A modular non-human primate cage
By designing modular non-human primate housing cages, diverse activity spaces and management functions are provided, solving the problems of limited animal activity and monotonous environment, and improving animal welfare and the reliability of experimental data.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PHARMARON(NINGBO)BIOLOGICS LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing cages for non-human primates cannot meet the animals' needs for climbing, exploring, and exploring, resulting in restricted animal activity, serious mental health problems, and a monotonous cage environment that is difficult to simulate natural habitats, affecting animal welfare and the reliability of experimental data.
A modular non-human primate enclosure was designed, comprising a cage frame, a resource supply system, a hygiene and cleaning system, an activity enrichment system, and a connection and management system. Through detachable food supply devices, water supply devices, climbing components, observation components, monitoring units, and other modules, it provides diverse activity spaces and management functions.
It improved the animals' living space and psychological well-being, reduced stereotyped behaviors and stress responses, enhanced the efficiency of husbandry and management and the reliability of experimental data, simplified cleaning work, and ensured the animals' health and safety.
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Figure CN122162716A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of animal husbandry, and in particular to a modular non-human primate husbandry cage. Background Technology
[0002] Non-human primates, especially monkeys, are indispensable advanced experimental models for biomedical and psychological research. They are naturally active, highly intelligent, and possess a strong exploratory drive, social nature, and tendency towards stereotyped behaviors. Given their unique biological and behavioral characteristics, the quality of their captive environment directly impacts animal welfare, behavioral performance, and the reliability of experimental data. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a more suitable captive environment that is tailored to the animals' characteristics and living needs, while also facilitating management by zookeepers.
[0003] Currently, most primate enclosures are made of welded, fixed stainless steel. Their design fails to adequately meet the survival habits and behavioral needs of primates, resulting in significant deficiencies in animal welfare, operational safety, and husbandry efficiency. Firstly, monkeys are typical climbers, relying on heights for observation or climbing for survival in the wild. Traditional stainless steel enclosures are mostly simple cage structures, lacking three-dimensional climbing structures and vertical space. This restricts animal movement, easily leading to stereotyped behaviors, anxiety, and depression, severely impacting their mental health and the stability of experimental data. Furthermore, the monotonous cage environment fails to simulate natural habitats and cannot meet the monkeys' instinctive behavioral needs.
[0004] In view of the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe there is a need to provide a breeding cage that can make the husbandry and management of non-human primates more scientific. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to improve the husbandry and management of non-human primates, this application provides a modular non-human primate husbandry cage.
[0006] The technical solution for a modular non-human primate rearing cage provided in this application is as follows: A modular non-human primate enclosure includes a cage frame, a resource supply system, a hygiene and cleaning system, an activity and enrichment system, and a connection and management system. The cage frame includes a cage base, a cage top, and cage side frames. The resource supply system includes a food supply device and a water supply device detachably installed on the cage frame. The connection and enrichment system includes a connection channel opened on the cage side frames and a connection cage door movably installed on the cage side frames for changing the opening and closing state of the connection channel. The activity and enrichment system includes a lookout component installed on the cage side frames, a climbing component located between the lookout component and the cage base, and multiple monitoring units installed on the cage top frame.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solutions, the modular rearing cage, comprising a cage frame, resource supply system, hygiene and cleaning system, activity and enrichment system, and connection and management system, provides rearing space and various services for non-human primates. The food and water supply devices of the resource supply system are detachable for easy replacement and maintenance. The connection management system's connecting channels and cage doors allow for changing the opening and closing of these channels, facilitating communication between different rearing cages and making animal management and relocation more convenient. The activity and enrichment system's observation components, climbing components, and monitoring units meet and monitor the animals' activity needs. This modular design not only facilitates production, transportation, and rapid on-site assembly but also allows for flexible configuration adjustments based on actual rearing needs, improving the cage's versatility and ease of maintenance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of animal husbandry and management.
[0008] Optionally, the cage side frame includes a support frame and a plurality of support crossbeams connected between the support frames; the lookout assembly includes a lookout platform detachably mounted on the support crossbeams, a lookout frame mounted on the top of the lookout platform, and a lifting drive for driving the lookout frame to rise and fall relative to the lookout platform; the lookout frame is arranged with a plurality of lookout crossbeams for animals to grip.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the cage side frame, composed of the support uprights and support crossbars, provides stable support for the rearing cage. The observation platform installed on the support crossbars is easy to install and disassemble, and its installation position can be adjusted according to the actual height of the cage side frame. The lifting drive mechanism drives the observation frame to rise and fall relative to the observation platform, allowing for flexible adjustment of the observation point's height and position based on the animal's body size, habits, and observation needs. Multiple observation crossbars spaced apart on the observation frame provide gripping points for the animals, meeting their activity and observation needs, and providing biomimetic gripping points to reduce the probability of falls. The observation components satisfy the innate instinct of non-human primates to climb and observe, helping to reduce their stereotypical behaviors, promote psychological well-being, and thus improve the husbandry and management of non-human primates.
