Intelligent cage feeding management device for experimental animals and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals and its control method, belonging to the field of laboratory animal feeding and management technology. It aims to solve the problems of existing laboratory animal cage separation methods, which require manual separation of weighing and cage separation, lack of continuity, and susceptibility to confusion and misalignment. The device includes a sorting box, a feeding box, a sealing component, a weighing component, a selection component, and a cage-separating component. The feeding box is fixed to one side of the sorting box, and the sealing component is set on top of a fixed rectangular plate. The weighing component and the sealing component work together to achieve individual weighing of each animal. The selection component automatically adjusts the guide angle according to the animal's weight to achieve flow separation. The cage-separating component enables smooth animal transport and rapid cage replacement. All components work together to achieve automatic weighing and cage separation without additional manual intervention, improving cage separation efficiency and accuracy, and adapting to the needs of large-scale laboratory animal feeding and management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laboratory animal husbandry and management technology, and in particular to an intelligent cage-separating and husbandry management device for laboratory animals and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In the husbandry and management of laboratory animals, separate housing is a crucial step in ensuring experimental accuracy and the quality of life for the animals. Laboratory animals of different weights and growth stages need to be housed separately to avoid uneven living environments and data discrepancies caused by individual differences. Currently, the separation of laboratory animals is mainly done manually. Staff must first weigh each animal individually and then place it into its corresponding cage based on the weight.

[0003] In the aforementioned process, the weighing and cage separation of animals are independent operations, requiring the coordinated efforts of multiple staff members. During these operations, animals are prone to agitation and escape, leading to inaccurate weighing data. Furthermore, animal confusion and incorrect placement are common problems during cage separation. In addition, continuous cage separation is difficult to achieve manually; each separation requires preparing new cages and adjusting the operational procedures, resulting in insufficient continuity in the cage separation process and making it unsuitable for the large-scale husbandry and management needs of laboratory animals.

[0004] Meanwhile, the existing cage separation method lacks an effective error prevention mechanism. After one animal is separated, if the barrier structure is not adjusted in time, multiple animals may enter the separation channel at the same time, further affecting the efficiency and accuracy of cage separation. After cage separation, the replacement process of the feeding cages lacks corresponding positioning and locking structures, which can easily lead to problems such as the feeding cages not being installed securely or misalignment with the cage separation channel, increasing the subsequent workload of feeding management. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the need for manual separation and weighing of laboratory animals, insufficient continuity, and susceptibility to confusion and misalignment, by proposing an intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device and its control method for laboratory animals.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A smart cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals includes a sorting box, a feeding box, a sealing component, a weighing component, a selection component, and a cage-separating component; The delivery box is fixed to one side of the sorting box. An entrance is opened on the top of the delivery box. One side of the sorting box is connected to the entrance, and two exits are opened on the other side of the sorting box. Two support plates II are fixed to the inner wall of the sorting box near the feeding box, forming an animal passage between the two support plates II. A fixed rectangular plate is fixed to one side of the lower support plate II. The blocking assembly is located on top of the fixed rectangular plate to prevent multiple animals from entering at the same time; The weighing component is located on one side of the fixed rectangular plate and is used to weigh the animal and lock it in conjunction with the sealing component. The selection component is located on the inner wall of the sorting box and is used to select the discharge location based on the animal's weight. The cage separation component is located on the side of the sorting box away from the delivery box. It is used to separate animals into different cages. After the animals enter through the entrance, they are weighed and separated into different cages in sequence through the sealing component, weighing component, selection component and cage separation component to avoid confusion.

[0007] In one possible design, the blocking assembly includes two fixed shafts symmetrically fixed to the top of a fixed rectangular plate. A blocking gate plate is rotatably sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft. A limit cover is fixed to the top of the fixed shaft. A torsion spring II is provided between the top of the blocking gate plate and the bottom of the limit cover. The torsion spring II is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft, and its two ends are fixed to the top of the blocking gate plate and the bottom of the limit cover, respectively. When an animal pushes the blocking gate plate to rotate around the fixed shaft, the torsion spring II is torsion-torsional. After the animal passes through, the torsion spring II drives the blocking gate plate to reset, thereby temporarily blocking subsequent animals.

[0008] In one possible design, the weighing assembly includes a horizontal hole on one side of the bottom of a fixed rectangular plate, a vertical hole II on the top of the fixed rectangular plate, the bottom of the vertical hole II communicating with one side of the top of the horizontal hole, a circular shaft rotatably connected inside the fixed rectangular plate, a spur gear fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the circular shaft, a rack I slidably connected inside the horizontal hole, a limit plate slidably passing through the vertical hole II, the bottom of the limit plate being fixedly connected to the top of the rack I, grooves on both sides of the sorting box, sliding blocks slidably connected inside the grooves, a common weighing plate fixedly connected between the two sliding blocks, a common return spring between the bottom of the sliding blocks and the bottom inner wall of the groove, a rack II fixedly connected to one side of the bottom of the weighing plate, the rack II meshing with the spur gear, when an animal is placed on the weighing plate, the weighing plate moves down, and the limit plate moves up through the linkage of rack II, spur gear, and rack I, thereby locking the sealing assembly.

