A highly flexible self-propelled electric lift vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of laboratory animal technology and discloses a highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments. It includes a frame with a sealed cavity inside, a modular integrated electrical box within the cavity, a quick-release structure at the opening of the cavity, a lifting assembly on the frame, a liftable worktable on the lifting assembly, a waterproof structure on the worktable, and a walking drive assembly at the bottom of the frame. The quick-release structure includes a quick-release movable plate and multiple sets of bolts. The walking drive assembly includes a first drive wheel, a second drive wheel, and two sets of driven omnidirectional wheels. This utility model has a compact and reasonable structural design, enabling lifting and driving functions. It is suitable for assisting in the rearing of laboratory animals in high-rise buildings. It is small in size, highly mobile, and easy to move between rearing cages. The main circuit components are integrated, making it less susceptible to contamination. It has good waterproof and dustproof performance, is easy to maintain, and convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory animal technology, specifically a highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments. Background Technology

[0002] In SPF (Spectrum Free) barrier environments for laboratory animal husbandry, efficient management of high-rise cages relies heavily on auxiliary equipment such as self-propelled electric lifts, but existing conventional equipment faces multiple technical challenges in practical applications.

[0003] Existing self-propelled aerial work platforms generally suffer from excessive size due to structural design flaws, making them unsuitable for the narrow cage spacing environment within SPF barriers. Many cage-to-cage aisles have limited space, and conventional equipment, due to its insufficiently compact chassis and lifting mechanism layout, often cannot enter smoothly due to size limitations. This forces operators to manually perform tasks such as changing cages at higher levels, increasing labor intensity and potentially disrupting the stability of the barrier environment due to frequent operations. Regarding steering capability, the drive and steering design of traditional equipment results in insufficient flexibility in confined spaces, making it difficult to achieve small-radius turns or U-turns. Repeated directional adjustments are often required to complete operations, significantly reducing work efficiency.

[0004] The challenges in equipment maintenance and disinfection are also significant. Existing lifting platforms often employ a decentralized layout for electrical components, with exposed wiring and conduits. This not only makes them easy targets for laboratory animals to chew on, increasing the risk of short circuits and other malfunctions, but also creates numerous hard-to-clean hygiene dead zones on the equipment surface. Due to the lack of modular design in the installation of core components, replacement or repair requires a considerable amount of time to disassemble surrounding structures, resulting in cumbersome and time-consuming maintenance operations. Furthermore, exposed components and open structures cannot effectively contact disinfectants during disinfection, making them prone to microbial growth and affecting the biosafety of the barrier environment. Contact with disinfectant solutions can also easily damage circuit components.

[0005] In addition, existing equipment generally lacks professional dustproof and waterproof design, and core electrical components are directly exposed to the environment. Under the influence of pollutants such as feed dust, animal hair and disinfectant liquids that may exist within the SPF barrier, problems such as poor contact and component corrosion are likely to occur, which in turn can lead to control failure, hydraulic system leakage and other malfunctions. This not only increases equipment maintenance costs, but may also threaten the health of laboratory animals and the continuity of experimental procedures.

[0006] In summary, the existing self-propelled electric lifts for SPF barrier environments are insufficient in terms of spatial mobility, operational flexibility, maintenance convenience, and environmental adaptability, making it difficult to meet the needs of modern laboratory animal husbandry for efficient and safe auxiliary equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art, such as large size, inflexible movement, and difficulty in disinfection and maintenance of existing devices.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments, comprising a frame, a sealed cavity provided inside the frame, a modular integrated electrical box provided inside the sealed cavity, a quick-release structure provided at the opening of the sealed cavity, a lifting assembly provided on the frame, a liftable worktable provided on the lifting assembly, a waterproof structure provided on the worktable, and a walking drive assembly provided at the bottom of the frame.

[0011] Preferably, the quick-release structure includes a quick-release movable plate and multiple sets of bolts. The quick-release movable plate is fixedly installed on the vehicle frame by bolts. An interactive panel is provided near the quick-release movable plate of the integrated electrical box. A clearance hole corresponding to the interactive panel is opened in the center of the quick-release movable plate.