[0010] Optionally, the climbing assembly includes a climbing ladder mounted obliquely on the top of the cage base frame, a climbing platform connected to the top of the climbing ladder frame, and a jumping platform arranged above the climbing platform; the jumping platform is provided with at least one and is detachably mounted on the inner wall of the cage side frame; the climbing platform has a visual barrier on the side facing the observation assembly.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solutions, climbing ladders, climbing platforms, and jumping platforms provide climbing and jumping spaces for non-human primates, simulating the natural environment, meeting the animals' exercise needs, and promoting physical health and muscle development. The detachable installation of the jumping platforms facilitates adjustment of the installation position or maintenance and replacement as needed. Visual barriers create relatively secluded areas for animals, reducing external disturbances during rest or activity, providing a relatively private space, reducing stress responses, alleviating tension, and improving animal welfare.
[0012] Optionally, the observation platform slopes downwards towards the inside of the cage from one side of the cage side frame; both the climbing platform and the jumping platform have multiple drainage holes; the cage base frame includes a cage base plate that is high in the middle and low around the edges; the sanitation system includes a drainage trough plate installed on the side of the cage base plate, a drainage pipe connected to the bottom of the drainage trough plate, and a liquid outlet installed on the cage side frame; the drainage trough plate has multiple drainage holes spaced apart; the bottom of the drainage trough plate is lower than the edge of the cage base plate and the side is not lower than the top surface of the cage base plate.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the observation platform slopes downwards from one side of the cage frame towards the inside of the cage, allowing animal excrement to slide inwards along the top of the platform for easy collection and washing. The climbing and jumping platforms are equipped with drainage holes, which, combined with the cage floor plate's higher center and lower perimeter, allow excrement and other waste to flow smoothly through these holes and then down to the drainage trough via the sloping cage floor plate. The bottom of the drainage trough plate is lower than the edge of the cage floor plate, and its sides are not lower than the top surface of the cage floor plate, effectively collecting excrement. The drainage holes on the drainage trough plate and the connected drainage pipes facilitate the discharge of collected waste, while the outlet head discharges cleaning fluid to clean the cage, simplifying daily cleaning work, keeping the cage dry and hygienic, and reducing the probability of disease in the animals.
[0014] Optionally, the hygienic cleaning system further includes at least one liquid outlet pipe installed on the side frame of the cage; the liquid outlet pipe is sequentially connected to the liquid outlet head to provide cleaning fluid to the liquid outlet head; the liquid outlet pipe includes a liquid outlet section arranged horizontally relative to the bottom frame of the cage and a connecting section connected to the liquid outlet section; the end of the connecting section extends out of the cage frame and is provided with a liquid inlet; each liquid outlet head has a liquid outlet at its end for liquid to be sprayed out.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid outlet pipe is installed on the side frame of the cage and connected to the liquid outlet head in sequence, which can provide cleaning fluid to the liquid outlet head. The liquid outlet section of the liquid outlet pipe is arranged horizontally, and the end of the connecting section extends out of the cage frame to provide a liquid inlet for easy introduction of cleaning fluid. The liquid outlet at the end of the liquid outlet head allows the cleaning fluid to flow out at a suitable angle, forming a concentrated water column and atomization zone, which improves the cleaning efficiency, better cleans the rearing cage, and maintains the hygiene and cleanliness of the rearing cage.
[0016] Optionally, the food supply device includes a food supply box and a food box mounting plate for detachable installation of the food supply box; the food supply box has a feeding port, a feeding port for feeding animals, and a cleaning port at the bottom; there are multiple feeding ports of varying sizes; the inner wall of the food supply box at the feeding port is provided with a flexible baffle to prevent food from falling; the edges of each feeding port are designed to be rounded.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the food feeder can be detachably installed on the feeder mounting plate for easy disassembly and maintenance. Multiple feeding openings of varying sizes simulate the challenge of natural foraging, extending feeding time and increasing behavioral richness. Flexible baffles reduce the probability of animals scooping out large amounts of food during feeding, thus minimizing waste, without hindering normal eating. Rounded edges on the feeding openings reduce the likelihood of animals being scratched while eagerly eating, improving safety. A cleaning opening at the bottom facilitates thorough removal of residue, helping to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the food feeder.
[0018] Optionally, the water supply device includes a water storage tank, a water circulation component connected to the water storage tank, and a water tank mounting plate for detachable installation of the water storage tank; the water storage tank has multiple drinking nozzles along its length on one side facing the cage frame; each drinking nozzle includes an elastic body and a water outlet slit opened at the end of the elastic body; the water outlet slit is normally closed under the action of the elastic body; the elastic body can open the water outlet slit when compressed and deformed.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solutions, the water storage tank, water supply circulation component, and water tank mounting plate ensure water supply. The water supply circulation component helps maintain the cleanliness and safety of the drinking water in the storage tank, and the detachable connection of the storage tank facilitates maintenance and replacement. Multiple drinking nozzles arranged along the length of the storage tank can meet the drinking needs of multiple animals simultaneously, reducing the probability of fighting among animals for water. The design of the elastic body and water outlet ensures the water outlet is normally closed, reducing drinking water waste and pollution. The water outlet only opens when animals squeeze the elastic body, improving the management level of drinking water hygiene.
