A cage for feeding SPF level experimental mice

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of SPF grade experimental mouse feeding cage, including cage box, cage box top end is detachably connected with cage cover by clamping part, one end of cage box inside is detachably installed with mouse nest, the top of other end of cage box inside is fixedly connected with diet mechanism, diet mechanism corresponds with mouse nest, the top of diet mechanism is fixedly connected with protection mechanism, opening is set in cage cover, corresponding with diet mechanism, second filter is arranged in the middle of the top of cage cover, the top of mouse nest is fixedly connected with partition, partition end is fixedly connected with diet mechanism, the end of mouse nest inside away from diet mechanism is fixedly connected with climbing part, the top of mouse nest close to climbing part is communicated with cage cover, ventilation opening is arranged in the side wall of cage cover.The present application solves the problem that mouse is timid and easily frightened, reduces the stress effect brought by external environment change to mouse, guarantees the accuracy of experiment;Feeding space and feeding mode meet the ethical requirements of experimental animal welfare, and it is convenient for feeding personnel to observe the state of mouse.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of breeding equipment technology, and in particular relates to an SPF-grade laboratory mouse breeding cage. Background Technology

[0002] Laboratory animals are animals that have been artificially bred, whose microorganisms and parasites are controlled, whose genetic background is clear or whose origin is well-known, and which are used for scientific research, teaching, production, testing, and other scientific experiments. Mice, as the most frequently used laboratory animal, play a crucial role in life science research. During their rearing, they enjoy "five freedoms": freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom to live comfortably, freedom from pain, injury, and disease, freedom from fear and sadness, and freedom to express their natural instincts.

[0003] IVC cages are an important tool for housing mice in barrier environments for laboratory animals. By ventilating each cage individually, they save resources, reduce equipment maintenance and operating costs, effectively prevent cross-contamination, and provide a clean and comfortable living environment for laboratory animals. However, current IVC cage designs on the market are relatively simple, only ensuring sufficient food, drinking water, and bedding for the mice, failing to adequately consider the "freedom to express their natural behaviors" of laboratory animals, and not fully taking into account the adverse effects of researchers' daily movement on the animals. The design of these cages still has considerable room for improvement.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design an SPF-grade cage for laboratory mice to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an SPF-grade cage for laboratory mice, which aims to provide an environment that is more in line with the natural instincts and living conditions of mice while ensuring a clean and comfortable living environment, and is more in line with the requirements of laboratory animal welfare ethics. At the same time, it can avoid the influence of external factors on the daily life and routine of the animals to a certain extent.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: an SPF-grade laboratory mouse rearing cage, comprising a cage box, a cage cover detachably connected to the top of the cage box via a snap-fit ​​part, a mouse nest detachably installed at one end of the inner side of the cage box, a feeding mechanism fixedly connected to the top of the other end of the inner side of the cage box, the feeding mechanism corresponding to the mouse nest, a protective mechanism fixedly connected to the top of the feeding mechanism, an opening corresponding to the feeding mechanism on the cage cover, a second filter provided at the middle of the top of the cage cover, a partition fixedly connected to the top of the mouse nest, the end of the partition fixedly connected to the feeding mechanism, a climbing part fixedly connected to the end of the mouse nest away from the feeding mechanism, the top of the mouse nest near the climbing part communicating with the cage cover, and a ventilation vent provided on the side wall of the cage cover.

[0007] Preferably, the feeding device includes a feed trough and a water trough arranged side by side. The feed trough and the water trough are both fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box. The feed trough and the water trough are both fixedly connected to the end of the partition. A water bottle is placed in the water trough. The water outlet of the water bottle corresponds to the mouse nest. The opening is correspondingly opened above the water trough.

[0008] Preferably, the protective mechanism includes a U-shaped plate and an L-shaped plate, the bottom end of the U-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the top end of the partition, the U-shaped plate is correspondingly arranged with the ventilation port, and the bottom end of the L-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the top end of the side wall of the water tank.