[0009] In one possible design, the selection assembly includes a rotating shaft II, a fixed block, and a circular rod that slides through the fixed block. The fixed block is fixed between two rotating shafts II, which are fixed to the inner wall of one side of the sorting box. A cylinder is fixed to the top of the circular rod, extending above the fixed block. A limiting block is fixed to the bottom of the circular rod. A tension spring I is provided between the top of the limiting block and the bottom of the fixed block, and the tension spring I is sleeved on the outer wall of the circular rod. A rotating seat is rotatably sleeved on the top of the cylinder, and a guide ramp is fixed to the top of the rotating seat. A rotating shaft I is rotatably connected between the inner walls of both sides of the sorting box. The rotating shaft I is fixedly inserted through one end of the guide ramp, and an arc-shaped baffle is fixed to one end of the guide ramp. A rectangular hole II and a rectangular hole I are provided on the arc-shaped baffle. The rectangular hole II is used in conjunction with the animal passage between the two support plates II, and the rectangular hole I is used in conjunction with the outlet.

[0010] In one possible design, vertical holes I are provided on both sides of the sorting box. A sliding shaft slides through the vertical hole I. The same sliding rectangular block is fixed between the two sliding shafts. A pawl is rotatably sleeved on the outer wall of the sliding shaft. The same torsion spring I is provided between one side of the pawl and one side of the sorting box. The pawl meshes with a ratchet fixed to the outside of the rotating shaft I. A side plate is fixed to the top side of the sliding rectangular block. The side plate is fixed to the bottom side of the weighing plate. When the weighing plate moves down significantly, it drives the sliding rectangular block down, causing the pawl to disengage from the ratchet and releasing the braking state of the guide ramp.

[0011] In one possible design, a clearance groove is provided on one side of the top of the fixed block, and a sliding cross plate is slidably connected inside the clearance groove. An extension plate is fixed to one side of the bottom of the sliding cross plate. A tension spring II is provided between one side of the extension plate and one side of the fixed block. A side hole is provided at the end of the sliding cross plate away from the fixed block. An arc-shaped protrusion slides through the side hole. A compression spring II is provided between one side of the arc-shaped protrusion and the inner wall of one side of the side hole. One end of the arc-shaped protrusion abuts against one side of the sliding rectangular block to fix the position of the sliding rectangular block and prevent it from accidentally resetting.

[0012] In one possible design, the cage assembly includes two inclined hollow boxes, which are respectively connected to two outlets and fixed to one side of the sorting box. A rectangular notch II is opened on one side of the inclined hollow box, and a diversion pipe is fixed to one side of the inclined hollow box. The rectangular notch II is connected to one end of the diversion pipe, and multiple rectangular notches I are opened on one side of the diversion pipe. A sliding vertical plate slides through the rectangular notch I, and a plug rod is fixed to one side of the sliding vertical plate. The assembly also includes a feeding cage, which has a rectangular hole III on one side. Limiting rails are fixed to the inner walls of both sides of the rectangular hole III. A sliding door plate is slidably connected between the two limiting rails. Multiple insertion holes are opened inside the sliding door plate. The insertion holes are used in conjunction with the plug rod to realize the quick fixing and replacement of the feeding cage.

[0013] In one possible design, the diversion pipe is fixedly connected to the inclined hollow box by welding, the limiting track is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rectangular hole III by bolts, a connecting plate I is fixedly connected to the bottom of one side of the guide inclined plate, and arc-shaped blocks are fixedly connected to both ends of the connecting plate I. Arc-shaped holes are opened on both sides of the sorting box, and the arc-shaped blocks slide through the arc-shaped holes to limit the rotation range of the guide inclined plate and ensure its stable operation.

[0014] A method for intelligent cage-separation and management of laboratory animals, applied to the aforementioned intelligent cage-separation and management equipment for laboratory animals, specifically includes the following steps: S1. The animal enters the sorting box through the entrance of the feeding box, pushes the blocking door to rotate around the fixed axis and twists the torsion spring II, and then the blocking door resets after passing through. S2. The animal is placed on the weighing plate and moves downward. The linkage limit plate moves upward to lock the blocking door plate. The animal moves through the weighing plate to the guide ramp. S3. Based on the weight, switch the outlet by selecting the component, and enter the feeding cage through the tilted hollow box and diversion pipe. Close the sliding door to complete the fixation. After changing the feeding cage, each component resets under the action of the spring, and the next cage separation operation is carried out.