[0020] Optionally, at least one mounting slide rail is installed on the lower side of the cage top frame; each mounting slide rail is equipped with at least one sliding trolley that can slide along its length; sliding guide grooves are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting slide rail along the length; the sliding trolley is provided with sliding rollers that are rolled in the sliding guide grooves; the mounting slide rail is provided with a linear drive structure for driving the sliding trolley to slide; a universal interface is provided below the sliding trolley; the monitoring unit can be connected to the universal interface.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, at least one mounting rail is installed on the underside of the cage's top frame. A sliding trolley that can slide along the mounting rail is assembled. Utilizing sliding guide grooves and sliding rollers, the sliding trolley can slide smoothly. A linear drive structure drives the sliding trolley to slide, facilitating adjustment of the trolley's position while minimizing human interference with the animals' lives. The monitoring unit can connect to a universal interface for flexible monitoring of the conditions inside the cage, facilitating the observation and management of animal behavior.
[0022] Optionally, the active enrichment system further includes an olfactory enrichment device; the olfactory enrichment device includes an odor box connected to the universal interface and a timing mechanism connected to the odor box; each odor box includes a venting box and a venting cover movably mounted on the venting box; an air storage cavity is formed between the venting box and the venting cover; the venting box has a venting hole on its wall facing the venting cover; the timing mechanism drives the venting cover to open and close at set times to automatically release the odor material in the box at a set time.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the activity enrichment system adds an olfactory enrichment device. The odor box of the olfactory enrichment device can be driven by a timer mechanism to open and close the vent cover at set times, and can automatically release the odor material in the box at set times, providing olfactory stimulation for the non-human primates, enriching their life experience, and meeting the natural behavioral needs of the animals.
[0024] Optionally, the cage frame is provided with a sliding door track at the bottom of the connecting channel; the bottom of the connecting cage door is provided with a sliding door groove that cooperates with the sliding door track; the connecting cage door includes a cage door body and a cage door drive component connected to the cage door body and driving the cage door body to move along the sliding door track.
[0025] By adopting the above technical solutions, the combination of the connecting channel and the sliding connecting cage door enables safer and more convenient transfer of animals or movement of animals between adjacent cages, greatly improving the efficiency and safety of husbandry and management, and effectively reducing the stress risk of animals during the transfer process.
[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: A modular non-human primate rearing cage is designed by systematically breaking down the cage into different functional modules, including a cage frame, a resource supply system, a hygiene and cleaning system, an activity and enrichment system, and a connection and management system. This allows for the selection and adjustment of each module according to the specific needs of the animals. The food and water supply devices in the resource supply system are detachable for easy replacement and maintenance. The connection and management system allows for easy access between different cages by changing the opening and closing status of the access channels. The activity and enrichment system includes observation components, climbing components, and monitoring units to meet and monitor the animals' activity needs. This modular design not only facilitates production, transportation, and personalized assembly but also allows for flexible configuration adjustments based on actual rearing requirements, thereby improving the effectiveness of animal husbandry and management. By incorporating height-adjustable observation modules, multi-level climbing structures, and olfactory enrichment devices that provide olfactory stimulation, a three-dimensional, rich, and more natural animal activity environment can be constructed. The observation and climbing modules meet the animals' needs for climbing and exploration, the visual barrier provides a sense of security, and the timed release of odor stimuli enriches the sensory experience and alleviates animal anxiety. This effectively reduces stereotypical behaviors and stress responses in captive animals, promotes their physical and mental health, improves animal welfare, enhances the effectiveness of animal husbandry and management, and contributes to the reliability of the final experimental data. By setting up an inclined observation platform, a cage bottom plate that is high in the middle and low on all four sides, climbing and jumping platforms with drainage holes, and a drainage trough with drainage holes, combined with a liquid outlet that can be used for directional flushing, the waste can be washed, cleaned and collected, simplifying the cleaning process, keeping the cage dry and hygienic, reducing the probability of animals getting sick, thereby improving animal welfare and making management easier. By incorporating a detachable design for food and water supply devices, along with flexible baffles and normally closed drinking spouts, waste and contamination of water and food can be reduced, facilitating daily maintenance and ensuring food hygiene. Meanwhile, the cage top rails and sliding trolleys allow monitoring equipment to move and be positioned flexibly, enabling comprehensive observation and data collection of animal behavior without interference, thus providing data support for refined and intelligent feeding management. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding cage in the embodiments of this application.
[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the cage frame in an embodiment of this application.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection management system in an embodiment of this application.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hygiene and cleaning system in the embodiments of this application.
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the observation component in the embodiments of this application.
[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the food supply device in the embodiments of this application.
[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding port structure in an embodiment of this application.
[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply device in the embodiments of this application.
[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drinking spout in the embodiments of this application.
[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cage top frame in an embodiment of this application.
[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the activity enrichment system in the embodiments of this application.