[0009] Preferably, the top and bottom of the side wall of the U-shaped plate are provided with flanges, the U-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage cover through the flanges, a gap is left between the outer side wall of the U-shaped plate and the inner side wall of the cage cover, and a plurality of evenly arranged ventilation holes are opened on the side wall of the U-shaped plate, the ventilation holes corresponding to the ventilation outlets.

[0010] Preferably, the rat nest has two inlets / outlets at the bottom of the side wall near the feed trough, with the two inlets / outlets arranged side by side, and a small hole above one of the inlets / outlets, through which the water outlet of the water bottle extends into the rat nest.

[0011] Preferably, the climbing part includes two ladders, both of which are vertically arranged and perpendicular to each other, and the two ladders are fixedly connected to the ends of the two adjacent inner sidewalls of the mouse nest.

[0012] Preferably, the top wall of the mouse nest has a second through hole, which is located directly above the two ladders. The partition has a first through hole, which is adapted to the second through hole. Both the first and second through holes are isosceles right triangles, and the two ladders correspond to the two right-angled sides of the isosceles right triangles, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the ventilation opening includes an air inlet and an air outlet formed on the side wall of the cage cover. The air inlet and the air outlet are located at both ends of the side wall of the cage cover away from the opening. The air inlet and the air outlet correspond to the ventilation hole. A first filter is fixedly connected inside the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​part includes two vertically spaced fixing seats, which are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cage cover. A buckle top is rotatably connected between the two fixing seats, and a snap seat is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the cage. The bottom end of the buckle snaps into the snap seat.

[0015] Preferably, two mounting seats are fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the cage, and the mouse nest can be detachably installed inside the cage via the two mounting seats.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0017] 1. This invention has a simple structure and is used in the same way as traditional IVC cages, requiring no additional training. It can meet the basic rearing conditions of independent ventilation and is more in line with the ethical requirements of laboratory animal welfare.

[0018] 2. The protective mechanism of the present invention can effectively prevent mice from biting the ventilation openings and can make full use of the upper space inside the cage to provide mice with more space to move around.

[0019] 3. The mouse nest of the present invention solves the physiological characteristics of mice being timid and easily frightened to a certain extent, better avoids the impact of researchers' movement on their lives, reduces the stress effect of the external environment on mice, and ensures the accuracy of the experiment.

[0020] 4. The water outlet of the feeding mechanism of this invention can extend into the mouse nest without affecting the mouse's daily drinking water. The mouse nest can be detached and installed inside the cage for easy removal and cleaning by cleaning personnel.

[0021] 5. Mice can reach the space between the partition and the cage lid through the climbing section. The climbing section fits snugly against the inner wall of the nest and does not occupy nest space.

[0022] 6. This invention is low in cost, easy to manufacture, and can be mass-produced. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of the invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the image;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after the cage cover is removed. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after the cage cover is removed. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism and rat nest structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mouse nest structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the rat nest of the present invention.

[0031] The components are as follows: 1. Cage box; 2. Cage cover; 3. First filter; 4. Partition; 5. U-shaped plate; 6. L-shaped plate; 7. First through hole; 8. Mouse nest; 9. Feed trough; 10. Water trough; 11. Water bottle; 12. Second through hole; 13. Inlet / outlet; 14. Small hole; 15. Mounting base; 16. Ladder; 17. Ventilation hole; 18. Fixing base; 19. Buckle; 20. Locking seat; 21. Opening; 22. Second filter. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides an SPF-grade laboratory mouse rearing cage, including a cage box 1. A cage cover 2 is detachably connected to the top of the cage box 1 via a snap-fit ​​part. A mouse nest 8 is detachably installed on one end of the inner side of the cage box 1. A feeding mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the other end of the inner side of the cage box 1. The feeding mechanism corresponds to the mouse nest 8. A protective mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding mechanism. An opening 21 corresponding to the feeding mechanism is opened on the cage cover 2. A second filter 22 is provided in the middle of the top of the cage cover 2. A partition 4 is fixedly connected to the top of the mouse nest 8. The end of the partition 4 is fixedly connected to the feeding mechanism. A climbing part is fixedly connected to the end of the mouse nest 8 away from the feeding mechanism. The top of the mouse nest 8 near the climbing part is connected to the cage cover 2. A ventilation port is provided on the side wall of the cage cover 2.

