KR102269742B1 - Earthworm breeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

The earthworm breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a cover part that is formed with an inclined upper part to block external ultraviolet rays and rainwater, a breeding space for accommodating soil, and a plurality of stirring parts for stirring the soil in the breeding space. a body including a breeding part disposed at the lower end of the cover part, wherein the stirring part has a stick shape and is disposed through the breeding space; a plurality of wings formed to extend from the body toward one side of the breeding space to stir the soil; It characterized in that it comprises a rotating part for rotating the body so that the wing is agitated.

Description

Earthworm breeding device {EARTHWORM BREEDING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to an earthworm breeding apparatus, and more particularly, to an earthworm breeding apparatus capable of effectively managing an earthworm breeding environment in consideration of the size of the earthworm.

In general, households use earthworm breeding boxes to dispose of food waste or for nature learning. You might think that these small breeding facilities are easy to manage, but compared to large breeding establishments, they are not easy because they do not leave room for mistakes.

One thing to consider in creating an earthworm breeding environment is that the surface area should be large compared to the depth of the breeding space. The breeding earthworm is an indicator species that lives within a few centimeters (cm) of the surface of the earth. Since it eats food on the surface facing upward in the bedding, the larger the surface area, the more active the feeding activity, and the more active the feeding activity is in the aerobic environment (air aerobic environment with good circulation) and contact with more air to prevent odors.

Like a bucket, the deeper the container, the less air circulates under the rug, so not only does it generate a bad odor, but also the possibility that the earthworm may die by toxic substances emitted by microorganisms (anaerobic microorganisms) that actively reproduce in anaerobic conditions. this is high

On the other hand, if the soil in the breeding space is left as it is, it becomes harder and harder, and in this case, it becomes difficult for earthworms to grow. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically stir the hardened soil while supplying oxygen to the soil.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1197232

The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an earthworm breeding apparatus capable of more conveniently and efficiently managing an earthworm breeding environment while preventing the soil from solidifying in a breeding space.

The earthworm breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a cover part that is formed with an inclined upper part to block external ultraviolet rays and rainwater, a breeding space for accommodating soil, and a plurality of stirring parts for stirring the soil in the breeding space. and a breeding unit disposed at the lower end of the cover unit.

The stirring unit has a stick shape and is disposed through the breeding space, a plurality of wings extending from the body toward one side of the breeding space to stir the soil, and the body so that the wings perform a stirring operation It is characterized in that it comprises a rotating part for rotating.

The wings are formed to extend spirally around the body, and the plurality of stirring units are arranged in parallel at regular intervals in the breeding space so that the wings of each stirring unit intersect with the wings of the stirring unit adjacent thereto.

The wings are formed with a predetermined length in consideration of the type, length and diameter of the earthworm to be bred, and each blade included in the plurality of wings is formed on the body at predetermined intervals in consideration of the efficiency of the stirring operation do it with

The body is characterized in that it has a plurality of grooves on the side so that the external air is delivered to the inside of the breeding unit during the stirring operation of the stirring unit.

The rotating part has a handle shape bent at least once at a right angle to the direction of the body and is formed at one end of the body so as to be exposed to the outside of the breeding part.

The rotating part is disposed at one end of the body and rotates the body for a preset number of times every preset cycle.

The earthworm breeding apparatus further comprises a liquid fertilizer part disposed at the lower end of the breeding part to collect liquid fertilizer, and a support part disposed at the edge of the liquid fertilizer part to space the liquid fertilizer part apart from the ground by a certain distance or more.

The support part is formed of a plurality of pillars and disposed at each corner of the liquid fertilizer part, and at one end of the ground side of the pillar, a pest trap having a space to fill with water to a certain height in a form surrounding the pillar is formed. characterized.

The liquid manure part includes a scale window for checking the volume of the collected liquid manure, and the remaining part except for the scale window is formed of an opaque material.

Since the earthworm breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention softens the soil in the breeding space through the stirring operation of the stirring unit, it is possible to efficiently manage the breeding environment of earthworms.

In addition, in the present invention, in consideration of the characteristics of the earthworm, the stirring unit is arranged by forming the blades with a size suitable therefor, so that the stirring operation can be performed more efficiently.

