Automatic feeding device and system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of feeding devices, in particular to an automatic feeding device and system. The automatic feeding device comprises a machine table, a separation mechanism arranged on the machine table, an experiment cage arranged on the machine table and a feeding mechanism arranged towards the experiment cage and arranged on a movable part of the separation mechanism. The separation mechanism comprises an execution driving source arranged in the second direction and a mounting platform connected with a movable part of the execution driving source and arranged in the first direction; the feeding mechanism comprises a feed bin body, a lifting driving source arranged on one side of the feed bin body, an isolation plate connected with the lifting driving source and a baffle arranged at the bottom of the feed bin body; a feeding platform is arranged on the side, facing the feeding mechanism, of the experiment cage, and grid plates are arranged on the front face and the bottom face, facing the feeding mechanism, of the feeding platform; and the isolation plate faces the experiment cage. When the separating mechanism drives the feeding mechanism to get close to the experiment cage until the baffle shields the grid plate on the bottom face of the feeding platform, the lifting driving source drives the isolation plate to ascend and feed is put into the feeding platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of feeding device technology, and in particular to an automatic feeding device and system. Background Technology

[0002] For animal science experiments, laboratory mice are the most widely used experimental animal. They play a vital role in exploring disease pathogenesis and preclinical drug screening.

[0003] Currently, feeding laboratory mice simply involves placing water and feed on top of them, with the amount of feeding being relatively random and no timed fasting function.

[0004] Furthermore, existing mechanized equipment has limited functionality. For example, most automatic feeders sold on the market are designed for family pets, lack sterile processing, and the open storage silo structure poses a risk of contamination, making them susceptible to environmental microbial contamination. Residual feed is prone to spoilage (such as oxidation or moisture absorption), which seriously restricts the accuracy of experimental data and research efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model discloses an automatic feeding device and system.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, an automatic feeding device is provided, comprising:

[0008] Machine tool;

[0009] The separation mechanism is located on the machine platform;

[0010] At least one feeding mechanism is provided on the separation mechanism; the feeding mechanism includes a feed bin, a lifting drive source provided in the feed bin, an isolation plate connected to the lifting drive source, and a baffle provided at the bottom of the feed bin;

[0011] At least one experimental cage is provided on the machine platform; the experimental cage has a feeding platform on the side facing the feeding mechanism, and the front and bottom surfaces of the feeding platform facing the feeding mechanism are both grid plates;

[0012] The isolation plate faces the experimental cage; the separation mechanism is used to drive the feeding mechanism closer to the experimental cage so that the baffle covers the grid plate on the bottom surface of the feeding platform.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the experimental cage includes a cage body and a cage cover; the cage cover is located on top of the cage body; the feeding platform is located at the side opening of the cage body and communicates with the cage body.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding mechanism further includes a water bottle disposed in the feed bin and a weighing plate disposed at the bottom of the feed bin; wherein, the weighing sensor in the weighing plate is disposed at the bottom of the side of the feed bin where the lifting drive source is located.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a collection mechanism is further provided between the experimental cage and the feeding mechanism; the collection mechanism is configured to collect dropped water and feed.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the collecting mechanism includes a limiting groove arranged along a first direction and a collecting box slidably disposed within the limiting groove.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separation mechanism includes an execution drive source disposed along a second direction and an installation platform connected to the movable part of the execution drive source and disposed along a first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment of this utility model, the drive source is a lead screw stepper motor; the separation mechanism further includes a fixed base fixed to the machine tool and a bearing seat fixed to the machine tool; the main body of the lead screw stepper motor is mounted on the fixed base; the lead screw end of the lead screw stepper motor is fixed in the bearing of the bearing seat.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separation mechanism further includes at least one guide module; the guide module is configured to guide the installation platform to move linearly in a second direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide module includes a guide rail fixed to the machine tool along a second direction and a slider sliding along the guide rail; the slider is fixed to the mounting platform.

[0021] Secondly, an automatic feeding system is provided, comprising:

[0022] The cabinet has at least one shelf.

[0023] At least one automatic feeding device as described above is mounted on the shelf.