[0038] Figure 12 This is an embodiment of the present application. Figure 11 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.
[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the combination of the feeding cage and the standard experimental monkey cage in the embodiments of this application.
[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Cage frame; 11. Cage base frame; 111. Cage bottom plate; 112. Support base frame; 113. Drainage trough plate; 1131. Drainage hole; 1132. Drainage pipe; 114. Sliding door track; 1141. First track; 1142. Second track; 115. Moving roller; 12. Cage side frame; 121. Supporting upright plate; 122. Supporting upright frame; 123. Supporting cross frame; 13. Cage top frame; 131. Supporting top frame; 132. Mounting slide rail; 1321. Sliding guide groove; 133. Sliding trolley; 1331. Sliding roller; 1332. Mounting block; 134. Sliding screw; 135. Screw nut; 136. 1. Lever motor; 2. Resource supply system; 21. Food supply device; 211. Food supply box; 2111. Feeding port; 2112. Feeding port; 2113. Cleaning port; 2114. Flexible baffle; 2115. Balancing plate; 212. Food box mounting plate; 2121. Balancing slot; 213. Locking structure; 2131. Fixed lock; 21311. Fixed lock housing; 21312. Fixed lock tongue; 2132. Fixed buckle; 22. Water supply device; 221. Water tank; 2211. Water inlet pipe; 2212. Drinking spout; 22121. Elastic body; 22122. Water outlet; 222. Water circulation component; 223. Water tank mounting plate; 223 1. Water tank support; 3. Hygiene and cleaning system; 31. Discharge pipe; 311. Discharge section; 312. Connecting section; 3121. Inlet connector; 32. Discharge head; 321. Discharge port; 4. Activity enrichment system; 41. Observation assembly; 411. Observation platform; 412. Observation frame; 4121. Observation crossbar; 413. Lifting drive component; 4131. Lifting screw; 4132. Lifting nut; 42. Climbing assembly; 421. Climbing ladder frame; 422. Climbing platform; 423. Jumping platform; 424. Visual barrier; 425. Drainage hole; 43. Monitoring unit; 44. Olfactory enrichment device; 441. Odor box; 4411. Venting box; 44111, Vent hole; 4412, Vent cover; 442, Timing mechanism; 4421, Drive motor; 4422, Drive linkage; 45, Wear-resistant string; 46, Suspension mirror; 5, Connection management system; 51, Connection channel; 52, Connection cage door; 521, Cage door body; 5211, Sliding door track; 522, Cage door drive component; 5221, Cage door rod; 52211, First rod part; 522111, First lock groove; 52212, Second rod part; 522121, Second lock groove; 52213, Handle part; 5222, Cage door lock; 52221, Lock case; 52222, Lock tongue; 52223, Lock cover plate; 6, Standard experimental monkey cage. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-13 This application will be described in further detail.
[0042] This application discloses a modular non-human primate rearing cage. (Refer to...) Figure 1 A modular non-human primate rearing cage includes a cage frame 1, a resource supply system 2, a hygiene and cleaning system 3, an activity enrichment system 4, and a connection and management system 5.
[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cage frame 1 includes a cage base frame 11, a cage top frame 13, and cage side frames 12. The cage side frames 12 include support plates 121, support frames 122, and multiple support crossbeams 123 connected between the support frames 122. The cage top frame 13 consists of support top frames 131 connected to the top of the cage side frames 12 on all four sides. The cage base frame 11 includes a cage base plate 111, support base frames 112 providing support for the cage base plate 111, and movable rollers 115 installed at the four corners of the support base frame 112. The movable rollers 115 allow the cage frame 1 to move freely. The support plates 121 and support frames 122 are connected at their bottoms to the support base frame 112 and at their tops to the support top frame 131, providing support for the support top frame 131. The vertical support frames 122 and the horizontal support crossbeams 123 are welded together to form a grid facade, facilitating the monkey's gripping and support. The cage base frame 11, cage top frame 13, and cage side frame 12 together form a square breeding space.
[0044] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connection management system 5 includes two connection channels 51 located on the side frame 12 of the cage body, and two connection cage doors 52 movably installed on the side frame 12 of the cage body, which are used to change the opening and closing states of the two connection channels 51 respectively. The cage frame 1 is provided with a sliding door track 114 at the side frame 12 of the cage body for the sliding arrangement of the connection cage doors 52. The sliding door track 114 includes a first track 1141 located at the bottom of the upper connection channel 51 and a second track 1142 located at the bottom of the lower connection channel 51. The connection cage door 52 includes a cage door body 521 and a cage door drive member 522 connected to the cage door body 521 and driving the cage door body 521 to move along the sliding door track 114. The shape of the cage door body 521 matches the shape of the connection channel 51, and the bottom of both cage door bodies 521 is provided with a sliding door groove 5211 that cooperates with the sliding door track 114. The cage door drive unit 522 drives the cage door body 521 to move along the sliding door track 114. The cage door body 521 gradually moves from completely covering the connecting channel 51 to completely offset it, realizing the connection channel 51 from closed to open.