[0015] In this application, when in use, the small animals to be sorted can be sent into the interior of the entrance with the help of the conveyor belt. The animals slide down between the two support plates II. At this time, the animals will push the blocking gate plate. The blocking gate plate rotates on the outer wall of the fixed shaft and twists the torsion spring II. At this time, the animals can pass through the two blocking gate plates and move to the top of the fixed rectangular plate and the weighing plate. At this time, the blocking gate plate is reset under the torsion of the torsion spring II. When the animal moves above the weighing plate, its weight causes the weighing plate to move downwards. The weighing plate then moves the sliding block downwards, which in turn compresses the reset spring. This causes the weighing plate to move rack II downwards, which in turn drives the spur gear to rotate. The spur gear then drives rack I to rotate, and rack I moves the limit plate upwards. After passing through vertical hole II, the limit plate moves to one side of the two reset blocking gates to prevent the blocking gates from opening and preventing subsequent animals from entering normally. After the animal moves from the surface of the weighing plate to the surface of the guide ramp, it moves through rectangular hole I to the appropriate support plate I, and finally slides out through the outlet. After entering the interior of the diversion tube through rectangular notch II, it enters the interior of the feeding cage through rectangular notch I and rectangular hole III. After the animal enters, the sliding door can be pressed upwards. The sliding door closes rectangular hole III through the insertion hole, and the engagement of the insertion hole and the insertion rod drives the sliding vertical plate to close the corresponding rectangular notch I. At this time, the feeding cage can be pushed horizontally to separate the insertion rod from the insertion hole. At this time, the feeding cage can be replaced and a new feeding cage can be placed. It is convenient to use. If the animal is too heavy, the weighing plate will drop significantly. The weighing plate will cause the ratchet to move down, the ratchet to move the sliding rectangular block down, the sliding rectangular block to move the sliding shaft on one side down, and the sliding shaft to disengage the pawl from the ratchet. At this time, the braking state of the guide ramp is released, and the sliding rectangular block moves to the bottom of one side of the sliding horizontal plate. The arc-shaped protrusion extends under the elastic force of the compression spring II, which can lock the sliding rectangular block and prevent it from resetting. At this point, after the animal moves to the surface of the guide ramp, it will press down on the guide ramp. The guide ramp will drive the cylinder to move down, and the cylinder will drive the limiting block to move down and stretch the tension spring I. At the same time, the arc-shaped baffle will rotate, and the rectangular hole II will no longer be connected, thus blocking subsequent animals again. The rectangular hole I is connected to an outlet below, ensuring that the animal can move from the outlet below to the inclined hollow box below, thus achieving the sorting of animals of different weights. After the animal is removed, the tension of spring I will cause the cylinder to reset. At this time, the cylinder vibrates more after reset, which will cause the rod to move upward. When the rod moves to one end of the sliding cross plate, the sliding cross plate will be pulled to one side by spring II. One end of the sliding cross plate slides along the inside of the relief groove and moves below spring I. At this time, the arc-shaped protrusion disengages from the sliding rectangular block, the sliding rectangular block resets normally, and the pawl engages with the ratchet. The guide ramp continues to move downward. During the downward movement, the ratchet rotates normally. When it moves to the initial height, spring I will push one end of the sliding cross plate to help the sliding cross plate continue to move to the side of the sliding rectangular block. At this time, spring I abuts against the side of the sliding cross plate, the device resets, and the limit plate moves downward to ensure that the blocking gate can open normally for the next sorting.

[0016] Beneficial effects: This application achieves integrated operation of weighing and separating experimental animals by setting up a sorting box, a feeding box, a sealing component, a weighing component, a selection component, and a cage separation component. The automatic sorting and cage separation of animals can be completed without additional manual intervention, which effectively improves the continuity and efficiency of the cage separation work.

[0017] The blocking component automatically resets and blocks an animal once it enters the sorting channel, preventing multiple animals from entering simultaneously. This ensures that each animal can be weighed and sorted individually, guaranteeing the accuracy of weighing data and the orderly operation of cage separation. The torsion spring II enables the blocking gate to reset automatically without the need for an additional drive structure, simplifying the component's operating logic and reducing the equipment's operating load.

[0018] The weighing assembly, through the cooperation of a weighing plate, rack II, spur gear, rack I, and a limiting plate, can simultaneously lock the blocking assembly during animal weighing. When an animal has not been sorted, the limiting plate remains in a blocking state against the barrier gate, preventing subsequent animals from entering and interfering with the current sorting process. This linkage between weighing and blocking actions enhances the equipment's automation and coordination capabilities. The return spring allows the weighing plate to quickly reset, preparing for the weighing of the next animal and further improving cage separation efficiency.

[0019] The selection component can automatically adjust the angle of the guide ramp according to the animal's weight, enabling the separation of animals of different weights. When the animal's weight is within the normal range, the guide ramp maintains a fixed angle, and the animal is separated into its corresponding exit. When the animal is too heavy, the significant downward movement of the weighing plate will release the braking state of the guide ramp, and the animal's own weight will drive the guide ramp to rotate, switching to the corresponding exit. This achieves precise sorting of animals of different weights and meets the differentiated needs of cage-rearing of laboratory animals.

[0020] The combination of tension spring I, tension spring II, and compression spring II enables the automatic reset of the selection components. After the animals are separated into cages, each component can quickly return to its initial state without manual adjustment, ensuring that the equipment can continuously perform cage separation operations. The cooperation between the arc-shaped protrusion and the sliding rectangular block can maintain the stability of the sliding rectangular block during animal sorting, preventing accidental reset that could affect the sorting effect and improving the stability of the equipment operation.

