SPF-level mouse breeding cage
By using a limiting and locking mechanism to stabilize the water bottle and cage lid, the problem of water bottle shaking and dripping in the rearing cage is solved, improving the hygienic environment of the SPF-grade mouse rearing cage and meeting the SPF-grade microbial control requirements.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
The existing external drinking bottles in the rearing cages lack a limiting and fixing structure, which causes the drinking bottles to shake and drip water, resulting in dampness and bacterial contamination inside the cage, and failing to meet the SPF-level microbial control requirements.
The design incorporates a limiting mechanism and a locking mechanism. Through the cooperation of the support frame, force-bearing block, clamping plate, and locking plate, the water bottle is securely clamped and the lid is firmly locked, preventing shaking and falling.
It effectively prevents water bottles from shaking and dripping during transportation, keeps the cage dry, and improves the microbial control capability of SPF-grade mouse rearing cages, meeting SPF-grade standards.
Smart Images
Figure CN224069436U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of laboratory animal breeding equipment, specifically, it relates to an SPF-grade mouse rearing cage. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of biomedical research, SPF mice, due to their specific pathogen-free nature, have become ideal subjects for many experiments. They are widely used in research projects in oncology, immunology, and pharmacology, and their quality plays a decisive role in the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of experimental results.
[0003] Most existing rearing cages lack a structure to restrain and secure the external water bottles. This causes the water bottles to shake during transport, resulting in a large amount of water dripping into the rearing cage, creating a damp environment that breeds bacteria.
[0004] Currently, most laboratory animal cages only meet the general standard (GB 14925-2010) for barrier environment, and their microbial control indicators do not yet meet the SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) requirements. Because existing open-type rearing models lack a closed-loop isolation design, the hygienic indicators of laboratory animals within the cages cannot be effectively controlled, easily leading to microbial contamination incidents during long-term rearing. Therefore, this utility model is proposed to address this issue. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the problem that most existing rearing cages lack a structure to restrain and secure the external water bottles, causing them to wobble during transport and resulting in excessive water dripping into the cage, creating a damp environment and promoting bacterial growth, the basic concept of this invention is as follows:
[0006] An SPF-grade mouse rearing cage includes a transparent cage box and a transparent cage cover disposed on the top of the cage box. The height inside the cage box is adapted to the setting of SPF-grade mice. Limiting mechanisms and locking mechanisms are installed on the cage box and the cage cover.
[0007] The limiting mechanism includes a support frame installed on the top surface of the cage cover, a water bottle is placed on the top of the cage cover, a force block is installed inside the support frame, a clamp is connected to one side of the force block, the force block is used to drive the clamp to move, and the clamp is used to clamp and limit the water bottle.
[0008] The locking mechanism includes a hinge seat connected to the outer wall of the cage cover, and a locking plate is rotatably mounted on the hinge seat. The hinge seat is used for the movement of the locking plate, and the locking plate is used for locking and limiting the cage cover.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the limiting mechanism includes a sliding hole formed on the top surface of the support frame. A spring is connected to the bottom end of the inner wall of the sliding hole. A sliding column is connected to the end of the spring away from the inner wall of the sliding hole. A top block is connected to the end of the sliding column away from the spring. Through holes are formed on the outer walls of both sides of the support frame. A limiting rod is movably arranged on the inner wall of the through hole. A limiting plate is connected to one end of the limiting rod. A rubber block is connected to the outer wall of the top of the limiting plate. The end of the rubber block away from the limiting plate is connected to the outer wall of the support frame.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a first locking plate connected to the outer wall of the cage box, and a second locking plate connected below the first locking plate on the outer wall of the cage cover.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the end of the limiting rod away from the limiting plate is connected to the outer wall of one side of the clamping plate, and a connecting plate is connected to the outer wall of one side of the clamping plate. The end of the connecting plate away from the clamping plate is connected to the outer wall of one side of the force-bearing block.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the top block is provided with extrusion slopes on both sides, and the top of the force-bearing block is provided with a force-bearing slope, and the two fit together properly.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, both the first locking plate and the second locking plate are made of rubber.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an engagement groove is formed between the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate, and the inner wall of the engagement groove is slightly smaller than the outer wall of the engagement plate.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0016] This invention utilizes a method where pressing down on the top block creates a squeezing effect on the force-bearing blocks on both sides, causing them to move apart. After placing the water bottle, releasing the top block allows it to move upwards, and the rubber block rebounds, causing the force-bearing blocks to reset and move, thus clamping and limiting the water bottle. This method secures the water bottle and prevents it from shaking and dripping during transport.