[0024] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0025] The automatic feeding device described in this invention separates the feeding device from the test cage through a separation mechanism, achieving physical isolation between food and experimental animals. Feed and water are no longer directly exposed to the cage environment, reducing contamination of feed and water by bedding, feces, urine, etc. It facilitates regular cleaning and disinfection of the feeding device, ensuring the hygiene of feed and water, reducing the risk of cross-infection, and allows for standardized design and operation procedures to ensure consistent conditions for each experiment, improving the repeatability of the experiment. By precisely controlling the feeding conditions, variables in the experiment are reduced, making the experimental results more reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device in this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device in this utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the experimental cage in this utility model.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the feeding platform in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the feeding platform in this utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism in this utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism in this utility model.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the separation mechanism and machine platform in this utility model.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the separation mechanism and machine platform in this utility model.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the collecting mechanism and machine platform in this utility model.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding system in this utility model.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the instruction manual:

[0039] 100. Automatic feeding device; 200. Cabinet;

[0040] 10. Experimental cage; 11. Cage body; 12. Feeding platform; 121. Shell; 122. Mesh plate; 123. First connecting part; 124. Second connecting part; 125. Connecting plate; 126. Partition plate; 13. Cage cover;

[0041] 20. Feeding mechanism; 21. Feed bin; 22. Water bottle; 23. Lifting drive source; 24. Partition plate; 25. Weighing plate; 26. Baffle plate;

[0042] 30. Separation mechanism; 31. Mounting platform; 32. Actuation drive source; 33. Fixture; 34. Bearing housing; 35. Slider; 36. Guide rail; 37. Protective body;

[0043] 40. Collection mechanism; 41. Collection box; 42. Limiting groove;

[0044] 50. Machine tool. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of this utility model will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present utility model. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0047] Reference Figure 11 As shown, an automatic feeding system includes a cabinet 200 with at least one shelf and at least one automatic feeding device 100 disposed on the shelf.

[0048] In this embodiment, there are four automatic feeding devices 100 and the cabinet 200 is provided with four shelves, so the four automatic feeding devices 100 are respectively arranged on the four shelves.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the automatic feeding device 100 includes a machine base 50, a separation mechanism 30 disposed on the machine base 50, at least one experimental cage 10 disposed on the machine base 50, and at least one feeding mechanism 20 disposed on the separation mechanism 30 and facing the experimental cage 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, to describe the relationships between the various parts and components, a local coordinate system is established with the center point of the machine tool 50 as the origin, and the length direction of the machine tool 50 as the X-axis direction and the width direction of the machine tool 50 as the Y-axis direction. The X-axis direction is defined as the first direction, and the Y-axis direction is defined as the second direction.

[0051] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the experimental cage 10 includes a cage body 11, a feeding platform 12, and a cage cover 13. The cage body 11 has openings at the top and sides. The cage cover 13 is fastened to the top of the cage body 11. The feeding platform 12 is located at the side opening of the cage body 11 and communicates with the cage body 11. Specifically, combined with... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The feeding platform 12 includes a housing 121. The housing 121 includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, and a third side plate. The top plate and bottom plate are arranged in parallel, and the first and third side plates are respectively located on both sides of the second side plate and are arranged in parallel. The second side plate and the bottom plate are provided with mesh plates 122 for feed to smoothly enter the housing 121 from one side of the feed bin 21. It is understood that the front of the feeding platform 12 facing the feeding mechanism 20 and the bottom surface of the feeding platform 12 are both mesh plates 122.

[0052] The top opening of the cage 11 and the snap-fit ​​structure of the cage lid 13 form an openable and closable enclosed space. Researchers can open the cage lid 13 to clean the cage or transfer animals, while maintaining a sterile environment inside the cage 11 when closed. The design of the side opening connecting to the feeding platform 12 isolates the feed delivery path from the animal activity area, allowing feed to enter the feeding platform 12 directly through the mesh plate 122. The directional docking method of the side opening of the cage 11 prevents feed from being exposed to the open environment, and, in conjunction with the baffle 26 structure of the feeding mechanism 20, facilitates feed delivery.

[0053] Furthermore, the top of the second side panel is provided with a first connecting part 123, which engages with the side opening of the cage body 11. Second connecting parts 124 are provided on both sides of the second side panel, which also engage with the side openings of the cage body 11. The feeding platform 12 and the cage body 11 are fixedly connected through the first connecting parts 123 and the second connecting parts 124. The bottom of the second side panel is provided with a connecting plate 125, which forms an angle with the bottom plate. The connecting plate 125 extends into the cage body 11, and one side of the connecting plate 125 abuts against the bottom of the cage body 11, facilitating the animal inside the cage body 11 to enter the feeding platform 12 using the inclined connecting plate 125 and easily obtain food.

[0054] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, a partition 126 is provided on the bottom plate of the feeding platform 12 on the side near the experimental cage 10. This can prevent some feed from being carried into the experimental cage 10 due to the movement of the mice without affecting the mice's entry into the feeding platform 12, thus further ensuring the feeding and emptying of the feed.