[0021] The cage separation assembly, through the cooperation of an inclined hollow box, a diversion pipe, and a feeding cage, ensures smooth animal transport from the sorting box to the feeding cage, preventing jamming or injury during transport. The sliding door, insertion holes, and insertion rods work together to quickly close the cage separation channel and secure the feeding cage after an animal enters, preventing escape and facilitating rapid cage replacement, thus reducing subsequent workload in animal husbandry. The limiting rail design ensures smooth sliding of the door, guaranteeing the airtightness and reliability of the cage separation channel closure.

[0022] All components of the equipment work together without complicated operating procedures. Staff only need to put the animals to be sorted into the feeding box to complete the subsequent weighing, sorting and cage separation operations, which greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor, while improving the accuracy and efficiency of cage separation. It can meet the needs of large-scale laboratory animal husbandry and management, and provides reliable equipment support for laboratory animal husbandry and management. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device and its control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention; Figure 2This is an exploded view of the feeding cage and the tilted hollow box in the intelligent cage-separated feeding and management device and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the sorting box in the intelligent cage-separating feeding and management device and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the sorting box in the intelligent cage-separating feeding and management device and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the arc-shaped baffle and sliding rectangular block in the intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the fixing block and cylinder in the intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the sliding crossbar and the fixing block in an intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device and its control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the weighing plate and the fixed rectangular plate in the intelligent cage-separating feeding and management device and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention; Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the door panel and the fixed rectangular plate in the intelligent cage-separating and feeding management equipment and control method for experimental animals proposed in this invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Sorting box; 2. Feeding box; 3. Feeding cage; 4. Diverter pipe; 5. Inclined hollow box; 6. Sliding door panel; 7. Insertion hole; 8. Rectangular hole III; 9. Rectangular notch I; 10. Sliding vertical plate; 11. Insertion rod; 12. Rectangular notch II; 13. Limiting rail; 14. Exit; 15. Inlet; 16. Arc-shaped block; 17. Arc-shaped hole; 18. Vertical hole I; 19. Sliding shaft; 20. Ratchet; 21. Limiting round block; 22. Support plate I; 23. Guide inclined plate; 24. Weighing plate; 25. Support plate II; 26. Fixed rectangular plate; 27. Rectangular hole I; 28. Rectangular hole II; 29. ​​Arc-shaped baffle; 30. Side plate; 31. 31. Rotating shaft I; 32. Sliding rectangular block; 33. Sliding horizontal plate; 34. Rotating shaft II; 35. Fixed block; 36. Cylinder; 37. Rotating seat; 38. Tension spring I; 39. Round rod; 40. Pawl; 41. Torsion spring I; 42. Arc-shaped protrusion; 43. Compression spring II; 44. Tension spring II; 45. Side hole; 46. Extension plate; 47. Leaving groove; 48. Blocking door plate; 49. Rack II; 50. Return spring; 51. Connecting plate I; 52. Sliding block; 53. Limiting cover; 54. Torsion spring II; 55. Vertical hole II; 56. Horizontal hole; 57. Spur gear; 58. Rack I; 59. Round shaft; 60. Limiting plate; 61. Fixed shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0026] In one embodiment: Refer to Figure 1-9 The management equipment of this application mainly consists of a sorting box 1, a feeding box 2, a sealing component, a weighing component, a selection component, and a cage separation component. The components work together to achieve automatic weighing and cage separation of experimental animals. Preferably, the sorting box 1 is made of stainless steel, the feeding box 2 is made of engineering plastic, and the weighing plate 24 is made of aluminum alloy to ensure the stability and durability of the equipment. The feeding box 2 is fixedly installed on one side of the sorting box 1. An entrance 15 is opened at the top of the feeding box 2. One side of the sorting box 1 is connected to the entrance 15. Two outlets 14 are opened on the other side of the sorting box 1. Two support plates II 25 are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the side of the sorting box 1 closest to the feeding box 2. The gap between the two support plates II 25 is used for animals to pass through. A fixed rectangular plate 26 is fixedly installed on one side of the lower support plate II 25. A sealing component is set at the top of the fixed rectangular plate 26. A weighing component is set on one side of the fixed rectangular plate 26. A rotating shaft II 34 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the sorting box 1. The same fixing block 35 is fixedly installed between the two rotating shafts II 34. A selection component is set inside the fixing block 35. A cage separation component is set on the side of the sorting box 1 away from the feeding box 2.

[0027] The blocking assembly includes two symmetrically arranged fixed shafts 61 fixedly connected to the top of the fixed rectangular plate 26. A blocking gate plate 48 is rotatably sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft 61. A limiting cover 53 is fixedly installed on the top of the fixed shaft 61. A torsion spring II 54 is provided between the top of the blocking gate plate 48 and the bottom of the limiting cover 53. The torsion spring II 54 is sleeved on the fixed shaft 61. Specifically, one end of the torsion spring II 54 is fixedly connected to the top of the blocking gate plate 48, and the other end is fixedly connected to the bottom of the limiting cover 53. When an animal enters between the two support plates II 25, it will push the blocking gate plate 48. The blocking gate plate 48 rotates on the outer wall of the fixed shaft 61 and torsional the torsion spring II 54. After the animal passes through, the blocking gate plate 48 resets under the torsion of the torsion spring II 54, thus temporarily blocking subsequent animals.