[0017] This invention involves pushing the locking plate upwards to close the cage lid onto the cage box, and then pushing the locking plate downwards to engage it between the first and second locking plates. The rebound action of the two locking plates creates a squeezing and limiting effect on the locking plate, thus better limiting the locking plate and preventing it from rotating accidentally during handling, which could cause the cage lid to fall off.
[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0019] In the attached diagram:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting mechanism of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the separation structure of the limiting mechanism of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of this utility model.
[0025] In the diagram: 1. Cage box; 2. Cage cover; 31. Limiting mechanism; 311. Support frame; 312. Spring; 313. Sliding column; 314. Top block; 315. Limiting rod; 316. Limiting plate; 317. Clamping plate; 318. Connecting plate; 319. Force-bearing block; 3110. Water bottle; 3111. Rubber block; 32. Locking mechanism; 321. Hinge seat; 322. Locking plate; 323. First locking plate; 324. Second locking plate. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model.
[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an SPF-grade mouse rearing cage includes a transparent cage box 1 and a transparent cage lid 2 disposed on the top of the cage box 1. The height of the cage box 1 is adapted for SPF-grade mice. In one embodiment, the inner cavity of the cage box 1 is open facing upwards, and the cage lid 2 is detachably connected to the top of the cage box 1. The net area of the cage bottom of the inner cavity of the cage box 1 is ≥1800 cm². 2The inner height of cage 1 is ≥13cm. For example, the dimensions (length*width*height) of cage 1 are 627*390*164mm. When the bottom boxes are stacked, the height increase of each additional bottom box should not exceed 55mm. Sufficient space should be left between the cage boxes to ensure easy placement and removal of the cage boxes and to allow steam to flow freely in and out of the cage boxes during high-temperature sterilization. The cage boxes adopt a side-sealing method, which ensures good sealing performance. They are made of acid- and alkali-resistant silicone rubber and will not deform when autoclaved at 134℃ or higher. Compared with existing rearing cages, this embodiment can reduce the layer height and improve space utilization while ensuring the feeding capacity and feed area. The cage boxes adopt a top-supply and top-exhaust ventilation method. A hole is opened on the cage cover 2, and a life window is fixedly connected to the hole to block the hole. Several ventilation holes that mice cannot pass through are opened on the life window. The vital signs window area is ≥0.028m², with a sealing groove around its perimeter, covered by a high-efficiency filter membrane of at least 0.2µm. This membrane is washable and autoclaved without affecting its performance. Even in the event of a power outage, the basic vital signs of the animal within cage 1 can be maintained. A self-closing valve can be installed on cage lid 2 to ensure a complete seal. The ingenious design ensures a uniform, low-speed airflow into the cage at a constant velocity, such as 0.2μm / s. A partition is placed on top of cage 1. This partition is made of rigid material with a mesh structure, and the gaps prevent mice from passing through, thus defining areas and layers. Vertical passageways can be provided on the partition to allow mice to pass through, increasing the animal's activity area. Both cage 1 and cage lid 2 can be made of PPSU (polyphenylene sulfone), PEI (polyaldehyde imide), or PSU (polysulfone), all capable of withstanding autoclaving at 134℃, and are pentagonal with good transparency for easy observation within the shelf life.