[0035] Partition 4 is made of stainless steel, while the mouse nest 8 is made of black acrylic sheet, which can effectively block some external light sources and create a more comfortable living environment for the mouse nest 8.

[0036] Cage box 1 and cage lid 2 are made of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), which is highly transparent and facilitates daily observation of the mice by the keepers.

[0037] The feeding system is further optimized by including a feed trough 9 and a water trough 10 arranged side by side. Both the feed trough 9 and the water trough 10 are fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box 1. Both the feed trough 9 and the water trough 10 are fixedly connected to the end of the partition 4. A water bottle 11 is placed in the water trough 10. The water outlet of the water bottle 11 corresponds to the mouse nest 8, and the opening 21 is opened above the water trough 10.

[0038] The scheme has been further optimized. The protective mechanism includes a U-shaped plate 5 and an L-shaped plate 6. The bottom end of the U-shaped plate 5 is fixedly connected to the top end of the partition 4. The U-shaped plate 5 is set in accordance with the ventilation opening. The bottom end of the L-shaped plate 6 is fixedly connected to the top end of the side wall of the water tank 10.

[0039] When the cage cover 2 is fastened to the top of the cage box 1, the tops of the U-shaped plate 5 and the baffle 6 are sealed and fitted to the inner top wall of the cage cover 2.

[0040] In a further optimized design, the top and bottom of the side wall of the U-shaped plate 5 are provided with flanges. The U-shaped plate 5 is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage cover 2 through the flanges. A gap is left between the outer side wall of the U-shaped plate 5 and the inner side wall of the cage cover 2. Several evenly arranged ventilation holes 17 are opened on the side wall of the U-shaped plate 5, and the ventilation holes 17 correspond to the ventilation and air exchange ports.

[0041] In a further optimized design, two entrances 13 are provided on the bottom side wall of the mouse nest 8 near the feed trough 9. The two entrances 13 are arranged side by side, and a small hole 14 is provided above one of the entrances 13. The water outlet of the water bottle 11 extends into the mouse nest 8 through the small hole 14.

[0042] The two entrances 13 of the mouse nest 8 can simulate a mouse burrow, satisfying the mouse's preference for a nest-like lifestyle.

[0043] The climbing section is further optimized by including two ladders 16, which are both vertically arranged and perpendicular to each other. The two ladders 16 are fixedly connected to the ends of the two adjacent inner sidewalls of the mouse nest 8.

[0044] Ladder 16 is made of black acrylic sheet.

[0045] The design is further optimized by providing a second through hole 12 on the top wall of the mouse nest 8. The second through hole 12 is positioned directly above the two ladders 16. A first through hole 7 is provided on the partition 4. The first through hole 7 and the second through hole 12 are adapted to each other. Both the first through hole 7 and the second through hole 12 are isosceles right triangles. The two ladders 16 correspond to the two right-angled sides of the isosceles right triangles, respectively.

[0046] Mice can climb through ladder 16, first through hole 7, and second through hole 12 to the space between partition 4 and cage cover 2, providing more space for mice to move around.

[0047] The ventilation openings are further optimized by including an air inlet and an air outlet on the side wall of the cage cover 2. The air inlet and air outlet are located at both ends of the side wall of the cage cover 2 away from the opening 21. The air inlet and air outlet correspond to the ventilation hole 17. A first filter 3 is fixedly connected inside the air inlet and air outlet.

[0048] The first filter, Filter 3, is a high-efficiency filter. Filter 3 is connected to the IVC host to provide mice with independent ventilation and a clean, comfortable living environment.

[0049] The design is further optimized by including two vertically spaced fixing seats 18. The fixing seats 18 are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cage cover 2. The top of the buckle 19 is rotatably connected between the two fixing seats 18. The top of the outer wall of the cage box 1 is fixedly connected to the buckle seat 20. The bottom of the buckle 19 is engaged with the buckle seat 20.