[0012] Preferably, the walking drive assembly includes a first drive wheel, a second drive wheel, and two sets of driven omnidirectional wheels. The first drive wheel and the second drive wheel are provided on one side of the frame, and the two sets of driven omnidirectional wheels are provided on the other side of the frame. The first drive wheel and the second drive wheel are coaxially connected to independently controlled servo motors.

[0013] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes multiple sets of hinged arms, which are connected by hinged shear arm tubes, and each set of shear arm tubes is provided with a sealing head at its end.

[0014] Preferably, the workbench is provided with a standing board and a work surface, and the work surface is higher than the standing board, and the standing board is provided with a movable guardrail.

[0015] Preferably, the standing platform is provided with an anti-slip patterned plate, and the frame is provided with a convenient footboard corresponding to the standing platform.

[0016] Preferably, the edge of the workbench is provided with a waterproof flange.

[0017] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. This highly flexible self-propelled electric lift vehicle, suitable for SPF barrier environments, is equipped with a frame, integrated electrical box, lifting components, worktable, and other structures. It can realize lifting and driving functions, and is suitable for assisting in the breeding of laboratory animals in high-rise buildings. It is small in size, flexible in movement, and easy to move between breeding cages. The main circuit components are integrated into one unit, which is not easily contaminated. It has good waterproof and dustproof performance, is easy to maintain, and is convenient to use.

[0020] 2. It is equipped with an integrated electrical box, which integrates the battery, motor, oil pump and control circuit board, which can significantly reduce the size of the vehicle and greatly improve the vehicle's maneuverability.

[0021] 3. Equipped with a quick-release movable plate, the entire integrated electrical box can be easily removed by disassembling the movable plate, facilitating the maintenance of vulnerable components. The integrated electrical box can also be disassembled, and the remaining vehicle body can be disinfected by fumigation or other methods. The disinfection process will not damage the circuit components, making the disinfection operation convenient and of high quality, and facilitating maintenance operations, thus improving maintenance convenience.

[0022] 4. Equipped with two sets of independently driven drive wheels, the vehicle can achieve small-radius turns and U-turns by changing the speed of the two sets of drive wheels, which facilitates operation and steering between cages and provides good vehicle flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention in its contracted state.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a side view of the utility model in its raised state.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Integrated electrical box; 3. Lifting assembly; 4. Workbench; 5. Quick-release movable plate; 6. First drive wheel; 7. Second drive wheel; 8. Driven caster wheel; 9. Articulated arm; 10. Scissor arm tube; 11. Sealing head; 12. Personnel standing platform; 13. Workbench surface; 14. Movable guardrail; 15. Convenience pedal; 16. Waterproof flange. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0031] A highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments includes a frame 1 with a sealed cavity inside. A modular integrated electrical box 2 is housed within the sealed cavity, and a quick-release structure is provided at the opening of the sealed cavity. A lifting assembly 3 is mounted on the frame 1, and a liftable worktable 4 is mounted on the lifting assembly 3. The worktable 4 has a waterproof structure, and a driving assembly is located at the bottom of the frame 1. Compared to conventional self-propelled lifting vehicles, all circuit components in this device are integrated and housed within the sealed cavity. The integrated electrical box 2 contains components such as a battery, motor, oil pump, and control circuit board.

[0032] Furthermore, the quick-release structure includes a quick-release movable plate 5 and multiple sets of bolts. The quick-release movable plate 5 is fixedly mounted on the frame 1 by bolts. An interactive panel is located near the quick-release movable plate 5 in the integrated electrical box 2. A clearance hole corresponding to the interactive panel is opened in the center of the quick-release movable plate 5. The integrated electrical box 2 is drawer-type and can be pulled out as a whole after removing the quick-release movable plate 5. Multiple knobs, meters, etc. are set on the interactive panel on the outside of the integrated electrical box 2. The clearance hole on the quick-release movable plate 5 exposes these structures, facilitating human-machine interaction.

[0033] Furthermore, the walking drive assembly includes a first drive wheel 6, a second drive wheel 7, and two sets of driven swivel wheels 8. The first drive wheel 6 and the second drive wheel 7 are located on one side of the frame 1, and the two sets of driven swivel wheels 8 are located on the other side of the frame 1. Both the first drive wheel 6 and the second drive wheel 7 are coaxially connected to independently controlled servo motors. By controlling the rotational speeds of the first drive wheel 6 and the second drive wheel 7, their different rotational speeds can drive them to rotate.