In addition, the present invention can manage the breeding environment without affecting the growth and reproduction rate of the earthworm by performing the stirring operation at a preset cycle and number of times.

In addition, the present invention automatically performs a stirring operation through a rotating unit having a power means and a timer, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of breeding environment management.

1 is a perspective view of an earthworm breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view for explaining the inside of the breeding unit and the stirring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view for explaining the inside of the breeding unit and the stirring unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a plan view and a side view of a stirring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view of a liquid fertilizer portion and a support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view of an earthworm breeding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can have various changes and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In describing each figure, like reference numerals are used for like elements. The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present application. shouldn't

Hereinafter, an earthworm breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an earthworm breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an earthworm breeding apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cover part 200 , a breeding part 300 , a liquid fertilizer part 400 , and a support part 500 .

The cover unit 200 is disposed on the uppermost layer of the earthworm breeding apparatus 100 to prevent the breeding earthworms from being exposed to rain or ultraviolet rays. The cover part 200 may be formed of an opaque material to block ultraviolet rays, and the upper part may be formed to be inclined so that rainwater does not collect.

The cover unit 200 may include a ventilation unit 210 on one surface to allow air to pass through the breeding apparatus 100 . The ventilation unit 210 may be formed in the form of a plurality of holes, and the shape, size, and number of the holes may be changed according to the size of the breeding apparatus 100 and the number of worms to be bred.

The breeding unit 300 corresponds to a layer in which earthworms are reared. Specifically, the breeding unit 300 includes a breeding space 310 and a stirring unit 320 .

The breeding space 310 may be formed in the form of a room in which the side and the floor 311 are blocked and only the ceiling part connected to the cover part 200 is open. In FIG. 1, from the shape of the cover part 200 to the liquid fertilizer part 400 corresponding to the lowermost layer is shown in a quadrangle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. (for example, a hexagon) may also be formed.

In the breeding space 310 , soil in which earthworms are reared is accommodated, and a surface area is formed to be larger than the height in consideration of the characteristics of the earthworms. According to one embodiment, the breeding space 310 may be formed in a size of 60 cm in width, 45 cm in length, and 15 cm in height. However, the size of the breeding space 310 may be changed to an appropriately increased or decreased size in consideration of the number of breeding earthworms.

The agitator 320 stirs the soil in the breeding space 310 . Agitation unit 320 may exist in plurality in order to effectively agitate the soil in the breeding space 310 .

Liquid manure is a kind of fertilizer and refers to a fertilizer manufactured in a liquid form. One of the various methods for producing the liquid manure is to obtain it through the excrement of earthworms. Substances excreted by earthworms after eating are called vermicast and worm tea, and contain more nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potassium than normal soil.

Earthworm liquid fertilizer is a useful resource that supplies nutrients necessary for leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and fruits of plants and needs to be recovered without loss, so the breeding apparatus 100 includes a liquid fertilizer unit 400 .

The liquid manure unit 400 collects liquid manure coming out of the bottom 311 of the breeding unit 300 . The liquid fertilizer unit 400 is disposed on the lowermost layer of the breeding apparatus 100 . The liquid manure part 400 may include a scale window 410 that can check the amount of the collected liquid manure. The bottom surface of the liquid manure part 400 may be inclined toward the outlet 420 in order to effectively collect the liquid manure.

The support part 500 separates the liquid fertilizer part 400 from the ground by a certain distance or more. The predetermined distance may be 20 cm or more so that pests, which are natural enemies of earthworms, cannot easily access. The support part 500 may be formed of a plurality of pillars and disposed at each corner of the liquid fertilizer part 400 .

2 is a view for explaining the inside of the breeding unit and the stirring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the floor 311 of the breeding space 310 includes a net. The mesh allows the liquid component to pass through and the soil for breeding to pass through. The bottom 311 may transmit liquid fertilizer generated by breeding earthworms to the liquid fertilizer unit 400 including the net.

A plurality of stirring units 320 are arranged in parallel in the breeding space 310 . The stirring unit 320 may include a body 321 , a blade 322 , a groove 323 , and a rotating unit 324 .

The body 321 is formed in the form of a stick and is disposed to penetrate the breeding space 310 .

Earthworms do not require much air to survive, but if there is no oxygen supply, the growth of earthworms is greatly reduced. In consideration of this point, a groove 323 is formed on the side surface of the body 321 so that external air is supplied to the breeding space 310 .