[0045] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3The cage door drive component 522 includes a cage door rod 5221 with one end connected to one side of the cage door body 521 and the other end extending out of the side of the cage body side frame 12, and a cage door lock 5222 installed on the cage body side frame 12 and located in the extending direction of the cage door rod 5221. The cage body side frame 12 has a cage door drive hole for the cage door rod 5221 to extend out. The cage door rod 5221 includes a first rod portion 52211, a second rod portion 52212, and a handle portion 52213 connected to the end of the second rod portion 52212. The cage door lock 5222 includes a lock housing 52221, a lock tongue 52222 movably installed in the lock housing 52221, and a lock cover plate 52223 arranged outside the lock housing 52221. The second rod portion 52212 is hinged to the first rod portion 52211. The first lever portion 52211 has a first locking groove 522111 for the locking tongue 52222 to be inserted and locked, and the second lever portion 52212 has a second locking groove 522121 for the locking tongue 52222 to be inserted and locked. By grasping the handle portion 52213, the cage door lever 5221 is pulled out of the cage door drive hole. The cage door lever 5221 drives the cage door body 521 to move, thus opening and closing the door. When the locking tongue 52222 is inserted into the first locking groove 522111, the cage door body 521 is completely separated from the connecting channel 51, the connecting channel 51 is open, and animals can freely enter and exit; when the locking tongue 52222 is inserted into the second locking groove 522121, the cage door body 521 completely covers the connecting channel 51, the connecting channel 51 is closed, and animals cannot enter or exit.
[0046] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The hygienic cleaning system 3 includes multiple liquid outlets 32 installed on the upper inner side of the cage side frame 12 and at least one liquid outlet pipe 31. The liquid outlet pipe 31 consists of a liquid outlet section 311 arranged horizontally relative to the cage base frame 11 and a connecting section 312 connected to the liquid outlet section 311. The end port of the connecting section 312 extends out of the cage frame 1 and is provided with a liquid inlet connector 3121 for easy connection and installation of an external liquid supply pipe. The liquid outlet section 311 is sequentially connected to the root of the liquid outlets 32 to provide cleaning fluid to the liquid outlets 32. Each liquid outlet 32 has an outlet 321 at its end, allowing the sprayed liquid to form a uniform fan shape, effectively covering the rinsing area. In this embodiment, the number of liquid outlet pipes 31 is one.
[0047] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The cage bottom plate 111 has a slightly raised center and slopes towards the edges, allowing liquids and waste to flow naturally to the surrounding areas under gravity. A ring-shaped drain trough 113 is installed close to the edge of the cage bottom plate 111. The top opening of the drain trough 113 connects to the edge of the cage bottom plate 111, and the bottom of the drain trough 113 is lower than the edge of the bottom plate, while the side wall height is not lower than the top surface of the bottom plate, allowing waste to flow smoothly into the trough and reducing the probability of overflow. The drain trough 113 has multiple drain holes 1131 spaced apart, and a drain pipe 1132 is provided along its length at the bottom. Each drain hole has a corresponding drain connector. Liquids and waste entering the drain holes 1131 can flow through the drain holes 1131 and drain connectors into the drain pipe 1132, and then be discharged from the drain pipe 1132 for collection and centralized treatment.
[0048] Reference Figure 1 The activity enrichment system 4 includes a lookout assembly 41 installed on the side frame 12 of the cage, a climbing assembly 42 located between the lookout assembly 41 and the bottom frame 11 of the cage, and multiple monitoring units 43 installed on the top frame 13 of the cage.
[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 The lookout assembly 41 includes a lookout platform 411 detachably mounted on the support crossbeam 123, a lookout frame 412 mounted on top of the lookout platform 411, and a lifting drive 413 for raising and lowering the lookout frame 412 relative to the lookout platform 411. The top of the lookout platform 411 slopes downwards from one side of the cage side frame 12 toward the cage, and the side near the support crossbeam 123 is detachably fixed to the support crossbeam 123 by a U-shaped clamp. The lifting drive 413 includes lifting screws 4131 respectively mounted at the four corners of the support crossbeam 123 and lifting nuts 4132 threadedly connected to the lifting screws 4131. The lookout platform 411 has lifting screw holes through which the lifting screws 4131 pass. The lifting screws 4131 are adjusted to rise and fall relative to the lookout platform 411, and then locked with the lifting nuts 4132 to lock the lookout frame 412 in the corresponding position. The lookout frame 412 is arranged with multiple lookout bars 4121 at intervals, which provide animals with gripping and perching points.
[0050] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5The climbing assembly 42 includes a climbing ladder 421 inclinedly mounted on the top of the cage base frame 11, a climbing platform 422 connected to the top of the climbing ladder 421, and a jumping platform 423 arranged on the upper side of the climbing platform 422. The jumping platform 423 is detachably mounted on the inner wall of the cage side frame 12, gradually rising along the inner wall of the cage side frame 12, facilitating animals to jump upwards step by step, eventually reaching the observation assembly 41. A visual barrier 424 is provided on the side of the climbing platform 422 facing the observation assembly 41. The visual barrier 424 is an opaque panel that provides privacy for the animals on the climbing platform 422.
