Automatic feeding device for laboratory mice

Abstract

An automatic laboratory mouse feeding device comprises a plurality of device units installed on a frame supporting plate, each device unit comprises a mouse bin module, a feeding trough module and a movable platform module, a feeding box arranged at the front end of a mouse bin box comprises a feeding box body, a first feeding net and a baffle, and each feeding trough module comprises a feeding trough box body and a drinking bottle. The feeding trough box body comprises a drinking water bottle placing area, a feed placing area and a second feeding net, the feeding trough box body moves back and forth relative to the feeding trough box through the moving translation module, the pulley lifting assembly drives the baffle to do lifting motion in the moving process, and automatic switching of fasting / feeding states is completed under the condition that a driving device is not additionally arranged; when the feeding trough module is close to the feeding box, the laboratory mouse feeds feed through a gap between the second feeding net and the first feeding net; the feeding trough module is in a fasting state in a feeding box state; and the ingestion time of the laboratory mouse can be accurately controlled by setting the working time of the mobile platform module, so that the accuracy of the experimental result is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of animal feeding equipment, specifically an automatic feeding device for laboratory mice. Background Technology

[0002] In animal trials for clinical drug testing, feeding control of laboratory mice is frequently required. Currently, feeding control is primarily achieved through manual cage changes. Due to the time constraints of drug testing, fasting periods are typically from around 10:00 PM to around 9:00 AM the following morning. This traditional feeding method leads to researchers working late into the night. Furthermore, when there are few researchers and a large number of mice, the feeding and fasting intervals between different groups of mice can vary, directly impacting the accuracy of experimental data.

[0003] This invention proposes an automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, which solves the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] An automatic feeding device for laboratory mice includes a mouse housing module, a feeding trough module, and a mobile platform module. The mouse housing module includes a mouse housing box 1, a mouse housing cover 2, and a feeding box 3. The mouse housing cover 2 is placed on top of the mouse housing box 1. Laboratory mice are placed within the enclosed space of the mouse housing box 1 and the mouse housing cover 2. A feeding opening is machined into the side panel of the mouse housing box 1. The feeding box 3 includes a feeding box body 31 and a first feeding net 32. The feeding box body 31 is located at the feeding opening of the mouse housing box 1, and the first feeding net 32 ​​is located at the feeding opening on the side of the feeding box body 31. A drinking spout 34 is machined into the surface of the feeding box body 31. The feeding trough module includes a feeding trough body 4 and a water bottle 5. The feeding trough body 4 is connected to the mobile end of the mobile platform module. The feeding trough body 4 includes a water bottle placement area 41, a feed placement area 42, and a second feeding net 43. The water bottle 5 is placed in the water bottle placement area 41, and the second feeding net 43 is installed at the feeding port on the side of the feed placement area 42. In the feeding state, the feeding trough module is pushed by the mobile platform module to the side closer to the mouse cage module. The water outlet pipe of the water bottle 5 extends into the feeding trough 3 through the water outlet 34. The experimental mouse eats feed through the gaps of the first feeding net 32 ​​and the second feeding net 43 and drinks water through the water outlet pipe. In the fasting state, the feeding trough module is pushed by the mobile platform module to the side away from the mouse cage module.

[0005] Preferably, the automatic feeding device for laboratory mice includes multiple device units, which are supported by a frame 7. The mouse hopper 1 of the device unit is fixed to the support plate of the frame 7, and the food trough body 4 is movable back and forth on the support plate of the frame 7 via a sliding rail slider structure.

[0006] Preferably, in the aforementioned automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the drinking spout 34 is a vertically oriented waist-shaped hole to compensate for errors in the installation height of the drinking bottle 5, ensuring that the water outlet pipe of the drinking bottle 5 can smoothly enter and exit the drinking spout 34 during the forward and backward translation process; during feeding, the vertical mesh strips in the first feeding net 32 ​​and the second feeding net 43 are positioned one-to-one, ensuring that multiple laboratory mice in one mouse cage module can successfully feed through the gaps of the first feeding net 32 ​​and the second feeding net 43 during the feeding time period, avoiding feeding failure due to the gaps being too narrow caused by misaligned positions.

