient solution tank are fed via feed pipes. The feed point is below an outlet arranged in the conveyor line.

[0012]Aconnecting element can be arranged between the outlet opening and the feed point, along which the nutrient solution can be passed to the chuck body. There is thus a fluid conductive connection between the orifice and one embodiment feed site, along which the nutrient solution on feed site is conducted. To promote the locations according to one embodiment the nutrient solution to feed or a pump are used.

[0013] Alternatively can the nutrient solution container above the feed location where, according to this alternative embodiment can be omitted so that the pump.

[0014] The pump can be driven by a drive unit, the power supply system by energization thereof, by a device for generating energy from fuels, by a battery or by a solar panel is effected. Solid fuels can, comprise liquid or gaseous fuels. In particular fuels can be produced from renewable resources.

[0015] The drive unit by means of a power supply unit according to one embodiment can, for example the power supply or by means of a device for generating energy from fuels or by means of an energy storage device, such as a battery, or by means of a solar panel are operated. Each of said power supply units connectable to each other said power supply unit for the drive unit are combined.

[0016] According to one embodiment the delivery line is formed as a conduit or a tube. The conduit or tubing must not necessarily have a circular cross-sectional area, a cross-sectional area in the form of a polygon you can also, for example a rectangular or square cross-sectional area, have.

[0017] According to one embodiment serves as a frame for suspending the feed point the delivery line.

[0018] The delivery line according to one embodiment a shut-off device can, for example a valve, contain, depending on the liquid level in the container which can be adjusted, in particular can be opened or closed.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the connecting element in or immediately adjacent to the outlet opening end can be arranged. The nutrient solution in the outlet opening to the surface of the connecting element can therefore be passed. The nutrient solution as a film or as drops in the direction of the flow along the surface of the connecting element feed site. The nutrient solution from the outlet port to the feed point drop. The connecting element can be a member from the group consisting of rods, tubes, chains, cords, cables or comprise baskets. The coupling arrangement can be in fluid communication with the feed point are.

[0020] According to one embodiment can be fastened to the tube or the feed location on the rod.

[0021] According to one embodiment the feed location on the chain can, cord or rope be suspended on. According to one embodiment can be included in a basket feed site. According to this embodiment the feed point are removed from the basket can particularly easily, for example if it is to be exchanged or cleaned.

[0022] The chuck body may comprise a solid, at least partially from the nutrient solution is wettable. For example can the solid a stone, a sponge, wood or cork comprise. The solid can be porous, so that nutrient solution in pores can be accommodated. Insects with nutrient solution from the pores can suction tube removal.

[0023] Different feed points may be used with different surface finish. The shape or color of a food plant of the feed bodies may have insect to be powered.

[0024] Can additionally be provided with features of the environment feed site, which draw the attention of the insect to feed site. For example the vicinity of the feed point with flowers or plants can Blütenimitaten equipped or be configured. The device can also between existing plants in a garden, a meadow, in a forest, in a park or reserve are placed.

[0025] An advantage of the use of the frame is, the circulation and distribution of nutrient solution to allow the feed locations. According to this embodiment the frame tubes. The frame has a substantially rectangular shape according to embodiment. The uppermost side of the rectangle is located through a tube formed, which has the outlet opening or more discharge openings, through which the nutrient solution outlet and along the connecting element on the feed site is conducted. The feed locations by the type of connecting elements and/or their attachment can distinguish. At least one of the outlet openings can have at least one connecting element or shut-off device. The blocking device can be adjustable, the supply of the nutrient solution to be able to adjust the feed locations.

[0026] The feed bodies may have different shape. The feed bodies may comprise different materials. The glossiness of the surface condition a feeding place can distinguish another feed location. Insect bite with differently shaped tools can thereby be supplied.

[0027] Excess or spent nutrient solution is for example by collecting in a container, the spent nutrient solution receives, removed from the system.

[0028]Acontrol unit or control unit can be provided, by means of which the operation of the pump or the position of the shut-off device can be controlled or regulated. The control unit can determine a photosensitive sensor data as controlled variable and a target magnitude and comparing the operation of the pump or the shut-off device according to the comparison result for example rules or control. By means of the photosensitive sensor can the operation times of the device are regulated or controlled. The photosensitive sensor can for example be constructed as a twilight switch. The control unit can signals of a timer, for example a timer evaluating, i.e. to a photosensitive sensor can alternatively or additionally be used a timepiece, for example operation of the device the active phases of the insects to adapt.

[0029] Can alternatively or additionally be provided a level sensor. By means of the level sensor the liquid level in the nutrient solution container can be determined. The liquid level can be transmitted to the control unit as a control parameter. The operation of the pump or the shut-off device can be regulated by the control unit in dependence on the liquid level. For example the pump can be turned off or shut-off device are closed, when the liquid level falls below a minimum value.