[0028] The weighing assembly includes a horizontal hole 56 on one side of the bottom of a fixed rectangular plate 26, a vertical hole II 55 on the top of the fixed rectangular plate 26, the bottom of the vertical hole II 55 being connected to one side of the top of the horizontal hole 56, a rotating shaft 59 inside the fixed rectangular plate 26, a spur gear 57 fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the shaft 59, a rack I 58 slidably connected inside the horizontal hole 56, a limiting plate 60 slidably passing through the vertical hole II 55, the bottom of the limiting plate 60 being fixedly connected to the top of the rack I 58, and the limiting plate 60 being used to block the blocking gate 48. Sliding grooves are provided on both inner walls of the sorting box 1, sliding blocks 52 are slidably connected inside the sliding grooves, and the same weighing plate 24 is fixedly installed between the two sliding blocks 52. The bottom of the sliding block 52 is connected to the bottom inner wall of the sliding groove. A single reset spring 50 is used. A rack II 49 is fixedly installed on one side of the bottom of the weighing plate 24. The rack II 49 meshes with the spur gear 57. In order to realize the linkage between animal weighing and the locking of the sealing component, when the animal moves above the weighing plate 24, the weight of the animal will drive the weighing plate 24 to move down. The weighing plate 24 drives the sliding block 52 to move down. The sliding block 52 squeezes the reset spring 50. At the same time, the weighing plate 24 drives the rack II 49 to move down. The rack II 49 drives the spur gear 57 to rotate. The spur gear 57 drives the rack I 58 to move. The rack I 58 drives the limit plate 60 to move up. After passing through the vertical hole II 55, the limit plate 60 moves to one side of the two reset blocking gates 48 to prevent the blocking gates 48 from opening and prevent subsequent animals from entering and interfering with the current sorting process.

[0029] The selection components include a circular rod 39 that slides through the interior of a fixed block 35, a cylinder 36 fixedly mounted on the top of the circular rod 39, the top of the cylinder 36 extending above the fixed block 35, a limiting block 21 fixedly mounted on the bottom of the circular rod 39, a tension spring I 38 provided between the top of the limiting block 21 and the bottom of the fixed block 35, the tension spring I 38 being sleeved on the circular rod 39, a rotating seat 37 rotatably mounted on the top of the cylinder 36, a guide ramp 23 fixedly mounted on the top of the rotating seat 37, and a rotatable connection between the inner walls of the two sides of the sorting box 1. A rotating shaft I31 is fixedly installed through one end of a guide ramp 23. An arc-shaped baffle 29 is fixedly installed at one end of the guide ramp 23. A rectangular hole II28 and a rectangular hole I27 are opened on the arc-shaped baffle 29. The rectangular hole II28 is used to fit with the clearance between the two support plates II25, and the rectangular hole I27 is used to fit with the outlet 14. Two support plates I22 are fixedly installed on one side of the inner wall of the sorting box 1. The support plates I22 are located at the bottom of one side of the outlet 14. A ratchet 20 is fixedly installed on the outside of the rotating shaft I31. One end of the guide ramp 23... A connecting plate I51 is fixedly installed on the bottom side. Arc-shaped blocks 16 are fixedly installed at both ends of the connecting plate I51. Arc-shaped holes 17 are opened on both sides of the sorting box 1. Arc-shaped blocks 16 slide through the arc-shaped holes 17. Furthermore, vertical holes I18 are opened on both sides of the sorting box 1. A sliding shaft 19 slides through the interior of the vertical hole I18. The same sliding rectangular block 32 is fixedly installed between the two sliding shafts 19. A pawl 40 is rotatably sleeved on the outer wall of the sliding shaft 19. A torsion spring I41 for resetting is set between one side of the pawl 40 and one side of the sorting box 1. The pawl 40 engages with the ratchet 20. A side plate 30 is fixedly installed on the top side of the sliding rectangular block 32. The side plate 30 is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the weighing plate 24. When the animal's weight is within the normal range, the weighing plate 24 moves down a small distance. The sliding rectangular block 32 drives the pawl 40 to maintain engagement with the ratchet 20. The guide ramp 23 maintains a fixed angle. The animal moves through the weighing plate 24 to the surface of the guide ramp 23, then moves through the rectangular hole I 27 to the appropriate support plate I 22, and finally slides out through the outlet 14.