[0007] Preferably, in the automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the feeding box 3 further includes a baffle 33, which is liftably installed in the groove on the plate of the feeding box body 31 and located behind the first feeding net 32; in the feeding state, the baffle 33 is in a high position and does not block the first feeding net 32; in the fasting state, the baffle 33 is in a low position and blocks the first feeding net 32, thus isolating the residue adhering to the first feeding net 32.

[0008] Preferably, in the aforementioned automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the top of the baffle 33 is provided with a hanging hole, and the side panel of the feed placement area 42 is machined with a hanging column. During feeding, the experimenter can lift the baffle 33 to suspend it from the hanging hole onto the hanging column.

[0009] Preferably, in the aforementioned automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the baffle 33 is raised and lowered automatically via a pulley lifting assembly 6.

[0010] Preferably, in the automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the pulley lifting assembly 6 includes a feeding line 61, a first feeding fixed pulley 62, a second feeding fixed pulley 63, a third feeding fixed pulley 64, a fasting line 65, and a first fasting fixed pulley 66. The first feeding fixed pulley 62 is installed below the support plate of the frame 7 and above the corresponding baffle 33. The second feeding fixed pulley 63 is installed below the support plate of the frame 7 and below the corresponding baffle 33. The third feeding fixed pulley 64 is installed below the support plate of the frame 7 and diagonally rearward of the corresponding moving platform module. The front end of the feeding line 61 is fixed to the upper end of the corresponding baffle 33 and passes around... The first feeding pulley 62 passes through the wire hole on the frame plate, bypasses the second feeding pulley 63 and the third feeding pulley 64, passes through the wire hole on the support plate of the frame 7, and the rear end of the feeding line 61 is fixed to the rear plate of the feeding trough body 4; the first prohibition pulley 66 is located below the corresponding baffle 33 and diagonally in front of the moving platform module, the front end of the prohibition line 65 is fixedly connected to the transverse avoidance plate below the baffle 33, passes through the support plate of the frame 7, bypasses the first prohibition pulley 66, passes through the wire hole on the support plate of the frame 7, and the rear end is fixed to the front plate or side plate of the corresponding feeding trough body 4.

[0011] The pulley lifting assembly 6 acts as a follow-up device, converting the translational motion of the feeding trough module into the lifting / lowering motion of the baffle 33, thereby completing the automatic switching between feeding and fasting states.

[0012] Preferably, in the aforementioned automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, each layer of the support plate has a corresponding baffle 33 with a pulley lifting assembly 6, and the baffle 33 of each device unit is raised and lowered in conjunction with the first transmission rod 331 and the transverse clearance plate.

[0013] Preferably, in the aforementioned automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the side panels of the water bottle placement area 41 and the feed placement area 42 are provided with transparent observation areas to facilitate real-time monitoring of the remaining amount of feed and water in the areas.

[0014] Preferably, the automatic feeding device for laboratory mice further includes a residue box 8, which is located below the first feeding net 32 ​​of the feeding box 3, so that food residue generated during the feeding process of the laboratory mice falls into the residue box 8.

[0015] Optionally, the residue box 8 includes a residue box body 81, a residue box mounting plate 82, and a translation slide rail assembly. The translation slide rail assembly is mounted on the support plate surface of the frame 7. The residue box mounting plate 82 is fixedly connected to the slider of the translation slide rail assembly. One or both ends of the residue box mounting plate 82 are machined with moving grooves 721. Fastening screws pass through the moving grooves 821 and abut against the support plate surface of the frame 7. Loosening the fastening screws can remove the residue box body 81 for regular cleaning of internal residue.

[0016] Preferably, in the aforementioned automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, the mobile platform module is installed on the support plate of the frame 7, or an independent mobile platform mounting frame can be used for installation. The mobile platform module can be a cylinder, electric cylinder, or motor screw assembly, etc., as is available in the prior art; any existing equipment can be selected.