[0030] The device for supply of insects can be used in particular for the supply of butterflies. The apparatus may also find use as garden decoration. In particular the circulation of liquid can, for example the nutrient liquid or water, as a soothing and relaxing babble acoustically be perceived. The apparatus according to each of the embodiments can be constructed as a kit. The device can in particular be a modular design. The pump can for example, the shut-off device, the nutrient solution container, all lines, the drive unit, the power supply unit, the energy storage unit, the sensor arrangement, the feed locations simply mountable, demountable or be interchangeable. The device can be embodied as a kit.

[0031] The basis of several embodiments of the invention device is subsequently represented. It show

• 1 a view of a device according to a first embodiment,
• 2 a view of a device according to a second embodiment,
• 3 a view of a device according to third embodiment,
• 4 a view of a device according to a fourth embodiment,
• 5a a detail a feeding place,
• 5b a part section through a feed point according to a first variant,
• 5c a part section through a feed point according to a second variant.

[0032] 1 shows a view of a device 1 according to a first embodiment for supplying insects, comprising a feed point 3 for a nutrient solution, wherein the nutrient solution in a nutrient solution container 2 is, wherein a supply line 4, 14 is provided, the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution container 2 for 3 feed site to promote. The feed point is below an exit opening 3 7 4 the production conduit, and a connecting member 6 is arranged between the outlet opening and the 14 feed site 3 arranged, along which the nutrient solution can be passed to the chuck body 3. According to this embodiment along the outside of the connecting element the nutrient solution flows to the feed point 3 6.

[0033] According to 1 between the container 2 and the nutrient solution is a pump feed site 3 5 provided. The pump 5 is driven from a drive unit 9, an energy storage device 11 energization thereof, for example a battery, a solar panel 10 is fed from a, takes place. The nutrient solution container according to one embodiment including a filling volume to have 20 liters. The nutrient solution container according to one embodiment including a filling volume to have 10 liters. The nutrient solution container according to one embodiment including a filling volume to have 5 liters.

[0034] The conveying conduit 4, 14 can be formed as a tube or as a conduit. According to the present embodiment is formed as the delivery pipe 14. The delivery pipe 14 serves as a frame for suspending or securing the feed site according to the present embodiment is a plurality of feed points 3.3 arranged one above the other. The feed points 3 are connected to each other via the connecting element 6. According to the present embodiment two connecting elements 6 are shown, are arranged parallel to each other. The connecting elements 6 extend in the vertical direction in the operating state, so that the nutrient solution to flow therethrough downwardly along the outside of the connecting elements. 6 Arranged between the connecting members are plants or Pflanzenimitate, which draw the attention of the insects to the device. The plants, or to the feed points can be designed colored Pflanzenimitate 3. In particular colors can be provided, for a particular insect species be considered particularly attractive as the, the device for supplying a single insect species or a specific group of insects to use.

[0035] One end of the connecting element can be arranged in or immediately adjacent to the outlet opening 6 7. The connecting element 6 can be a member from the group consisting of rods, tubes, chains, cords, cables or comprise baskets. The connecting element 6 is connected to the feed point 3 in fluid communication. According to the embodiment according to 1 is the feed point 3 on the chain, the cord or rope suspended on.

[0036] According to the present embodiment comprises the feed point 3 a solid, at least partially from the nutrient solution is wettable. The solid can for example a stone, sponge, wood, cork contain. The solid can be porous, so that nutrient solution in pores can be accommodated.

[0037] 4 According to this embodiment the delivery line leads from the delivery line 14.2 nutrient solution container conveying conduit 4 contains a shut-off device 8, for example a valve, which in dependence on the liquid level in the container can be opened or closed nutrient solution 2. The blocking device can also be adjustable, so that the function of the position of an actuator of the nutrient liquid flow shut-off device can be varied. The nutrient solution container 2 can have a level sensor 12, a level controller or a level switch or a level display contain. If a level regulator is provided, at a minimum level can be transmitted a signal to the pump 5, stop the pump, so that the pump 5 can be prevented from running dry. An alarm can also be.