[0055] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The feeding mechanism 20 includes a weighing plate 25, a feed bin 21 mounted on the weighing plate 25, a water bottle 22 located on one side of the feed bin 21, a lifting drive source 23 located on the other side of the feed bin 21 and vertically arranged, and an isolation plate 24 connected to the movable part of the lifting drive source 23. The water outlet of the water bottle 22 and the isolation plate 24 both face the experimental cage 10. It is understood that the feed bin 21 has two separate spaces, defined as a first space and a second space. The first space is used to place the water bottle 22, and the second space is used to hold and store feed. The second space is a closed space when no feed is added (the removable cover plate on top of the second space is not shown in the figure to illustrate the lifting drive source 23).

[0056] Specifically, the lifting drive source 23 is a lead screw stepper motor, which consists of a stepper motor and a lead screw assembly. It drives the magnetic rotor to rotate through a pulsed magnetic field generated by the stator windings, and, in conjunction with a screw and nut engagement mechanism, achieves the conversion from rotational to linear motion. The nut and the isolation plate 24 are fixedly connected. The lifting drive source 23 drives the isolation plate 24 to rise or fall, thereby supplying feed to the feeding platform 12 and stopping the supply of feed to the feeding platform 12.

[0057] The weighing plate 25 is equipped with a strain gauge sensor, which is located at the bottom of the second space as a weighing sensor and can measure the weight of the feed in the feed bin 21 in real time. The weighing plate 25 allows for real-time monitoring of feed consumption, understanding of animal feeding behavior, and prevention of insufficient or excessive feed. It should be noted that the water bottle 22 is designed to be transparent, with the water level clearly displayed, allowing for direct observation and quick determination of whether water needs to be added.

[0058] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 The separation mechanism 30 includes an execution drive source 32 arranged along the second direction, an installation platform 31 connected to the movable part of the execution drive source 32 and arranged along the first direction, a fixed seat 33 fixed to the machine base 50, and a bearing seat 34 fixed to the machine base 50.

[0059] Specifically, the drive source 32 is a lead screw stepper motor. The main body of the lead screw stepper motor is fixed to the machine base 50 by a mounting bracket 33. The screw end of the lead screw stepper motor is fixed in the bearing of the bearing housing 34. The nut of the lead screw stepper motor is fixedly connected to the mounting platform 31. The drive source 32 drives the mounting platform 31 to move linearly in the second direction, thereby moving the feeding mechanism 20 closer to the feeding platform 12 and away from the feeding platform 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the separation mechanism 30 also includes at least one guide module. The guide module is configured to guide the installation platform 31 in linear motion in a second direction. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the guide module includes a guide rail 36 arranged along the second direction and fixed to the machine base 50, and a slider 35 sliding along the guide rail 36. The slider 35 is fixed to the mounting platform 31. In this embodiment, the separation mechanism 30 also includes two guide modules, which are symmetrically arranged about the mounting platform 31, guiding each part of the mounting platform 31 to move linearly together in the second direction.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the separation mechanism 30 also includes a protective body 37 fixed to the machine base 50. The protective body 37 is configured to protect the actuator 32, the mounting base 33, and the bearing housing 34. Specifically, the protective body 37 is a box without a top cover. The box includes a base plate forming the bottom of the box and side plates extending vertically upward around the base plate to form the sides of the box. Both the base plate and the side plates are rectangular in shape, and the side plates have the same height. The protective body 37 forms an open space that can accommodate the actuator 32, the mounting base 33, and the bearing housing 34, thereby protecting the actuator 32, the mounting base 33, and the bearing housing 34.

[0062] It should be noted that the smallest working unit of the automatic feeding device 100 provided by this utility model can be a set, including one experimental cage 10 and one feeding mechanism 20, or it can be a single-layer arrangement of multiple sets, for example, Figure 1 The diagram shows a single-layer, multi-group arrangement.

[0063] In other possible embodiments, the automatic feeding device 100 further includes a collection mechanism 40 disposed between the experimental cage 10 and the feeding mechanism 20. The collection mechanism 40 is configured to collect water and feed dropped by the feeding mechanism 20. Specifically, as... Figure 10 As shown, the collection mechanism 40 includes a limiting groove 42 arranged along a first direction and a collection box 41 slidably disposed within the limiting groove 42. When it is necessary to clean the water and feed collected in the collection box 41, the operator pulls the collection box 41 out from the limiting groove 42 and collects and processes the water and feed collected in the collection box 41. After cleaning, it is only necessary to push the collection box 41 back into the limiting groove 42.