The shape, number, and position of the grooves 323 may be appropriately changed in consideration of the efficiency of air supply according to the stirring operation. According to an embodiment, the groove 323 may be additionally formed at the other end of the body 321 in which the rotating part 324 is not formed.

The wings 322 may be formed in a shape extending from the body 321 toward one surface in the breeding space 310 . A plurality of blades 322 may be present for effective stirring operation.

The rotating part 324 rotates the body 321 so that the blade 322 performs a stirring operation. Specifically, the rotating part 324 is formed at one end of the body 321 to provide a driving force for the body 321 to rotate.

Specifically, the rotating part 324 has a handle shape bent at least once at a right angle with respect to the direction of the body 321 in a shape so that the user can rotate it by hand, and is exposed to the outside of the breeding part 300. One part of the body 321 It can be formed in the end. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotating part 324 may be formed in various shapes to facilitate manual application of the driving force.

3 is a view for explaining the internal configuration and rotation of the breeding unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. Except for the rotating part 324, the rest of the configuration is the same as that described in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the rotating unit 324 according to another embodiment of the present invention may automatically provide a driving force to the body 321 without a user's manual operation for convenience of management. At this time, the rotating unit 324 is not formed for each stirring unit 320 as shown in FIG. 2 , but is formed as a single rotating unit 324 on one surface of the breeding unit 300 through which the body 321 passes. The rotating unit 324 may provide a driving force to the body 321 of each stirring unit 320 so that the plurality of stirring units 320 simultaneously perform the stirring operation.

When the stirring operation through the stirring unit 320 is frequently performed, the stress index of the earthworm increases, and the growth and reproduction rate of the earthworm decreases. In consideration of this, the rotating unit 324 may rotate the body 321 by a preset number of times every preset period including the power means and the timer.

The preset period may be 10 days, and the preset number of times may be 5 to 10 times. However, the numerical value may be set to a different value in consideration of the type, growth degree, and reproduction rate of the actually raised earthworm. The rotating unit 324 may include a display panel and a manipulation unit so that the user directly sets the cycle and the number of times.

The timer stores the preset period, generates a signal for each period and transmits the signal to the power unit. According to an embodiment, the timer may be implemented to perform an alarm operation at the preset period. Although the timer stores a default value for the preset period, it can be changed by receiving an input from the manipulation unit.

The power means may be implemented as a conveyor belt, a DC motor, etc., but is not limited thereto, and may include any means capable of supplying power to rotate the body 321 . The power means operates in conjunction with the timer. The power means rotates the body 321 by the preset number of times when the timer signal is received. The power means stores a default value of the preset number of times, but may be changed by receiving an input from the manipulation unit.

According to an embodiment, the rotating unit 324 may be implemented in the same manner as in FIG. 2 in the shape of a handle and include a timer for performing the alarm operation.

As described above, the earthworm breeding apparatus 100 according to the present invention performs agitation at a preset cycle and frequency, so that the breeding environment can be managed without affecting the growth and reproduction rate of the earthworm.

In addition, since the earthworm breeding apparatus 100 according to the present invention automatically performs a stirring operation through the rotating unit 324 having the power means and the timer, the convenience and efficiency of breeding environment management are improved.

4 is a plan view and a side view of a stirring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4( a ), when a plurality of stirring units 320 exist in the breeding space 310 , the wings 322 of each stirring unit 320 are adjacent to themselves and the blades of the stirring unit 320 ( 322) and may be arranged in parallel at regular intervals to intersect.

According to an embodiment, the interval between each stirring unit 320 may be 14 cm, and in the case of the stirring unit 320 adjacent to the wall of the breeding space 310, the interval with the wall may be 8.5 cm. However, since it is assumed that the three stirring units 320 are disposed in the breeding space 310 having a size of 60 cm in width, 45 cm in length and 15 cm in height, the predetermined interval is the number and breeding of the stirring units 320 . It may be set to another value in consideration of the size of the space 310 .

4( b ) is a side view of the stirring unit 320 , showing a set of wings 322 formed at one point on the body 321 . The wings 322 may be formed to extend spirally around the body 321 to increase the efficiency of the stirring operation. The number of wings 322 included in the set is shown as four in FIG. 4(b), but may be increased or decreased in consideration of the length of the wings 322, the size of the breeding space 310, and the efficiency of the stirring operation. have.