[0017] The automatic feeding device for laboratory mice involved in this utility model can be controlled by a system. After setting the feeding and fasting time in the system, the system automatically controls the moving platform module to realize the automatic switching of feeding / fasting mode.

[0018] The automatic feeding device for laboratory mice involved in this invention greatly reduces the intensity of manual labor, meets the requirement of automatic feeding at any time, and has precise time control, which helps to improve the accuracy of experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The specific embodiments are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic feeding device for laboratory mice, which relates to this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the device in the feeding state involved in Specific Implementation Case 3 of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding trough module involved in specific implementation case 3 of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the manual feeding device for laboratory mice involved in specific implementation case 3 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a simplified diagram of the pulley lifting assembly in the automatic feeding device for laboratory mice involved in Specific Implementation Case 4 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the device unit structure involved in specific implementation case 4 of this utility model.

[0026] The specific structure corresponding to the number is as follows:

[0027] 1. Rat pens, 2. Rat pens cover, 3. Feeding pens, 31. Feeding pens body, 32. First feeding net, 33. Baffle, 331. First transmission rod, 34. Water inlet, 4. Feed trough body, 41. Water bottle placement area, 42. Feed placement area, 421. Hanging column, 43. Second feeding net, 5. Water bottle, 6. Pulley lifting assembly, 61. Feeding line, 62. First fixed feeding pulley, 63. Second fixed feeding pulley, 64. Third fixed feeding pulley, 65. Forbidden feeding line, 66. First fixed forbidden feeding pulley, 7. Frame, 8. Waste box, 81. Waste box body, 82. Waste box mounting plate, 821.

[0028] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Specific implementation case 1:

[0030] An automatic feeding device for laboratory mice includes a mouse housing module, a feeding trough module, and a mobile platform module. The mouse housing module includes a mouse housing box 1, a mouse housing cover 2, and a feeding box 3. The mouse housing cover 2 is placed on top of the mouse housing box 1. Laboratory mice are placed within the enclosed space of the mouse housing box 1 and the mouse housing cover 2. A feeding opening is machined into the side panel of the mouse housing box 1. The feeding box 3 includes a feeding box body 31 and a first feeding net 32. The feeding box body 31 is located at the feeding opening of the mouse housing box 1, and the first feeding net 32 ​​is located at the feeding opening on the side of the feeding box body 31. A drinking spout 34 is machined into the surface of the feeding box body 31. The feeding trough module includes a feeding trough body 4 and a water bottle 5. The feeding trough body 4 is connected to the mobile end of the mobile platform module. The feeding trough body 4 includes a water bottle placement area 41, a feed placement area 42, and a second feeding net 43. The water bottle 5 is placed in the water bottle placement area 41, and the second feeding net 43 is installed at the feeding port on the side of the feed placement area 42. In the feeding state, the feeding trough module is pushed by the mobile platform module to the side closer to the mouse cage module. The water outlet pipe of the water bottle 5 extends into the feeding trough 3 through the water outlet 34. The experimental mouse eats feed through the gaps of the first feeding net 32 ​​and the second feeding net 43 and drinks water through the water outlet pipe. In the fasting state, the feeding trough module is pushed by the mobile platform module to the side away from the mouse cage module.

[0031] The device unit is supported by a frame 7, with five device units arranged on each layer of the support plate of the frame 7. The mouse hopper 1 of the device unit is fixed to the support plate surface of the frame 7, and the feeding trough body 4 is movable back and forth on the support plate surface of the frame 7 via a sliding rail slider structure. The installation method of the device unit is similar. Figure 1 As shown.

[0032] The mobile platform module is installed on the support plate of the frame 7, or it can be installed on a separate mobile platform mounting frame. The mobile platform module can be a cylinder, electric cylinder or motor screw assembly, etc., as is available in the prior art. Since the structure of the mobile platform module is not an innovation of this utility model patent, it will not be described in detail here, nor is it shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Specific Implementation Case 2:

[0034] Based on Implementation Case 1, one or more of the following preferred technical solutions may also be selected:

[0035] Optionally, the drinking spout 34 is a vertically arranged waist-shaped hole to compensate for the error in the installation height of the water bottle 5, ensuring that the water outlet pipe of the water bottle 5 can smoothly enter and exit the drinking spout 34 during the forward and backward translation process.