[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both the climbing platform 422 and the jumping platform 423 are provided with multiple drainage holes 425. The size of the drainage holes 425 is not conducive to animals getting stuck when climbing, while at the same time, it allows dirt on the platform of the climbing platform 422 and the jumping platform 423 to be discharged from the drainage holes 425 to the bottom plate 111 of the cage.
[0052] Reference Figure 1 The resource supply system 2 includes a food supply device 21 and a water supply device 22 that can be detachably installed on the cage frame 1.
[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 The food supply device 21 includes a food supply box 211 and a food box mounting plate 212 for detachable installation of the food supply box 211. The food box mounting plate 212 is fixed at a specific height to the side frame 12 of the cage. The food supply box 211 has a feeding port 2111 on one side, multiple feeding ports 2112 for feeding animals on the other side, and multiple cleaning ports 2113 at the bottom. The feeding ports 2112 are spaced apart and vary in size.
[0054] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The food feeder 211 has a flexible baffle 2114 on the inner wall of the feeding opening 2112 to prevent food from falling. The edges of each feeding opening 2112 are polished to form smooth edges, facilitating animal feeding and reducing food waste. Cleaning openings 2113 are spaced apart at the bottom of the food feeder 211, allowing liquids in the food feeder 211 to flow out smoothly and reducing the probability of liquid accumulation in the food feeder 211.
[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6A locking structure 213 is provided between the food supply box 211 and the food box mounting plate 212. The locking structure 213 includes a fixed lock 2131 installed on the food box mounting plate 212 and a fixed buckle 2132 installed on the food supply box 211 and cooperating with the fixed lock 2131. The fixed lock 2131 includes a fixed lock housing 21311 and a fixed lock tongue 21312 movably arranged within the fixed lock housing 21311. The movable fixed lock tongue 21312 can extend out from the fixed lock housing 21311 and enter into the fixed buckle 2132 to complete the locking.
[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 The food supply box 211 has a balancing insert 2115 on the other side opposite to the fixing buckle 2132. The food box mounting plate 212 has a balancing slot 2121 corresponding to the balancing insert 2115 for insertion and engagement. When installing the food supply box 211, first insert the balancing insert 2115 into the balancing slot 2121, and then insert the fixing latch 21312 on the other side into the fixing lock housing 21311 to achieve support and locking of both ends of the food supply box 211.
[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 The water supply device 22 includes a water storage tank 221, a water circulation component 222 connected to the water storage tank 221, and a water tank mounting plate 223 for detachable installation of the water storage tank 221. The water tank mounting plate 223 is fixed to a specific position on the side frame 12 of the cage according to the feeding needs. The water circulation component 222 is a circulating water pump used to circulate and purify the water in the water storage tank 221. The top of the water storage tank 221 is provided with a water inlet pipe 2211 for replenishing the liquid in the water storage tank 221. The water storage tank 221 is connected to the water tank mounting plate 223 by fasteners, and the bottom of the water tank mounting plate 223 is provided with a water tank bracket 2231 for placing the water storage tank 221.
[0058] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 9 The water tank 221 has multiple drinking spouts 2212 along its length on the side facing the cage frame 1. Each drinking spout 2212 includes an elastic body 22121 and a water outlet slit 22122 at the end of the elastic body 22121. In its natural state, the water outlet slit 22122 remains closed under the action of the elastic body 22121; when an animal squeezes the drinking spout 22122 with its lips or other parts, the elastic body 22121 deforms under pressure, causing the water outlet slit 22122 to open, and the liquid in the water tank 221 flows out from the water outlet slit 22122.
[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 10At least one mounting rail 132 is installed on the lower side of the cage top frame 13. Each mounting rail 132 is equipped with at least one sliding trolley 133 that can slide along its length. "C"-shaped sliding guide grooves 1321 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting rail 132 along its length. Each sliding trolley 133 is equipped with a sliding roller 1331 that is rolled within the sliding guide groove 1321. When the trolley moves, the sliding roller 1331 can roll along the inner wall of the sliding guide groove 1321. In this embodiment, there are five mounting rails 132, and each mounting rail 132 has two sliding trolleys 133.
[0060] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The mounting rail 132 is equipped with a linear drive structure for driving the sliding carriage 133 to slide. The linear drive structure consists of a sliding screw 134 rotatably mounted on the mounting rail 132, a screw nut 135 mounted on the sliding carriage 133 and cooperating with the sliding screw 134, and a screw motor 136 driving the sliding screw 134 to rotate. When the screw motor 136 operates, it drives the sliding screw 134 to rotate, and the sliding screw nut 135 moves along the length of the sliding screw 134. When the screw motor 136 stops operating, the sliding screw 134 stops rotating, and the sliding carriage 133 stops.