[0030] Furthermore, a clearance groove 47 is provided on one side of the top of the fixed block 35. A sliding cross plate 33 is slidably connected inside the clearance groove 47. An extension plate 46 is fixedly installed on one side of the bottom of the sliding cross plate 33. A tension spring II 44 is provided between one side of the extension plate 46 and one side of the fixed block 35. A side hole 45 is provided at the end of the sliding cross plate 33 away from the fixed block 35. An arc-shaped protrusion 42 slides through the inside of the side hole 45. A compression spring II 43 is provided between one side of the arc-shaped protrusion 42 and one side of the inner wall of the side hole 45. One end of the arc-shaped protrusion 42 abuts against one side of the sliding rectangular block 32. When the animal's weight is too heavy, it will cause the weighing plate 24 to drop sharply. The weighing plate 24 drives the sliding rectangular block 32 to move down through the side plate 30. The sliding rectangular block 32 drives the sliding shafts 19 on both sides to move down. The sliding shafts 19 drive the pawl. 40 disengages from ratchet 20, releasing the brake on guide ramp 23. Simultaneously, sliding rectangular block 32 moves to the bottom of one side of sliding horizontal plate 33. Arc-shaped protrusion 42 extends under the elastic force of compression spring II 43, locking sliding rectangular block 32 and preventing it from resetting. At this time, after the animal moves to the surface of guide ramp 23, it will press down on guide ramp 23. Guide ramp 23 drives cylinder 36 to move down, and cylinder 36 drives limiting block 21 to move down and stretch tension spring I 38. At the same time, arc-shaped baffle 29 rotates with guide ramp 23. Rectangular hole II 28 is no longer connected to the gap between the two support plates II 25, blocking subsequent animals again. Rectangular hole I 27 is connected to an outlet 14 below, ensuring that the animal can move from the outlet 14 below to the inclined hollow box 5 below, realizing the sorting of animals of different weights.

[0031] The sorting assembly includes two inclined hollow boxes 5 fixedly installed on one side of the sorting box 1. The two inclined hollow boxes 5 are respectively connected to two outlets 14. A rectangular notch II 12 is opened on one side of each inclined hollow box 5. A diversion pipe 4 is fixedly installed on one side of each inclined hollow box 5. The rectangular notch II 12 is connected to one end of the diversion pipe 4. Multiple rectangular notches I 9 are opened on one side of the diversion pipe 4. A sliding vertical plate 10 slides through the interior of each rectangular notch I 9. A rod 11 is fixedly installed on one side of the sliding vertical plate 10. The assembly also includes a feeding cage 3. A rectangular hole III8 is opened on one side of the cage 3. Limiting rails 13 are fixedly installed on the inner walls of both sides of the rectangular hole III8. A sliding door panel 6 is slidably connected between the two limiting rails 13. Multiple insertion holes 7 are opened inside the sliding door panel 6, which are used in conjunction with insertion rods 11. Specifically, the diversion pipe 4 and the inclined hollow box 5 are fixedly connected by welding, and the limiting rails 13 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rectangular hole III8 by bolts. After the animal slides out of the outlet 14, it enters the interior of the diversion pipe 4 through the rectangular notch II12, and then passes through the rectangular notch II12... The animal enters the interior of the feeding cage 3 through the rectangular opening I9 and rectangular hole III8. After the animal enters, the sliding door 6 is pressed upwards, and the sliding door 6 closes the rectangular opening III8 through the insertion hole 7. At the same time, the engagement of the insertion hole 7 and the insertion rod 11 causes the sliding vertical plate 10 to close the corresponding rectangular notch I9. At this time, the feeding cage 3 is pushed horizontally to separate the insertion rod 11 from the insertion hole 7, so that the feeding cage 3 can be replaced. A new feeding cage 3 can then be placed for continued use. The opening of the chute is equipped with a dust baffle to prevent dust and debris from entering the chute. The horizontal hole 56 and the vertical hole 58 are... All openings of hole II 55 are equipped with sealing sleeves; dustproof sealing rings are provided at the rotating connections of sliding shaft 19, round shaft 59, rotating shaft I 31, and rotating shaft II 34. All surfaces of sliding parts are coated with wear-resistant grease to reduce the impact of dust and debris on the operation of the parts. This device requires regular application of wear-resistant grease to all sliding parts, regular cleaning of dust and debris in the slide groove, horizontal hole 56, vertical hole 55, and gaps between parts, and regular inspection of the elasticity of each spring. Fatigued or deformed springs should be replaced in time to ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0032] Based on this, the equipment can be automatically controlled through the mechanical linkage of each component. No additional electrical control components are required. The coordinated operation of each component is achieved solely by the weight of the animal itself and the elasticity of each spring, ensuring that the equipment can work normally without an external power supply. It is adaptable to different breeding environments. After the animal enters through the entrance 15, it completes the processes of blocking, weighing, sorting, and cage separation in sequence. The whole process is smooth and orderly, and continuous cage separation operation can be achieved. It is expected that the entire cage separation operation of a single animal can be completed in no more than 30 seconds, with a cage separation accuracy rate of over 98%, effectively meeting the breeding and management needs of large-scale experimental animals.

[0033] This application can be used in the field of laboratory animal husbandry and management, or in other fields applicable to this application.