[0028] A limiting mechanism 31 and a locking mechanism 32 are installed on the cage box 1 and the cage cover 2. The limiting mechanism 31 includes a support frame 311 installed on the top surface of the cage cover 2. A water bottle 3110 is placed on the top of the cage cover 2. A force-bearing block 319 is installed inside the support frame 311. A clamping plate 317 is connected to one side of the force-bearing block 319. The force-bearing block 319 is used to drive the clamping plate 317 to move. The clamping plate 317 is used to clamp and limit the water bottle 3110. The locking mechanism 32 includes a hinge seat 321 connected to the outer wall of the cage cover 2. A locking plate 322 is rotatably installed on the hinge seat 321. The hinge seat 321 is used for the movement of the locking plate 322. The locking plate 322 is used to lock and limit the cage cover 2. The water bottle has a volume of ≥245ml. The water bottle placement slot has an automatic centering and guiding function to prevent the water bottle from being placed improperly. The square water bottle features a liquid level scale and is made entirely of brand-new imported PPSU raw materials. The bottle mouth is sealed with medical-grade silicone, and the spout is made of 316 stainless steel with electropolishing treatment to prevent leakage. There are no metal burrs at the animal's chewing area.
[0029] Furthermore, the limiting mechanism 31 includes a sliding hole on the top surface of the support frame 311. A spring 312 is connected to the bottom end of the inner wall of the sliding hole. A sliding column 313 is connected to the end of the spring 312 away from the inner wall of the sliding hole. A top block 314 is connected to the end of the sliding column 313 away from the spring 312. Through holes are provided on the outer walls of both sides of the support frame 311. A limiting rod 315 is movably provided on the inner wall of the through hole. A limiting plate 316 is connected to one end of the limiting rod 315. A rubber block 3111 is connected to the outer wall of the top of the limiting plate 316. The end of the rubber block 3111 away from the limiting plate 316 is connected to the outer wall of the support frame 311.
[0030] Furthermore, the end of the limiting rod 315 away from the limiting plate 316 is connected to the outer wall of one side of the clamping plate 317, and a connecting plate 318 is connected to the outer wall of one side of the clamping plate 317. The end of the connecting plate 318 away from the clamping plate 317 is connected to the outer wall of one side of the force-bearing block 319.
[0031] Furthermore, the top block 314 has compression ramps on both sides, and the top of the force block 319 has a force-bearing ramp. The two fit together well, so that they can better receive and apply force.
[0032] The locking mechanism 32 includes a first locking plate 323 connected to the outer wall of the cage box 1, and a second locking plate 324 connected below the first locking plate 323 to the outer wall of the cage cover 2.
[0033] Furthermore, both the first locking plate 323 and the second locking plate 324 are made of rubber, which can generate elasticity to clamp the locking plate 322, while increasing the frictional limiting force between the locking plate 322 and the outer wall of the locking plate 322, thereby further improving the closing stability of the cover 2.
[0034] Furthermore, an engagement groove is formed between the first engagement plate 323 and the second engagement plate 324. The inner wall of the engagement groove is slightly smaller than the outer wall of the engagement plate 322. This allows the engagement plate 322 to be clamped and limited by the rubber rebound force of the two engagement plates, thus ensuring the closing stability of the cover 2.
[0035] The implementation principle of an SPF-grade mouse rearing cage in this embodiment is as follows: When a water bottle 3110 needs to be placed, first press down on the top block 314, causing the top block 314 to move the sliding column 313 downward. Simultaneously, during the downward movement of the sliding column 313, the spring 312 is compressed. At this time, the top block 314 contacts and exerts a squeezing effect on the force-bearing block 319. The squeezed force-bearing block 319 will move to the left and right sides. As the force-bearing block 319 moves, it drives the connecting plate 318 to move. The movement of the connecting plate 318 then drives the left and right clamping plates 317 to move in opposite directions. Thus, the two clamping plates 317 move relative to each other. After moving the bottle away from the pressure, place the water bottle 3110 between the two clamps 317 and tilt it. Then, release the top block 314. Once the top block 314 loses pressure, the spring 312 will rebound and reset, pushing the slide column 313 upward to reset. This will cause the top block 314 to reset and lose pressure on the force block 319. Then, the rebound force of the rubber block 3111 will cause the clamps 317 on both sides to reset and move, thus clamping and limiting the water bottle 3110. This will fix the water bottle 3110 and prevent it from shaking and dripping during transportation.