[0061] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 A mounting block 1332 with a standard threaded hole and power interface is provided below the sliding trolley 133 as a universal interface. The monitoring unit 43 can be connected to the universal interface. The monitoring unit 43 includes a high-definition camera, a temperature sensor or humidity sensor, etc., for monitoring environmental data in the cage and the living conditions of the animals in the cage. According to monitoring needs, the sliding trolley 133 can be moved to monitor different areas, improving the accuracy and flexibility of monitoring. When it is necessary to observe specific animal behaviors, the sliding trolley 133 carrying the camera can be moved to the best observation position via remote control.
[0062] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12The activity enrichment system 4 also includes an olfactory enrichment device 44. The olfactory enrichment device 44 includes an odor chamber 441 connected to a universal interface and a timing mechanism 442 connected to the odor chamber 441. Each odor chamber 441 includes a venting body 4411, an odor release element installed within the venting body 4411, and a venting cover 4412 movably installed on the venting body 4411. A gas storage cavity is formed between the venting body 4411 and the venting cover 4412 for storing odors. The venting body 4411 has a venting hole 44111 on its wall facing the venting cover 4412. The timing mechanism 442 includes a drive motor 4421 and a drive linkage 4422 that drives the drive motor 4421 and the edge of the venting cover 4412. The drive motor 4421 drives the drive linkage 4422 to drive the vent cover 4412 to open and close at a set time, so as to automatically release the odor gas in the box at a set time.
[0063] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 11 The activity enrichment system 4 also includes functional ornaments such as abrasion-resistant strings 45 connected to the bottom of the sliding cart 133 and a hanging mirror 46. One end of the abrasion-resistant strings 45 is connected to the sliding cart 133, while the other end hangs down naturally. These strings are made of strings of toys of different shapes, allowing animals to grasp, pull, and chew on them, satisfying their oral exploration needs. The hanging mirror 46 is made of a stainless steel frame and a shatterproof safety mirror, providing visual stimulation.
[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 13 In this application embodiment, the combined non-human primate rearing cage is typically used in conjunction with a standard laboratory monkey cage 6. Two standard laboratory monkey cages 6 are stacked vertically and installed on the side frame 12 of the rearing cage with the connecting channel 51, so that the entrances of the two standard laboratory monkey cages 6 can communicate with the connecting channel 51. When the connecting cage door 52 on the side frame 12 slides open, the animal in the rearing cage can enter the standard laboratory monkey cage 6 through the connecting channel 51.
[0065] Combination Figures 1 to 13The implementation principle of a combined non-human primate rearing cage according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: The cage base frame 11, support frame 122, support plate 121, support crossbar 123, and cage top frame 13 are connected to form a complete cage frame 1; a sliding door slide rail 114 is fixed on the cage base frame 11 at the bottom of the connecting channel 51, and the sliding door groove 5211 connecting the cage door 52 is fitted into it, and the cage door rod and cage door lock 5222 are connected; a sewage trough plate 113 is installed on the edge of the cage base plate 111, and a sewage pipe 1132 is connected; an outlet pipe 31 and an outlet head 32 are installed on the upper part of the cage side frame 12; and a lookout assembly 41 and a climbing assembly are connected. 42 is installed on the side frame 12 of the cage. The height of the observation frame 412 is adjusted, and the positions of the climbing ladder frame 421, climbing platform 422, jumping platform 423 and visual barrier 424 are adjusted respectively to facilitate animal movement. The mounting rail 132 is fixed to the lower side of the top frame 13 of the cage. The sliding trolley 133 with sliding rollers 1331 is assembled and connected to the sliding screw 134 and the screw motor 136. Finally, the monitoring unit 43 or the olfactory enrichment device 44 is installed on the universal interface of the sliding trolley 133. The food box mounting plate 212 and the water tank mounting plate 223 are fixed to the side frame 12 of the cage and the food supply box 211 and the water tank 221 are hung respectively. The resource supply module is fixed with a mounting plate to a food box and a water tank 221 that can be quickly disassembled; the side of the cage frame 1 of the feeding cage is connected to the standard experimental monkey cage 6, so that the connecting channel 51 of the feeding cage is aligned with the opening of the standard experimental monkey cage 6, and the connecting cage door 52 is opened so that the animal can pass through the connecting channel 51 into the standard experimental monkey cage 6.
[0066] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A modular non-human primate rearing cage, characterized in that, The system includes a cage frame (1), a resource supply system (2), a hygiene and cleaning system (3), an activity enrichment system (4), and a connection management system (5). The cage frame (1) includes a cage base frame (11), a cage top frame (13), and a cage side frame (12). The resource supply system (2) includes a food supply device (21) and a water supply device (22) that are detachably installed on the cage frame (1). The connection management system (5) includes a connection channel (51) opened on the cage side frame (12) and a connection cage door (52) that is movably installed on the cage side frame (12) and used to change the opening and closing state of the connection channel (51). The activity enrichment system (4) includes a lookout component (41) installed on the cage side frame (12), a climbing component (42) located between the lookout component (41) and the cage base frame (11), and multiple monitoring units (43) installed on the cage top frame (13).