[0034] Furthermore, the lifting assembly 3 includes multiple sets of hinged arms 9, which are connected by hinged scissor arms 10. Each set of scissor arms 10 has a sealing head 11 at its end. The sealing head 11 seals the side of the scissor arms 10, preventing contaminants from entering the pipe. Existing devices lack sealing, making it difficult to remove and disinfect contaminants once they enter the pipe. The lifting assembly 3 is existing technology. When lifting is required, the oil pump in the integrated electrical box 2 drives one set of hinged arms 9 at the bottom to move horizontally. The angle between the two sets of hinged arms 9 at the bottom will change. This setting converts the change in lateral distance into a change in longitudinal distance, which can drive the entire worktable 4 to rise.

[0035] Furthermore, the workbench 4 is equipped with a standing platform 12 and a work surface 13, with the work surface 13 being higher than the standing platform 12. The standing platform 12 is equipped with a movable guardrail 14. The movable guardrail 14 facilitates staff to stand while holding on and separates the experimental animals from the staff.

[0036] Furthermore, the personnel standing platform 12 is equipped with an anti-slip patterned plate, and the frame 1 is equipped with a convenient step 15 corresponding to the personnel standing platform 12. The anti-slip patterned plate can prevent personnel from sliding, and the convenient step 15 facilitates personnel to board the vehicle. It is usually in the retracted state when boarding, and after boarding, the entire workbench 4 can be raised to raise the personnel, which is convenient for handling experimental animals raised on higher floors.

[0037] Furthermore, the work surface 13 is provided with a waterproof flange 16 at its edge. The waterproof flange 16 is used to prevent the animal's urine, body fluids, etc. from flowing freely when the animal is moved, which can ensure the safety of the staff and improve the microbial control.

[0038] Structural Description:

[0039] Frame 1: The main support structure of the device, with a sealed cavity inside for installing core components such as the integrated electrical box 2. The bottom is connected to the walking drive assembly, and the top is equipped with the lifting assembly 3.

[0040] Integrated electrical box 2: Modular drawer-type structure, with built-in battery, motor, oil pump and control circuit board and other circuit components, arranged in the sealed cavity of frame 1. It can be disassembled and maintained through quick-release structure. The external interaction panel is exposed through avoidance holes to realize human-machine interaction.

[0041] Lifting assembly 3: A scissor structure consisting of multiple sets of articulated arms 9 connected by scissor arm tubes 10. The bottom articulated arm is driven by an oil pump in the integrated electrical box 2 to move horizontally. The lateral displacement is converted into longitudinal lifting force by changing the angle of the articulated arms, thereby realizing the lifting of the worktable 4. A sealing head 11 is provided at the end of the scissor arm tube 10 to prevent contaminants from entering.

[0042] Workbench 4: A liftable platform installed on top of lifting assembly 3, consisting of a workbench surface 13 higher than the personnel standing board 12 and a personnel standing board 12 for personnel to stand on. Waterproof flanges 16 are provided at the edges. The personnel standing board 12 is equipped with movable guardrails 14 and anti-slip patterned plates.

[0043] Quick-release movable panel 5: A detachable panel that is fixed to the opening of the sealed cavity of the frame 1 by bolts. It has a clearance hole in the center that corresponds to the interactive panel of the integrated electrical box 2. After disassembly, the integrated electrical box 2 can be pulled out as a whole for easy maintenance and disinfection.

[0044] First drive wheel 6: An independent drive wheel on one side of the frame 1, coaxially connected to the servo motor. Its speed is adjusted by the control system, and it works with the second drive wheel 7 to achieve differential steering and U-turns on the spot.