[0036] When closing the cage box 1, first, move the two side clamping plates 322 upward through the hinge 321, and then close the cage cover 2 on the cage box 1. After closing, move the two side clamping plates 322 downward so that the clamping plates 322 are engaged between the first clamping plate 323 and the second clamping plate 324. The rebound force of the first clamping plate 323 and the second clamping plate 324 can clamp and limit the clamping plate 322, thereby completing the limiting and closing of the cage cover 2. This can better limit the clamping plate 322 and prevent the clamping plate 322 from being accidentally touched and rotated during transportation, thus causing the cage cover 2 to fall off.
Claims
1. An SPF-grade mouse rearing cage, comprising a transparent cage box (1) and a transparent cage cover (2) disposed on the top of the cage box (1), wherein the height of the cage box (1) is adapted to the setup of SPF-grade mice, characterized in that, Limiting mechanisms (31) and locking mechanisms (32) are installed on the cage box (1) and the cage cover (2). The limiting mechanism (31) includes a support frame (311) installed on the top surface of the cage cover (2). A drinking bottle (3110) is placed on the top of the cage cover (2). A force-bearing block (319) is installed inside the support frame (311). A clamping plate (317) is connected to one side of the force-bearing block (319). The force-bearing block (319) is used to drive the clamping plate (317) to move. The clamping plate (317) is used to clamp and limit the drinking bottle (3110). The locking mechanism (32) includes a hinge seat (321) connected to the outer wall of the cage cover (2). A locking plate (322) is rotatably mounted on the hinge seat (321). The hinge seat (321) is used for the movement of the locking plate (322). The locking plate (322) is used to lock and limit the cage cover (2).
2. The SPF-grade mouse rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism (31) includes a sliding hole on the top surface of the support frame (311). A spring (312) is connected to the bottom end of the inner wall of the sliding hole. A sliding column (313) is connected to the end of the spring (312) away from the inner wall of the sliding hole. A top block (314) is connected to the end of the sliding column (313) away from the spring (312). Through holes are provided on the outer walls of both sides of the support frame (311). A limiting rod (315) is movably provided on the inner wall of the through hole. A limiting plate (316) is connected to one end of the limiting rod (315). A rubber block (3111) is connected to the outer wall of the top of the limiting plate (316). The end of the rubber block (3111) away from the limiting plate (316) is connected to the outer wall of the support frame (311).
3. The SPF-grade mouse rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (32) includes a first locking plate (323) connected to the outer wall of the cage (1), and a second locking plate (324) connected below the first locking plate (323) to the outer wall of the cage cover (2).
4. The SPF-grade mouse rearing cage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the limiting rod (315) away from the limiting plate (316) is connected to the outer wall of one side of the clamping plate (317). A connecting plate (318) is connected to the outer wall of one side of the clamping plate (317). The end of the connecting plate (318) away from the clamping plate (317) is connected to the outer wall of one side of the force-bearing block (319).
5. The SPF-grade mouse rearing cage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top block (314) has extrusion slopes on both sides, and the top of the force block (319) has a force-bearing slope, and the two fit together properly.
6. The SPF-grade mouse rearing cage according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first locking plate (323) and the second locking plate (324) are made of rubber.
7. The SPF-grade mouse rearing cage according to claim 3, characterized in that, An engagement groove is formed between the first engagement plate (323) and the second engagement plate (324), and the inner wall of the engagement groove is smaller than the outer wall of the engagement plate (322).