2. The combined non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage side frame (12) includes a support frame (122) and a plurality of support crossbeams (123) connected between the support frames (122); the lookout assembly (41) includes a lookout platform (411) detachably mounted on the support crossbeams (123), a lookout frame (412) mounted on the top of the lookout platform (411), and a lifting drive (413) for driving the lookout frame (412) to rise and fall relative to the lookout platform (411); the lookout frame (412) is arranged with a plurality of lookout crossbeams (4121) for animals to grasp.
3. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The climbing assembly (42) includes a climbing ladder (421) that is inclinedly installed on the top of the cage base frame (11), a climbing platform (422) connected to the top of the climbing ladder (421), and a jumping platform (423) arranged on the upper side of the climbing platform (422); the jumping platform (423) is provided with at least one and is detachably installed on the inner wall of the cage side frame (12); the climbing platform (422) has a visual barrier (424) on the side facing the observation assembly (41).
4. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 3, characterized in that, The observation platform (411) slopes downward toward the cage from one side of the cage side frame (12); the climbing platform (422) and the jumping platform (423) are both provided with multiple drainage holes (425); the cage base frame (11) includes a cage base plate (111) with a high center and a bottom around the perimeter; the sanitation and cleaning system (3) includes a drainage trough plate (113) installed on the side of the cage base plate (111), a drainage pipe (1132) connected to the bottom of the drainage trough plate, and an outlet head (32) installed on the cage side frame (12); the drainage trough plate (113) is provided with multiple drainage holes (1131) at intervals; the bottom of the drainage trough plate (113) is lower than the edge of the cage base plate (111) and the side is not lower than the top surface height of the cage base plate (111).
5. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hygienic cleaning system (3) further includes at least one liquid outlet pipe (31) installed on the side frame (12) of the cage; the liquid outlet pipe (31) is connected in sequence to the liquid outlet head (32) to provide cleaning fluid to the liquid outlet head (32); the liquid outlet pipe (31) includes a liquid outlet section (311) arranged horizontally relative to the bottom frame (11) of the cage and a connecting section (312) connected to the liquid outlet section (311); the end of the connecting section (312) extends out of the cage frame (1) and is provided with a liquid inlet; each liquid outlet head (32) is provided with a liquid outlet (321) for liquid to be sprayed out at its end.
6. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The food supply device (21) includes a food supply box (211) and a food box mounting plate (212) for the food supply box (211) to be detachably installed; the food supply box (211) has a feeding port (2111), a feeding port (2112) for feeding animals, and a cleaning port (2113) at the bottom; there are multiple feeding ports (2112) with different sizes; the inner wall of the food supply box (211) located at the feeding port (2112) is provided with a flexible baffle (2114) to prevent food from falling; the edge of each feeding port (2112) is designed to be a rounded edge.
7. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply device (22) includes a water storage tank (221), a water circulation component (222) connected to the water storage tank (221), and a water tank mounting plate (223) for detachable installation of the water storage tank (221). The water storage tank (221) has a plurality of drinking nozzles (2212) along its length on the side facing the cage frame (1). Each drinking nozzle (2212) includes an elastic body (22121) and a water outlet slit (22122) opened at the end of the elastic body (22121). The water outlet slit (22122) is normally closed under the action of the elastic body (22121). The elastic body (22121) can be opened by deforming under pressure.
8. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one mounting slide rail (132) is installed on the lower side of the cage top frame (13); each mounting slide rail (132) is equipped with at least one sliding trolley (133) that can slide along its length direction; the mounting slide rail (132) is provided with sliding guide grooves (1321) symmetrically arranged on both sides along the length direction; the sliding trolley (133) is provided with sliding rollers (1331) that are rolled in the sliding guide grooves (1321); the mounting slide rail (132) is provided with a linear drive structure for driving the sliding trolley (133) to slide; a universal interface is provided below the sliding trolley (133); the monitoring unit (43) can be connected to the universal interface.
9. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 8, characterized in that, The active enrichment system (4) further includes an olfactory enrichment device (44); the olfactory enrichment device (44) includes an odor box (441) connected to the universal interface and a timing mechanism (442) connected to the odor box (441); each odor box (441) includes a venting box (4411) and a venting cover (4412) movably installed on the venting box (4411); an air storage cavity is formed between the venting box (4411) and the venting cover (4412); the venting box (4411) has a venting hole (44111) on its box wall facing the venting cover (4412); the timing mechanism (442) drives the venting cover (4412) to open and close at set times to automatically release the odor material in the box at a set time.
10. A modular non-human primate rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage frame (1) is provided with a sliding door slide (114) at the bottom of the connecting channel (51); the bottom of the connecting cage door (52) is provided with a sliding door groove (5211) that cooperates with the sliding door slide (114); the connecting cage door (52) includes a cage door body (521) and a cage door drive component (522) connected to the cage door body (521) and driving the cage door body (521) to move along the sliding door slide (114); the cage door drive component (522) includes a cage door rod (5221) with one end connected to the cage door body (521) and a cage door lock (5222) installed on the cage frame (1) for locking the cage door rod (5221).