[0038] When a plurality of feed points 3 are provided, arranged parallel to each other, the delivery line 14 serves as a nutrient solution distributor, to each of the outlet openings 7 promotes the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution passes through the outlet openings 7 from, flows along the connecting element to the nutrient solution flows around the chuck body 3.3 and feed site on an underlying drip feed site 3 or collecting as a trickle, which in turn flows along the connecting element 6 for underlying feed site 3. The connecting element 6 has a lower end on, which opens into a manifold 15. At the lower end of the connecting element 6 can also are an upwardly open container 13. The collecting container 13 can feed any of the dripping 3 locations, collecting excess nutrient solution. From the manifold 15 branches from an outlet pipe 16, which returns the excess nutrient solution either for nutrient solution container 2 or a disposal device supplies, ceramic heaterfor ignition what is represented. Before entry into the nutrient solution container 2 can the recycled nutrient solution are passed via a filter unit, can be avoided so that, any impurities in the nutrient solution tank that the nutrient solution is 2. A filter unit arranged upstream of the collecting container can also be 13. The filter unit can be a multi-stage configuration. The filter unit may for example comprise at least one coarse filter and a fine filter. The filter unit, in particular the coarse filter or fine filter, can be designed in such a way, that it is readily removable from the collecting tank 13. The filter unit can thus simply be exchanged for cleaning purposes. Fresh nutrient solution nutrient solution container 17 via the inlet 2 can be supplied. The nutrient solution container 2 can be completely emptied via an outlet 18, when the device 1 is not used for a longer period, for example during the winter season. Additionally provided is a return line 19, in the nutrient solution can be attributed to nutrient solution container, when the pump 5 promotes further, although the shut-off device 8 is closed. The return line branches from the supply line 4 between the pump 5 and 8 19 from shut-off device.

[0039]Acontrol unit 60 may be provided, by means of which the operation of the pump 5 or the shut off device 8 can be controlled. The control unit 60 can data of a sensor arrangement, for example a photosensitive sensor, a timer or a level sensor, evaluating. By means of the photosensitive sensor can be regulated operating times. The photosensitive sensor can for example be constructed as a twilight switch. A timer can be used alternatively or additionally, operation of the device the active phases of the insects to adapt. By means of the level sensor 12 the liquid level in the nutrient solution container can be monitored. The corresponding signal to the control unit and the liquid level can be transmitted by this are evaluated. The liquid level falls below a minimum level, the pump can be switched off from the control unit. Alternatively or additionally the shut-off device can be closed. Such a sensor arrangement and such a control unit for each of the following embodiments can be used.

[0040] 2 shows a view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment 20 for the supply of insects, comprising a feed point 3 for a nutrient solution, wherein the nutrient solution in a nutrient solution container 2 is, wherein a supply line 4, 14 is provided, the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution container 2 for 3 feed site to promote. The feed point is below an exit opening 3 7 4 the production conduit, and a connecting member 6 is arranged between the outlet opening and the 14 feed site 3 arranged, along which the nutrient solution can be passed to the chuck body 3. 20 According to the second embodiment of the operation of the device 1 according to the first embodiment corresponds to operation of said apparatus, so that reference can be made to the description for the first embodiment. With the same reference symbols as in equivalent or similar components were 1 provided, to facilitate understanding.

[0041] According to the second embodiment is mounted on a frame 21 the delivery line 14. 14 According to this embodiment can be constructed as the delivery hose, not because they must take supporting function. According to the present embodiment two foot elements 22 are provided, it is possible but, on one of the foot elements to give up.

[0042] 3 shows a view of a device 30 for supplying insects according to third embodiment, comprising a feed point 3 for a nutrient solution, wherein the nutrient solution in a nutrient solution container 2 is, wherein a supply line 4, 14 is provided, the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution container 2 for 3 feed site to promote. The feed point is below an exit opening 3 7 4 the production conduit, and a connecting member 6 is arranged between the outlet opening and the 14 feed site 3 arranged, along which the nutrient solution can be passed to the chuck body 3. 30 According to the third embodiment of the operation of the device 1 according to the first or second embodiment corresponds to operation of said apparatus, so that reference can be made to the description for the first embodiment. With the same reference symbols as in equivalent or similar components were 1 provided, to facilitate understanding.

[0043] According to the third embodiment is the nutrient solution container 2 mounted on or above the frame 21. The nutrient solution can therefore flow into the conveyor line 14 on the conveying line 4. A shut-off device 8 is provided, the supply of nutrient solution for interrupting delivery line 14, 30 when the device is not in use. The blocking device 8 can also be adjustable, so that they can be used for flow control. The blocking device can thus be constructed as a flow regulator. According to this embodiment a pump between the container 2 and the nutrient solution can be eliminated shut-off device 8.

[0044] According to the third embodiment three outlet openings are provided in the delivery line 14. Three rows of feed points 3 are arranged parallel to one another. The number and type of feed points 3 in each row can be different. According to the third embodiment are three rows of feed points 3 provided. For two of these rows is a common manifold 15 provided for the nutrient solution. One of the rows to the common manifold connected not in this representation. A collecting container 31 can be present, which serves for receiving the excess nutrient solution. For each of the rows can be provided a separate shut-off device. The outlet opening 7 by means of the blocking device can for example be closed, represented what ceramic heaterfor ignition.

[0045]Acollecting container 32 for the excess nutrient solution can be provided. In the collecting container 32 can be periodically collected and disposed of this nutrient solution is consumed.