[0064] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0065] The experimental cage 10 containing the laboratory mice is placed on the machine platform 50. When feeding is required, the actuator 32 rotates clockwise, pushing the mounting platform 31 to move in the second direction, causing the feeding mechanism 20 to approach the experimental cage 10. The baffle 26 moves with the feeding mechanism 20 to completely cover the grid plate 122 on the bottom surface of the feeding platform 12, forming a bottom-closed feed delivery channel. At this time, the lifting actuator 23 is activated, causing the partition plate 24 to rise vertically, and the feed falls from the opening of the feed bin 21 through the grid plate 122 onto the bottom plate of the feeding platform 12. The laboratory mice enter the feeding platform 12 through the connecting plate 125. The partition plate 126 ensures that the feed only stays inside the feeding platform 12, while the baffle plate 26 prevents the feed from spilling. When the feeding time is up, the drive source 23 is lifted to reset, causing the isolation plate 24 to descend and close the feed bin 21. The drive source 32 is reversed, driving the feeding mechanism 20 back to its original position. The baffle 26 is disengaged from the grid plate 122 on the bottom surface of the feeding platform 12, allowing the residual feed to fall into the collection mechanism 40 through the bottom grid plate 122.

[0066] Compared with existing technologies, traditional equipment using fixed feeding ports cannot achieve timed closure. This solution, however, forms an openable and closable feeding channel through the dynamic cooperation between the baffle 26 and the grid plate 122 on the bottom of the feeding platform 12. Conventional devices rely on gravity to drop feed, making it difficult to control the feeding amount. This solution achieves precise quantitative control through weighing by the weighing plate 25 and the linkage between the lifting of the isolation plate 24 and the displacement of the feeding mechanism 20.

[0067] Through the above technical solutions, this application achieves automated control of the laboratory mouse feeding process, forming a closed feed delivery channel during the feeding stage to prevent environmental pollution. The double-enclosed structure of the baffle 26 and the grid plate 122 on the bottom of the feeding platform 12 can cut off the feed supply during non-feeding periods, realizing a timed fasting function. The vertical lifting movement of the isolation plate 24 and the horizontal movement of the feeding mechanism 20 are coordinated in sequence to ensure the precise execution of each feeding action. The physical isolation design between the feed bin 21 and the experimental cage 10 effectively avoids cross-contamination, and the structural design of the grid plate 122 ensures ventilation while controlling the feed flow direction, maintaining the cleanliness of the feeding environment.

[0068] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding device, characterized in that, include: Machine (50); A separation mechanism (30) is provided on the machine base (50); At least one feeding mechanism (20) is provided on the separation mechanism (30); the feeding mechanism (20) includes a feed bin (21), a lifting drive source (23) provided in the feed bin (21), an isolation plate (24) connected to the lifting drive source (23), and a baffle (26) provided at the bottom of the feed bin (21). At least one experimental cage (10) is provided on the machine base (50); the experimental cage (10) is provided with a feeding platform (12) on the side facing the feeding mechanism (20), and the front and bottom surfaces of the feeding platform (12) facing the feeding mechanism (20) are both grid plates (122). The isolation plate (24) faces the experimental cage (10); the separation mechanism (30) is used to drive the feeding mechanism (20) to approach the experimental cage (10) so that the baffle (26) covers the grid plate (122) on the bottom surface of the feeding platform (12).

2. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental cage (10) includes a cage body (11) and a cage cover (13); the cage cover (13) is located on top of the cage body (11); the feeding platform (12) is located at the side opening of the cage body (11) and communicates with the cage body (11).

3. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism (20) also includes a water bottle (22) disposed in the feed bin (21) and a weighing plate (25) disposed at the bottom of the feed bin (21); wherein, the weighing sensor in the weighing plate (25) is disposed at the bottom of the side of the feed bin (21) where the lifting drive source (23) is located.

4. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a collection mechanism (40) located between the experimental cage (10) and the feeding mechanism (20); the collection mechanism (40) is configured to collect dropped water and feed.

5. The automatic feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The collection mechanism (40) includes a limiting groove (42) arranged along a first direction and a collection box (41) slidably disposed in the limiting groove (42).

6. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation mechanism (30) includes an execution drive source (32) arranged in a second direction and an installation platform (31) connected to the movable part of the execution drive source (32) and arranged in a first direction.

7. The automatic feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive source (32) is a lead screw stepper motor; the separation mechanism (30) also includes a fixed base (33) fixed to the machine base (50) and a bearing seat (34) fixed to the machine base (50); the main body of the lead screw stepper motor is installed on the fixed base (33); the lead screw end of the lead screw stepper motor is fixed in the bearing of the bearing seat (34).

8. The automatic feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separation mechanism (30) further includes at least one guide module; the guide module is configured to guide the installation platform (31) to move linearly in a second direction.

9. The automatic feeding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The guide module includes a guide rail (36) fixed to the machine base (50) along a second direction and a slider (35) sliding along the guide rail (36); the slider (35) is fixed to the mounting platform (31).

10. An automatic feeding system, characterized in that, include: The cabinet (200) has at least one shelf; At least one automatic feeding device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9 is mounted on the shelf.

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