The stirring unit 320 may include a plurality of the sets. In FIG. 4( a ), the number of the sets is illustrated as 4 or 5, but is not limited thereto, and may be increased or decreased in consideration of the length of the wing 322 , the size of the breeding space 310 , and the efficiency of the stirring operation.

The wings 322 may be formed at preset intervals with a preset length in consideration of the type, length, and diameter of the earthworm to be bred. The preset interval means the interval between the set and the set including the plurality of wings 322, not the interval between one blade 322 at one point.

Most of the earthworms raised in Korea are the red wireworm (Eisenia andrei) or the wireworm (Eisenia fetida). The average length of the red string earthworm (Eisenia andrei) is 48-95 mm and the diameter is 2.8-4.0 mm. The average length of the string earthworm (Eisenia fetida) is 52-92 mm and the diameter is 3.0-4.1 mm.

Considering the length and diameter of the two earthworms, and the fact that they are annular animals, the preset length may be 3 to 5 cm, and the preset interval may be 5 to 8 cm. The stirring unit 320 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the floor 311 in consideration of the length of the blades 322 . Specifically, in consideration of the length (3 to 5 cm) of the wings 322, the predetermined distance may be 7 cm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the stirring unit 320 may be disposed at a position higher or lower than that in consideration of the overall size of the breeding unit 300 .

As described above, in the present invention, the stirring unit 320 is disposed by forming the wings 322 to a size suitable for the characteristics of the earthworm, so that the stirring operation can be performed more efficiently.

5 is a perspective view of a liquid fertilizer portion and a support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5( a ), the liquid fertilizer unit 400 is disposed on the lowest layer of the breeding apparatus 100 . The liquid manure unit 400 collects liquid manure discharged from the breeding unit 300 disposed directly above it.

The liquid fertilizer unit 400 may include a scale window 410 to determine the collection status of the liquid fertilizer. The scale window 410 may be formed of a transparent material so that the amount of liquid manure collected inside the liquid manure part 400 can be confirmed. The liquid nasal portion 400 may be formed of an opaque material except for the scale window 410 .

The liquid manure part 400 includes an outlet 420 for recovering the collected liquid manure. In FIG. 5, the outlet 420 is implemented as a liquid dispenser of pushing or pulling a lever, but the outlet 420 may be implemented as a liquid dispenser of another method, and is implemented in the form of a plug, not a dispenser. could be

The above-described shape of the outlet 420 is exemplary, and the outlet 420 may be implemented in various forms for discharging the liquid to the outside.

The support part 500 separates the liquid fertilizer part 400 from the ground by a certain distance or more. The support part 500 may be formed of a plurality of pillars and disposed at each corner of the liquid fertilizer part 400 . The support unit 500 may include a pest trap 510 to prevent pests from approaching the breeding apparatus 100 .

The pest trap 510 may be formed for each pillar included in the plurality of pillars. Specifically, the pest trap 510 may be formed at one end of the ground side of the pillar by having a space that can be filled with water up to a predetermined height in a form wrapped around the pillar.

Referring to FIG. 5 (b), which is briefly shown in a plan view in order to confirm the arrangement of the pest trap 510 and the support part 500 in detail, the pest trap 510 is wrapped with the support part 500 at a predetermined distance. is formed The space between the pest trap 510 and the support 500 secured by the predetermined distance is filled with water. Through this structure, it is possible to block the intrusion of pests into the earthworm breeding apparatus 100 .

6 is a perspective view of an earthworm breeding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When all the food (eg, food and other waste) is consumed in the breeding unit 300 and the breeding space 310 is filled with earthworm excrement (feces), it must be recovered. This is because the fecal soil is used as good compost like liquid manure. Referring to FIG. 6 , the earthworm breeding apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of breeding units 300 to recover the fecal soil.

Before collecting the fecal soil, each breeding space (310-1, 310-2, The bottoms 311-1, 311-2, and 311-3 of 310-3) are provided with a mesh or a plurality of grooves having a size through which water and earthworms pass but not easily pass through soil.