[0046] The delivery line 14 is in turn mounted on a frame 21. 14 According to this embodiment can be constructed as the delivery hose, not because they must take supporting function. According to the present embodiment two foot elements 22 are provided, it is possible but, on one of the foot elements to give up.

[0047] 4 shows a view of an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment 40 for supply of insects, comprising a feed point 3 for a nutrient solution, wherein the nutrient solution in a nutrient solution container 2 is, wherein a supply line 4, 14 is provided, the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution container 2 for 3 feed site to promote. The feed point is below an exit opening 3 7 4 the production conduit, and a connecting member 6 is arranged between the outlet opening and the 14 feed site 3 arranged, along which the nutrient solution can be passed to the chuck body 3. The functioning of the device 40 according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to the operation of the device 1 according to the first or second or third embodiment, the description of the first embodiment so that reference can be made. With the same reference symbols as in equivalent or similar components were 1 provided, to facilitate understanding.

[0048] As well as in the preceding embodiments shown already, a plurality of feed points 3 are arranged in a row one above the other. They are sequentially from the nutrient solution flows. The nutrient solution is supplied by means of the conveying line 4 the production conduit 14 and passes into the conveying conduit 14 above the uppermost feed point 3 a. The delivery pipe 14 is formed as a tube or rod. The feed line 14 is in turn in this embodiment both the function as a frame for mounting the feed points 3 and as conveying line 14 for transporting the nutrient solution to each of the feed points to 3. The nutrient solution can flow within the tube, the outer wall of the rod may also flow.

[0049] According to the embodiment according to 4 a collecting tray 41 is provided, to receive any excess nutrient solution. A manifold 45 can be provided, the excess nutrient solution back into the nutrient solution container due.

[0050] Is a variant of the device 40 according to not shown 4 with a 3 point arranged above the uppermost feed nutrient solution container 2, which, as in the third embodiment, a pump can be eliminated on.

[0051] According to each of the embodiments the device between plants 50 can, in particular plants, the insect food source normally serve as, be placed.

[0052] According to any one of the preceding embodiments can be adjustable shut-off device 8. The flow of the nutrient solution through the delivery pipe 4 can thus be adjusted according to the desired consumption.

[0053] 5a shows a detail of a feed point 3. Such a feed point 3 can have a solid, for example a stone, sponge, wood, cork, comprise. The feed point 3 of the nutrient solution can be at least partially wettable. In the 5a is a circle drawn, should point out on the detail, in the following the 5b or 5c shown in two variants.

[0054] 5b shows a section through a feed point 3 according to a first variant enlarged part, according to which the surface 51 such feed point 3 is uneven, that on the surface 51 52 nutrient solution may collect. Alternatively the surface 51 water be absent, so that discrete droplets forming on the surface 53. The surface may optionally be designed such, that the nutrient solution distributed as a film on the surface 54. Each of these variants for different insect species may be used.

[0055] 5c shows a part section through a feed point 3 according to a second variant. The feed point can be porous or contain a porous material 3. The nutrient solution 52 can be included in pores 55. For example insects with nutrient solution from the pores 55 52 can suction tube removal. In particular the pores can be 55 such, that they resemble the bloom cups, insect food intake for the visit. The surface 51 can in turn optionally be water-repellent, so that discrete droplets forming on the surface 53. The surface may optionally be designed such, that the nutrient solution into the pores 55 at least partially penetrates and distributed accordingly.

[0056] Different feed points 3 with different surface finish may be used. The shape or color of a food plant of the feed bodies may have insect to be powered.

[0057] Can additionally be provided with features of the environment feed site 3, which draw the attention of the insect feed site on the target. For example the vicinity of the feed point with flowers or plants can Blütenimitaten equipped or be configured.

[0058] For the expert is obvious, that many other variants in addition to the embodiments described are possible, without departing from the inventive concept deviate. The object of the invention is thus not limited by the foregoing description and is determined by the protective scope, is defined by the claims. For the interpretation of the claims or the specification is the widest possible interpretation of claims considerably. In particular "contain" or "include" should define the be interpreted such, extend on the elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive importance relating, whereby to be indicated, that the elements, components or steps may be present or may be used, that it with other elements, components or steps can be combined, are not explicitly mentioned the. If the claims on an element or a component of a group purchase, the from a, b is, C to N elements or components can exist, this formulation should be interpreted in such a way, that only a single element of this group is required, and not a combination of a and n, b and n or any other combination of two or more elements or components of this group.

This list of documents produced by the applicant and is exclusively for better information of the listed was automated reader received. The list is not part of the German utility model application - or patents. The DPMA any liability for any errors or omissions takes over.

• [0002]US5493999 A IS
• [0003]US6792891 B1
• [0003, 0004] US 7530330 B1
• US 2016/0309680 A1 [0003, 0004]
• US 2018/0007875 A1