[0036] Optionally, during feeding, the vertical mesh strips in the first feeding net 32 ​​and the second feeding net 43 are positioned one-to-one, ensuring that multiple experimental mice in a single mouse cage module can successfully feed through the gaps in the first feeding net 32 ​​and the second feeding net 43 during the feeding period, avoiding feeding failure due to overly narrow gaps caused by misaligned positions.

[0037] Optionally, the side panels of the water bottle placement area 41 and the feed placement area 42 are provided with transparent observation areas to facilitate real-time monitoring of the remaining amount of feed and water in the area.

[0038] Specific Implementation Case 3:

[0039] Based on specific implementation cases 1 or 2, the following preferred technical solutions can also be selected:

[0040] Optionally, the feeding box 3 also includes a baffle 33, which is liftably installed in the groove of the feeding box body 31 and located behind the first feeding net 32. In the feeding state, the baffle 33 is in a high position and does not block the first feeding net 32. In the fasting state, the baffle 33 is in a low position and blocks the first feeding net 32, thus isolating the residue adhering to the first feeding net 32.

[0041] The top of the baffle 33 is provided with a hanging hole, and the side panel of the feed placement area 42 is machined with a hanging column 421. During feeding, the experimenter can lift the baffle 33 and suspend it from the hanging hole onto the hanging column. Figure 2 As shown.

[0042] Optionally, a residue box 8 is also included. The residue box 8 is located below the first feeding net 32 ​​of the feeding box 3, so that food residue generated by the experimental mice during feeding falls into the residue box 8. The residue box 8 includes a residue box body 81, a residue box mounting plate 82, and a translation slide rail assembly. The translation slide rail assembly is mounted on the support plate surface of the frame 7. The residue box mounting plate 82 is fixedly connected to the slider of the translation slide rail assembly. One or both ends of the residue box mounting plate 82 are machined with moving grooves 821. Fastening screws pass through the moving grooves 821 and abut against the support plate surface of the frame 7. Loosening the fastening screws can remove the residue box body 81 for regular cleaning of the internal residue.

[0043] Specific Implementation Case 4:

[0044] Based on specific implementation cases 1 or 2, the following preferred technical solutions can also be selected:

[0045] The lifting mechanism of the baffle 33 is automatic. In each layer of the frame 7 support plate, among the five fixed device units, the baffle 33 in the third middle device unit is fixedly connected via a transverse clearance plate. Correspondingly, hanging plates are provided on both sides of the feeding trough body 4. The pulley lifting assembly 6 includes a feeding line 61, a first feeding fixed pulley 62, a second feeding fixed pulley 63, a third feeding fixed pulley 64, a forbidding line 65, and a first forbidding fixed pulley 66. The first feeding fixed pulley 62 is installed below the frame 7 support plate and above the corresponding baffle 33. The second feeding fixed pulley 63 is installed below the frame 7 support plate and below the corresponding baffle 33. The third feeding fixed pulley 64 is installed below the frame 7 support plate and diagonally behind the corresponding moving platform module. The front end of the feeding line 61 is fixed to the upper end of the corresponding baffle 33, passes around the first feeding fixed pulley 62, and passes through the... The feeding line 61 passes through the wire hole on the frame plate, around the second feeding pulley 63 and the third feeding pulley 64, and through the wire hole on the support plate of the frame 7. The rear end of the feeding line 61 is fixed to the rear plate of the feeding trough body 4. The first prohibition pulley 66 is installed below the support plate of the frame 7 and located diagonally in front of the moving platform module. The front ends of the two prohibition lines 65 are fixedly connected to the wire holes at both ends of the length of the transverse avoidance plate, pass through the support plate of the frame 7, around the first prohibition pulley 66, through the wire hole on the support plate of the frame 7, and the rear ends are fixed in the wire hole of the hanging plate on the corresponding side plate of the feeding trough body 4.