[0050] The design has been further optimized. Two mounting bases 15 are fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the cage box 1, and the mouse nest 8 can be detachably installed inside the cage box 1 through the two mounting bases 15.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0052] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An SPF-grade laboratory mouse housing cage, characterized in that, The cage includes a cage box (1), a cage cover (2) is detachably connected to the top of the cage box (1) via a snap-fit ​​part, a mouse nest (8) is detachably installed on one end of the inner side of the cage box (1), the mouse nest (8) is made of black acrylic sheet, a feeding mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the other end of the inner side of the cage box (1), the feeding mechanism corresponds to the mouse nest (8), a protective mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding mechanism, an opening (21) corresponding to the feeding mechanism is opened on the cage cover (2), a second filter (22) is provided in the middle of the top of the cage cover (2), a partition (4) is fixedly connected to the top of the mouse nest (8), the partition (4) is made of stainless steel, the end of the partition (4) is fixedly connected to the feeding mechanism, a climbing part is fixedly connected to the end of the mouse nest (8) away from the feeding mechanism, the top of the mouse nest (8) near the climbing part is connected to the cage cover (2), and a ventilation port is provided on the side wall of the cage cover (2). The feeding device includes a feed trough (9) and a water trough (10) arranged side by side. The feed trough (9) and the water trough (10) are both fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage (1). The feed trough (9) and the water trough (10) are both fixedly connected to the end of the partition (4). A water bottle (11) is placed in the water trough (10). The water outlet of the water bottle (11) corresponds to the mouse nest (8). The opening (21) is opened above the water trough (10). The protective mechanism includes a U-shaped plate (5) and an L-shaped plate (6). The bottom end of the U-shaped plate (5) is fixedly connected to the top end of the partition (4). The U-shaped plate (5) is correspondingly arranged with the ventilation port. The bottom end of the L-shaped plate (6) is fixedly connected to the top end of the side wall of the water tank (10). When the cage cover (2) is fastened to the top end of the cage box (1), the top ends of the U-shaped plate (5) and the L-shaped plate (6) are sealed and fitted to the inner top wall of the cage cover (2). The top and bottom of the side wall of the U-shaped plate (5) are provided with flanges. The U-shaped plate (5) is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage cover (2) through the flanges. There is a gap between the outer side wall of the U-shaped plate (5) and the inner side wall of the cage cover (2). The side wall of the U-shaped plate (5) is provided with a number of evenly arranged ventilation holes (17). The ventilation holes (17) correspond to the ventilation outlets. The climbing section includes two ladders (16), both of which are vertically arranged and perpendicular to each other. The two ladders (16) are fixedly connected to the two inner sidewalls of the mouse nest (8) that are close to each other. The top wall of the mouse nest (8) is provided with a second through hole (12), which is located directly above the two ladders (16). The partition (4) is provided with a first through hole (7), which is adapted to the second through hole (12). Both the first through hole (7) and the second through hole (12) are isosceles right triangles, and the two ladders (16) are respectively corresponding to the two right-angled sides of the isosceles right triangle. The ventilation opening includes an air inlet and an air outlet opened on the side wall of the cage cover (2). The air inlet and the air outlet are located at both ends of the side wall of the cage cover (2) away from the opening (21). The air inlet and the air outlet are both corresponding to the ventilation hole (17). A first filter (3) is fixedly connected inside the air inlet and the air outlet. The snap-fit ​​part includes two vertically spaced fixing seats (18), the fixing seats (18) are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cage cover (2), the top of the buckle (19) is rotatably connected between the two fixing seats (18), the top of the outer wall of the cage box (1) is fixedly connected to the buckle seat (20), and the bottom of the buckle (19) is snapped into the buckle seat (20). The rat nest (8) has two entrances (13) at the bottom of the side wall near the feed trough (9), and the two entrances (13) are arranged side by side.

2. The SPF-grade laboratory mouse housing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the inlets (13) has a small hole (14) above it, through which the water outlet of the water bottle (11) extends into the mouse nest (8).

3. The SPF-grade laboratory mouse housing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage (1) has two mounting seats (15) fixedly connected to its inner bottom wall. The rat nest (8) can be detachably installed inside the cage (1) through the two mounting seats (15).

Images