[0045] Second drive wheel 7: An independent drive wheel on one side of the frame 1, coaxially connected to the servo motor, with functions symmetrical to the first drive wheel 6, together forming a dual-motor independent drive system;

[0046] Driven swivel wheels 8: Two sets of support wheels on the other side of the frame 1, which have swivel steering function to assist in the direction adjustment and movement flexibility of the vehicle when driving;

[0047] Articulated arm 9: The linkage structure of the lifting assembly 3, multiple sets are connected by hinges through the scissor arm tube 10. The horizontal movement of the bottom articulated arm drives the overall angle change, thereby realizing the lifting movement of the worktable 4.

[0048] Scissor arm tube 10: A tubular component that connects to the hinge arm 9, providing a hinge fulcrum, and a sealing head 11 at the end to seal the side of the pipe to prevent contaminants from entering and affecting disinfection and maintenance operations;

[0049] Sealing head 11: A sealing component installed at the end of the scissor arm pipe 10 to physically seal the side of the pipe, preventing pollutants such as feed dust and animal hair from entering the pipe and facilitating disinfection and cleaning;

[0050] Personnel standing board 12: The personnel standing area on the workbench 4, with a non-slip patterned plate on the surface and movable guardrails 14 on the edge to ensure the stability and safety of the operators;

[0051] Workbench 13: A plane on the workbench 4 that is higher than the standing board 12 for placing tools or laboratory animal cages. The edge is provided with a waterproof flange 16 to prevent liquid from spilling.

[0052] Movable guardrail 14: A movable protective structure installed on the edge of the personnel standing board 12 to provide handrail support for operators, while isolating experimental animals to prevent escape or injury;

[0053] Convenience pedal 15: A retractable pedal on the frame 1 corresponding to the personnel standing board 12, which facilitates the operator to get on and off the vehicle. After getting on the vehicle, it rises and falls synchronously with the worktable 4.

[0054] Waterproof flange 16: The structure of the edge of the workbench 13 is used to prevent the spillage of liquids such as animal urine and body fluids, ensuring the safety of operators and the microbial control performance of the equipment.