[0046] The pulley lifting assembly 6 acts as a follow-up device, converting the translational motion of the feeding trough module into the lifting / lowering motion of the baffle 33, thereby completing the automatic switching between feeding and fasting states.

[0047] Of course, this specific implementation example only illustrates one way in which the pulley lifting assembly 6 drives the partition 33 to automatically rise and fall. Alternatively, each partition 33 may correspond to a set of pulley lifting assemblies 6; or, two adjacent partitions 33 may share a set of pulley lifting assemblies 6. (In this case, the transverse clearance plates corresponding to the two adjacent partitions 33 can be fixedly connected.)

[0048] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding device for experimental mice, comprising one or more device units, wherein each device unit comprises a cage module, the cage module comprising a cage box, a cage cover, and a feeding box, the cage cover being placed on top of the cage box, and an experimental mouse being placed in the enclosed space of the cage box and the cage cover, and the feeding box comprising a feeding box body and a first feeding net, the feeding box body being arranged at a feeding opening of the cage box, and the first feeding net being arranged at a feeding opening on the side of the feeding box body, and a drinking opening being formed on the surface of the feeding box body, characterized in that: It also includes a food trough module and a moving platform module, the food trough module includes a food trough box body and a water bottle, the food trough box body is connected with the moving end of the moving platform module, the food trough box body includes a water bottle placing area, a feed placing area and a second feeding net, the water bottle is placed in the water bottle placing area, and the second feeding net is installed at the feeding port of the side of the feed placing area.

2. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the number of device units is two or more, the plurality of device units are supported by a frame, the mouse cage box is fixed on the support plate surface of the frame, and the food trough box body is movably installed on the support plate surface of the frame through a sliding rail and sliding block structure.

3. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet is a vertically arranged waist-shaped hole; in the feeding state, the vertical net bars in the first feeding net and the second feeding net are one-to-one corresponding.

4. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 2, wherein: The feeding box further includes a baffle, the baffle is installed in the groove on the surface of the feeding box body and located behind the first feeding net.

5. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top end of the baffle is provided with a hanging hole, and the side surface of the feed placing area is provided with a hanging column.

6. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 5, characterized in that: Part of the baffle installed on each support plate is provided with a pulley lifting assembly, and the baffle corresponding to each device unit is lifted through a first transmission rod and a transverse position plate.

7. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pulley lifting assembly includes a feeding line, a first feeding fixed pulley, a second feeding fixed pulley, a third feeding fixed pulley, a fasting line and a first fasting fixed pulley, the first feeding fixed pulley is installed below the frame support plate and above the corresponding baffle, the second feeding fixed pulley is installed below the frame support plate and below the corresponding baffle, the third feeding fixed pulley is installed below the frame support plate and obliquely behind the corresponding moving platform module, the front end of the feeding line is fixed to the upper end of the corresponding baffle, passes through the first feeding fixed pulley, the frame surface wire hole, the second feeding fixed pulley and the third feeding fixed pulley, the frame support plate wire hole and the rear plate surface of the food trough box body; the first fasting fixed pulley is located below the corresponding baffle and obliquely in front of the moving platform module, the front end of the fasting line is fixedly connected with the transverse position plate below the baffle, passes through the frame support plate surface, passes through the first fasting fixed pulley, passes through the frame support plate surface wire hole and is fixed to the rear surface of the corresponding food trough box body.

8. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The side surface of the water bottle placing area and the feed placing area is provided with a transparent observation area.

9. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a residue box, which is arranged below the first feeding net of the feeding box.

10. The automatic feeding device for experimental mice according to claim 9, characterized in that: The residue box includes a residue box body, a residue box mounting plate and a translation sliding rail assembly, the translation sliding rail assembly is installed on the support plate surface of the frame, the residue box mounting plate is fixedly connected with the sliding block of the translation sliding rail assembly, one end or both ends of the residue box mounting plate are provided with a moving groove, and a fastening screw is arranged to abut against the support plate surface of the frame through the moving groove.

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