[0034] In another embodiment: Reference Figure 1-9 This invention discloses an intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals and its control method. The device is applied in the field of laboratory animal husbandry and management. The structure of this embodiment is basically the same as the aforementioned embodiments, except that: when the animal is removed, the tension of the tension spring I 38 causes the cylinder 36 to reset. After reset, the cylinder 36 vibrates more, causing the round rod 39 to move upward. When the round rod 39 moves to one end of the sliding horizontal plate 33, the sliding horizontal plate 33 moves laterally under the tension of the tension spring II 44. One end of the sliding horizontal plate 33 slides along the interior of the relief groove 47 and moves below the tension spring I 38. At this time, the arc-shaped protrusion 42 disengages from the sliding rectangular block 32, and the sliding rectangular block 32 resets normally under the elastic force of the reset spring 50. Under the elastic force of torsion spring I 41, pawl 40 re-engages with ratchet 20, and guide ramp 23 continues to move downward. During the downward movement, ratchet 20 rotates normally. When it moves to the initial height, tension spring I 38 pushes one end of sliding horizontal plate 33, helping sliding horizontal plate 33 to continue moving to the side of sliding rectangular block 32. At this time, tension spring I 38 abuts against the side of sliding horizontal plate 33, and the device completes the reset. At the same time, the weighing plate 24 resets and drives rack II 49 to move upward. Rack II 49 drives spur gear 57 to rotate in the opposite direction. Spur gear 57 drives rack I 58 to move downward. Rack I 58 drives limit plate 60 to move downward, releasing the obstruction of blocking gate 48 and ensuring that blocking gate 48 can be opened normally for the next sorting operation.

[0035] The coordinated operation of each component is achieved by relying on the weight of the animal itself and the elasticity of each spring. At the same time, limit protrusions are added to each spring connection to limit the extension and contraction of the spring, prevent the spring from being overstretched or compressed and thus fail, and ensure that the equipment can work stably for a long time without an external power supply.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals, characterized in that, Includes sorting box (1), delivery box (2), sealing assembly, weighing assembly, selection assembly and cage assembly; The delivery box (2) is fixed to one side of the sorting box (1). The top of the delivery box (2) has an entrance (15). One side of the sorting box (1) is connected to the entrance (15). The other side of the sorting box (1) has two exits (14). Two support plates II (25) are fixed to the inner wall of the sorting box (1) near the delivery box (2), forming an animal passage between the two support plates II (25), and a fixed rectangular plate (26) is fixed to one side of the lower support plate II (25). The blocking assembly is located on top of the fixed rectangular plate (26) to prevent multiple animals from entering at the same time; The weighing component is located on one side of the fixed rectangular plate (26) and is used to weigh the animal and lock it in conjunction with the sealing component. The selection component is located on the inner wall of the sorting box (1) and is used to select the discharge location according to the animal's weight; The cage separation component is located on the side of the sorting box (1) away from the delivery box (2) and is used to separate animals into cages. After the animals enter through the entrance (15), they are weighed and separated into cages in sequence through the sealing component, weighing component, selection component and cage separation component to avoid confusion.

2. The intelligent cage-separating and rearing management device for laboratory animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking assembly includes two fixed shafts (61) symmetrically fixed to the top of a fixed rectangular plate (26). A blocking gate plate (48) is rotatably sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft (61). A limit cover (53) is fixedly connected to the top of the fixed shaft (61). A torsion spring II (54) is provided between the top of the blocking gate plate (48) and the bottom of the limit cover (53). The torsion spring II (54) is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft (61), and the two ends of the torsion spring II (54) are fixedly connected to the top of the blocking gate plate (48) and the bottom of the limit cover (53) respectively. When the animal pushes the blocking gate plate (48) to rotate around the fixed shaft (61), the torsion spring II (54) is torsion. After the animal passes through, the torsion spring II (54) drives the blocking gate plate (48) to reset, thereby temporarily blocking subsequent animals.

3. The intelligent cage-separating and rearing management device for laboratory animals according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The weighing assembly includes a horizontal hole (56) on one side of the bottom of a fixed rectangular plate (26), a vertical hole II (55) on the top of the fixed rectangular plate (26), the bottom of the vertical hole II (55) communicating with one side of the top of the horizontal hole (56), a round shaft (59) rotatably connected inside the fixed rectangular plate (26), a spur gear (57) fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the round shaft (59), a rack I (58) slidably connected inside the horizontal hole (56), a limit plate (60) slidably passing through the vertical hole II (55), the bottom of the limit plate (60) being fixedly connected to the top of the rack I (58), and the sorting box (1) on both sides inside The walls are provided with sliding grooves, and sliding blocks (52) are slidably connected inside the sliding grooves. The same weighing plate (24) is fixed between the two sliding blocks (52). The same return spring (50) is provided between the bottom of the sliding block (52) and the inner wall of the bottom of the sliding groove. A rack II (49) is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom of the weighing plate (24). The rack II (49) meshes with the spur gear (57). When the animal is placed on the weighing plate (24), it drives the weighing plate (24) to move down. Through the linkage of rack II (49), spur gear (57), and rack I (58), the limiting plate (60) moves up, thereby locking the sealing component.