[0055] Working Principle: The frame 1 serves as the main load-bearing structure, forming a sealed cavity inside. Core electrical components, including the battery, motor, oil pump, and control circuit board, are modularly integrated into a drawer-type integrated electrical box 2. The sealed cavity is sealed using a quick-release structure (a combination of a quick-release movable plate 5 and bolts), protecting internal components from dust, moisture, and the effects of laboratory animals chewing on them. The integrated electrical box 2 can also be quickly pulled out by removing the quick-release movable plate 5, facilitating maintenance and component replacement. The interactive panel on the outside of the integrated electrical box 2 is exposed through clearance holes in the quick-release movable plate 5. Operators can directly control the equipment using knobs, meters, and other components on the panel, achieving a balance between convenience and protection in human-machine interaction. For power transmission, the battery supplies power to the entire system, and the motors drive the walking and lifting mechanisms through independent servo control. The walking drive component employs a dual-motor independent control mode: the first drive wheel 6 and the second drive wheel 7 on one side of the frame 1 are coaxially driven by independent servo motors, while two sets of driven universal wheels 8 on the other side provide support and steering assistance. When turning is required, the control system achieves differential rotation by adjusting the speed difference between the two drive wheels—if the speed of the left drive wheel is higher than that of the right, the vehicle turns right; conversely, it turns left; if the speeds of the two drive wheels are the same and in opposite directions, a U-turn can be achieved. This design gives the vehicle high flexibility in narrow spaces, breaking through the limitation of large turning radius in traditional single-motor drives. The lifting assembly 3 adopts a scissor-type articulated arm structure, consisting of multiple sets of articulated arms 9 connected by scissor arm tubes 10. The bottom articulated arm is driven by an oil pump to achieve horizontal movement. The specific working process is as follows: when the work platform 4 needs to be raised, the oil pump in the integrated electrical box 2 starts, and the hydraulic system pushes the bottom set of articulated arms 9 to extend horizontally to both sides, increasing the angle between the articulated arms, thereby converting the lateral displacement into longitudinal lift, driving the entire work platform 4 to rise vertically; during the descent process, the oil pump depressurizes in the opposite direction, and under the action of the work platform 4's own weight, the angle between the articulated arms decreases, achieving a smooth return. To meet the dust and disinfection requirements of the SPF environment, each set of scissor arms 10 is equipped with a sealing head 11 at its end to physically seal the sides of the pipes, preventing feed dust, animal hair, and other contaminants from entering the pipes and creating unsanitary dead corners. This design overcomes the cleaning difficulties caused by the open structure of traditional lifting components, ensuring that contaminants can be thoroughly removed through wiping, fumigation, etc., during disinfection, reducing the risk of microbial growth. The workbench 4 is divided into two parts: a standing platform 12 and a work surface 13. The former is for operators to stand on, and the latter is used to place tools or laboratory animal cages. The surface of the standing platform 12 is covered with a non-slip patterned plate, which increases the friction of the soles of the feet through the concave and convex texture to prevent personnel from slipping during equipment lifting; movable guardrails 14 are set at the edges, which not only provide handrails for operators to ensure standing stability, but also isolate laboratory animals from personnel to prevent animals from escaping or injuring people. Convenience pedals 15 are set on the side of the frame 1, which can be used as footrests to facilitate operators getting on the vehicle.The waterproof flange 16 along the edge of the workbench 13 effectively prevents the spillage of animal urine, body fluids, and other liquids, avoiding contamination of operators or dripping onto the electrical components of the chassis. This protective design not only enhances operational safety but also reduces liquid corrosion of the equipment through physical isolation, further strengthening microbial control capabilities and meeting the stringent requirements for cross-contamination control in SPF barrier environments. The sealed cavity, drawer-type integrated electrical box 2, quick-release structure, pipe sealing head 11, and waterproof flange 16 form a multi-layered protective system: the fully enclosed integration of electrical components avoids the threats of dust, moisture, and animal chewing; the detachable structure simplifies maintenance and disinfection procedures; the sealed treatment of mechanical transmission components prevents contaminant accumulation; and the waterproof design blocks liquid leakage paths. These designs work synergistically to enable the equipment to meet the stringent requirements for microbial control in SPF barrier environments while achieving efficient operation in confined spaces through innovative drive and steering mechanisms, providing a safe, flexible, and reliable auxiliary solution for laboratory animal husbandry.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A high flexibility self-propelled electric lift vehicle suitable for use in an SPF barrier environment, characterized in that: The vehicle includes a frame (1), a sealed cavity is provided inside the frame (1), a modular integrated electrical box (2) is provided inside the sealed cavity, a quick-release structure is provided at the opening of the sealed cavity, a lifting assembly (3) is provided on the frame (1), a liftable worktable (4) is provided on the lifting assembly (3), a waterproof structure is provided on the worktable (4), and a walking drive assembly is provided at the bottom of the frame (1).

2. A high-mobility electric lift vehicle suitable for use in an SPF barrier environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quick-release structure includes a quick-release movable plate (5) and multiple sets of bolts. The quick-release movable plate (5) is fixedly installed on the frame (1) by bolts. An interactive panel is provided near the quick-release movable plate (5) of the integrated electrical box (2). A clearance hole corresponding to the interactive panel is opened in the center of the quick-release movable plate (5).

3. A high-mobility electric lift vehicle suitable for use in an SPF barrier environment according to claim 2, wherein: The walking drive assembly includes a first drive wheel (6), a second drive wheel (7) and two sets of driven universal wheels (8). The first drive wheel (6) and the second drive wheel (7) are provided on one side of the frame (1), and two sets of driven universal wheels (8) are provided on the other side of the frame (1). The first drive wheel (6) and the second drive wheel (7) are coaxially connected to independently controlled servo motors.

4. A highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting assembly (3) includes multiple sets of hinged arms (9), which are connected by hinged arms (10), and each set of hinged arms (9) is provided with a sealing head (11) at the end of each set of hinged arms (10).

5. A highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workbench (4) is provided with a standing board (12) and a work surface (13), and the work surface (13) is higher than the standing board (12). The standing board (12) is provided with a movable guardrail (14).

6. A highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments according to claim 5, characterized in that: The standing board (12) is provided with an anti-slip patterned plate, and the frame (1) is provided with a convenient footboard (15) corresponding to the standing board (12).

7. A highly flexible self-propelled electric lifting vehicle suitable for SPF barrier environments according to claim 5, characterized in that: The edge of the workbench (13) is provided with a waterproof flange (16).

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