When all the earthworms in the breeding unit 300-3 move to the breeding unit 300-2 on the upper floor, the fecal soil of the breeding unit 300-3 is recovered and filled with new soil and food, the top layer of the cover part 200 ), and the liquid manure part 400 collects liquid manure from the breeding part 300-2.

In the case of the rotating unit 324, as shown in FIG. 3, one rotating unit 324 is formed for each breeding unit 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 so as to automatically supply the driving force for the stirring operation to the body 321. can be However, as shown in FIG. 2 , each body 321 may be formed in the form of a handle.

As described above, the earthworm breeding apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of breeding units 300 to easily recover liquid manure as well as fecal soil.

The invention has been described above for the purpose of method steps representing the performance of specific functions and their relationships. The boundaries and order of these functional components and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description.

Alternative boundaries and orders may be defined as long as the specific functions and relationships are properly performed. Any such alternative boundaries and orders are therefore within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

In addition, the boundaries of these functional components have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as any important functions are properly performed. Likewise, flowchart blocks may also be arbitrarily defined herein to represent any significant functionality.

For extended use, the flowchart block boundaries and order may have been defined and still perform some important function. Alternative definitions of both functional components and flowchart blocks and sequences are therefore within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The invention may also have been described, at least in part, in terms of one or more embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention are used herein to represent the present invention, aspects thereof, features thereof, concepts thereof, and/or examples thereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or a process embodying the present invention may embody one or more aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more embodiments described herein. may include

Moreover, throughout the drawings, embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc., which may use the same or different reference numbers, and as such, the functions, Steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or others.

As described above, the present invention has been described with specific matters such as specific components and limited embodiments and drawings, but these are provided to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. , various modifications and variations are possible from these descriptions by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and not only the claims to be described later, but also all those with equivalent or equivalent modifications to the claims will fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention .

100: earthworm breeding device
200: cover part
210: ventilation
300: breeding department
310: breeding space
311 : floor
320: stirring unit
321: body
322 : Wings
323 : Home
324: rotating part
400: liquid part
410: scale window
420: outlet
500: support
510 : pest trap

Claims (9)

a cover portion having an inclined upper portion to block external UV rays and rainwater; and
a plurality of breeding units disposed at the lower end of the cover part by having a breeding space for accommodating the soil and a stirring part for stirring the soil in the breeding space;
The stirring unit
three bodies having a stick shape and disposed at regular intervals through the breeding space;
Four pairs of wings symmetrical up and down or left and right toward one side of the breeding space around the body and extending spirally to stir the soil; and
and a rotating part for rotating the body so that the blades have a stirring operation,
At the bottom of each breeding unit, a mesh of a size that allows water to pass through but not soil is provided.
The plurality of stirring units are arranged in parallel at regular intervals within the breeding space so that the blades of each stirring unit intersect with the blades of the stirring unit adjacent thereto,
The wings are formed with a preset length in consideration of the type, length and diameter of the earthworm to be raised,
Each blade included in the plurality of blades is formed in the body at predetermined intervals in consideration of the efficiency of the stirring operation,
The rotating part has a handle shape bent at least once at a right angle to the direction of the body, is formed at one end of the body so as to be exposed to the outside of the breeding unit, and a timer that operates an alarm at every preset cycle on the handle part of the rotating part is configured An earthworm breeding device, characterized in that it becomes. delete delete According to claim 1,
The body is provided with a plurality of grooves on the side of the earthworm breeding apparatus, characterized in that the external air is delivered to the inside of the breeding unit during the stirring operation of the stirring unit. delete According to claim 1,
The rotating part is disposed at one end of the body and rotates the body a preset number of times every preset cycle. According to claim 1,
a liquid manure unit disposed at the lower end of the breeding unit to collect liquid manure; and
Earthworm breeding apparatus, which is disposed at the edge of the liquid fertilizer part and further comprises a support part spaced apart from the ground by a certain distance or more of the liquid fertilizer part. 8. The method of claim 7,
The support part is formed of a plurality of pillars and is disposed at each corner of the liquid fertilizer part,
An earthworm breeding apparatus, characterized in that at one end of the ground side of the pillar, a pest trap having a space for filling water up to a predetermined height in a form surrounding the pillar is formed. 8. The method of claim 7,
The liquid manure part includes a scale window for checking the volume of the collected liquid manure, and the remaining part except for the scale window is formed of an opaque material.

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