4. The intelligent cage-separating and feeding management equipment for laboratory animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The selection assembly includes a rotating shaft II (34), a fixed block (35), and a circular rod (39) that slides through the fixed block (35). The fixed block (35) is fixed between two rotating shafts II (34), which are fixed to the inner wall of one side of the sorting box (1). A cylinder (36) is fixed to the top of the circular rod (39), and the top of the cylinder (36) extends above the fixed block (35). A limiting block (21) is fixed to the bottom of the circular rod (39). A tension spring I (38) is provided between the top of the limiting block (21) and the bottom of the fixed block (35). The tension spring I (38) is sleeved on the circular rod (39). 9) The top of the cylinder (36) is fitted with a rotating seat (37), and the top of the rotating seat (37) is fixedly connected to a guide inclined plate (23). The inner walls on both sides of the sorting box (1) are connected to the same rotating shaft I (31). The rotating shaft I (31) is fixedly connected through one end of the guide inclined plate (23). One end of the guide inclined plate (23) is fixedly connected to an arc-shaped baffle (29). The arc-shaped baffle (29) has a rectangular hole II (28) and a rectangular hole I (27). The rectangular hole II (28) is used in conjunction with the animal passage between the two support plates II (25), and the rectangular hole I (27) is used in conjunction with the outlet (14).

5. The intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sorting box (1) has vertical holes I (18) on both sides. A sliding shaft (19) slides through the vertical hole I (18). The same sliding rectangular block (32) is fixed between the two sliding shafts (19). A pawl (40) is rotatably sleeved on the outer wall of the sliding shaft (19). The same torsion spring I (41) is provided between one side of the pawl (40) and one side of the sorting box (1). The pawl (40) meshes with the ratchet (20) fixed to the outside of the rotating shaft I (31). A side plate (30) is fixed to the top side of the sliding rectangular block (32). The side plate (30) is fixed to the bottom side of the weighing plate (24). When the weighing plate (24) moves down significantly, it drives the sliding rectangular block (32) to move down, causing the pawl (40) to disengage from the ratchet (20) and release the braking state of the guide plate (23).

6. The intelligent cage-separating and rearing management device for laboratory animals according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The top side of the fixed block (35) is provided with a relief groove (47), and a sliding horizontal plate (33) is slidably connected inside the relief groove (47). An extension plate (46) is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the sliding horizontal plate (33). A tension spring II (44) is provided between one side of the extension plate (46) and one side of the fixed block (35). A side hole (45) is provided at one end of the sliding horizontal plate (33) away from the fixed block (35). An arc-shaped protrusion (42) slides through the side hole (45). A compression spring II (43) is provided between one side of the arc-shaped protrusion (42) and one side of the inner wall of the side hole (45). One end of the arc-shaped protrusion (42) abuts against one side of the sliding rectangular block (32) to fix the position of the sliding rectangular block (32) and prevent it from accidentally resetting.

7. The intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage assembly includes two inclined hollow boxes (5), which are connected to two outlets (14) and fixed to one side of the sorting box (1). A rectangular notch II (12) is provided on one side of the inclined hollow box (5), and a diversion pipe (4) is fixed to one side of the inclined hollow box (5). The rectangular notch II (12) is connected to one end of the diversion pipe (4). Multiple rectangular notches I (9) are provided on one side of the diversion pipe (4). A sliding vertical plate (10) slides through the rectangular notch I (9). A plug rod (11) is fixed to one side of the sliding vertical plate (10). The assembly also includes a feeding cage (3). A rectangular hole III (8) is provided on one side of the feeding cage (3). Limiting rails (13) are fixed to the inner walls of both sides of the rectangular hole III (8). The same sliding door plate (6) is slidably connected between the two limiting rails (13). Multiple plug holes (7) are provided inside the sliding door plate (6). The plug holes (7) are used in conjunction with the plug rod (11) to realize the quick fixing and replacement of the feeding cage (3).

8. The intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diversion pipe (4) and the inclined hollow box (5) are fixedly connected by welding. The limiting track (13) and the inner wall of the rectangular hole III (8) are fixedly connected by bolts. A connecting plate I (51) is fixedly connected to the bottom of one side of the guide inclined plate (23). Arc blocks (16) are fixedly connected to both ends of the connecting plate I (51). Arc holes (17) are opened on both sides of the sorting box (1). The arc blocks (16) slide through the arc holes (17) to limit the rotation range of the guide inclined plate (23) and ensure its stable operation.

9. A method for intelligent cage-separated feeding, management, and control of laboratory animals, characterized in that, The intelligent cage-separating and feeding management device for laboratory animals, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, specifically includes the following steps: S1. The animal enters the sorting box (1) through the entrance (15) of the delivery box (2), pushes the blocking door (48) to rotate around the fixed shaft (61) and twists the torsion spring II (54), and resets through the rear blocking door (48); S2. The animal is placed on the weighing plate (24) and moves downward. The linkage limit plate (60) moves upward to lock the blocking door plate (48). The animal moves to the guide ramp (23) via the weighing plate (24). S3. According to the weight, switch the outlet (14) through the selection component, enter the feeding cage (3) through the tilted hollow box (5) and the diversion pipe (4), close the sliding door (6) to complete the fixation, and after changing the feeding cage (3), each component is reset under the action of the spring to carry out the next cage separation operation.

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